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<br />52
<br />limitation of moderately slow permeability can be
<br />overcome by increasing the size of the absorption field.
<br />This soil is in capability subclass Vlle. It is in the
<br />Mountain Loam (10- to 14-inch precipitation zone) range
<br />site.
<br />55-Platoro loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes. This deep,
<br />well drained soil is on fans and terraces on alluvial valley
<br />floors. Elevation is 7,600 to 8,000 feet. The soil formed
<br />in alluvium derived mainly from basalt. The average
<br />annual precipitation is about 8 inches; the average
<br />annual air temperature is about 41 degrees F; and the
<br />frost-free period is about 95 days.
<br />Included in this unit are small areas of Graypoint
<br />gravelly sandy loam and Derrick very gravelly loam.
<br />Typically, the surface layer of this Platoro soil is light
<br />brownish gray loam about 8 inches thick. The subsoil,
<br />about 13 inches thick, is brown clay loam in the upper
<br />part and brown gravelly clay loam in the lower part. The
<br />upper part of the substratum is light brownish gray very
<br />gravelly loam and has visible calcium carbonate. The
<br />lower part of the substratum to a depth of 60 inches is
<br />light brownish gray very gravelly loamy sand.
<br />Permeability is moderately slow. Effective rooting
<br />depth is 60 inches or more. Available water capacity is
<br />moderate. Surface runoff is slow, and the hazard of
<br />erosion is slight. Soil blowing is a hazard ii plant residue
<br />is removed.
<br />This soil is used for irrigated cropland, irrigated
<br />pasture, and range. Crops commonly grown are alfalfa,
<br />potatoes, and small grains. Applications of commercial
<br />fertilizers, manure, and plant residue are commonly
<br />needed. Generally, all crops except legumes respond to
<br />applications of nitrogen fertilizer, and all legumes
<br />respond to applications of phosphate fertilizer.
<br />Irrigation methods suitable for this soil are the border,
<br />furrow, and sprinkler methods. Sprinkler irrigation is
<br />suited to most crops. The furrow method is suited to row
<br />crops. Border irrigation is suited to alfalfa, small grains,
<br />and pasture. Land leveling and proper length of run are
<br />needed to prevent water loss from seepage and the
<br />buildup of salts in the soil. Use of minimum tillage
<br />practices and high-residue crops helps prevent soil
<br />blowing.
<br />The potential natural vegetation on this soil is
<br />dominated by blue grams, Indian ricegrass, western
<br />wheatgrass, needleandthread, winterfat, and tourwing
<br />saltbush. If the range deteriorates, the proportion of
<br />Indian ricegrass, needleandthread, and western
<br />wheatgrass decreases, and that of blue grams,
<br />threeawn, snakeweed, and rabbitbrush increases.
<br />Undesirable weeds invade and become more abundant
<br />as the range condition declines.
<br />Establishing rangeland seedlings is difficult on this soil
<br />because of the low rainfall and the moderate available
<br />water capacity. Deferred grazing, cross fencing, and
<br />stockwater developments help to prevent range
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<br />Soil Survey
<br />deterioration and to promote the growth of more
<br />desirable plants.
<br />Wildlife habitat is an important secondary use of this
<br />Platoro soil. The soil is best suited to habitat Tor such
<br />wildlife as ring-necked pheasant, mourning dove, and
<br />many nongame species in cropland areas. Favorable
<br />habitats can be developed by establishing areas for
<br />nesting and escape cover. For pheasants, undisturbed
<br />nesting cover is vital and should be included in plans for
<br />habitat development. Populations of wildlife, such as
<br />pronghorn antelope, can be increased by livestock water
<br />development and proper grazing management.
<br />This soil is suited to homesite development. The main
<br />limitation is shrink-swell potential. Shoring is needed to
<br />prevent deep cutbanks from caving. Maintaining a
<br />constant moisture content around foundations or
<br />backiilling with material that has low shrink•swell
<br />potential can reduce the effects of shrinking and
<br />swelling. Sewage lagoons or trench-type sanitary landfills
<br />may cause pollution of underground water.
<br />This soil is in capability subclasses Ille, irrigated, and
<br />Vlls, nonirrigated. It is in the Mountain Outwash range
<br />site.
<br />56-Platoro cobbly loam, 3 to 9 percent slopes.
<br />This deep, well drained soil is on fans and terraces on
<br />alluvial valley floors. Elevation is 7,600 to 8,000 feet. The
<br />soil formed in alluvium derived mainly from basalt. The
<br />average annual precipitation is about 8 inches; the
<br />average annual air temperature is about 41 degrees F;
<br />and the frost-free period is about 95 days.
<br />Included in this unit are small areas of Graypoint
<br />gravelly sandy loam and Derrick very gravelly loam.
<br />Typically, the surface layer of this Platoro soil is light
<br />brownish gray cobbly loam about 8 inches thick. The
<br />subsoil is brown gravelly clay loam about 25 inches
<br />thick. The substratum to a depth of 60 inches is light
<br />brownish gray very gravelly loamy sand.
<br />Permeability is moderate. Effective rooting depth is 60
<br />inches or more. Available water capacity is moderate.
<br />Surface runoff is medium, and the hazard of erosion is
<br />moderate.
<br />This soil is used as range and wildlife habitat.
<br />The potential natural vegetation on this Platoro soil is
<br />dominated by blue grams, Indian ricegrass, western
<br />wheatgrass, needleandthread, winterfat, and fourwing
<br />saltbush. Ii the range deteriorates, the proportion of
<br />Indian ricegrass, needleandthread, and western
<br />wheatgrass decreases, and that of blue grams, I
<br />threeawn, snakeweed, and rabbitbrush increases. -
<br />Undesirable weeds invade and become more abunda
<br />as range condition declines.
<br />Establishing rangeland seedlings is difficult on this sol
<br />because of the low rainfall. Deferred grazing, cross
<br />fencing, and stockwater developments help to preven
<br />range deterioration and to promote the growth of the:
<br />more desirable plants.
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