Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Major Land Resource Area 052X
Major Land Resource Area
Accessed: 04/24/2026
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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.
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Ecological sites
Major Land Resource Areas
Ecological site photos
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Precipitation
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Soil texture
LRU level climatic group ESDs
2005 era RRU Legacy ESDs with plant tables and reference worksheets
Site occurs in a Typic moisture regime (13-17"MAP)
Site occurs in an Aridic Ustic moisture regime (10-14" MAP)
Site Receives additional moisture either from groundwater (endosaturation) or from surface water (episaturation)
Site does not receive additional effective moisture
Sagebrush component is predominantly silver sagebrush
Sagebrush component is predominantly Wyoming big sagebrush
Site Receives additional moisture either from groundwater (endosaturation) or from surface water (episaturation)
Site does not receive additional effective moisture
Site Receives additional moisture either from groundwater (endosaturation) or from surface water (episaturation)
Site does not receive additional effective moisture
MLRA 52X Hill County and west, Central RRU
MLRA 52X Blaine County and east, North RRU
Site receives additional effective moisture¹
Site does not receive additional effective moisture¹
Site receives additional effective moisture¹
Site does not receive additional effective moisture¹
Soil Saline (EC ≥ 4 ) and/or Sodic (SAR ≥ 13) within surface 4" (10 cm)
Soil neither saline nor sodic [EC < 4 and 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
FX052X99X003 – Alkali Flat (Af)
FX052X99X003 – Alkali Flat (Af)
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
FX052X99X092 – Saline Subirrigated (Ssb)
FX052X99X092 – Saline Subirrigated (Ssb)
Seasonal high water table > 40" (102 cm), soil well drained, usually episaturation
FX052X99X091 – Saline Overflow (Sov)
FX052X99X091 – Saline Overflow (Sov)
Site is a closed depression with run in
Site is a swale, coulee, or riparian area
Site receives water from groundwater discharge - accumulated salts moderate to high
FX052X99X705 – Discharge Closed Depression (Cdr)
FX052X99X705 – Discharge Closed Depression (Cdr)
Site does not receive water from groundwater discharge - accumulated salts low
FX052X99X071 – Recharge Closed Depression (Cdr)
FX052X99X071 – Recharge Closed Depression (Cdr)
Site is located outside of the floodplain
Site is located inside the floodplain
Upland swales and coulees; herbaceous species and/or sagebrush dominate site
FX052X02X062 – Swale (Se) Moist Grassland
FX052X02X062 – Swale (Se) Moist Grassland
Upland swales & coulees; woody species (chokecherry, serviceberry, green ash) dominate site
FX052X02X756 – Woody Draw (Wd) Moist Grassland
FX052X02X756 – Woody Draw (Wd) Moist Grassland
Site Dominated by woody vegetation
FX052X99X061 – Riparian Woodland (RW)
FX052X99X061 – Riparian Woodland (RW)
Site dominated by herbaceous vegetation
Receives additional moisture from surface water (episaturation)
FX052X99X060 – Overflow (Ov)
FX052X99X060 – Overflow (Ov)
Receives additional moisture from groundwater (endosaturation), water table ≤ 40" (102 cm)
Seasonal high water table 24" to 40" (60-102 cm)
FX052X99X150 – Subirrigated (Sb)
FX052X99X150 – Subirrigated (Sb)
Seasonal high water table < 24" (60 cm)
FX052X99X084 – Slough (Sl)
FX052X99X084 – Slough (Sl)
Soil saline and/or sodic within surface 20” (50 cm) or soils with natric or relic natric horizons.
Soil neither saline nor sodic [EC < 4 and SAR < 13 within surface 20" (50 cm)]
Abrupt root or water restrictive clay layer (evidenced by columnar structure), present within 4” (10 cm) of soil surface
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
FX052X02X006 – Claypan (Cp) Moist Grassland
1" (2.5 cm) or less of surface over clay layer (evidenced by columnar structure)
FX052X02X145 – Panspot (Pn) Moist Grassland
FX052X02X145 – Panspot (Pn) Moist Grassland
Greater than 1" (2.5 cm) of surface over clay layer (evidenced by columnar structure)
FX052X02X165 – Thin Claypan (Tcp) Moist Grassland
FX052X02X165 – Thin Claypan (Tcp) Moist Grassland
Soil skeletal in surface 20” (50 cm) [ ≥ 35% rock fragments in most of the surface 20”]
Soil not skeletal in surface 20” (50 cm) [< 35% rock fragments in most of the surface 20”]
Soil sandy-skeletal within 10 inches of the surface
FX052X02X021 – Sandy Gravel (Sygr) Moist Grassland
FX052X02X021 – Sandy Gravel (Sygr) Moist Grassland
Soil loamy-skeletal within 10 inches of the surface
FX052X02X022 – Loamy Gravel (Logr) Moist Grassland
FX052X02X022 – Loamy Gravel (Logr) Moist Grassland
Sandy textural family in surface mineral 4” (10 cm) - Future Site Concept Sands (Sa)* - use 16a Sandy
FX052X02X110 – Sandy (Sy) Moist Grassland
FX052X02X110 – Sandy (Sy) Moist Grassland
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)
FX052X02X110 – Sandy (Sy) Moist Grassland
FX052X02X110 – Sandy (Sy) Moist Grassland
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]
Clay content ≤ 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]
FX052X02X131 – Shallow Clay (Swc) Moist Grassland
FX052X02X131 – Shallow Clay (Swc) Moist Grassland
Soils moderately deep [≥ 20" (50cm) to < 40" (100cm) deep to bedrock, lithic, or paralithic root restrictive layer]
Slope > 15%
FX052X02X005 – Clayey-Steep (Cystp) Moist Grassland
FX052X02X005 – Clayey-Steep (Cystp) Moist Grassland
Slope ≤ 15%
FX052X02X001 – Clayey (Cy) Moist Grassland
FX052X02X001 – Clayey (Cy) Moist Grassland
Soils weakly developed, typically lacking both a mollic epipedon and an argillic horizon
FX052X02Y160 – Thin Breaks (TB) Moist Grassland
FX052X02Y160 – Thin Breaks (TB) Moist Grassland
Soils well developed, evidenced by features such as a mollic epipedon and/or an argillic horizons
Strongly or violently effervescent in surface mineral 5” (12 cm), lime conc. increasing with depth.
Not strongly or violently effervescent within surface mineral 5" (12 cm)
Slope < 15%
FX052X02X030 – Limy (Ly) Moist Grassland
FX052X02X030 – Limy (Ly) Moist Grassland
Slope ≥ 15%
FX052X02X029 – Limy-Steep (Lystp) Moist Grassland
FX052X02X029 – Limy-Steep (Lystp) Moist Grassland
22a. Slope < 15%
FX052X02X032 – Loamy (Lo) Moist Grassland
FX052X02X032 – Loamy (Lo) Moist Grassland
22b. Slope ≥ 15%
FX052X02X040 – Loamy-Steep (Lostp) Moist Grassland
FX052X02X040 – Loamy-Steep (Lostp) Moist Grassland
Soil Saline (EC ≥ 4 ) and/or Sodic (SAR ≥ 13) within surface 4" (10 cm)
Soil neither saline nor sodic [EC < 4 and 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
FX052X99X003 – Alkali Flat (Af)
FX052X99X003 – Alkali Flat (Af)
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
FX052X99X092 – Saline Subirrigated (Ssb)
FX052X99X092 – Saline Subirrigated (Ssb)
Seasonal high water table > 40" (102 cm), soil well drained, usually episaturation
FX052X99X091 – Saline Overflow (Sov)
FX052X99X091 – Saline Overflow (Sov)
Site is a closed depression with run in
Site is a swale, coulee, or riparian area
Site receives water from groundwater discharge - accumulated salts moderate to high
FX052X99X705 – Discharge Closed Depression (Cdr)
FX052X99X705 – Discharge Closed Depression (Cdr)
Site does not receive water from groundwater discharge - accumulated salts low
FX052X99X071 – Recharge Closed Depression (Cdr)
FX052X99X071 – Recharge Closed Depression (Cdr)
Site is located outside of the floodplain
Site is located inside the floodplain
Upland swales and coulees; herbaceous species and/or sagebrush dominate site
FX052X01X062 – Swale (Se) Dry Grassland
FX052X01X062 – Swale (Se) Dry Grassland
Upland swales & coulees; woody species (chokecherry, serviceberry, green ash) dominate site
FX052X02X756 – Woody Draw (Wd) Moist Grassland
FX052X02X756 – Woody Draw (Wd) Moist Grassland
Site Dominated by woody vegetation
FX052X99X061 – Riparian Woodland (RW)
FX052X99X061 – Riparian Woodland (RW)
Site dominated by herbaceous vegetation
Receives additional moisture from surface water (episaturation)
FX052X99X060 – Overflow (Ov)
FX052X99X060 – Overflow (Ov)
Receives additional moisture from groundwater (endosaturation), water table ≤ 40" (102 cm)
Seasonal high water table 24" to 40" (60-102 cm)
FX052X99X150 – Subirrigated (Sb)
FX052X99X150 – Subirrigated (Sb)
Seasonal high water table < 24" (60 cm)
FX052X99X084 – Slough (Sl)
FX052X99X084 – Slough (Sl)
Soil saline and/or sodic within surface 20” (50 cm) or soils with natric or relic natric horizons.
Soil neither saline nor sodic [EC < 4 and SAR < 13 within surface 20" (50 cm)]
Massive, subangular blocky, or prismatic structure; effective rooting depth > 10" (25 cm)
Columnar structure, abrupt root or water restrictive clay layer present within 10” (25 cm) of soil surface
Clay content < 35% in surface mineral 4” (10 cm) [able to make a ribbon < 2” long]
FX052X01X094 – Loamy Sodic (Losd) Dry Grassland
FX052X01X094 – Loamy Sodic (Losd) Dry Grassland
Clay content > 35% in surface mineral 4” (10 cm) [able to make a ribbon > 2” long]
FX052X01X012 – Dense Clay Sodic (Dcsd) Dry Grassland
FX052X01X012 – Dense Clay Sodic (Dcsd) Dry Grassland
0"- 4” (0-10 cm) of surface over clay layer (evidenced by columnar structure)
Greater than 4" (10 cm) of surface over clay layer (evidenced by columnar structure)
FX052X01X006 – Claypan (Cp) Dry Grassland
FX052X01X006 – Claypan (Cp) Dry Grassland
1" (2.5 cm) or less of surface over clay layer (evidenced by columnar structure)
FX052X01X145 – Panspot (Pn) Dry Grassland
FX052X01X145 – Panspot (Pn) Dry Grassland
Greater than 1" (2.5 cm) of surface over clay layer (evidenced by columnar structure)
FX052X01X165 – Thin Claypan (Tcp) Dry Grassland
FX052X01X165 – Thin Claypan (Tcp) Dry Grassland
Coarse granular clay, site dominated by sandy vegetation (e.g. Prairie sandreed)
FX052X01X007 – Coarse Clay (Coc) Dry Grassland
FX052X01X007 – Coarse Clay (Coc) Dry Grassland
Site not as above
Soil pH < 5.6 in all parts below surface horizon, derived from acid shale parent material
Soil pH ≥ 5.6 in all parts below surface horizon, derived from non-acid parent material
Soil moderately deep [20"-40" (50-102 cm)] > 35% clay - Future site concept Acid Clay (AcC) - go to 18
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
FX052X01X131 – Shallow Clay (Swc) Dry Grassland
Slope ≥ 15%
FX052X01X005 – Clayey-Steep (Cystp) Dry Grassland
FX052X01X005 – Clayey-Steep (Cystp) Dry Grassland
Slope < 15%
Clay content > 35% to 45% in surface mineral 4” (10 cm)
FX052X01X001 – Clayey (Cy) Dry Grassland
FX052X01X001 – Clayey (Cy) Dry Grassland
Clay content > 45% in surface mineral 4” (10 cm)
FX052X01X010 – Dense Clay (DC) Dry Grassland
FX052X01X010 – Dense Clay (DC) Dry Grassland
Soils moderately deep or shallower [< 40” (100 cm) deep to bedrock, lithic, or paralithic root restrictive layer]
Soils deep to very deep [≥ 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]
Clay content ≤ 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]
FX052X01X131 – Shallow Clay (Swc) Dry Grassland
FX052X01X131 – Shallow Clay (Swc) Dry Grassland
Soils moderately deep [≥ 20" (50cm) to < 40" (100cm) deep to bedrock, lithic, or paralithic root restrictive layer] - go to 18
Slope ≥ 15%
FX052X01X005 – Clayey-Steep (Cystp) Dry Grassland
FX052X01X005 – Clayey-Steep (Cystp) Dry Grassland
Slope < 15%
Clay content > 35% to 45% in surface mineral 4” (10 cm)
FX052X01X001 – Clayey (Cy) Dry Grassland
FX052X01X001 – Clayey (Cy) Dry Grassland
Clay content > 45% in surface mineral 4” (10 cm)
FX052X01X010 – Dense Clay (DC) Dry Grassland
FX052X01X010 – Dense Clay (DC) Dry Grassland
Soils weakly developed, typically lacking a mollic epipedon and argillic horzion
FX052X01X160 – Thin Breaks (TB) Dry Grassland
FX052X01X160 – Thin Breaks (TB) Dry Grassland
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.
Not strongly or violently effervescent within surface mineral 5" (12 cm)
Slope < 15%
FX052X01X030 – Limy (Ly) Dry Grassland
FX052X01X030 – Limy (Ly) Dry Grassland
Slope ≥ 15%
FX052X01X029 – Limy-Steep (Lystp) Dry Grassland
FX052X01X029 – Limy-Steep (Lystp) Dry Grassland
Slope < 15%
FX052X01X032 – Loamy (Lo) Dry Grassland
FX052X01X032 – Loamy (Lo) Dry Grassland
Slope ≥ 15%
FX052X01X040 – Loamy-Steep (Lostp) Dry Grassland
FX052X01X040 – Loamy-Steep (Lostp) Dry Grassland
Soil skeletal in surface 20” (50 cm) [ ≥ 35% rock fragments in most of the surface 20”]
Soil not skeletal in surface 20” (50 cm) [< 35% rock fragments in most of the surface 20”]
Soil sandy-skeletal within 10 inches of the surface
FX052X01X021 – Sandy Gravel (Sygr) Dry Grassland
FX052X01X021 – Sandy Gravel (Sygr) Dry Grassland
Soil loamy-skeletal within 10 inches of the surface
FX052X01X022 – Loamy Gravel (Logr) Dry Grassland
FX052X01X022 – Loamy Gravel (Logr) Dry Grassland
Sandy textural family in surface mineral 4” (10 cm) - Future Site Concept Sands (Sa) - see 16a Sandy
FX052X01X110 – Sandy (Sy) Dry Grassland
FX052X01X110 – Sandy (Sy) Dry Grassland
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)
FX052X01X110 – Sandy (Sy) Dry Grassland
FX052X01X110 – Sandy (Sy) Dry Grassland
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]
Clay content ≤ 35% in surface mineral 4" (10 cm) [ribbon < 2” long]
Slope ≥ 15%
FX052X01X005 – Clayey-Steep (Cystp) Dry Grassland
FX052X01X005 – Clayey-Steep (Cystp) Dry Grassland
Slope < 15%
Clay content > 35% to 45% in surface mineral 4” (10 cm)
FX052X01X001 – Clayey (Cy) Dry Grassland
FX052X01X001 – Clayey (Cy) Dry Grassland
Clay content > 45% in surface mineral 4” (10 cm)
FX052X01X010 – Dense Clay (DC) Dry Grassland
FX052X01X010 – Dense Clay (DC) Dry Grassland
Strongly or violently effervescent in surface mineral 5” (12 cm), lime conc. increasing with depth.
Not strongly or violently effervescent within surface mineral 5" (12 cm)
Slope < 15%
FX052X01X030 – Limy (Ly) Dry Grassland
FX052X01X030 – Limy (Ly) Dry Grassland
Slope ≥ 15%
FX052X01X029 – Limy-Steep (Lystp) Dry Grassland
FX052X01X029 – Limy-Steep (Lystp) Dry Grassland
Slope < 15%
FX052X01X032 – Loamy (Lo) Dry Grassland
FX052X01X032 – Loamy (Lo) Dry Grassland
Slope ≥ 15%
FX052X01X040 – Loamy-Steep (Lostp) Dry Grassland
FX052X01X040 – Loamy-Steep (Lostp) Dry Grassland
Soil Saline (EC ≥ 4 ) and/or Sodic (SAR ≥ 13) within surface 4" (10 cm)
Soil neither saline nor sodic [EC < 4 and 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
FX052X99X003 – Alkali Flat (Af)
FX052X99X003 – Alkali Flat (Af)
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
FX052X99X092 – Saline Subirrigated (Ssb)
FX052X99X092 – Saline Subirrigated (Ssb)
Seasonal high water table > 40" (102 cm), soil well drained, usually episaturation
FX052X99X091 – Saline Overflow (Sov)
FX052X99X091 – Saline Overflow (Sov)
Site is a closed depression with run in
Site is a swale, coulee, or riparian area
Site receives water from groundwater discharge - accumulated salts moderate to high
FX052X99X705 – Discharge Closed Depression (Cdr)
FX052X99X705 – Discharge Closed Depression (Cdr)
Site does not receive water from groundwater discharge - accumulated salts low
FX052X99X071 – Recharge Closed Depression (Cdr)
FX052X99X071 – Recharge Closed Depression (Cdr)
Site is located outside of the floodplain
Site is located inside the floodplain
Upland swales and coulees; herbaceous species and/or sagebrush dominate site
FX052X03X062 – Swale (Se) Dry Shrubland
FX052X03X062 – Swale (Se) Dry Shrubland
Upland swales & coulees; woody species (chokecherry, serviceberry, green ash) dominate site
FX052X02X756 – Woody Draw (Wd) Moist Grassland
FX052X02X756 – Woody Draw (Wd) Moist Grassland
Site Dominated by woody vegetation
FX052X99X061 – Riparian Woodland (RW)
FX052X99X061 – Riparian Woodland (RW)
Site dominated by herbaceous vegetation
Receives additional moisture from surface water (episaturation)
FX052X99X060 – Overflow (Ov)
FX052X99X060 – Overflow (Ov)
Receives additional moisture from groundwater (endosaturation), water table < 40" (102 cm)
Seasonal high water table 24" to 40" (60-102 cm)
FX052X99X150 – Subirrigated (Sb)
FX052X99X150 – Subirrigated (Sb)
Seasonal high water table < 24" (60 cm)
FX052X99X084 – Slough (Sl)
FX052X99X084 – Slough (Sl)
Soil saline and/or sodic within surface 20” (50 cm) or soils with natric or relic natric horizons.
Soil neither saline nor sodic [EC < 4 and SAR < 13 within surface 20" (50 cm)]
Massive, subangular blocky, or prismatic structure; effective rooting depth > 10" (25 cm)
Columnar structure, abrupt root or water restrictive clay layer present within 10” (25 cm) of soil surface
Clay content < 35% in surface mineral 4” (10 cm) [able to make a ribbon < 2” long]
FX052X03X094 – Loamy Sodic (Losd) Dry Shrubland
FX052X03X094 – Loamy Sodic (Losd) Dry Shrubland
Clay content > 35% in surface mineral 4” (10 cm) [able to make a ribbon > 2” long]
FX052X03X012 – Dense Clay Sodic (Dcsd) Dry Shrubland
FX052X03X012 – Dense Clay Sodic (Dcsd) Dry Shrubland
0"- 4” (0-10 cm) of surface over clay layer (evidenced by columnar structure)
Greater than 4" (10 cm) of surface over clay layer (evidenced by columnar structure)
FX052X03X006 – Claypan (Cp) Dry Shrubland
FX052X03X006 – Claypan (Cp) Dry Shrubland
1" (2.5 cm) or less of surface over clay layer (evidenced by columnar structure)
FX052X03X145 – Panspot (Pn) Dry Shrubland
FX052X03X145 – Panspot (Pn) Dry Shrubland
Greater than 1" (2.5 cm) of surface over clay layer (evidenced by columnar structure)
FX052X03X165 – Thin Claypan (Tcp) Dry Shrubland
FX052X03X165 – Thin Claypan (Tcp) Dry Shrubland
Coarse granular clay, site dominated by sandy vegetation (e.g. Prairie sandreed)
FX052X03X007 – Coarse Clay (Coc) Dry Shrubland
FX052X03X007 – Coarse Clay (Coc) Dry Shrubland
Site not as above
Soil pH < 5.6 in all parts below surface horizon, derived from acid shale parent material
Soil pH ≥ 5.6 in all parts below surface horizon, derived from non-acid parent material
Soil moderately deep [20"-40" (50-102 cm)] > 35% clay - Future site concept Acid Clay (AcC) - go to 18
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
FX052X03X131 – Shallow Clay (Swc) Dry Shrubland
Slope ≥ 15%
FX052X03X005 – Clayey-Steep (Cystp) Dry Shrubland
FX052X03X005 – Clayey-Steep (Cystp) Dry Shrubland
Slope < 15%
Clay content > 35% to 45% in surface mineral 4” (10 cm)
FX052X03X001 – Clayey (Cy) Dry Shrubland
FX052X03X001 – Clayey (Cy) Dry Shrubland
Clay content > 45% in surface mineral 4” (10 cm)
FX052X03X010 – Dense Clay (DC) Dry Shrubland
FX052X03X010 – Dense Clay (DC) Dry Shrubland
Soils moderately deep or shallower [< 40” (100 cm) deep to bedrock, lithic, or paralithic root restrictive layer]
Soils deep to very deep [≥ 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]
Clay content ≤ 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]
FX052X03X131 – Shallow Clay (Swc) Dry Shrubland
FX052X03X131 – Shallow Clay (Swc) Dry Shrubland
Soils moderately deep [≥ 20" (50cm) to < 40" (100cm) deep to bedrock, lithic, or paralithic root restrictive layer] - go to 18
Slope ≥ 15%
FX052X03X005 – Clayey-Steep (Cystp) Dry Shrubland
FX052X03X005 – Clayey-Steep (Cystp) Dry Shrubland
Slope < 15%
Clay content > 35% to 45% in surface mineral 4” (10 cm)
FX052X03X001 – Clayey (Cy) Dry Shrubland
FX052X03X001 – Clayey (Cy) Dry Shrubland
Clay content > 45% in surface mineral 4” (10 cm)
FX052X03X010 – Dense Clay (DC) Dry Shrubland
FX052X03X010 – Dense Clay (DC) Dry Shrubland
Soils weakly developed, typically lacking a mollic epipedon and argillic horzion
FX052X03X160 – Thin Breaks (TB) Dry Shrubland
FX052X03X160 – Thin Breaks (TB) Dry Shrubland
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.
Not strongly or violently effervescent within surface mineral 5" (12 cm)
Slope < 15%
FX052X03X030 – Limy (Ly) Dry Shrubland
FX052X03X030 – Limy (Ly) Dry Shrubland
Slope ≥ 15%
FX052X03X029 – Limy-Steep (Lystp) Dry Shrubland
FX052X03X029 – Limy-Steep (Lystp) Dry Shrubland
Slope < 15%
FX052X03X032 – Loamy (Lo) Dry Shrubland
FX052X03X032 – Loamy (Lo) Dry Shrubland
Slope ≥ 15%
FX052X03X040 – Loamy-Steep (Lostp) Dry Shrubland
FX052X03X040 – Loamy-Steep (Lostp) Dry Shrubland
Soil skeletal in surface 20” (50 cm) [ ≥ 35% rock fragments in most of the surface 20”]
Soil not skeletal in surface 20” (50 cm) [< 35% rock fragments in most of the surface 20”]
Soil sandy-skeletal within 10 inches of the surface
FX052X03X021 – Sandy Gravel (Sygr) Dry Shrubland
FX052X03X021 – Sandy Gravel (Sygr) Dry Shrubland
Soil loamy-skeletal within 10 inches of the surface
FX052X03X022 – Loamy Gravel (Logr) Dry Shrubland
FX052X03X022 – Loamy Gravel (Logr) Dry Shrubland
Sandy textural family in surface mineral 4” (10 cm) - Future Site Concept Sands (Sa) - see 16a Sandy
FX052X03X110 – Sandy (Sy) Dry Shrubland
FX052X03X110 – Sandy (Sy) Dry Shrubland
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)
FX052X03X110 – Sandy (Sy) Dry Shrubland
FX052X03X110 – Sandy (Sy) Dry Shrubland
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]
Clay content ≤ 35% in surface mineral 4" (10 cm) [ribbon < 2” long]
Slope ≥ 15%
FX052X03X005 – Clayey-Steep (Cystp) Dry Shrubland
FX052X03X005 – Clayey-Steep (Cystp) Dry Shrubland
Slope < 15%
Clay content > 35% to 45% in surface mineral 4” (10 cm)
FX052X03X001 – Clayey (Cy) Dry Shrubland
FX052X03X001 – Clayey (Cy) Dry Shrubland
Clay content > 45% in surface mineral 4” (10 cm)
FX052X03X010 – Dense Clay (DC) Dry Shrubland
FX052X03X010 – Dense Clay (DC) Dry Shrubland
Strongly or violently effervescent in surface mineral 5” (12 cm), lime conc. increasing with depth.
Not strongly or violently effervescent within surface mineral 5" (12 cm)
Slope < 15%
FX052X03X030 – Limy (Ly) Dry Shrubland
FX052X03X030 – Limy (Ly) Dry Shrubland
Slope ≥ 15%
FX052X03X029 – Limy-Steep (Lystp) Dry Shrubland
FX052X03X029 – Limy-Steep (Lystp) Dry Shrubland
Slope < 15%
FX052X03X032 – Loamy (Lo) Dry Shrubland
FX052X03X032 – Loamy (Lo) Dry Shrubland
Slope ≥ 15%
FX052X03X040 – Loamy-Steep (Lostp) Dry Shrubland
FX052X03X040 – Loamy-Steep (Lostp) Dry Shrubland
Soil saline (EC> 4 within surface 4”)
Site not as above
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.
R052XC209MT – Saline Overflow (SOv) 10-14" p.z.
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.
R052XC207MT – Overflow (Ov) 10-14" p.z.
Seasonal high water table < 40” from ground surface
R052XC218MT – Subirrigated (Sb) 10-14" p.z.
R052XC218MT – Subirrigated (Sb) 10-14" p.z.
Soil saline or saline-sodic within surface 20” or soils with natric or relic natric horizons.
Site not as above
No columnar structure; site dominated by salt tolerant plants – Saline Upland (SU)
R052XC210MT – Saline Upland (SU) 10-14" p.z.
R052XC210MT – Saline Upland (SU) 10-14" p.z.
Columnar structure present, abrupt root or water restrictive clay layer present within 8” of soil surface
R052XC204MT – Claypan (Cp) 10-14" p.z.
R052XC204MT – Claypan (Cp) 10-14" p.z.
Soils moderately deep, deep, or very deep (≥ 20” deep to bedrock, lithic, or paralithic root restrictive layer)
Soils shallow to very shallow (< 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)
Soil skeletal to within 20” of soil surface (averages > 35% rock fragments in the 10”-20” layer)
Slope < 15%
Slope ≥15%
Clay content is < 32% in surface mineral 4”
Clay content is > 32% in surface mineral 4” of mineral soil (ribbon > 2” long)
Coarse sandy loam to fine sandy loam texture within surface mineral 4”
R052XC212MT – Sandy (Sy) 10-14" p.z.
R052XC212MT – Sandy (Sy) 10-14" p.z.
Site not as above
R052XC217MT – Silty (Si) 10-14" p.z.
R052XC217MT – Silty (Si) 10-14" p.z.
Soil 32% to 45% clay within surface mineral 4”
R052XC205MT – Clayey (Cy) 10-14" p.z.
R052XC205MT – Clayey (Cy) 10-14" p.z.
Soil > 45% clay within surface mineral 2”
R052XC206MT – Dense Clay (DC) 10-14" p.z.
R052XC206MT – Dense Clay (DC) 10-14" p.z.
Clay content is < 32% (ribbon < 2” long) in surface mineral 4”
R052XC223MT – Silty-Steep (SiStp) 10-14" p.z.
R052XC223MT – Silty-Steep (SiStp) 10-14" p.z.
Sandy-skeletal within 10-20” of soil surface & typically consists of gravels and/or cobbles
R052XC216MT – Shallow to Gravel (SwGr) 10-14" p.z.
R052XC216MT – Shallow to Gravel (SwGr) 10-14" p.z.
Clay content < 32% in surface mineral 4” (able to make a ribbon < 2” long)
R052XC214MT – Shallow (Sw) 10-14" p.z.
R052XC214MT – Shallow (Sw) 10-14" p.z.
Clay content > 32% in surface mineral 4” (ribbon length > 2” long)
R052XC215MT – Shallow Clay (SwC) 10-14" p.z.
R052XC215MT – Shallow Clay (SwC) 10-14" p.z.
Soil saline (EC> 4 within surface 4”)
Site not as above
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.
R052XN171MT – Saline Overflow (SOv) 10-14" p.z.
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.
R052XN166MT – Overflow (Ov) 10-14" p.z.
Seasonal high water table < 40” from ground surface
R052XN169MT – Subirrigated (Sb) 10-14" p.z.
R052XN169MT – Subirrigated (Sb) 10-14" p.z.
Soil saline or saline-sodic within surface 20” or soils with natric or relic natric horizons.
Site not as above
No columnar structure; site dominated by salt tolerant plants – Saline Upland (SU)
R052XN170MT – Saline Upland (SU) 10-14" p.z.
R052XN170MT – Saline Upland (SU) 10-14" p.z.
Columnar structure present, abrupt root or water restrictive clay layer present within 8” of soil surface
R052XN086MT – Claypan (Cp) 10-14" p.z.
R052XN086MT – Claypan (Cp) 10-14" p.z.
Soils moderately deep, deep, or very deep (≥ 20” deep to bedrock, lithic, or paralithic root restrictive layer)
Soils shallow to very shallow (< 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)
Soil skeletal to within 20” of soil surface (averages > 35% rock fragments in the 10”-20” layer)
Slope < 15%
Slope ≥15%
Clay content is < 32% in surface mineral 4”
R052XN161MT – Silty (Si) 10-14" p.z.
R052XN161MT – Silty (Si) 10-14" p.z.
Clay content is > 32% in surface mineral 4” of mineral soil (ribbon > 2” long)
Soil 32% to 45% clay within surface mineral 4”
R052XN162MT – Clayey (Cy) 10-14" p.z.
R052XN162MT – Clayey (Cy) 10-14" p.z.
Soil > 45% clay within surface mineral 2”
R052XN172MT – Dense Clay (DC) 10-14" p.z.
R052XN172MT – Dense Clay (DC) 10-14" p.z.
Clay content is > 32% (ribbon > 2” long) in surface mineral 4”
R052XN164MT – Clayey-Steep (CyStp) 10-14" p.z.
R052XN164MT – Clayey-Steep (CyStp) 10-14" p.z.
Clay content is < 32% (ribbon < 2” long) in surface mineral 4”
R052XN168MT – Silty-Steep (SiStp) 10-14" p.z.
R052XN168MT – Silty-Steep (SiStp) 10-14" p.z.
Sandy-skeletal within 10-20” of soil surface & typically consists of gravels and/or cobbles
R052XN176MT – Shallow to Gravel (SwGr) 10-14" p.z.
R052XN176MT – Shallow to Gravel (SwGr) 10-14" p.z.
Clay content < 32% in surface mineral 4” (able to make a ribbon < 2” long)
R052XN178MT – Shallow (Sw) 10-14" p.z.
R052XN178MT – Shallow (Sw) 10-14" p.z.
Clay content > 32% in surface mineral 4” (ribbon length > 2” long)
R052XN179MT – Shallow Clay (SwC) 10-14" p.z.
R052XN179MT – Shallow Clay (SwC) 10-14" p.z.
Long term average mean annual precipitation
- No filter
- 30 – 35cm (12 – 14in)
- 35 – 40cm (14 – 16in)
—
cm
Long term average frost free days
- No filter
- 70 – 90days
- 90 – 110days
- 110 – 130days
—
days
- No filter
- 400 – 600m (1300 – 2000ft)
- 600 – 800m (2000 – 2600ft)
- 800 – 1000m (2600 – 3300ft)
- 1000 – 1200m (3300 – 3900ft)
- 1200 – 1400m (3900 – 4600ft)
- 1400 – 1600m (4600 – 5200ft)
—
m
- No filter
- 0 – 3%
- 3 – 5%
- 5 – 10%
- 10 – 15%
- 15 – 20%
- 20 – 25%
- 25 – 30%
- 30 – 35%
- 35 – 40%
- 40 – 45%
- 45 – 50%
- 50 – 60%
- 60 – 70%
—
%
- No filter
- Alluvial fan
- Bluff
- Depression
- Drainageway
- Escarpment
- Esker
- Fan
- Fan apron
- Flood plain
- Hill
- Hillside
- Hillslope
- Kame
- Knoll
- Lake plain
- Lava flow
- Low hill
- Moraine
- Outwash fan
- Outwash terrace
- Oxbow
- Plain
- Playa
- Ridge
- Stream terrace
- Swale
- Terrace
- Till plain
- No filter
- Igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary
- Interbedded sedimentary
- Sandstone and siltstone
- Sedimentary, unspecified
- Shale, unspecified
- No filter
- Alluvium
- Eolian deposits
- Glaciofluvial deposits
- Glaciolacustrine deposits
- Residuum
- Till, unspecified
Soil surface texture
- No filter
- Clay
- Clay loam
- Coarse sandy loam
- Fine sandy loam
- Loam
- Sandy clay loam
- Silty clay
- Silty clay loam
- Silt loam
- Sandy loam
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Ecological site keys
Key Determination Key
I.
LRU level climatic group ESDs
A.
Site occurs in a Typic moisture regime (13-17"MAP)
B.
Site occurs in an Aridic Ustic moisture regime (10-14" MAP)
1
Sagebrush component is predominantly silver sagebrush
2
Sagebrush component is predominantly Wyoming big sagebrush
II.
2005 era RRU Legacy ESDs with plant tables and reference worksheets
A.
MLRA 52X Hill County and west, Central RRU
B.
MLRA 52X Blaine County and east, North RRU
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]
9a.
Soils shallow or very shallow [< 20” (50 cm) deep to bedrock, lithic, or paralithic root restrictive layer]
... FX052X02X131 – Shallow Clay (Swc) Moist Grassland
9b.
Soils moderately deep [≥ 20" (50cm) to < 40" (100cm) deep to bedrock, lithic, or paralithic root restrictive layer]
8b.
Clay content ≤ 35% in surface mineral 4" (10 cm) [ribbon < 2” long]
10a.
Soils weakly developed, typically lacking both a mollic epipedon and an argillic horizon
... FX052X02Y160 – Thin Breaks (TB) Moist Grassland
10b.
Soils well developed, evidenced by features such as a mollic epipedon and/or an argillic horizons
12a.
Strongly or violently effervescent in surface mineral 5” (12 cm), lime conc. increasing with depth.
12b.
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.
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.
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