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12/9/2019 ESD Printable Report <br /> Soils Profile Image.—Razor Series <br /> Parent materials <br /> Origin:Shale <br /> Surface texture:(1)Clay loam <br /> (2)Clay <br /> (3)Silty clay loam <br /> Minimum Maximum <br /> Surface fragments<=3"(%cover): 0 25 <br /> Surface fragments>3"(%cover): 0 0 <br /> Subsurface fragments<=3"(%volume): 0 35 <br /> Subsurface fragments>3"(%volume): 0 0 <br /> Drainage class:Well drained <br /> Permeability class:Slow to moderately slow <br /> Minimum Maximum <br /> Depth(inches): 10 40 <br /> Available water capacity(inches): 4.00 8.00 <br /> Electrical conductivity(mmhos/cm): 2 16 <br /> Sodium adsorption ratio: 0 13 <br /> Calcium carbonate equivalent(percent): 0 25 <br /> Soil reaction(1:1 water): 7.4 9.0 <br /> Soil reaction(0.01 M CaCl2): 7.4 9.0 <br /> Plant Communities <br /> Ecological Dynamics of the Site <br /> The information in this ESD,including the state-and-transition model(STM),was developed using archeological and historical data, <br /> professional experience,and scientific studies.The information is representative of a complex set of plant communities.The plant composition <br /> has been determined by study of rangeland relic areas,areas protected from excessive disturbance,seasonal use pastures,short <br /> duration/time controlled grazing strategies,and historical accounts.Not all scenarios or plants are included.Key indicator plants,animals,and <br /> ecological processes are described to inform land management decisions. <br /> This region was historically occupied by large grazing animals such as bison along with pronghorn and mule deer.Deer and pronghorn are <br /> widely distributed throughout the MLRA.This is an important site for livestock grazing,especially cattle. <br /> Drought has historically impacted the vegetation of this region.Changes in species composition will vary depending upon the duration and <br /> severity of disturbances such as drought cycles and prior grazing management.Recent drought events have increased mortality of alkali <br /> sacaton and blue grama significantly in some locales,along with other bunchgrasses such as red threeawn,and squirreltail while allowing an <br /> opportunity for western wheatgrass to increase.Historic fire frequency(pre-industrial),is estimated at 15-20 years(Guyette,2012),randomly <br /> distributed,and started by lightning at various times throughout the growing season.Early human inhabitants were also likely to start fires for <br /> various reasons(deliberately or accidentally). <br /> This is a mid-grass/short-grass prairie site with a smaller forb and shrub component.Alkali sacaton(warm-season mid bunchgrass)and <br /> western wheatgrass(cool-season mid rhizomatous grass)are dominant.Blue grama(warm-season short-grass),sideoats grama and galleta <br /> (warm-season mid rhizomatous grasses)are the sub-dominant grass species.Other grasses such as green needlegrass and Indian ricegrass <br /> (cool-season mid bunchgrasses)and little bluestem(warm-season mid bunchgrass)may be found in lesser amounts.Shrubs such as <br /> fourwing saltbush and winterfat,and occasionally shadscale saltbush,James'fran ken ia,greasewood and rabbitbrush may be present. <br /> Perennial(orbs are a minor component on this site.Forbs include leafy false goldenweed,scarlet globemallow and dotted gayfeather(aka <br /> dotted blazing star).Leguminous(orbs include American vetch,purple prairie clover,two-grooved milkvetch,and silky sophora.Other forbs <br /> that may occur include prairie coneflower,Louisiana sagewort,desert princesplume and sulphur-flower buckwheat(see Species Composition <br /> List for others). <br /> This site deteriorates from continuous grazing without adequate recovery periods following each grazing occurrence.Blue grama,galleta and <br /> inland saitgrass will increase.Blue grama will develop into a sodbound condition.Alkali sacaton,green needlegrass and western wheatgrass <br /> will decrease in frequency and production as well as key shrubs such as fourwing saltbush and winterfat.American vetch and other highly <br /> palatable forbs will decrease also.Red threeawn,sand dropseed,ring muhly,annuals and bare ground will increase when subjected to long- <br /> term continuous grazing.Non-use or rest in the absence of fire will result in excessive litter and reduced plant density. <br /> https://esis.sc.egov.usda.gov/ESDReport/fsReportPrt.aspx?id=R069XY046CO&rptLevel=all&approved=yes&repType=regular&scros=&comm= 4/16 <br />