Major Land Resource Area 052X
Brown Glaciated Plains
Accessed: 12/21/2024
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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
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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
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Zoom in to display soil survey map units for an area of interest, and zoom out to display MLRAs. Select a map unit polygon to view ecological sites correlated to that map unit. View a brief description of an ecological site by clicking on its name in the map popup. Soil survey correlations may not be accurate, and ecological site classification of a location should always be verified in the field. Each selection may require the transfer of several hundred KB of data.
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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.