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Site Type: Rangeland Sandy <br />MLRA: 69 -Upper Arkansas Valley Rolling Plains R069XY026C0 <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) with normal growing conditions however, continuous grazing <br />is not recommended. These are conservative estimates that should be used only as guidelines in the <br />initial stages of the conservation planning process. Often, the current plant composition does not <br />entirely match any particular plant community (as described in this ecological site description). <br />Because of this, a Feld visit is recommended, in all cases, to document plant composition and <br />production. More precise carrying capacity estimates should eventually be calculated using this <br />information along with animal preference data, particularly when grazers other than cattle are <br />involved. Under more intensive grazing management, improved harvest efficiencies can result in an <br />increased carrying capacity. <br />Plant Community Production Stocking <br /> Rate <br /> (Ibs./acre) (AUM/acre) <br />Blue Grama, Prairie Sandreed, Sand Bluestem (HCPC) 1200 0.38 <br />Increased Blue Grama 600 0.19 <br />Blue Grama Sod w/o Sand Bluestem, Sandreed, Needleandthread 300 0.09 <br />Low Plant Density, Excessive Litter * <br />Red Threeawn, Annuals, Bare Ground * <br />Grazing by domestic livestock is one of the major income-producing industries in the area. <br />Rangeland in this area may provide yearlong forage under prescribed grazing for cattle, sheep, <br />horses and other herbivores. During the dormant period, livestock may need supplementation based <br />on reliable 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 and runoff potential for this site varies from high to moderate <br />depending on soil hydrologic group and ground cover. Areas where ground cover is less than 50% <br />have the greatest potential to have reduced infiltration and higher runoff (refer to NRCS Section 4, <br />National Engineering Handbook (NEH-4) 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 14 Rev. 3/04 <br />