Laserfiche WebLink
' 51 - Otero sandy loam, 1 to 3 percent slope Page 2 <br /> The potential native vegetation on this site is dominated by sand . <br /> ' bluestem, sand reedgrass and blue grama. Needle and thread, switchgrass, <br /> ' sideoats grama and western wheatgrass are also prominent. Potential production <br /> ranges from 2200 pounds per acre in favorable years to 1800 pounds per acre <br /> ' in unfavorable years. When range condition deteriorates, sand bluestem, <br /> sand reedgrass and switchgrass decrease and blue grama, sand dropseed and <br /> sand sage increase. Annual weeds and grasses invade the site as range <br /> ' condition becomes poorer. <br /> Management of vegetation on this soil should be based on taking half <br /> ' and leaving half of the total annual production. Seeding is advisable if <br /> range is in poor condition. Sand bluestem, sand reedgrass, switchgrass, <br /> ' sideoats grama, blue grama, pubescent wheatgrass and crested wheatgrass are <br /> tt suitable for seeding. The grass selected should meet the seasonal require- <br /> ments of livestock. For successful seeding, a clean, firm, sorghum stubble- <br /> prepared the growing season prior to seeding-or a firm, prepared seedbed <br /> and grass drill should be used. Early spring seeding has proven most <br /> successful . <br /> Windbreaks and environmental plantings are generally suited to this <br /> . soil . Soil blowing is the principal hazard to establishing trees and shrubs. <br /> This hazard can be overcome by cultivating only in the tree row and by <br /> leaving a strip of vegetation between the rows. Supplemental irrigation <br /> 1 may be necessary at the time of planting and during dry periods. Trees <br /> ' that are best suited and have good survival are Rocky Mt. juniper, eastern <br /> redcedar, ponderosa pine, Siberian elm, Russian olive and- hackberry. Shrubs <br /> ' best suited are skunkbush sumac, lilac and Siberian peashrub. <br /> Wildlife is an important secondary use, with these soils best suited <br /> 1 for openland wildlife. Habitat favorable for ring-necked pheasants, mourning <br />