Major Land Resource Area 032X
Northern Intermountain Desertic Basins
Accessed: 03/23/2023
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-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture¹
- Soil is non-saline, non-saline-sodic, or non-sodic
- Soil is moderately deep to very deep (≥ 20” (50 cm) to bedrock (lithic or paralithic contact)
- Soil is not skeletal in the upper 20” (50 cm) of the mineral soil surface
- Soil has ≥ 35% clay throughout the upper 20” (50 cm) of the mineral soil – may have a lighter textured cap or may decrease lower in the profile
- Soil has ≥ 35% clay starting within the upper 4” (10 cm) and continues throughout the upper 20” (50 cm) of mineral soil surface
- Extra Water
- [Criteria]
- [Criteria]
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture¹
- Soil is non-saline, non-saline-sodic, or non-sodic
- Soil is moderately deep to very deep (≥ 20” (50 cm) to bedrock (lithic or paralithic contact)
- Soil is skeletal (≥ 35% rock fragments⁷ ) in the upper 20” (50 cm) of mineral soil surface
- Soil is skeletal starting within 8-20” (20-50 cm) of the mineral soil surface
- Soil has ≥ 18% but < 60% clay throughout the upper 20” (50 cm) of the mineral soil sruface
- Fragments typically consisting of cobbles (fragments are dominantly > 3” (76 mm) but < 10” (250 mm) in diameter); few stones and boulders (0-5%) are present
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture¹
- Soil is non-saline, non-saline-sodic, or non-sodic
- Soil is moderately deep to very deep (≥ 20” (50 cm) to bedrock (lithic or paralithic contact)
- Soil is not skeletal in the upper 20” (50 cm) of the mineral soil surface
- Soil has ≥ 35% clay throughout the upper 20” (50 cm) of the mineral soil – may have a lighter textured cap or may decrease lower in the profile
- Abrupt clay increase⁶ to > 40% clay present within 4-8” (10-20 cm) of the mineral soil surface, severe surface cracking during dry conditions; plant dominated by birdfoot sagebrush
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture¹
- Soil is non-saline, non-saline-sodic, or non-sodic
- Soil is moderately deep to very deep (≥ 20” (50 cm) to bedrock (lithic or paralithic contact)
- Soil is skeletal (≥ 35% rock fragments⁷ ) in the upper 20” (50 cm) of mineral soil surface
- Soil is skeletal throughout the majority of the upper 20” (50 cm) of mineral soil surface
- Soil has < 18% clay; surface fragments and fragments in the soil profile are dominantly < 3” (76mm) in diameter, but may range in size
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture¹
- Soil is non-saline, non-saline-sodic, or non-sodic
- Soil is moderately deep to very deep (≥ 20” (50 cm) to bedrock (lithic or paralithic contact)
- Soil is not skeletal in the upper 20” (50 cm) of the mineral soil surface
- Soil has < 35% clay throughout the upper 20” (50 cm) of the mineral soil – may see individual horizons that are above 35% clay, but on average, the soil profile is less than 35% clays
- Soil has ≥ 18% but < 35% clay starting within the upper 8” (20 cm) of mineral soil surface⁴
- Soil is non-calcareous within 20” (50 cm) of the mineral soil surface
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture¹
- Soil is saline, saline-sodic, or sodic⁵ (SAR ≥ 13, or an EC ≥ 4 dS/m) in the upper 20” (50 cm) of the mineral soil surface; site is dominated by salt tolerant plants (i.e. Gardner’s saltbush, greasewood, alkali sacaton, alkali seepweed, etc)²
- Soil is shallow to very deep (≥10” (25 cm) to bedrock (lithic or paralithic contact))
- Soil has ≥ 18% but < 35% clay starting within 4” (10 cm) of the mineral soil surface
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture¹
- Soil is saline, saline-sodic, or sodic⁵ (SAR ≥ 13, or an EC ≥ 4 dS/m) in the upper 20” (50 cm) of the mineral soil surface; site is dominated by salt tolerant plants (i.e. Gardner’s saltbush, greasewood, alkali sacaton, alkali seepweed, etc)²
- Soil is shallow to very deep (≥10” (25 cm) to bedrock (lithic or paralithic contact))
- Soil has ≥ 35% clay starting within 4” (10 cm) of the mineral soil surface
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture¹
- Soil is saline, saline-sodic, or sodic⁵ (SAR ≥ 13, or an EC ≥ 4 dS/m) in the upper 20” (50 cm) of the mineral soil surface; site is dominated by salt tolerant plants (i.e. Gardner’s saltbush, greasewood, alkali sacaton, alkali seepweed, etc)²
- Soil is shallow to very deep (≥10” (25 cm) to bedrock (lithic or paralithic contact))
- Soil has < 18% clay starting within 4” (10 cm) of the mineral soil surface
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture¹
- Soil is non-saline, non-saline-sodic, or non-sodic
- Soil is moderately deep to very deep (≥ 20” (50 cm) to bedrock (lithic or paralithic contact)
- Soil is not skeletal in the upper 20” (50 cm) of the mineral soil surface
- Soil has < 35% clay throughout the upper 20” (50 cm) of the mineral soil – may see individual horizons that are above 35% clay, but on average, the soil profile is less than 35% clays
- Soil has < 18% clay throughout the upper 20” (50 cm) of mineral soil surface; may see clay increase below 8" (20 cm) of mineral soil surface
- Soil has < 15% clay starting within the upper 4” (10 cm) from the mineral soil surface and lacks structure; soil textures include coarse sands to loamy fine sand
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture¹
- Soil is non-saline, non-saline-sodic, or non-sodic
- Soil is moderately deep to very deep (≥ 20” (50 cm) to bedrock (lithic or paralithic contact)
- Soil is not skeletal in the upper 20” (50 cm) of the mineral soil surface
- Soil has < 35% clay throughout the upper 20” (50 cm) of the mineral soil – may see individual horizons that are above 35% clay, but on average, the soil profile is less than 35% clays
- Soil has < 18% clay throughout the upper 20” (50 cm) of mineral soil surface; may see clay increase below 8" (20 cm) of mineral soil surface
- Soil has < 18% clay starting within the upper 4” (10 cm) from the mineral soil surface; soil textures include loamy very fine sands to loams
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture¹
- Soil is saline, saline-sodic, or sodic⁵ (SAR ≥ 13, or an EC ≥ 4 dS/m) in the upper 20” (50 cm) of the mineral soil surface; site is dominated by salt tolerant plants (i.e. Gardner’s saltbush, greasewood, alkali sacaton, alkali seepweed, etc)²
- Soil is very shallow (< 10” (25 cm) to shale (lithic or paralithic contact)); productivity very low
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture¹
- Soil is saline, saline-sodic, or sodic⁵ (SAR ≥ 13, or an EC ≥ 4 dS/m) in the upper 20” (50 cm) of the mineral soil surface; site is dominated by salt tolerant plants (i.e. Gardner’s saltbush, greasewood, alkali sacaton, alkali seepweed, etc)
- Soil is very shallow (< 10” (25 cm) to shale (lithic or paralithic contact)); productivity very low
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture¹
- Soil is non-saline, non-saline-sodic, or non-sodic
- Soil is very shallow (< 10” (25 cm) or shallow (< 20” (50 cm) to bedrock (lithic or paralithic contact)
- Soil is shallow to bedrock
- Soil has ≥ 35% clay
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture¹
- Soil is non-saline, non-saline-sodic, or non-sodic
- Soil is very shallow (< 10” (25 cm) or shallow (< 20” (50 cm) to bedrock (lithic or paralithic contact)
- Soil is shallow to bedrock
- Soil has ≥ 18% but < 35% clay
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture¹
- Soil is non-saline, non-saline-sodic, or non-sodic
- Soil is very shallow (< 10” (25 cm) or shallow (< 20” (50 cm) to bedrock (lithic or paralithic contact)
- Soil is shallow to bedrock
- Soil has < 18% clay
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture¹
- Soil is non-saline, non-saline-sodic, or non-sodic
- Soil is moderately deep to very deep (≥ 20” (50 cm) to bedrock (lithic or paralithic contact)
- Soil is skeletal (≥ 35% rock fragments⁷ ) in the upper 20” (50 cm) of mineral soil surface
- Soil is skeletal starting within 8-20” (20-50 cm) of the mineral soil surface
- Soil has ≥ 18% but < 60% clay in the upper 10” (25 cm) of mineral soil, decreasing to < 18% clay within 10-20” (25-50 cm) of the mineral soil surface
- None to strong³ effervescence in the upper 4” (10 cm) of the mineral soil surface
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture¹
- Soil is non-saline, non-saline-sodic, or non-sodic
- Soil is moderately deep to very deep (≥ 20” (50 cm) to bedrock (lithic or paralithic contact)
- Soil is skeletal (≥ 35% rock fragments⁷ ) in the upper 20” (50 cm) of mineral soil surface
- Soil is skeletal throughout the majority of the upper 20” (50 cm) of mineral soil surface
- Soil has ≥ 18% but < 60% clay; surface fragments and fragments in the soil profile are dominantly ≥ 3” (76mm) in diameter but < 10” (250 mm), but may range in size
- None to strong³ effervescence in the upper 4” (10 cm) of mineral soil surface
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture¹
- Soil is non-saline, non-saline-sodic, or non-sodic
- Soil is very shallow (< 10” (25 cm) or shallow (< 20” (50 cm) to bedrock (lithic or paralithic contact)
- Soil is very shallow to bedrock, commonly on windswept ridges and escarpments, productivity very low (if productivity is higher than expected and > 35% rock fragments are present use II.B.2i.a.1) Gravelly (Gr)
- [Criteria]
- Very shallow to bedrock
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture¹
- Soil is non-saline, non-saline-sodic, or non-sodic
- Soil is moderately deep to very deep (≥ 20” (50 cm) to bedrock (lithic or paralithic contact)
- Soil is not skeletal in the upper 20” (50 cm) of the mineral soil surface
- Soil has ≥ 35% clay throughout the upper 20” (50 cm) of the mineral soil – may have a lighter textured cap or may decrease lower in the profile
- Soil has ≥ 35% clay starting within the upper 4” (10 cm) and continues throughout the upper 20” (50 cm) of mineral soil surface
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture¹
- Soil is non-saline, non-saline-sodic, or non-sodic
- Soil is moderately deep to very deep (≥ 20” (50 cm) to bedrock (lithic or paralithic contact)
- Soil is skeletal (≥ 35% rock fragments⁷ ) in the upper 20” (50 cm) of mineral soil surface
- Soil is skeletal starting within 8-20” (20-50 cm) of the mineral soil surface
- Soil has ≥ 18% but < 60% clay throughout the upper 20” (50 cm) of the mineral soil surface
- Fragments typically consisting of cobbles (fragments are dominantly > 3” (76 mm) but < 10” (250 mm) in diameter); few stones and boulders (0-5%) are present
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture¹
- Soil is non-saline, non-saline-sodic, or non-sodic
- Soil is moderately deep to very deep (≥ 20” (50 cm) to bedrock (lithic or paralithic contact)
- Soil is not skeletal in the upper 20” (50 cm) of the mineral soil surface
- Soil has ≥ 35% clay throughout the upper 20” (50 cm) of the mineral soil – may have a lighter textured cap or may decrease lower in the profile
- Abrupt clay increase⁶ to > 40% clay present within 4 8” (10 20 cm) of the mineral soil surface, severe surface cracking during dry conditions; plant dominated by birdfoot sagebrush
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture¹
- Soil is non-saline, non-saline-sodic, or non-sodic
- Soil is moderately deep to very deep (≥ 20” (50 cm) to bedrock (lithic or paralithic contact)
- Soil is skeletal (≥ 35% rock fragments⁷ ) in the upper 20” (50 cm) of mineral soil surface
- Soil is skeletal throughout the upper 20” (50 cm) of mineral soil surface
- Soil has < 18% clay; surface fragments and fragments in the soil profile are dominantly < 3” (76mm) in diameter, but may range in size
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture¹
- Soil is non-saline, non-saline-sodic, or non-sodic
- Soil is moderately deep to very deep (≥ 20” (50 cm) to bedrock (lithic or paralithic contact)
- Soil is not skeletal in the upper 20” (50 cm) of the mineral soil surface
- Soil has < 35% clay throughout the upper 20” (50 cm) of the mineral soil – may see individual horizons that are above 35% clay, but on average, the soil profile is less than 35% clays
- Soil has ≥ 18% but < 35% clay starting within the upper 8” (20 cm) of mineral soil surface⁴
- Soil is calcareous (violent effervescence³) within 20” (50 cm) of the mineral soil surface
- Soil is calcareous within the upper 4” (10 cm) of mineral soil surface; calcium carbonate increases with depth⁴ (for soils between 4 and 8 inches start of calcareous layer, use STM to assist decision)
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture¹
- Soil is non-saline, non-saline-sodic, or non-sodic
- Soil is moderately deep to very deep (≥ 20” (50 cm) to bedrock (lithic or paralithic contact)
- Soil is skeletal (≥ 35% rock fragments⁷ ) in the upper 20” (50 cm) of mineral soil surface
- Soil is skeletal throughout the upper 20” (50 cm) of mineral soil surface
- Soil has ≥ 18% but < 60% clay; surface fragments and fragments in the soil profile are dominantly ≥ 3” (76mm) in diameter but < 10” (250 mm), but may range in size
- Violent³ effervescence starting within 4” (10 cm) of the mineral soil surface, calcium carbonate increases with depth
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture¹
- Soil is non-saline, non-saline-sodic, or non-sodic
- Soil is moderately deep to very deep (≥ 20” (50 cm) to bedrock (lithic or paralithic contact)
- Soil is skeletal (≥ 35% rock fragments⁷ ) in the upper 20” (50 cm) of mineral soil surface
- Soil is skeletal starting within 8-20” (20-50 cm) of the mineral soil surface
- Soil has ≥ 18% but < 60% clay in the upper 10” (25 cm) of mineral soil, decreasing to < 18% clay within 10-20” (25-50 cm) of the mineral soil surface
- Violent³ effervescence starting within 4” (10 cm) of the mineral soil surface, calcium carbonate increases with depth
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture¹
- Soil is non-saline, non-saline-sodic, or non-sodic
- Soil is moderately deep to very deep (≥ 20” (50 cm) to bedrock (lithic or paralithic contact)
- Soil is not skeletal in the upper 20” (50 cm) of the mineral soil surface
- Soil has < 35% clay throughout the upper 20” (50 cm) of the mineral soil – may see individual horizons that are above 35% clay, but on average, the soil profile is less than 35% clays
- Soil has ≥ 18% but < 35% clay starting within the upper 8” (20 cm) of mineral soil surface
- Soil is calcareous (violent effervescence³) within 20” (50 cm) of the mineral soil surface
- Soil is calcareous within the upper 8” (20 cm) of mineral soil, calcium carbonate increases with depth
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture¹
- Soil is non-saline, non-saline-sodic, or non-sodic
- Soil is moderately deep to very deep (≥ 20” (50 cm) to bedrock (lithic or paralithic contact)
- Soil is skeletal (≥ 35% rock fragments⁷ ) in the upper 20” (50 cm) of mineral soil surface
- Soil is skeletal throughout the majority of the upper 20” (50 cm) of mineral soil surface
- Soil has ≥ 18% but < 60% clay; surface fragments and fragments in the soil profile are dominantly ≥ 3” (76mm) in diameter but < 10” (250 mm), but may range in size
- Violent³ effervescence starting within 4” (10 cm) of the mineral soil surface, calcium carbonate increases with depth⁴
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture¹
- Soil is non-saline, non-saline-sodic, or non-sodic
- Soil is moderately deep to very deep (≥ 20” (50 cm) to bedrock (lithic or paralithic contact)
- Soil is not skeletal in the upper 20” (50 cm) of the mineral soil surface
- Soil has < 35% clay throughout the upper 20” (50 cm) of the mineral soil – may see individual horizons that are above 35% clay, but on average, the soil profile is less than 35% clays
- Soil has ≥ 18% but < 35% clay starting within the upper 8” (20 cm) of mineral soil surface
- Soil is non-calcareous within 20” (50 cm) of the mineral soil surface
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture¹
- Soil is non-saline, non-saline-sodic, or non-sodic
- Soil is moderately deep to very deep (≥ 20” (50 cm) to bedrock (lithic or paralithic contact)
- Soil is not skeletal in the upper 20” (50 cm) of the mineral soil surface
- Soil has < 35% clay throughout the upper 20” (50 cm) of the mineral soil – may see individual horizons that are above 35% clay, but on average, the soil profile is less than 35% clays
- Soil has ≥ 18% but < 35% clay starting within the upper 8” (20 cm) of mineral soil surface⁴
- Soil is calcareous (violent effervescence³) within 20” (50 cm) of the mineral soil surface
- Soil is calcareous starting within the upper 8-20” (20 to 50 cm) of the mineral soil surface⁴
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture¹
- Soil is non-saline, non-saline-sodic, or non-sodic
- Soil is moderately deep to very deep (≥ 20” (50 cm) to bedrock (lithic or paralithic contact)
- Soil is not skeletal in the upper 20” (50 cm) of the mineral soil surface
- Soil has < 35% clay throughout the upper 20” (50 cm) of the mineral soil – may see individual horizons that are above 35% clay, but on average, the soil profile is less than 35% clays
- Soil has ≥ 18% but < 35% clay starting within the upper 8” (20 cm) of mineral soil surface
- Soil is calcareous (violent effervescence³) within 20” (50 cm) of the mineral soil surface
- Soil is calcareous starting within the upper 8-20” (20 to 50 cm) of the mineral soil surface
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture¹
- Soil is saline, saline-sodic, or sodic⁵ (SAR ≥ 13, or an EC ≥ 4 dS/m) in the upper 20” (50 cm) of the mineral soil surface; site is dominated by salt tolerant plants(i.e. Gardner’s saltbush, greasewood, alkali sacaton, alkali seepweed, etc)
- Soil is shallow to very deep (≥10” (25 cm) to bedrock (lithic or paralithic contact))
- Soil has ≥ 18% but < 35% clay starting within 4” (10 cm) of the mineral soil surface
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture¹
- Soil is saline, saline-sodic, or sodic⁵ (SAR ≥ 13, or an EC ≥ 4 dS/m) in the upper 20” (50 cm) of the mineral soil surface; site is dominated by salt tolerant plants(i.e. Gardner’s saltbush, greasewood, alkali sacaton, alkali seepweed, etc)
- Soil is shallow to very deep (≥10” (25 cm) to bedrock (lithic or paralithic contact))
- Soil has ≥ 35% clay starting within 4” (10 cm) of the mineral soil surface
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture¹
- Soil is saline, saline-sodic, or sodic⁵ (SAR ≥ 13, or an EC ≥ 4 dS/m) in the upper 20” (50 cm) of the mineral soil surface; site is dominated by salt tolerant plants(i.e. Gardner’s saltbush, greasewood, alkali sacaton, alkali seepweed, etc)
- Soil is shallow to very deep (≥10” (25 cm) to bedrock (lithic or paralithic contact))
- Soil has < 18% clay starting within 4” (10 cm) of the mineral soil surface
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture¹
- Soil is non-saline, non-saline-sodic, or non-sodic
- Soil is moderately deep to very deep (≥ 20” (50 cm) to bedrock (lithic or paralithic contact)
- Soil is not skeletal in the upper 20” (50 cm) of the mineral soil surface
- Soil has < 35% clay throughout the upper 20” (50 cm) of the mineral soil – may see individual horizons that are above 35% clay, but on average, the soil profile is less than 35% clays
- Soil has < 18% clay throughout the upper 20” (50 cm) of mineral soil surface; may see clay increase below 8" (20 cm) of mineral soil surface
- Soil has < 15% clay starting within the upper 4” (10 cm) from the mineral soil surface and lacks structure; soil textures include coarse sands to loamy fine sands
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture¹
- Soil is non-saline, non-saline-sodic, or non-sodic
- Soil is moderately deep to very deep (≥ 20” (50 cm) to bedrock (lithic or paralithic contact)
- Soil is not skeletal in the upper 20” (50 cm) of the mineral soil surface
- Soil has < 35% clay throughout the upper 20” (50 cm) of the mineral soil – may see individual horizons that are above 35% clay, but on average, the soil profile is less than 35% clays
- Soil has < 18% clay throughout the upper 20” (50 cm) of mineral soil surface; may see clay increase below 8" (20 cm) of mineral soil surface
- Soil has < 18% clay starting within the upper 4” (10 cm) from the mineral soil surface; soil textures include loamy very fine sands to loams
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture¹
- Soil is saline, saline-sodic, or sodic⁵ (SAR ≥ 13, or an EC ≥ 4 dS/m) in the upper 20” (50 cm) of the mineral soil surface; site is dominated by salt tolerant plants(i.e. Gardner’s saltbush, greasewood, alkali sacaton, alkali seepweed, etc)
- Soil is very shallow (< 10” (25 cm) to shale (lithic or paralithic contact)); productivity very low
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture¹
- Soil is non-saline, non-saline-sodic, or non-sodic
- Soil is very shallow (< 10” (25 cm) or shallow (< 20” (50 cm) to bedrock (lithic or paralithic contact)
- Soil is shallow to bedrock
- Soil has ≥ 35% clay
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture¹
- Soil is non-saline, non-saline-sodic, or non-sodic
- Soil is very shallow (< 10” (25 cm) or shallow (< 20” (50 cm) to bedrock (lithic or paralithic contact)
- Soil is shallow to bedrock
- Soil has ≥ 18% but < 35% clay
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture¹
- Soil is non-saline, non-saline-sodic, or non-sodic
- Soil is very shallow (< 10” (25 cm) or shallow (< 20” (50 cm) to bedrock (lithic or paralithic contact)
- Soil is shallow to bedrock
- Soil has < 18% clay
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture¹
- Soil is non-saline, non-saline-sodic, or non-sodic
- Soil is moderately deep to very deep (≥ 20” (50 cm) to bedrock (lithic or paralithic contact)
- Soil is skeletal (≥ 35% rock fragments⁷ ) in the upper 20” (50 cm) of mineral soil surface
- Soil is skeletal starting within 8-20” (20-50 cm) of the mineral soil surface
- Soil has ≥ 18% but < 60% clay in the upper 10” (25 cm) of mineral soil, decreasing to < 18% clay within 10-20” (25-50 cm) of the mineral soil surface
- None to strong³ effervescence in the upper 4” (10 cm) of the mineral soil surface
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture¹
- Soil is non-saline, non-saline-sodic, or non-sodic
- Soil is moderately deep to very deep (≥ 20” (50 cm) to bedrock (lithic or paralithic contact)
- Soil is skeletal (≥ 35% rock fragments⁷ ) in the upper 20” (50 cm) of mineral soil surface
- Soil is skeletal throughout the upper 20” (50 cm) of mineral soil surface
- Soil has ≥ 18% but < 60% clay; surface fragments and fragments in the soil profile are dominantly ≥ 3” (76mm) in diameter but < 10” (250 mm), but may range in size
- None to strong³ effervescence in the upper 4” (10 cm) of mineral soil surface
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture¹
- Soil is non-saline, non-saline-sodic, or non-sodic
- Soil is very shallow (< 10” (25 cm) or shallow (< 20” (50 cm) to bedrock (lithic or paralithic contact)
- Soil is very shallow to bedrock, commonly on windswept ridges and escarpments, productivity very low (if productivity is higher than expected and > 35% rock fragments are present use II.B.2i.a.1) Gravelly (Gr)
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site receives additional effective moisture¹ (If No, Go to B)
- Site receives periodic overflow from adjacent slopes, but no water table within 78” (200 cm)
- Soil is non-saline, non-saline-sodic, or non-sodic, occur on floodplain steps, terraces, concave landscape positions, and positions lower in the landscape
- Soil has ≥ 35% clay in the upper 8” (20 cm) of mineral soil surface
- Site receives additional effective moisture¹ (If No, Go to B)
- Site receives periodic overflow from adjacent slopes, but no water table within 78” (200 cm)
- Soil is non-saline, non-saline-sodic, or non-sodic, occur on floodplain steps, terraces, concave landscape positions, and positions lower in the landscape
- Soil has ≥ 35% clay in the upper 8” (20 cm) of mineral soil surface
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site receives additional effective moisture¹ (If No, Go to B)
- Site with a water table present for at least part of the growing season, site dominated by hydrophytic plants (ie. Wetland sedges, bulrushes, willows, tufted hairgrass, etc)
- Site has a seasonal water table
- Soil is non-saline, non-saline-sodic, or non-sodic
- Seasonal water table > 40” (100 cm) below the mineral soil surface; site regularly receives higher than normal soil moisture because of run in or stream overflow
- Site receives additional effective moisture¹ (If No, Go to B)
- Site with a water table present for at least part of the growing season, site dominated by hydrophytic plants
- Site has a seasonal water table
- Soil is non-saline, non-saline-sodic, or non-sodic
- Seasonal water table > 40” (100 cm) below the mineral soil surface; site regularly receives higher than normal soil moisture because of run in or stream overflow
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site receives additional effective moisture¹ (If No, Go to B)
- Site receives periodic overflow from adjacent slopes, but no water table within 78” (200 cm)
- Soil is non-saline, non-saline-sodic, or non-sodic, occur on floodplain steps, terraces, concave landscape positions, and positions lower in the landscape
- Soil has < 35% clay in the upper 8” (20 cm) of mineral soil surface
- Site receives additional effective moisture¹ (If No, Go to B)
- Site receives periodic overflow from adjacent slopes, but no water table within 78” (200 cm)
- Soil is non-saline, non-saline-sodic, or non-sodic, occur on floodplain steps, terraces, concave landscape positions, and positions lower in the landscape
- Soil has < 35% clay in the upper 8” (20 cm) of mineral soil surface
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site receives additional effective moisture¹ (If No, Go to B)
- Site with a water table present for at least part of the growing season, site dominated by hydrophytic plants (ie. Wetland sedges, bulrushes, willows, tufted hairgrass, etc)
- Site has a seasonal water table
- Soil is saline, saline-sodic, or sodic⁵ (SAR ≥ 13, or an EC ≥ 4 dS/m) in the upper 4” (10 cm)) of mineral soil; salt tolerant plants dominate site (i.e. greasewood, alkali sacaton, Nuttall’s alkaligrass, alkli bluegrass, alkali cordgrass, inland saltgrass, etc)²
- Seasonal water table > 40” (100 cm) below mineral soil surface; site regularly receives higher than normal soil moisture because of run in or stream overflow
- Site receives additional effective moisture¹ (If No, Go to B)
- Site with a water table present for at least part of the growing season, site dominated by hydrophytic plants
- Site has a seasonal water table
- Soil is saline, saline-sodic, or sodic⁵ (SAR ≥ 13, or an EC ≥≥ 4 dS/m) in the upper 4” (10 cm)) of mineral soil; salt tolerant plants dominate site (i.e. greasewood, alkali sacaton, Nuttall’s alkaligrass, alkli bluegrass, alkali cordgrass, inland saltgrass, etc)²
- Seasonal water table > 40” (100 cm) below mineral soil surface; site regularly receives higher than normal soil moisture because of run in or stream overflow
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site receives additional effective moisture¹ (If No, Go to B)
- Site receives periodic overflow from adjacent slopes, but no water table within 78” (200 cm)
- Soil is saline, saline-sodic, or sodic⁵; site typically occurs on stream terraces along incised channels, and is dominated by greasewood² and other salt tolerant plants (i.e. Gardner’s saltbush, alkali sacaton)²
- Site receives additional effective moisture¹ (If No, Go to B)
- Site receives periodic overflow from adjacent slopes, but no water table within 78” (200 cm)
- Soil is saline, saline-sodic, or sodic⁵; site typically occurs on stream terraces along incised channels, and is dominated by greasewood² and other salt tolerant plants (i.e. Gardner’s saltbush, alkali sacaton)²
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site receives additional effective moisture¹ (If No, Go to B)
- Site with a water table present for at least part of the growing season, site dominated by hydrophytic plants (ie. Wetland sedges, bulrushes, willows, tufted hairgrass, etc)
- Site has a seasonal water table
- Soil is saline, saline-sodic, or sodic⁵ (SAR ≥ 13, or an EC ≥ 4 dS/m) in the upper 4” (10 cm)) of mineral soil; salt tolerant plants dominate site (i.e. greasewood, alkali sacaton, Nuttall’s alkaligrass, alkli bluegrass, alkali cordgrass, inland saltgrass, etc)²
- Seasonal water table is between 12-40” (30-100 cm) below the soil surface
- Site receives additional effective moisture¹ (If No, Go to B)
- Site with a water table present for at least part of the growing season, site dominated by hydrophytic plants
- Site has a seasonal water table
- Soil is saline, saline-sodic, or sodic⁵ (SAR ≥ 13, or an EC ≥≥ 4 dS/m) in the upper 4” (10 cm)) of mineral soil; salt tolerant plants dominate site (i.e. greasewood, alkali sacaton, Nuttall’s alkaligrass, alkli bluegrass, alkali cordgrass, inland saltgrass, etc)²
- Seasonal water table is between 12-40” (30-100 cm) below the soil surface
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site receives additional effective moisture¹ (If No, Go to B)
- Site with a water table present for at least part of the growing season, site dominated by hydrophytic plants (ie. Wetland sedges, bulrushes, willows, tufted hairgrass, etc)
- Site has a seasonal water table
- Soil is non-saline, non-saline-sodic, or non-sodic
- Seasonal water table is between 12-40” (30-100 cm) below the soil surface
- Site receives additional effective moisture¹ (If No, Go to B)
- Site with a water table present for at least part of the growing season, site dominated by hydrophytic plants
- Site has a seasonal water table
- Soil is non-saline, non-saline-sodic, or non-sodic
- Seasonal water table is between 12-40” (30-100 cm) below the soil surface
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site receives additional effective moisture¹ (If No, Go to B)
- Site with a water table present for at least part of the growing season, site dominated by hydrophytic plants (ie. Wetland sedges, bulrushes, willows, tufted hairgrass, etc)
- Site has water above soil surface for part of the growing season, and a water table present within 0-12” (0-30 cm) annually
- Site receives additional effective moisture¹ (If No, Go to B)
- Site with a water table present for at least part of the growing season, site dominated by hydrophytic plants
- Site has water above soil surface for part of the growing season, and a water table present within 0-12” (0-30 cm) annually
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture¹
- Soil is non-saline, non-saline-sodic, or non-sodic
- Soil is moderately deep to very deep (≥ 20” (50 cm) to bedrock (lithic or paralithic contact)
- Soil is not skeletal in the upper 20” (50 cm) of the mineral soil surface
- Soil has < 35% clay throughout the upper 20” (50 cm) of the mineral soil – may see individual horizons that are above 35% clay, but on average, the soil profile is less than 35% clays
- Soil has ≥ 18% but < 35% clay starting within the upper 8” (20 cm) of mineral soil surface
- Soil is non-calcareous within 20” (50 cm) of the mineral soil surface
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture¹
- Soil is saline, saline-sodic, or sodic⁵ (SAR ≥ 13, or an EC ≥ 4 dS/m) in the upper 20” (50 cm) of the mineral soil surface; site is dominated by salt tolerant plants (i.e. Gardner’s saltbush, greasewood, alkali sacaton, alkali seepweed, etc)
- Soil is shallow to very deep (≥10” (25 cm) to bedrock (lithic or paralithic contact))
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture¹
- Soil is non-saline, non-saline-sodic, or non-sodic
- Soil is moderately deep to very deep (≥ 20” (50 cm) to bedrock (lithic or paralithic contact)
- Soil is not skeletal in the upper 20” (50 cm) of the mineral soil surface
- Soil has < 35% clay throughout the upper 20” (50 cm) of the mineral soil – may see individual horizons that are above 35% clay, but on average, the soil profile is less than 35% clays
- Soil has < 18% clay throughout the upper 20” (50 cm) of mineral soil surface; may see clay increase below 8" (20cm) of mineral soil surface
- Soil has < 18% clay starting within the upper 4” (10 cm) from the mineral soil surface; soil textures include loamy very fine sands to loams
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture¹
- Soil is non-saline, non-saline-sodic, or non-sodic
- Soil is moderately deep to very deep (≥ 20” (50 cm) to bedrock (lithic or paralithic contact)
- Soil is not skeletal in the upper 20” (50 cm) of the mineral soil surface
- Soil has < 35% clay throughout the upper 20” (50 cm) of the mineral soil – may see individual horizons that are above 35% clay, but on average, the soil profile is less than 35% clays
- Soil has ≥ 18% but < 35% clay starting within the upper 8” (20 cm) of mineral soil surface
- Soil is non-calcareous within 20” (50 cm) of the mineral soil surface
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture¹
- Soil is saline, saline-sodic, or sodic⁵ (SAR ≥ 13, or an EC ≥ 4 dS/m) in the upper 20” (50 cm) of the mineral soil surface; site is dominated by salt tolerant plants (i.e. Gardner’s saltbush, greasewood, alkali sacaton, alkali seepweed, etc)
- Soil is shallow to very deep (≥10” (25 cm) to bedrock (lithic or paralithic contact))
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture¹
- Soil is non-saline, non-saline-sodic, or non-sodic
- Soil is moderately deep to very deep (≥ 20” (50 cm) to bedrock (lithic or paralithic contact)
- Soil is not skeletal in the upper 20” (50 cm) of the mineral soil surface
- Soil has < 35% clay throughout the upper 20” (50 cm) of the mineral soil – may see individual horizons that are above 35% clay, but on average, the soil profile is less than 35% clays
- Soil has < 18% clay throughout the upper 20” (50 cm) of mineral soil surface; clay may increase below 8" (20 cm) of mineral soil surface
- Soil has < 18% clay starting within the upper 4” (10 cm) from the mineral soil surface; soil textures include loamy very fine sands to loams
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Soil depth >8"
- Soils depth deep (>15”)
- Upland site that does not receive significant additional moisture as above
- Sites that are not saline and/or alkaline
- Sites without high volume of coarse fragments
- Soils textures are heavy and range from silty clay to heavy clay, slight to severe soil cracking in dry conditions. Textures range from silty clay through finer silty and sandy clay loams, soil cracking common during dry summer months, though not severe, Big Sagebrush more common woody species
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Soil depth >8"
- Soils depth deep (>15”)
- Upland site that does not receive significant additional moisture as above
- Sites that are not saline and/or alkaline
- Sites with a high volume of coarse fragments in top 20” (>35% by volume)
- Site occurs in a variety of upland positions, majority of coarse fragments greater than 3” in diameter found in abundance on surface, at least 35% volume of coarse fragments in top 20”, generally increasing with depth, Bluebunch Wheatgrass common
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Soil depth >8"
- Soils depth deep (>15”)
- Upland site that does not receive significant additional moisture as above
- Sites that are not saline and/or alkaline
- Sites with a high volume of coarse fragments in top 20” (>35% by volume)
- Site occurs along terrace breaks or steep slopes with the majority of coarse fragments from 2 mm to 3” in diameter covering 50-75% of surface and making up 40-50% volume in top 20”, may have lime horizon below 12 inches, Bluebunch Wheatgrass and variety of woody plants may be present, productivity low
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Soil depth very shallow (<8-10”), possibly with areas of exposed bedrock and pockets of deep soil OR deep heavy clay soils with a high concentration of exchangeable sodium throughout the profile
- Soils are very fine textured and have a high concentration of exchangeable sodium throughout the profile, Birdfoot Sage common woody species
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Soil depth >8"
- Soils depth deep (>15”)
- Upland site that does not receive significant additional moisture as above
- Sites that are not saline and/or alkaline
- Sites without high volume of coarse fragments
- Soils not as above
- Soils not as above - sandy loams to clay loams, moderate textures
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Soil depth >8"
- Soils depth deep (>15”)
- Site that receives significant additional moisture from runoff of adjacent slopes or from intermittent/perennial streams or a water table
- Sites that are not saline and/or alkaline
- Site adjacent to intermittent/perennial stream and water table usually >3 feet (within rooting depth of woody plants, but not within rooting depth of herbaceous plants), cottonwoods or remnants thereof may be present
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Soil depth >8"
- Soils depth deep (>15”)
- Site that receives significant additional moisture from runoff of adjacent slopes or from intermittent/perennial streams or a water table
- Sites that are saline and/or alkaline
- Site adjacent to intermittent/perennial stream, occasionally receiving overflow water, and water table usually >3 feet (within rooting depth of woody plants, but not within rooting depth of herbaceous plants), Greasewood and Alkali Sacaton common species
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Soil depth >8"
- Soils depth deep (>15”)
- Site that receives significant additional moisture from runoff of adjacent slopes or from intermittent/perennial streams or a water table
- Sites that are saline and/or alkaline
- Water table within rooting depth of herbaceous species (typically 20-40”) during some or most of the growing season, salt crusts can be found on ridges and mounds during dry periods, Alkali sacaton & Nuttalls alkaligrass common species
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Soil depth >8"
- Soils depth deep (>15”)
- Upland site that does not receive significant additional moisture as above
- Sites that are saline and/or alkaline, Gardners Saltbush and/or Winterfat common species
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Soil depth >8"
- Soils depth deep (>15”)
- Upland site that does not receive significant additional moisture as above
- Sites that are not saline and/or alkaline
- Sites without high volume of coarse fragments
- Soils not as above
- Soil textures are coarse and range from fine sandy loam to sand
- Soils coarse, loamy sand to sand textures, sometimes as dunes, dark or light colored, Needleandthread and prairie sandreed are abundant species
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Soil depth >8"
- Soils depth deep (>15”)
- Upland site that does not receive significant additional moisture as above
- Sites that are not saline and/or alkaline
- Sites without high volume of coarse fragments
- Soils not as above
- Soil textures are coarse and range from fine sandy loam to sand
- Soils fine sandy loams, sandy loams, or loamy sands in texture, light or dark colored, Needleandthread and Indian Ricegrass are abundant species
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Soil depth very shallow (<8-10”), possibly with areas of exposed bedrock and pockets of deep soil OR deep heavy clay soils with a high concentration of exchangeable sodium throughout the profile
- Site not as above
- Site found in uplands, slopes typically 5-25%, WITH many outcrops of clay shale bedrock that may be saline and/or alkaline in various degrees, Gardners Saltbush common woody species
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Soil depth >8"
- Soil depth shallow (8-15”) OR may be deep (>15”), gravelly and/or cobbly soils on south and west facing slopes which react like shallow soils
- Silty clays or heavier textured soils over clay shale bedrock, soil may develop large cracks when dry, Bud Sage, birdfoot sage and Gardner’s saltbush common woody species
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Soil depth >8"
- Soil depth shallow (8-15”) OR may be deep (>15”), gravelly and/or cobbly soils on south and west facing slopes which react like shallow soils
- Soils not as above, including gravelly and/or cobbly soils on south and west facing slopes which react like shallow soils
- Very fine sandy loams to clay loam textured soils over various bedrock types (commonly limestone, siltstone, or shale)
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Soil depth >8"
- Soil depth shallow (8-15”) OR may be deep (>15”), gravelly and/or cobbly soils on south and west facing slopes which react like shallow soils
- Soils not as above, including gravelly and/or cobbly soils on south and west facing slopes which react like shallow soils
- Fine sandy loams or coarser textured soils over sandstone or sandy shale, Needleandthread and Indian Ricegrass common grass species on site
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Soil depth very shallow (<8-10”), possibly with areas of exposed bedrock and pockets of deep soil OR deep heavy clay soils with a high concentration of exchangeable sodium throughout the profile
- Site not as above
- Site not as above, upland with steep slopes (25-50%), commonly on windswept ridges, fractured bedrock of various types, and Juniper occasionally found on at higher elevations
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Soil depth >8"
- Soils depth deep (>15”)
- Site that receives significant additional moisture from runoff of adjacent slopes or from intermittent/perennial streams or a water table
- Sites that are not saline and/or alkaline
- Site poorly drained with water table above surface part of growing season, Nebraska Sedge and Willows common species
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Soil depth >8"
- Soils depth deep (>15”)
- Upland site that does not receive significant additional moisture as above
- Sites that are not saline and/or alkaline
- Sites without high volume of coarse fragments
- Soils textures are heavy and range from silty clay to heavy clay, slight to severe soil cracking in dry conditions. Textures range from silty clay through finer silty and sandy clay loams, soil cracking common during dry summer months, though not severe, Big Sagebrush more common woody species
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Soil depth >8"
- Soils depth deep (>15”)
- Upland site that does not receive significant additional moisture as above
- Sites that are not saline and/or alkaline
- Sites with a high volume of coarse fragments in top 20” (>35% by volume)
- Site occurs in a variety of upland positions, majority of coarse fragments greater than 3” in diameter found in abundance on surface, at least 35% volume of coarse fragments in top 20”, generally increasing with depth, Bluebunch Wheatgrass common
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Soil depth >8"
- Soils depth deep (>15”)
- Upland site that does not receive significant additional moisture as above
- Sites that are not saline and/or alkaline
- Sites with a high volume of coarse fragments in top 20” (>35% by volume)
- Site occurs along terrace breaks or steep slopes with the majority of coarse fragments from 2 mm to 3” in diameter covering 50-75% of surface and making up 40-50% volume in top 20”, may have lime horizon below 12 inches, Bluebunch Wheatgrass and variety of woody plants may be present, productivity low
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Soil depth very shallow (<8-10”), possibly with areas of exposed bedrock and pockets of deep soil OR deep heavy clay soils with a high concentration of exchangeable sodium throughout the profile
- Soils are very fine textured and have a high concentration of exchangeable sodium throughout the profile, Birdfoot Sage common woody species
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Soil depth >8"
- Soils depth deep (>15”)
- Upland site that does not receive significant additional moisture as above
- Sites that are not saline and/or alkaline
- Sites without high volume of coarse fragments
- Soils not as above
- Soils not as above - sandy loams to clay loams, moderate textures
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Soil depth >8"
- Soils depth deep (>15”)
- Site that receives significant additional moisture from runoff of adjacent slopes or from intermittent/perennial streams or a water table
- Sites that are not saline and/or alkaline
- Site adjacent to intermittent/perennial stream and water table usually >3 feet (within rooting depth of woody plants, but not within rooting depth of herbaceous plants), cottonwoods or remnants thereof may be present
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Soil depth >8"
- Soils depth deep (>15”)
- Site that receives significant additional moisture from runoff of adjacent slopes or from intermittent/perennial streams or a water table
- Sites that are saline and/or alkaline
- Site not as above
- Site adjacent to intermittent/perennial stream, occasionally receiving overflow water, and water table usually >3 feet (within rooting depth of woody plants, but not within rooting depth of herbaceous plants), Greasewood and Alkali Sacaton common species
-
ProvisionalR032XY240WY/R032XY240WYSaline Lowland Drained (SLDr) 5-9” Wind River Basin Precipitation ZoneiKey Characteristics
- Soil depth >8"
- Soils depth deep (>15”)
- Site that receives significant additional moisture from runoff of adjacent slopes or from intermittent/perennial streams or a water table
- Sites that are saline and/or alkaline
- Site not as above
- Site receives periodic overflow from adjacent slopes, but it is typically channeled into gullies so that plants are not receiving benefit from additional moisture, greasewood and Gardners saltbush common species, big sage sometimes present
-
ProvisionalR032XY242WY/R032XY242WYSaline Subirrigated (SS) 5-9” Wind River Basin Precipitation Zonei
Key Characteristics
- Soil depth >8"
- Soils depth deep (>15”)
- Site that receives significant additional moisture from runoff of adjacent slopes or from intermittent/perennial streams or a water table
- Sites that are saline and/or alkaline
- Water table within rooting depth of herbaceous species (typically 20-40”) during some or most of the growing season, salt crusts can be found on ridges and mounds during dry periods, Alkali sacaton & Nuttalls alkaligrass common species
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Soil depth >8"
- Soils depth deep (>15”)
- Upland site that does not receive significant additional moisture as above
- Sites that are saline and/or alkaline, Gardners Saltbush and/or Winterfat common species
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Soil depth >8"
- Soils depth deep (>15”)
- Upland site that does not receive significant additional moisture as above
- Sites that are not saline and/or alkaline
- Sites without high volume of coarse fragments
- Soils not as above
- Soil textures are coarse and range from fine sandy loam to sand
- Soils coarse, loamy sand to sand textures, sometimes as dunes, dark or light colored, Needleandthread and prairie sandreed are abundant species
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Soil depth >8"
- Soil depth shallow (8-15”) OR may be deep (>15”), gravelly and/or cobbly soils on south and west facing slopes which react like shallow soils
- Soils not as above, including gravelly and/or cobbly soils on south and west facing slopes which react like shallow soils
- Fine sandy loams or coarser textured soils
- Soils shallow (less than 20” to bedrock) intermingled with areas of Sands, Shallow Sandy and Sandy Ecological Sites. Bedrock is sandstone over soft shale bedrock, Desert Wyethia is common on site
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Soil depth >8"
- Soils depth deep (>15”)
- Upland site that does not receive significant additional moisture as above
- Sites that are not saline and/or alkaline
- Sites without high volume of coarse fragments
- Soils not as above
- Soil textures are coarse and range from fine sandy loam to sand
- Soils fine sandy loams, sandy loams, or loamy sands in texture, light or dark colored, Needleandthread and Indian Ricegrass are abundant species
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Soil depth very shallow (<8-10”), possibly with areas of exposed bedrock and pockets of deep soil OR deep heavy clay soils with a high concentration of exchangeable sodium throughout the profile
- Site not as above
- Site found in uplands, slopes typically 5-25%, WITH many outcrops of clay shale bedrock that may be saline and/or alkaline in various degrees, Gardners Saltbush common woody species
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Soil depth >8"
- Soil depth shallow (8-15”) OR may be deep (>15”), gravelly and/or cobbly soils on south and west facing slopes which react like shallow soils
- Silty clays or heavier textured soils over clay shale bedrock, soil may develop large cracks when dry, Bud Sage, birdfoot sage and Gardner’s saltbush common woody species
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Soil depth >8"
- Soil depth shallow (8-15”) OR may be deep (>15”), gravelly and/or cobbly soils on south and west facing slopes which react like shallow soils
- Soils not as above, including gravelly and/or cobbly soils on south and west facing slopes which react like shallow soils
- Very fine sandy loams to clay loam textured soils over various bedrock types (commonly limestone, siltstone, or shale)
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Soil depth >8"
- Soil depth shallow (8-15”) OR may be deep (>15”), gravelly and/or cobbly soils on south and west facing slopes which react like shallow soils
- Soils not as above, including gravelly and/or cobbly soils on south and west facing slopes which react like shallow soils
- Fine sandy loams or coarser textured soils
- Fine sandy loams or coarser textured soils over sandstone or sandy shale, Needleandthread and Indian Ricegrass common grass species on site
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Soil depth very shallow (<8-10”), possibly with areas of exposed bedrock and pockets of deep soil OR deep heavy clay soils with a high concentration of exchangeable sodium throughout the profile
- Site not as above
- Site not as above, upland with steep slopes (25-50%), commonly on windswept ridges, fractured bedrock of various types, and Juniper occasionally found on at higher elevations
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Soil depth >8"
- Soils depth deep (>15”)
- Site that receives significant additional moisture from runoff of adjacent slopes or from intermittent/perennial streams or a water table
- Sites that are not saline and/or alkaline
- Site poorly drained with water table above surface part of growing season, Nebraska Sedge and Willows common species
-
i
Key Characteristics
- [Criteria]
- Soil depth moderately deep to deep (>20”)
- Sites that are not saline and/or alkaline
- Sites without high volume of coarse fragments
- Soil textures are heavy, slight to severe soil cracking in dry conditions. Soil textures range from silty clay through finer silty and sandy clay loams, soil cracking common during dry summer months, though not severe, Big Sagebrush more common, but sparse, with a lot of western wheatgrass
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site in a lowland position that receives significant additional moisture from runoff of adjacent slopes or from intermittent/perennial streams or a water table (HIGH Productivity Potential)
- Sites that are not saline and/or alkaline
- Site not as above
- Site not as above
- Site not as above
- Site similar to above with heavy textured soils (finer portions of silty clay loams to sandy clay loams and clay loams), heavy presence of rhizomatous wheatgrasses
-
i
Key Characteristics
- [Criteria]
- Soil depth moderately deep to deep (>20”)
- Sites that are not saline and/or alkaline
- Sites with a high volume of coarse fragments in top 20” (>35% by volume)
- Site occurs in a variety of upland positions, coarse fragments found in abundance on surface, at least 35% volume of coarse fragments in top 20”, generally increasing with depth, bluebunch wheatgrass, bitterbrush, and a variety of other shrubs, production higher
-
i
Key Characteristics
- [Criteria]
- Soil depth moderately deep to deep (>20”)
- Sites that are not saline and/or alkaline
- Sites with a high volume of coarse fragments in top 20” (>35% by volume)
- Site occurs along terrace breaks or steep slopes with coarse fragments up to 10” diameter covering 50-75% of surface and making up 40-50% volume in top 20”, may have lime horizon below 12 inches, bluebunch wheatgrass and variety of woody plants may be present, productivity low
-
i
Key Characteristics
- [Criteria]
- Soil depth moderately deep to deep (>20”)
- Sites that are not saline and/or alkaline
- Sites without high volume of coarse fragments
- Soil textures not as above
- Soils very fine sandy loams to clay loams, good variety and even mix of grass species
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site in a lowland position that receives significant additional moisture from runoff of adjacent slopes or from intermittent/perennial streams or a water table (HIGH Productivity Potential)
- Sites that are not saline and/or alkaline
- Site not as above
- Site not as above
- Site in a lowland position, adjacent to intermittent/perennial stream and water table usually >3 feet (within rooting depth of woody plants, but not within rooting depth of herbaceous plants), cottonwoods or remnants thereof may be present, gravel bars and pockets of bare gravel often present, woods rose and other woody species common
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site in a lowland position that receives significant additional moisture from runoff of adjacent slopes or from intermittent/perennial streams or a water table (HIGH Productivity Potential)
- Sites that are not saline and/or alkaline
- Site not as above
- Site not as above
- Site not as above
- Site receives periodic overflow from adjacent slopes, but without a water table within rooting depth of woody plants, basin big sagebrush, silver sage, slender wheatgrass and/or Canby bluegrass common
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site in a lowland position that receives significant additional moisture from runoff of adjacent slopes or from intermittent/perennial streams or a water table (HIGH Productivity Potential)
- Sites that are saline and/or alkaline, dominated by salt tolerant species (Greasewood, inland saltgrass, alkali sacaton, alkali muhly)
- Site not as above
- Site in a lowland position and water table usually >3 feet (within rooting depth of woody plants, but not within rooting depth of herbaceous plants), dominated by alkali sacaton, greasewood, inland saltgrass, basin wildrye (no big sage on this site)
-
i
Key Characteristics
- [Criteria]
- Soil depth moderately deep to deep (>20”)
- Sites that are saline and/or alkaline
- Site receives periodic overflow from adjacent slopes, but water typically channeled into gullies so that plants are not receiving a lot of benefit from additional moisture, greasewood and Gardners saltbush common species, big sage sometimes present
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site in a lowland position that receives significant additional moisture from runoff of adjacent slopes or from intermittent/perennial streams or a water table (HIGH Productivity Potential)
- Sites that are saline and/or alkaline, dominated by salt tolerant species (Greasewood, inland saltgrass, alkali sacaton, alkali muhly)
- Water table within rooting depth of herbaceous species (typically 20-40”) during some or most of the growing season, dominated by grasses such as alkali sacaton, Nuttall’s alkaligrass, alkali bluegrass, alkali cordgrass, basin wildrye (typically no shrubs present)
-
i
Key Characteristics
- [Criteria]
- Soil depth moderately deep to deep (>20”)
- Sites that are saline and/or alkaline
- Gardners saltbush, winterfat common (if root restrictive layer present and production very low consider go to Shale)
-
i
Key Characteristics
- [Criteria]
- Soil depth moderately deep to deep (>20”)
- Sites that are not saline and/or alkaline
- Sites without high volume of coarse fragments
- Soil textures not as above
- Soils fine sandy loams to loamy sands, light or dark colored, Needleandthread and Indian Ricegrass are abundant species
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Upland site that does not receive additional moisture as above
- Soil depth very shallow (<10”), shallow (10-20”) OR deep (>20”) on south and west facing slopes which react like shallow soils (LOW productivity potential)
- Soils very shallow (<10”), but include areas of exposed bedrock and pockets of deep soil, often on steep (up to 55%) south and west facing slopes with LOW productivity potential
- Bedrock is soft or hard clay shale bedrock that may be saline and/or alkaline in various degrees, Gardner’s saltbush common species, productivity very low
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i
Key Characteristics
- [Criteria]
- Site not as above
- Fine sandy loams or coarser textured soils over sandstone or sandy shale, needleandthread, Indian ricegrass & bluebunch dominant grass species on site
- Very fine sandy loams to clay loam textured soils over various bedrock types (commonly limestone, siltstone, or shale)
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i
Key Characteristics
- Site in a lowland position that receives significant additional moisture from runoff of adjacent slopes or from intermittent/perennial streams or a water table (HIGH Productivity Potential)
- Sites that are not saline and/or alkaline
- Site not as above
- Water table within rooting depth of herbaceous species (typically above 20”) during part of the growing season, basin wildrye, shrubby cinquefoil, and willows may be present
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i
Key Characteristics
- Upland site that does not receive additional moisture as above
- Soil depth very shallow (<10”), shallow (10-20”) OR deep (>20”) on south and west facing slopes which react like shallow soils (LOW productivity potential)
- Soils very shallow (<10”), but include areas of exposed bedrock and pockets of deep soil, often on steep (up to 55%) south and west facing slopes with LOW productivity potential
- Site not as above, commonly on windswept ridges, fractured bedrock of various types, and Juniper occasionally found on at higher elevations, productivity very low, bluebunch wheatgrass (if productivity is high and coarse fragments are present, go to Gravelly or Shallow*)
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i
Key Characteristics
- Site in a lowland position that receives significant additional moisture from runoff of adjacent slopes or from intermittent/perennial streams or a water table (HIGH Productivity Potential)
- Sites that are not saline and/or alkaline
- Site poorly drained with water table above surface part of growing season, Nebraska sedge and willows common species
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Zoom in to display soil survey map units for an area of interest, and zoom out to display MLRAs. Select a map unit polygon to view ecological sites correlated to that map unit. View a brief description of an ecological site by clicking on its name in the map popup. Soil survey correlations may not be accurate, and ecological site classification of a location should always be verified in the field. Each selection may require the transfer of several hundred KB of data.
Ecological site keys
MLRA 32 LRU 01 Subset A ECOLOGICAL SITE KEY
I.
Site receives additional effective moisture¹ (If No, Go to B)
A.
Site with a water table present for at least part of the growing season, site dominated by hydrophytic plants (ie. Wetland sedges, bulrushes, willows, tufted hairgrass, etc)
1
Site has water above soil surface for part of the growing season, and a water table present within 0-12” (0-30 cm) annually
... DX032X01W178 – Wetland (WL) Big Horn Basin Wet
2
Site has a seasonal water table
i.
Soil is saline, saline-sodic, or sodic⁵ (SAR ≥ 13, or an EC ≥ 4 dS/m) in the upper 4” (10 cm)) of mineral soil; salt tolerant plants dominate site (i.e. greasewood, alkali sacaton, Nuttall’s alkaligrass, alkli bluegrass, alkali cordgrass, inland saltgrass, etc)²
a.
Seasonal water table is between 12-40” (30-100 cm) below the soil surface
... DX032X01W142 – Saline Subirrigated (SS) Big Horn Basin Wet
b.
Seasonal water table > 40” (100 cm) below mineral soil surface; site regularly receives higher than normal soil moisture because of run in or stream overflow
... DX032X01W138 – Saline Lowland (SL) Big Horn Basin Wet
ii.
Soil is non-saline, non-saline-sodic, or non-sodic
a.
Seasonal water table is between 12-40” (30-100 cm) below the soil surface
... DX032X01W174 – Subirrigated (Sb) Big Horn Basin Wet
b.
Seasonal water table > 40” (100 cm) below the mineral soil surface; site regularly receives higher than normal soil moisture because of run in or stream overflow
... DX032X01W128 – Lowland (LL) Big Horn Basin Wet
B.
Site receives periodic overflow from adjacent slopes, but no water table within 78” (200 cm)
1
Soil is saline, saline-sodic, or sodic⁵; site typically occurs on stream terraces along incised channels, and is dominated by greasewood² and other salt tolerant plants (i.e. Gardner’s saltbush, alkali sacaton)²
... DX032X01W140 – Saline Lowland Drained (SLDr) Big Horn Basin Wet
2
Soil is non-saline, non-saline-sodic, or non-sodic, occur on floodplain steps, terraces, concave landscape positions, and positions lower in the landscape
i.
Soil has ≥ 35% clay in the upper 8” (20 cm) of mineral soil surface
... DX032X01W106 – Clayey Overflow (CyO) Big Horn Basin Wet
ii.
Soil has < 35% clay in the upper 8” (20 cm) of mineral soil surface
... DX032X01W130 – Overflow (Ov) Big Horn Basin Wet
II.
Site does not receive additional effective moisture¹
A.
Soil is saline, saline-sodic, or sodic⁵ (SAR ≥ 13, or an EC ≥ 4 dS/m) in the upper 20” (50 cm) of the mineral soil surface; site is dominated by salt tolerant plants (i.e. Gardner’s saltbush, greasewood, alkali sacaton, alkali seepweed, etc)²
1
Soil is very shallow (< 10” (25 cm) to shale (lithic or paralithic contact)); productivity very low
... DX032X01A154 – Shale (Sh) Big Horn Basin Core
2
Soil is shallow to very deep (≥10” (25 cm) to bedrock (lithic or paralithic contact))
i.
Soil has ≥ 35% clay starting within 4” (10 cm) of the mineral soil surface
... DX032X01A143 – Saline Upland Clayey (SUC) Big Horn Basin Core
ii.
Soil has < 18% clay starting within 4” (10 cm) of the mineral soil surface
... DX032X01A145 – Saline Upland Sandy (SUS) Big Horn Basin Core
iii.
Soil has ≥ 18% but < 35% clay starting within 4” (10 cm) of the mineral soil surface
... DX032X01A141 – Saline Upland Loamy (SUL) Big Horn Basin Core
B.
Soil is non-saline, non-saline-sodic, or non-sodic
1
Soil is very shallow (< 10” (25 cm) or shallow (< 20” (50 cm) to bedrock (lithic or paralithic contact)
i.
Soil is very shallow to bedrock, commonly on windswept ridges and escarpments, productivity very low (if productivity is higher than expected and > 35% rock fragments are present use II.B.2i.a.1) Gravelly (Gr)
... DX032X01A176 – Very Shallow (VS) Big Horn Basin Core
ii.
Soil is shallow to bedrock
2
Soil is moderately deep to very deep (≥ 20” (50 cm) to bedrock (lithic or paralithic contact)
i.
Soil is skeletal (≥ 35% rock fragments⁷ ) in the upper 20” (50 cm) of mineral soil surface
a.
Soil is skeletal throughout the majority of the upper 20” (50 cm) of mineral soil surface
1)
Soil has < 18% clay; surface fragments and fragments in the soil profile are dominantly < 3” (76mm) in diameter, but may range in size
... DX032X01A112 – Gravelly (Gr) Big Horn Basin Core
2)
Soil has ≥ 18% but < 60% clay; surface fragments and fragments in the soil profile are dominantly ≥ 3” (76mm) in diameter but < 10” (250 mm), but may range in size
a)
Violent³ effervescence starting within 4” (10 cm) of the mineral soil surface, calcium carbonate increases with depth⁴
... DX032X01B121 – Limy Skeletal (LiSk) Big Horn Basin Rim
b)
None to strong³ effervescence in the upper 4” (10 cm) of mineral soil surface
... DX032X01A175 – Skeletal (Sk) Big Horn Basin Core
b.
Soil is skeletal starting within 8-20” (20-50 cm) of the mineral soil surface
1)
Soil has ≥ 18% but < 60% clay in the upper 10” (25 cm) of mineral soil, decreasing to < 18% clay within 10-20” (25-50 cm) of the mineral soil surface
a)
Violent³ effervescence starting within 4” (10 cm) of the mineral soil surface, calcium carbonate increases with depth⁴
... DX032X01B172 – Stony Upland (StU) Big Horn Basin Rim
b)
None to strong³ effervescence in the upper 4” (10 cm) of the mineral soil surface
... DX032X01A167 – Shallow To Gravel (SwGr) Big Horn Basin Core
2)
Soil has ≥ 18% but < 60% clay throughout the upper 20” (50 cm) of the mineral soil sruface
a)
Fragments typically consisting of stones and boulders (fragments > 10" (250 mm) in diameter), surface fragments (5-15%) are dominantly stones and boulders (specific to glacial outwash by Clark, WY; for other correlations use b) cobbly upland) -
... DX032X01B172 – Stony Upland (StU) Big Horn Basin Rim
b)
Fragments typically consisting of cobbles (fragments are dominantly > 3” (76 mm) but < 10” (250 mm) in diameter); few stones and boulders (0-5%) are present
... DX032X01A109 – Cobbly Upland (CoU) Big Horn Basin Core
ii.
Soil is not skeletal in the upper 20” (50 cm) of the mineral soil surface
a.
Soil has ≥ 35% clay throughout the upper 20” (50 cm) of the mineral soil – may have a lighter textured cap or may decrease lower in the profile
1)
Abrupt clay increase⁶ to > 40% clay present within 4-8” (10-20 cm) of the mineral soil surface, severe surface cracking during dry conditions; plant dominated by birdfoot sagebrush
... DX032X01A110 – Dense Clay (DC) Big Horn Basin Core
2)
Soil has ≥ 35% clay starting within the upper 4” (10 cm) and continues throughout the upper 20” (50 cm) of mineral soil surface
... DX032X01A104 – Clayey (Cy) Big Horn Basin Core
b.
Soil has < 35% clay throughout the upper 20” (50 cm) of the mineral soil – may see individual horizons that are above 35% clay, but on average, the soil profile is less than 35% clays
1)
Soil has < 18% clay throughout the upper 20” (50 cm) of mineral soil surface; may see clay increase below 8" (20 cm) of mineral soil surface
a)
Soil has < 15% clay starting within the upper 4” (10 cm) from the mineral soil surface and lacks structure; soil textures include coarse sands to loamy fine sand
... DX032X01A146 – Sands (Sa) Big Horn Basin Core
b)
Soil has < 18% clay starting within the upper 4” (10 cm) from the mineral soil surface; soil textures include loamy very fine sands to loams
... DX032X01A150 – Sandy (Sy) Big Horn Basin Core
2)
Soil has ≥ 18% but < 35% clay starting within the upper 8” (20 cm) of mineral soil surface⁴
a)
Soil is calcareous (violent effervescence³) within 20” (50 cm) of the mineral soil surface
(1)
Soil is calcareous within the upper 4” (10 cm) of mineral soil surface; calcium carbonate increases with depth⁴ (for soils between 4 and 8 inches start of calcareous layer, use STM to assist decision)
... DX032X01B120 – Limy Upland (LiU) Big Horn Basin Rim
(2)
Soil is calcareous starting within the upper 8-20” (20 to 50 cm) of the mineral soil surface⁴
... DX032X01B123 – Loamy Calcareous (LyCa) Big Horn Basin Rim
b)
Soil is non-calcareous within 20” (50 cm) of the mineral soil surface
... DX032X01A122 – Loamy (Ly) Big Horn Basin Core
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1 1. For areas that receive additional moisture through snow trapping, consider adjusting to a wetter LRU or Subset consistent with the vegetation observed for the site keyed. It is anticipated that most snow-trap sites will not have a water table.
-
2 2. Specific plant species listed in the key are not to be used as the only determining factor. Management or disturbance may have removed or altered the plant composition that could reflect the wrong ecological site.
-
3 3. Soils derived from Dolomite or similar geology may not react as “violently” as other calcareous parent materials; dolomite site may be limy or loamy calcareous with only a strong effervescence. Soils with <18% clays only need a CCE of 5% to be calcic or calcareous, while soils with >18% clays need a CCE of 15%.
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4 4. Ecological site does not fit within one LRU, written to encompass Subset A and B, labeled as 032X01B or 032XB in the BHB.
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5 5. Saline, saline sodic, and sodic soils have a pH of 7.9 to 9.0 and an EC (electrical conductivity) > 4 dS/m [dS/m = mmhos/cm]. Salts, including gypsum will lower the pH without affecting the EC, but may still fit into the salt effected sites. Soils that are sodic generally have a SAR of ≥ 13 typically have a pH of 8.8 or higher.
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6 6. The Dense Clay ecological site will have a lighter textured cap or “A” horizon with an abrupt clay increase, commonly the clay percent will then decrease as move lower in the profile. The abrupt increase in the upper portion of the profile with significant cracking is the key for this site. The Clayey ecological site may have a lighter textured cap but typically maintains or increases in clay as move through the profile. The presence of birdfoot sagebrush and lack of Wyoming sagebrush is a plant indicator for the Dense Clay ecological site.
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7 7. When calculating percent rock fragments in the profile to determine if a site is skeletal, pararock fragments (parachanners) are not considered, however, channers are. The difference between a parachanner and a channer is how “hard” the rock is. Soft flat fragments (ruptured by hand) are parachanners, while harder flat fragments are channers.
MLRA 32 LRU 01 Subset B ECOLOGICAL SITE KEY
I.
Site receives additional effective moisture¹ (If No, Go to B)
A.
Site with a water table present for at least part of the growing season, site dominated by hydrophytic plants
1
Site has water above soil surface for part of the growing season, and a water table present within 0-12” (0-30 cm) annually
... DX032X01W178 – Wetland (WL) Big Horn Basin Wet
2
Site has a seasonal water table
i.
Soil is saline, saline-sodic, or sodic⁵ (SAR ≥ 13, or an EC ≥≥ 4 dS/m) in the upper 4” (10 cm)) of mineral soil; salt tolerant plants dominate site (i.e. greasewood, alkali sacaton, Nuttall’s alkaligrass, alkli bluegrass, alkali cordgrass, inland saltgrass, etc)²
a.
Seasonal water table is between 12-40” (30-100 cm) below the soil surface
... DX032X01W142 – Saline Subirrigated (SS) Big Horn Basin Wet
b.
Seasonal water table > 40” (100 cm) below mineral soil surface; site regularly receives higher than normal soil moisture because of run in or stream overflow
... DX032X01W138 – Saline Lowland (SL) Big Horn Basin Wet
ii.
Soil is non-saline, non-saline-sodic, or non-sodic
a.
Seasonal water table is between 12-40” (30-100 cm) below the soil surface
... DX032X01W174 – Subirrigated (Sb) Big Horn Basin Wet
b.
Seasonal water table > 40” (100 cm) below the mineral soil surface; site regularly receives higher than normal soil moisture because of run in or stream overflow
... DX032X01W128 – Lowland (LL) Big Horn Basin Wet
B.
Site receives periodic overflow from adjacent slopes, but no water table within 78” (200 cm)
1
Soil is saline, saline-sodic, or sodic⁵; site typically occurs on stream terraces along incised channels, and is dominated by greasewood² and other salt tolerant plants (i.e. Gardner’s saltbush, alkali sacaton)²
... DX032X01W140 – Saline Lowland Drained (SLDr) Big Horn Basin Wet
2
Soil is non-saline, non-saline-sodic, or non-sodic, occur on floodplain steps, terraces, concave landscape positions, and positions lower in the landscape
i.
Soil has ≥ 35% clay in the upper 8” (20 cm) of mineral soil surface
... DX032X01W106 – Clayey Overflow (CyO) Big Horn Basin Wet
ii.
Soil has < 35% clay in the upper 8” (20 cm) of mineral soil surface
... DX032X01W130 – Overflow (Ov) Big Horn Basin Wet
II.
Site does not receive additional effective moisture¹
A.
Soil is saline, saline-sodic, or sodic⁵ (SAR ≥ 13, or an EC ≥ 4 dS/m) in the upper 20” (50 cm) of the mineral soil surface; site is dominated by salt tolerant plants(i.e. Gardner’s saltbush, greasewood, alkali sacaton, alkali seepweed, etc)
1
Soil is very shallow (< 10” (25 cm) to shale (lithic or paralithic contact)); productivity very low
... DX032X01B154 – Shale (Sh) Big Horn Basin Rim
2
Soil is shallow to very deep (≥10” (25 cm) to bedrock (lithic or paralithic contact))
i.
Soil has ≥ 35% clay starting within 4” (10 cm) of the mineral soil surface
... DX032X01B143 – Saline Upland Clayey (SUC) Big Horn Basin Rim
ii.
Soil has < 18% clay starting within 4” (10 cm) of the mineral soil surface
... DX032X01B145 – Saline Upland Sandy (SUS) Big Horn Basin Rim
iii.
Soil has ≥ 18% but < 35% clay starting within 4” (10 cm) of the mineral soil surface
... DX032X01B141 – Saline Upland Loamy (SUL) Big Horn Basin Rim
B.
Soil is non-saline, non-saline-sodic, or non-sodic
1
Soil is very shallow (< 10” (25 cm) or shallow (< 20” (50 cm) to bedrock (lithic or paralithic contact)
i.
Soil is very shallow to bedrock, commonly on windswept ridges and escarpments, productivity very low (if productivity is higher than expected and > 35% rock fragments are present use II.B.2i.a.1) Gravelly (Gr)
... DX032X01B176 – Very Shallow (VS) Big Horn Basin Rim
ii.
Soil is shallow to bedrock
2
Soil is moderately deep to very deep (≥ 20” (50 cm) to bedrock (lithic or paralithic contact)
i.
Soil is skeletal (≥ 35% rock fragments⁷ ) in the upper 20” (50 cm) of mineral soil surface
a.
Soil is skeletal throughout the upper 20” (50 cm) of mineral soil surface
1)
Soil has < 18% clay; surface fragments and fragments in the soil profile are dominantly < 3” (76mm) in diameter, but may range in size
... DX032X01B112 – Gravelly (Gr) Big Horn Basin Rim
2)
Soil has ≥ 18% but < 60% clay; surface fragments and fragments in the soil profile are dominantly ≥ 3” (76mm) in diameter but < 10” (250 mm), but may range in size
a)
Violent³ effervescence starting within 4” (10 cm) of the mineral soil surface, calcium carbonate increases with depth
... DX032X01B120 – Limy Upland (LiU) Big Horn Basin Rim
b)
None to strong³ effervescence in the upper 4” (10 cm) of mineral soil surface
... DX032X01B175 – Skeletal (Sk) Big Horn Basin Rim
b.
Soil is skeletal starting within 8-20” (20-50 cm) of the mineral soil surface
1)
Soil has ≥ 18% but < 60% clay in the upper 10” (25 cm) of mineral soil, decreasing to < 18% clay within 10-20” (25-50 cm) of the mineral soil surface
a)
Violent³ effervescence starting within 4” (10 cm) of the mineral soil surface, calcium carbonate increases with depth
... DX032X01B120 – Limy Upland (LiU) Big Horn Basin Rim
b)
None to strong³ effervescence in the upper 4” (10 cm) of the mineral soil surface
... DX032X01B167 – Shallow To Gravel (SwGr) Big Horn Basin Rim
2)
Soil has ≥ 18% but < 60% clay throughout the upper 20” (50 cm) of the mineral soil surface
a)
Fragments typically consisting of stones and boulders (fragments > 10” (250 mm) in diameter), surface fragments (5-15%) are dominantly stones and boulders (specific to glacial outwash by Clark, WY; for other correlations use 14b) -
... DX032X01B172 – Stony Upland (StU) Big Horn Basin Rim
b)
Fragments typically consisting of cobbles (fragments are dominantly > 3” (76 mm) but < 10” (250 mm) in diameter); few stones and boulders (0-5%) are present
... DX032X01B109 – Cobbly Upland (CoU) Big Horn Basin Rim
ii.
Soil is not skeletal in the upper 20” (50 cm) of the mineral soil surface
a.
Soil has ≥ 35% clay throughout the upper 20” (50 cm) of the mineral soil – may have a lighter textured cap or may decrease lower in the profile
1)
Abrupt clay increase⁶ to > 40% clay present within 4 8” (10 20 cm) of the mineral soil surface, severe surface cracking during dry conditions; plant dominated by birdfoot sagebrush
... DX032X01B110 – Dense Clay (DC) Big Horn Basin Rim
2)
Soil has ≥ 35% clay starting within the upper 4” (10 cm) and continues throughout the upper 20” (50 cm) of mineral soil surface
... DX032X01B104 – Clayey (Cy) Big Horn Basin Rim
b.
Soil has < 35% clay throughout the upper 20” (50 cm) of the mineral soil – may see individual horizons that are above 35% clay, but on average, the soil profile is less than 35% clays
1)
Soil has < 18% clay throughout the upper 20” (50 cm) of mineral soil surface; may see clay increase below 8" (20 cm) of mineral soil surface
a)
Soil has < 15% clay starting within the upper 4” (10 cm) from the mineral soil surface and lacks structure; soil textures include coarse sands to loamy fine sands
... DX032X01B146 – Sands (Sa) Big Horn Basin Rim
b)
Soil has < 18% clay starting within the upper 4” (10 cm) from the mineral soil surface; soil textures include loamy very fine sands to loams
... DX032X01B150 – Sandy (Sy) Big Horn Basin Rim
2)
Soil has ≥ 18% but < 35% clay starting within the upper 8” (20 cm) of mineral soil surface
a)
Soil is calcareous (violent effervescence³) within 20” (50 cm) of the mineral soil surface
(1)
Soil is calcareous within the upper 8” (20 cm) of mineral soil, calcium carbonate increases with depth
... DX032X01B120 – Limy Upland (LiU) Big Horn Basin Rim
(2)
Soil is calcareous starting within the upper 8-20” (20 to 50 cm) of the mineral soil surface
... DX032X01B123 – Loamy Calcareous (LyCa) Big Horn Basin Rim
b)
Soil is non-calcareous within 20” (50 cm) of the mineral soil surface
... DX032X01B122 – Loamy (Ly) Big Horn Basin Rim
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4 4. Ecological site does not fit within one LRU, written to encompass Subset A and B, labeled as 032X01B or 032XB in the BHB.
-
1 1. For areas that receive additional moisture through snow trapping, consider adjusting to a wetter LRU or Subset consistent with the vegetation observed for the site keyed. It is anticipated that most snow-trap sites will not have a water table
-
7 7. When calculating percent rock fragments in the profile to determine if a site is skeletal, pararock fragments (parachanners) are not considered, however, channers are. The difference between a parachanner and a channer is how “hard” the rock is. Soft flat fragments (ruptured by hand) are parachanners, while harder flat fragments are channers.
-
2 2. Specific plant species listed in the key are not to be used as the only determining factor. Management or disturbance may have removed or altered the plant composition that could reflect the wrong ecological site.
-
3 3. Soils derived from Dolomite or similar geology may not react as “violently” as other calcareous parent materials; dolomite site may be limy or loamy calcareous with only a strong effervescence. Soils with <18% clays only need a CCE of 5% to be calcic or calcareous, while soils with >18% clays need a CCE of 15%.
-
5 5. Saline, saline sodic, and sodic soils have a pH of 7.9 to 9.0 and an EC (electrical conductivity) > 4 dS/m [dS/m = mmhos/cm]. Salts, including gypsum will lower the pH without affecting the EC, but may still fit into the salt effected sites. Soils that are sodic generally have a SAR of ≥ 13 typically have a pH of 8.8 or higher.
-
6 6. The Dense Clay ecological site will have a lighter textured cap or “A” horizon with an abrupt clay increase, commonly the clay percent will then decrease as move lower in the profile. The abrupt increase in the upper portion of the profile with significant cracking is the key for this site. The Clayey ecological site may have a lighter textured cap but typically maintains or increases in clay as move through the profile. The presence of birdfoot sagebrush and lack of Wyoming sagebrush is a plant indicator for the Dense Clay ecological site.
MLRA 32 LRU 02 Subset A Ecological Site Key
I.
Site receives additional effective moisture¹ (If No, Go to B)
A.
Site with a water table present for at least part of the growing season, site dominated by hydrophytic plants (ie. Wetland sedges, bulrushes, willows, tufted hairgrass, etc)
1
Site has water above soil surface for part of the growing season, and a water table present within 0-12” (0-30 cm) annually
... R032XC178WY – Wetland (WL) 5-9” Mesic Wind River Basin
2
Site has a seasonal water table
i.
Soil is saline, saline-sodic, or sodic⁵ (SAR ≥ 13, or an EC ≥ 4 dS/m) in the upper 4” (10 cm)) of mineral soil; salt tolerant plants dominate site (i.e. greasewood, alkali sacaton, Nuttall’s alkaligrass, alkli bluegrass, alkali cordgrass, inland saltgrass, etc)²
a.
Seasonal water table is between 12-40” (30-100 cm) below the soil surface
... DX032X02W142 – Saline Subirrigated (SS) Wind River Basin Wet
b.
Seasonal water table > 40” (100 cm) below mineral soil surface; site regularly receives higher than normal soil moisture because of run in or stream overflow
... DX032X02W138 – Saline Lowland (SL) Wind River Basin Wet
ii.
Soil is non-saline, non-saline-sodic, or non-sodic
a.
Seasonal water table is between 12-40” (30-100 cm) below the soil surface
... R032XC174WY – Subirrigated (Sb) 5-9" Mesic Wind River Basin
b.
Seasonal water table > 40” (100 cm) below the mineral soil surface; site regularly receives higher than normal soil moisture because of run in or stream overflow
... R032XC128WY – Lowland (LL) 5-9” Mesic Wind River Basin
B.
Site receives periodic overflow from adjacent slopes, but no water table within 78” (200 cm)
1
Soil is saline, saline-sodic, or sodic5; site typically occurs on stream terraces along incised channels, and is dominated by greasewood² and other salt tolerant plants (i.e. Gardner’s saltbush, alkali sacaton)²
... DX032X02W140 – Saline Lowland Drained (SLDr) Wind River Basin Wet
2
Soil is non-saline, non-saline-sodic, or non-sodic, occur on floodplain steps, terraces, concave landscape positions, and positions lower in the landscape
i.
Soil has ≥ 35% clay in the upper 8” (20 cm) of mineral soil
... R032XC106WY – Clayey Overflow 5-9” Mesic Wind River Basin
ii.
Soil has < 35% clay in the upper 8” (20 cm) of mineral soil
... R032XC130WY – Overflow 5-9” Mesic Wind River Basin
II.
Site does not receive additional effective moisture¹
A.
Soil is saline, saline-sodic, or sodic⁵ (SAR ≥ 13, or an EC ≥ 4 dS/m) in the upper 20” (50 cm) of the mineral soil surface; site is dominated by salt tolerant plants (i.e. Gardner’s saltbush, greasewood, alkali sacaton, alkali seepweed, etc)
1
Soil is very shallow (< 10” (25 cm) to shale (lithic or paralithic contact)); productivity very low
... DX032X01A154 – Shale (Sh) Big Horn Basin Core
2
Soil is shallow to very deep (≥10” (25 cm) to bedrock (lithic or paralithic contact))
... DX032X02A144 – Saline Upland (SU) Wind River Basin Core
B.
Soil is non-saline, non-saline-sodic, or non-sodic
1
Soil is very shallow (< 10” (25 cm) or shallow (< 20” (50 cm) to bedrock (lithic or paralithic contact)
i.
Soil is very shallow to bedrock, commonly on windswept ridges and escarpments, productivity very low (if productivity is higher than expected and > 35% rock fragments are present use II.2i.a.1) Gravelly (Gr)
... R032XC176WY – Very Shallow (VS) 5-9” Mesic Wind River Basin
ii.
Soil is shallow to bedrock
2
Soil is moderately deep to very deep (≥ 20” (50 cm) to bedrock (lithic or paralithic contact)
i.
Soil is skeletal (≥ 35% rock fragments⁷ ) in the upper 20” (50 cm) of mineral soil surface
a.
Soil is skeletal throughout the upper 20” (50 cm) of mineral soil surface
1)
Soil has < 18% clay; surface fragments and fragments in the soil profile are dominantly < 3” (76mm) in diameter, but may range in size
... R032XC112WY – Gravelly (Gr) 5-9” Mesic Wind River Basin
2)
Soil has ≥ 18% but < 60% clay, surface fragments and fragments in the soil profile are dominantly ≥ 3” (76mm) in diameter but < 10” (250 mm), but may range in size
a)
Violent³ effervescence starting within 4” (10 cm) of the mineral soil surface, calcium carbonate increases with depth
... DX032X02A121 – Limy Skeletal (LiSk) Wind River Basin Core
b)
None to strong³ effervescence in the upper 4” (10 cm) of mineral soil
b.
Soil is skeletal starting within 8-20” (20-50 cm) of the mineral soil surface
1)
Soil has ≥ 18% but < 60% clay in the upper 10” (25 cm) of mineral soil, decreasing to < 18% clay within 10-20” (25-50 cm) of the mineral soil surface
a)
Violent³ effervescence starting within 4” (10 cm) of the mineral soil surface, calcium carbonate increases with depth
... DX032X02A169 – Shallow To Gravel Limy (SwGrLi) Wind River Basin Core
b)
None to strong³ effervescence in the upper 4” (10 cm) of the mineral soil surface
... DX032X02A167 – Shallow To Gravel (SwGr) Wind River Basin Core
2)
Soil has ≥ 18% but < 60% clay throughout the upper 20” (50 cm) of the mineral soil
a)
Fragments typically consisting of stones and boulders (fragments > 10” (250 mm) in diameter), surface fragments (5-15%) are dominantly stones and boulders
...
b)
Fragments typically consisting of cobbles (fragments are dominantly > 3” (76 mm) but < 10” (250 mm) in diameter); few stones and boulders (0-5%) are present
... DX032X02A109 – Cobbly Upland (CoU) Wind River Basin Core
ii.
Soil is not skeletal in the upper 20” (50 cm) of the mineral soil surface
a.
Soil has ≥ 35% clay throughout the upper 20” (50 cm) of the mineral soil – may have a lighter textured cap or may decrease lower in the profile
1)
Abrupt clay increase⁶ to > 40% clay present within 4-8” (10-20 cm) of the mineral soil surface, severe surface cracking during dry conditions; plant dominated by birdfoot sagebrush
... DX032X02A110 – Dense Clay (DC) Wind River Basin Core
2)
Soil has ≥ 35% clay starting within the upper 4” (10 cm) and continues throughout the upper 20” (50 cm) of mineral soil surface
... R032XC104WY – Clayey (Cy) 5-9” Mesic Wind River Basin
b.
Soil has < 35% clay throughout the upper 20” (50 cm) of the mineral soil – may see individual horizons that are above 35% clay, but on average, the soil profile is less than 35% clays
1)
Soil has < 18% clay throughout the upper 20” (50 cm) of mineral soil surface; may see clay increase below 8" (20cm) of mineral soil surface
a)
Soil has < 15% clay starting within the upper 4” (10 cm) from the mineral soil surface and lacks structure; soil textures include coarse sands to loamy fine sands
... R032XC146WY – Sands (Sa) 5-9” Mesic Wind River Basin
b)
Soil has < 18% clay starting within the upper 4” (10 cm) from the mineral soil surface; soil textures include loamy very fine sands to loams
... DX032X02A150 – Sandy (Sy) Wind River Basin Core
2)
Soil has ≥ 18% but < 35% clay starting within the upper 8” (20 cm) of mineral soil surface
a)
Soil is calcareous (violent effervescence³) within 20” (50 cm) of the mineral soil surface
(1)
Soil is calcareous within the upper 8” (20 cm) of mineral soil, calcium carbonate increases with depth
... DX032X02A120 – Limy Upland (LiU) Wind River Basin Core
(2)
Soil is calcareous starting within the upper 8-20” (20 to 50 cm) of the mineral soil surface
... DX032X02B123 – Loamy Calcareous (LyCa) Wind River Basin Rim
b)
Soil is non-calcareous within 20” (50 cm) of the mineral soil surface
... DX032X02A122 – Loamy (Ly) Wind River Basin Core
-
4 4. Ecological site does not fit within one LRU, written to encompass Subset A and B (was C and D), labeled as 032X02B or 032XD for the WRB.
-
2 2. Specific plant species listed in the key are not to be used as the only determining factor. Management or disturbance may have removed or altered the plant composition that could reflect the wrong ecological site.
-
3 3. Soils derived from Dolomite or similar geology may not react as “violently” as other calcareous parent materials; dolomite site may be limy or loamy calcareous with only a strong effervescence. Soils with <18% clays only need a CCE of 5% to be calcic or calcareous, while soils with >18% clays need a CCE of 15%.
-
5 5. Saline, saline sodic, and sodic soils have a pH of 7.9 to 9.0 and an EC (electrical conductivity) > 4 dS/m [dS/m = mmhos/cm]. Salts, including gypsum will lower the pH without affecting the EC, but may still fit into the salt effected sites. Soils that are sodic generally have a SAR of ≥ 13 typically have a pH of 8.8 or higher.
-
6 6. 6The Dense Clay ecological site will have a lighter textured cap or “A” horizon with an abrupt clay increase, commonly the clay percent will then decrease as move lower in the profile. The abrupt increase in the upper portion of the profile with significant cracking is the key for this site. The Clayey ecological site may have a lighter textured cap but typically maintains or increases in clay as move through the profile. The presence of birdfoot sagebrush and lack of Wyoming sagebrush is a plant indicator for the Dense Clay ecological site.
-
7 7. When calculating percent rock fragments in the profile to determine if a site is skeletal, pararock fragments (parachanners) are not considered, however, channers are. The difference between a parachanner and a channer is how “hard” the rock is. Soft flat fragments (ruptured by hand) are parachanners, while harder flat fragments are channers.
-
1 1. For areas that receive additional moisture through snow trapping, consider adjusting to a wetter LRU or Subset consistent with the vegetation observed for the site keyed. It is anticipated that most snow-trap sites will not have a water table.
MLRA 32 LRU 02 Subset B ECOLOGICAL SITE KEY
I.
Site receives additional effective moisture¹ (If No, Go to B)
A.
Site with a water table present for at least part of the growing season, site dominated by hydrophytic plants (ie. Wetland sedges, bulrushes, willows, tufted hairgrass, etc)
1
Site has water above soil surface for part of the growing season, and a water table present within 0-12” (0-30 cm) annually
... R032XD178WY – Wetland (WL) 10-14" Mesic Wind River Basin
2
Site has a seasonal water table
i.
Soil is saline, saline-sodic, or sodic⁵ (SAR ≥ 13, or an EC ≥ 4 dS/m) in the upper 4” (10 cm)) of mineral soil; salt tolerant plants dominate site (i.e. greasewood, alkali sacaton, Nuttall’s alkaligrass, alkli bluegrass, alkali cordgrass, inland saltgrass, etc)²
a.
Seasonal water table is between 12-40” (30-100 cm) below the soil surface
b.
Seasonal water table > 40” (100 cm) below mineral soil surface; site regularly receives higher than normal soil moisture because of run in or stream overflow
ii.
Soil is non-saline, non-saline-sodic, or non-sodic
a.
Seasonal Water table is between 12 40” (30-100 cm) below the soil surface
... R032XD174WY – Subirrigated (Sb) 10-14" Mesic Wind River Basin
b.
Seasonal water table > 40” (100 cm) below the mineral soil surface; site regularly receives higher than normal soil moisture because of run in or stream overflow
... R032XD128WY – Lowland (LL) 10-14" Mesic Wind River Basin
B.
Site receives periodic overflow from adjacent slopes, but no water table within 78” (200 cm)
1
Soil is saline, saline-sodic, or sodic⁵; site typically occurs on stream terraces along incised channels, and is dominated by greasewood² and other salt tolerant plants (i.e. Gardner’s saltbush, alkali sacaton)²
2
Soil is non-saline, non-saline-sodic, or non-sodic, occur on floodplain steps, terraces, concave landscape positions, and positions lower in the landscape
i.
Soil has ≥ 35% clay in the upper 8” (20 cm) of mineral soil surface
... R032XD106WY – Clayey Overflow 10-14" Mesic Wind River Basin
ii.
Soil has < 35% clay in the upper 8” (20 cm) of mineral soil surface
... R032XD130WY – Overflow 10-14" Mesic Wind River Basin
II.
Site does not receive additional effective moisture¹
A.
Soil is saline, saline-sodic, or sodic⁵ (SAR ≥ 13, or an EC ≥ 4 dS/m) in the upper 20” (50 cm) of the mineral soil surface; site is dominated by salt tolerant plants (i.e. Gardner’s saltbush, greasewood, alkali sacaton, alkali seepweed, etc)
1
Soil is very shallow (< 10” (25 cm) to shale (lithic or paralithic contact)); productivity very low
... R032XD154WY – Shale (Sh) 10-14" Mesic Wind River Basin
2
Soil is shallow to very deep (≥10” (25 cm) to bedrock (lithic or paralithic contact))
... DX032X02B144 – Saline Upland (SU) Wind River Basin Rim
B.
Soil is non-saline, non-saline-sodic, or non-sodic
1
Soil is very shallow (< 10” (25 cm) or shallow (< 20” (50 cm) to bedrock (lithic or paralithic contact)
i.
Soil is very shallow to bedrock, commonly on windswept ridges and escarpments, productivity very low (if productivity is higher than expected and > 35% rock fragments are present use II.B.2i.a.1) Gravelly (Gr)
... R032XD176WY – Very Shallow (VS) 10-14" Mesic Wind River Basin
ii.
Soil is shallow to bedrock
a.
Soil has ≥ 35% clay starting within 4” (10 cm) of the mineral soil surface
... R032XD158WY – Shallow Clayey (Swcy) 10-14" Mesic Wind River Basin
b.
Soil has < 18% clay starting within 4” (10 cm) of the mineral soil surface
... R032XD166WY – Shallow Sandy (Swsy) 10-14" Mesic Wind River Basin
c.
Soil has ≥ 18% but < 35% clay starting within 4” (10 cm) of the mineral soil surface
... DX032X02B162 – Shallow Loamy (SwLy) Wind River Basin Rim
2
Soil is moderately deep to very deep (≥ 20” (50 cm) to bedrock (lithic or paralithic contact)
i.
Soil is skeletal (≥ 35% rock fragments⁷ ) in the upper 20” (50 cm) of mineral soil surface
a.
Soil is skeletal throughout the upper 20” (50 cm) of mineral soil surface
1)
Soil has < 18% clay; surface fragments and fragments in the soil profile are dominantly < 3” (76mm) in diameter, but may range in size
... R032XD112WY – Gravelly (Gr) 10-14" Mesic Wind River Basin
2)
Soil has ≥ 18% but < 60% clay; surface fragments and fragments in the soil profile are dominantly ≥ 3” (76mm) in diameter but < 10” (250 mm), but may range in size
a)
Violent³ effervescence starting within 4” (10 cm) of the mineral soil surface, calcium carbonate increases with depth
... DX032X02B121 – Limy Skeletal (LiSk) Wind River Basin Rim
b)
None to strong³ effervescence in the upper 4” (10 cm) of mineral soil surface
... DX032X02B175 – Skeletal (Sk) Wind River Basin Rim
b.
Soil is skeletal starting within 8-20” (20-50 cm) of the mineral soil surface
1)
Soil has ≥ 18% but < 60% clay in the upper 10” (25 cm) of mineral soil, decreasing to < 18% clay within 10-20” (25-50 cm) of the mineral soil surface
a)
Violent³ effervescence starting within 4” (10 cm) of the mineral soil surface, calcium carbonate increases with depth
... DX032X02B169 – Shallow To Gravel Limy (SwGrLi) Wind River Basin Rim
b)
None to strong³ effervescence in the upper 4” (10 cm) of the mineral soil surface
... DX032X02B167 – Shallow To Gravel (SwGr) Wind River Basin Rim
2)
Soil has ≥ 18% but < 60% clay throughout the upper 20” (50 cm) of the mineral soil surface
a)
Fragments typically consisting of stones and boulders (fragments > 10” (250 mm) in diameter), surface fragments (5-15%) are dominantly stones and boulders
b)
Fragments typically consisting of cobbles (fragments are dominantly > 3” (76 mm) but < 10” (250 mm) in diameter); few stones and boulders (0-5%) are present
... DX032X02B109 – Cobbly Upland (CoU) Wind River Basin Rim
ii.
Soil is not skeletal in the upper 20” (50 cm) of the mineral soil surface
a.
Soil has ≥ 35% clay throughout the upper 20” (50 cm) of the mineral soil – may have a lighter textured cap or may decrease lower in the profile
1)
Abrupt clay increase⁶ to > 40% clay present within 4-8” (10-20 cm) of the mineral soil surface, severe surface cracking during dry conditions; plant dominated by birdfoot sagebrush
... DX032X02B110 – Dense Clay (DC) Wind River Basin Rim
2)
Soil has ≥ 35% clay starting within the upper 4” (10 cm) and continues throughout the upper 20” (50 cm) of mineral soil surface
... R032XD104WY – Clayey (Cy) 10-14" Mesic Wind River Basin
b.
Soil has < 35% clay throughout the upper 20” (50 cm) of the mineral soil – may see individual horizons that are above 35% clay, but on average, the soil profile is less than 35% clays
1)
Soil has < 18% clay throughout the upper 20” (50 cm) of mineral soil surface; clay may increase below 8" (20 cm) of mineral soil surface
a)
Soil has < 15% clay starting within the upper 4” (10 cm) from the mineral soil surface and lacks structure; soil textures include coarse sands to loamy fine sands
... R032XD146WY – Sands (Sa) 10-14” Mesic Wind River Basin
b)
Soil has < 18% clay starting within the upper 4” (10 cm) from the mineral soil surface; soil textures include loamy very fine sands to loams
... DX032X02B150 – Sandy (Sy) Wind River Basin Rim
2)
Soil has ≥ 18% but < 35% clay starting within the upper 8” (20 cm) of mineral soil surface
a)
Soil is calcareous (violent effervescence³) within 20” (50 cm) of the mineral soil surface
(1)
Soil is calcareous within the upper 8” (20 cm) of mineral soil, calcium carbonate increases with depth
... DX032X02B120 – Limy Upland (LiU) Wind River Basin Rim
(2)
Soil is calcareous starting within the upper 8-20” (20 to 50 cm) of the mineral soil surface
... DX032X02B123 – Loamy Calcareous (LyCa) Wind River Basin Rim
b)
Soil is non-calcareous within 20” (50 cm) of the mineral soil surface
... DX032X02B122 – Loamy (Ly) Wind River Basin Rim
-
4 4. Ecological site does not fit within one LRU, written to encompass Subset A and B (was LRU C and D), labeled 032X02B or 032XD for the WRB.
-
1 1. For areas that receive additional moisture through snow trapping, consider adjusting to a wetter LRU or Subset consistent with the vegetation observed for the site keyed. It is anticipated that most snow-trap sites will not have a water table.
-
2 2. Specific plant species listed in the key are not to be used as the only determining factor. Management or disturbance may have removed or altered the plant composition that could reflect the wrong ecological site.
-
3 3. Soils derived from Dolomite or similar geology may not react as “violently” as other calcareous parent materials; dolomite site may be limy or loamy calcareous with only a strong effervescence. Soils with <18% clays only need a CCE of 5% to be calcic or calcareous, while soils with >18% clays need a CCE of 15%.
-
5 5. Saline, saline sodic, and sodic soils have a pH of 7.9 to 9.0 and an EC (electrical conductivity) > 4 dS/m [dS/m = mmhos/cm]. Salts, including gypsum will lower the pH without affecting the EC, but may still fit into the salt effected sites. Soils that are sodic generally have a SAR of ≥ 13 typically have a pH of 8.8 or higher.
-
6 6. The Dense Clay ecological site will have a lighter textured cap or “A” horizon with an abrupt clay increase, commonly the clay percent will then decrease as move lower in the profile. The abrupt increase in the upper portion of the profile with significant cracking is the key for this site. The Clayey ecological site may have a lighter textured cap but typically maintains or increases in clay as move through the profile. The presence of birdfoot sagebrush and lack of Wyoming sagebrush is a plant indicator for the Dense Clay ecological site.
-
7 7. When calculating percent rock fragments in the profile to determine if a site is skeletal, pararock fragments (parachanners) are not considered, however, channers are. The difference between a parachanner and a channer is how “hard” the rock is. Soft flat fragments (ruptured by hand) are parachanners, while harder flat fragments are channers.
ARCHIVED: Key to Ecological Sites MLRA 32X Zone 5: 5-9 BHB
I.
Soil depth very shallow (<8-10”), possibly with areas of exposed bedrock and pockets of deep soil OR deep heavy clay soils with a high concentration of exchangeable sodium throughout the profile
A.
Soils are very fine textured and have a high concentration of exchangeable sodium throughout the profile, Birdfoot Sage common woody species
... R032XY118WY – Impervious Clay (IC) 5-9” Big Horn Basin Precipitation Zone
B.
Site not as above
1
Site found in uplands, slopes typically 5-25%, WITH many outcrops of clay shale bedrock that may be saline and/or alkaline in various degrees, Gardners Saltbush common woody species
... R032XY154WY – Shale (Sh) 5-9” Big Horn Basin Precipitation Zone
2
Site not as above, upland with steep slopes (25-50%), commonly on windswept ridges, fractured bedrock of various types, and Juniper occasionally found on at higher elevations
... R032XY176WY – Very Shallow (VS) 5-9” Big Horn Basin Precipitation Zone
II.
Soil depth >8"
A.
Soil depth shallow (8-15”) OR may be deep (>15”), gravelly and/or cobbly soils on south and west facing slopes which react like shallow soils
1
Silty clays or heavier textured soils over clay shale bedrock, soil may develop large cracks when dry, Bud Sage, birdfoot sage and Gardner’s saltbush common woody species
... R032XY158WY – Shallow Clayey (SwCy) 5-9” Big Horn Basin Precipitation Zone
2
Soils not as above, including gravelly and/or cobbly soils on south and west facing slopes which react like shallow soils
i.
Fine sandy loams or coarser textured soils over sandstone or sandy shale, Needleandthread and Indian Ricegrass common grass species on site
... R032XY166WY – Shallow Sandy (SwSy) 5-9” Big Horn Basin Precipitation Zone
ii.
Very fine sandy loams to clay loam textured soils over various bedrock types (commonly limestone, siltstone, or shale)
... R032XY162WY – Shallow Loamy (SwLy) 5-9” Big Horn Basin Precipitation Zone
B.
Soils depth deep (>15”)
1
Site that receives significant additional moisture from runoff of adjacent slopes or from intermittent/perennial streams or a water table
i.
Sites that are saline and/or alkaline
a.
Water table within rooting depth of herbaceous species (typically 20-40”) during some or most of the growing season, salt crusts can be found on ridges and mounds during dry periods, Alkali sacaton & Nuttalls alkaligrass common species
... R032XY142WY – Saline Subirrigated (SS) 5-9” Big Horn Basin Precipitation Zone
b.
Site adjacent to intermittent/perennial stream, occasionally receiving overflow water, and water table usually >3 feet (within rooting depth of woody plants, but not within rooting depth of herbaceous plants), Greasewood and Alkali Sacaton common species
... R032XY138WY – Saline Lowland (SL) 5-9” Big Horn Basin Precipitation Zone
ii.
Sites that are not saline and/or alkaline
a.
Site poorly drained with water table above surface part of growing season, Nebraska Sedge and Willows common species
... R032XY178WY – Wetland (WL) 5-9” Big Horn Basin Precipitation Zone
b.
Site adjacent to intermittent/perennial stream and water table usually >3 feet (within rooting depth of woody plants, but not within rooting depth of herbaceous plants), cottonwoods or remnants thereof may be present
... R032XY128WY – Lowland (LL) 5-9” Big Horn Basin Precipitation Zone
2
Upland site that does not receive significant additional moisture as above
i.
Sites that are saline and/or alkaline, Gardners Saltbush and/or Winterfat common species
... R032XY144WY – Saline Upland (SU) 5-9” Big Horn Basin Precipitation Zone
ii.
Sites that are not saline and/or alkaline
a.
Sites with a high volume of coarse fragments in top 20” (>35% by volume)
1)
Site occurs along terrace breaks or steep slopes with the majority of coarse fragments from 2 mm to 3” in diameter covering 50-75% of surface and making up 40-50% volume in top 20”, may have lime horizon below 12 inches, Bluebunch Wheatgrass and variety of woody plants may be present, productivity low
... R032XY112WY – Gravelly (Gr) 5-9” Big Horn Basin Precipitation Zone
2)
Site occurs in a variety of upland positions, majority of coarse fragments greater than 3” in diameter found in abundance on surface, at least 35% volume of coarse fragments in top 20”, generally increasing with depth, Bluebunch Wheatgrass common
... R032XY108WY – Coarse Upland (CU) 5-9” Big Horn Basin Precipitation Zone
b.
Sites without high volume of coarse fragments
1)
Soils textures are heavy and range from silty clay to heavy clay, slight to severe soil cracking in dry conditions. Textures range from silty clay through finer silty and sandy clay loams, soil cracking common during dry summer months, though not severe, Big Sagebrush more common woody species
... R032XY104WY – Clayey (Cy) 5-9” Big Horn Basin Precipitation Zone
2)
Soils not as above
a)
Soil textures are coarse and range from fine sandy loam to sand
(1)
Soils coarse, loamy sand to sand textures, sometimes as dunes, dark or light colored, Needleandthread and prairie sandreed are abundant species
... R032XY146WY – Sands (Sa) 5-9” Big Horn Basin Precipitation Zone
(2)
Soils fine sandy loams, sandy loams, or loamy sands in texture, light or dark colored, Needleandthread and Indian Ricegrass are abundant species
... R032XY150WY – Sandy (Sy) 5-9” Big Horn Basin Precipitation Zone,
b)
Soils not as above - sandy loams to clay loams, moderate textures
... R032XY122WY – Loamy (Ly) 5-9” Big Horn Basin Precipitation Zone
ARCHIVED: Key to Ecological Sites MLRA 32X Zone 8 : 5-9 WR
I.
Soil depth very shallow (<8-10”), possibly with areas of exposed bedrock and pockets of deep soil OR deep heavy clay soils with a high concentration of exchangeable sodium throughout the profile
A.
Soils are very fine textured and have a high concentration of exchangeable sodium throughout the profile, Birdfoot Sage common woody species
... R032XY218WY – Impervious Clay (IC) 5-9” Wind River Basin Precipitation Zone
B.
Site not as above
1
Site found in uplands, slopes typically 5-25%, WITH many outcrops of clay shale bedrock that may be saline and/or alkaline in various degrees, Gardners Saltbush common woody species
... R032XY254WY – Shale (Sh) 5-9” Wind River Basin Precipitation Zone
2
Site not as above, upland with steep slopes (25-50%), commonly on windswept ridges, fractured bedrock of various types, and Juniper occasionally found on at higher elevations
... R032XY276WY – Very Shallow (VS) 5-9” Wind River Basin Precipitation Zone
II.
Soil depth >8"
A.
Soil depth shallow (8-15”) OR may be deep (>15”), gravelly and/or cobbly soils on south and west facing slopes which react like shallow soils
1
Silty clays or heavier textured soils over clay shale bedrock, soil may develop large cracks when dry, Bud Sage, birdfoot sage and Gardner’s saltbush common woody species
... R032XY258WY – Shallow Clayey (SwCy) 5-9” Wind River Basin Precipitation Zone
2
Soils not as above, including gravelly and/or cobbly soils on south and west facing slopes which react like shallow soils
i.
Fine sandy loams or coarser textured soils
a.
Soils shallow (less than 20” to bedrock) intermingled with areas of Sands, Shallow Sandy and Sandy Ecological Sites. Bedrock is sandstone over soft shale bedrock, Desert Wyethia is common on site
... R032XY248WY – Sandstone Breaks (SaB) 5-9” Wind River Basin Precipitation Zone
b.
Fine sandy loams or coarser textured soils over sandstone or sandy shale, Needleandthread and Indian Ricegrass common grass species on site
... R032XY266WY – Shallow Sandy (SwSy) 5-9” Wind River Basin Precipitation Zone
ii.
Very fine sandy loams to clay loam textured soils over various bedrock types (commonly limestone, siltstone, or shale)
... R032XY262WY – Shallow Loamy (SwLy) 5-9” Wind River Basin Precipitation Zone
B.
Soils depth deep (>15”)
1
Site that receives significant additional moisture from runoff of adjacent slopes or from intermittent/perennial streams or a water table
i.
Sites that are saline and/or alkaline
a.
Water table within rooting depth of herbaceous species (typically 20-40”) during some or most of the growing season, salt crusts can be found on ridges and mounds during dry periods, Alkali sacaton & Nuttalls alkaligrass common species
... R032XY242WY – Saline Subirrigated (SS) 5-9” Wind River Basin Precipitation Zone
b.
Site not as above
1)
Site adjacent to intermittent/perennial stream, occasionally receiving overflow water, and water table usually >3 feet (within rooting depth of woody plants, but not within rooting depth of herbaceous plants), Greasewood and Alkali Sacaton common species
... R032XY238WY – Saline Lowland (SL) 5-9” Wind River Basin Precipitation Zone
2)
Site receives periodic overflow from adjacent slopes, but it is typically channeled into gullies so that plants are not receiving benefit from additional moisture, greasewood and Gardners saltbush common species, big sage sometimes present
... R032XY240WY – Saline Lowland Drained (SLDr) 5-9” Wind River Basin Precipitation Zone
ii.
Sites that are not saline and/or alkaline
a.
Site poorly drained with water table above surface part of growing season, Nebraska Sedge and Willows common species
... R032XY278WY – Wetland (WL) 5-9” Wind River Basin Precipitation Zone
b.
Site adjacent to intermittent/perennial stream and water table usually >3 feet (within rooting depth of woody plants, but not within rooting depth of herbaceous plants), cottonwoods or remnants thereof may be present
... R032XY228WY – Lowland (LL) 5-9” Wind River Basin Precipitation Zone
2
Upland site that does not receive significant additional moisture as above
i.
Sites that are saline and/or alkaline, Gardners Saltbush and/or Winterfat common species
... R032XY244WY – Saline Upland (SU) 5-9” Wind River Basin Precipitation Zone
ii.
Sites that are not saline and/or alkaline
a.
Sites with a high volume of coarse fragments in top 20” (>35% by volume)
1)
Site occurs along terrace breaks or steep slopes with the majority of coarse fragments from 2 mm to 3” in diameter covering 50-75% of surface and making up 40-50% volume in top 20”, may have lime horizon below 12 inches, Bluebunch Wheatgrass and variety of woody plants may be present, productivity low
... R032XY212WY – Gravelly (Gr) 5-9” Wind River Basin Precipitation Zone
2)
Site occurs in a variety of upland positions, majority of coarse fragments greater than 3” in diameter found in abundance on surface, at least 35% volume of coarse fragments in top 20”, generally increasing with depth, Bluebunch Wheatgrass common
... R032XY208WY – Coarse Upland (CU) 5-9” Wind River Basin Precipitation Zone
b.
Sites without high volume of coarse fragments
1)
Soils textures are heavy and range from silty clay to heavy clay, slight to severe soil cracking in dry conditions. Textures range from silty clay through finer silty and sandy clay loams, soil cracking common during dry summer months, though not severe, Big Sagebrush more common woody species
... R032XY204WY – Clayey (Cy) 5-9” Wind River Basin Precipitation Zone
2)
Soils not as above
a)
Soil textures are coarse and range from fine sandy loam to sand
(1)
Soils coarse, loamy sand to sand textures, sometimes as dunes, dark or light colored, Needleandthread and prairie sandreed are abundant species
... R032XY246WY – Sands (Sa) 5-9” Wind River Basin Precipitation Zone
(2)
Soils fine sandy loams, sandy loams, or loamy sands in texture, light or dark colored, Needleandthread and Indian Ricegrass are abundant species
... R032XY250WY – Sandy (Sy) 5-9” Wind River Basin Precipitation Zone
b)
Soils not as above - sandy loams to clay loams, moderate textures
... R032XY222WY – Loamy (Ly) 5-9” Wind River Basin Precipitation Zone
ARCHIVED: Key to Ecological Sites MLRA 32X Zone 7: 10-14 E
I.
Site in a lowland position that receives significant additional moisture from runoff of adjacent slopes or from intermittent/perennial streams or a water table (HIGH Productivity Potential)
A.
Sites that are saline and/or alkaline, dominated by salt tolerant species (Greasewood, inland saltgrass, alkali sacaton, alkali muhly)
1
Water table within rooting depth of herbaceous species (typically 20-40”) during some or most of the growing season, dominated by grasses such as alkali sacaton, Nuttall’s alkaligrass, alkali bluegrass, alkali cordgrass, basin wildrye (typically no shrubs present)
... R032XY342WY – Saline Subirrigated (SS) 10-14" East Precipitation Zone
2
Site not as above
i.
Site in a lowland position and water table usually >3 feet (within rooting depth of woody plants, but not within rooting depth of herbaceous plants), dominated by alkali sacaton, greasewood, inland saltgrass, basin wildrye (no big sage on this site)
... R032XY338WY – Saline Lowland (SL) 10-14" East Precipitation Zone
ii.
Site receives periodic overflow from adjacent slopes, but it is typically channeled into gullies so that plants are not receiving benefit from additional moisture, greasewood and Gardners saltbush common species, big sage sometimes present
B.
Sites that are not saline and/or alkaline
1
Site poorly drained with water table above surface part of growing season, Nebraska sedge and willows common species
... R032XY378WY – Wetland (WL) 10-14" East Precipitation Zone
2
Site not as above
i.
Water table within rooting depth of herbaceous species (typically above 20”) during part of the growing season, basin wildrye, shrubby cinquefoil, and willows may be present
... R032XY374WY – Subirrigated (Sb) 10-14" East Precipitation Zone
ii.
Site not as above
a.
Site in a lowland position, adjacent to intermittent/perennial stream and water table usually >3 feet (within rooting depth of woody plants, but not within rooting depth of herbaceous plants), cottonwoods or remnants thereof may be present, gravel bars and pockets of bare gravel often present, woods rose and other woody species common
... R032XY328WY – Lowland (LL) 10-14" East Precipitation Zone
b.
Site not as above
1)
Site receives periodic overflow from adjacent slopes, but without a water table within rooting depth of woody plants, basin big sagebrush, silver sage, slender wheatgrass and/or Canby bluegrass common
... R032XY330WY – Overflow (Ov) 10-14" East Precipitation Zone
2)
Site similar to above with heavy textured soils (finer portions of silty clay loams to sandy clay loams and clay loams), heavy presence of rhizomatous wheatgrasses
... R032XY306WY – Clayey Overflow (CyO) 10-14" East Precipitation Zone
II.
Upland site that does not receive additional moisture as above
A.
Soil depth very shallow (<10”), shallow (10-20”) OR deep (>20”) on south and west facing slopes which react like shallow soils (LOW productivity potential)
1
Soils very shallow (<10”), but include areas of exposed bedrock and pockets of deep soil, often on steep (up to 55%) south and west facing slopes with LOW productivity potential
i.
Bedrock is soft or hard clay shale bedrock that may be saline and/or alkaline in various degrees, Gardner’s saltbush common species, productivity very low
... R032XY354WY – Shale (Sh) 10-14" East Precipitation Zone
ii.
Site not as above, commonly on windswept ridges, fractured bedrock of various types, and Juniper occasionally found on at higher elevations, productivity very low, bluebunch wheatgrass (if productivity is high and coarse fragments are present, go to Gravelly or Shallow*)
... R032XY376WY – Very Shallow (VS) 10-14" East Precipitation Zone
2
Soils shallow (10-20”) OR deep, gravelly and/or cobbly soils on south and west facing slopes that react like shallow soils
i.
Coarse fragments common on surface and throughout profile (>35% by volume).Site occurs along terrace breaks or steep slopes with coarse fragments up to 10” diameter covering 50-75% of surface and making up
ii.
Site not as above
a.
Silty clays or heavier textured soils over clay shale bedrock, birdfoot sage, winterfat & Gardner’s saltbush
[Label]
[Criteria]
b.
Site not as above
1)
Fine sandy loams or coarser textured soils over sandstone or sandy shale, needleandthread, Indian ricegrass & bluebunch dominant grass species on site
2)
Very fine sandy loams to clay loam textured soils over various bedrock types (commonly limestone, siltstone, or shale)
... R032XY362WY – Shallow Loamy (SwLy) 10-14" East Precipitation Zone
B.
Soil depth moderately deep to deep (>20”)
1
Sites that are saline and/or alkaline
i.
Gardners saltbush, winterfat common (if root restrictive layer present and production very low consider go to Shale)
... R032XY344WY – Saline Upland (SU) 10-14" East Precipitation Zone
ii.
Site receives periodic overflow from adjacent slopes, but water typically channeled into gullies so that plants are not receiving a lot of benefit from additional moisture, greasewood and Gardners saltbush common species, big sage sometimes present
... R032XY340WY – Saline Lowland Drained (SLDr) 10-14" East Precipitation Zone
2
Sites that are not saline and/or alkaline
i.
Sites with a high volume of coarse fragments in top 20” (>35% by volume)
a.
Site occurs along terrace breaks or steep slopes with coarse fragments up to 10” diameter covering 50-75% of surface and making up 40-50% volume in top 20”, may have lime horizon below 12 inches, bluebunch wheatgrass and variety of woody plants may be present, productivity low
... R032XY312WY – Gravelly (Gr) 10-14" East Precipitation Zone
b.
Site occurs in a variety of upland positions, coarse fragments found in abundance on surface, at least 35% volume of coarse fragments in top 20”, generally increasing with depth, bluebunch wheatgrass, bitterbrush, and a variety of other shrubs, production higher
... R032XY308WY – Coarse Upland (CU) 10-14" East Precipitation Zone
ii.
Sites without high volume of coarse fragments
a.
Soil textures are heavy, slight to severe soil cracking in dry conditions. Soil textures range from silty clay through finer silty and sandy clay loams, soil cracking common during dry summer months, though not severe, Big Sagebrush more common, but sparse, with a lot of western wheatgrass
... R032XY304WY – Clayey (Cy) 10-14" East Precipitation Zone
b.
Soil textures not as above
1)
Soils fine sandy loams to loamy sands, light or dark colored, Needleandthread and Indian Ricegrass are abundant species
... R032XY350WY – Sandy (Sy) 10-14" East Precipitation Zone
2)
Soils very fine sandy loams to clay loams, good variety and even mix of grass species
... R032XY322WY – Loamy (Ly) 10-14" East Precipitation Zone
TEST
I.
Extra Water
A.
[Criteria]
2
[Criteria]
B.
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II.
[Criteria]
A.
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