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<br />The border method of irrigation is generally suitable for
<br />all crops grown.
<br />The potential vegetation on this soil is dominated by
<br />slender and western wheatgrasses on the driest portions
<br />and by tufted hairgrass, bluejoinl reedgrass, and
<br />Nebraska sedge on the wettest portions. If the range
<br />deteriorates, the proportion of these more desirable
<br />plants decreases, and that of less desirable plants, such
<br />as (oxtail barley, Baltic rush, (orbs, and woody shrubs,
<br />increases. Undesirable weeds and annuals invade and
<br />become more abundant as the range condition declines.
<br />Establishing rangeland seedings on this soil is difficult
<br />because of the low rainfall. Renovating, deferred grazing,
<br />rotational grazing, cross fencing, and brush management
<br />are practices most needed to prevent range deterioration
<br />and to promote the growth and increase of more
<br />desirable plant species.
<br />The Gerrard soil is suited to windbreaks and
<br />environmental plantings. Poor drainage and plant
<br />competiton are the principal limitations to the
<br />establishment of tree and shrub plantings. Rodent
<br />damage is also a hazard to seedlings. Continued
<br />cultivation for weed control and proper plant selection
<br />are needed to insure survival of plantings. Trees that are
<br />best adapted and have good survival rates are
<br />cottonwood, golden willow, blue spruce, and Rocky
<br />Mountain juniper. Shrubs best suited include willow,
<br />common chokecherry, and caragana.
<br />This soil is well suited to shallow water developments
<br />that create open-water areas by excavation or pothole
<br />blasting. Developments such as these increase
<br />waterfowl and shore bird populations. This soil provides
<br />excellent nesting for waterfowl.
<br />This soil is poorly suited to homesite development.
<br />The main limitations are flooding, wetness, and frost
<br />action potential. Drainage is necessary for any type of
<br />construction on this soil, but drainage outlets can be
<br />difficult to obtain. Septic tank systems do not function
<br />properly on this soil and can cause pollution of nearby
<br />streams.
<br />This soil is in capability subclasses IVw, irrigated, and
<br />Vlw, nonirrigated. It is in the Wet Meadow range site.
<br />29-Graypoint gravelly sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent
<br />slopes. This deep, well drained soil is on broad fans and
<br />terraces on alluvial valley floors. Elevation is 7,600 to
<br />8,000 feet. The soil formed in alluvium derived principally
<br />from basalt. The average annual precipitation is about 8
<br />inches; the mean annual air temperature is about 41
<br />degrees F; and the frost-free season is about 95 days.
<br />Included in this unit are small areas of Derrick gravelly
<br />loam and Platoro loam, both having slope of 0 to 3
<br />percent.
<br />Typically, the surface layer of this Graypoint soil is
<br />grayish brown gravelly sandy loam about 4 inches thick.
<br />The subsoil is grayish brown sandy clay loam in the
<br />upper 6 inches and light brownish gray gravelly sandy
<br />~pj~ ~ 9 1999
<br />~Q'jVlSion or Min6fal5 & Ci8C100y Soil Survey
<br />clay loam in the lower 3 inches. The substratum to a
<br />depth of 60 inches is mainly pale brown very gravelly
<br />sand.
<br />Permeability is moderate above the gravelly
<br />substratum. Effective rooting depth is 60 inches or more.
<br />Available water capacity is low. Surface runoff is slow,
<br />and the hazard of erosion is slight. Soil blowing is a
<br />hazard if plant residue is removed.
<br />This soil is used as range and for irrigated cropland,
<br />pasture, and hayland. Crops grown are alfalfa, potatoes,
<br />and small grains. Applications of commercial fertilizers,
<br />manure, and plant residue are needed. Border, furrow,
<br />and sprinkler irrigation methods are suitable for this soil.
<br />Sprinkler irrigation is well suited to all crops and pasture.
<br />The furrow method is suited to row crops. Border
<br />systems that have short lengths of run are suitable Tor
<br />alfalfa, small grains, and pasture. Land leveling is
<br />generally necessary Tor border and furrow irrigation to
<br />prevent water loss, seepage, and salt buildup in the soil.
<br />Use of minimum tillage practices and high-residue crops
<br />helps prevent soil blowing.
<br />The potential natural vegetation on this Graypoint soil
<br />is dominated by blue grama, Indian ricegrass, western
<br />wheatgrass, needleandthread, winterfat, and fourwing
<br />saltbush. If the range deteriorates, the proportion of
<br />Indian ricegrass, needleandthread and western
<br />wheatgrass decreases, and that of blue grama,
<br />lhreeawn, snakeweed, and rabbitbrush increases.
<br />Undesirable weeds invade and become more abundant
<br />as the range condition declines.
<br />Seeding rangeland is difficult on this soil because of
<br />the low rainfall and low available water capacity.
<br />Deferred grazing, cross fencing, and stockwater
<br />developments help to prevent range deterioration and
<br />promote the growth of more desirable plants.
<br />Nonirrigated areas of this soil have limited use for
<br />wildlife habitat because of the low vegetative production.
<br />Wildlife that inhabit areas of this soil include jackrabbit,
<br />cottontail, and coyote, along with various rodents. If
<br />wildlife use is planned for this soil, proper livestock
<br />grazing management is necessary. If this soil is irrigated,
<br />crop residue from alfalfa and small grains may provide
<br />food for pheasant and waterfowl.
<br />This soil is well suited to homesite development.
<br />Caving is a hazard if this soil is excavated. Septic tank
<br />systems, sewage lagoons, and trench-type sanitary
<br />landfills can cause contamination of groundwater. If the
<br />density of housing is moderate to high, community
<br />sewage systems are needed to prevent contamination of
<br />water supplies as a result of seepage from onsite
<br />sewage disposal systems. This soil is a good source of
<br />gravel and roadfill.
<br />This soil is in capability subclasses IVs, irrigated, and
<br />Vlle, nonirrigated. It is in the Mountain Outwash range
<br />site.
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