Laserfiche WebLink
Site Type: Rangeland Sandy Bottomland <br />MLRA: 67B -Central High Plains, Southern Part R067BY031C0 <br />Animal Community -Grazing Interpretations <br />The following table lists suggested initial stocking rates for cattle under continuous grazing (year long <br />grazing or growing season long grazing) under normal growing conditions however, continuous <br />grazing is not recommended. These are conservative estimates that should be used only as <br />guidelines in the initial stages of the conservation planning process. Often, the current plant <br />composition does not entirely match any particular plant community (described in this ecological site <br />description). Because of this, a field visit is recommended, in all cases, to document plant <br />composition and production. More precise carrying capacity estimates should eventually be <br />calculated using the following stocking rate information along with animal preference data, particularly <br />when grazers other than cattle are involved. Under more intensive grazing management, improved <br />harvest efficiencies can result in an increased carrying capacity. <br />Plant Community Production Stocking <br /> Rate <br /> (Ibs./acre) (AUM/acre) <br />Sand Bluestem, Prairie Sandreed, Switchgrass, Indiangrass (HCPC) 1850 0.59 <br />Blue Grama, Sand Sagebrush 950 0.30 <br />Sand Sagebrush 500 0.16 <br />Grass Dominant ` <br />Low Plant Density, Excessive Litter <br />Grazing by domestic livestock is one of the major income-producing industries in the area. <br />Rangelands in this area provide yearlong forage under prescribed grazing for cattle, sheep, horses <br />and other herbivores. During the dormant period, livestock may need supplementation based on <br />reliable forage analysis. <br />* Highly variable; stocking rate needs to be determined on site. <br />Hydrology Functions <br />Water is the principal factor limiting forage production on this site. This site is dominated by soils in <br />hydrologic group A. Infiltration potential is high to moderate. Runoff potential for this site varies from <br />moderate to low depending on soil hydrologic group and ground cover. Areas where ground cover is <br />less than 50% have the greatest potential to have reduced infiltration and higher runoff (refer to NRCS <br />Section 4, National Engineering Handbook (NEH-4j for runoff quantities and hydrologic curves}. <br />Recreational Uses <br />This site provides hunting, hiking, photography, bird watching and other opportunities. The wide <br />varieties of plants that bloom from spring until fall have an esthetic value that appeals to visitors. <br />Wood Products <br />No appreciable wood products are present on the site. <br />Other Products <br />None noted. <br />Technical Guide USDA NRCS <br />Section IIE 13 Rev. 3/04 <br />