2015-04-29_PERMIT FILE - C1981008A (7)

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conducive to cropping activities. The cropland areas in the central portion of the study area contain areas with shallow soils or boggy ground which restrict yields and equipment operation. The central portion of the study area containing cropland is also in the western portion of the permit area. Soils in the cropland portion of the permit area are dominated by the Progresso complex (Unit 30C). Soils within this complex are generally shallow, have a poor capability class, and require a high level of management inputs. The low potential of the cropland in the permit area is partially reflected in their present poor condition. Cropping may be periodically carried out in other portions of the study area outside of the above areas, however this lasts only one to two years as a rotation during renovation of hayland or pastureland. Crops normally grown in the Nucla area include corn for silage and small grains such as oats, winter wheat, and barley. All cropland areas contain many weedy species. These species are noted in Attachment 2.04.10-5, formerly Peabody Appendix 10-1 "Species List". No specific yield data was available for the 1987 study area. An estimate of the capability of the major soils in the study area may be gained by review of the soils map unit descriptions and soils interpretation sheets (SCS Form 5's) contained in Section 2.04.9, Soils Resource Information. For the Barx series (map unit 70B), the more extensive of the two series cropped, the following values might be achieved under a high level of management (irrigated): corn silage - 22 tons/acre, alfalfa hay - 5.5 tons/acre, grass hay - 4.5 tons/acre, oats - 80 bushels/acre, and barley - 110 bushels/acre. For the Progresso series (map unit 30C), the following values may be attainable under a high level of management (irrigated): corn silage 18 tons/acre, alfalfa - 5 tons/acre, grass hay - 4 tons/acre, oats 70 bushels/acre, and barley - 110 bushels/acre. Interviews with the operator managing the cropland areas indicated that actual yields are much lower. It was estimated by this operator that corn silage production was 13 tons/acre, barley was 60 bushels/acre, with wheat as high as 30 bushels/acre; all values indicating a lower level of management applied or reflecting poorer site conditions than what the soil survey indicates, or a combination of both. The cropland area in the western portion of the permit area has been managed by Mr. Frank Morgan for approximately 20 years (personal communication, August 1988). During that time the lands were used for haying and annual grains. February 2015 JR -66) 2.04.10-49