Major Land Resource Area 052X
Brown Glaciated Plains
Accessed: 11/21/2024
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 89
View all
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture
- Soil neither saline nor sodic [EC < 4 and SAR < 13 within surface 20" (50 cm)]
- Site not as above
- Soil pH < 5.6 in all parts below surface horizon, derived from acid shale parent material
- Soil moderately deep [20"-40" (50-102 cm)] > 35% clay - Future site concept Acid Clay (AcC) - go to 18
- Slope < 15%
- Clay content > 35% to 45% in surface mineral 4” (10 cm)
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture
- Soil neither saline nor sodic [EC < 4 and SAR < 13 within surface 20" (50 cm)]
- Site not as above
- Soil pH ≥ 5.6 in all parts below surface horizon, derived from non-acid parent material
- Soils moderately deep or shallower [< 40” (100 cm) deep to bedrock, lithic, or paralithic root restrictive layer]
- Clay content is > 35% in surface mineral 4” (10 cm) [ribbon > 2” long]
- Soils moderately deep [≥ 20" (50cm) to < 40" (100cm) deep to bedrock, lithic, or paralithic root restrictive layer] - go to 18
- Slope < 15%
- Clay content > 35% to 45% in surface mineral 4” (10 cm)
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture
- Soil neither saline nor sodic [EC < 4 and SAR < 13 within surface 20" (50 cm)]
- Site not as above
- Soil pH ≥ 5.6 in all parts below surface horizon, derived from non-acid parent material
- Soils deep to very deep [≥ 40” (100 cm) deep to bedrock, lithic, or paralithic root restrictive layer]
- Soil not skeletal in surface 20” (50 cm) [< 35% rock fragments in most of the surface 20”]
- Coarse loamy or finer textural family in surface mineral 4" (10 cm)
- Fine loamy, fine silty or finer textural family in surface mineral 4" (10 cm)
- Clay content is > 35% in surface mineral 4” (10 cm) [ribbon > 2” long]
- Slope < 15%
- Clay content > 35% to 45% in surface mineral 4” (10 cm)
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture
- Soil neither saline nor sodic [EC < 4 and SAR < 13 within surface 20" (50 cm)]
- Site not as above
- Soil pH < 5.6 in all parts below surface horizon, derived from acid shale parent material
- Soil moderately deep [20"-40" (50-102 cm)] > 35% clay - Future site concept Acid Clay (AcC) - go to 18
- Slope ≥ 15%
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture
- Soil neither saline nor sodic [EC < 4 and SAR < 13 within surface 20" (50 cm)]
- Site not as above
- Soil pH ≥ 5.6 in all parts below surface horizon, derived from non-acid parent material
- Soils moderately deep or shallower [< 40” (100 cm) deep to bedrock, lithic, or paralithic root restrictive layer]
- Clay content is > 35% in surface mineral 4” (10 cm) [ribbon > 2” long]
- Soils moderately deep [≥ 20" (50cm) to < 40" (100cm) deep to bedrock, lithic, or paralithic root restrictive layer] - go to 18
- Slope ≥ 15%
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture
- Soil neither saline nor sodic [EC < 4 and SAR < 13 within surface 20" (50 cm)]
- Site not as above
- Soil pH ≥ 5.6 in all parts below surface horizon, derived from non-acid parent material
- Soils deep to very deep [≥ 40” (100 cm) deep to bedrock, lithic, or paralithic root restrictive layer]
- Soil not skeletal in surface 20” (50 cm) [< 35% rock fragments in most of the surface 20”]
- Coarse loamy or finer textural family in surface mineral 4" (10 cm)
- Fine loamy, fine silty or finer textural family in surface mineral 4" (10 cm)
- Clay content is > 35% in surface mineral 4” (10 cm) [ribbon > 2” long]
- Slope ≥ 15%
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture
- Soil saline and/or sodic within surface 20” (50 cm) or soils with natric or relic natric horizons.
- Columnar structure, abrupt root or water restrictive clay layer present within 10” (25 cm) of soil surface
- Greater than 4" (10 cm) of surface over clay layer (evidenced by columnar structure)
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture
- Soil neither saline nor sodic [EC < 4 and SAR < 13 within surface 20" (50 cm)]
- Coarse granular clay, site dominated by sandy vegetation (e.g. Prairie sandreed)
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture
- Soil neither saline nor sodic [EC < 4 and SAR < 13 within surface 20" (50 cm)]
- Site not as above
- Soil pH < 5.6 in all parts below surface horizon, derived from acid shale parent material
- Soil moderately deep [20"-40" (50-102 cm)] > 35% clay - Future site concept Acid Clay (AcC) - go to 18
- Slope < 15%
- Clay content > 45% in surface mineral 4” (10 cm)
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture
- Soil neither saline nor sodic [EC < 4 and SAR < 13 within surface 20" (50 cm)]
- Site not as above
- Soil pH ≥ 5.6 in all parts below surface horizon, derived from non-acid parent material
- Soils moderately deep or shallower [< 40” (100 cm) deep to bedrock, lithic, or paralithic root restrictive layer]
- Clay content is > 35% in surface mineral 4” (10 cm) [ribbon > 2” long]
- Soils moderately deep [≥ 20" (50cm) to < 40" (100cm) deep to bedrock, lithic, or paralithic root restrictive layer] - go to 18
- Slope < 15%
- Clay content > 45% in surface mineral 4” (10 cm)
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture
- Soil neither saline nor sodic [EC < 4 and SAR < 13 within surface 20" (50 cm)]
- Site not as above
- Soil pH ≥ 5.6 in all parts below surface horizon, derived from non-acid parent material
- Soils deep to very deep [≥ 40” (100 cm) deep to bedrock, lithic, or paralithic root restrictive layer]
- Soil not skeletal in surface 20” (50 cm) [< 35% rock fragments in most of the surface 20”]
- Coarse loamy or finer textural family in surface mineral 4" (10 cm)
- Fine loamy, fine silty or finer textural family in surface mineral 4" (10 cm)
- Clay content is > 35% in surface mineral 4” (10 cm) [ribbon > 2” long]
- Slope < 15%
- Clay content > 45% in surface mineral 4” (10 cm)
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture
- Soil saline and/or sodic within surface 20” (50 cm) or soils with natric or relic natric horizons.
- Massive, subangular blocky, or prismatic structure; effective rooting depth > 10" (25 cm)
- Clay content > 35% in surface mineral 4” (10 cm) [able to make a ribbon > 2” long]
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture
- Soil neither saline nor sodic [EC < 4 and SAR < 13 within surface 20" (50 cm)]
- Site not as above
- Soil pH ≥ 5.6 in all parts below surface horizon, derived from non-acid parent material
- Soils deep to very deep [≥ 40” (100 cm) deep to bedrock, lithic, or paralithic root restrictive layer]
- Soil skeletal in surface 20” (50 cm) [ ≥ 35% rock fragments in most of the surface 20”]
- Soil sandy-skeletal within 10 inches of the surface
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture
- Soil neither saline nor sodic [EC < 4 and SAR < 13 within surface 20" (50 cm)]
- Site not as above
- Soil pH ≥ 5.6 in all parts below surface horizon, derived from non-acid parent material
- Soils deep to very deep [≥ 40” (100 cm) deep to bedrock, lithic, or paralithic root restrictive layer]
- Soil skeletal in surface 20” (50 cm) [ ≥ 35% rock fragments in most of the surface 20”]
- Soil loamy-skeletal within 10 inches of the surface
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture
- Soil neither saline nor sodic [EC < 4 and SAR < 13 within surface 20" (50 cm)]
- Site not as above
- Soil pH ≥ 5.6 in all parts below surface horizon, derived from non-acid parent material
- Soils moderately deep or shallower [< 40” (100 cm) deep to bedrock, lithic, or paralithic root restrictive layer]
- Clay content ≤ 35% in surface mineral 4" (10 cm) [ribbon < 2” long]
- Soils well developed, evidenced by features such as argillic horizons and/or a mollic epipedon - go to 20
- Strongly or violently effervescent in surface mineral 5” (12 cm), lime conc. increasing with depth.
- Slope ≥ 15%
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture
- Soil neither saline nor sodic [EC < 4 and SAR < 13 within surface 20" (50 cm)]
- Site not as above
- Soil pH ≥ 5.6 in all parts below surface horizon, derived from non-acid parent material
- Soils deep to very deep [≥ 40” (100 cm) deep to bedrock, lithic, or paralithic root restrictive layer]
- Soil not skeletal in surface 20” (50 cm) [< 35% rock fragments in most of the surface 20”]
- Coarse loamy or finer textural family in surface mineral 4" (10 cm)
- Fine loamy, fine silty or finer textural family in surface mineral 4" (10 cm)
- Clay content ≤ 35% in surface mineral 4" (10 cm) [ribbon < 2” long]
- Strongly or violently effervescent in surface mineral 5” (12 cm), lime conc. increasing with depth.
- Slope ≥ 15%
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture
- Soil neither saline nor sodic [EC < 4 and SAR < 13 within surface 20" (50 cm)]
- Site not as above
- Soil pH ≥ 5.6 in all parts below surface horizon, derived from non-acid parent material
- Soils moderately deep or shallower [< 40” (100 cm) deep to bedrock, lithic, or paralithic root restrictive layer]
- Clay content ≤ 35% in surface mineral 4" (10 cm) [ribbon < 2” long]
- Soils well developed, evidenced by features such as argillic horizons and/or a mollic epipedon - go to 20
- Strongly or violently effervescent in surface mineral 5” (12 cm), lime conc. increasing with depth.
- Slope < 15%
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture
- Soil neither saline nor sodic [EC < 4 and SAR < 13 within surface 20" (50 cm)]
- Site not as above
- Soil pH ≥ 5.6 in all parts below surface horizon, derived from non-acid parent material
- Soils deep to very deep [≥ 40” (100 cm) deep to bedrock, lithic, or paralithic root restrictive layer]
- Soil not skeletal in surface 20” (50 cm) [< 35% rock fragments in most of the surface 20”]
- Coarse loamy or finer textural family in surface mineral 4" (10 cm)
- Fine loamy, fine silty or finer textural family in surface mineral 4" (10 cm)
- Clay content ≤ 35% in surface mineral 4" (10 cm) [ribbon < 2” long]
- Strongly or violently effervescent in surface mineral 5” (12 cm), lime conc. increasing with depth.
- Slope < 15%
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture
- Soil neither saline nor sodic [EC < 4 and SAR < 13 within surface 20" (50 cm)]
- Site not as above
- Soil pH ≥ 5.6 in all parts below surface horizon, derived from non-acid parent material
- Soils moderately deep or shallower [< 40” (100 cm) deep to bedrock, lithic, or paralithic root restrictive layer]
- Clay content ≤ 35% in surface mineral 4" (10 cm) [ribbon < 2” long]
- Soils well developed, evidenced by features such as argillic horizons and/or a mollic epipedon - go to 20
- Not strongly or violently effervescent within surface mineral 5" (12 cm)
- Slope < 15%
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture
- Soil neither saline nor sodic [EC < 4 and SAR < 13 within surface 20" (50 cm)]
- Site not as above
- Soil pH ≥ 5.6 in all parts below surface horizon, derived from non-acid parent material
- Soils deep to very deep [≥ 40” (100 cm) deep to bedrock, lithic, or paralithic root restrictive layer]
- Soil not skeletal in surface 20” (50 cm) [< 35% rock fragments in most of the surface 20”]
- Coarse loamy or finer textural family in surface mineral 4" (10 cm)
- Fine loamy, fine silty or finer textural family in surface mineral 4" (10 cm)
- Clay content ≤ 35% in surface mineral 4" (10 cm) [ribbon < 2” long]
- Not strongly or violently effervescent within surface mineral 5" (12 cm)
- Slope < 15%
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture
- Soil neither saline nor sodic [EC < 4 and SAR < 13 within surface 20" (50 cm)]
- Site not as above
- Soil pH ≥ 5.6 in all parts below surface horizon, derived from non-acid parent material
- Soils moderately deep or shallower [< 40” (100 cm) deep to bedrock, lithic, or paralithic root restrictive layer]
- Clay content ≤ 35% in surface mineral 4" (10 cm) [ribbon < 2” long]
- Soils well developed, evidenced by features such as argillic horizons and/or a mollic epipedon - go to 20
- Not strongly or violently effervescent within surface mineral 5" (12 cm)
- Slope ≥ 15%
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture
- Soil neither saline nor sodic [EC < 4 and SAR < 13 within surface 20" (50 cm)]
- Site not as above
- Soil pH ≥ 5.6 in all parts below surface horizon, derived from non-acid parent material
- Soils deep to very deep [≥ 40” (100 cm) deep to bedrock, lithic, or paralithic root restrictive layer]
- Soil not skeletal in surface 20” (50 cm) [< 35% rock fragments in most of the surface 20”]
- Coarse loamy or finer textural family in surface mineral 4" (10 cm)
- Fine loamy, fine silty or finer textural family in surface mineral 4" (10 cm)
- Clay content ≤ 35% in surface mineral 4" (10 cm) [ribbon < 2” long]
- Not strongly or violently effervescent within surface mineral 5" (12 cm)
- Slope ≥ 15%
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site Receives additional moisture either from groundwater (endosaturation) or from surface water (episaturation)
- Soil neither saline nor sodic [EC < 4 and SAR < 13 within surface 4" (10 cm)]
- Site is a swale, coulee, or riparian area
- Site is located outside of the floodplain
- Upland swales and coulees; herbaceous species and/or sagebrush dominate site
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture
- Soil saline and/or sodic within surface 20” (50 cm) or soils with natric or relic natric horizons.
- Massive, subangular blocky, or prismatic structure; effective rooting depth > 10" (25 cm)
- Clay content < 35% in surface mineral 4” (10 cm) [able to make a ribbon < 2” long]
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture
- Soil neither saline nor sodic [EC < 4 and SAR < 13 within surface 20" (50 cm)]
- Site not as above
- Soil pH ≥ 5.6 in all parts below surface horizon, derived from non-acid parent material
- Soils deep to very deep [≥ 40” (100 cm) deep to bedrock, lithic, or paralithic root restrictive layer]
- Soil not skeletal in surface 20” (50 cm) [< 35% rock fragments in most of the surface 20”]
- Sandy textural family in surface mineral 4” (10 cm) - Future Site Concept Sands (Sa) - see 16a Sandy
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture
- Soil neither saline nor sodic [EC < 4 and SAR < 13 within surface 20" (50 cm)]
- Site not as above
- Soil pH ≥ 5.6 in all parts below surface horizon, derived from non-acid parent material
- Soils deep to very deep [≥ 40” (100 cm) deep to bedrock, lithic, or paralithic root restrictive layer]
- Soil not skeletal in surface 20” (50 cm) [< 35% rock fragments in most of the surface 20”]
- Coarse loamy or finer textural family in surface mineral 4" (10 cm)
- Coarse loamy or coarse silty textural family in surface mineral 4” (10 cm)
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture
- Soil neither saline nor sodic [EC < 4 and SAR < 13 within surface 20" (50 cm)]
- Site not as above
- Soil pH < 5.6 in all parts below surface horizon, derived from acid shale parent material
- Soil shallow or very shallow [less than 20" (50 cm)] > 35% clay - Future site concept Shallow Acid Clay (SwAcC) - see 11a Shallow Clay
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture
- Soil neither saline nor sodic [EC < 4 and SAR < 13 within surface 20" (50 cm)]
- Site not as above
- Soil pH ≥ 5.6 in all parts below surface horizon, derived from non-acid parent material
- Soils moderately deep or shallower [< 40” (100 cm) deep to bedrock, lithic, or paralithic root restrictive layer]
- Clay content is > 35% in surface mineral 4” (10 cm) [ribbon > 2” long]
- Soils shallow or very shallow [< 20” (50 cm) deep to bedrock, lithic, or paralithic root restrictive layer]
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture
- Soil saline and/or sodic within surface 20” (50 cm) or soils with natric or relic natric horizons.
- Columnar structure, abrupt root or water restrictive clay layer present within 10” (25 cm) of soil surface
- 0"- 4” (0-10 cm) of surface over clay layer (evidenced by columnar structure)
- 1" (2.5 cm) or less of surface over clay layer (evidenced by columnar structure)
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture
- Soil neither saline nor sodic [EC < 4 and SAR < 13 within surface 20" (50 cm)]
- Site not as above
- Soil pH ≥ 5.6 in all parts below surface horizon, derived from non-acid parent material
- Soils moderately deep or shallower [< 40” (100 cm) deep to bedrock, lithic, or paralithic root restrictive layer]
- Clay content ≤ 35% in surface mineral 4" (10 cm) [ribbon < 2” long]
- Soils weakly developed, typically lacking a mollic epipedon and argillic horzion
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture
- Soil saline and/or sodic within surface 20” (50 cm) or soils with natric or relic natric horizons.
- Columnar structure, abrupt root or water restrictive clay layer present within 10” (25 cm) of soil surface
- 0"- 4” (0-10 cm) of surface over clay layer (evidenced by columnar structure)
- Greater than 1" (2.5 cm) of surface over clay layer (evidenced by columnar structure)
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture
- Soil neither saline nor sodic [EC < 4 and SAR < 13 within surface 20" (50 cm)]
- Soil not skeletal in surface 20” (50 cm) [< 35% rock fragments in most of the surface 20”]
- Coarse loamy or finer textural family in surface mineral 4" (10 cm)
- Fine loamy, fine silty or finer textural family in surface mineral 4" (10 cm)
- Clay content is > 35% in surface mineral 4” (10 cm) [ribbon > 2” long]
- Slope ≤ 15%
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture
- Soil neither saline nor sodic [EC < 4 and SAR < 13 within surface 20" (50 cm)]
- Soil not skeletal in surface 20” (50 cm) [< 35% rock fragments in most of the surface 20”]
- Coarse loamy or finer textural family in surface mineral 4" (10 cm)
- Fine loamy, fine silty or finer textural family in surface mineral 4" (10 cm)
- Clay content is > 35% in surface mineral 4” (10 cm) [ribbon > 2” long]
- Slope > 15%
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture
- Soil saline and/or sodic within surface 20” (50 cm) or soils with natric or relic natric horizons.
- Abrupt root or water restrictive clay layer (evidenced by columnar structure), present between 4" and 10" (10-25 cm) of soil surface
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture
- Soil neither saline nor sodic [EC < 4 and SAR < 13 within surface 20" (50 cm)]
- Soil skeletal in surface 20” (50 cm) [ ≥ 35% rock fragments in most of the surface 20”]
- Soil sandy-skeletal within 10 inches of the surface
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture
- Soil neither saline nor sodic [EC < 4 and SAR < 13 within surface 20" (50 cm)]
- Soil skeletal in surface 20” (50 cm) [ ≥ 35% rock fragments in most of the surface 20”]
- Soil loamy-skeletal within 10 inches of the surface
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture
- Soil neither saline nor sodic [EC < 4 and SAR < 13 within surface 20" (50 cm)]
- Soil not skeletal in surface 20” (50 cm) [< 35% rock fragments in most of the surface 20”]
- Coarse loamy or finer textural family in surface mineral 4" (10 cm)
- Fine loamy, fine silty or finer textural family in surface mineral 4" (10 cm)
- Clay content ≤ 35% in surface mineral 4" (10 cm) [ribbon < 2” long]
- Strongly or violently effervescent in surface mineral 5” (12 cm), lime conc. increasing with depth.
- Slope ≥ 15%
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture
- Soil neither saline nor sodic [EC < 4 and SAR < 13 within surface 20" (50 cm)]
- Soil not skeletal in surface 20” (50 cm) [< 35% rock fragments in most of the surface 20”]
- Coarse loamy or finer textural family in surface mineral 4" (10 cm)
- Fine loamy, fine silty or finer textural family in surface mineral 4" (10 cm)
- Clay content ≤ 35% in surface mineral 4" (10 cm) [ribbon < 2” long]
- Strongly or violently effervescent in surface mineral 5” (12 cm), lime conc. increasing with depth.
- Slope < 15%
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture
- Soil neither saline nor sodic [EC < 4 and SAR < 13 within surface 20" (50 cm)]
- Soil not skeletal in surface 20” (50 cm) [< 35% rock fragments in most of the surface 20”]
- Coarse loamy or finer textural family in surface mineral 4" (10 cm)
- Fine loamy, fine silty or finer textural family in surface mineral 4" (10 cm)
- Clay content ≤ 35% in surface mineral 4" (10 cm) [ribbon < 2” long]
- Not strongly or violently effervescent within surface mineral 5" (12 cm)
- 22a. Slope < 15%
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture
- Soil neither saline nor sodic [EC < 4 and SAR < 13 within surface 20" (50 cm)]
- Soil not skeletal in surface 20” (50 cm) [< 35% rock fragments in most of the surface 20”]
- Coarse loamy or finer textural family in surface mineral 4" (10 cm)
- Fine loamy, fine silty or finer textural family in surface mineral 4" (10 cm)
- Clay content ≤ 35% in surface mineral 4" (10 cm) [ribbon < 2” long]
- Not strongly or violently effervescent within surface mineral 5" (12 cm)
- 22b. Slope ≥ 15%
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site Receives additional moisture either from groundwater (endosaturation) or from surface water (episaturation)
- Soil neither saline nor sodic [EC < 4 and SAR < 13 within surface 4" (10 cm)]
- Site is a swale, coulee, or riparian area
- Site is located outside of the floodplain
- Upland swales and coulees; herbaceous species and/or sagebrush dominate site
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture
- Soil neither saline nor sodic [EC < 4 and SAR < 13 within surface 20" (50 cm)]
- Soil not skeletal in surface 20” (50 cm) [< 35% rock fragments in most of the surface 20”]
- Sandy textural family in surface mineral 4” (10 cm) - Future Site Concept Sands (Sa)* - use 16a Sandy
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture
- Soil neither saline nor sodic [EC < 4 and SAR < 13 within surface 20" (50 cm)]
- Soil not skeletal in surface 20” (50 cm) [< 35% rock fragments in most of the surface 20”]
- Coarse loamy or finer textural family in surface mineral 4" (10 cm)
- Coarse loamy or coarse silty textural family in surface mineral 4” (10 cm)
-
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture
- Soil saline and/or sodic within surface 20” (50 cm) or soils with natric or relic natric horizons.
- Abrupt root or water restrictive clay layer (evidenced by columnar structure), present within 4” (10 cm) of soil surface
- 1" (2.5 cm) or less of surface over clay layer (evidenced by columnar structure)
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture
- Soil saline and/or sodic within surface 20” (50 cm) or soils with natric or relic natric horizons.
- Abrupt root or water restrictive clay layer (evidenced by columnar structure), present within 4” (10 cm) of soil surface
- Greater than 1" (2.5 cm) of surface over clay layer (evidenced by columnar structure)
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site Receives additional moisture either from groundwater (endosaturation) or from surface water (episaturation)
- Soil neither saline nor sodic [EC < 4 and SAR < 13 within surface 4" (10 cm)]
- Site is a swale, coulee, or riparian area
- Site is located outside of the floodplain
- Upland swales & coulees; woody species (chokecherry, serviceberry, green ash) dominate site
- Site Receives additional moisture either from groundwater (endosaturation) or from surface water (episaturation)
- Soil neither saline nor sodic [EC < 4 and SAR < 13 within surface 4" (10 cm)]
- Site is a swale, coulee, or riparian area
- Site is located outside of the floodplain
- Upland swales & coulees; woody species (chokecherry, serviceberry, green ash) dominate site
- Site Receives additional moisture either from groundwater (endosaturation) or from surface water (episaturation)
- Soil neither saline nor sodic [EC < 4 and SAR < 13 within surface 4" (10 cm)]
- Site is a swale, coulee, or riparian area
- Site is located outside of the floodplain
- Upland swales & coulees; woody species (chokecherry, serviceberry, green ash) dominate site
-
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture
- Soil neither saline nor sodic [EC < 4 and SAR < 13 within surface 20" (50 cm)]
- Site not as above
- Soil pH < 5.6 in all parts below surface horizon, derived from acid shale parent material
- Soil moderately deep [20"-40" (50-102 cm)] > 35% clay - Future site concept Acid Clay (AcC) - go to 18
- Slope < 15%
- Clay content > 35% to 45% in surface mineral 4” (10 cm)
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture
- Soil neither saline nor sodic [EC < 4 and SAR < 13 within surface 20" (50 cm)]
- Site not as above
- Soil pH ≥ 5.6 in all parts below surface horizon, derived from non-acid parent material
- Soils moderately deep or shallower [< 40” (100 cm) deep to bedrock, lithic, or paralithic root restrictive layer]
- Clay content is > 35% in surface mineral 4” (10 cm) [ribbon > 2” long]
- Soils moderately deep [≥ 20" (50cm) to < 40" (100cm) deep to bedrock, lithic, or paralithic root restrictive layer] - go to 18
- Slope < 15%
- Clay content > 35% to 45% in surface mineral 4” (10 cm)
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture
- Soil neither saline nor sodic [EC < 4 and SAR < 13 within surface 20" (50 cm)]
- Site not as above
- Soil pH ≥ 5.6 in all parts below surface horizon, derived from non-acid parent material
- Soils deep to very deep [≥ 40” (100 cm) deep to bedrock, lithic, or paralithic root restrictive layer]
- Soil not skeletal in surface 20” (50 cm) [< 35% rock fragments in most of the surface 20”]
- Coarse loamy or finer textural family in surface mineral 4" (10 cm)
- Fine loamy, fine silty or finer textural family in surface mineral 4" (10 cm)
- Clay content is > 35% in surface mineral 4” (10 cm) [ribbon > 2” long]
- Slope < 15%
- Clay content > 35% to 45% in surface mineral 4” (10 cm)
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture
- Soil neither saline nor sodic [EC < 4 and SAR < 13 within surface 20" (50 cm)]
- Site not as above
- Soil pH < 5.6 in all parts below surface horizon, derived from acid shale parent material
- Soil moderately deep [20"-40" (50-102 cm)] > 35% clay - Future site concept Acid Clay (AcC) - go to 18
- Slope ≥ 15%
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture
- Soil neither saline nor sodic [EC < 4 and SAR < 13 within surface 20" (50 cm)]
- Site not as above
- Soil pH ≥ 5.6 in all parts below surface horizon, derived from non-acid parent material
- Soils moderately deep or shallower [< 40” (100 cm) deep to bedrock, lithic, or paralithic root restrictive layer]
- Clay content is > 35% in surface mineral 4” (10 cm) [ribbon > 2” long]
- Soils moderately deep [≥ 20" (50cm) to < 40" (100cm) deep to bedrock, lithic, or paralithic root restrictive layer] - go to 18
- Slope ≥ 15%
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture
- Soil neither saline nor sodic [EC < 4 and SAR < 13 within surface 20" (50 cm)]
- Site not as above
- Soil pH ≥ 5.6 in all parts below surface horizon, derived from non-acid parent material
- Soils deep to very deep [≥ 40” (100 cm) deep to bedrock, lithic, or paralithic root restrictive layer]
- Soil not skeletal in surface 20” (50 cm) [< 35% rock fragments in most of the surface 20”]
- Coarse loamy or finer textural family in surface mineral 4" (10 cm)
- Fine loamy, fine silty or finer textural family in surface mineral 4" (10 cm)
- Clay content is > 35% in surface mineral 4” (10 cm) [ribbon > 2” long]
- Slope ≥ 15%
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture
- Soil saline and/or sodic within surface 20” (50 cm) or soils with natric or relic natric horizons.
- Columnar structure, abrupt root or water restrictive clay layer present within 10” (25 cm) of soil surface
- Greater than 4" (10 cm) of surface over clay layer (evidenced by columnar structure)
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture
- Soil neither saline nor sodic [EC < 4 and SAR < 13 within surface 20" (50 cm)]
- Coarse granular clay, site dominated by sandy vegetation (e.g. Prairie sandreed)
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture
- Soil neither saline nor sodic [EC < 4 and SAR < 13 within surface 20" (50 cm)]
- Site not as above
- Soil pH < 5.6 in all parts below surface horizon, derived from acid shale parent material
- Soil moderately deep [20"-40" (50-102 cm)] > 35% clay - Future site concept Acid Clay (AcC) - go to 18
- Slope < 15%
- Clay content > 45% in surface mineral 4” (10 cm)
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture
- Soil neither saline nor sodic [EC < 4 and SAR < 13 within surface 20" (50 cm)]
- Site not as above
- Soil pH ≥ 5.6 in all parts below surface horizon, derived from non-acid parent material
- Soils moderately deep or shallower [< 40” (100 cm) deep to bedrock, lithic, or paralithic root restrictive layer]
- Clay content is > 35% in surface mineral 4” (10 cm) [ribbon > 2” long]
- Soils moderately deep [≥ 20" (50cm) to < 40" (100cm) deep to bedrock, lithic, or paralithic root restrictive layer] - go to 18
- Slope < 15%
- Clay content > 45% in surface mineral 4” (10 cm)
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture
- Soil neither saline nor sodic [EC < 4 and SAR < 13 within surface 20" (50 cm)]
- Site not as above
- Soil pH ≥ 5.6 in all parts below surface horizon, derived from non-acid parent material
- Soils deep to very deep [≥ 40” (100 cm) deep to bedrock, lithic, or paralithic root restrictive layer]
- Soil not skeletal in surface 20” (50 cm) [< 35% rock fragments in most of the surface 20”]
- Coarse loamy or finer textural family in surface mineral 4" (10 cm)
- Fine loamy, fine silty or finer textural family in surface mineral 4" (10 cm)
- Clay content is > 35% in surface mineral 4” (10 cm) [ribbon > 2” long]
- Slope < 15%
- Clay content > 45% in surface mineral 4” (10 cm)
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture
- Soil saline and/or sodic within surface 20” (50 cm) or soils with natric or relic natric horizons.
- Massive, subangular blocky, or prismatic structure; effective rooting depth > 10" (25 cm)
- Clay content > 35% in surface mineral 4” (10 cm) [able to make a ribbon > 2” long]
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture
- Soil neither saline nor sodic [EC < 4 and SAR < 13 within surface 20" (50 cm)]
- Site not as above
- Soil pH ≥ 5.6 in all parts below surface horizon, derived from non-acid parent material
- Soils deep to very deep [≥ 40” (100 cm) deep to bedrock, lithic, or paralithic root restrictive layer]
- Soil skeletal in surface 20” (50 cm) [ ≥ 35% rock fragments in most of the surface 20”]
- Soil sandy-skeletal within 10 inches of the surface
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture
- Soil neither saline nor sodic [EC < 4 and SAR < 13 within surface 20" (50 cm)]
- Site not as above
- Soil pH ≥ 5.6 in all parts below surface horizon, derived from non-acid parent material
- Soils deep to very deep [≥ 40” (100 cm) deep to bedrock, lithic, or paralithic root restrictive layer]
- Soil skeletal in surface 20” (50 cm) [ ≥ 35% rock fragments in most of the surface 20”]
- Soil loamy-skeletal within 10 inches of the surface
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture
- Soil neither saline nor sodic [EC < 4 and SAR < 13 within surface 20" (50 cm)]
- Site not as above
- Soil pH ≥ 5.6 in all parts below surface horizon, derived from non-acid parent material
- Soils moderately deep or shallower [< 40” (100 cm) deep to bedrock, lithic, or paralithic root restrictive layer]
- Clay content ≤ 35% in surface mineral 4" (10 cm) [ribbon < 2” long]
- Soils well developed, evidenced by features such as argillic horizons and/or a mollic epipedon - go to 20
- Strongly or violently effervescent in surface mineral 5” (12 cm), lime conc. increasing with depth.
- Slope ≥ 15%
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture
- Soil neither saline nor sodic [EC < 4 and SAR < 13 within surface 20" (50 cm)]
- Site not as above
- Soil pH ≥ 5.6 in all parts below surface horizon, derived from non-acid parent material
- Soils deep to very deep [≥ 40” (100 cm) deep to bedrock, lithic, or paralithic root restrictive layer]
- Soil not skeletal in surface 20” (50 cm) [< 35% rock fragments in most of the surface 20”]
- Coarse loamy or finer textural family in surface mineral 4" (10 cm)
- Fine loamy, fine silty or finer textural family in surface mineral 4" (10 cm)
- Clay content ≤ 35% in surface mineral 4" (10 cm) [ribbon < 2” long]
- Strongly or violently effervescent in surface mineral 5” (12 cm), lime conc. increasing with depth.
- Slope ≥ 15%
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture
- Soil neither saline nor sodic [EC < 4 and SAR < 13 within surface 20" (50 cm)]
- Site not as above
- Soil pH ≥ 5.6 in all parts below surface horizon, derived from non-acid parent material
- Soils moderately deep or shallower [< 40” (100 cm) deep to bedrock, lithic, or paralithic root restrictive layer]
- Clay content ≤ 35% in surface mineral 4" (10 cm) [ribbon < 2” long]
- Soils well developed, evidenced by features such as argillic horizons and/or a mollic epipedon - go to 20
- Strongly or violently effervescent in surface mineral 5” (12 cm), lime conc. increasing with depth.
- Slope < 15%
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture
- Soil neither saline nor sodic [EC < 4 and SAR < 13 within surface 20" (50 cm)]
- Site not as above
- Soil pH ≥ 5.6 in all parts below surface horizon, derived from non-acid parent material
- Soils deep to very deep [≥ 40” (100 cm) deep to bedrock, lithic, or paralithic root restrictive layer]
- Soil not skeletal in surface 20” (50 cm) [< 35% rock fragments in most of the surface 20”]
- Coarse loamy or finer textural family in surface mineral 4" (10 cm)
- Fine loamy, fine silty or finer textural family in surface mineral 4" (10 cm)
- Clay content ≤ 35% in surface mineral 4" (10 cm) [ribbon < 2” long]
- Strongly or violently effervescent in surface mineral 5” (12 cm), lime conc. increasing with depth.
- Slope < 15%
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture
- Soil neither saline nor sodic [EC < 4 and SAR < 13 within surface 20" (50 cm)]
- Site not as above
- Soil pH ≥ 5.6 in all parts below surface horizon, derived from non-acid parent material
- Soils moderately deep or shallower [< 40” (100 cm) deep to bedrock, lithic, or paralithic root restrictive layer]
- Clay content ≤ 35% in surface mineral 4" (10 cm) [ribbon < 2” long]
- Soils well developed, evidenced by features such as argillic horizons and/or a mollic epipedon - go to 20
- Not strongly or violently effervescent within surface mineral 5" (12 cm)
- Slope < 15%
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture
- Soil neither saline nor sodic [EC < 4 and SAR < 13 within surface 20" (50 cm)]
- Site not as above
- Soil pH ≥ 5.6 in all parts below surface horizon, derived from non-acid parent material
- Soils deep to very deep [≥ 40” (100 cm) deep to bedrock, lithic, or paralithic root restrictive layer]
- Soil not skeletal in surface 20” (50 cm) [< 35% rock fragments in most of the surface 20”]
- Coarse loamy or finer textural family in surface mineral 4" (10 cm)
- Fine loamy, fine silty or finer textural family in surface mineral 4" (10 cm)
- Clay content ≤ 35% in surface mineral 4" (10 cm) [ribbon < 2” long]
- Not strongly or violently effervescent within surface mineral 5" (12 cm)
- Slope < 15%
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture
- Soil neither saline nor sodic [EC < 4 and SAR < 13 within surface 20" (50 cm)]
- Site not as above
- Soil pH ≥ 5.6 in all parts below surface horizon, derived from non-acid parent material
- Soils moderately deep or shallower [< 40” (100 cm) deep to bedrock, lithic, or paralithic root restrictive layer]
- Clay content ≤ 35% in surface mineral 4" (10 cm) [ribbon < 2” long]
- Soils well developed, evidenced by features such as argillic horizons and/or a mollic epipedon - go to 20
- Not strongly or violently effervescent within surface mineral 5" (12 cm)
- Slope ≥ 15%
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture
- Soil neither saline nor sodic [EC < 4 and SAR < 13 within surface 20" (50 cm)]
- Site not as above
- Soil pH ≥ 5.6 in all parts below surface horizon, derived from non-acid parent material
- Soils deep to very deep [≥ 40” (100 cm) deep to bedrock, lithic, or paralithic root restrictive layer]
- Soil not skeletal in surface 20” (50 cm) [< 35% rock fragments in most of the surface 20”]
- Coarse loamy or finer textural family in surface mineral 4" (10 cm)
- Fine loamy, fine silty or finer textural family in surface mineral 4" (10 cm)
- Clay content ≤ 35% in surface mineral 4" (10 cm) [ribbon < 2” long]
- Not strongly or violently effervescent within surface mineral 5" (12 cm)
- Slope ≥ 15%
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site Receives additional moisture either from groundwater (endosaturation) or from surface water (episaturation)
- Soil neither saline nor sodic [EC < 4 and SAR < 13 within surface 4" (10 cm)]
- Site is a swale, coulee, or riparian area
- Site is located outside of the floodplain
- Upland swales and coulees; herbaceous species and/or sagebrush dominate site
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture
- Soil saline and/or sodic within surface 20” (50 cm) or soils with natric or relic natric horizons.
- Massive, subangular blocky, or prismatic structure; effective rooting depth > 10" (25 cm)
- Clay content < 35% in surface mineral 4” (10 cm) [able to make a ribbon < 2” long]
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture
- Soil neither saline nor sodic [EC < 4 and SAR < 13 within surface 20" (50 cm)]
- Site not as above
- Soil pH ≥ 5.6 in all parts below surface horizon, derived from non-acid parent material
- Soils deep to very deep [≥ 40” (100 cm) deep to bedrock, lithic, or paralithic root restrictive layer]
- Soil not skeletal in surface 20” (50 cm) [< 35% rock fragments in most of the surface 20”]
- Sandy textural family in surface mineral 4” (10 cm) - Future Site Concept Sands (Sa) - see 16a Sandy
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture
- Soil neither saline nor sodic [EC < 4 and SAR < 13 within surface 20" (50 cm)]
- Site not as above
- Soil pH ≥ 5.6 in all parts below surface horizon, derived from non-acid parent material
- Soils deep to very deep [≥ 40” (100 cm) deep to bedrock, lithic, or paralithic root restrictive layer]
- Soil not skeletal in surface 20” (50 cm) [< 35% rock fragments in most of the surface 20”]
- Coarse loamy or finer textural family in surface mineral 4" (10 cm)
- Coarse loamy or coarse silty textural family in surface mineral 4” (10 cm)
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture
- Soil neither saline nor sodic [EC < 4 and SAR < 13 within surface 20" (50 cm)]
- Site not as above
- Soil pH < 5.6 in all parts below surface horizon, derived from acid shale parent material
- Soil shallow or very shallow [less than 20" (50 cm)] > 35% clay - Future site concept Shallow Acid Clay (SwAcC) - see 11a Shallow Clay
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture
- Soil neither saline nor sodic [EC < 4 and SAR < 13 within surface 20" (50 cm)]
- Site not as above
- Soil pH ≥ 5.6 in all parts below surface horizon, derived from non-acid parent material
- Soils moderately deep or shallower [< 40” (100 cm) deep to bedrock, lithic, or paralithic root restrictive layer]
- Clay content is > 35% in surface mineral 4” (10 cm) [ribbon > 2” long]
- Soils shallow or very shallow [< 20” (50 cm) deep to bedrock, lithic, or paralithic root restrictive layer]
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture
- Soil saline and/or sodic within surface 20” (50 cm) or soils with natric or relic natric horizons.
- Columnar structure, abrupt root or water restrictive clay layer present within 10” (25 cm) of soil surface
- 0"- 4” (0-10 cm) of surface over clay layer (evidenced by columnar structure)
- 1" (2.5 cm) or less of surface over clay layer (evidenced by columnar structure)
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture
- Soil neither saline nor sodic [EC < 4 and SAR < 13 within surface 20" (50 cm)]
- Site not as above
- Soil pH ≥ 5.6 in all parts below surface horizon, derived from non-acid parent material
- Soils moderately deep or shallower [< 40” (100 cm) deep to bedrock, lithic, or paralithic root restrictive layer]
- Clay content ≤ 35% in surface mineral 4" (10 cm) [ribbon < 2” long]
- Soils weakly developed, typically lacking a mollic epipedon and argillic horzion
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture
- Soil saline and/or sodic within surface 20” (50 cm) or soils with natric or relic natric horizons.
- Columnar structure, abrupt root or water restrictive clay layer present within 10” (25 cm) of soil surface
- 0"- 4” (0-10 cm) of surface over clay layer (evidenced by columnar structure)
- Greater than 1" (2.5 cm) of surface over clay layer (evidenced by columnar structure)
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site Receives additional moisture either from groundwater (endosaturation) or from surface water (episaturation)
- Soil Saline (EC ≥ 4 ) and/or Sodic (SAR ≥ 13) within surface 4" (10 cm)
- Water table < 24" (60 cm) soil poorly drained with long duration ponding, seasonal lake beds, depressions, & flats, vegetation sparse
- Site Receives additional moisture either from groundwater (endosaturation) or from surface water (episaturation)
- Soil Saline (EC ≥ 4 ) and/or Sodic (SAR ≥ 13) within surface 4" (10 cm)
- Water table < 24" (60 cm) soil poorly drained with long duration ponding, seasonal lake beds, depressions, & flats, vegetation sparse
- Site Receives additional moisture either from groundwater (endosaturation) or from surface water (episaturation)
- Soil Saline (EC ≥ 4 ) and/or Sodic (SAR ≥ 13) within surface 4" (10 cm)
- Water table < 24" (60 cm) soil poorly drained with long duration ponding, seasonal lake beds, depressions, & flats, vegetation sparse
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site Receives additional moisture either from groundwater (endosaturation) or from surface water (episaturation)
- Soil neither saline nor sodic [EC < 4 and SAR < 13 within surface 4" (10 cm)]
- Site is a swale, coulee, or riparian area
- Site is located inside the floodplain
- Site dominated by herbaceous vegetation
- Receives additional moisture from surface water (episaturation)
- Site Receives additional moisture either from groundwater (endosaturation) or from surface water (episaturation)
- Soil neither saline nor sodic [EC < 4 and SAR < 13 within surface 4" (10 cm)]
- Site is a swale, coulee, or riparian area
- Site is located inside the floodplain
- Site dominated by herbaceous vegetation
- Receives additional moisture from surface water (episaturation)
- Site Receives additional moisture either from groundwater (endosaturation) or from surface water (episaturation)
- Soil neither saline nor sodic [EC < 4 and SAR < 13 within surface 4" (10 cm)]
- Site is a swale, coulee, or riparian area
- Site is located inside the floodplain
- Site dominated by herbaceous vegetation
- Receives additional moisture from surface water (episaturation)
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site Receives additional moisture either from groundwater (endosaturation) or from surface water (episaturation)
- Soil neither saline nor sodic [EC < 4 and SAR < 13 within surface 4" (10 cm)]
- Site is a swale, coulee, or riparian area
- Site is located inside the floodplain
- Site Dominated by woody vegetation
- Site Receives additional moisture either from groundwater (endosaturation) or from surface water (episaturation)
- Soil neither saline nor sodic [EC < 4 and SAR < 13 within surface 4" (10 cm)]
- Site is a swale, coulee, or riparian area
- Site is located inside the floodplain
- Site Dominated by woody vegetation
- Site Receives additional moisture either from groundwater (endosaturation) or from surface water (episaturation)
- Soil neither saline nor sodic [EC < 4 and SAR < 13 within surface 4" (10 cm)]
- Site is a swale, coulee, or riparian area
- Site is located inside the floodplain
- Site Dominated by woody vegetation
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site Receives additional moisture either from groundwater (endosaturation) or from surface water (episaturation)
- Soil neither saline nor sodic [EC < 4 and SAR < 13 within surface 4" (10 cm)]
- Site is a closed depression with run in
- Site does not receive water from groundwater discharge - accumulated salts low
- Site Receives additional moisture either from groundwater (endosaturation) or from surface water (episaturation)
- Soil neither saline nor sodic [EC < 4 and SAR < 13 within surface 4" (10 cm)]
- Site is a closed depression with run in
- Site does not receive water from groundwater discharge - accumulated salts low
- Site Receives additional moisture either from groundwater (endosaturation) or from surface water (episaturation)
- Soil neither saline nor sodic [EC < 4 and SAR < 13 within surface 4" (10 cm)]
- Site is a closed depression with run in
- Site does not receive water from groundwater discharge - accumulated salts low
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site Receives additional moisture either from groundwater (endosaturation) or from surface water (episaturation)
- Soil neither saline nor sodic [EC < 4 and SAR < 13 within surface 4" (10 cm)]
- Site is a swale, coulee, or riparian area
- Site is located inside the floodplain
- Site dominated by herbaceous vegetation
- Receives additional moisture from groundwater (endosaturation), water table ≤ 40" (102 cm)
- Seasonal high water table < 24" (60 cm)
- Site Receives additional moisture either from groundwater (endosaturation) or from surface water (episaturation)
- Soil neither saline nor sodic [EC < 4 and SAR < 13 within surface 4" (10 cm)]
- Site is a swale, coulee, or riparian area
- Site is located inside the floodplain
- Site dominated by herbaceous vegetation
- Receives additional moisture from groundwater (endosaturation), water table < 40" (102 cm)
- Seasonal high water table < 24" (60 cm)
- Site Receives additional moisture either from groundwater (endosaturation) or from surface water (episaturation)
- Soil neither saline nor sodic [EC < 4 and SAR < 13 within surface 4" (10 cm)]
- Site is a swale, coulee, or riparian area
- Site is located inside the floodplain
- Site dominated by herbaceous vegetation
- Receives additional moisture from groundwater (endosaturation), water table ≤ 40" (102 cm)
- Seasonal high water table < 24" (60 cm)
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site Receives additional moisture either from groundwater (endosaturation) or from surface water (episaturation)
- Soil Saline (EC ≥ 4 ) and/or Sodic (SAR ≥ 13) within surface 4" (10 cm)
- Water table > 24" (60 cm); soil somewhat well drained to well drained
- Seasonal high water table > 40" (102 cm), soil well drained, usually episaturation
- Site Receives additional moisture either from groundwater (endosaturation) or from surface water (episaturation)
- Soil Saline (EC ≥ 4 ) and/or Sodic (SAR ≥ 13) within surface 4" (10 cm)
- Water table > 24" (60 cm); soil somewhat well drained to well drained
- Seasonal high water table > 40" (102 cm), soil well drained, usually episaturation
- Site Receives additional moisture either from groundwater (endosaturation) or from surface water (episaturation)
- Soil Saline (EC ≥ 4 ) and/or Sodic (SAR ≥ 13) within surface 4" (10 cm)
- Water table > 24" (60 cm); soil somewhat well drained to well drained
- Seasonal high water table > 40" (102 cm), soil well drained, usually episaturation
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site Receives additional moisture either from groundwater (endosaturation) or from surface water (episaturation)
- Soil Saline (EC ≥ 4 ) and/or Sodic (SAR ≥ 13) within surface 4" (10 cm)
- Water table > 24" (60 cm); soil somewhat well drained to well drained
- Seasonal high water table 24-40" (60-102 cm) from surface, soil somewhat well drained, usually endosaturation
- Site Receives additional moisture either from groundwater (endosaturation) or from surface water (episaturation)
- Soil Saline (EC ≥ 4 ) and/or Sodic (SAR ≥ 13) within surface 4" (10 cm)
- Water table > 24" (60 cm); soil somewhat well drained to well drained
- Seasonal high water table 24-40" (60-102 cm) from surface, soil somewhat well drained, usually endosaturation
- Site Receives additional moisture either from groundwater (endosaturation) or from surface water (episaturation)
- Soil Saline (EC ≥ 4 ) and/or Sodic (SAR ≥ 13) within surface 4" (10 cm)
- Water table > 24" (60 cm); soil somewhat well drained to well drained
- Seasonal high water table 24-40" (60-102 cm) from surface, soil somewhat well drained, usually endosaturation
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site Receives additional moisture either from groundwater (endosaturation) or from surface water (episaturation)
- Soil neither saline nor sodic [EC < 4 and SAR < 13 within surface 4" (10 cm)]
- Site is a swale, coulee, or riparian area
- Site is located inside the floodplain
- Site dominated by herbaceous vegetation
- Receives additional moisture from groundwater (endosaturation), water table ≤ 40" (102 cm)
- Seasonal high water table 24" to 40" (60-102 cm)
- Site Receives additional moisture either from groundwater (endosaturation) or from surface water (episaturation)
- Soil neither saline nor sodic [EC < 4 and SAR < 13 within surface 4" (10 cm)]
- Site is a swale, coulee, or riparian area
- Site is located inside the floodplain
- Site dominated by herbaceous vegetation
- Receives additional moisture from groundwater (endosaturation), water table < 40" (102 cm)
- Seasonal high water table 24" to 40" (60-102 cm)
- Site Receives additional moisture either from groundwater (endosaturation) or from surface water (episaturation)
- Soil neither saline nor sodic [EC < 4 and SAR < 13 within surface 4" (10 cm)]
- Site is a swale, coulee, or riparian area
- Site is located inside the floodplain
- Site dominated by herbaceous vegetation
- Receives additional moisture from groundwater (endosaturation), water table ≤ 40" (102 cm)
- Seasonal high water table 24" to 40" (60-102 cm)
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site Receives additional moisture either from groundwater (endosaturation) or from surface water (episaturation)
- Soil neither saline nor sodic [EC < 4 and SAR < 13 within surface 4" (10 cm)]
- Site is a closed depression with run in
- Site receives water from groundwater discharge - accumulated salts moderate to high
- Site Receives additional moisture either from groundwater (endosaturation) or from surface water (episaturation)
- Soil neither saline nor sodic [EC < 4 and SAR < 13 within surface 4" (10 cm)]
- Site is a closed depression with run in
- Site receives water from groundwater discharge - accumulated salts moderate to high
- Site Receives additional moisture either from groundwater (endosaturation) or from surface water (episaturation)
- Soil neither saline nor sodic [EC < 4 and SAR < 13 within surface 4" (10 cm)]
- Site is a closed depression with run in
- Site receives water from groundwater discharge - accumulated salts moderate to high
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture¹
- Soil saline or saline-sodic within surface 20” or soils with natric or relic natric horizons.
- Columnar structure present, abrupt root or water restrictive clay layer present within 8” of soil surface
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture¹
- Site not as above
- Soils moderately deep, deep, or very deep (≥ 20” deep to bedrock, lithic, or paralithic root restrictive layer)
- Soil not skeletal within 20” of soil surface (averages < 35% rock fragments in the 10”-20” layer)
- Slope < 15%
- Clay content is > 32% in surface mineral 4” of mineral soil (ribbon > 2” long)
- Soil 32% to 45% clay within surface mineral 4”
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture¹
- Site not as above
- Soils moderately deep, deep, or very deep (≥ 20” deep to bedrock, lithic, or paralithic root restrictive layer)
- Soil not skeletal within 20” of soil surface (averages < 35% rock fragments in the 10”-20” layer)
- Slope < 15%
- Clay content is > 32% in surface mineral 4” of mineral soil (ribbon > 2” long)
- Soil > 45% clay within surface mineral 2”
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site receives additional effective moisture¹
- Site not as above
- Seasonal high water table ≥ 40” from ground surface; site regularly receives more than normal soil moisture because of run-in or stream overflow
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site receives additional effective moisture¹
- Soil saline (EC> 4 within surface 4”)
- Seasonal high water table≥ 40” from ground surface; salt tolerant plants dominate site; site regularly receives more than normal soil moisture because of run-in or stream overflow
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture¹
- Soil saline or saline-sodic within surface 20” or soils with natric or relic natric horizons.
- No columnar structure; site dominated by salt tolerant plants – Saline Upland (SU)
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture¹
- Site not as above
- Soils moderately deep, deep, or very deep (≥ 20” deep to bedrock, lithic, or paralithic root restrictive layer)
- Soil not skeletal within 20” of soil surface (averages < 35% rock fragments in the 10”-20” layer)
- Slope < 15%
- Clay content is < 32% in surface mineral 4”
- Coarse sandy loam to fine sandy loam texture within surface mineral 4”
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture¹
- Site not as above
- Soils shallow to very shallow (< 20” deep to bedrock, lithic, or paralithic root restrictive layer)
- Clay content < 32% in surface mineral 4” (able to make a ribbon < 2” long)
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture¹
- Site not as above
- Soils shallow to very shallow (< 20” deep to bedrock, lithic, or paralithic root restrictive layer)
- Clay content > 32% in surface mineral 4” (ribbon length > 2” long)
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture¹
- Site not as above
- Soils moderately deep, deep, or very deep (≥ 20” deep to bedrock, lithic, or paralithic root restrictive layer)
- Soil skeletal to within 20” of soil surface (averages > 35% rock fragments in the 10”-20” layer)
- Sandy-skeletal within 10-20” of soil surface & typically consists of gravels and/or cobbles
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture¹
- Site not as above
- Soils moderately deep, deep, or very deep (≥ 20” deep to bedrock, lithic, or paralithic root restrictive layer)
- Soil not skeletal within 20” of soil surface (averages < 35% rock fragments in the 10”-20” layer)
- Slope < 15%
- Clay content is < 32% in surface mineral 4”
- Site not as above
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site receives additional effective moisture¹
- Site not as above
- Seasonal high water table < 40” from ground surface
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture¹
- Site not as above
- Soils moderately deep, deep, or very deep (≥ 20” deep to bedrock, lithic, or paralithic root restrictive layer)
- Soil not skeletal within 20” of soil surface (averages < 35% rock fragments in the 10”-20” layer)
- Slope ≥15%
- Clay content is < 32% (ribbon < 2” long) in surface mineral 4”
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture¹
- Soil saline or saline-sodic within surface 20” or soils with natric or relic natric horizons.
- Columnar structure present, abrupt root or water restrictive clay layer present within 8” of soil surface
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture¹
- Site not as above
- Soils moderately deep, deep, or very deep (≥ 20” deep to bedrock, lithic, or paralithic root restrictive layer)
- Soil not skeletal within 20” of soil surface (averages < 35% rock fragments in the 10”-20” layer)
- Slope < 15%
- Clay content is < 32% in surface mineral 4”
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture¹
- Site not as above
- Soils moderately deep, deep, or very deep (≥ 20” deep to bedrock, lithic, or paralithic root restrictive layer)
- Soil not skeletal within 20” of soil surface (averages < 35% rock fragments in the 10”-20” layer)
- Slope < 15%
- Clay content is > 32% in surface mineral 4” of mineral soil (ribbon > 2” long)
- Soil 32% to 45% clay within surface mineral 4”
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture¹
- Site not as above
- Soils moderately deep, deep, or very deep (≥ 20” deep to bedrock, lithic, or paralithic root restrictive layer)
- Soil not skeletal within 20” of soil surface (averages < 35% rock fragments in the 10”-20” layer)
- Slope ≥15%
- Clay content is > 32% (ribbon > 2” long) in surface mineral 4”
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site receives additional effective moisture¹
- Site not as above
- Seasonal high water table ≥ 40” from ground surface; site regularly receives more than normal soil moisture because of run-in or stream overflow
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture¹
- Site not as above
- Soils moderately deep, deep, or very deep (≥ 20” deep to bedrock, lithic, or paralithic root restrictive layer)
- Soil not skeletal within 20” of soil surface (averages < 35% rock fragments in the 10”-20” layer)
- Slope ≥15%
- Clay content is < 32% (ribbon < 2” long) in surface mineral 4”
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site receives additional effective moisture¹
- Site not as above
- Seasonal high water table < 40” from ground surface
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture¹
- Soil saline or saline-sodic within surface 20” or soils with natric or relic natric horizons.
- No columnar structure; site dominated by salt tolerant plants – Saline Upland (SU)
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site receives additional effective moisture¹
- Soil saline (EC> 4 within surface 4”)
- Seasonal high water table≥ 40” from ground surface; salt tolerant plants dominate site; site regularly receives more than normal soil moisture because of run-in or stream overflow
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture¹
- Site not as above
- Soils moderately deep, deep, or very deep (≥ 20” deep to bedrock, lithic, or paralithic root restrictive layer)
- Soil not skeletal within 20” of soil surface (averages < 35% rock fragments in the 10”-20” layer)
- Slope < 15%
- Clay content is > 32% in surface mineral 4” of mineral soil (ribbon > 2” long)
- Soil > 45% clay within surface mineral 2”
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture¹
- Site not as above
- Soils moderately deep, deep, or very deep (≥ 20” deep to bedrock, lithic, or paralithic root restrictive layer)
- Soil skeletal to within 20” of soil surface (averages > 35% rock fragments in the 10”-20” layer)
- Sandy-skeletal within 10-20” of soil surface & typically consists of gravels and/or cobbles
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture¹
- Site not as above
- Soils shallow to very shallow (< 20” deep to bedrock, lithic, or paralithic root restrictive layer)
- Clay content < 32% in surface mineral 4” (able to make a ribbon < 2” long)
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site does not receive additional effective moisture¹
- Site not as above
- Soils shallow to very shallow (< 20” deep to bedrock, lithic, or paralithic root restrictive layer)
- Clay content > 32% in surface mineral 4” (ribbon length > 2” long)
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
Key Determination Key
I.
LRU level climatic group ESDs
A.
Site occurs in a Typic moisture regime (13-17"MAP)
... Key 4 – MLRA 52X Moist Grassland LRU Key - Version 8.2
B.
Site occurs in an Aridic Ustic moisture regime (10-14" MAP)
1
Sagebrush component is predominantly silver sagebrush
... Key 2 – MLRA 52X Dry Grassland LRU Key - Version 8.2
2
Sagebrush component is predominantly Wyoming big sagebrush
... Key 3 – MLRA 52X Dry Shrubland LRU Key - Version 8.2
II.
2005 era RRU Legacy ESDs with plant tables and reference worksheets
MLRA 52X Dry Grassland LRU Key - Version 8.2
A.
Site Receives additional moisture either from groundwater (endosaturation) or from surface water (episaturation)
1a.
Soil Saline (EC ≥ 4 ) and/or Sodic (SAR ≥ 13) within surface 4" (10 cm)
2a.
Water table < 24" (60 cm) soil poorly drained with long duration ponding, seasonal lake beds, depressions, & flats, vegetation sparse
... FX052X99X003 – Alkali Flat (Af)
2b.
Water table > 24" (60 cm); soil somewhat well drained to well drained
3a.
Seasonal high water table 24-40" (60-102 cm) from surface, soil somewhat well drained, usually endosaturation
... FX052X99X092 – Saline Subirrigated (Ssb)
3b.
Seasonal high water table > 40" (102 cm), soil well drained, usually episaturation
... FX052X99X091 – Saline Overflow (Sov)
1b.
Soil neither saline nor sodic [EC < 4 and SAR < 13 within surface 4" (10 cm)]
4a.
Site is a closed depression with run in
5a.
Site receives water from groundwater discharge - accumulated salts moderate to high
... FX052X99X705 – Discharge Closed Depression (Cdr)
5b.
Site does not receive water from groundwater discharge - accumulated salts low
... FX052X99X071 – Recharge Closed Depression (Cdr)
4b.
Site is a swale, coulee, or riparian area
6a.
Site is located outside of the floodplain
7a.
Upland swales and coulees; herbaceous species and/or sagebrush dominate site
... FX052X01X062 – Swale (Se) Dry Grassland
7b.
Upland swales & coulees; woody species (chokecherry, serviceberry, green ash) dominate site
... FX052X02X756 – Woody Draw (Wd) Moist Grassland
6b.
Site is located inside the floodplain
8b.
Site dominated by herbaceous vegetation
9a.
Receives additional moisture from surface water (episaturation)
... FX052X99X060 – Overflow (Ov)
9b.
Receives additional moisture from groundwater (endosaturation), water table ≤ 40" (102 cm)
B.
Site does not receive additional effective moisture
1a.
Soil saline and/or sodic within surface 20” (50 cm) or soils with natric or relic natric horizons.
2a.
Massive, subangular blocky, or prismatic structure; effective rooting depth > 10" (25 cm)
3a.
Clay content < 35% in surface mineral 4” (10 cm) [able to make a ribbon < 2” long]
... FX052X01X094 – Loamy Sodic (Losd) Dry Grassland
3b.
Clay content > 35% in surface mineral 4” (10 cm) [able to make a ribbon > 2” long]
... FX052X01X012 – Dense Clay Sodic (Dcsd) Dry Grassland
2b.
Columnar structure, abrupt root or water restrictive clay layer present within 10” (25 cm) of soil surface
4a.
0"- 4” (0-10 cm) of surface over clay layer (evidenced by columnar structure)
5a.
1" (2.5 cm) or less of surface over clay layer (evidenced by columnar structure)
... FX052X01X145 – Panspot (Pn) Dry Grassland
5b.
Greater than 1" (2.5 cm) of surface over clay layer (evidenced by columnar structure)
... FX052X01X165 – Thin Claypan (Tcp) Dry Grassland
4b.
Greater than 4" (10 cm) of surface over clay layer (evidenced by columnar structure)
... FX052X01X006 – Claypan (Cp) Dry Grassland
1b.
Soil neither saline nor sodic [EC < 4 and SAR < 13 within surface 20" (50 cm)]
6a.
Coarse granular clay, site dominated by sandy vegetation (e.g. Prairie sandreed)
... FX052X01X007 – Coarse Clay (Coc) Dry Grassland
6b.
Site not as above
7a.
Soil pH < 5.6 in all parts below surface horizon, derived from acid shale parent material
8a.
Soil moderately deep [20"-40" (50-102 cm)] > 35% clay - Future site concept Acid Clay (AcC) - go to 18
18bb.
Slope < 15%
19aa.
Clay content > 35% to 45% in surface mineral 4” (10 cm)
... FX052X01X001 – Clayey (Cy) Dry Grassland
19bb.
Clay content > 45% in surface mineral 4” (10 cm)
... FX052X01X010 – Dense Clay (DC) Dry Grassland
8b.
Soil shallow or very shallow [less than 20" (50 cm)] > 35% clay - Future site concept Shallow Acid Clay (SwAcC) - see 11a Shallow Clay
... FX052X01X131 – Shallow Clay (Swc) Dry Grassland
7b.
Soil pH ≥ 5.6 in all parts below surface horizon, derived from non-acid parent material
9a.
Soils moderately deep or shallower [< 40” (100 cm) deep to bedrock, lithic, or paralithic root restrictive layer]
10a.
Clay content is > 35% in surface mineral 4” (10 cm) [ribbon > 2” long]
11a.
Soils shallow or very shallow [< 20” (50 cm) deep to bedrock, lithic, or paralithic root restrictive layer]
... FX052X01X131 – Shallow Clay (Swc) Dry Grassland
11b.
Soils moderately deep [≥ 20" (50cm) to < 40" (100cm) deep to bedrock, lithic, or paralithic root restrictive layer] - go to 18
18bbb.
Slope < 15%
19aaa.
Clay content > 35% to 45% in surface mineral 4” (10 cm)
... FX052X01X001 – Clayey (Cy) Dry Grassland
19bbb.
Clay content > 45% in surface mineral 4” (10 cm)
... FX052X01X010 – Dense Clay (DC) Dry Grassland
10b.
Clay content ≤ 35% in surface mineral 4" (10 cm) [ribbon < 2” long]
12a.
Soils weakly developed, typically lacking a mollic epipedon and argillic horzion
... FX052X01X160 – Thin Breaks (TB) Dry Grassland
12b.
Soils well developed, evidenced by features such as argillic horizons and/or a mollic epipedon - go to 20
20aa.
Strongly or violently effervescent in surface mineral 5” (12 cm), lime conc. increasing with depth.
20bb.
Not strongly or violently effervescent within surface mineral 5" (12 cm)
9b.
Soils deep to very deep [≥ 40” (100 cm) deep to bedrock, lithic, or paralithic root restrictive layer]
13a.
Soil skeletal in surface 20” (50 cm) [ ≥ 35% rock fragments in most of the surface 20”]
14a.
Soil sandy-skeletal within 10 inches of the surface
... FX052X01X021 – Sandy Gravel (Sygr) Dry Grassland
14b.
Soil loamy-skeletal within 10 inches of the surface
... FX052X01X022 – Loamy Gravel (Logr) Dry Grassland
13b.
Soil not skeletal in surface 20” (50 cm) [< 35% rock fragments in most of the surface 20”]
15a.
Sandy textural family in surface mineral 4” (10 cm) - Future Site Concept Sands (Sa) - see 16a Sandy
... FX052X01X110 – Sandy (Sy) Dry Grassland
15b.
Coarse loamy or finer textural family in surface mineral 4" (10 cm)
16a.
Coarse loamy or coarse silty textural family in surface mineral 4” (10 cm)
... FX052X01X110 – Sandy (Sy) Dry Grassland
16b.
Fine loamy, fine silty or finer textural family in surface mineral 4" (10 cm)
17a.
Clay content is > 35% in surface mineral 4” (10 cm) [ribbon > 2” long]
18b.
Slope < 15%
19a.
Clay content > 35% to 45% in surface mineral 4” (10 cm)
... FX052X01X001 – Clayey (Cy) Dry Grassland
19b.
Clay content > 45% in surface mineral 4” (10 cm)
... FX052X01X010 – Dense Clay (DC) Dry Grassland
17b.
Clay content ≤ 35% in surface mineral 4" (10 cm) [ribbon < 2” long]
20a.
Strongly or violently effervescent in surface mineral 5” (12 cm), lime conc. increasing with depth.
20b.
Not strongly or violently effervescent within surface mineral 5" (12 cm)
MLRA 52X Dry Shrubland LRU Key - Version 8.2
A.
Site Receives additional moisture either from groundwater (endosaturation) or from surface water (episaturation)
1a.
Soil Saline (EC ≥ 4 ) and/or Sodic (SAR ≥ 13) within surface 4" (10 cm)
2a.
Water table < 24" (60 cm) soil poorly drained with long duration ponding, seasonal lake beds, depressions, & flats, vegetation sparse
... FX052X99X003 – Alkali Flat (Af)
2b.
Water table > 24" (60 cm); soil somewhat well drained to well drained
3a.
Seasonal high water table 24-40" (60-102 cm) from surface, soil somewhat well drained, usually endosaturation
... FX052X99X092 – Saline Subirrigated (Ssb)
3b.
Seasonal high water table > 40" (102 cm), soil well drained, usually episaturation
... FX052X99X091 – Saline Overflow (Sov)
1b.
Soil neither saline nor sodic [EC < 4 and SAR < 13 within surface 4" (10 cm)]
4a.
Site is a closed depression with run in
5a.
Site receives water from groundwater discharge - accumulated salts moderate to high
... FX052X99X705 – Discharge Closed Depression (Cdr)
5b.
Site does not receive water from groundwater discharge - accumulated salts low
... FX052X99X071 – Recharge Closed Depression (Cdr)
4b.
Site is a swale, coulee, or riparian area
6a.
Site is located outside of the floodplain
7a.
Upland swales and coulees; herbaceous species and/or sagebrush dominate site
... FX052X03X062 – Swale (Se) Dry Shrubland
7b.
Upland swales & coulees; woody species (chokecherry, serviceberry, green ash) dominate site
... FX052X02X756 – Woody Draw (Wd) Moist Grassland
6b.
Site is located inside the floodplain
8b.
Site dominated by herbaceous vegetation
9a.
Receives additional moisture from surface water (episaturation)
... FX052X99X060 – Overflow (Ov)
9b.
Receives additional moisture from groundwater (endosaturation), water table < 40" (102 cm)
B.
Site does not receive additional effective moisture
1a.
Soil saline and/or sodic within surface 20” (50 cm) or soils with natric or relic natric horizons.
2a.
Massive, subangular blocky, or prismatic structure; effective rooting depth > 10" (25 cm)
3a.
Clay content < 35% in surface mineral 4” (10 cm) [able to make a ribbon < 2” long]
... FX052X03X094 – Loamy Sodic (Losd) Dry Shrubland
3b.
Clay content > 35% in surface mineral 4” (10 cm) [able to make a ribbon > 2” long]
... FX052X03X012 – Dense Clay Sodic (Dcsd) Dry Shrubland
2b.
Columnar structure, abrupt root or water restrictive clay layer present within 10” (25 cm) of soil surface
4a.
0"- 4” (0-10 cm) of surface over clay layer (evidenced by columnar structure)
5a.
1" (2.5 cm) or less of surface over clay layer (evidenced by columnar structure)
... FX052X03X145 – Panspot (Pn) Dry Shrubland
5b.
Greater than 1" (2.5 cm) of surface over clay layer (evidenced by columnar structure)
... FX052X03X165 – Thin Claypan (Tcp) Dry Shrubland
4b.
Greater than 4" (10 cm) of surface over clay layer (evidenced by columnar structure)
... FX052X03X006 – Claypan (Cp) Dry Shrubland
1b.
Soil neither saline nor sodic [EC < 4 and SAR < 13 within surface 20" (50 cm)]
6a.
Coarse granular clay, site dominated by sandy vegetation (e.g. Prairie sandreed)
... FX052X03X007 – Coarse Clay (Coc) Dry Shrubland
6b.
Site not as above
7a.
Soil pH < 5.6 in all parts below surface horizon, derived from acid shale parent material
8a.
Soil moderately deep [20"-40" (50-102 cm)] > 35% clay - Future site concept Acid Clay (AcC) - go to 18
18bb.
Slope < 15%
19aa.
Clay content > 35% to 45% in surface mineral 4” (10 cm)
... FX052X03X001 – Clayey (Cy) Dry Shrubland
19bb.
Clay content > 45% in surface mineral 4” (10 cm)
... FX052X03X010 – Dense Clay (DC) Dry Shrubland
8b.
Soil shallow or very shallow [less than 20" (50 cm)] > 35% clay - Future site concept Shallow Acid Clay (SwAcC) - see 11a Shallow Clay
... FX052X03X131 – Shallow Clay (Swc) Dry Shrubland
7b.
Soil pH ≥ 5.6 in all parts below surface horizon, derived from non-acid parent material
9a.
Soils moderately deep or shallower [< 40” (100 cm) deep to bedrock, lithic, or paralithic root restrictive layer]
10a.
Clay content is > 35% in surface mineral 4” (10 cm) [ribbon > 2” long]
11a.
Soils shallow or very shallow [< 20” (50 cm) deep to bedrock, lithic, or paralithic root restrictive layer]
... FX052X03X131 – Shallow Clay (Swc) Dry Shrubland
11b.
Soils moderately deep [≥ 20" (50cm) to < 40" (100cm) deep to bedrock, lithic, or paralithic root restrictive layer] - go to 18
18bbb.
Slope < 15%
19aaa.
Clay content > 35% to 45% in surface mineral 4” (10 cm)
... FX052X03X001 – Clayey (Cy) Dry Shrubland
19bbb.
Clay content > 45% in surface mineral 4” (10 cm)
... FX052X03X010 – Dense Clay (DC) Dry Shrubland
10b.
Clay content ≤ 35% in surface mineral 4" (10 cm) [ribbon < 2” long]
12a.
Soils weakly developed, typically lacking a mollic epipedon and argillic horzion
... FX052X03X160 – Thin Breaks (TB) Dry Shrubland
12b.
Soils well developed, evidenced by features such as argillic horizons and/or a mollic epipedon - go to 20
20aa.
Strongly or violently effervescent in surface mineral 5” (12 cm), lime conc. increasing with depth.
20bb.
Not strongly or violently effervescent within surface mineral 5" (12 cm)
9b.
Soils deep to very deep [≥ 40” (100 cm) deep to bedrock, lithic, or paralithic root restrictive layer]
13a.
Soil skeletal in surface 20” (50 cm) [ ≥ 35% rock fragments in most of the surface 20”]
14a.
Soil sandy-skeletal within 10 inches of the surface
... FX052X03X021 – Sandy Gravel (Sygr) Dry Shrubland
14b.
Soil loamy-skeletal within 10 inches of the surface
... FX052X03X022 – Loamy Gravel (Logr) Dry Shrubland
13b.
Soil not skeletal in surface 20” (50 cm) [< 35% rock fragments in most of the surface 20”]
15a.
Sandy textural family in surface mineral 4” (10 cm) - Future Site Concept Sands (Sa) - see 16a Sandy
... FX052X03X110 – Sandy (Sy) Dry Shrubland
15b.
Coarse loamy or finer textural family in surface mineral 4" (10 cm)
16a.
Coarse loamy or coarse silty textural family in surface mineral 4” (10 cm)
... FX052X03X110 – Sandy (Sy) Dry Shrubland
16b.
Fine loamy, fine silty or finer textural family in surface mineral 4" (10 cm)
17a.
Clay content is > 35% in surface mineral 4” (10 cm) [ribbon > 2” long]
18b.
Slope < 15%
19a.
Clay content > 35% to 45% in surface mineral 4” (10 cm)
... FX052X03X001 – Clayey (Cy) Dry Shrubland
19b.
Clay content > 45% in surface mineral 4” (10 cm)
... FX052X03X010 – Dense Clay (DC) Dry Shrubland
17b.
Clay content ≤ 35% in surface mineral 4" (10 cm) [ribbon < 2” long]
20a.
Strongly or violently effervescent in surface mineral 5” (12 cm), lime conc. increasing with depth.
20b.
Not strongly or violently effervescent within surface mineral 5" (12 cm)
MLRA 52X Moist Grassland LRU Key - Version 8.2
A.
Site Receives additional moisture either from groundwater (endosaturation) or from surface water (episaturation)
1a.
Soil Saline (EC ≥ 4 ) and/or Sodic (SAR ≥ 13) within surface 4" (10 cm)
2a.
Water table < 24" (60 cm) soil poorly drained with long duration ponding, seasonal lake beds, depressions, & flats, vegetation sparse
... FX052X99X003 – Alkali Flat (Af)
2b.
Water table > 24" (60 cm); soil somewhat well drained to well drained
3a.
Seasonal high water table 24-40" (60-102 cm) from surface, soil somewhat well drained, usually endosaturation
... FX052X99X092 – Saline Subirrigated (Ssb)
3b.
Seasonal high water table > 40" (102 cm), soil well drained, usually episaturation
... FX052X99X091 – Saline Overflow (Sov)
1b.
Soil neither saline nor sodic [EC < 4 and SAR < 13 within surface 4" (10 cm)]
4a.
Site is a closed depression with run in
5a.
Site receives water from groundwater discharge - accumulated salts moderate to high
... FX052X99X705 – Discharge Closed Depression (Cdr)
5b.
Site does not receive water from groundwater discharge - accumulated salts low
... FX052X99X071 – Recharge Closed Depression (Cdr)
4b.
Site is a swale, coulee, or riparian area
6a.
Site is located outside of the floodplain
7a.
Upland swales and coulees; herbaceous species and/or sagebrush dominate site
... FX052X02X062 – Swale (Se) Moist Grassland
7b.
Upland swales & coulees; woody species (chokecherry, serviceberry, green ash) dominate site
... FX052X02X756 – Woody Draw (Wd) Moist Grassland
6b.
Site is located inside the floodplain
8b.
Site dominated by herbaceous vegetation
9a.
Receives additional moisture from surface water (episaturation)
... FX052X99X060 – Overflow (Ov)
9b.
Receives additional moisture from groundwater (endosaturation), water table ≤ 40" (102 cm)
B.
Site does not receive additional effective moisture
1a.
Soil saline and/or sodic within surface 20” (50 cm) or soils with natric or relic natric horizons.
2a.
Abrupt root or water restrictive clay layer (evidenced by columnar structure), present within 4” (10 cm) of soil surface
3a.
1" (2.5 cm) or less of surface over clay layer (evidenced by columnar structure)
... FX052X02X145 – Panspot (Pn) Moist Grassland
3b.
Greater than 1" (2.5 cm) of surface over clay layer (evidenced by columnar structure)
... FX052X02X165 – Thin Claypan (Tcp) Moist Grassland
2b.
Abrupt root or water restrictive clay layer (evidenced by columnar structure), present between 4" and 10" (10-25 cm) of soil surface
... FX052X02X006 – Claypan (Cp) Moist Grassland
1b.
Soil neither saline nor sodic [EC < 4 and SAR < 13 within surface 20" (50 cm)]
4a.
Soil skeletal in surface 20” (50 cm) [ ≥ 35% rock fragments in most of the surface 20”]
5a.
Soil sandy-skeletal within 10 inches of the surface
... FX052X02X021 – Sandy Gravel (Sygr) Moist Grassland
5b.
Soil loamy-skeletal within 10 inches of the surface
... FX052X02X022 – Loamy Gravel (Logr) Moist Grassland
4b.
Soil not skeletal in surface 20” (50 cm) [< 35% rock fragments in most of the surface 20”]
6a.
Sandy textural family in surface mineral 4” (10 cm) - Future Site Concept Sands (Sa)* - use 16a Sandy
... FX052X02X110 – Sandy (Sy) Moist Grassland
6b.
Coarse loamy or finer textural family in surface mineral 4" (10 cm)
7a
Coarse loamy or coarse silty textural family in surface mineral 4” (10 cm)
... FX052X02X110 – Sandy (Sy) Moist Grassland
7b.
Fine loamy, fine silty or finer textural family in surface mineral 4" (10 cm)
8a.
Clay content is > 35% in surface mineral 4” (10 cm) [ribbon > 2” long]
8b.
Clay content ≤ 35% in surface mineral 4" (10 cm) [ribbon < 2” long]
10a.
Strongly or violently effervescent in surface mineral 5” (12 cm), lime conc. increasing with depth.
10b.
Not strongly or violently effervescent within surface mineral 5" (12 cm)
MLRA 52X Legacy RRU Central Key
I.
Site receives additional effective moisture¹
A.
Soil saline (EC> 4 within surface 4”)
1
Seasonal high water table≥ 40” from ground surface; salt tolerant plants dominate site; site regularly receives more than normal soil moisture because of run-in or stream overflow
... R052XC209MT – Saline Overflow (SOv) 10-14" p.z.
B.
Site not as above
1
Seasonal high water table ≥ 40” from ground surface; site regularly receives more than normal soil moisture because of run-in or stream overflow
... R052XC207MT – Overflow (Ov) 10-14" p.z.
2
Seasonal high water table < 40” from ground surface
... R052XC218MT – Subirrigated (Sb) 10-14" p.z.
II.
Site does not receive additional effective moisture¹
A.
Soil saline or saline-sodic within surface 20” or soils with natric or relic natric horizons.
1
No columnar structure; site dominated by salt tolerant plants – Saline Upland (SU)
... R052XC210MT – Saline Upland (SU) 10-14" p.z.
2
Columnar structure present, abrupt root or water restrictive clay layer present within 8” of soil surface
... R052XC204MT – Claypan (Cp) 10-14" p.z.
B.
Site not as above
2
Soils moderately deep, deep, or very deep (≥ 20” deep to bedrock, lithic, or paralithic root restrictive layer)
i.
Soil not skeletal within 20” of soil surface (averages < 35% rock fragments in the 10”-20” layer)
a.
Slope < 15%
2)
Clay content is < 32% in surface mineral 4”
a)
Coarse sandy loam to fine sandy loam texture within surface mineral 4”
... R052XC212MT – Sandy (Sy) 10-14" p.z.
3)
Clay content is > 32% in surface mineral 4” of mineral soil (ribbon > 2” long)
b.
Slope ≥15%
2)
Clay content is < 32% (ribbon < 2” long) in surface mineral 4”
... R052XC223MT – Silty-Steep (SiStp) 10-14" p.z.
ii.
Soil skeletal to within 20” of soil surface (averages > 35% rock fragments in the 10”-20” layer)
a.
Sandy-skeletal within 10-20” of soil surface & typically consists of gravels and/or cobbles
... R052XC216MT – Shallow to Gravel (SwGr) 10-14" p.z.
1
Soils shallow to very shallow (< 20” deep to bedrock, lithic, or paralithic root restrictive layer)
i.
Clay content < 32% in surface mineral 4” (able to make a ribbon < 2” long)
... R052XC214MT – Shallow (Sw) 10-14" p.z.
ii.
Clay content > 32% in surface mineral 4” (ribbon length > 2” long)
... R052XC215MT – Shallow Clay (SwC) 10-14" p.z.
MLRA 52X Legacy RRU North Key
I.
Site receives additional effective moisture¹
A.
Soil saline (EC> 4 within surface 4”)
1
Seasonal high water table≥ 40” from ground surface; salt tolerant plants dominate site; site regularly receives more than normal soil moisture because of run-in or stream overflow
... R052XN171MT – Saline Overflow (SOv) 10-14" p.z.
B.
Site not as above
1
Seasonal high water table ≥ 40” from ground surface; site regularly receives more than normal soil moisture because of run-in or stream overflow
... R052XN166MT – Overflow (Ov) 10-14" p.z.
2
Seasonal high water table < 40” from ground surface
... R052XN169MT – Subirrigated (Sb) 10-14" p.z.
II.
Site does not receive additional effective moisture¹
A.
Soil saline or saline-sodic within surface 20” or soils with natric or relic natric horizons.
1
No columnar structure; site dominated by salt tolerant plants – Saline Upland (SU)
... R052XN170MT – Saline Upland (SU) 10-14" p.z.
2
Columnar structure present, abrupt root or water restrictive clay layer present within 8” of soil surface
... R052XN086MT – Claypan (Cp) 10-14" p.z.
B.
Site not as above
2
Soils moderately deep, deep, or very deep (≥ 20” deep to bedrock, lithic, or paralithic root restrictive layer)
i.
Soil not skeletal within 20” of soil surface (averages < 35% rock fragments in the 10”-20” layer)
a.
Slope < 15%
3)
Clay content is > 32% in surface mineral 4” of mineral soil (ribbon > 2” long)
b.
Slope ≥15%
1)
Clay content is > 32% (ribbon > 2” long) in surface mineral 4”
... R052XN164MT – Clayey-Steep (CyStp) 10-14" p.z.
2)
Clay content is < 32% (ribbon < 2” long) in surface mineral 4”
... R052XN168MT – Silty-Steep (SiStp) 10-14" p.z.
ii.
Soil skeletal to within 20” of soil surface (averages > 35% rock fragments in the 10”-20” layer)
a.
Sandy-skeletal within 10-20” of soil surface & typically consists of gravels and/or cobbles
... R052XN176MT – Shallow to Gravel (SwGr) 10-14" p.z.
1
Soils shallow to very shallow (< 20” deep to bedrock, lithic, or paralithic root restrictive layer)
i.
Clay content < 32% in surface mineral 4” (able to make a ribbon < 2” long)
... R052XN178MT – Shallow (Sw) 10-14" p.z.
ii.
Clay content > 32% in surface mineral 4” (ribbon length > 2” long)
... R052XN179MT – Shallow Clay (SwC) 10-14" p.z.
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.
