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Site Type: Rangeland <br />MLRA: 69 - Upper Arkansas Valley Rolling Plains <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 <br />Sideoats Grama, Little Bluestem, NM Feathergrass, Bigelow Sage (HCPC) 600 0.19 <br />Increased Blue Grama w /Decreased Mid Grasses /Shrubs 300 0.09 <br />Blue Grama with or without Remnant Mid Grasses /Shrubs 150 0.05 <br />Low Plant Density, Decadent Plants * * <br />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. This site is dominated by soils in <br />hydrologic group B, with localized areas in hydrologic group A. Infiltration is moderate to high and <br />runoff potential for this site is moderate depending on soil hydrologic group and ground cover. Areas <br />where ground cover is Tess than 50% have the greatest potential to have reduced infiltration and <br />higher runoff (refer to NRCS Section 4, National Engineering Handbook (NEH -4) for runoff quantities <br />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 />Commonly mined for the production of cement in Fremont and Pueblo counties. <br />Technical Guide <br />Section IIE <br />13 <br />Limestone Breaks <br />R069XY058C0 <br />Production Stocking <br />Rate <br />(Ibs. /acre) (AUM /acre) <br />USDA NRCS <br />Rev. 3/04 <br />