Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Major Land Resource Area 058A
Major Land Resource Area
Accessed: 04/20/2026
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Ecological sites
Major Land Resource Areas
Ecological site photos
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MLRA wide provisional ecological site descriptions
Legacy 2004 Era RRU ecological site descriptions
Site Occurs in a 10-14" precipitation zone
Site Occurs in a 15-19" precipitation zone
Sites in the western half of the MLRA with little bluestem and blue grama the only warm season species present in the area.
Site located in the eastern half of the MLRA with a minor component of additional warm season species present in the area beyond blue grama and little bluestem.
Site receives additional effective moisture
Site does not receive additional effective moisture
Site receives additional effective moisture
Site does not receive additional effective moisture
Site Receives additional moisture
Site does not receive additional moisture
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)]
Seasonal high water table 24-40” from ground surface; salt tolerant plants dominate site
R058AY737MT – Saline Subirrigated 10-19
R058AY737MT – Saline Subirrigated 10-19
Seasonal high water table > 40” from ground surface; site regularly receives more than normal soil moisture because of run-in or stream overflow; salt tolerant plants dominate site
R058AY713MT – Saline Overflow 10-14
R058AY713MT – Saline Overflow 10-14
Seasonal high water table ≤ 40“
Seasonal high water table > 40 “ or sites receiving run-in moisture only
Seasonal high water table 24" to 40" (60-102 cm)
R058AY738MT – Subirrigated 10-19
R058AY738MT – Subirrigated 10-19
Seasonal high water table < 24" (60 cm)
R058AY723MT – Wet Meadow 10-19
R058AY723MT – Wet Meadow 10-19
Site is located outside of the floodplain; Upland swales, coulees, and ephemeral drainageways
R058AY720MT – Swale 10-14
R058AY720MT – Swale 10-14
Site is located inside the floodplain
Site Dominated by woody vegetation, typically lower stream terraces
R058AY736MT – Riparian Woodland 10-19
R058AY736MT – Riparian Woodland 10-19
Site dominated by herbaceous vegetation, typically upper stream terraces
R058AY711MT – Overflow 10-14
R058AY711MT – Overflow 10-14
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 > 8" (20 cm)
Columnar structure, abrupt root or water restrictive clay layer present within 8” (20 cm) of soil surface
Clay content ≤ 35% in surface mineral 4” (10 cm) [able to make a ribbon < 2” long]
R058AY714MT – Saline Upland 10-14
R058AY714MT – Saline Upland 10-14
Clay content > 35% in surface mineral 4” (10 cm) [able to make a ribbon > 2” long]
R058AY706MT – Dense Clay Sodic 10-14
R058AY706MT – Dense Clay Sodic 10-14
Less than 4” (10cm) of surface over clay layer (evidenced by columnar structure)
Soil has 4 to 8” (10-20cm) of surface over clay layer (evidenced by columnar structure)
R058AY703MT – Claypan 10-14
R058AY703MT – Claypan 10-14
1" (2.5 cm) or less of surface over clay layer (evidenced by columnar structure)
R058AY712MT – Panspot 10-14
R058AY712MT – Panspot 10-14
Greater than 1" (2.5 cm) of surface over clay layer (evidenced by columnar structure)
R058AY721MT – Thin Claypan 10-14
R058AY721MT – Thin Claypan 10-14
Coarse granular clay (typically acid shales), site contains sandy vegetation (e.g. Prairie sandreed)
R058AY704MT – Coarse Clay 10-14
R058AY704MT – Coarse Clay 10-14
Site not as above
Soils shallow to very shallow [< 20” (50 cm) deep to bedrock, lithic, or paralithic root restrictive layer]
Soils moderately deep, deep, or very deep [≥ 20” (50 cm) deep to bedrock, lithic, or paralithic root restrictive layer]
Soil very shallow [< 10” (25cm) deep to bedrock, lithic, or paralithic root restrictive layer]
R058AY722MT – Very Shallow 10-14
R058AY722MT – Very Shallow 10-14
Soil shallow [10”-20” (25-50cm) deep to bedrock, lithic, or paralithic root restrictive layer]
Clay content ≤ 32% in surface mineral 4" (10 cm) [ribbon < 2” long]
R058AY717MT – Shallow 10-14
R058AY717MT – Shallow 10-14
Clay content > 32% in surface mineral 4” (ribbon length > 2” long)
R058AY718MT – Shallow Clay 10-14
R058AY718MT – Shallow Clay 10-14
Soil skeletal within 20" (50 cm) of the surface [averages ≥ 35% rock fragments in the 10”-20” layer]
Soil not skeletal in surface 20” (50 cm) [averages < 35% rock fragments in the 10”-20” layer]
Soil sandy-skeletal
Soil loamy-skeletal
R058AY709MT – Loamy Gravel 10-14
R058AY709MT – Loamy Gravel 10-14
Soil sandy-skeletal within 10 inches of the surface
R058AY707MT – Gravelly 10-14
R058AY707MT – Gravelly 10-14
Soil sandy-skeletal within 10-20 inches of the surface
R058AY719MT – Shallow to Gravel 10-14
R058AY719MT – Shallow to Gravel 10-14
Slope < 15%
Slope ≥ 15%
Fine sandy loam or coarser texture within surface mineral 4”
R058AY715MT – Sandy 10-14
R058AY715MT – Sandy 10-14
Very fine sandy loam or finer texture within surface mineral 4”
Clay content is > 32% in surface mineral 4” of mineral soil (ribbon > 2” long)
Clay content is ≤ 32% in surface mineral 4”
R058AY708MT – Loamy 10-14
R058AY708MT – Loamy 10-14
Soil > 32% to 45% clay within surface mineral 4”
R058AY701MT – Clayey 10-14
R058AY701MT – Clayey 10-14
Soil > 45% clay within surface mineral 2”
R058AY705MT – Dense Clay Non-Sodic 10-14
R058AY705MT – Dense Clay Non-Sodic 10-14
Fine sandy loam or coarser texture within surface mineral 4”
R058AY716MT – Sandy Steep 10-14
R058AY716MT – Sandy Steep 10-14
Very fine sandy loam or finer texture within surface mineral 4”
Clay content is > 32% in surface mineral 4” of mineral soil (ribbon > 2” long)
R058AY702MT – Clayey Steep 10-14
R058AY702MT – Clayey Steep 10-14
Clay content is ≤ 32% in surface mineral 4”
R058AY710MT – Loamy Steep 10-14
R058AY710MT – Loamy Steep 10-14
Site Receives additional moisture
Site does not receive additional effective moisture
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)]
Seasonal high water table 24-40” from ground surface; salt tolerant plants dominate site
R058AY737MT – Saline Subirrigated 10-19
R058AY737MT – Saline Subirrigated 10-19
Seasonal high water table ≤ 40 “
Seasonal high water table > 40 “ or sites receiving run-in moisture only
Seasonal high water table 24" to 40" (60-102 cm)
R058AY738MT – Subirrigated 10-19
R058AY738MT – Subirrigated 10-19
Seasonal high water table < 24" (60 cm)
R058AY723MT – Wet Meadow 10-19
R058AY723MT – Wet Meadow 10-19
Site is located outside of the floodplain; Upland swales, coulees, and ephemeral drainageways
R058AY726MT – Woody Draw 15-19
R058AY726MT – Woody Draw 15-19
Site is located inside the floodplain
Site Dominated by woody vegetation, typically lower stream terraces
R058AY736MT – Riparian Woodland 10-19
R058AY736MT – Riparian Woodland 10-19
Site dominated by herbaceous vegetation, typically upper stream terraces
R058AY729MT – Overflow 15-19
R058AY729MT – Overflow 15-19
Trees or evidence of tree cover (i.e. burned stumps, charcoal in soil profile) common. Typically, shallow to moderately deep soils formed from interbedded sedimentary rock.
R058AY730MT – Ponderosa Pine 15-19
R058AY730MT – Ponderosa Pine 15-19
Grassland or shrubland; typically trees (or evidence of tree cover) rare or absent
Soils shallow to very shallow [< 20” (50 cm) deep to bedrock, lithic, or paralithic root restrictive layer]
Soils moderately deep, deep, or very deep [≥ 20” (50 cm) deep to bedrock, lithic, or paralithic root restrictive layer]
Soil very shallow [< 10” (25cm) deep to bedrock, lithic, or paralithic root restrictive layer]
R058AY735MT – Very Shallow 15-19
R058AY735MT – Very Shallow 15-19
Soil shallow [10”-20” (25-50cm) deep to bedrock, lithic, or paralithic root restrictive layer]
Clay content ≤ 32% in surface mineral 4" (10 cm) [ribbon < 2” long]
R058AY733MT – Shallow 15-19
R058AY733MT – Shallow 15-19
Clay content > 32% in surface mineral 4” (ribbon length > 2” long)
R058AY734MT – Shallow Clay 15-19
R058AY734MT – Shallow Clay 15-19
Slope < 15%
Slope ≥ 15%
Fine sandy loam or coarser texture within surface mineral 4”
R058AY731MT – Sandy 15-19
R058AY731MT – Sandy 15-19
Very fine sandy loam or finer texture within surface mineral 4”
Clay content is > 32% in surface mineral 4” of mineral soil (ribbon > 2” long)
R058AY724MT – Clayey 15-19
R058AY724MT – Clayey 15-19
Clay content is ≤ 32% in surface mineral 4”
R058AY727MT – Loamy 15-19
R058AY727MT – Loamy 15-19
Fine sandy loam or coarser texture within surface mineral 4”
R058AY732MT – Sandy Steep 15-19
R058AY732MT – Sandy Steep 15-19
Very fine sandy loam or finer texture within surface mineral 4”
Clay content is > 32% in surface mineral 4” of mineral soil (ribbon > 2” long)
R058AY725MT – Clayey Steep 15-19
R058AY725MT – Clayey Steep 15-19
Clay content is ≤ 32% in surface mineral 4”
R058AY728MT – Loamy Steep 15-19
R058AY728MT – Loamy Steep 15-19
Soil saline (EC> 4 within surface 4”) and water table > 24”
Site not as above
Seasonal high water table 24-40” from ground surface; salt tolerant plants dominate site – Saline Subirrigated (SSb)
R058AC619MT – Saline Subirrigated (SSb) RRU 58A-C 11-14" p.z.
R058AC619MT – Saline Subirrigated (SSb) RRU 58A-C 11-14" p.z.
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 – Saline Overflow (SOv)
R058AC618MT – Saline Overflow (SOv) RRU 58A-C 11-14" p.z.
R058AC618MT – Saline Overflow (SOv) RRU 58A-C 11-14" 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 – Overflow (Ov)
R058AC045MT – Overflow (Ov) RRU 58A-C 11-14" p.z.
R058AC045MT – Overflow (Ov) RRU 58A-C 11-14" p.z.
Seasonal high water table < 40” from ground surface
Site located in the flood plain
R058AC617MT – Riparian Subirrigated (RSb) RRU 58A-C 11-14" p.z.
R058AC617MT – Riparian Subirrigated (RSb) RRU 58A-C 11-14" p.z.
Site not located in flood plain
Seasonal high water table 24” to 40” – Subirrigated (Sb)
R058AC044MT – Subirrigated (Sb) RRU 58A-C 11-14" p.z.
R058AC044MT – Subirrigated (Sb) RRU 58A-C 11-14" p.z.
Seasonal high water table < 24”
R058AC043MT – Wet Meadow (WM) RRU 58A-C 11-14" p.z.
R058AC043MT – Wet Meadow (WM) RRU 58A-C 11-14" 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)
R058AC050MT – Saline Upland (SU) RRU 58A-C 11-14" p.z.
R058AC050MT – Saline Upland (SU) RRU 58A-C 11-14" p.z.
Columnar structure present, abrupt root or water restrictive clay layer present within 8” of soil surface
R058AC054MT – Claypan (Cp) RRU 58A-C 11-14" p.z.
R058AC054MT – Claypan (Cp) RRU 58A-C 11-14" p.z.
Coarse granular clay (typically acid shales), site contains sandy vegetation (e.g. Prairie sandreed) – Coarse Clay (CoC)
R058AC614MT – Coarse Clay (CC) RRU 58A-C 11-14" p.z.
R058AC614MT – Coarse Clay (CC) RRU 58A-C 11-14" p.z.
Site not as above
Soils shallow to very shallow (< 20” deep to bedrock, lithic, or paralithic root restrictive layer)
Soils moderately deep, deep, or very deep (≥ 20” deep to bedrock, lithic, or paralithic root restrictive layer)
Soil very shallow (< 10” deep to bedrock, lithic, or paralithic root restrictive layer)
Soil shallow (10” – 20” deep to bedrock, lithic, or paralithic root restrictive layer)
Bedrock is Shale
R058AC052MT – Shale (Sh) RRU 58A-C 11-14" p.z.
R058AC052MT – Shale (Sh) RRU 58A-C 11-14" p.z.
Other
R058AC058MT – Very Shallow (VSw) RRU 58A-C 11-14" p.z.
R058AC058MT – Very Shallow (VSw) RRU 58A-C 11-14" p.z.
Clay content < 32% in surface mineral 4” (able to make a ribbon < 2” long)
R058AC057MT – Shallow (Sw) RRU 58A-C 11-14" p.z.
R058AC057MT – Shallow (Sw) RRU 58A-C 11-14" p.z.
Clay content > 32% in surface mineral 4” (ribbon length > 2” long) – Shallow Clay (SwC)
R058AC059MT – Shallow Clay (SwC) RRU 58A-C 11-14" p.z.
R058AC059MT – Shallow Clay (SwC) RRU 58A-C 11-14" p.z.
Soil skeletal to within 20” of soil surface (averages > 35% rock fragments in the 10”-20” layer)
Site not as above
Sandy-skeletal within 10-20” of soil surface & typically consists of gravels and/or cobbles
R058AC194MT – Shallow to Gravel (SwGr) RRU 58A-C 11-14" p.z.
R058AC194MT – Shallow to Gravel (SwGr) RRU 58A-C 11-14" p.z.
Sandy-skeletal within 10” of soil surface – Gravelly (Gr)
R058AC055MT – Gravel (Gr) RRU 58A-C 11-14" p.z.
R058AC055MT – Gravel (Gr) RRU 58A-C 11-14" p.z.
Slope < 15%
Slope ≥15%
Coarse sandy loam to fine sandy loam texture within surface mineral 4”
R058AC042MT – Sandy (Sy) RRU 58A-C 11-14" p.z.
R058AC042MT – Sandy (Sy) RRU 58A-C 11-14" p.z.
Site not as above
Clay content is > 32% in surface mineral 4” of mineral soil (ribbon > 2” long)
Clay content is < 32% in surface mineral 4”
R058AC040MT – Silty (Si) RRU 58A-C 11-14" p.z.
R058AC040MT – Silty (Si) RRU 58A-C 11-14" p.z.
Soil 32% to 45% clay within surface mineral 4” – Clayey (Cy)
R058AC041MT – Clayey (Cy) RRU 58A-C 11-14" p.z.
R058AC041MT – Clayey (Cy) RRU 58A-C 11-14" p.z.
Soil > 45% clay within surface mineral 2” – Dense Clay
R058AC053MT – Dense Clay (DC) RRU 58A-C 11-14" p.z.
R058AC053MT – Dense Clay (DC) RRU 58A-C 11-14" p.z.
Mollic epipedon present
R058AC049MT – Silty-Steep (SiStp) RRU 58A-C 11-14" p.z.
R058AC049MT – Silty-Steep (SiStp) RRU 58A-C 11-14" p.z.
Mollic epipedon not present
R058AC616MT – Thin Breaks (TB) RRU 58A-C 11-14" p.z.
R058AC616MT – Thin Breaks (TB) RRU 58A-C 11-14" p.z.
Soil saline (EC> 4 within surface 4”) and water table > 40”
R058AE012MT – Saline Lowland (SL) RRU 58A-E 10-14" p.z.
R058AE012MT – Saline Lowland (SL) RRU 58A-E 10-14" p.z.
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 – Overflow (Ov)
R058AE007MT – Overflow (Ov) RRU 58A-E 10-14" p.z.
R058AE007MT – Overflow (Ov) RRU 58A-E 10-14" p.z.
Seasonal high water table < 40” from ground surface
Seasonal high water table < 24 “
R058AE009MT – Wet Meadow (WM) RRU 58A-E 10-14" p.z.
R058AE009MT – Wet Meadow (WM) RRU 58A-E 10-14" p.z.
Seasonal high water table 24” to 40” – Subirrigated (Sb)
R058AE008MT – Subirrigated (Sb) RRU 58A-E 10-14" p.z.
R058AE008MT – Subirrigated (Sb) RRU 58A-E 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
Columnar structure present, abrupt root or water restrictive clay layer present within 8” of soil surface
R058AE013MT – Claypan (Cp) RRU 58A-E 10-14" p.z.
R058AE013MT – Claypan (Cp) RRU 58A-E 10-14" p.z.
Site dominated by salt tolerant plants – Saline Upland (SU)
R058AE011MT – Saline Upland (SU) RRU 58A-E 10-14" p.z.
R058AE011MT – Saline Upland (SU) RRU 58A-E 10-14" p.z.
Site has a component of salt tolerant plants
R058AE193MT – Silty-Saline (SiS) RRU 58A-E 10-14" p.z.
R058AE193MT – Silty-Saline (SiS) RRU 58A-E 10-14" p.z.
Coarse granular clay (typically acid shales), site contains sandy vegetation (e.g. Prairie sandreed) – Coarse Clay (CoC)
R058AE192MT – Coarse Clay (CC) RRU 58A-E 10-14" p.z.
R058AE192MT – Coarse Clay (CC) RRU 58A-E 10-14" p.z.
Site not as above
Soils shallow to very shallow (< 20” deep to bedrock, lithic, or paralithic root restrictive layer)
Soils moderately deep, deep, or very deep (≥ 20” deep to bedrock, lithic, or paralithic root restrictive layer)
Soil very shallow (< 10” deep to bedrock, lithic, or paralithic root restrictive layer)
Soil shallow (10” – 20” deep to bedrock, lithic, or paralithic root restrictive layer)
Bedrock shale
R058AE015MT – Shale (Sh) RRU 58A-E 10-14" p.z.
R058AE015MT – Shale (Sh) RRU 58A-E 10-14" p.z.
Other
R058AE017MT – Very Shallow (VSw) RRU 58A-E 10-14" p.z.
R058AE017MT – Very Shallow (VSw) RRU 58A-E 10-14" p.z.
Clay content < 32% in surface mineral 4” (able to make a ribbon < 2” long)
R058AE019MT – Shallow (Sw) RRU 58A-E 10-14" p.z.
R058AE019MT – Shallow (Sw) RRU 58A-E 10-14" p.z.
Clay content > 32% in surface mineral 4” (ribbon length > 2” long) – Shallow Clay (SwC)
R058AE199MT – Shallow Clay (SwC) RRU 58A-E 10-14" p.z.
R058AE199MT – Shallow Clay (SwC) RRU 58A-E 10-14" p.z.
Sand or loamy sand texture within surface mineral 4” – Sands (Sa)
R058AE018MT – Sands (Sa) RRU 58A-E 10-14" p.z.
R058AE018MT – Sands (Sa) RRU 58A-E 10-14" p.z.
Site not as above
Slope < 15%
Slope ≥ 15%
Soil sandy-skeletal
Site not as above
Sandy-skeletal within 10” of soil surface – Gravelly (Gr)
R058AE016MT – Gravel (Gr) RRU 58A-E 10-14" p.z.
R058AE016MT – Gravel (Gr) RRU 58A-E 10-14" p.z.
Sandy-skeletal within 10-20” of soil surface & typically consists of gravels and/or cobbles
R058AE191MT – Shallow to Gravel (SwGr) RRU 58A-E 10-14" p.z.
R058AE191MT – Shallow to Gravel (SwGr) RRU 58A-E 10-14" p.z.
Coarse sandy loam to fine sandy loam texture within surface mineral 4”
R058AE003MT – Sandy (Sy) RRU 58A-E 10-14" p.z.
R058AE003MT – Sandy (Sy) RRU 58A-E 10-14" p.z.
Site not as above
Clay content is > 32% in surface mineral 4” of mineral soil (ribbon > 2” long)
Clay content is < 32% in surface mineral 4”
R058AY001MT – Loamy (Lo) 10-14 P.Z.
R058AY001MT – Loamy (Lo) 10-14 P.Z.
Soil 32% to 45% clay within surface mineral 4” – Clayey (Cy)
R058AE002MT – Clayey (Cy) RRU 58A-E 10-14" p.z.
R058AE002MT – Clayey (Cy) RRU 58A-E 10-14" p.z.
Soil > 45% clay within surface mineral 2” – Dense Clay
R058AE014MT – Dense Clay (DC) RRU 58A-E 10-14" p.z.
R058AE014MT – Dense Clay (DC) RRU 58A-E 10-14" p.z.
Coarse sandy loam to fine sandy loam texture within surface mineral 4”
R058AE006MT – Sandy-Steep (SyStp) RRU 58A-E 10-14" p.z.
R058AE006MT – Sandy-Steep (SyStp) RRU 58A-E 10-14" p.z.
Site not as above
Clay content is > 32% (ribbon > 2” long) in surface mineral 4” – Clayey Steep (CyStp)
R058AE005MT – Clayey-Steep (CyStp) RRU 58A-E 10-14" p.z.
R058AE005MT – Clayey-Steep (CyStp) RRU 58A-E 10-14" p.z.
Clay content is < 32% (ribbon < 2” long) in surface mineral 4” – Loamy Steep (LoStp)
R058AE004MT – Silty-Steep (SiStp) RRU 58A-E 10-14" p.z.
R058AE004MT – Silty-Steep (SiStp) RRU 58A-E 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
- 90 – 110days
- 110 – 130days
- 130 – 150days
—
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)
- 1600 – 1800m (5200 – 5900ft)
- 1800 – 2000m (5900 – 6600ft)
—
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
- Bog
- Depression
- Drainageway
- Draw
- Dune
- Escarpment
- Fan
- Fen
- Flood plain
- Flood-plain step
- Hill
- Hillslope
- Knoll
- Lake plain
- Marsh
- Outwash fan
- Outwash plain
- Outwash terrace
- Paleoterrace
- Plain
- Ridge
- Stream terrace
- Swale
- Terrace
- No filter
- Igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary
- Interbedded sedimentary
- Mudstone
- Porcellanite
- Sandstone and shale
- Sandstone and siltstone
- Sandstone, unspecified
- Sedimentary, unspecified
- Shale, unspecified
- No filter
- Alluvium
- Colluvium
- Lacustrine deposits
- Residuum
Soil surface texture
- No filter
- Clay
- Clay loam
- Coarse sandy loam
- Fine sand
- Fine sandy loam
- Loam
- Loamy fine sand
- Loamy sand
- Sand
- Sandy clay
- Sandy clay loam
- Silt
- Silty clay
- Silty clay loam
- Silt loam
- Sandy loam
- Very fine sandy loam
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Ecological site keys
MLRA 58A Determination Key
I.
MLRA wide provisional ecological site descriptions
II.
Legacy 2004 Era RRU ecological site descriptions
A.
Sites in the western half of the MLRA with little bluestem and blue grama the only warm season species present in the area.
B.
Site located in the eastern half of the MLRA with a minor component of additional warm season species present in the area beyond blue grama and little bluestem.
MLRA 58A Provisional ESD Key
I.
Site Occurs in a 10-14" precipitation zone
i.
Site Receives additional moisture
A.
Soil Saline (EC ≥ 4 ) and/or Sodic (SAR ≥ 13) within surface 4" (10 cm)
1
Seasonal high water table 24-40” from ground surface; salt tolerant plants dominate site
... R058AY737MT – Saline Subirrigated 10-19
2
Seasonal high water table > 40” from ground surface; site regularly receives more than normal soil moisture because of run-in or stream overflow; salt tolerant plants dominate site
... R058AY713MT – Saline Overflow 10-14
B.
Soil neither saline nor sodic [EC ≤ 4 and SAR ≤ 13 within surface 4" (10 cm)]
ii
Seasonal high water table ≤ 40“
iii.
Seasonal high water table > 40 “ or sites receiving run-in moisture only
a.
Site is located outside of the floodplain; Upland swales, coulees, and ephemeral drainageways
... R058AY720MT – Swale 10-14
b.
Site is located inside the floodplain
1)
Site Dominated by woody vegetation, typically lower stream terraces
... R058AY736MT – Riparian Woodland 10-19
2)
Site dominated by herbaceous vegetation, typically upper stream terraces
... R058AY711MT – Overflow 10-14
ii.
Site does not receive additional moisture
1
Soil saline and/or sodic within surface 20” (50 cm) or soils with natric or relic natric horizons.
i.
Massive, subangular blocky, or prismatic structure; effective rooting depth > 8" (20 cm)
a.
Clay content ≤ 35% in surface mineral 4” (10 cm) [able to make a ribbon < 2” long]
... R058AY714MT – Saline Upland 10-14
b.
Clay content > 35% in surface mineral 4” (10 cm) [able to make a ribbon > 2” long]
... R058AY706MT – Dense Clay Sodic 10-14
ii.
Columnar structure, abrupt root or water restrictive clay layer present within 8” (20 cm) of soil surface
a.
Less than 4” (10cm) of surface over clay layer (evidenced by columnar structure)
1)
1" (2.5 cm) or less of surface over clay layer (evidenced by columnar structure)
... R058AY712MT – Panspot 10-14
2)
Greater than 1" (2.5 cm) of surface over clay layer (evidenced by columnar structure)
... R058AY721MT – Thin Claypan 10-14
b.
Soil has 4 to 8” (10-20cm) of surface over clay layer (evidenced by columnar structure)
... R058AY703MT – Claypan 10-14
2
Soil neither saline nor sodic [EC < 4 and SAR < 13 within surface 20" (50 cm)]
i.
Coarse granular clay (typically acid shales), site contains sandy vegetation (e.g. Prairie sandreed)
... R058AY704MT – Coarse Clay 10-14
ii.
Site not as above
a.
Soils shallow to very shallow [< 20” (50 cm) deep to bedrock, lithic, or paralithic root restrictive layer]
1)
Soil very shallow [< 10” (25cm) deep to bedrock, lithic, or paralithic root restrictive layer]
... R058AY722MT – Very Shallow 10-14
2)
Soil shallow [10”-20” (25-50cm) deep to bedrock, lithic, or paralithic root restrictive layer]
a)
Clay content ≤ 32% in surface mineral 4" (10 cm) [ribbon < 2” long]
... R058AY717MT – Shallow 10-14
b)
Clay content > 32% in surface mineral 4” (ribbon length > 2” long)
... R058AY718MT – Shallow Clay 10-14
b.
Soils moderately deep, deep, or very deep [≥ 20” (50 cm) deep to bedrock, lithic, or paralithic root restrictive layer]
1)
Soil skeletal within 20" (50 cm) of the surface [averages ≥ 35% rock fragments in the 10”-20” layer]
a)
Soil sandy-skeletal
(2)
Soil sandy-skeletal within 10-20 inches of the surface
... R058AY719MT – Shallow to Gravel 10-14
2)
Soil not skeletal in surface 20” (50 cm) [averages < 35% rock fragments in the 10”-20” layer]
a)
Slope < 15%
(2)
Very fine sandy loam or finer texture within surface mineral 4”
(a)
Clay content is > 32% in surface mineral 4” of mineral soil (ribbon > 2” long)
b)
Slope ≥ 15%
(1)
Fine sandy loam or coarser texture within surface mineral 4”
... R058AY716MT – Sandy Steep 10-14
(2)
Very fine sandy loam or finer texture within surface mineral 4”
(a)
Clay content is > 32% in surface mineral 4” of mineral soil (ribbon > 2” long)
... R058AY702MT – Clayey Steep 10-14
II.
Site Occurs in a 15-19" precipitation zone
A.
Site Receives additional moisture
1
Soil Saline (EC > 4 ) and/or Sodic (SAR > 13) within surface 4" (10 cm)
i.
Seasonal high water table 24-40” from ground surface; salt tolerant plants dominate site
... R058AY737MT – Saline Subirrigated 10-19
2
Soil neither saline nor sodic [EC < 4 and SAR < 13 within surface 4" (10 cm)]
i.
Seasonal high water table ≤ 40 “
ii.
Seasonal high water table > 40 “ or sites receiving run-in moisture only
a.
Site is located outside of the floodplain; Upland swales, coulees, and ephemeral drainageways
... R058AY726MT – Woody Draw 15-19
b.
Site is located inside the floodplain
1)
Site Dominated by woody vegetation, typically lower stream terraces
... R058AY736MT – Riparian Woodland 10-19
2)
Site dominated by herbaceous vegetation, typically upper stream terraces
... R058AY729MT – Overflow 15-19
B.
Site does not receive additional effective moisture
1
Trees or evidence of tree cover (i.e. burned stumps, charcoal in soil profile) common. Typically, shallow to moderately deep soils formed from interbedded sedimentary rock.
... R058AY730MT – Ponderosa Pine 15-19
2
Grassland or shrubland; typically trees (or evidence of tree cover) rare or absent
i.
Soils shallow to very shallow [< 20” (50 cm) deep to bedrock, lithic, or paralithic root restrictive layer]
a.
Soil very shallow [< 10” (25cm) deep to bedrock, lithic, or paralithic root restrictive layer]
... R058AY735MT – Very Shallow 15-19
b.
Soil shallow [10”-20” (25-50cm) deep to bedrock, lithic, or paralithic root restrictive layer]
1)
Clay content ≤ 32% in surface mineral 4" (10 cm) [ribbon < 2” long]
... R058AY733MT – Shallow 15-19
2)
Clay content > 32% in surface mineral 4” (ribbon length > 2” long)
... R058AY734MT – Shallow Clay 15-19
ii.
Soils moderately deep, deep, or very deep [≥ 20” (50 cm) deep to bedrock, lithic, or paralithic root restrictive layer]
a.
Slope < 15%
2)
Very fine sandy loam or finer texture within surface mineral 4”
a)
Clay content is > 32% in surface mineral 4” of mineral soil (ribbon > 2” long)
... R058AY724MT – Clayey 15-19
b.
Slope ≥ 15%
2)
Very fine sandy loam or finer texture within surface mineral 4”
a)
Clay content is > 32% in surface mineral 4” of mineral soil (ribbon > 2” long)
... R058AY725MT – Clayey Steep 15-19
Montana Legacy RRU Central ESD Key
I.
Site receives additional effective moisture
A.
Soil saline (EC> 4 within surface 4”) and water table > 24”
1
Seasonal high water table 24-40” from ground surface; salt tolerant plants dominate site – Saline Subirrigated (SSb)
... R058AC619MT – Saline Subirrigated (SSb) RRU 58A-C 11-14" p.z.
2
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 – Saline Overflow (SOv)
... R058AC618MT – Saline Overflow (SOv) RRU 58A-C 11-14" 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 – Overflow (Ov)
... R058AC045MT – Overflow (Ov) RRU 58A-C 11-14" p.z.
2
Seasonal high water table < 40” from ground surface
i.
Site located in the flood plain
... R058AC617MT – Riparian Subirrigated (RSb) RRU 58A-C 11-14" p.z.
ii.
Site not located in flood plain
a.
Seasonal high water table 24” to 40” – Subirrigated (Sb)
... R058AC044MT – Subirrigated (Sb) RRU 58A-C 11-14" p.z.
II.
Site does not receive additional effective moisture
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)
... R058AC050MT – Saline Upland (SU) RRU 58A-C 11-14" p.z.
2
Columnar structure present, abrupt root or water restrictive clay layer present within 8” of soil surface
... R058AC054MT – Claypan (Cp) RRU 58A-C 11-14" p.z.
B.
Site not as above
1
Coarse granular clay (typically acid shales), site contains sandy vegetation (e.g. Prairie sandreed) – Coarse Clay (CoC)
... R058AC614MT – Coarse Clay (CC) RRU 58A-C 11-14" p.z.
2
Site not as above
i.
Soils shallow to very shallow (< 20” deep to bedrock, lithic, or paralithic root restrictive layer)
a.
Soil very shallow (< 10” deep to bedrock, lithic, or paralithic root restrictive layer)
b.
Soil shallow (10” – 20” deep to bedrock, lithic, or paralithic root restrictive layer)
1)
Clay content < 32% in surface mineral 4” (able to make a ribbon < 2” long)
... R058AC057MT – Shallow (Sw) RRU 58A-C 11-14" p.z.
2)
Clay content > 32% in surface mineral 4” (ribbon length > 2” long) – Shallow Clay (SwC)
... R058AC059MT – Shallow Clay (SwC) RRU 58A-C 11-14" p.z.
ii.
Soils moderately deep, deep, or very deep (≥ 20” deep to bedrock, lithic, or paralithic root restrictive layer)
a.
Soil skeletal to within 20” of soil surface (averages > 35% rock fragments in the 10”-20” layer)
1)
Sandy-skeletal within 10-20” of soil surface & typically consists of gravels and/or cobbles
... R058AC194MT – Shallow to Gravel (SwGr) RRU 58A-C 11-14" p.z.
2)
Sandy-skeletal within 10” of soil surface – Gravelly (Gr)
... R058AC055MT – Gravel (Gr) RRU 58A-C 11-14" p.z.
b.
Site not as above
1)
Slope < 15%
a)
Coarse sandy loam to fine sandy loam texture within surface mineral 4”
... R058AC042MT – Sandy (Sy) RRU 58A-C 11-14" p.z.
b)
Site not as above
(1)
Clay content is > 32% in surface mineral 4” of mineral soil (ribbon > 2” long)
(a)
Soil 32% to 45% clay within surface mineral 4” – Clayey (Cy)
... R058AC041MT – Clayey (Cy) RRU 58A-C 11-14" p.z.
(b)
Soil > 45% clay within surface mineral 2” – Dense Clay
... R058AC053MT – Dense Clay (DC) RRU 58A-C 11-14" p.z.
2)
Slope ≥15%
Montana Legacy RRU East ESD Key
I.
Site receives additional effective moisture
A.
Soil saline (EC> 4 within surface 4”) and water table > 40”
... R058AE012MT – Saline Lowland (SL) RRU 58A-E 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 – Overflow (Ov)
... R058AE007MT – Overflow (Ov) RRU 58A-E 10-14" p.z.
2
Seasonal high water table < 40” from ground surface
ii.
Seasonal high water table 24” to 40” – Subirrigated (Sb)
... R058AE008MT – Subirrigated (Sb) RRU 58A-E 10-14" p.z.
II.
Site does not receive additional effective moisture
A.
Soil saline or saline-sodic within surface 20” or soils with natric or relic natric horizons.
1
No columnar structure
i.
Site dominated by salt tolerant plants – Saline Upland (SU)
... R058AE011MT – Saline Upland (SU) RRU 58A-E 10-14" p.z.
ii.
Site has a component of salt tolerant plants
... R058AE193MT – Silty-Saline (SiS) RRU 58A-E 10-14" p.z.
2
Columnar structure present, abrupt root or water restrictive clay layer present within 8” of soil surface
... R058AE013MT – Claypan (Cp) RRU 58A-E 10-14" p.z.
B.
Site not as above
1
Coarse granular clay (typically acid shales), site contains sandy vegetation (e.g. Prairie sandreed) – Coarse Clay (CoC)
... R058AE192MT – Coarse Clay (CC) RRU 58A-E 10-14" p.z.
2
Site not as above
i.
Soils shallow to very shallow (< 20” deep to bedrock, lithic, or paralithic root restrictive layer)
a.
Soil very shallow (< 10” deep to bedrock, lithic, or paralithic root restrictive layer)
b.
Soil shallow (10” – 20” deep to bedrock, lithic, or paralithic root restrictive layer)
1)
Clay content < 32% in surface mineral 4” (able to make a ribbon < 2” long)
... R058AE019MT – Shallow (Sw) RRU 58A-E 10-14" p.z.
2)
Clay content > 32% in surface mineral 4” (ribbon length > 2” long) – Shallow Clay (SwC)
... R058AE199MT – Shallow Clay (SwC) RRU 58A-E 10-14" p.z.
ii.
Soils moderately deep, deep, or very deep (≥ 20” deep to bedrock, lithic, or paralithic root restrictive layer)
a.
Sand or loamy sand texture within surface mineral 4” – Sands (Sa)
... R058AE018MT – Sands (Sa) RRU 58A-E 10-14" p.z.
b.
Site not as above
1)
Slope < 15%
a)
Soil sandy-skeletal
(1)
Sandy-skeletal within 10” of soil surface – Gravelly (Gr)
... R058AE016MT – Gravel (Gr) RRU 58A-E 10-14" p.z.
(2)
Sandy-skeletal within 10-20” of soil surface & typically consists of gravels and/or cobbles
... R058AE191MT – Shallow to Gravel (SwGr) RRU 58A-E 10-14" p.z.
b)
Site not as above
(1)
Coarse sandy loam to fine sandy loam texture within surface mineral 4”
... R058AE003MT – Sandy (Sy) RRU 58A-E 10-14" p.z.
(2)
Site not as above
(a)
Clay content is > 32% in surface mineral 4” of mineral soil (ribbon > 2” long)
(1)
Soil 32% to 45% clay within surface mineral 4” – Clayey (Cy)
... R058AE002MT – Clayey (Cy) RRU 58A-E 10-14" p.z.
(2)
Soil > 45% clay within surface mineral 2” – Dense Clay
... R058AE014MT – Dense Clay (DC) RRU 58A-E 10-14" p.z.
2)
Slope ≥ 15%
a)
Coarse sandy loam to fine sandy loam texture within surface mineral 4”
... R058AE006MT – Sandy-Steep (SyStp) RRU 58A-E 10-14" p.z.
b)
Site not as above
(1)
Clay content is > 32% (ribbon > 2” long) in surface mineral 4” – Clayey Steep (CyStp)
... R058AE005MT – Clayey-Steep (CyStp) RRU 58A-E 10-14" p.z.
(2)
Clay content is < 32% (ribbon < 2” long) in surface mineral 4” – Loamy Steep (LoStp)
... R058AE004MT – Silty-Steep (SiStp) RRU 58A-E 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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