2017-05-16_PERMIT FILE - M2017009 (3)

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�3 SOII. SURVEY swales and old channel areas. The Alda soils are on the to rangeland species or adapted introduced grasses such raised terraces of the area. as tall wheatgrass. Fencing and livestock water develop- About 10 percent of this unit is Fluvaquentic ments are effective in obtaining more uniform distribu- Haplaquolls, also having 0 to 1 percent slopes. tion of grazing. The Westplain soil is a deep, somewhat poorly drained Windbreak and environmental plantings are generally soil. It formed in a thin mantle of clayey alluvium overly- well suited to these soils. The high water table, abundant ing mottled and stratified sand and gravel deposited by competing vegetation, and depth to sand and gravel are the South Platte River. the principal concerns in establishing tree and shrub Typically the surface layer is dark gray, calcareous plantings. Summer fallow, continued cultivation for weed heavy silty clay loam about 14 inches thick. The underly- control and selection of adapted plants are needed to fin- ing layer is mottled, brown, calcareous very gravelly clay- sure establishment and survival of plantings. Trees best loam about 3 inches thick over light gray mottled sand suited and having good survival are plains cottonwood, and gravel extending to 60 inches or more. golden willow, Colorado blue spruce, Rocky Mountain ju- Permeability is slow. Effective rooting depth is 60 niper and eastern redeedar. Shrubs best suited are Amer- inches or more. Available water capacity is moderate. ican plum, purple willow, common chokecherry and redosi- Surface runoff is slow, and the erosion hazard is slight. er dogwood. This soil is subject to frequent flooding in spring. A flue- This is an important soil for wildlife because of its use tuating water table occurs between 12 to 24 inches during for cropland and its proximity to the South Platte River. the winter and spring months. L nder irrigation, it is important for food production for The Alda soil is a deep, somewhat poorly drained soil. wildlife such as waterfowl, pheasants and deer utilizing It formed in calcareous, stratified loamy alluvium overly- crop residues occurring as aftermath following harvest. ing mottled sand and gravel deposited by the South Wildlife values can be enhanced on this soil by habitat Platte River. developments such as tree and shrub plantings and Typically the surface layer is dark grayish brown loam undisturbed nesting cover consisting of grasses and about 10 inches thick. The underlying layers are light legumes. In the presence of a water supply, waterfowl brownish gray and light gray, calcareous loam and fine can be attracted to the area by development of shallow sandy loam mottled in the lower part and about 24 inches water areas. thick over mottled coarse sand and gravel extending to 60 Flooding, seepage and a high water table are the pri- inches or more. mary limiting soil features where these soils are used for Permeability is moderate. Effective rooting depth is 60 homesites and other urban developments. Intensive and inches or more. Available water capacity is moderate. costly engineering design and measures are needed to Surface runoff is slow, and the erosion hazard is slight. A overcome these conditions. Capability subclass Vlw nonir- fluctuating water table occurs between 24 and 60 inches rigated, IVw irrigated. during the winter and spring months. This soil is subject to occasional flooding during late spring and early summer month. Use and Management of the Soils These soils are used for irrigated cropland and grazing. Alfalfa, corn, and sugar beets are the principal crops. The soil survey is a detailed inventory and evaluation In irrigated areas the main concerns of management of the most basic resource of the survey area—the soil. It are proper use of irrigation water, wetness, flooding and is useful in adjusting land use, including urbanization, to fertility maintenance. Special care is required on this soil the limitations and potentials of natural resources and the in applying irrigation water to avoid raising the fluctuat- environment. Also, it can help avoid soil-related failures ing water table. Irrigation methods suitable are furrows, in uses of the land. borders or sprinklers. band leveling is difficult because While a soil survey is in progress, soil scientists, con- the Westplain soil is shallow to sand and gravel. Short ir- servationists, engineers, and others keep extensive notes rigation runs and frequent irrigations are needed to con- about the nature of the soils and about unique aspects of trol the fluctuating water table. Drainage ditches may behavior of the soils. These notes include data on erosion, also be required. Flood control dikes can be used to pro- drought damage to specific crops, yield estimates, flood- tect the soil from flooding. Applications of manure and ing, the functioning of septic systems, and other factors commercial fertilizer containing nitrogen and phosphorus affecting the productivity, potential, and limitations of the are important to maintain fertility. Incorporating crop soils under various uses and management. In this way, residues reduces soil loss and improves soil tilth. field experience and measured data on soil properties and Rangeland vegetation on both of these soils consists performance are used as a basis for predicting soil mainly of alkali sacaton, inland saltgrass, switchgrass, behavior. western wheatgrass, sedge and rush. Rey forage grasses Information in this section is useful in planning use and need to be maintained by proper grazing use and grazing management of soils for crops and pasture, rangeland, management that includes deferment during the growing and woodland, and as sites for buildings, highways and season at well-timed intervals. These soils can be seeded other transportation systems, sanitary facilities, parks