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n <br />:;;-; = , <br />r <br />E. Soils = There are six soils occurring within tl~e proposed ].c,;i::c <br />area: Coalmont-Fluetsch complex (X73-AE), Gelkic sandy ln;:m <br />(X30-AE), 1•forset loam (45-AC), Cryorthents (XGO), Spicerton s;~o~h• <br />loam (X31-AC) and Cabin sandy Loam (17-AC). (See attached m.-p.) <br />The Coalmont-Fluetsch complex is the most prominent soil within <br />the subject area., accounting for approximately 40% of the rotal <br />area. It occurs on the valley slope and upland }tillsides. Tfi~sc <br />soils are moderately. deep, contain predominantly clay subsoil::, <br />are calcarious in nature and have variable surface textures from <br />sandy loam to clay.. The erosion hazard rating for these soil; is <br />slight to moderate and in an average year this complex may }'icld <br />betc;een 550 and 770 pounds per acre (dry weight) in forage <br />production. <br />The Gelkie sandy loam covers approximately 20`/, of the lease .v'ea. <br />This soil is found on upland terraces and:bepches, is fairly deep <br />and well drained. Runoff is medium with a slight erosion Hazard <br />rating from blowing and a moderate erosion rating from water. <br />The Morset loam soils cover apprnrimatel.y 20% of the subject area <br />and occupies the high terraces in the northwest portion of tl~~~ <br />lease area. These soils are deep a,d well drained. permeability <br />is moderate and the available water capacity is ;;h with a ri~:ium <br />runoff. Erosion hazard ratings for both wind and water is slight. <br /> <br />n <br />I~; <br />I <br />~~ <br />~~ <br />I, <br />Ij <br />~I <br />~' <br />~, <br />i <br />II <br />Ii <br />-~~ ~ <br />The Cryorthents occupy the steep terrace breaks and upland ricil;es <br />in the southern and central portion of the lease area. They cover <br />approximately 10% of the subject area. These soils are gnncral7y <br />shallow and underlain by soft shale and sandstone ~ohich show little <br />horizon development. These soils often contain areas of cobbled <br />material and are, therefore, well drained but have a low water- <br />holding capacity. These soils are on unfavorable exposures, and <br />much of the moisture is removed by strong winds. Runoff is rabid, <br />and the erosion hazard ratings for soil blowing and canter erosion <br />are severe. These factors coupled with a low fertility rating con- <br />tribute to restricted plant growth. This type of soil regiinc is <br />capable of producing only 300 pounds per acre of dry weight foraq;e <br />annually. <br />The Spicerton sandy loamy comprise the stream channels and int-er~rade <br />into the broader stream basins. The Spicerton soils cover appro}:imatc <br />7% of the proposed lease site. The surface texture of these soils is <br />composed of sandy loam or loamy fine clay subsoil. The presence of <br />the clay subsoil lends to sloca permeability and, therefore, flee <br />water erosion hazard for these soils is rated high. The water-holdinf <br />capacity is moderate, yet much of the soil moisture is not avail.ablc <br />for plant growth due to the s::1t content of Che soil, a^ ibc• de.ptl~ <br />to calcareous material ranges from 0 to 6 inches. Despite iho::e <br />limitations, the Spicerton series will. produce an average of 700 <br />pounds per acre (dry weight) of forage in a normal. year, dui to, <br />additional ruu-on moisture. <br />10 <br />