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Site Type: Rangeland Loamy <br />MLRA: 69 -Upper Arkansas Valley Rolling Plains R069XY006C0 <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 canying 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 />Western Wheatgrass, Blue Grama, Galleta, Fourwing Sattbush (HCPC) 800 0.26 <br />Blue Grama, Buffalograss, Galleta; w/Remnant Cool Seasons 400 0.13 <br />Blue Grama/Buffalograss Sod; Broom Snakeweed 250 0.08 <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 />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. Soils in hydrologic group A and B <br />dominate this site. Infiltration and runoff potential for this site varies ftom moderate to high depending <br />on soil hydrologic group and ground cover. In many cases, areas with greater than 75% ground cover <br />have the greatest potential for high infiltration and lower runoff. An example of an exception would be <br />where short grasses form a strong sod and dominate the site. Areas where ground cover is less than <br />50% have the greatest potential to have reduced infiltration and higher runoff (refer to NRCS Section <br />4, 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 />None noted. <br />Other Products <br />None noted. <br />Technical Guide USDA NRCS <br />Section IIE 14 Rev. 3/04 <br />