Major Land Resource Area 034A
Cool Central Desertic Basins and Plateaus
Accessed: 03/07/2021
Previous
Sections
Next
Next steps
-
1
Select an ecological site
Select an ecological site using the list, keys, photos, briefcase, or quick search option located on this page. -
2
Explore the ecological site description
Next, learn more about the selected ecological site and its characteristic dynamics by browsing the ecological site description and exploring alternative state and transition model formats.
Ecological site list
Tools
Search
Filter by
interactive key
precipitation
frost free days
more..
clear all
Sort by
id
name
stage
Viewing 20 of 84
View all
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Soil depth moderately deep to deep (>20” (50cm)) without root restricting layer and is NOT skeletal and/or south or west facing that inhibits the productivity potential
- Sites are not affected by soil chemistry
- Sites without high volume of coarse fragments
- Sites not as above
- Slopes >30% productivity potential is high, well-drained site (Note: soils with <6” (15cm) sandy loam surface layer over sandy clay loam or clay loam is included)
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Soil depth moderately deep to deep (>20” (50cm)) without root restricting layer and is NOT skeletal and/or south or west facing that inhibits the productivity potential
- Site affected by soil chemistry (salinity, sodicity, and/or calcium carbonates) within the rooting depth of herbaceous plants (Top 20” (50cm))
- Soils highly calcareous (>15% CCE within top 20” (50cm)), but not saline (<4mmhos/cm)
- Soils very fine sandy loams to sandy clay loams, with violent effervescence (>15%CCE) between 10” (25cm) and 20” (50cm) of the soil surface
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Soil depth moderately deep to deep (>20” (50cm)) without root restricting layer and is NOT skeletal and/or south or west facing that inhibits the productivity potential
- Sites are not affected by soil chemistry
- Sites without high volume of coarse fragments
- Sites not as above
- Soils loamy fine sand to fine sandy loam, (Note: Soils with <6” (15cm) sandy loam surface layer over sandy clay loam or clay loams are excluded, go to III.B.2.ii.c)
-
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Soil depth moderately deep to deep (>20” (50cm)) without root restricting layer and is NOT skeletal and/or south or west facing that inhibits the productivity potential
- Site affected by soil chemistry (salinity, sodicity, and/or calcium carbonates) within the rooting depth of herbaceous plants (Top 20” (50cm))
- Soils highly calcareous (>15% CCE within top 20” (50cm)), but not saline (<4mmhos/cm)
- Soils very fine sandy loams to sandy clay loams, violent effervescence (>15%CCE) at the soil surface
- Soil depth moderately deep to deep (>20” (50cm)) without root restricting layer and is NOT skeletal and/or south or west facing that inhibits the productivity potential
- Site affected by soil chemistry (salinity, sodicity, and/or calcium carbonates) within the rooting depth of herbaceous plants (Top 20” (50cm))
- Soils highly calcareous (>15% CCE within top 20” (50cm)), but not saline (<4mmhos/cm)
- Soils very fine sandy loams to sandy clay loams, violent effervescence (>15%CCE) at the soil surface
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Soil depth moderately deep to deep (>20” (50cm)) without root restricting layer and is NOT skeletal and/or south or west facing that inhibits the productivity potential
- Sites are not affected by soil chemistry
- Sites without high volume of coarse fragments
- Sites not as above
- Soil textures range from loamy fine sand to clay loam
- Slopes <30%, productivity potential is high, well-drained site (Note: soils with <6” (15cm) sandy loam surface layer over sandy clay loam or clay loam is included)
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Soil depth very shallow (<10” (25cm)), shallow (10-20” (25-50cm)) OR moderately deep to deep (>20” (>50cm), skeletal (>35% coarse fragments by volume in top 20” (50cm”)) soils on south and west aspects and/or with a root restricting layer which react like shallow soils (LOWproductivity potential)
- Soils shallow (10-20” (25-50cm)), but may include moderately deep to deep (>20” (>50cm)) skeletal soils on south and west aspects, >15% slopes, productivity potential is LOW
- Site without highly calcareous subsoil or bedrock, OR if lime horizon present, accompanied by high volume of coarse fragments at soil surface, slopes variable
- Soils without high amount of coarse fragments at soil surface, but still may be skeletal, have root restricting layer, shallow to bedrock
- Root restricting (7-15” 18-30cm) clay loam to clay subsoil layer (>40% clay) with sharply contrasting loam to clay loam surface textures, soil may develop large cracks when dry
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Soil depth moderately deep to deep (>20” (50cm)) without root restricting layer and is NOT skeletal and/or south or west facing that inhibits the productivity potential
- Site affected by soil chemistry (salinity, sodicity, and/or calcium carbonates) within the rooting depth of herbaceous plants (Top 20” (50cm))
- Soils highly calcareous (>15% CCE within top 20” (50cm)), but not saline (<4mmhos/cm)
- Soils very fine sandy loams to sandy clay loams, with violent effervescence (>15%CCE) between 10” (25cm) and 20” (50cm) of the soil surface
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Soil depth moderately deep to deep (>20” (50cm)) without root restricting layer and is NOT skeletal and/or south or west facing that inhibits the productivity potential
- Sites are not affected by soil chemistry
- Sites without high volume of coarse fragments
- Sites not as above
- Soil textures range from loamy fine sand to clay loam
- Soils loamy fine sand to fine sandy loam, (Note: Soils with <6” (15cm) sandy loam surface layer over sandy clay loam or clay loams are excluded, go to III.B.2.ii.b.2)
-
-
-
ProvisionalR034AA010UT/R034AA010UTRiparian Complex Perennial Gravelly VIII/E4 (Geyers Willow/Northwest Territory Sedge -
ProvisionalR034AA011UT/R034AA011UTRiparian Complex Perennial Gravelly VIII/E4 (Northwest Territory Sedge) -
i
Key Characteristics
- Soil depth moderately deep to deep (>20” (50cm)) without root restricting layer and is NOT skeletal and/or south or west facing that inhibits the productivity potential
- Sites are not affected by soil chemistry
- Sites without high volume of coarse fragments
- Sandy clay loam, silty clay loam and clay loam surface, soil cracking common during dry summer months, though not severe (>36% clay in subsurface)
-
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Soil depth very shallow (<10” (25cm)), shallow (10-20” (25-50cm)) OR moderately deep to deep (>20” (>50cm), skeletal (>35% coarse fragments by volume in top 20” (50cm”)) soils on south and west aspects and/or with a root restricting layer which react like shallow soils (LOWproductivity potential)
- Soils shallow (10-20” (25-50cm)), but may include moderately deep to deep (>20” (>50cm)) skeletal soils on south and west aspects, >15% slopes, productivity potential is LOW
- Site without highly calcareous subsoil or bedrock, OR if lime horizon present, accompanied by high volume of coarse fragments at soil surface, slopes variable
- Site occurs along terrace breaks, steep slopes, or terraces with coarse fragments up to 10” diameter covering 50-75% of surface and making up 40-50% volume in top 20” (50cm), may have lime horizon below 12”, often westerly aspect and windswept ridges, soils are excessively well drained loamy sands, sandy loams and fine sandy loams
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Soil depth moderately deep to deep (>20” (50cm)) without root restricting layer and is NOT skeletal and/or south or west facing that inhibits the productivity potential
- Site affected by soil chemistry (salinity, sodicity, and/or calcium carbonates) within the rooting depth of herbaceous plants (Top 20” (50cm))
- Soils slightly saline to moderately saline or greater (>4mmhos/cm), calcareous or not.
- Silty clay and clay surface textures that are only slightly saline (<8mmhos/cm), but strongly alkaline (pH >8.5), permeability very low
-
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site in a lowland position (drainageway or swale) that receives significant additional moisture from runoff of adjacent slopes or intermittent/perennial streams or a water table (HIGH productivity potential)
- Site not saline
- Site not as above
- Site not as above
- Site adjacent to perennial or intermittent streams, with moderate to excessive drainage, and fluctuating water table 24-60”(60-152cm), within 36”(90cm) (rooting depth of woody plants, but not herbaceous plants) during some of the growing season, cottonwood or remnants may be present, (soil texture varies on gravel bars and pockets of bare gravel often present)
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site in a lowland position (drainageway or swale) that receives significant additional moisture from runoff of adjacent slopes or intermittent/perennial streams or a water table (HIGH productivity potential)
- Site moderately to strongly saline (>8mmhos/cm) within 20” (50cm) and dominated by salt tolerant species
- Site not as above
- Site adjacent to perennial or intermittent streams, receiving some overland flow from adjacent slopes, with moderately good drainage, but water table within 36” (within rooting depth of woody plants, but not herbaceous plants) during most of the growing season
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site in a lowland position (drainageway or swale) that receives significant additional moisture from runoff of adjacent slopes or intermittent/perennial streams or a water table (HIGH productivity potential)
- Site moderately to strongly saline (>8mmhos/cm) within 20” (50cm) and dominated by salt tolerant species
- Site not as above
- Site may receive periodic overflow from adjacent slopes, located in lowland position but water is typically channeled into gullies so that plants are not receiving a lot of benefit from additional moisture,
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site in a lowland position (drainageway or swale) that receives significant additional moisture from runoff of adjacent slopes or intermittent/perennial streams or a water table (HIGH productivity potential)
- Site moderately to strongly saline (>8mmhos/cm) within 20” (50cm) and dominated by salt tolerant species
- Site has a water table within rooting depth of herbaceous species (20-40” (50-100cm)) during most of the growing season
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Soil depth moderately deep to deep (>20” (50cm)) without root restricting layer and is NOT skeletal and/or south or west facing that inhibits the productivity potential
- Site affected by soil chemistry (salinity, sodicity, and/or calcium carbonates) within the rooting depth of herbaceous plants (Top 20” (50cm))
- Soils slightly saline to moderately saline or greater (>4mmhos/cm), calcareous or not.
- Surface textures range from sandy loam to clay loam, moderately saline or greater (>8mmhos/cm), or sodic (SAR >13, EC <4mmhos) (if root restrictive layer present and productivity very low consider Shale site – Group II)
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Soil depth moderately deep to deep (>20” (50cm)) without root restricting layer and is NOT skeletal and/or south or west facing that inhibits the productivity potential
- Sites are not affected by soil chemistry
- Sites without high volume of coarse fragments
- Sites not as above
- Excessively drained soils that are very coarse (loamy sand to sand), on nearly level to rolling uplands or dunes, dark or light colored
-
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Soil depth very shallow (<10” (25cm)), shallow (10-20” (25-50cm)) OR moderately deep to deep (>20” (>50cm), skeletal (>35% coarse fragments by volume in top 20” (50cm”)) soils on south and west aspects and/or with a root restricting layer which react like shallow soils (LOWproductivity potential)
- Soils very shallow(<10” (25cm)), but may include areas of exposed bedrock and pockets of deep soil, often on steep (up to 55%) south and west facing slopes with VERY LOWproductivity potential
- Bedrock is soft or hard clay shale bedrock that may be saline, occurs in upland position on moderately to steeply sloping land (5-25% slope)
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Soil depth very shallow (<10” (25cm)), shallow (10-20” (25-50cm)) OR moderately deep to deep (>20” (>50cm), skeletal (>35% coarse fragments by volume in top 20” (50cm”)) soils on south and west aspects and/or with a root restricting layer which react like shallow soils (LOWproductivity potential)
- Soils shallow (10-20” (25-50cm)), but may include moderately deep to deep (>20” (>50cm)) skeletal soils on south and west aspects, >15% slopes, productivity potential is LOW
- Site without highly calcareous subsoil or bedrock, OR if lime horizon present, accompanied by high volume of coarse fragments at soil surface, slopes variable
- Fractured sedimentary bedrock at 10-20” (25-50cm) with gravel, cobble, stone, and angular fragments on the surface and throughout soil profile, inclusions of very shallow to deep pockets of soil, loamy well drained soils commonly on south & west facing slopes(productivity potential higher than Very Shallow (VS) site)
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Soil depth very shallow (<10” (25cm)), shallow (10-20” (25-50cm)) OR moderately deep to deep (>20” (>50cm), skeletal (>35% coarse fragments by volume in top 20” (50cm”)) soils on south and west aspects and/or with a root restricting layer which react like shallow soils (LOWproductivity potential)
- Soils shallow (10-20” (25-50cm)), but may include moderately deep to deep (>20” (>50cm)) skeletal soils on south and west aspects, >15% slopes, productivity potential is LOW
- Soils without high amount of coarse fragments at soil surface, but still may be skeletal, have root restricting layer, shallow to bedrock
- Clay loam, or silty clay loam over fractured shale bedrock
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Soil depth very shallow (<10” (25cm)), shallow (10-20” (25-50cm)) OR moderately deep to deep (>20” (>50cm), skeletal (>35% coarse fragments by volume in top 20” (50cm”)) soils on south and west aspects and/or with a root restricting layer which react like shallow soils (LOWproductivity potential)
- Soils shallow (10-20” (25-50cm)), but may include moderately deep to deep (>20” (>50cm)) skeletal soils on south and west aspects, >15% slopes, productivity potential is LOW
- Soils without high amount of coarse fragments at soil surface, but still may be skeletal, have root restricting layer, shallow to bedrock
- Well-drained fine sandy loam to silty loams over sedimentary bedrock or loams with root restricting layer (i.e. rock layer and/or similar layer)
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Soil depth very shallow (<10” (25cm)), shallow (10-20” (25-50cm)) OR moderately deep to deep (>20” (>50cm), skeletal (>35% coarse fragments by volume in top 20” (50cm”)) soils on south and west aspects and/or with a root restricting layer which react like shallow soils (LOWproductivity potential)
- Soils shallow (10-20” (25-50cm)), but may include moderately deep to deep (>20” (>50cm)) skeletal soils on south and west aspects, >15% slopes, productivity potential is LOW
- Soils without high amount of coarse fragments at soil surface, but still may be skeletal, have root restricting layer, shallow to bedrock
- Well drained loamy sand, sandy loams, or fine sandy loams over sedimentary bedrock or calcium carbonate or similar layer that restricts rooting depth
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site in a lowland position (drainageway or swale) that receives significant additional moisture from runoff of adjacent slopes or intermittent/perennial streams or a water table (HIGH productivity potential)
- Site not saline
- Site not as above
- Site has a water table within rooting depth of herbaceous species (12-24” (30-60cm)) during most of the growing season
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Soil depth very shallow (<10” (25cm)), shallow (10-20” (25-50cm)) OR moderately deep to deep (>20” (>50cm), skeletal (>35% coarse fragments by volume in top 20” (50cm”)) soils on south and west aspects and/or with a root restricting layer which react like shallow soils (LOWproductivity potential)
- Soils very shallow(<10” (25cm)), but may include areas of exposed bedrock and pockets of deep soil, often on steep (up to 55%) south and west facing slopes with VERY LOWproductivity potential
- Bedrock commonly fractured sandstone, shale, or siltstone, commonly on windswept ridges (within 8” (20cm), productivity very low (if productivity is higher and coarse fragments are present, go to II. B. 2. ii)
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site in a lowland position (drainageway or swale) that receives significant additional moisture from runoff of adjacent slopes or intermittent/perennial streams or a water table (HIGH productivity potential)
- Site not saline
- Site has fluctuating water table above surface part of growing season (redox features in top 12” (30cm))
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Soil depth moderately deep to deep (>20” (50cm)) without root restricting layer and is NOT skeletal and/or south or west facing that inhibits the productivity potential
- Sites are not affected by soil chemistry
- Sites without high volume of coarse fragments
- Sandy clay loam, silty clay loam and clay loam surface, soil cracking common during dry summer months, though not severe (>36% clay in subsurface)
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site in a lowland position (bottom) that receives significant additional moisture from runoff of adjacent slopes or intermittent/perennial streams or a water table (HIGH productivity potential)
- Site not saline
- Site not as above
- Site not as above
- Site drier than above, more likely on intermittent drainage without gravel bars and high water table during growing season
- Site similar to above with heavier textured soils (clay loam, silty clay loam, and silty clay) (if redox features are present they are below 40” (100cm))
-
-
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Soil depth very shallow (<10” (25cm)), shallow (10-20” (25-50cm)) OR moderately deep to deep (>20” (>50cm), skeletal (>35% coarse fragments by volume in top 20” (50cm”)) soils on south and west aspects and/or with a root restricting layer which react like shallow soils (LOWproductivity potential)
- Soils shallow (10-20” (25-50cm)), but may include moderately deep to deep (>20” (>50cm)) skeletal soils on south and west aspects, >15% slopes, productivity potential is LOW
- Site without highly calcareous subsoil or bedrock, OR if lime horizon present, accompanied by high volume of coarse fragments at soil surface, slopes variable
- Soil is skeletal with coarse fragments common on surface and throughout profile (>35% by volume in top 20” (50cm))
- Site occurs along terrace breaks, steep slopes, or terraces with coarse fragments up to 10” diameter covering 50-75% of surface and making up 40-50% volume in top 20” (50cm), may have lime horizon below 12”, often westerly aspect and windswept ridges, soils are excessively well drained loamy sands, sandy loams and fine sandy loams
-
-
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site in a lowland position (bottom) that receives significant additional moisture from runoff of adjacent slopes or intermittent/perennial streams or a water table (HIGH productivity potential)
- Site not saline
- Site not as above
- Site not as above
- Site adjacent to perennial or intermittent streams, with moderate to excessive drainage, and fluctuating water table 24-60”(60-152cm), within 36”(90cm) (rooting depth of woody plants, but not herbaceous plants) during some of the growing season, cottonwood or remnants may be present, (soil texture varies on gravel bars and pockets of bare gravel often present)
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site in a lowland position (bottom) that receives significant additional moisture from runoff of adjacent slopes or intermittent/perennial streams or a water table (HIGH productivity potential)
- Site not saline
- Site not as above
- Site not as above
- Site drier than above, more likely on intermittent drainage without gravel bars and high water table during growing season
- Surface textures range from sandy loam to light silty clay loam (if redox features are present they are below 40” (100cm))
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Soil depth very shallow (<10” (25cm)), shallow (10-20” (25-50cm)) OR moderately deep to deep (>20” (>50cm), skeletal (>35% coarse fragments by volume in top 20” (50cm”)) soils on south and west aspects and/or with a root restricting layer which react like shallow soils (LOWproductivity potential)
- Soils shallow (10-20” (25-50cm)), but may include moderately deep to deep (>20” (>50cm)) skeletal soils on south and west aspects, >15% slopes, productivity potential is LOW
- Site with a highly calcareous subsoil (<10” (25cm)), often gravelly or skeletal subsoil OR underlain by soft calcareous materials and slopes >15%
- Shallow sandy and loamy soils (10-20” (25-50cm)), often cobbly or channery with slopes >35%, underlain by soft calcareous materials with many outcrops of sedimentary rock (often associated with Limestone parent material)
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site in a lowland position (bottom) that receives significant additional moisture from runoff of adjacent slopes or intermittent/perennial streams or a water table (HIGH productivity potential)
- Site moderately to strongly saline (>8mmhos/cm) within 20” (50cm) and dominated by salt tolerant species
- Site not as above
- Site adjacent to perennial or intermittent streams, receiving some overland flow from adjacent slopes, with moderately good drainage, but water table within 36” (within rooting depth of woody plants, but not herbaceous plants) during most of the growing season
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site in a lowland position (bottom) that receives significant additional moisture from runoff of adjacent slopes or intermittent/perennial streams or a water table (HIGH productivity potential)
- Site moderately to strongly saline (>8mmhos/cm) within 20” (50cm) and dominated by salt tolerant species
- Site not as above
- Site may receive periodic overflow from adjacent slopes, located in lowland position but water is typically channeled into gullies so that plants are not receiving a lot of benefit from additional moisture,
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site in a lowland position (bottom) that receives significant additional moisture from runoff of adjacent slopes or intermittent/perennial streams or a water table (HIGH productivity potential)
- Site moderately to strongly saline (>8mmhos/cm) within 20” (50cm) and dominated by salt tolerant species
- Site has a water table within rooting depth of herbaceous species (20-40” (50-100cm)) during most of the growing season
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Soil depth moderately deep to deep (>20” (50cm)) without root restricting layer and is NOT skeletal and/or south or west facing that inhibits the productivity potential
- Site affected by soil chemistry (salinity, sodicity, and/or calcium carbonates) within the rooting depth of herbaceous plants (Top 20” (50cm))
- Soils slightly saline to moderately saline or greater (>4mmhos/cm), calcareous or not.
- Surface textures range from sandy loam to clay loam, moderately saline or greater (>8mmhos/cm), or sodic (SAR >13, EC <4mmhos) (if root restrictive layer present and productivity very low consider Shale site – Group II)
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Soil depth moderately deep to deep (>20” (50cm)) without root restricting layer and is NOT skeletal and/or south or west facing that inhibits the productivity potential
- Sites are not affected by soil chemistry
- Sites without high volume of coarse fragments
- Sites not as above
- Excessively drained soils that are very coarse (loamy sand to sand), on nearly level to rolling uplands or dunes, dark or light colored
-
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Soil depth very shallow (<10” (25cm)), shallow (10-20” (25-50cm)) OR moderately deep to deep (>20” (>50cm), skeletal (>35% coarse fragments by volume in top 20” (50cm”)) soils on south and west aspects and/or with a root restricting layer which react like shallow soils (LOWproductivity potential)
- Soils very shallow(<10” (25cm)), but may include areas of exposed bedrock and pockets of deep soil, often on steep (up to 55%) south and west facing slopes with VERY LOWproductivity potential
- Bedrock is soft or hard clay shale bedrock that may be saline, occurs in upland position on moderately to steeply sloping land (5-25% slope)
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Soil depth very shallow (<10” (25cm)), shallow (10-20” (25-50cm)) OR moderately deep to deep (>20” (>50cm), skeletal (>35% coarse fragments by volume in top 20” (50cm”)) soils on south and west aspects and/or with a root restricting layer which react like shallow soils (LOWproductivity potential)
- Soils shallow (10-20” (25-50cm)), but may include moderately deep to deep (>20” (>50cm)) skeletal soils on south and west aspects, >15% slopes, productivity potential is LOW
- Site without highly calcareous subsoil or bedrock, OR if lime horizon present, accompanied by high volume of coarse fragments at soil surface, slopes variable
- Soil is skeletal with coarse fragments common on surface and throughout profile (>35% by volume in top 20” (50cm))
- Fractured sedimentary bedrock at 10-20” (25-50cm) with cobble, stone, and angular fragments on the surface and throughout soil profile, inclusions of very shallow to deep pockets of soil, loamy well drained soils commonly on south & west facing slopes(productivity potential higher than Very Shallow (VS) site)
-
-
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Soil depth very shallow (<10” (25cm)), shallow (10-20” (25-50cm)) OR moderately deep to deep (>20” (>50cm), skeletal (>35% coarse fragments by volume in top 20” (50cm”)) soils on south and west aspects and/or with a root restricting layer which react like shallow soils (LOWproductivity potential)
- Soils shallow (10-20” (25-50cm)), but may include moderately deep to deep (>20” (>50cm)) skeletal soils on south and west aspects, >15% slopes, productivity potential is LOW
- Site without highly calcareous subsoil or bedrock, OR if lime horizon present, accompanied by high volume of coarse fragments at soil surface, slopes variable
- Soils without high amount of coarse fragments at soil surface, but still may be skeletal, have root restricting layer, shallow to bedrock
- Well-drained fine sandy loam to silty loams over sedimentary bedrock or loams with root restricting layer (i.e. rock layer and/or similar layer)
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Soil depth very shallow (<10” (25cm)), shallow (10-20” (25-50cm)) OR moderately deep to deep (>20” (>50cm), skeletal (>35% coarse fragments by volume in top 20” (50cm”)) soils on south and west aspects and/or with a root restricting layer which react like shallow soils (LOWproductivity potential)
- Soils shallow (10-20” (25-50cm)), but may include moderately deep to deep (>20” (>50cm)) skeletal soils on south and west aspects, >15% slopes, productivity potential is LOW
- Site with a highly calcareous subsoil (<10” (25cm)), often gravelly or skeletal subsoil OR underlain by soft calcareous materials and slopes >15%
- Moderately deep to deep soil (>20” (50cm)) with highly calcareous (violent effervescence (>15%CCE)) subsoil at <10” (25cm), often gravelly or skeletal and on 15 to 35% slopes, (compare with II. B. 2. i. a)
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Soil depth very shallow (<10” (25cm)), shallow (10-20” (25-50cm)) OR moderately deep to deep (>20” (>50cm), skeletal (>35% coarse fragments by volume in top 20” (50cm”)) soils on south and west aspects and/or with a root restricting layer which react like shallow soils (LOWproductivity potential)
- Soils shallow (10-20” (25-50cm)), but may include moderately deep to deep (>20” (>50cm)) skeletal soils on south and west aspects, >15% slopes, productivity potential is LOW
- Site without highly calcareous subsoil or bedrock, OR if lime horizon present, accompanied by high volume of coarse fragments at soil surface, slopes variable
- Soils without high amount of coarse fragments at soil surface, but still may be skeletal, have root restricting layer, shallow to bedrock
- Well drained loamy sand, sandy loams, or fine sandy loams over sedimentary bedrock or calcium carbonate or similar layer that restricts rooting depth
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site in a lowland position (bottom) that receives significant additional moisture from runoff of adjacent slopes or intermittent/perennial streams or a water table (HIGH productivity potential)
- Site not saline
- Site not as above
- Site has a water table within rooting depth of herbaceous species (12-24” (30-60cm)) during most of the growing season
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Soil depth very shallow (<10” (25cm)), shallow (10-20” (25-50cm)) OR moderately deep to deep (>20” (>50cm), skeletal (>35% coarse fragments by volume in top 20” (50cm”)) soils on south and west aspects and/or with a root restricting layer which react like shallow soils (LOWproductivity potential)
- Soils very shallow(<10” (25cm)), but may include areas of exposed bedrock and pockets of deep soil, often on steep (up to 55%) south and west facing slopes with VERY LOWproductivity potential
- Bedrock commonly fractured sandstone, shale, or siltstone, commonly on windswept ridges (within 8” (20cm), productivity very low (if productivity is higher and coarse fragments are present, go to II. B. 2. ii)
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site in a lowland position (bottom) that receives significant additional moisture from runoff of adjacent slopes or intermittent/perennial streams or a water table (HIGH productivity potential)
- Site not saline
- Site has fluctuating water table above surface part of growing season (redox features in top 12” (30cm))
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Ecological site map
Basemap
Topo
Road
Aerial
Hybrid
Find me
Find point
Full screen
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
Green River Basin Ecological Site Key 34A
I.
Site in a lowland position (drainageway or swale) that receives significant additional moisture from runoff of adjacent slopes or intermittent/perennial streams or a water table (HIGH productivity potential)
A.
Site moderately to strongly saline (>8mmhos/cm) within 20” (50cm) and dominated by salt tolerant species
1.
Site has a water table within rooting depth of herbaceous species (20-40” (50-100cm)) during most of the growing season
... R034AY142WY – Saline Subirrigated (Green River - Great Divide Basins)
2.
Site not as above
i.
Site adjacent to perennial or intermittent streams, receiving some overland flow from adjacent slopes, with moderately good drainage, but water table within 36” (within rooting depth of woody plants, but not herbaceous plants) during most of the growing season
... R034AY138WY – Saline Lowland (Green River - Great Divide Basins)
ii.
Site may receive periodic overflow from adjacent slopes, located in lowland position but water is typically channeled into gullies so that plants are not receiving a lot of benefit from additional moisture,
... R034AY140WY – Saline Lowland, Drained (Green River - Great Divide Basins)
B.
Site not saline
1.
Site has fluctuating water table above surface part of growing season (redox features in top 12” (30cm))
... R034AY178WY – Wetland (Green River - Great Divide Basins)
2.
Site not as above
i.
Site has a water table within rooting depth of herbaceous species (12-24” (30-60cm)) during most of the growing season
... R034AY174WY – Subirrigated (Green River - Great Divide Basins)
ii.
Site not as above
a.
Site adjacent to perennial or intermittent streams, with moderate to excessive drainage, and fluctuating water table 24-60”(60-152cm), within 36”(90cm) (rooting depth of woody plants, but not herbaceous plants) during some of the growing season, cottonwood or remnants may be present, (soil texture varies on gravel bars and pockets of bare gravel often present)
... R034AY128WY – Lowland (Green River - Great Divide Basins)
b.
Surface textures range from sandy loam to light silty clay loam (if redox features are present they are below 40” (100cm))
II.
Soil depth very shallow (<10” (25cm)), shallow (10-20” (25-50cm)) OR moderately deep to deep (>20” (>50cm), skeletal (>35% coarse fragments by volume in top 20” (50cm”)) soils on south and west aspects and/or with a root restricting layer which react like shallow soils (LOWproductivity potential)
A.
Soils very shallow(<10” (25cm)), but may include areas of exposed bedrock and pockets of deep soil, often on steep (up to 55%) south and west facing slopes with VERY LOWproductivity potential
1.
Bedrock is soft or hard clay shale bedrock that may be saline, occurs in upland position on moderately to steeply sloping land (5-25% slope)
... R034AY154WY – Shale (Green River - Great Divide Basins)
2.
Bedrock commonly fractured sandstone, shale, or siltstone, commonly on windswept ridges (within 8” (20cm), productivity very low (if productivity is higher and coarse fragments are present, go to II. B. 2. ii)
... R034AY176WY – Very Shallow (Green River - Great Divide Basins)
B.
Soils shallow (10-20” (25-50cm)), but may include moderately deep to deep (>20” (>50cm)) skeletal soils on south and west aspects, >15% slopes, productivity potential is LOW
1.
Site without highly calcareous subsoil or bedrock, OR if lime horizon present, accompanied by high volume of coarse fragments at soil surface, slopes variable
i.
Site occurs along terrace breaks, steep slopes, or terraces with coarse fragments up to 10” diameter covering 50-75% of surface and making up 40-50% volume in top 20” (50cm), may have lime horizon below 12”, often westerly aspect and windswept ridges, soils are excessively well drained loamy sands, sandy loams and fine sandy loams
... R034AY112WY – Gravelly (Green River - Great Divide Basins)
ii.
Fractured sedimentary bedrock at 10-20” (25-50cm) with gravel, cobble, stone, and angular fragments on the surface and throughout soil profile, inclusions of very shallow to deep pockets of soil, loamy well drained soils commonly on south & west facing slopes(productivity potential higher than Very Shallow (VS) site)
... R034AY156WY – Shallow Breaks (Green River - Great Divide Basins)
2.
Soils without high amount of coarse fragments at soil surface, but still may be skeletal, have root restricting layer, shallow to bedrock
i.
Clay loam, or silty clay loam over fractured shale bedrock
... R034AY158WY – Shallow Clayey (Green River - Great Divide Basins)
ii.
Well drained loamy sand, sandy loams, or fine sandy loams over sedimentary bedrock or calcium carbonate or similar layer that restricts rooting depth
... R034AY166WY – Shallow Sandy (Green River - Great Divide Basins)
iii.
Well-drained fine sandy loam to silty loams over sedimentary bedrock or loams with root restricting layer (i.e. rock layer and/or similar layer)
... R034AY162WY – Shallow Loamy (Green River - Great Divide Basins)
III.
Soil depth moderately deep to deep (>20” (50cm)) without root restricting layer and is NOT skeletal and/or south or west facing that inhibits the productivity potential
A.
Site affected by soil chemistry (salinity, sodicity, and/or calcium carbonates) within the rooting depth of herbaceous plants (Top 20” (50cm))
1.
Soils slightly saline to moderately saline or greater (>4mmhos/cm), calcareous or not.
i.
Silty clay and clay surface textures that are only slightly saline (<8mmhos/cm), but strongly alkaline (pH >8.5), permeability very low
... R034AY118WY – Impervious Clay (Green River - Great Divide Basins)
ii.
Surface textures range from sandy loam to clay loam, moderately saline or greater (>8mmhos/cm), or sodic (SAR >13, EC <4mmhos) (if root restrictive layer present and productivity very low consider Shale site – Group II)
... R034AY144WY – Saline Upland (Green River - Great Divide Basins)
2.
Soils highly calcareous (>15% CCE within top 20” (50cm)), but not saline (<4mmhos/cm)
i.
Soils very fine sandy loams to sandy clay loams, with violent effervescence (>15%CCE) between 10” (25cm) and 20” (50cm) of the soil surface
... DX034A01X126 – Loamy, Calcareous (Green River Basin)
ii.
Soils very fine sandy loams to sandy clay loams, violent effervescence (>15%CCE) at the soil surface
... DX034A02X120 – Limy (Pinedale Plateau)
B.
Sites are not affected by soil chemistry
1.
Sites with a high volume of coarse fragments in top 20” (>35% by volume). Site occurs along terrace breaks, steep slopes, or terraces with coarse fragments up to 10” diameter covering 50-75% of surface and making up 40-50% volume in top 20” (50cm), may have lime horizon below 12”, often westerly aspect and windswept ridges, soils are excessively well drained loamy sands, sandy loams and fine sandy loams (See II. B. 2. i. a)
2.
Sites without high volume of coarse fragments
i.
Sandy clay loam, silty clay loam and clay loam surface, soil cracking common during dry summer months, though not severe (>36% clay in subsurface)
... R034AY104WY – Clayey (Green River - Great Divide Basins)
ii.
Sites not as above
a.
Excessively drained soils that are very coarse (loamy sand to sand), on nearly level to rolling uplands or dunes, dark or light colored
... R034AY146WY – Sands (Green River - Great Divide Basins)
b.
Soils loamy fine sand to fine sandy loam, (Note: Soils with <6” (15cm) sandy loam surface layer over sandy clay loam or clay loams are excluded, go to III.B.2.ii.c)
... DX034A01X150 – Sandy (Green River Basin)
c.
Slopes >30% productivity potential is high, well-drained site (Note: soils with <6” (15cm) sandy loam surface layer over sandy clay loam or clay loam is included)
... DX034A01X122 – Loamy Green River Basin (Ly GRB)
-
I I.B.2.ii.a. Not sure what is fluctuating 24-60"? I suppose its rooting depth of woody plants? You were also consistent with using cm for other measurements, best use that here as well.
-
2 I.B.2.ii.b. Surface texture is used as criteria for b, but not for a. Its hard to get a read on differentiating criteria between the lowland and overflow sites.
-
3 II. Just a comment on the "and/or" following "south and west aspects". It would be more exact if it just said "and". But if you are saying that sites that are moderately deep to deep, that are present on this warmer aspect, will fall into category II, then maybe that should also be mentioned in the description of III.
-
address notes above.. Have addressed all comments above and added to the keys to reflect.
Pinedale Plateau Ecological Site Key 34A
I.
Site in a lowland position (bottom) that receives significant additional moisture from runoff of adjacent slopes or intermittent/perennial streams or a water table (HIGH productivity potential)
A.
Site moderately to strongly saline (>8mmhos/cm) within 20” (50cm) and dominated by salt tolerant species
1.
Site has a water table within rooting depth of herbaceous species (20-40” (50-100cm)) during most of the growing season
... R034AY242WY – Saline Subirrigated (Foothills And Basins West)
2.
Site not as above
i.
Site adjacent to perennial or intermittent streams, receiving some overland flow from adjacent slopes, with moderately good drainage, but water table within 36” (within rooting depth of woody plants, but not herbaceous plants) during most of the growing season
... R034AY238WY – Saline Lowland (Foothills And Basins West)
ii.
Site may receive periodic overflow from adjacent slopes, located in lowland position but water is typically channeled into gullies so that plants are not receiving a lot of benefit from additional moisture,
... R034AY240WY – Saline Lowland, Drained (Foothills And Basins West)
B.
Site not saline
1.
Site has fluctuating water table above surface part of growing season (redox features in top 12” (30cm))
... R034AY278WY – Wetland (Foothills And Basins West)
2.
Site not as above
i.
Site has a water table within rooting depth of herbaceous species (12-24” (30-60cm)) during most of the growing season
... R034AY274WY – Subirrigated (Foothills And Basins West)
ii.
Site not as above
a.
Site adjacent to perennial or intermittent streams, with moderate to excessive drainage, and fluctuating water table 24-60”(60-152cm), within 36”(90cm) (rooting depth of woody plants, but not herbaceous plants) during some of the growing season, cottonwood or remnants may be present, (soil texture varies on gravel bars and pockets of bare gravel often present)
... R034AY228WY – Lowland (Foothills And Basins West)
b.
Site drier than above, more likely on intermittent drainage without gravel bars and high water table during growing season
1)
Surface textures range from sandy loam to light silty clay loam (if redox features are present they are below 40” (100cm))
... R034AY230WY – Overflow (Foothills And Basins West)
2)
Site similar to above with heavier textured soils (clay loam, silty clay loam, and silty clay) (if redox features are present they are below 40” (100cm))
... R034AY206WY – Clayey Overflow (Foothills And Basins West)
II.
Soil depth very shallow (<10” (25cm)), shallow (10-20” (25-50cm)) OR moderately deep to deep (>20” (>50cm), skeletal (>35% coarse fragments by volume in top 20” (50cm”)) soils on south and west aspects and/or with a root restricting layer which react like shallow soils (LOWproductivity potential)
A.
Soils very shallow(<10” (25cm)), but may include areas of exposed bedrock and pockets of deep soil, often on steep (up to 55%) south and west facing slopes with VERY LOWproductivity potential
1.
Bedrock is soft or hard clay shale bedrock that may be saline, occurs in upland position on moderately to steeply sloping land (5-25% slope)
... R034AY254WY – Shale (Foothills And Basins West)
2.
Bedrock commonly fractured sandstone, shale, or siltstone, commonly on windswept ridges (within 8” (20cm), productivity very low (if productivity is higher and coarse fragments are present, go to II. B. 2. ii)
... R034AY276WY – Very Shallow (Foothills And Basins West)
B.
Soils shallow (10-20” (25-50cm)), but may include moderately deep to deep (>20” (>50cm)) skeletal soils on south and west aspects, >15% slopes, productivity potential is LOW
1.
Site with a highly calcareous subsoil (<10” (25cm)), often gravelly or skeletal subsoil OR underlain by soft calcareous materials and slopes >15%
i.
Shallow sandy and loamy soils (10-20” (25-50cm)), often cobbly or channery with slopes >35%, underlain by soft calcareous materials with many outcrops of sedimentary rock (often associated with Limestone parent material)
... R034AY234WY – Rocky Hills (Foothills And Basins West)
ii.
Moderately deep to deep soil (>20” (50cm)) with highly calcareous (violent effervescence (>15%CCE)) subsoil at <10” (25cm), often gravelly or skeletal and on 15 to 35% slopes, (compare with II. B. 2. i. a)
... R034AY263WY – Shallow Loamy, Calcareous (Foothills And Basins West)
2.
Site without highly calcareous subsoil or bedrock, OR if lime horizon present, accompanied by high volume of coarse fragments at soil surface, slopes variable
i.
Soil is skeletal with coarse fragments common on surface and throughout profile (>35% by volume in top 20” (50cm))
a.
Site occurs along terrace breaks, steep slopes, or terraces with coarse fragments up to 10” diameter covering 50-75% of surface and making up 40-50% volume in top 20” (50cm), may have lime horizon below 12”, often westerly aspect and windswept ridges, soils are excessively well drained loamy sands, sandy loams and fine sandy loams
... R034AY212WY – Gravelly (Foothills And Basins West)
b.
Fractured sedimentary bedrock at 10-20” (25-50cm) with cobble, stone, and angular fragments on the surface and throughout soil profile, inclusions of very shallow to deep pockets of soil, loamy well drained soils commonly on south & west facing slopes(productivity potential higher than Very Shallow (VS) site)
... R034AY256WY – Shallow Breaks (Foothills And Basins West)
ii.
Soils without high amount of coarse fragments at soil surface, but still may be skeletal, have root restricting layer, shallow to bedrock
a.
Root restricting (7-15” 18-30cm) clay loam to clay subsoil layer (>40% clay) with sharply contrasting loam to clay loam surface textures, soil may develop large cracks when dry
... DX034A02X124 – Loamy Argillic (Pinedale Plateau)
b.
Well drained loamy sand, sandy loams, or fine sandy loams over sedimentary bedrock or calcium carbonate or similar layer that restricts rooting depth
... R034AY266WY – Shallow Sandy (Foothills And Basins West)
c.
Well-drained fine sandy loam to silty loams over sedimentary bedrock or loams with root restricting layer (i.e. rock layer and/or similar layer)
... R034AY262WY – Shallow Loamy (Foothills And Basins West)
III.
Soil depth moderately deep to deep (>20” (50cm)) without root restricting layer and is NOT skeletal and/or south or west facing that inhibits the productivity potential
A.
Site affected by soil chemistry (salinity, sodicity, and/or calcium carbonates) within the rooting depth of herbaceous plants (Top 20” (50cm))
1.
Soils slightly saline to moderately saline or greater (>4mmhos/cm), calcareous or not.
ii.
Surface textures range from sandy loam to clay loam, moderately saline or greater (>8mmhos/cm), or sodic (SAR >13, EC <4mmhos) (if root restrictive layer present and productivity very low consider Shale site – Group II)
... R034AY244WY – Saline Upland (Foothills And Basins West)
2.
Soils highly calcareous (>15% CCE within top 20” (50cm)), but not saline (<4mmhos/cm)
i.
Soils very fine sandy loams to sandy clay loams, with violent effervescence (>15%CCE) between 10” (25cm) and 20” (50cm) of the soil surface
... DX034A02X126 – Loamy, Calcareous (Pinedale Plateau)
ii.
Soils very fine sandy loams to sandy clay loams, violent effervescence (>15%CCE) at the soil surface
... DX034A02X120 – Limy (Pinedale Plateau)
B.
Sites are not affected by soil chemistry
1.
Sites with a high volume of coarse fragments in top 20” (>35% by volume). Site occurs along terrace breaks, steep slopes, or terraces with coarse fragments up to 10” diameter covering 50-75% of surface and making up 40-50% volume in top 20” (50cm), may have lime horizon below 12”, often westerly aspect and windswept ridges, soils are excessively well drained loamy sands, sandy loams and fine sandy loams (See II. B. 2. i. a)
2.
Sites without high volume of coarse fragments
i.
Sandy clay loam, silty clay loam and clay loam surface, soil cracking common during dry summer months, though not severe (>36% clay in subsurface)
... R034AY204WY – Clayey (Foothills And Basins West)
ii.
Sites not as above
a.
Excessively drained soils that are very coarse (loamy sand to sand), on nearly level to rolling uplands or dunes, dark or light colored
... R034AY246WY – Sands (Foothills And Basins West)
b.
Soil textures range from loamy fine sand to clay loam
1)
Soils loamy fine sand to fine sandy loam, (Note: Soils with <6” (15cm) sandy loam surface layer over sandy clay loam or clay loams are excluded, go to III.B.2.ii.b.2)
... DX034A02X150 – Sandy (Pinedale Plateau)
2)
Slopes <30%, productivity potential is high, well-drained site (Note: soils with <6” (15cm) sandy loam surface layer over sandy clay loam or clay loam is included)
... DX034A02X122 – Loamy (Pinedale Plateau)
Ecological site photos
Tools
Filter by
interactive key
precipitation
frost free days
more..
clear all
Type
Image size
Print Options
Sections
Font
A
A
A
A
Other
Print
Briefcase
Add ecological sites and Major Land Resource Areas to your briefcase by clicking on the briefcase (
) icon wherever it occurs. Drag and drop items to reorder. Cookies are used to store briefcase items between browsing sessions. Because of this, the number of items that can be added to your briefcase is limited, and briefcase items added on one device and browser cannot be accessed from another device or browser. Users who do not wish to place cookies on their devices should not use the briefcase tool. Briefcase cookies serve no other purpose than described here and are deleted whenever browsing history is cleared.
Ecological sites
Major Land Resource Areas
The Ecosystem Dynamics Interpretive Tool is an information system framework developed by the USDA-ARS Jornada Experimental Range, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, and New Mexico State University.
