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2.04.9 <br />On the Kech soil, permeability is moderately slow and available water <br />capacity is low. Effective rooting depth is about 19 inches. Surface runoff is <br />rapid. The hazard of erosion from wind is slight and from water is high. <br />On the Kech soil the native vegetation consists mainly of pinyon, juniper, and <br />big sagebrush. Wheatgrasses, Junegrass, Indian ricegrass, and squirreltail <br />are the principal understory grasses. <br />Because annual precipitation is low and has poor seasonal distribution, and <br />because available water capacity is low, the Kech soil is not suited to crops. <br />However, non - irrigated pasture grasses can be planted late in summer and in <br />fall to protect the soil from erosion and to provide limited grazing for <br />livestock. Siberian wheatgrass, western wheatgrass, and Indian ricegrass <br />are adapted species. <br />The Kech soil is suited to Utah juniper and pinyon pine. It can produce 11 <br />cords per acre in a stand in which tree trunks have an average diameter of 5 <br />inches at a height of one foot. Presence of rock outcrop and the hazard of <br />erosion are limitations. The presence of rock outcrop hinders equipment <br />operations. Special attention must be given to minimize erosion during <br />harvesting operations. The low available water capacity of the Kech soil can <br />inhibit seedling survival. <br />The Kech soil is used for winter range by mule deer, Key species for winter <br />forage included big sagebrush, mountainmahogany, and bitterbrush. The <br />Kech soil has limited potential for habitat for blue grouse. <br />The cover provided by pinyon juniper trees is a vital habitat requirement of <br />mule deer and should be considered in management. <br />The Rock outcrop part of this complex consists of more than 90 percent <br />exposed bedrock, mainly sandstone, shale, and intrusive and extrusive <br />igneous rock. Rock outcrop provides cover for wildlife and enhances the <br />scenic value of the landscape. It is used mainly for wildlife habitat and <br />recreational purposes. <br />PR-14 2.04-105- 03/14 <br />