SWRHL-74r
SOIL SURVEY OF AREA 18,
NEVADA TEST SITE
by
V. D. Leavitt
Radiological Research Program
Southwestern Radiological Health Laboratory
U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare
Public Health Service
Environmental Health Service
July 1970
This study performed under a Memorandum of
Understanding (No. SF 54 373)
for the
U. S. ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION
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LEGAL NOTICE
This report was prepared as an account of Government sponsored work.
Neither the United States, nor the Atomic Energy Commission, nor any
person acting on behalf of the Commission:
A. Makes any warranty or representation, expressed or implied, with
respect to the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of the informa-
tion contained in this report, or that the use of any information,
apparatus, method, or process disclosed in this report may not
infringe privately owned rights; or
B. Assumes any liabilities with respect to the use of, or for damages
resulting from the use of any information, apparatus, method, or
process disclosed in this report.
As used in the above, "person acting on behalf of the Commission"
includes any employee or contractor of the Commission, or employee
of such contractor, to the extent that such employee or contractor
of the Commission, or employee of such contractor prepares, dis-
seminates, or provides access to, any information pursuant to his
employment or contract with the Commission, or his employment with
such contractor.
058
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SWRHL-74r
SOIL SURVEY OF AREA 18,
NEVADA TEST SITE
by
V. D. Leavitt
Radiological Research
Southwestern Radiological Health Laboratory
U. S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare
Public Health Service
Environmental Health Service
Environmental Control Administration
Bureau of Radiological Health
July 1970
This study performed under a Memorandum of
Understanding (No. SF 54 373)
for the
U. S. ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION
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ABSTRACT
This soil survey of Area 18 of the Nevada Test Site was done in conjunc-
tion with a range survey by the Ecology Section (formerly named Agrology),
Radiological Research Program, Southwestern Radiological Health Laboratory.
The purpose of the survey was to gather information on the soil and vegeta-
tion of Area 18 grazing range of the Atomic Energy Commission's (AEC) beef
herd.
Physical and chemical analyses were performed on the soils. Twenty soil
series descriptions were written for the different types of soils. Soils
maps are included in the report.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
ABSTRACT 1
LIST OF FIGURES AND TABLE iii
I. INTRODUCTION !
II. DESCRIPTION OF AREA 2
A. Study Area 2
B. General Geology 2
C. Bedrock in the Mountains 4
D. Climate 5
E. Vegetation 7
III. SOIL MAPPING PROCEDURES 9
IV. DESCRIPTIONS OF SOIL PROFILES . 10
V. SOIL CLASSIFICATION SUMMARY 79
REFERENCES 81.
APPENDICES 82
DISTRIBUTION
n
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LIST OF FIGURES AND TABLE
FIGURE 1. Location of Area 18 Survey in Nevada
FIGURE 2. Typical Profile of Bare Series
(Hole #38; lgS5-Ba, BaB2; Duric Mollic
Camborthids.)
FIGURE 3. Typical Profile of Timpahute Series
(Hole #22; 3gF3R-Ti ; TcC2; Mollic
Durargids; bottom of hole is silica-
lime pan.)
FIGURE 4. Typical Profile of Tippipah Series
(Hole #4; 3gF3R-Tp; TmC2; Haplic Durargids;
bottom of hole is silica-lime pan.)
FIGURE 5. AEC beef cattle ranging in Area 18,
Well 3 road.
Page
3
12
66
70
78
TABLE 1. Temperature and Precipitation Data
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I. INTRODUCTION
During the last four years, considerable research has been conducted con-
cerning the uptake and retention" of radionuclides in various tissues of
ruminant animals both cattle and deer. However, little or no information
concerning the soil properties and concentration of radioactive isotopes
in the soils which produces the feed for these animals is available as
background information for long-range studies.
The purpose of this soil survey and report is to provide the basic soil
information that will coincide with the range survey done by the
Ecology Section (1).
A detailed study of this nature for a portion of the Nevada Test Site
would aid in making a more accurate prediction of the radionuclide
behavior in similar soils in the off-site areas.
In August of 1966, the soil survey was initiated by the Ecology Section
of the Southwestern Radiological Health Laboratory to characterize the
soils on the Area 18 range used by the AEC beef herd. This soil survey
was designed to characterize the soil into the major soil series.
The soils were mapped on aerial photographs. Symbols representing
features such as slope, erosion, runoff, depth, texture, and permea-
bility were used to identify the mapping units.
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II. DESCRIPTION OF AREA
Study Area.
The area surveyed lies predominantly in Township 9 South, Range 50
East, in Area 18 of the Nevada Test Site (see Fig 1). The boundaries
of the study area are Buckboard Mesa to the west, the Pahute Mesa
foothills to the north, Area 18 boundary on the east, and the foot-
hills 1% miles south of the Area 18 air strip. The total area
encompasses approximately 28,153 acres. The topography of the area
is variable. The valley washes, lying at about 4,800 feet elevation
above sea level, are interrupted by numerous ridges rising to
6,200 feet elevation. Much of the area, especially to the north,
occurs on alluvial fans originating from the Pahute Mesa front.
This area until recent years was used primarily for atmospheric
nuclear testing. Three testing sites are noted to be within the
boundaries. All three were part of the Department of Defense's
Operation Storax.
These atmospheric tests were named and detonated as follows:
1. Little Feller II, July 7, 1962.
2. Johnny Boy, July 11, 1962.
3. Little Feller I, July 17, 1962.
General Geology.
Geology is one of the predominant factors in determining the type
of soil found in an area.
The parent material of the soils in Area 18 of the Nevada Test Site
has a great deal to do with the type of vegetation and vigor of
the plants that are grazed by the U. S. Public Health Service's
cattle in the area.
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SCALE IN FEET
SpSS^i^
I 10,000 0 10,000 20,000 30,000
EXPERIMENTAL FARM
WELL 3B FACILITY
BUFFER ZONE
Nuclear Rocket Development
Station
MERCURY
Lathrop Wells
FIGURE 1. LOCATION OF AREA 18 SURVEY IN NEVADA
3
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The valleys in Area 18 are bordered and completely enclosed by
mountains composed of Paleozoic, Mesozoic, and Tertiary rocks.
These rocks are complexly folded and faulted and are well con-
solidated. They include rocks of sedimentary and igneous origin (2).
The bedrock includes Paleozoic limestone and dolomite; lesser
amounts of shale and sandstone; and Tertiary volcanic rocks, which
consist of tuff or other pyroclastics, welded tuffs, and flows.
These rocks crop out in the mountains and underlie the valley fill.
The valley fill includes deposits that range in age from Tertiary
to Quaternary. The fill material includes rock debris, which has
been eroded from surrounding mountains, and the pyroclastic
deposits of tuff, welded tuff, and sedimentary deposits. The
deposits of the Quaternary age consist mostly of unconsolidated
clay, silt, sand, and gravel. They were deposited under subaerial
and lacustrine environments and were largely derived by erosion of
the Tertiary rocks in the mountains. The rocks of Tertiary age,
underlying the Quaternary deposits, are believed to be similar in
character to the Tertiary rocks exposed in the mountains (3).
Bedrock in the Mountains.
The Paleozoic rocks of the Bare Mountain probably are representa-
tive of the older rocks that crop out elsewhere in the soil survey
area. The dominant rock types are limestone and dolomite with
subordinate amounts of clastic rocks principally in the upper and
lower parts of the Paleozoic section. Paleozoic rocks also crop
out to a smaller extent elsewhere in the area, such as in the
Grapevine Mountains, at Stonewall Mountain, and in the vicinity
of Tolicha Peak and Quartz mountain. Tertiary volcanic rocks are
the dominant rock type exposed in the mountains bordering Sarcobatus
Flats and Oasis Valley. In the Bare Mountain area, 6,000 feet of
Tertiary volcanic rocks, including lava flows, welded tuffs, tuffs,
and other pyroclastics that range in composition from dacite to
rhyolite but locally are basalt have been described (3).
4
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One source indicates that granitic intrustve rocks probably underlie
Stonewall Mountain, Tolicha Peak, and Quartz Mountain, on the basis
•of granitic inclusions found locally in the Tertiary volcanic rocks (3).
Four principal periods of deformation in the structural history of
rocks in the Bare Mountain area have been described (3).
.1. Folding, probably in the middle or late Paleozoic time.
2. Intense thrust faulting and lateral faulting, probably in
Mesozoic time.
3. Moderate thrusting and normal faulting in middle or late
Tertiary period.
4. Normal faulting from late Tertiary to recent times.
Climate.
There are no records of climatic conditions in this immediate
area; however, the"foilowing information was recorded from
surrounding areas. The study area can be classified as being
semi-arid. Precipitation, from 4 to 12 inches per year, tends
to be more abundant in the nongrowing seasons. Rains are at
times localized; therefore, monthly rainfall may vary considers
ably from year to year. Snow commonly falls during the winter,
but does not remain on the ground for long periods.
Temperatures in the study area can be classified as being extreme.
Seasonal temperature fluctuations commonly vary between 10°F to 100°F.
Area 18 is characterized by low humidity, abundant sunshine, cool
winters and warm dry summers. Freezing weather occurs frequently,
but extremes of cold are not usual. Table 1 gives temperature and
precipitation data compiled from records of the Environmental Science
Services Administration (ESSA) at NTS.
The mean annual temperature at Area 18 is 55°F; the inean for the
summer months is 78°F. The absolute maximum recorded is 104°F,-and
the absolute minimum is +1°F. The growing season, or frost-free
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Table 1. Temperature and Precipitation Data
Data from the ESSA at Nevada Test Site (elevation 5,428 feet). Based
on 3 years (1961 to 1963) for temperature and 7 years (1961 to 1967)
for rainfall.
Temperature
Rainfall
Month
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Aver-
age
°F
37
42
42
51
61
66
74
74
66
59
46
40
Maxi-
mum
°F
44
52
53
65
71
78
87
86
79
71
57
52
Mini-
mum
°F
29
33
31
37
51
54
61
61
53
47
36
29
Driest
Aver- year
age 1966
Inches Inches
0.31
0.47
0.40
0.64
0.20
0.34
0.71
0.74
0.99
0.12
0.75 '
0.80
0.23
0.24
0.02
0.01
0
0.09
0.86
0.56
0.67
0
0.02
1.28
Wet-
test
1965
Inches
0.29
0
1.12
2.69
0.37
0.14
0.65
0.77
0
0.01
2.42
2.17
Year
54.8
66.2
43.5
6.47
3.98
10.63
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period, varies somewhat but is approximately 150 days. Generally,
the first killing frost occurs early in October and the last
killing frost occurs in May,
The rainfall ordinarily is insufficient for optimum growth for the
range plants. Most of the rain and snow falls in the winter.
Rainfall in that season is usually gentle, and little, if any, of
the water runs off. In summer and early in the fall, local
thunderstorms and cloudbursts cause flash floods. Although
large quantities of water fall during these storms, runoff is
slow and the soils slightly erode.
Winds of high velocity occur frequently and at all times of the
year but are more common in the spring. The prevailing winds are
from the north and northwest in the winter and from the south in
the spring and summer.
Vegetation.
The vegetation in Area 18 is typical of that found in semi-arid
areas of the Southwest.
A good stand of desert shrub and grass vegetative cover is present
on the soils. The vegetative cover normally has a plant density
of 10 to 25 percent on the excessively to well-drained soils. The
vegetative cover contributes little organic matter to the soil,
affords little protection against erosion, and provides little shade
for the soil. High temperature, limited shade and low organic
matter content have resulted in an adverse habitat for soil
microorganisms.
The vegetation in Area 18 consists predominantly of big sage (Artemisia
tridentata), Nevada joint-fir (Ephedra nevadensis), black sage
(Artemisia arbuscula subsp. nova), and four-winged saltbush
(Atriplex canescens). Other common species that occur are wolfberry
(Lycium andersonni), galleta grass (Hilaria jamesii), squirrel tail
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grass (sitanion hystrix), Indian rice grass (orhyzopsis hymenoidea),
spiney hop-sage (Grayia spinosa)» black bush (coleogyne ramosissvna)
desert needlegrass (stipa speoiosa)* cliff rose (cowania mexioana
var. stansburiana}» and a large number of species .of buckwheat.
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III. SOIL MAPPING PROCEDURES
The soil survey was mapped according to the United States Department
of Agriculture 1960 Soil Classification and the 7th Approximation
System. Soil pits were dug with a backhoe and by hand.
The survey was plotted on aerial photographs, copies of which are
found in Appendix VI.
Soil samples were taken when the soil pits were described. Physical
and chemical analyses were run on the samples in the soils laboratory.
The results are found in Appendix II and III, respectively.
Chemical analysis of the soil is used in many cases to determine the
series of a soil. For example, one soil may have 5 to 15 percent
calcium carbonate and another may have 15 to 40 percent with all
other features the same. These two samples, however, would be
classified as two separate series because of the percentage of
calcium carbonate.
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IV. DESCRIPTIONS OF SOIL PROFILES
This section describes the soil series of the study area. For each
soil series, a profile of a soil representative of the series is
described. Rock land does not belong to a soil series, nevertheless,
it is listed in alphabetical order along with the soil series.
Unless otherwise stated, the profile of the representative soil
described has been located in an undisturbed area. The color of
each soil horizon is described in words, such as light brownish gray
but it may also be indicated by symbols for the hue, value, and
chroma, such as 10YR 6/2. These symbols, called Munsell color
notations, are used by soil scientists to evaluate the color of
the soil precisely. Unless noted otherwise, the pH is determined
by using soil and water in a ratio of 1 to 1.
Following is an alphabetical listing of the soil descriptions:
Bare Keane Spring
Beatty Oak Spring
Big Butte Pahute
Buckboard Ruddle
Bullfrog Sawtooth
Echo Scranton
Eleana Timber
Halfpint Timpahute
Hampel Tippipah
Indian Springs Wildcat
Many terms used in the soil descriptions and other sections of the
survey are defined in the Glossary, Appendix VII.
10
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11
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' - ' .- .
FIGURE 2. Typical profile of Bare series
(Hole #38; lgS5-Ba, BaBs; Duric Mollic Camborthids.)
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BARE SERIES
Survey Hole No. 35
The Bare series is a member of a loamy skeletal, mixed, mesic family of
Duric Mollic Camborthids. The Bare soils have light brownish gray Al
horizons with about 1 percent organic matter. They are calcareous
throughout.
Typifying Pedon;. Bare gravelly fine sandy loam (virgin)
(Color for dry conditions unless otherwise noted.)
Al 0 to 6 inches -Light brownish gray (10YR 6/2) gravelly fine sandy
loam, very dark grayish brown (10YR 3/2) moist;
weak fine subangular blocky structure; soft, fri-
able, nonsticky, nonplastic; few fine and very
fine roots; common medium and fine tubular and
interstitial pores; slightly effervescent; moder-
ately alkaline (pH 8.2); clear smooth boundary.
(2 to 8 inches thick.)
Cl 6 to 12 inches-Brown (10YR 5/3) sandy loam, brown (10YR 4/3)
moist; weak fine subangular blocky structure,
soft, friable, nonsticky, nonplastic; plentiful
fine and medium roots; common fine and medium
tubular and interstitial pores; strongly effer-
vescent; moderately alakline (pH 8.0); clear
smooth boundary. (4 to 10 inches thick.)
C2 12 to 18 Inches-Pale brown (10YR 6/3) gravelly loam, brown (10YR 4/3)
moist; moderate medium subangular blocky structure;
soft, friable, nonsticky, nonplastic; plentiful fine
and medium roots; common fine and medium tubular
pores; strongly effervescent, moderately alkaline
(pH 7.8); clear wavy boundary. (4 to 12 inches thick.)
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CSsica 18 to 50 inches +-Light yellowish brown (10YR 6/4) sand with
white (10YR 8/1) silica streaks, brown (10YR 4/3)
moist, silica-lime coatings on all cobbles and
gravel, massive, loose when dry and moist; non-
sticky, nonplastic; abundant fine and very fine
roots; few fine and medium interstitial pores;
violently effervescent; moderately alkaline
(pH 7.8).
Type Location; About 500 feet northwest of Well 8 just out of a wash
and 150 feet south of range cattle corral in Area 18.
Range in Characteristics; Average annual soil temperature at 20 inches
is less than 71° F and greater than 59<5F. The soil is usually dry for
six months or more during most years, mainly during the spring and fall
months. Mineralogy is mixed. Color of the soil profile includes hues
of 10YR values of 5 or 6 dry and 3 or 4 moist, and chromas of 2 or 3.
Texture of the control section includes fine sandy loam and loam modified
by gravel and cobbles. Coarse fragments range from 30 to 40 percent.
Organic matter content of the surface 12 inches or less after mixing,
is less than one percent. Few or common, fine to coarse silica-lime
segregations occur in C3 horizon, and the gravel and cobbles are coated
by silica-lime in cracks and on its surface, or both. Reaction of the
profile ranges from 7.8 to 8.2.
Competing Series and Their Differentiae; There are no other soils
classified in the same family at the present time.
Setting: Bare soils are on smooth recent alluvial fans with slope
gradients from 2 to 8 percent. They have developed in residium from
basalt and tuff at elevations of 4,800 to 5,200 feet. The climate
is warm to semi-arid having a mean annual precipitation ranging from
6 to 8 inches and mean annual air temperature of about 52°F, The
average January temperature is about 38°F and the July temperature is
about 71°F. The average frost-free season is about 130 to 150 days.
Principal Associated Soils; Common associates of the Bare series, are
Beatty, Buckboard, and Rainier. Beatty soils differ by being free from
14
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silica-lime cementation in the C3 horizon. Buckboard soils differ by
having a fine-textured shallow profile. Rainier soils differ by having
duripans.
Drainage and Permeability: Well drained. Surface runoff is slow to
very slow. Permeability is rapid.
Use and Vegetation; These soils are used to provide low producing
livestock grazing. The vegetation consists of big sage (Artemisia
tridentata), cliff rose fcowania mexioana var. nova). Nevada joint-fir
(Ephedra nevadensis), big rabbitbrush (Chrysothamnus teretifolius)
juniper (juniperus osteosperma), small rabbitbrush (Chrysothamnus
viseidiflorus), pinyon pine (Pinus monophylla)t giant wildrye
(Elymus oondensatus), black sage (Artemisia arbusoula subsp. nova),
squirrel tail (sitanion hystrix), four-winged saltbush (Atriplex
oanescens), and desert needlegrass (stipa speaiosa). The total plant
density is approximately 10 percent.
Distribution and Extent: Bare soils are known to occur on the Nevada
Test Site, but may occur in other valleys of central Nevada. These
soils are not extensive.
Series Proposed; Area 18 of the Nevada Test Site, Nye County, Nevada,
1967. Bare is the name of a mountain near the Nevada Test Site.
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BEATTY SERIES
Survey Hole No, 6
The Beatty series is a member of a sandy skeletal, mixed, nonacid, mesic
family of Typfc Torriorthents. Typically Beatty soils are brown or
light gray, calcareous and have very gravelly and sandy control sections.
Typifying Pedon: Beatty gravelly sandy loam (virgin)
(Colors for dry conditions unless otherwise noted.)
Al 0 to 5 inches -Brown (10YR 5/3) gravelly sandy loam, very dark
grayish brown (10YR 3/2) moist; very weak fine
subangular blocky structure; soft, very friable.
nonsticky, nonplastic; abundant fine and very fine
roots; common fine interstitial pores; slightly
effervescent; moderately alkaline (pH 8.2); clear
smooth boundary. (1 to 10 inches thick.)
Cl 5 to 18 inches-Brown (10YR 5/3) gravelly sand, grayish brown
(10YR 4/2) moist; massive, soft, very friable,
nonsticky, nonplastic; plentiful fine and medium
and few coarse roots; many fine interstitial
pores; slightly effervescent; moderately alkaline
(pH 8.4); clear smooth boundary. (12 to 14 inches
thick.)
C2 18 to 45 inches-Light gray (10YR 7/2). loamy sand, grayish brown
(10YR 5/2) moist; single grain; loose when dry
and moist; plentiful fine and medium roots; many
fine and very fine interstitial pores; strongly
effervescent; strongly alkaline (pH 8.6); clear
smooth boundary, (15 to 25 inches thick.)
C3 45 to 60 inches-^-Very pale brown (10YR 7/3) gravelly loamy sand;
grayish brown (10YR 5/2) moist; single grain;
loose when dry and moist; few fine and very fine
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roots; many fine and very fine interstitial pores;
strongly effervescent; strongly alkaline (pH 8.6),
Type Location; The site is approximately 1.5 miles south of the air-
port junction along the highway going to Well 3 and 800 feet north of
the highway in a large wash.
Range in Characteristics: The soil is usually dry for six months or
more during most years, mainly during the spring and fall months.
Mineralogy is mixed. Color of the soil profile includes hues of
10YR and 7.5YR, values of 5 to 7 dry and 3 to 5 moist, and chromas
of 2 to 4. Occasionally the Al horizon may be at least one-half unit
of value darker, either moist or dry, than the remainder of the pro-
file. Texti/re of the control section is predominantly sandy loam,
loamy sand modified by gravel. The coarse fragments range from
50 to 90 percent, with gravel predominating. Gravel ranges from
30 to 65 percent, cobbles up to 10 percent, and stones up to 5 per-
cent. Lime content is variable from one strata to another but is
always at least effervescent. Occasional thin silica-lime coatings
may occur on some gravel undersides in the C2 horizons. The pH values
of the profile range from 8.2 to 8.6.
Competing Series and Their Differentiae: There are no other series
in the same family at the present time. Other similar soils include
Carrizo, Cajon, Bluewing, Brazito, Niland, Tujunga, Arizo, and Soboba.
Carrizo soils differ by having a mean annual soil temperature greater
than 71.6°F. Cajon soils are sandy throughout, lacking the gravel
content that is common through the Beatty soils. Bluewing soils
differ in havrng a Cca horizon. Brazito soils have fine sand or
sand control sections. Niland soils differ by containing fine textured
materials at depths less than 40 inches. Tujunga soils differ by
being neutral and noncalcareous, and containing less than 50 percent coarse
fragments in the control section. Arizo soils differ by having more
coarse fragments in the profile. Soboba soils differ by being non-
calcareous and neutral, and have mean annual soil temperatures that
are greater than 71.6°F.
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Setting: Beatty soils occur at elevations of about 4,000 to 5,500 feet
on nearly level to.moderately sloping recent alluvial fans. Slope
gradients are generally between'2 to 4 percent but range upward to
8 percent. These soils have developed in very gravelly sandy alluvium
derived fooiii mixed rock sources including tuff, basalt, Rhyoltte,
granite, limestone, and older valley-fill material. The climate is
semi-arid with mean annual precipitation of 6 to 12 inches. Mean annual
temperature is about 52°F; in January it is about 38°F, and in July
about 71°F. The frost-free season is from 130 to 150 days. These
soils are not extensive in Area 18.
Principal Associated Soils; Common associates of the Beatty soil are
Rainier, Buckboard, and Tippipah. The Rainier soils differ by having
duripans. Buckboard soils differ by having a fine-textured shallow
profile. Tippipah soils differ by having thick B horizons.
Drainage and Permeability;, Well to excessively drained. Surface run-
off is very slow. Soil permeability is very rapid.
Use and Vegetation: These soils are used to provide low producing
livestock grazing. The vegetation consists of big sage (Artemisia
tridentata)> buckwheat (Eriogonum maculatum), desert needlegrass
(stipa speciosa), four-winged saltbush (Atriplex aaneseens), smaJl
rabbitbrush (Chrysothamnus visoidiftorus), Indian ricegrass (Oryzopsis
hymenoides), squirrel tail (sitanion hystrix), and loco weed (Astragalus
lentiginosus).
Distribution and Extent: Beatty soils are known to occur on the Nevada
Test Site, but may occur in other valleys of central Nevada.
Series Proposed; Area 18 of the Nevada Test Site, Nye County, Nevada,
1967. Beatty is the name of a small town near the test site.
Remarks: These soils are classified as Typic Torriorthents, member of
a sandy skeletal, mixed, nonacid, mesic family in accordance with the
7th Approximation (compare with Leo series).
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•BIG BUTTE SERIES
Survey Hole No. 26
The Big Butte series is a member of fine loamy, mixed, mesic family of
Lithic Argixerolls. Big Butte soils typically have grayish brown
Al horizons, strong coarse subangular block B horizons and are shallow
over basalt bedrock. They are slightly calcareous throughout.
Typifying Pedon; Big Butte gravelly fine sandy loam (virgin)
(Colors for dry conditions unless otherwise noted.)
The soil surface is covered with large boulders,
gravel and cobbles (desert pavement).
Al 0 to 3 inches -Grayish brown (10YR 5/2) gravelly fine sandy loam,
very dark grayish brown (10YR 3/2) moist; weak
coarse subangular blocky structure; soft, friable,
nonsticky, nonplastic; very few fine and very fine
roots; many fine and medium tubular pores; slightly
effervescent; moderately alkaline (pH 8.0); clear
smooth boundary. (2 to 6 inches thick.)
Bl 3 to 10 inches -Reddish brown (5YR 4/3) gravelly fine sandy loam, dark
reddish brown (SYR 3/2) moist; strong coarse sub-
angular blocky structure; hard, friable, sticky,
plastic; plentiful fine amd medium roots; common
fine and medium tubular pores; common thin clay
films on peds and in pores; slightly effervescent;
mildly alkaline (pH 7.8); clear smooth boundary.
(3 to 8 inches thick.)
B2 10 to 13 inches+-Dark reddish gray (5YR 4/2) gravelly loam, dark
reddish brown (5YR 3/2) moist; strong coarse sub-
angular block structure; hard, friable, very
sticky, very plastic; very few fine and medium
roots; common fine and medium tubular pores;
19
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many moderately thick clay films in tubular pores;
slightly effervescent, mildly alkaline (pH 7.8).
R 13 inches+-Basalt Bedrock
Type Location; One mile northwest of Pahute Control Point on the
slope of a low terrace.
Range in Character! stics; Average annual temperature immediately above
bedrock is less than 5y°F and greater than 47°F. The soil is usually
dry for more than 60 consecutive days during most years, mainly during
the late summer and early fall months. Mineralogy is mixed. Depth
to extremely hard bedrock ranges from 12 to 20 inches. Color of the
soil profile, except for the bedrock, includes hues of 10YR and SYR,
values of 4 or 5 dry and 3 moist, and chromas of 2 or 3. Textures of
the control section include loam, sandy clay loam, and clay modified
by gravel. Coarse fragments range from 50 to 75 percent. Stones and
cobbles range up to 25 percent and gravel may range from 30 to 50 per-
cent. The pH of the soil profile may range from 7.4 to 8.0. Clay /
films in the B horizons range from common thin to many moderately
thick films.
Competing Senes and Their Differentiae: There are no other soils
classified in the same family at the present time.
Setting: Big Butte soils occur on gently to moderately sloping low
terraces with slope gradients between 2 and 8 percent. They have
developed in residuum from basalt, tuff, and limestone at elevations
between 4,800 and 5,200 feet. The average annual precipitation ranges
from 6 to 8 inches. The climate is semi-arid with a mean annual air
temperature of about 52°F, the average January temperature is 38°F and
July is about 71°F; the frost-free season lasts 130 to 150 days.
Principal^ Associated Soils; Common associates of the Big Butte soils,
are Pahute, Timpahute, Eleana, and Keane Spring. The Pahute soils
differ by having a silica-lime hardpan. Timpahute soils differ by
having strongly cemented indurated silica-lime hardpans. Eleana soils
differ by having a gravelly silica-lime cemented pan. Keane Spring
soils differ by having a dark loamy sand control section.
20
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Drainage and Permeability: Well drained. Runoff is medium to rapid
depending on slope and vegetative cover. Permeability is slow to
bedrock and very slow to impermeable through the bedrock.
Use and Vegetation: These soils are used for livestock grazing, wild-
life food and cover, and watershed purposes. The vegetation has a
plant density of approximately 15 percent and consists primarily of
black sage (Artemisia arbusaula subsp. nova], galleta grass (Hilaria
jamesii), Nevada joint-fir (Ephedra nevadensis), juniper tree
(juniperus osteospherma), small rabbitbrush (Chryaotharmus
viscidiflorus), and traces of pinyon pine (Pinus monophylla),
squirrel tail (sitanion hystvix)> brome grass (Bromus tectorum),
Spanish bayonet (Yucca baaaata), Indian ricegrass (Oryzopais
hymenoides), Nevada bluegrass (Poa nevadensis), wolfberry
(Lyoiwn andersonii.), cacti (Opuntia basilaris), and globe mallow
(Sphaeralcea grossulariaefolia}.
Distribution and Extent: These soils are of limited extent in the
Area 18 soil survey of the Nevada Test Site, Nye County, Nevada, 1967.
Big Butte is the name of a large hill near the Nevada Test Site.
21
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BUCKBOARD SERIES
Survey Hole No. 8
The Buckboard series is a member of fine loamy, mixed, mesic family
of Haplic Durorthids. The Buckboard soils typically have weak platy
Al horizons and may have vesicular coarse platy A2 horizons, and are
very shallow to shallow over silica-lime hardpans which may be
discontinuous.
Typifying Pedon; Buckboard fine sandy loam (virgin)
(Color for dry conditions unless otherwise noted.)
Surface covered with gravel, cobbles and few stones.
Al 0 to 4 inches-Light brownish gray (10YR 6/2) gravelly loam,
dark grayish brown (10YR 4/2) moist; weak coarse
platy breaking to moderate medium subangular
blocky structure; soft, friable, nonsticky, non-
plastic; plentiful fine and very fine roots; few
fine tubular and interestitial pores; slightly
effervescent; moderately alkaline (pH 8.0) clear
smooth boundary. (1 to 6 inches thick.)
Bl 4 to 13 inches-Pale brown (10YR 6/3) sandy loam, brown (10YR 5/3)
moist; weak fine subangular blocky structure; soft,
friable, slightly sticky, nonplastic; plentiful
fine and very fine and few medium and coarse roots;
common fine tubular and interstitial pores; strongly
effervescent; moderately alkaline (pH 8.2); clear
wavy boundary. (2 to 10 inches thick.)
Clsica 13 to 14 in-White (10YR 8/1) silica-lime pan, light gray
(10YR 7/2) moist; massive, very firm; dry and moist;
nonsticky, nonplastic; no roots or pores; violently
effervescent, moderately alkaline (pH £.4) clear
wavy boundary. (1 to 15 inches thick.)
22
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C2 14 to 48 inches<-White (10YR 8/1) very coarse sand, light gray
(10YR 7/2) moist; massive; hard, friable, nonsticky,
nonplastic; few fine and medium roots; strongly
effervescent, moderately alkaline (pH 8.3). There
are a number of silica-lime seams running through
this horizon approximately 1 inch thick.
Type Location: The site is located on the north side of a hill 400 feet
west of Pahute Mesa Highway and 1.2 miles south of the junction of
Pahute Mesa Highway and Area 12 Highway, Area 18.
Range in Characteristics: Average annual, temperature immediately above
the hardpan ranges from 59°F to 71°F. The soil is usually dry for six
months or more during most years, mainly during the spring and fall
months. Mineralogy is mixed. Depth to hardpan ranges from 5 to 18 inches,
Color of the soil includes hues of lOYR.and SYR, values of 6 or 8 dry
and 4 or 7 moist, and chromas of 2 or 3. The organic matter content of
the upper 4 inches, after mixing will not exceed one percent. Textures
of the control section include gravelly loam, light sand clay loam,
or very coarse sand modified by gravel or cobbles. Coarse fragments
range from 30 to 50 percent. Gravel ranges from 25 to 35 percent,
cobbles range up to 15 percent and stones may range up to 5 percent.
The C2 horizons may contain several very thin (1 to 3 inch thick) weakly
silica-lime-cemented lenses similar to the Cca horizon. The pH values
range from 8.0 to 8.8, with the highest value usually occurring in
the Cca horizons.
Competing Series and Their Differentiae: There are no other soils
classified in the same family at the present time.
Setting; Buckboard soils occur on strongly dissected old alluvial fans
with smooth to slightly convex, gently sloping (2 to 4 percent gradient)
tops and regular, moderate to steep sloping (4 to 20 percent gradient)
side slopes. These soils have developed in highly silicate alluvium
derived mainly from tuff with some admixture from basalt, rhyolite and
limestone and other sedimentary rocks. The climate is semi-arid, having
23
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a mean annual precipitation of 6 to 8 inches. The temperatures are
warm, having a mean annual temperature of about 52°F; the January mean
is about 38°F and in July is about 71°F; the frost-free season is
130 to 150 days.
Principal Associated Soils; Common associates of Buckboard soils are
the Beatty, Rainier and Tippipah series. The Beatty series differs
by having a very deep gravelly profile. The Rainier soils differ by
having clay textured B2 horizons. Tippipah soils differ by having
thick B2 light clay horizons.
Drainage and Permeability; Well drained. Surface runoff is rapid
because of slope. Soil permeability is moderate.
Use and Vegetation; These soils are used to provide low producing
livestock grazing. The vegetation has a plant density ranging
from 10 to 20 percent and-consists primarily of black sage (Artemisia
arbuscula subsp. nova), galleta grass (Hilaria jamesii), Nevada
joint-fir (Ephedra nevadensis), spiny hop-sage (Grayia spinosa),
squirrel tail (sitanion hystrix), globe mallow (Sphaeralcea
grossulariaefolia), Indian ricegrass (Oryzaps-ls hymenoides)t and
four-winged saltbush (Atriplex canesoens}.
Distribution and Extent: These soils are extensive in Area 18,
but may occur in other adjacent areas in central Nevada.
Series Proposed; Area 18 of Nevada Test Site, Nye County, Nevada, 1967.
Buckboard is the name of a mesa within the test site'area.
24
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BULLFROG SERIES
Survey Hole No. 13
The Bullfrog series is a member of a fine, montmorillonitic mesic family
of Haplic Mollic Durargids. The Bullfrog soils have brown Al horizons
containing a fair amount of organic matter. Cca horizons are within
24 to 40 inches of the surface, parent materials are primarily basalt,
tuff, and limestone and are calcareous throughout.
Typifying Pedon: Bullfrog gravelly and cobbly loam (virgin)
(Colors for dry conditions unless otherwise noted.)
The soil surface is cobbly and stony. The exposed
surfaces have a burnished desert varnish.
All 0 to 9 inches-Brown (10YR 5/3) gravelly and cobbly loam, very
dark grayish brown (10YR 3/2) moist; weak fine
subangular blocky structure; soft, very friable,
nonsticky, nonplastic; abundant very fine and
fine roots; many fine tubular and interstitial
pores; strongly effervescent, strongly alkaline
(pH 8.6); clear smooth boundary. (1 to 10 inches
thick.)
A12 9 to 20 inches-Pale brown (10YR 6/3) gravelly and cobbly loam
with white (10YR 8/2) lime streaks, dark brown
(10YR 4/3) moist; weak fine subangular blocky
structure; soft, friable, slightly sticky,
slightly plastic; plentiful fine and medium roots;
many fine and medium tubular and interstitial
pores; lime coatings on all sides of cobbles;
strongly effervescent; moderately alkaline (pH 8.4);
clear wavy boundary. (6 to 12 inches thick.)
B2 20 to 40 inches-Light reddish brown (SYR 6/4) clay loam with white
(10YR 8/2) lime streaks, reddish brown (5YR 4/3)
25
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moist; strong coarse prismatic structure; slightly
hard, friable, sticky, plastic; few fine and very
fine roots; many fine and medium tubular and inter-
stitial pores; many thin clay films on peds and in
pores; strongly effervescent; moderately alkaline
(pH 8.4); clear wavy boundary. (10 to 24 inches thick.)
Clsica 40 inches+-White (10YR 8/2) silica lime pan, light gray (10YR 7/2)
moist; massive; very firm dry and moist, nonsticky,
nonplastic, violently effervescent, moderately
alkaline (pH 8.4).
Type Location; The site is in Area 18 and is approximately \ mile north
of road going to Buckboard Mesa and 300 feet east of the top of the
Buckboard Mesa on the hill slope.
Range in Characteristics: Depth to hard pan ranges from 24 to 40 inches.
The soil profile pH values range from 8.2 to 8.6 and are usually highest
in the horizon immediately above the lime hardpan. Average annual soil
temperature at a depth of 20 inches or immediately above the lime hardpan
is less than 59°F and more than 47°F. The soil is usually dry for
6 months or more during most years, mainly during the spring and fall
months. The mineralogy is mixed. Organic matter content of the Al
horizon is less than 1 percent. Color of the soil profile, except
for the Ccs horizons, includes hues of 10YR and 5YR, values of 5 or 6
dry and 3 or 4 moist, and chromas of 2 or 3. The color of the Ccs
horizons includes hues of 10YR values of 8 dry and 7 moist, and chromas
of 1. Textures of the control section include loam, clay and silty
clay loam modified by gravel and cobbles.
Competing Series and Their Differentiae: There are no other soils
classified in the same family at the present time.
Setting; Bullfrog soils occur on steeply sloping hillsides of Buck-
board Mesa that are 15 to 45 percent gradient. These soils have
developed from mixed alluvium derived mainly from basalt wil:h some
admixture from tuff, limestone, and other sedimentary rocks. The
climate is semi-arid, having a mean annual precipitation of
26
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6 to 8 inches. The temperatures are warm, having a mean annual tem-
perature of about 52°F, a January mean temperature of 38op and July
about 71°F, the frost-free season 1s from 130 to 150 days.
Principal Associated Soils: Common associates of Bullfrog soils are
the Buckboard, Ruddle, and Bluewing series. The Buckboard soils differ
by being shallow over a silica-lime hardpan. Ruddle soils differ by
having a deep soil profile and no Cca horizon. Bluewing soils differ
by having a sandy skeletal control section.
Drainage and Permeability; Moderately.well to well drained. Surface
runoff is medium to rapid depending on the slope. Permeability is
moderately slow.
Use and Vegetation: These soils are used for range having fair carry-
ing capacity. The vegetation consists of galleta grass (Eilofia jamesii),
globe mallow (Sphaeralcea grossulariaefolia], Russian thistle (Salsola
kali], buckwheat (Eriogomm*maculatum], four-winged saltbush (Atriplex
canesaens), green fire (Menodora spinesaens), horsebush little-leaf
(Tetradymia glabvata}, black bush (Coleogyne ramosissima), and desert
needlegrass (stipa speciosa). The plant density is about 20 percent.
Distribution and Extent: Mapped in Area 18, but may occur in other
valleys of central Nevada.
Series Proposed; Area 18 of Nevada Test Site, Nye County, Nevada,
1967. Bullfrog is the name of a hill near the Nevada Test Site.
27
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ECHO SERIES
Survey Hole No. 32
The Echo series is a member of fine loamy mixed mesic family of Lithic
Mollic Haplargids. Echo soils typically have pale brown A2 horizons,
moderate medium subangular blocky B horizons and are shallow over basalt
bedrock. They are slightly calcareous throughout.
Typifing Pedon: Echo gravelly loam (virgin)
(Colors for dry conditions unless otherwise noted.)
The soil surface is covered with a strong desert
pavement of large boulders, gravels and cobbles.
A2 0 to 3 inches -Pale brown (10YR 6/3) gravelly sandy loam, dark
grayish brown (10YR 4/2) moist; moderate coarse
platy structure; soft, friable, slightly sticky,
slightly plastic; very few fine and very fine
roots; many fine and medium tubular pores;
slightly effervescent; moderately alkaline (pH 8.2);
clear smooth boundary. (1 to 5 inches thick.)
Bl 3to 8 inches -Reddish brown (SYR 5/3) gravelly loam, reddish
brown (SYR 4/3) moist; moderate medium subangular
blocky structure; slightly hard, friable, sticky,
plastic; very few fine and medium roots; common
fine and medium tubular pores; common thin clay
films on peds and in pores; slightly effervescent;
moderately alkaline (pH 8.0).
R 8 inches-H-Basalt bedrock
Type Location: About one mile west of Area 17 headquarters on high
terrace.
Range in Characteristics: Average annual temperature immediately above
bedrock is less than 59°F and greater than 47°F. The soil is usually
28
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dry more than 60 consecutive days during most years, mainly during the
late summer and early fall months. Textures of the control section
include loam and clay loam modified by gravel. Coarse-fragments range
from 25 to 50 percent. Stones and cobbles range up to 25 percent and
gravel may range from 30 to 40 percent. The pH of the soil profile
may range from 8.0 to 8,2. Mineralogy is mtxed. Depth to extremely
hard bedrock ranges from 6 to 10 inches. Color of the soil profile,
except for bedrock, includes hues of 10YR and SYR, values of 5 or 6 dry,
4 moist, and chromas of 3. Gay films in the B horizons may range from
common thin to many moderately thick films.
Competing Series and Their Pi fferehtiae; There are no other soils classi-
fied in the same family at the present time.
Setting; Echo soils occur on gently to moderately sloping high terraces
with slope gradients between 2 and 8 percent. They have developed in
residuum from basalt, tuff, and limestone at elevations between
4,800 and 5,200 feet. The average annual precipitation ranges from
6 to 8 inches. The climate is semi-arid with a mean annual air tempera-
ture of about 52°F, the average January temperature is 38°F and the July
temperature is 71°F; the frost-free season is from 130 to 150 days.
Principal Associated Soils: Common associates of the Echo soils, are
Pahute, Timpahute, Eleana, and Big Butte. The Pahute soils differ by
having a silica-lime hardpan. Timpahute soils differ by having strongly
cemented indurated silica-lime hardpans. Eleana soils differ by having
a gravelly silica-lime cemented pan. Big Butte soils differ by having
a darker colored profile and are deeper to bedrock.
Drainage and Permeability: Well drained. Runoff is medium to rapid
depending on slope and vegetative cover. Permeability is moderate to
bedrock and very slow to impermeable through the bedrock.
Use and Vegetation; These soils are used for livestock grazing, wildlife
food and cover, and watershed purposes, The vegetation has a plant
density of approximately 10 percent and consists primarily of black sage
(Artemisia arbuscula subsp. nova), juniper (junipevus
osteosperma), Nevada joint-fir (Ephedra nevadensis), pinyon pine
29
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(Pinus monophylla), Spanish bayonet (Yucca baeaata], and traces of
cliff rose (Comania mexioana var. stansbwiana], squirrel tail
(sitanion hystvix], Nevada bluegrass (Poa nevadensis], Indian ricegrass
(Ori/aopsif? hymenoides}, and buckwheat (Eriogonwn maoulatum).
Distribution and Extent; These soils are of limited extent in
Area 18, but.may occur in.other adjacent areas in.south.central
Nevada. ' , /
Series Proposed; Area 18 of the Nevada Test Site, Nye County, Nevada,
1967. Echo is the name of a canyon just over the California line
from the Nevada Test Site.
30
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ELEANA SERIES
Survey Hole No. 34
The Eleana series is a member of loamy skeletal, mixed, mesic family
of Typic Haploxerolls. The Eleana soils have brown Al horizons con-
taining about 1 percent organic matter content, Si-Cca horizons within
20 inches of the soil surface, parent materials containing more than
30 percent silica and are mildly alkaline throughout, with the exception
of the Al horizon.
Typifying Pedon; Eleana very stony and gravelly sandy loam (virgin)
(Colors for dry conditions unless otherwise noted.)
The soil surface is covered with big boulders, gravel,
and cobbles.
Al 0 to 4 inches-Brown (10YR 5/3) very stony and gravelly sandy loam,
very dark grayish brown (10YR 3/2)moist; moderate
medium subangular blocky structure; soft, friable,
nonsticky, nonplastic; few fine and very fine roots;
many fine and medium tubular and interstitial pores;
slightly effervescent; moderately alkaline (pH 8.0);
clear smooth boundary. (1 to 6 inches thick.)
B2 4 to 8 inches-Reddish brown (SYR 5/3) sandy clay loam, dark red-
dish brown (5YR 3/2) moist; moderate medium sub-
angular blocky structure; slightly hard, friable,
sticky, plastic; plentiful fine and medium roots;
common fine and medium tubular pores; common thin
clay films on peds and in pores; slightly efferves-
cent; mildly alkaline (pH 7.6); clear smooth
boundary. (3 to 6 inches thick.)
B3 8 to 13 inches-Reddish brown (5YR 5/3) gravelly sandy loam, red-
dish brown (SYR 4/3) moist; weak medium subangular
31
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blocky structure; slightly hard, friable, slightly
sticky, slightly plastic; plentiful fine and medium
roots; few fine and medium tubular and interstitial
pores; strongly effervescent, mildly alkaline
(pH 7.6); clear wavy boundary. (3 to 6 inches thick.)
Clsicam 13 to 48 in+-Very pale brown (10YR 7/3) silica-lime cemented
gravel, very pale brown (10YR 7/3) moist; massive,
firm when dry and moist, nonstickly, nonplastic;
very few fine and medium roots; strongly to violently
effervescent; mildly alkaline (pH 7.6).
Type Location: The site is approximately 300 feet southwest of the big
water tower on a hill west of the Pahute Control Point. The profile was
described from the road cut on the dugway in Area 18.
Range in Characteristics: Average annual temperature immediately above
the silica-lime cemented gravel ranges from 47° F to 59° F. The soil is
usually dry for six months or more during most years, mainly during the
spring and the fall months. Mineralogy is mixed. Depth to the silica-
lime cemented gravel ranges from 8 to 18 inches. Color of the soil
includes hues of 10YR and SYR, values of 5 to 7 dry 3, 4, and 7 moist,
and chromas of 2 or 3. The organic matter content of the upper 4 inches,
after mixing, will be about 1 percent. Textures of the control section
include stony sandy loam, sandy clay loam, and clay loam modified by
gravel. Reaction of the soil profile ranges from 7.6 to 8.0.
Competing Series and Their Differentiae: The Hoi brook soils have been
classified in the same family.
Setting: Eleana soils occur on steeply sloping (15 to 45 percent slope
gradient) side slopes of strongly dissected old terraces. They have
developed in shallow gravelly and stony alluvium derived from basalt,
tuff, and limestone. The soils are at elevations ranging from 4,800 to
5,200 feet in a semi-arid climate with warm summers and cool winters.
The mean annual precipitation is between 8 to 12 inches, and the mean
32
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annual air temperature is between 50 F and 60°F. The average monthly
temperature ranges from 35°F to 38°F in January, and 69°F to 72°F in
July; the frost-free season ranges from 120 to 150 days.
Principal Associated Soils; Common associates of the Eleana series are
Buckboard, Beatty, and Rainier soils. Buckboard soils differ by having
a vesicular coarse platy A2 horizon. Beatty soils occur in dry washes
and differ by having very gravelly sandy control sections. Rainier
soils occur on old terraces and alluvial fans and differ by having
prismatic structure and indurated silica-lime hardpans.
Drainage and Permeability; Well drained. Surface runoff is rapid
because of the steep slopes. Permeability is moderate to the cemented
silica-lime hard pan and very slow through the fan.
Use and Vegetation; The vegetation consists primarily of big sage
(Artemesia tridentata), juniper (juniperus osteosperma], black sage
(Artemisia arbusoula subsp. nova], pinyon pine (Pinus monophylla),
Nevada bluegrass (Poa nevadensis), Nevada joint-fir (Ephedra
nevadensis), gallata grass failaria jamesii), cliff rose (Coaania
mexicana var. stansburiana), Indian ricegrass (Oryzopsis hymenoides),
Russian thistle (Salsola kali), small rabbitbrush (Chrysotharmus
viscidiflcrus), desert needlegrass (stipa speciosa), and brome grass
(Brornus tectorum). Available forage is used to provide very limited
livestock grazing because of the stoniness and steepness of the hills,
Distribution and Extent; These soils are known to occur in Area 18,
but may occur in other valleys in central Nevada. They are of
low extent.
Series Proposed; Area 18 of the Nevada Test Site, Nye County, Nevada,
1967. Eleana is the name of a mountain range near the Nevada Test Site.
33
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HALFPINT SERIES
Survey Hole No. 16
The 'Halfpint series is a member of sandy skeletal, mixed, nonacid,
mesic family of Typic Torripsamments. Typically the Halfpint soils
haye thin, very pale brown Al horizons and have gravelly loamy sandy
control sections with a few cobbles below 40 inches.
Typifying Pedon; Halfpint gravelly loamy sand (virgin)
(Color for dry conditions unless otherwise noted.)
Al 0 to 5 inches- Very pale brown (10YR 7/3) gravelly loamy sand,
very dark grayish brown (10YR 3/2) moist; weak
fine subangular blocky structure breaking to
single grain, soft, friable, nonsticky, non-
plastic; few fine and very fine roots; common
fine tubular and interstitial pores; slightly
effervescent; moderately alkaline (pH 8.0); clear
smooth boundary. (1 to 8 inches thfck.)
**
Cl 5 to 48 inches+-Very pale brown (10YR 7/3) very gravelly loamy sand,
dark grayish brown (10YR 4/2) moist; weak fine
subangular blocky structure breaking to single
grain, soft, friable, nonsticky, nonplastic;
few fine and medium'roots; common fine tubular
and interstitial pores; strongly effervescent;
moderately alkaline (pH 8.2).
Type Location: The site is approximately 1 mile northeast of the
airport in Area 18 and is 400 feet south of Buckboard Mesa Highway
in Area 18.
Range in Characteristics: The soil is usually dry for six months
or more during most years, mainly during the spring and fall months.
Mineralogy is mixed. Color of the soil profile includes hues 10YR
values of 6 or 7 dry and 3 to 5 moist, and chromas of 2 to 4.
34
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Occasionally the Al horizon may be at least one-half unit of value
darker, either moist or dry, than the remainder of the profile.
Texture of the control section is predominantly gravelly loamy sand,
with a few cobbles at a depth below 40 inches. The coarse fragments
range from 50 to 80 percent, with gravel predominating. Gravel ranges
from 50 to 75 percent, and cobbles up to 20 percent. Lime or silica
may be present and the content is variable from one strata to another
but is always at least effervescent. Occasional thin lime or silica
coatings may occur on some gravel undersides in the Cl horizons. The
pH values of the profile range from 7.4 to 8,2.
Competing Series and Their Differentiae: There are two other series,
Bluewing an established series and Inmo a tentative series in the
same family at the present time. The Bluewing series differs by
having a Cca horizon. Inmo series differs by being derived primarily
from granite and gneiss; it contains more than 1 percent fine muscovite
and biolite mica, and the lime is dissimulated throughout the control
section. Other similar soils include Carrizo, Arizo, Cajon, and
Brazito. Carrizo soils differ only in having mean annual soil tempera-
tures greater than 71.6°F. Cajon soils are sandy throughout, lacking
the gravel content that is common throughout the Halfpint soils. Arizo
soils differ by having mean annual soil temperatures greater than
71°F. Brazito soils have fine sand or sand control sections.
Setting; Halfpint soils occur at elevations of about 4,800 to
5,200 feet on nearly level to gently sloping floodplains and recent
alluvial fans. Slope gradients are dominantly between 2 to 4 percent
but range upward to 8 percent. These soils developed in gravelly
sandy alluvium derived from mixed rock sources including tuff, basalt,
rhyolite, limestone, and Bolder valley-fill material. The climate is
semi-arid with mean annual precipitation of 6 to 8 inches. The mean
annual air temperature is>; about 52°F, the January mean temperature is
38°F and July is about 71°F; the frost-free season is 130 to 150 days.
Principal Associated Soils: Common associates of the Halfpint series
are Buckboard, Beatty, Bluewing, and Rainier soils. The Buckboard
35
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soils differ by being shallow over hardpan, Beatty soils differ by
having a sandy control section. Bluewing soils differ by having a
Cca horizon. Rainier soils differ by having a fine textured control
section.
Drainage and Permeability; Well to somewhat excessively drained.
Surface runoff is very slow. Soil permeability is very rapid.
Use and Vegetation: These soils are used for grazing but provides
only fair grazing. The vegetation consists of four-winged saltbush
(Atriplex aanesoens),brome grass (Bromus teotorwn], buckwheat
(Eriogonwn maaulatum), big sage -(Artemisia tridentata), Nevada joint-fir
(Ephedra nevadensis), Indian ricegrass (Oryzopsis hymenoides), squirrel
tail (sitanion hystrix}, and green fire (Menodora spinescens). Plant
density ranges from approximately 10 to 15 percent.
Distribution and Extent: The soils are known to occur in Area 18,
but may occur in other valleys of central Nevada, .
Series Proposed: Area 18 of Nevada Test Site, Nye County, Nevada,
1967. Halfpint is the name of a mountain range near the Nevada Test
Site.
36
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HAMPEL SERIES
Survey Hole No, 44
The Hampel series is a member of a loamy skeletal, mixed, mesic family
of Lithic Mollic Camborthids. The Hampel soils typically have thin,
light brownish gray Al horizons containing less than 1 percent organic
matter content, weakly expressed light reddish brown cambic horizons.,
control sections containing over 50 percent coarse fragments, and are
shallow over tuff.
Typifying Pedon; Hampel stony sandy loam (virgin)
(Colors for dry conditions unless otherwise noted.)
A2 0 to 5 inches-Light brownish gray (10YR 6/2) cobbly and stony
sandy loam, dark grayish brown (10YR 4/2) moist;
weak medium subangular blocky structure, soft,
friable, nonsticky, nonplastic; very few fine
and very fine roots; many fine and medium tubular
pores; strongly effervescent; moderately alkaline
(pH 8.2) clear wavy boundary. (1 to 6 inches
thick.)
Bl 5 to 9 inches -Light reddish brown (SYR 6/4) gravelly sandy
clay loam, reddish brown (5YR 5/4) moist;
strong coarse subangular blocky structure;
hard, friable, sticky, plastic; few fine and
medium roots; common fine and medium tubular
pores; slightly effervescent; mildly alkaline
(pH 7.8)
R 9 inches+-Very pale brown (10YR 7/3) tuff bedrock,
yellowish brown (10YR 5/4) moist; massive, very
firm, nonsticky, nonplastic; very few fine and
very fine roots; strongly effervescent; moderately
alkaline (pH 8.0).
Type Location: The site is approximately \ mile north of Area 17 head-
quarters and 300 feet east of power substation on the hillside in Area 18.
37
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Range tn'Ghafacteris.tics; .Average annual.temperature immediately above
the bedrock ranges from 59°F to 71 °F, The soil ts usually dry for
six months or more during most years, mainly during the spring and fall
months. Mineralogy is mixed. Depth to bedrock ranges from 8 to 20 inches.
Color of the soil includes hues of 10YR and 5YR, values of 6 or 7 dry and
4 or 5 moist, and chromas of 2 or 4. The organic matter content of the
upper 5 inches, after mixing, will not exceed 1 percent. Texture of the
control section includes very gravelly loam gravelly clay loam modified
by cobbles or stones. Coarse fragments range from 50 to 75 percent.
Gravel ranges from 25 to 45 percent, cobbles range up to 15 percent and
stones may range up to 25 percent. Reaction of the soil profile ranges
from 7.8 to 8.2. Occasional to common soft lime segregations and/or
thin lime coatings on undersides of coarse fragments may occur in the
lower 5 inches of the soil, immediately above the bedrock, or are pre-
sent as coatings on the bedrock surface and in crevices.
Competing Senes and Their Pifferenti ae; Hampel soils have been clas-
sified in the same family as Pulsipher series.• Pulsipher soils differ
by containing less than 18 percent clay in the control section.
Setting: Hampel soils are on moderately steep foothill or lower
mountain slopes where the gradients commonly range from 15 to 31 percent.
They have developed in residuum from sedimentary rock sources including
tuff or basalt at elevations of 4,800 to 5,100 feet. The climate is
semi-arid, having a mean anniial precipitation ranging from 6 to 12 inches
and mean annual temperature of about 52°F. The average January tempera-
ture is about 38°F, July is 71°F, and the average frost-free season is
about 130 to 150 days.
Principal Associated Soils; Common associates of the Hampel series are
Tippipah, Timpahute, and Beatty soils, Tippipah soils differ by being
weakly cemented by silica and'havtng light brown columnar B2t horizons
containing over 15 percent exchangeable sodium. Timpahute soils differ
by having strongly cemented .Si-cca indurated horizons. Beatty soils
differ by being very deep with a coarse textured control section.
38
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Drainage and Permeability: Well drained. Surface runoff is rapid
because of the slope. Permeability is moderate through the A and
B horizons and very slow through the tuff bedrock.
Use and Vegetation: Used for providing low producing livestock grazing.
The vegetation has a plant density of approximately 10 percent and
consists primarily of black sage (Artemisia arbuscula subsp. nova),
galleta grass (Hilaria jamesii), pinyon pine (Pinus monophylla),
juniper (juniperus osteosperma), desert needlegrass (stipa speciosa),
Nevada joint-fir (Ephedra nevadensis), Spanish bayonet (Yucca
baccata) squirrel tail (sitanion hystrix), globe mallow (Sphaeralcea
grossulariaefoHa), four-winged saltbush (Atriplex canescens),
small rabbitbrush (Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus), and cliff rose
(Ccwania mexicana var.stan8bwn.ana).
Distribution and Extent: These soils are of limited extent in
Area 18, but may occur in other adjacent areas in central Nevada.
Series Proposed: Area 18 of Nevada Test Site, Nye County, Nevada,
1967. Hampel is the name of a hill near the Nevada Test Site,
39
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INDIAN SPRINGS SERIES
Survey Hole No. 30
The Indian Springs series is a member of clayey skeletal, mixed, mesic
family of Duric Haplargids. Typically Indian Springs soils are very
pale brown or light gray, calcareous and have a gravelly and cobbly
clayey control section.
Typifylng-'.Pedon; Indian Springs gravelly clay (virgin)
(Colors for dry conditions unless otherwise noted.)
A2 0 to 4 inches-Very pale brown (10YR 7/3) gravelly sandy loam,
dark grayish brown (10YR 4/2) moist; moderate
coarse platy structure; soft, friable, slightly
sticky, slightly plastic; very few fine and
very fine roots; many medium and fine tubular
pores; slightly effervescent; moderately alkaline
(pH 8.2); clear smooth boundary. (1 to 6 inches
thick.)
Bl 4 to 12 inches-Reddish brown (SYR 5/4) gravelly clay, reddish
brown (SYR 4/3) moist; strong coarse subangular
blocky structure; hard friable, very sticky,
very plastic; very few fine and very fine roots;
many medium and fine tubular pores; many thin
clay films on peds and in pores; slightly ef-
fervescent; moderately alkaline (pH 8.0); clear
smooth boundary. (5 to 10 inches .thick.)
B2 12 to 36 inches-Light reddish brown (SYR 6/4) cobbly loam, with
silica-lime white (10YR 8/1) streaks, red-
dish brown (SYR 4/4) moist; moderate coarse
subangular blocky structure; hard, friable very
sticky, very plastic; very few fine and very fine
roots; common fine and medium pores; common thin
40
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clay films in peds and in pores; slightly efferves-
cent; moderately alkaline (pH 8.0); clear wavy
boundary. (10 to 24 inches thick.)
B3 36 to 43 in+-Light reddish brown (SYR 6/4) gravelly sandy loam,
with silica-lime white (10YR 8/1) streaks, reddish
brown (SYR 4/4) moist; moderate coarse subangular
blocky structure; hard, friable, sticky, plastic;
very few fine and very fine roots; few fine and
medium tubular pores; common thin clay films on
peds and in pores; violently effervescent; strongly
alkaline (pH 8.8). Silica-lime coatings on the out-
sides of the cobbles.
Type Location: The site is approximately 3 miles west of the Well 8
road and the airport highway junction in the wash where the range
cattle watering trough used to be located. It is approximately 300 feet
north of the Buckboard Mesa road.
Range in Characteristics; Average annual soil temperature at a depth
of 20 inches is less than 59dF, and greater than 47°F. The soil is
usually dry for six months or more during most years, mainly during
the spring and fall months. Mineralogy is mixed. Color of the soil
profile includes hues 10YR and SYR, values of 5 to 8 dry and 4 moist,
and chromas of 2 to 4. Texture of the control section is predominantly
clay, (with clay content of 35 percent or over) loamy and clay loam
modified with gravel and cobbles. The coarse fragments range from
35 to 50 percent, with gravel predominating. Gravel ranges from 25 to
35 percent, cobbles up to 15 percent and stones up to 15 percent.
Silica-lime coated the outsides of the cobbles and stones. This soil
may have weakly cemented silica-lime hardpan. The lime content, however,
does not exceed 5 percent or never contains 2 percent more lima than
the next underlying horizons. The pH values of the profile range from
8.0 to 8.8.
41
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Competing Series and Their Differentiae; There are no other series in
the same family at the present time.
Setting: Indian Springs soils occur at elevations of about 4,800 to
5,200 feet on gently to moderately sloping alluvial fans. Slope
gradients that are dominantly between 2 to 4 percent but range upward
to 8 percent. These soils have developed in gravelly, cobbly and stony
alluvium derived from mixed rock sources including basalt, tuff and
limestone. The climate is semi-arid having a mean annual precipitation
of 6 to 8 inches. The mean annual air temperature ranges from 51°F to
57°F, the average January temperature is about SS^F; the July tempera-
ture is about 71°F; and the frost-free season is about 130 to 150 days.
Principal Associated Soils; Common associates of Indian Springs soils
are Buckboard, Timpahute and Oak Spring soils. The Buckboard soils
differ by a silica-lime cemented hardpan. Timpahute soils differ by
having strongly cemented silica-lime indurated horizons. Oak Spring
soils differ by having a buried B horizon and is in the coarse loamy
family.
Drainage and Permeability; Well drained. Surface runoff is moderately
rapid to rapid. Soil permeability is slow to moderate.
Use and Vegetation: These soils are used for livestock grazing, wild-
life food and cover, and watershed purposes. The vegetation consists
of wolfberry (Lyoium andersonii), black sage (Artemisia arbuscula subsp..
nova], galleta grass (Hilaria jamesii ), Nevada joint-fir (Ephedra
nevadensis], horsebrush little-leaf (Tetradymia glabrata}, desert
needlegrass (stipa speciosa), squirrel tail (sitanion hystrix), winter
fat (Eurotia lanata),bud sage (Artemisia spinesaens), four-winged
saltbush (Atriplex canescens}, globe mallow (Sphaeraloea grossulariae-
folia),' spiny hop-sage (Grayia spinosa], and loco weed (Astragalus
lentiginosus}, Total plant density is about 15 percent.
Distribution and Extent: Indian Springs soils are known to occur in
Area 18 and may be found in other areas in south central Nevada.
These Soils are hot extensive in the soil survey of Area 18.
42
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Series Proposed: Area 18\of the Nevada Test Site, Nye County, Nevada,
1967. Indian Springs is the name of a small town 18 miles east of the
Nevada Test Site.
43
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KEANE SPRING SERIES
Survey Hole No. 24
The Keane Spring series is a member of a sandy, mixed, mesic family of
Fluventic Haploxerolls. The Keane Spring soils typically have dark
grayish brown Al horizons containing about 1.5 percent organic matter,
loamy sand control sections, and are calcareous throughout.
Typifying Pedon; Keane Spring loamy sand (virgin)
(Color for dry conditions unless otherwise noted.)
All 0 to 5 inches-Dark grayish brown (10YR 4/2) loamy sand, very dark
gray (10YR 3/1) moist; weak fine subangular blocky
structure; soft, friable, nonsticky, nonplastic;
few fine and very fine roots; common fine intersti-
tial pores; slightly effervescent, moderately
alkaline (pH 8.2); clear smooth boundary.
(2 to 8 inches thick.)
A12 5 to 12 inches-Dark gray (10YR 4/1) loamy sand, black (10YR 2/1)
moist; very weak fine subangular blocky structure;
soft, friable, nonsticky, nonplastic; few fine
and medium roots; common fine interstitial pores;
slightly effervescent, moderately alkaline (pH 8.4);
clear wavy boundary. (5 to 12 inches thick.)
01 12 to 40 inches-Dark gray (10YR 4/1) loamy sand, black (10YR 2/1)
moist; massive; soft, friable, nonsticky, nonplastic;
very few fine and medium roots; common fine inter-
stitial pores; strongly effervescent, strongly
alkaline (pH 8.6); clear wavy boundary.
(10 to 30 inches thick.)
C2 40 inches+^White (10YR 8/2) cobbly gravelly sand, gray (10YR 5/1)
moist; single grain; loose when dry and moist, non-
sticky, nonplastic; very few fine and medium pores;
44.
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violently effervescent;- strongly alkaline (pH 9.0),
Cobbles are covered with silica-lime on all sides.
Type Location; This site is in Area 18 and is approximately \ mile
northwest of Area 17 headquarters in a wash.
Range in Characteristics; Average annual temperature at a depth of
20 inches is less than 59°F and greater than 47°P. This soil is
usually dry for more than 60 consecutive days during most years,
mainly during the late summer and early fall months. Mineralogy is
mixed. Color of the All horizons includes hues of 10YR, values of 4
and 8 dry, 2, 3, and 5 moist, and chromas of 1 or 3. Organic matter
content of All, A12, and Cl horizons may range from 1 to 3 percent.
The pH values of the soil profile ranges from 8.2 to 9.0 and is usually
highest in the C2 horizon. The C2 horizon is high in sodium, but may
range from low to high in sodium. Texture of the control section
includes loamy sand, gravelly loamy sand modified by cobbles. Coarse
fragments range from 30 to 50' percent. Stones and cobbles range up
to 15 percent and gravel may range from 20 to 35 percent in the Cl
and C2 horizons.
Competing Series and Their Differentiae; There are no other soils
classified in the same family at the present time.
Setting: Keane Spring soils occur on smooth alluvial fans and flood-
plains with slope gradients between 2 and 4 percent. These soils have
developed from mixed alluvium derived mainly from basalt with some
admixture from tuff, limestone and other sedimentary rocks at elevations
between 4,800 and 5,200 feet. The climate is semi-arid, having a
mean annual precipitation of 6 to 8 inches. The mean annual air
temperature ranges from 51°F'to 57°F, the average January temperature
is about 38°F, and the July temperature is about 71°F; the frost-
free season ranges from about 130 to 150 days.
Principal Associated Soils; Common associates of Keane Spring soils
are Pahute, Bare and Hampel series. The Pahute soils differ by being
shallow over silica-lime hardpan. Bare soils differ by having very
45
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gravelly coarse textured control sections. Hampel soils differ by being
shallow over tuff bedrock.
Drainage and'Permeability; Well drained. Runoff is slow to very slow.
Permeability is rapid to moderately rapid.
Use and Vegetation; These soils are used for livestock grazing, wild-
life food and cover, and watershed purposes. The vegetation consists
of big sage (Artemisia tridentata], scrub oak (Quercus turbinella),
cliff rose (Cowania mexicana var. stansburiana], big rabbitbrush
(Chrysothamnus teretifolius), annual buckwheat (Eriogonum maaulatwn) t
perennial buckwheat (Eriogomm ovalifolium), Nevada joint-fir
(Ephedra nevadensis), small rabbi tbrush (chrysothcomus visoidiflorua),
juniper (juniperus osteosperma), and pinyon pine (Pinus monophylla).
Plant density is about 25 percent.
Distribution and Extent: Mapped in Area 18 and may occur in other
valleys of central and southern Nevada.
Series Proposed; Area 18 of the Nevada Test Site, Nye County, Nevada,
1967. Keane Spring is the name of a spring west of the Nevada Test
Site, just inside of the California state line.
46
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OAK SPRING SERIES
Survey Hole No, 28
The Oak Spring series ts a member of a coarse-loamy, mixed mesic family
of Mollic Camborthids. Typically Oak Spring soils are light brownish
gray or light gray, calcareous and have gravelly and cobbly sandy con-
trol sections,
Typifying Pedon; Oak Spring fine sandy loam (virgin)
(Colors for dry conditions unless otherwise noted.)
Al 0 to 4 inches-Light brownish gray (10YR 6/2) fine sand, very
dark grayish brown (10YR 3/2) moist; weak fine
subangular blocky structure; soft, friable, non-
sticky, nonplastic; plentiful fine and very fine
roots; few fine tubular and interstitial pores;
slightly effervescent; moderately alkaline (pH 8.4);
clear smooth boundary. (2 to 6 inches thick.)
A2 0 to 8 inches-Light brownish gray (10YR 6/2) fine sandy loam,
dark grayish brown (10YR 4/2) moist; moderate
medium subangular blocky structure; soft, fri-
able, nonsticky, nonplastic; abundant fine and
medium roots; few fine tubular and interstitial
pores; slightly effervescent; moderately alkaline
(pH 8.2); clear smooth boundary. (3 to 8 inches
thick.)
Cl 8 to 15 inches-Very pale brown (10YR 7/3) fine sandy loam, brown
(10YR 4/3) moist; strong coarse subangular blocky
structure; hard, friable, nonsticky, nonplastic;
abundant fine and medium roots; few fine tubular
and interstitial pores; strongly effervescent;
strongly alkaline (pH 8.6); clear smooth boundary.
(5 to 12 inches thick.) >'
47
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C2 15 to 44. inches-Very pale brown (10YR 7/3) fine sandy loam, brown
(10YR 4/3) moist; massive; loose when dry and moist;
nonsticky, nonplastic; very few fine interstitial
pores; violently effervescent; strongly alkaline
(pH 8.8); clear smooth boundary. (18 to 36 inches
thick.)
Bib 44 to 60 inches-Light reddish brown (SYR 6/4) sandy loam, reddish
brown (SYR 4/3) moist; strong coarse subangular
blocky structure; hard, friable, nonsticky, non-
plastic; very few fine and very fine roots; few
fine tubular and interstitial pores; slightly
effervescent; moderately alkaline (pH 8.2).
Type Location; The site is approximately one-half mile east and
600 feet south of the road going to the range cattle watering trough,
in a wash southwest of pit 27. It is about 2 miles west and 600 feet
south from the junction of Well 8 road and the highway going to the
airport.
Range in Characteristics: Average annual soil temperature at a depth
of 20 inches is less than 59°F and greater than 47°F. The soil is
usually dry for six months or more during most years, mainly during
the spring and fall months. Mineralogy is mixed. Color of the soil
profile includes hues 10YR and SYR, values of 6 or 7 dry, 3 or 4 moist,
and chromas of 2 to 4. Occasionally, the Al horizon may be at least
one-half unit of value darker, either moist or dry, than the remainder
of the profile. Texture of the control section is predominantly
loamy sand,coarse sandy loam or fine sandy loam modified by gravel and
cobbles. The coarse fragments range from 30 to 50 percent with gravel
predominating. Gravel ranges from 20 to 35 percent, cobbles up to
15 percent and stones up to 5 percent. The pH values of the profile
ranges from 8.2 to 8.8.
Competing Series and Their Differentiae: There are two series, Haybourne
and Rebel, that have been described in the same family in the state of
Nevada, but they cannot be compared because the writer has not seen the
series descriptions to compare them with the Oak Spring series,
48
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Setting: Oak Spring soils occur at elevations of about 4,800 to
5,200 feet on nearly level to gently sloping floodplains and recent
alluvial fans. Slope gradients are dominantly between 2 to 4 per-
cent but range upward to 8 percent. These soils have developed in
gravelly and cobbly sandy alluvium derived from mixed rock sources
including basalt, tuff, and limestone. The climate is semi-arid
having a mean annual precipitation of 6 to 8 inches. The mean annual
air temperature ranges from 51°F to 57°F, the average January temperature
is about 38°F; the July temperature is about 71°F, and the frost-free
season ranges from about 130 to 150 days.
Principal Associated Soils: Common Associates of Oak Spring Soils are
Buckboard, Timpahute and Rainier soils. The Buckboard soils differ
by having a silica-lime cemented hardpan. Timpahute soils differ by
having strongly cemented silica-lime indurated horizons. Rainier soils
differ by having duripans.
Drainage and Permeability; Well drained. Surface runoff is very slow
to slow. Soil permeability is moderate to moderately rapid.
Use and Vegetation: These soils are used for livestock grazing, wild-
life food and cover, and watershed purposes. The vegetation consists
of wolfberry (Lycivm andersonii), big sage (Artemisia tridentata),
horsebrush little-leaf (Tetradymia glabrata}, four-winged saltbush
(Atriplex oanescens], desert needlegrass (stipa speaiosa)> Indian rice-
grass (Ovyzopais hymenoides], Nevada joint-fir (Ephedra nevadensis),
squirrel tail (Sitanion hystrix), globe mallow(5p?zaeraicea grossulariae-
folia), and cacti (Opuntia basilaris). Total plant density is about
20 percent.
Distribution and Extent: Oak Spring soils are known to occur in Area 18
of the Nevada Test Site and may be found in other areas in south
central Nevada. These soils are not extensive in the soil survey of Area 18.
Series Proposed; Area 18 of Nevada Test Site, Nye County, Nevada, 1967.
Oak Spring is the name of a spring on the Nevada Test Site.
49
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PAHUTE SERIES
Survey Hole No, 43
The Pahute series is a member of a loamy-skeletal, mixed, mesic, shallow
family of Typic Durorthids. The Pahute soils typically have light gray
Al horizons and are shallow to very shallow over indurated silica-lime
hardpans.
Typifying Pedon; Pahute gravelly sandy clay loam (virgin)
(Colors for dry conditions unless otherwise noted.)
A2 0 to 4 inches-Light gray (10YR 7/1) gravelly and cobbly sandy loam,
dark gray (10YR 4/1) moist; moderate medium platy
structure; soft, friable, nonsticky, nonplastic;
plentiful fine and medium roots; many fine and
medium vesicular and tubular pores; slightly
effervescent, moderately alkaline (pH 8.2) clear
smooth boundary. (1 to 6 inches thick.)
Bl 4 to 12 inches-Light reddish brown (SYR 6/4) gravelly sandy clay
loam, reddish brown (5YR 4/4) moist; moderate
medium subangular blocky structure; slightly
hard, friable; slightly sticky, slightly plastic;
plentiful fine and medium roots; common fine and
medium tubular pores; slightly effervescent; mod-
erately alkaline (pH 7.8).
Clsicam 12 inches+-White (10YR 8/1) silica-lime, cemented gravel-tuff,
very pale brown (10YR 7/3) moist; massive; very
firm dry and moist; nonsticky, nonplastic; violently
effervescent; moderately alkaline (pH 8.0).
Type Location; This site is located in Area 18 and is about % mile
north of Afea 17 headquarters and 300 feet northeast of;power sub-
station on top of the hill.
50
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Range in Characteristics; Average annual soil temperature at a depth
of 12 inches or immediately above the silica-lime hardpan is less than
59°F and more than 47°F. Depth to the silica-lime hardpan is
10 to 12 inches. The erosion pavement may be or may not be present.
Where the erosion pavement occurs, at least 65 percent of the soil
surface is covered with coarse fragments. These are predominantly
gravel in size, but some cobbles or stones are not uncommon. The soil
is usually dry for 6 months or more during most years, mainly during
the spring and fall months. The mineralogy is mixed. Organic matter
content of the Al horizon is less than 1 percent. Color of the soil
profile, except for the Clsicam horizons, includes hues of 10YR and
5YR values of 6 or 7 dry and 4 moist, and chromas of 1, 2, or 4.
The color of the Csicam horizons includes hues of 10YR values of
8 dry and 7 moist, and chromas of 1. Textures;of the control section
include loam and sandy clay loam modified by gravel and cobbles.
The pH will range from 7.8 to 8.4.
Competing Series and Their Differentiae: There is one other series,
Pahroc, which is an established series in the same family.
The Pahroc series differs by being derived primarily from ignimbrites,
dolomite, limestone, quartzite, sandstone, and shale.
Setting; Pahute soils occur at elevations ranging from 4,800 to
5,200 feet on gently sloping low terraces and convex hilltops.
Slope gradients are dominantly between 2 and 4 percent but may range
up to 8 percent. These soils developed in gravelly and cobbly alluvium
derived from mixed rock sources including basalt, tuff and limestone. The
climate is semi-arid with mean annual precipitation of 6 to 8 inches.
Mean annual air temperature is about 52°F, in January it is about 386F
and in July about 71°F. The.'frost-free season is 130 to 150 days.
Principal Associated Soils;' -'Common associates of the Pahute series
are Bullfrog, Bare, and Hampe1! soils. The Bullfrog soils differ by
having a darker colored Al horizon and have a deeper controi section.
Bare soils differ by not having Bl horizons and are not limited by a
silica-lime hardpan. Hampel soils differ by developing over tuff
bedrock.
51
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Drainage and Permeability: Well to moderately well drained. Surface
runoff is rapid. Permeability is moderate to the hardpan and very
slow through the pan.
Use and Vegetation; Used for providing low producing livestock grazing,
The vegetation has a plant density of approximately 10 percent and
consists primarily of black sage (Artemisia arbuscula subsp. nova),
gall eta grass (Hilaria jamesii), desert needlegrass (Stipa speoiosaj
juniper (Juniperus osteosperma), pinyon pine (Pinus monophylla),
and traces of four-winged saltbush (Atriplex canescens), squirrel
tail (Sitanion hystvix), Nevada joint-fir (Ephedra nevadensis),
wolfberry (Lyciwn andersonii), small rabbitbrush (Chrysotharmus
visaidiflorus)> globe mallow (Sphaevalcea grossulariaefolia), Spanish
bayonet (yucca bacaata], and cliff rose (Couania mexicana var.
stansburiana).
Distribution and Extent: These soils are of limited extent in
Area 18, but may occur in other adjacent areas'in south central
Nevada.
Series Proposed; Area 18 of Nevada Test Site, Nye County, Nevada,
1967. Pahute is a name of a mesa inside of the test site.
52
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RUDDLE SERIES
Survey Hole No. 54
The Ruddle series is a member of a sandy skeletal, mixed, mesic family
of Duric Mollic Camborthids. Typically Ruddle soils are light
brownish gray or pale brown, calcareous and have gravelly and cobbly
sandy control section.
Typifying Pedon: Ruddle gravelly fine sand (virgin)
(Colors for dry conditions unless otherwise noted.)
Al 0 to 4 inches-Light brownish gray (10YR 6/2) gravelly loamy
sand, very dark grayish brown (10YR 3/2) moist;
weak fine subangular blocky structure; soft,
very friable, nonsticky, nonplastic; very few
fine and very fine roots; many fine and medium
interstitial pores; strongly effervescent;
moderately alkaline (pH 8.0); clear smooth
boundary. (1 to 6 inches thick.)
Cl .4 to 12 inches-Light brownish gray (10YR 6/2) cobbly and gravelly
sandy loam, dark grayish brown (10YR 4/2) moist;
weak fine subangular blocky structure; soft, very
friable, nonsticky, nonplastic; very few fine
i
and medium roots; common fine and medium inter-
stitial pores; violently effervescent, moderately
alkaline (pH 8.2); clear wavy boundary. (4 to
10 inches thick.) Thin lime coatings on all sides
of the cobbles and gravel, i
C2 12 to 50 in +-Light gra!y (10YR 7/1) cobbty gravelly sand, dark
grayish brown (10YR 4/2) moist; single grain loose
dry and moist, nonsticky, nonplastic; few fine
and medium interstitial pores; violently effer-
vescent, moderately alkaline (pH 8.0).
53
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Type Location: The site is approximately % mile south of the Area 18
airport in a wash opposite area sign 18B-RD.
Range in Characteristics: The soil is usually dry for six months or
more during most years, mainly during the spring and fall months.
Mineralogy is mixed. Color of the soil profile includes hues of 10YR,
and values of 6 or 7 dry and 3 to 5 moist, and chromas of 2 to 4.
Occasionally the Al horizon may be at least one-half unit of value
darker, either moist or dry, than the remainder of the profile.
Texture of the control section is predominantly cobbly gravelly sand,
or sandy loam modified by gravel. The coarse fragments range from
50 to 95 percent, with gravel predominating. Gravel ranges from
50 to 75 percent, cobbles up to 25 percent and stones up to 5 percent.
Lime content is variable from one strata to another but is always
at least effervescent. Thin lime coatings may occur on some gravel
and cobbles in the C horizons. The lime content, however, does not
exceed 15 percent or never contains 5 percent more lime than the next
underlying horizons. The pH values of the profile range from 7.4 to
8.4.
Competing Series and Their Differentiae: There are no other series in
the same family at the present time.
Setting: Ruddle soils occur at elevations of about 4,800 to 5,100 feet
on nearly level to moderately sloping floodplaihs and recent alluvial
fans. Slope gradients are dominantly between 2 to 4 percent but range
upward to 8 percent. These soils have developed in very gravelly
sandy alluvium derived from mixed rock sources including tuff, basalt
and limestone. The climate is semi-arid with annual precipitation of
6 to 8 inches. The mean annual air temperature is about 52°F, the
January temperature is about 38°F, and the July temperature is about
71°F. The frost-free season is from 130 to 150 days.
Principal Associated Soi1s; Common associates of the Ruddle series are
Buckboard, Beatty, and Bluewing soils. The Buckboard soils differ by
having fine textured shallow profiles. Beatty soils differ by not
having lime coated gravel and cobbles. Bluewing soils differ by having
Cca horizons.
54
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Drainage and Permeabi1ity: Well to excessively drained. Surface run-
off is very slow. Permeability is rapid to moderate.
Use and Vegetation: These soils are used to provide low to fair pro-
ducing livestock grazing. The vegetation is made up of varying
percentages of Nevada joint-fir (Ephedra nevadensis), four-winged
saltbush (Atriplex oanesoens) , Russian thistle (Salsola kali),
annual buckwheat (Eriogonwn maaulatwn], small rabbitbrush
(chrysothamnus viscidiftorus), Indian ricegrass (Oryzopsis hymenoidea)*
cliff rose (Cowania mexioana var. stansbux-iana), squirrel tail
(Sitanion hystrix), and greenfire (Menodora spinesoens). The plant
density ranges from 5 to 10 percent.
Distribution and Extent; Mapped in Area 18 and may be found in
adjacent parts of Nevada.
Series Proposed: Area 18 of Nevada Test Site, Nye County, Nevada,
1967. Ruddle is the name of a mountain peak near the Nevada Test
Site.
55
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SAWTOOTH SERIES
Survey Hole No. 45
The Sawtooth series ts a member of a fine-loamy, mixed, mesic.family
of Lithic Camborthids. The Sawtooth soils typically have light gray
Al horizons and a strong coarse platy structure. They are very
shallow to bedrock.
Typifying Pedon: Sawtooth stony loam
(Color for dry condition unless otherwise noted.)
Surface covered with gravel and cobble pavement
and some boulders.
A2 0 to 4 inches-Light gray (10YR 7/2) stony, loam, dark grayish
brown (10YR 4/2) moist; strong coarse platy
structure; soft, friable, slightly sticky,
slightly plastic, very few fine and very fine
roots; many fine and medium vesicular tubular
pores; slightly effervescent; moderately
alkaline (pH 8.2) clear smooth boundary.
(2 to 6 inches thick.)
B2 4 to 8 inches-Light reddish brown (SYR 6/4) loam, reddish
brown (5YR 4/4) moist; moderate medium sub-
angular blocky structure; slightly sticky,
slightly plastic, very few fine and medium
roots, common fine and medium tubular pores;
slightly^effervescent; moderately alkaline
(pH 8.2).;
n
8 inches+ -Bedrock covered with silica and lime.
Type Location: The site is about % mile south of the junction of the
highway going to Area 17 headquarters and one going to the airport.
It is east of the power!ine on top of the hill in Area 18.
56
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Range in Character^'sties: Average annual soil temperature immediately
above the bedrock ranges from 47°F to 60°F. The soil is usually dry
for six months or more during most years, mainly during the spring
and fall months. Mineralogy is mixed. Depth to bedrock ranges from
8 to 15 inches. Color of the soil includes hues of 10YR and 5YR,
values of 6 or 7 dry and 4 moist, and chromas of 2 or 4. The organic
matter content of the upper four inches, after mixing, will not exceed
one percent. Texture of the control section includes sandy clay loam,
and loam modified by gravel. Reaction of the soil profile may range
from 8.0 to 8.4.
Competing Series and Their Differentiae: There are no other soils
classified in the same family at the present time.
Setting: Sawtooth soils occur on hilltops and .hillside slopes with
gradients ranging from 2 to 4 percent on the tops and from 15 to 30 per-
cent on the side slopes. These soils have developed from mixed alluvium
derived mainly from basalt with some admixture from tuff and limestone.
The climate is semi-arid, having a mean annual'precipitation of
8 to 12 inches. The temperatures are warm in summer and cool in winter.
The mean average temperature is about 52°F, the January temperature is
i.
about 38°F, the July temperature is about 71°F, and the frost-free
season is from 130 to 150 days. '
Principal Associated Soils; Common associates of Sawtooth soils are
Buckboard, Beatty, and Bluewing. The Buckboartf soils differ by being
shallow over a silica-lime hardpan. Beatty soils differ by having
a deep coarse textured profile. Bluewing soils differ by having a
sandy skeletal control section. r
11 ,, .
Drainage and Permeability: Well drained to bedrock. Surface runoff
is medium to rapid depending on the slope. Permeability is moderate.
i"" "
Use and Vegetation; These so.ils are used for range but have a low ,
carrying capacity. The vegetation consists of black sage (Artemisia
arbusQula subsp. nova], galleta grass (Hilaria jamesi-i],
desert needlegrass (stipa speciosa), Nevada joint-fir (Ephecra
nevadenais), small rabbitbrush (Chrysothamnus visaidiflorus]3
57
-------
Indian ricegrass (Orysopsis hymenoides), Nevada bluegrass (poa
nevandensis), squirrel tail (Sitanion hystrix), four-winged salt-
bush (Atviplex canescens), and wolfberry (Lyoium anderaonii),
The plant density is about 10 percent.
Distribution and Extent: Mapped in Area 18 and may occur in
other valleys of central Nevada. It is not extensive.
Series Proposed: Area 18 of Nevada Test Site, Nye County, Nevada,
1967. Sawtooth is the name of a mountain range near the Nevada
Test Site.
58
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SCRANTON SERIES
Survey Hole No. 37
The Scranton series is a member of a loamy skeletal, mixed, mesic family
of Duric Camborthids. Scranton soils typically have very pale brown
A2 horizons, gravelly and cobbly clay loam control sections, are cal-
careous, and have weakly expressed brown B horizons and light yellowish
brown C horizons.
Typifying Pedon: Scranton stony fine sandy loam (virgin)
(Colors for dry conditions unless otherwise noted.)
Surface covered with gravel and cobbles.
A2 0 to 5 inches-Very pale brown (10YR 7/3) stony fine sandy
dark grayish brown (10YR 4/2) moist; moderate
medium subangular blocky structure; soft, friable,
slightly sticky, slightly plastic; very few fine
and very fine roots; many medium and fine vesicular
and tubular pores; slightly effervescent; moderately
•alkaline (pH 8.2); clear smooth boundary. (2 to
8 inches thick.)
Bll 5 to 11 inches-Brown (10YR 5/3) loam, brown (10YR 4/3) moist;
strong coarse subangular blocky structure; slightly
hard, friable, slightly sticky, slightly plastic;
few fine and medium roots; common medium and fine
tubular pores; slightly effervescent; moderately
alkaline (pH 8.0); clear wavy boundary. (3 to
10 inches thick.)
B12 11 to 18 inches-Light yellowish brown (10YR 6/4) gravelly loam;
dark yellowish brown (10YR 4/4) moist; moderate
medium subangular blocky structure; slightly hard,
friable, slightly sticky, slightly plastic; abundant
fine and few medium roots; few medium and fine
59
-------
tubular pores; slightly effervescent; moderately
alkaline (pH 8,2); clear wavy boundary. (5 to 10 inches
thick.)
Clsi 18 to 32 in +-Light yellowish brown (10YR 6/4) very cobbly sandy
clay loam with white (10YR 8/1) silica-lime streaks;
dark yellowish brown (10YR 4/4) moist; massive,
slightly hard, friable, nonsticky, nonplastic;
abundant fine and very fine and few medium roots;
very few fine tubular pores; violently efferves-
cent; moderately alklaine (pH 8.4). Silica-lime
all gravel and cobbles.
Type Location: About % mile west of Well 8 at the toe of the hi 11 si ope
and about 100 feet north of the road in Area 18.
Range in Characteristics: Average annual temperature at a depth of
20 inches is less than 59°F and greater than 47°F. The soil is usually
dry for more than 60 consecutive days during most years, mainly during
the late summer and early fall months. Mineralogy is mixed. Color
of the soil profile includes hues of 10YR, values of 5 to 8 dry and
4 moist, and chromas of 2 to 4. Textures of the control section are
sandy clay loam, clay loam, and sandy loam modified with gravel and
cobbles. The coarse fragments ,range from 50 to 75 percent, with gravel
and cobbles predominating. Gravel ranges from 30 to 40 percent, cobbles
up to 30 percent and stones up to 15 percent. Silica-lime coats the
outsides of the cobbles and stones. This soil may have a weakly cemented
silica-lime pan. The lime content, however, does not exceed 5 percent
or never contains 2 percent more lime than the next underlying horizons,
The pH values of the profile range from 8.0 to 8.4.
Competing Series and Their Differentiae: There are no other series in
the same family at the present time.
Setting: Scranton soils occur at elevations of about 4,800 to 5,200 feet
on steep to moderately sloping hillslop.es. Slope gradients are
dominantly between 4 to 8 percent but range upward to 30 percent. These
soils have developed in gravelly, cobbly and stony alluvium derived
6(3
-------
from mixed rock sources including basalt, tuff, and limestone. The
climate is semi-arid having a mean annual precipitation of 6 to 8 inches.
The mean annual air temperature ranges from 51°F to 57°F, the average
January temperature is about 38°F, the July temperature is about 71°F,
and the frost-free season ranges from about 130 to 150 days.
Principal Associated SoiIs: Common associates of Scranton soils are
Bare, Echo, and Eleana soils. The Bare soils differ by having a higher
organic matter content. Echo soils differ by having a very shallow
soil profile over bedrock. Eleana soils differ by having a higher
organic matter content and have cemented gravel C horizons.
Drainage and Permeability: Well drained. Surface runoff is medium
to rapid. Soil permeability is moderate.
Use and Vegetation: These soils are used for livestock grazing, wild-
life food and cover,,and watershed purposes. The vegetation consists
of black sage (Artemisia arbusoula subsp. nova], galleta grass
(Hilaria jamesii), desert needlegrass (Stipa speciosa), woIfberry '
(Lyoium andersonii), Nevada joint-fir (Ephedra nevadensis), squirrel
tail (sitanion hystrix), small rabbitbrush (Chrysothamnus
viscidiflorus)» cacti (opuntia basilaris], four-winged saltbush
(Atv-iplex canescens), juniper (Juniperus osteosperma), cliff rose
(Cowania mexicana var. stansburiana), and winter fat. Total plant
density is about 15 percent.
Distribution and Extent: Scranton soils are known to occur in Area 18
and may be found in other areas in south central Nevada. These
soils are not extensive in the Area 18 soil survey,
Series Proposed: Area 18 of the Nevada Test Site, Nye County, Nevada
1967. Scranton is the name of a well just over the state line into
California west of the Nevada Test Site.
61
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TIMBER SERIES
Survey Hole No. 31
The Timber series is a member of fine loamy, mixed, mesic, shallow
family of Entic Durorthids. The Timber soils typically have very
pale brown A2 horizons, gravelly moderately fine textured control
sections containing more than 20 percent clay and are calcareous
throughout.
Typifying Pedon; Timber stony clay loam (virgin)
(Colors for dry conditions unless otherwise noted.)
The soil surface has strong desert pavement of gravel,
cobbles, and stones.
A2 0 to 6 inches-Very pale brown (10YR 7/3) stony, clay loam, brown
(10YR 4/3) moist; strong medium platy breaking to
strong coarse subangular blocky structure; soft,
friable, slightly sticky, slightly plastic; very
few fine and medium roots; many fine and medium
tubular pores; violently effervescent; moderately
alkaline (pH 8.4) abrupt'smooth boundary. (4 to
8 inches thick.)
Bl 6 to 12 inches-Reddish brown (5YR 5/4) loam, reddish brown
(5YR 4/3) moist; moderate medium subangular
blocky structure; slightly hard, friable, slightly
sticky, slightly plastic; very few fine and medium
roots; few fine and medium tubular and interstitial
pores, slightly effervescent; moderately alkaline
(pH 8.2)
Clsicam 12 inches* -White (10YR 8/1) silica-lime pan, very pale brown
(10YR 7/3) moist; massive firm when dry and moist;
nonsticky, nonplastic; violently effervescent,
strongly alkaline (pH 8.8).
62
-------
Type Location: 'The site is in Area 18 of the Nevada Test Site and is
approximately 400 feet southwest of the range cattle watering trough
on a hillto.p just above Buckboard Mesa road,,Nye County, Nevada. (The
watering trough is approximately 3 miles west of Area 18 airport road
and Well 8 road.)
Range in Characteristics: Depth to the silica-lime hardpan ranges
from 10 to 18 inches. The pH values of the soil profile range from
8.2 to 8.8 and areusually highest in the horizon immediately above
the silica-lime hardpan. Average annual soil temperature at a depth
immediately above the hardpan is less than 59°F and more than 47°F.
The soil is usually dry for 6 months or more during most years, mainly
during the spring and fall months. The mineralogy is mixed. Organic
matter content of the A2 horizon is less than 1 percent. Color of the
soil profile, except for the Clsicam horizons, includes hues of
10YR and SYR, values of 5 or 7 dry and 3 moist, and chromas of 3.
The color of the Clsicam horizons has hues of 10YR, values of 8 dry
and 7 moist, and chromas of 1 and 3. Textures of the control section
include clay loam and loam modified by gravel and cobbles. Clay
content ranges from 20 to 30 percent.
Competing Series and Their Differentiae: There are no other soils
classified in the same family at the present time. Other similar
soils include Blackhawk and Timper series. Blackhawk soils differ
by having a silt loamy control section and a very deep soil profile.
Timper soils differ, by being classified in a: loamy, mixed, mesic,
shallow family. (Very similar except for texture.)
Setting: Timber soils occur on smooth hilltops or high-lying ter-
races with slope gradients from 8 to 30 percent. They have developed
from mixed alluvium derived primarily from basalt, tuff and limestone
at elevations of 4,800 to 5,000 feet., The climate is semi-arid, having
a mean annual precipitation of 6 to 8 inches: The temperatures are
warm, having a mean annual temperature of about 52°Fj the January tempera-
ture is about 38°F, and the July temperature is about 71°F; the frost-
free season is about 130 to 150 days.
63
-------
Principal Associated Soils: Common associates of Timber soils are Buck-
board, Rainier, Bluewing, and Halfpint series. Buckboard soils differ by
being correlated in the Haplic Durorthids subgroup. The Rainier soils differ
by having a strong coarse prismatic structure in the B2 horizons. Blue-
wing soils differ by having a sandy skeletal control section. Halfpint
soils differ by having a very deep sandy control section.
Drainage and Permeability: Well drained. Surface runoff is medium to
moderately rapid. Permeability moderate to the silica-lime hardpan
and very slow through the pan.
Use and Vegetation; These soils are used for range having a low carry-
ing capacity. The vegetation consists primarily of black sage
(Artemisia arbuscula subsp. nova), small rabbitbrush (ckrysothcomus
visoidiflorus], wolfberry (Lycium andersonii), Nevada joint-fir
(Ephedra nevadensis), and traces of winter fat (Eurotia lanata]
four-winged saltbush (Atriplex canescens], cacti (Opuntia basilaris),
globe mallow (Sphaeraloea grossulariaefolia)t squirrel tail
(SUanion hystrix), and brome grass (Bromus tectorum), The total
plant density is approximately 15 percent.
Distribution and Extent; Mapped in Area 18 and may be found in other
valleys of central and southern Nevada. Not extensive in this soil
survey.
Series Proposed; Area 18 of the Nevada Test Site, Nye Courtty, Nevada,
1967. Timber is the name of a mountain near the Nevada Test Site.
64
-------
65
-------
CTv
cr>
••
•-
•
,' 1. , .,. i -,
FIGURE 3. Typical profile of Timpahute series
(Hole #22; 3gF3R-Ti; TcC2; Mollic Durargids; bottom of hole is silica-lime pan.)
-------
TIMPAHUTE SERIES
Survey Hole No. 5
The Timpahute series is a member of a fine, montmorillonitic, mesic
family of Mollic Durargids. The Timpahute soils typically have light
brownish gray Al horizons and are shallow to moderately deep over
strongly cemented indurated silica-lime hardpans.
Typifying Pedon; Timpahute gravelly loam (virgin)
This Timpahute profile was described on the NTS.
(Colors for dry conditions unless otherwise noted.)
A21 0 to 3 inches-Pale brown (10YR 6/3) gravelly loam, very dark
grayish brown (10YR 3/2) when moist; the topmost
h to h inch consists of a pavement of sand and
pebbles, with pebbles up to about 1 inch in dia-
meter; beneath this the soil has weak fine
subangular blocky structure; soft, friable,"non-
sticky, nonplastic; abundant fine and very fine
roots; few fine and medium tubular pores;
slightly effervescent; moderately alkaline
(pH 8.4); clear smooth boundary. (1 to 4 inches
thick.) '•
A22 3 to 8 inches-Brown (10YR 5/3) sandy clay loam, dark grayish
brown (10YR 4/2) when moist; weak fine sub-:
angular blocky structure;.soft, friable, slightly
sticky, slightly plastic;- abundant fine and very
fine roots; few fine and medium tubular pores;
strongly effervescent, moderately alkaline (pH 8.0);
clear smooth boundary. (13 to 6 inches thick.)
B2 8 to 20 inches.Radish brown (SYR 5/4) c'lay, reddish brown!(5YR 4/4)
when moist; strong very c'oarse prismatic structure;
slightly hard, friable, sticky, plastic; abundant
' i;
67
-------
fine, very fine, micro-roots and few medium roots;
common fine and medium tubular pores; many thin clay
films on peds and in pores; strongly effervescent,
moderately alkaltne (pH 8.2); clear wavy boundary.
(8-18 inches thick.)
Clsica 20 inches +-Very pale brown (10YR 7/4) gravelly loam-silica-
lime pan, yellowish brown (10YR 5/4) when moist;
massive; slightly hard, friable, slightly sticky,
slightly plastic, very few fine roots; very few
fine tubular pores; violently effervescent; mod-
erately alkaline (pH 8.0).
Type Location; One-fourth mile south of NW corner; section 6, T. 35 S.,
R. 18 W., about 3/4 mile southeast of Modena, Iron County, Utah.
The Timpahute profile was located on a terrace % mile northeast of a
watering trough for beef cattle (the trough located l^ miles west of
Well 8 road) in Area 18.
i \
Range in Characteristics; Average annual temperature immediately above
the hardpan ranges from 54°p to 69°F. The soil is usually dry for six
months or more during most years., mainly during the spring and fall
months. Mineralogy is montmorillonitic. Depth to silica-lime hard-
pan ranges from 8 to 30 inches. Color of the soil includes hues of
10YR, 7.5YR and 5 YR, values' of 5.6, or 7 dry and 3, 4, or 5 moist,
and chromas of 2, 3, or 4. The organic matter content of the upper
8 inches, after mixing, will not exceed 1 percent as the dark colors
are inherited from parent rock materials. Texture of the B2 horizon
ranges from clay loam to clay. The caliche of the Cca horizon is
usually strongly cemented and, in the gravelly and stony loams, it is
indurated. Where coarse fragments are present, their content increases
with increasing depth within the profile. Types and phases include
sandy loam and gravelly, stony, and very stony loams.
Competing Series and Their Differentiae: There; are no other series
in this family at the present time.
68
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Setting: Timpahute soils are on smooth, nearly level to moderately
sloping lew terrace with gradients between 2 and 8 percent, but
averaging 2 to 4 percent. These soils have developed in Tertiary
Valley fill deposits that have been derived predominantly from basalt
with some admixture of tuff and limestone. The climate is semi-arid
having a mean annual rainfall of 6 to 8 inches. The average January
temperature is 28°F to 30°F, the July average is 73<>F, and the mean
annual temperature is 52°F. The frost-free season is about 115 to
150 days. The elevation ranges from 4,800 to 5,500 feet.
Principal Associated Soils; Common associates of Timpahute series
are Dixie, Neola, and Heist series. Dixie soils (Sierozems) lie
at slightly lower elevations and have moderate B2 horizons and
prominent, weakly to strongly cemented Oca horizons. Neola soils
(Calcisols) lack Bl horizons 'and have prominent strongly cemented
Cca horizons. Heist soils (Galcisols) also lack B2 horizons, have
weak Cca horizons, and are moderately coarse textured.
Drainage and Permeability: well drained. Surface runoff is very slow
to medium, depending upon slope. Permeability is slow through the
B2 horizons, and very slow through the cemented Cca horizon.
Use and Vegetation: These soils are used only, for grazing. Production
is low to good and is used for grazing the year around. The vegetation
is made up of varying percentages of black sage (Artemisia arbusoula^
subsp. nova), galleta grass (Hilaria jamesii), wolfberry (Lyciwn
andersonii), four-winged saltbush (Atviplex canescens), desert
needlegrass (stipe speoiosa], blue grama grass (Boutelona gracilis).t
and big sage (Artemisia tridentata). The plant density ranges from
10 to .20 percent.
': P
Distribution and Extent: Mapped in southwestern Utah and adjacent
area'in Nevada.
a
Series Established; Pahranagat Valley SCO, Neyada, 1940. This Timpahute
series was described on the NTS Area 18, Nye County, Nevada, 1966.
69
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l-\ F T; *
-'
i^£*3
mM*3"i i" * .* *-**m
*F '*"'* V* ^»> » &^m
,r >, •>«*•>
FIGURE 4. Typical profile of Tippipah series
(Hole #4; 3gF3R-Tp, TmC2; Haplic Durargids; bottom of hole is silica-lime pan.)
-------
TIPPIPAH SERIES
Survey Hole No. 4
The Tippipah series is a member of loamy, mixed, mesic family of Haplic
Durargids. The Tippipah soils typically have brown Al horizons and are
shallow or moderately deep over an indurated hardpan.
Typifying Pedon; Tippipah gravelly sandy clay loam (virgin)
(Colors for dry conditions unless otherwise noted).
Surface covered with gravel, cobbles and some stones
(desert pavement). (This Tippipah profile was de-
scribed on NTS.)
Al 0 to 2 inches-Brown (10YR 5/3) gravelly fine sandy loam, very
dark grayish brown (10YR 3/2) moist; weak fine sub-
angular blocky structure; soft, friable, nonsticky,
nonplastic; very few fine and medium roots; many
*J
fine arid medium tubular and interstitial pores;
£1 " -
slightly effervescent; moderately alkaline (pH 812);
clear smooth boundary. (1 to 3 inches thick.)
A2 2 to 8 inches-Pale brown (10YR 6/3) gravelly loam, dark brown
(10YR 4/3) moist; strong medium platy structure;
soft, friable, nonsticky, nonplastic; few fine and
medium'roots; many fine and medium tubular and vesci-
cular pores; slightly effervescent; moderately
alkaline (pH 8.2); clear.wavy boundary. (2 to 8 inches
thick.)' .:
B2 8 to 16 inches-Reddish brown (SYR 5/4) light clay, reddish brown
(5YR 4/4) moist; strong medium subangular blocky
structure; slightly hard, friable, sticky, plastic;
abundant fine and very fine and few medium roots;
common fine and medium tubular pores; common thin
clay films on peds and in pores; slightly efferves-
cent moderately alkaline (pH 8.2); clear wavy
boundary. (4 to 10 inches thick.)
71
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Cl 16 to 26 inches-Pale brown (10YR 6/3) with few fine distinct white
(10YR 8/2) lime streaks, gravelly sandy loam, brown
(10YR 4/3) moist; massive, slightly hard, friable,
nonsticky, nonplastic; very few fine roots; very
few fine tubular pores; violently effervescent;
moderately alkaline (pH 8.2)
C2si 26 inches +-Silica hardpan.
Type Location: About 400 feet east and 300 feet south of the northwest
corner of section 31, T. 3S., R. 55E., Mount Diablo Base and Meridian,
Lincoln County, Nevada. (This location is for original series.)
Type Location; On the Nevada Test Site in Area 18 about % mile north
of end of asphalt on Well 8 road (on east side).
Range in Characteristics: -Thickness of the sol urn ranges from
24 to 30 inches. Color of the Al horizon includes values of 5 to 7 dry
and 3 to 5 moist, and chromas of 2 to 4. Structure is either weak to
strong, medium or thick platy or is massive. The organic matter con-
tent ranges from 0.3 to 0.5 percent. An A2 or A and B horizon is
present. The color of the A2 horizons is similar in color to the
Al horizon or is \ unit in value lighter. Color of the B2 horizons
includes hues of SYR, 7.SYR, and 10YR, values of 6 to 5 dry and
5 to 3 moist, and 4 to 3. Texture of the B2 horizons includes sandy
clay loam, clay loam or clay with a clay content of 25 to 50 percent.
Up to 25 percent gravel may be included. Structure in the upper part
of the,B2 horizon includes strong to moderate, medium to coarse,
columnar, prismatic or subangular blocky.; The C horizon colors include
values of 6 to 8 dry and 4 to 5 moist, and chromas of 2 to 3 depending,
upon the amount of lime present. Very weak to .weakly cemented duripans
are present either immediately below the B horizons or within 48 inches.
These range in consistence from hard to very hard and friable to
firm. Thin discontinuous lenses may be included that are harder and
firmer. The gravel content of the unrelated C,materials ranges from
65 to 85 percent. The calcium carbonate content of the C hori- !
zons range from a trace to 10 percent. Except :for the B horizons,
the cation exchange capacity of the profile is.,in excess of
72
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150 me/100 grams of clay. The pH values of the soil range from 7.8 to
9.6 with the highest values normally occurring in the B2 horizons.
Competing Series and Their Differentiae; The Belted and Monte Cristo
series are included in the same family with the Tippipah. The Belted
soils differ by having a C horizon over II C horizon that have relic
high chroma mottles resulting from past high water table conditions.
Monte Cristo soils differ by having 14-to 22-inch sola, being derived
from mixed rocks including limestone, dolomite, and calcareous silt
stone, and having a calcium carbonate equivalent greater than 5 percent
throughout the profile.
Setting; Tippipah soils are on smooth to slightly convex, nearly level
to gently sloping alluvial fans and low terraces with a slope gradient
of \ to 2 percent, but averaging about 1 percent. The parent materials
have been derived principally from basalt rhyolitic tuff and andesite.
The climate is semi-arid having a mean annual: rainfall of 6 to 8 inches
with warm summers and cool winters. The mean' annual air temperature; ;is
52°FJaverage January temperature is 35°F, and average July temperature
is 72°Fj and the frost-free period is 130 to 150 days.
Principal Associated Soils: Common associates of the Tippipah series
are Papoose, and Fang. Papoose are minimal desert soils, and Fang,
alluvial soils. They are associated and somewhat similar to Tickapoo
soils that differ by lacking columnar structured B2t horizons contain-
ing; over 15 percent exchangeable sodium. They are similar to the '
Godecke soils that differ by having darker colored (5.5 to 6.5 dry ;
values) Al horizons containing over 0.5 percent organic matter.
Drainage and Permeability; ' Well drained. Runoff is very slow. Perme-'
ability is moderately slow "through the B2t horizon and rapid to mod-
erately slow through the C horizons depending'upon the degree of
cementation. ' ;
Use and Vegetation; Used for cattle grazing the year around. Produc-
tion is fair to good. The vegetation is made up of varying per-
centages of wolf berry (Lyoiipn andersonii), small rabittbrush(ckpysothcomus
visaidiflorus}, gall eta failaria jamesii,)* squirrel tail (sitanion
73
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hystrix) black sage (Artemisia arbusaula subsp. nova], Nevada joint-fir
(Ephedra nevadensis], globe mallow ^SphaevaLoea grossulariaefolia),
brome grass (Bromus ieotorum), sand dropseed (Sporobolus cryptandrus),
blue grama grass (Boutelona graoilis), winter fat (Ewcotia lanata),
and loco weed (Astragalus lentiginosus). The plant density ranges from
4 to 10 percent.
Distribution and Extent; Mapped in Penoyer Valley, Lincoln County,
Nevada, and Area 18. The series is of moderate extent.
Series Proposed; Pahranagat and Penoyer Valley soil survey area,
Lincoln County, Nevada, 1959. Tippipah is the name of a local spring.
Remarks; These soils are classified as Haplic Durargids, members of a
loamy, mixed, mesic family in accordance with the 7th Approximation.
74
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WILDCAT SERIES
Survey Hole.No. 1
The Wildcat series is a member of a sandy, mixed, nonacid, mesic family
of Durorthidic Torripsamments. The Wildcat soils typically have wind
deposited light gray or very pale brown, loamy fine sand,C horizons
superimposed over loamy materials containing white, silica-lime cemented
loamy fine sand horizons. They are predominately loamy fine sand tex-
tured in the control section and slightly calcareous throughout the
profile.
Typifying Pedon: Wildcat medium sand (virgin)
(Colors for dry conditions unless otherwise noted.)
Al 0 to 3 inches-Light gray (10YR 7/2) medium sand, dark grayish
brown (10YR 4/2) moist; single grain, loose when
dry and moist; nonsticky, nonplastic; few fine,
i
very fine and micro-roots; few fine interstitial
i ,i
pores; slightly effervescent; mildly alkaline
(pH 7.6); clear smooth boundary. (2 to 6 inches
thick.)
Cl 3 to 8 inches-Light gray (10YR 7/2) medium sand; dark grayish
.brown (10YR 4/2) moist; single grain, loose when
dry and moist; nonsticky, nonplastic; abundant fine
very fine and micro-roots; few-fine interstitial
pores; slightly effervescent; mildly alkaline
••:' (pH 7.6); clear smooth boundary. (4 to 10 inches
thick.) =
C2 8 to 27 inches-Very pale brown (10YR 7/3) sand, brown (10YR 5/3)
moist; weak fine subangular blocky structure break-
ing to single grain, loose when dry and moist;
nonsticky, nonplastic; few fine and medium roots;
few fine interstitial pores; slightly effervescent;
75
-------
mildly alkaline (pH 7.8); abrupt wavy boundary.
(12 to 24 inches thick.)
C3 27 to 36 in +-White (10YR 8/2) silica cemented fine sand,
pale brown (10YR 6/3) moist; moderate medium sub-
angular blocky structure; slightly hard, friable,
nonsticky, nonplastic; slightly effervescent; mod-
erately alkaline (pH 8.0).
Type Location; The site is located approximately h mile west of the
highway going to Pahute Control Point and 2 miles southeast of the
airport-Rainier Mesa highway junction. It-is near a UCLA study area
in Area 18.
Range in Characteristics; Average annual soil temperature at a depth
of 20 inches is less than 65°F, and greater than 47°F. The soil is
usually dry for six months or more during most years, mainly during the
spring and fall months. Mineralogy is mixedl1 The pH values range
from 7.6 to 8.0. Loamy fine sand is the only type recognized. Depth
to the silica-lime cementation ranges from 24 to 42 inches. Color of
the sandy material includes hues of 10YR; values of 7 dry and 4 or 5
moist; and chromas of 2or.3. Color of the silica-lime cemented sands
includes hues of 10YR, values of 8 dry and 6"moist, and chromas of 2.
r
Competing Series and Their Differentiae; There are no other soils
classified in the same family at the present time. The Brazito soils
are similar, but differ by being highly calcareous.
Setting; Wildcat soils occur on gently sloping sand dunes and alluvial
~"" " |T
fans. (2 to 4 percent slope gradients.) The surface may be smooth but
is usually undulating and consists of a series of low dunes. These soils
have formed in shallow to moderately deep sand wind-deposited materials
superimposed over cemented'loamy fine sands. ' The sandy materials were
•'• •"' . (""
derived from consolidated and unconsolidatedisandstone, while the under-
lying materials are derived, from mixed rock sources including tuff,
basalt and limestone. Thes'e soils are at elevations ranging from 4,800
to 5,200 feet in an semi-arid climate with warm summers and cool winters.
The mean annual precipitation is between 8 to 12 inches, and the mean annual
76
-------
air temperature is between 50° and 60°F. The average monthly tempera-
ture ranges from 35°Fto 38°F in January, and 69°Fto 72°F in July,
The frost-free season ranges from 130 to 150 days.
Principal Associated Soils; Common associates of the Wildcat series
are Beatty, Buckboard, and Bullfrog. Beatty soils occur in dry washes
and differ by having very gravelly sandy control sections. Buckboard
soils differ by having a vesicular coarse platy A2 horizon. Bullfrog
soils differ by having a silica-lime hardpan.
Drainage and Permeability: Well to excessively drained. Surface run-
off is slow. Permeability is rapid.
Use and Vegetation; The vegetation consists primarily of small rabbit-
brush (chrysothcomus stenophyllus), perennial buckwheat (Eriogonum
ovaUfoUw), Indian ricegrass (Oryzopsis hymenoides), cliff rose
(Cowania mex-ioana var. stansburiana), juniper (juniperus osteosperma)3
four-winged saltbush (Atviplex canesaens), pale evening-primrose
(Oenothera pallida), and hairy balsamroot (BdlscmorhLza hirsuta).
Available forage is used to provide very limited livestock grazing.
The plant density is about 10 percent, except in years having good,
average, or above average late winter rains when annuals predominate
the site.
Distribution and Extent: Mapped in Area 18, but may be found'in areas
adjacent to the Nevada Test Site. The series is not extensive.
Series Proposed; Area 18 of Nevada Test Site, Nye County, Nevada, 1967.
Wildcat is the name of a mountain peak near the Nevada Test Site.
77
-------
00
FIGURE 5. AEC beef cattle ranging in Area 18, Well 3 road
-------
V. "SOIL CLASSIFICATION SUMMARY
Series
Bare
Beatty
Big Butte
Buckboard
Bullfrog
Echo
Eleana
Half pint
Hampel
Indian Springs
Family
loamy skeletal, mixed,
mesic
sandy skeletal, mixed,
nonacid, mesic
fine loamy, mixed,
mesic
fine loamy, mixed,
mesic
fine montmorillonitic,
mesic
fine loamy, mixed,
mesic
loamy skeletal, mixed,
mesic
sandy skeletal, mixed,
nonacid, mesic
loamy skeletal, mixed,
mesic
clayey-skeletal mixed,
mesic
Subgroup Great Group Suborder
Duric Moll ic Camborthids Camborthids Orthids
Typic Torriorthents
Lithic Argixerolls
Torriorthents Orthents
Argixerolls Xerolls
Haplic Durorthids Durorthids Orthids
i
Haplic Mollic Durargids Durargids Argids
Lithic Mollic Haplargids Haplargids Argids
Typic Haploxerolls Haploxerolls Xerolls
Typic Torripsamments
Torripsamments Psamments
Lithic Mollic Camborthids Camborthids Orthids
Duric Haplargids
Haplargids Argids
Order
Aridisols
Entisols
Mollisols
Aridisols
Aridisols
Aridisols
Mollisols
Entisols
Aridisols
Aridisols
-------
V. SOIL CLASSIFICATION SUMMARY (Continued)
00
o
Series
Keane Spring
Oak Spring
Pahute
Ruddle
Sawtooth
Scranton
Timber
Timpahute
Tippipah
Wildcat
Family
sandy, mixed, mesic
coarse-loamy, mixed
mesic
Subgroup
Fluventic Haploxerolls
Mollic Camborthids
loamy-skeletal, mixed, Typic Durorthids
mesic, shallow
sandy skeletal, mixed, Duric Mollic Camborthids
mesic
fine loamy, mixed, Lithic Camborthids
mesic
loamy skeletal, mixed, Duric Camborthids
mesic
fine loamy, mixed, Entic Durorthids
mesic, shallow
fine montmorillonitic, Mollic Durargids
mesic
loamy, mixed, mesic
sandy, mixed, non-
acid mesic
Haplic Durargids
Durorthidic Torri-
psamments
Great Group Suborder Order
Haploxerolls Xerolls Mollisols
Camborthids Orthids Aridisols
Durorthids
Durorthids
Durargi ds
Durargi ds
Torripsam-
ments
Orthids
Camborthids Orthids
Camborthids Orthids
Camborthids Orthids
Orthids
Argids
Aridisols
Aridisols
Aridisols
Aridisols
Aridisols
Aridisols
Argids Aridisols
Psamments EntisoIs
-------
REFERENCES
1. Brown, K. W. and B. J. Mason. Range Survey Area 18, A. E. C.
Nevada Test Site. SWRHL-52. (1968)
2. Maxey, G. B. and C. H. Jameson. Geology and Water Resources of
Las Vegas, Pahrump and Indian Springs Valleys, Clark and Nye
Counties, Nevada. State of Nevada, Office of State Engineer
Water Resources. Bulletin No. 5. pp. 121. illus. (1948)
3. Malmberg, G. ;T. and T. E. Eakin. Ground-water Resources Reconnais-
sance Series. Prepared and cooperatively by the Geological Survey,
U. S. Department of Interior and the State of Nevada, Department
of Conservation and Natural Resources. Report 10. pp. 8-9.
(July, 1962)
81
-------
APPENDICES
Page
APPENDIX I. SOIL CHARACTERISTICS AND INTERPRETATIONS 83
APPENDIX II. PHYSICAL ANALYSIS OF SOILS 90
APPENDIX III. CHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF SOIL EXTRACTS 93
APPENDIX IV. AS-4 SOIL SURVEY PROTOCOL 96
APPENDIX V. IDENTIFICATION LEGEND FOR AREA 18
OF NEVADA TEST SITE SOIL SURVEY 103
APPENDIX VI. AREA 18 NEVADA TEST SITE SOIL SURVEY 109
APPENDIX VII. GLOSSARY 110
-------
APPENDIX I. SOIL CHARACTERISTICS AND INTERPRETATIONS
Soil Symbol
BaB2
Soil Name
Bare,gravelly fine sanity Smooth nearly
loan, noderate erosion, level to gently
- - ' - - | allir '
BcB2
BdB2
BeC2
0 to 4 percent slopes
Beatty, gravelly loamy
sand, noderate erosion,
0 to 4 percent slopes
Beatty, gravelly sandy
loan, noderate erosion,
0 to 4 percent slopes
Big Butte,gravelly
loam, moderate erosion,
2 to 8 percent slopes
Position Surface Layer
0-6* Light brownish gray
gravelly fine sandy loam,
sloping ,
fans
Subsoil Substratum
6-18" Brown, gravelly 18-50'+ Light yellowish brown,
3,.,c.,, ..,» xmu/ .u™., loam, weak fine sub- «ry gravelly sandy loam, with
luvlal weak fine subangular blocky angular blocky struc- ""1te silica streaks, massive
structure;-soft, friable ture soft, friable loose dry and moist violently
slightly effervescent mod- strongly effervescent effervescent moderately alkaline
erately alkaline moderately alkaline
Smooth nearly
level to gently
sloping alluvial
fans
Smooth nearly
level to gently
sloping alluvial
fans
Smooth gently
to moderately
sloping low
terraces
0-5* Brawn, gravelly loany
sand, very weak fine sub-
angular blocky structure,
soft very friable slightly
effervescent, moderately
alkaline
0-5" Brown gravelly sandy
loam weak fine subangular
blocky structure soft very
friable, slightly effer-
vescent, moderately al-
kaline
0-3" Grayish" brown grav-
elly loam, weak coarse
subangular blocky struc-
ture, soft, friable
slightly effervescent
noderately alkaline
5-18" Brown.very grav-
elly sandy loam, mas-
sive, soft, very fri-
able, slightly effer-
vescent, moderately
alkaline
5-18" Brown very grav-
elly sandy loam, mas-
sive, soft, very fri-
able, slightly effer-
vescent, moderately
alkaline
3-13" Reddish brown
gravelly sandy clay
loam, strong coarse
subangular blocky
structure hard,
friable clay films
slightly effervescent,
noderately alkaline
18-60" Light gray very gravelly
loamy sand-single grain, loose
when dry and moist, strongly
effervescent and alkaline
18-60" Light gray very gravelly
loamy sand-single grain, loose
when dry and moist, strongly
effervescent and alkaline
13"* Basalt Bedrock
Present Use S
Capability
Classification
Rangeland
Capability
VIIsL
Rangeland
VIIsL
Rangeland
VIIsL
Rangeland
VIIsS
Effective
Erosion Depth
Hazard Fertility (Inches)
Moderate Low Over 60
Moderate Low Over 60
Moderate Low Over 60
Moderate Low 4-13
Natural
Drainage
Well
Exces-
sive
Well
Well
Runoff
Slow to
very- slow
Very
slow
Slow to
very slow
Medium
to rapid
AHC
(Inches)
3.0
to
4.5
3.0
to
4.5
3.0
to
4.5
2.0
to
4.0
CO
CO
APPENDIX I. SOIL CHARACTERISTICS AND INTERPRETATIONS
Soil Symbol Soil Name Position
BfC2 Buckboard, gravelly sandy Smooth to slight-
clay loan, noderate ero- ly convex strong-
lion, 2 to 8 percent ly dissected
slopes ' old alluvial fans
Surface Layer
Subsoil
BgC2 Buckboard.stony clay loam Smooth to sllght-
noderate erosion, 2 to 8 ly convex strong-
percent slopes ly dissected old
alluvial fans
BhE2 Buckboard, gravelly sandy Steep to slight-
clay loam, noderate ly convex strong-
erosion, 8 to 30 percent ly dissected old
slopes alluvial fans
BkE2 Buckboard, gravelly stony Smooth to sllght-
IOM, noderate erosion, ly convex strong-
8 to 30 percent slopes ly dissected old
alluvial fans
0-4" Light brownish gray, 4-13" Pale brown light
gravelly loam weak coarse sandy clay loam weak
platy breaking to sub- fine subangular blocky
angular blocky structure structure, soft, frl-
soft, friable, slightly able, strongly effer-
effervescent, noderately vescent moderately al-
alkallne kallne
0-4" Light brownish gray,
stony loam weak coarse
platy breaking to sub-
angular blocky struc-
ture soft, friable,
slightly effervescent,
noderately alkaline
0-4" Light brownish gray,
stony loam weak coarse
platy breaking to sub-
angular blocky struc-
ture soft, friable,
slightly effervescent,
noderately alkaline
0-4* Light brownish gray,
stony loan weak coarse
platy breaking to sub-
angular blocky struc-
ture soft, friable.
slightly effervescent,
•oderately alkaline
Substratum
13-48"+ White very coarse
sand, massive, hard friable,
strongly effervescent, mod-
erately alkaline thin slllca-
Hme, hardpan layers
4-13* Pale brown light
sandy clay loam weak
fine subangular blocky
structure, soft, fri-
able, strongly effer-
vescent noderately
alkaline
4-13* Pale brown light
sandy clay loam weak
fine subangular blocky
structure, soft, fri-
able, strongly effer-
vescent moderately
alkaline
4-13* Pale brown light
sandy clay loam weak
fine subangular blocky
structure, soft, friable.
strongly effervescent
noderately alkaline
13-48"+ White very coarse
sand, massive, hard friable,
strongly effervescent, mod-
erately alkaline thin slUca-
11me,hardpan layers
Present Use >
Capability
Classification
Rangeland
VIIeB
Rangeland
VIIs7
Rangeland
Erosion
Hazard Fertility
Moderate Low
Effective
Depth
(Inches)
4-13
Moderate Low 4-13
13-48* White very coarse
sand, massive, hard friable,
strongly effervescent, nod-
erately alkaline thin silica- VlleS
line, hardpan layers
13-48* White, very coarse Rangeland
sand, massive, hard friable,
strongly effervescent, mod-
erately alkaline thin silica- VlleS
lime, hardpan layers
Moderate
Low
Moderate Low
4 - 13
4-13
Natural
Drainage Runoff
Well Rapid
Well Rapid
Well Rapid
Well Rapid
AWC
(Inches)
2.0
to
4.0
2.0
to
4.0
2.0
to
4.0
2.0
to
4.0
-------
APPENDIX I. SOIL CHARACTERISTICS AND INTERPRETATIONS
Soil Syntol
BmE4
BnF2
BoC2
BpE2
Soil Name
Buckboard, gravelly stony
loam, severe erosion.
8 to 3C percent slopes
Bullfrog, gravelly and
cobbly loan, 15 to 45
percent slopes mod-
erate erosion
Bullfrog, gravelly and
cobbly loam, moderate
erosion, 2 to 8 per-
cent slopes
Bullfrog, stony clay
loam, moderate ero-
sion, 8 to 30 per-
cent slopes
Position
Steep slightly
convex strong-
ly dissected
old alluvial
fans
Steep hill
slopes
Convex rol-
ling hills-
Steep to mod-
erately slop-
Ing high
terrace .
Surface Layer
0-4" Light brownish gray,
stony loam weak coarse
platy breaking to sub-
angular blocky struc-
ture soft, friable,
slightly effervescent
moderately alkaline
0-9* Brown, weak fine
subangular blocky,
soft, very friable,
strongly effervescent
0-9" Brown, weak fine
subangular blocky,
soft, very friable,
strongly effervescent
0-9" Brown, weak fine
subangular blocky,
soft, very friable,
strongly effervescent
Subsoil
4-13" Pale brown light
sandy clay loam weak
fine subangular blocky
structure, soft, friable,
strongly effervescent
moderately alkaline
9-20" Pale brown grav-
elly and cobbly sllty
clay loam, weak fine
subangular blocky, soft,
friable strongly effer-
vescent
9-20° Pale brown grav-
elly and cobbly sllty
clay loam, weak fine
subangular blocky, soft,
friable strongly effer-
vescent
9" Bedrock
Substratum
13-48" White very coarse sand,
massive, hard friable, strong-
ly effervescent, moderately
alkaline thin s1l1ca-Hme
hardpan layers
20-40" Light reddish brown
clay strong coarse prismatic
slightly hard, friable,
strongly effervescent, many
thin clay films on peds
and In pores
20-36" Light reddish brown
clay strong coarse prismatic
slightly hard, friable,
strongly effervescent,
many thin clay films on
peds and In pores
Present Use 4
Capability
Classification
Rangeland
Vllel
Rangeland
VlleS
Rangeland
VIIsS
Erosion
Hazard Fertility
Moderate Low
Effective
Depth
(inches)
4 - 13
Moderate Medium 36-60
Deep
Moderate Medium 20-36
Natural
Dr»1nage Runoff
Well Rapid
Well Medium
Well Medium
Rangeland Moderate Medium 4-10 Well Medium
VIIsS
AWC
(Inches)
2iO
to
4.0
6.0
to
7.0
5.0
to
6.0
2.0
to
3.0
APPENDIX I. SOIL CHARACTERISTICS AND INTERPRETATIONS
CO
Soil Symbol Soil Name Position Surface Layer
EaE2 Echo, stony and gravelly Steep to mod- 0-3" Pale brown stony and grav-
el ay loam, moderate ero- erately slop- elly clay loam, moderate coarse
slon, 8 to 30 percent Ing high platy structure soft, friable,
slopes terraces slightly effervescent, moder-
ately alkaline
EcF2
EdF2
HaB2
Eleana very stony sandy Steep hilly
loam, moderate erosion, slopes
15 to 45 * percent
slopes
Halfplnt, fine sand
0-4 percent slopes
noderate erosion
Convex low
sand dunes
0-4" Brown very stony sandy
loam moderate medium sub-
angular blocky structure,
soft, friable slightly effer-
vescent moderately alkaline
0-12" Very pale brown, fine
sand single grain, loose
noneffervescent
Echo stony and gravelly Steep to mod- 0-3" Pale brown stony and grav-
clay loam, moderate erately slop- elly clay loam, moderate coarse
erosion, 15 to 45 * Ing high platy structure, soft friable,
percent slope . terraces slightly effervescent, moder-
ately alkaline
Subsoil
3-8" Reddish brown grav-
elly clay loan moderate
medium slightly efferves-
cent, moderately alkaline
subangular blocky struc-
ture, slightly hard, fri-
able, cannon thin clay
films on peds and In pores
3-8" Reddish brown grav-
elly clay loam moderate
medium slightly efferves-
cent, moderately alkaline
subangular blocky struc-
ture, slightly hard fri-
able, common thin clay
films on peds and 1n pores
4-13" Reddish brown grav-
elly sandy clay loam, mod-
erate medium subangular
blccky structure, slightly
hard, friable, slightly
effervescent, mildly al-
kaline
12-60"+ Light brown gray
fine sand single grain,
loose, slightly effer-
vescent
Substratum
8"+ Basalt Bedrock
8"+ Basalt Bedrock
13-48"+ Very pale brown silica-
lime cemented gravel, massive,
firm dry and moist, strongly
to violently effervescent,
mildly alkaline (silica-lime)
Present Use s
Capability
Classification
Rangeland
VlleS
Rangeland
YlleS
Rangeland
VlleS
Rangeland
Capability
VIIsL
Effective
Erosion Depth Natural
Hazard Fertility (Inches) Drainage
Moderate Medium 1 - 10 Well
Moderate Medium 1-10
Well
Moderate
Moderate
Low 10-20 Well
AWC
Runoff (Inches)
Medium to 3.0
rapid de- to
pending on 4.0
the slope
Medium to 3.0
rapid de- to
pending on 4.0
the slope
Very
Low
over 60
Exces-
sive
Rapid
Very
slow
2.0
to
3.0
3.0
to
4.5
-------
APPENDIX I. SOIL CHARACTERIST ICS AND INTERPRETATIONS
Soil Symbol
HcB2
HdF2
HeF2
IaC2
Soil Name
Halfplnt. gravelly loamy
sand, moderate erosion,
0 to 4 percent slopes
Hampel stony loam, mod-
erate erosion, IS to
45+ percent slopes
Hampel stony clay loam,
moderate erosion IS to
45+ percent slopes
Position
Surface layer
Smooth nearly 0-5* Very pale brown gray-
level to gently elly losray sand weak fine
sloping alluvial subangular blocky struc-
fans ture beaklng to single.
grain, soft friable,
slightly effervescent
moderately alkaline
Steep mountain
slopes
Steep to
very steep
mountain
slopes
0-5* Light brownish gray,
very stony loam, weak
medium subangular, blocky
structure, soft friable,
strongly effervescent,
noderately alkaline
0-5* Light brownish gray,
very stony loam, weak
medium subangular blocky
structure, soft friable,
strongly effervescent,
noderately alkaline
Indian Springs, grav-
elly clay, moderate
deep over hardpan,
moderate erosion 2
to 8 percent slopes
Smooth gently
to moderately
sloping allu-
vial fans
0-4* Very pale brown
gravelly loam, mod-
erate coarse platy
structure, soft, fri-
able, slightly effer-
vescent, noderately
alkaline
Subsoil
5-48"+ Very pale brown,
gravelly loamy sand,
weak fine subangular
blocky structure break-
Ing to single grain,
soft, friable strongly
effervescent, federately
alkaline
5-9* Light reddish brown,
gravelly clay loam, strong
coarse subangular blocky
structure, hard, friable,
slightly effervescent,
mildly alkaline
5-9* Light reddish brown,
gravelly clay loam, strong
coarse subangular blocky
structure, hard, friable,
slightly effervescent, nlld-
ly alkaline
4-12" Reddish brown, grav-
elly clay, strong coarse
subangular blocky struc-
ture, hard friable clay
films, slightly efferves-
cent, moderately alkaline
Substratum
9"+ Very pale brown tuff bed -
rock, massive, very firm, dry
and moist, strongly efferves-
cent, moderately alkaline
9*+ Very pale brown tuff bed-
rock, massive, very firm, dry
and moist, strongly efferves-
cent, moderately alkaline
12-43"+ Light reddish brown
gravelly and cobbly clay
with silica-lime white streaks
moderate coarse subangular
blocky structure, hard, fri-
able, clay films, slightly to
strongly effervescent, mod-
erately to strongly alkaline
Present Use t
Capability
Classification
Erosion
Hazard Fertility
Effective
Depth Natural
(Inches) Drainage
Rangeland Moderate
VIIsL
Very
low
Over 60
Rangeland Moderate Low 4-10
VUeS
Rangeland Moderate Low 4-10
VIIeB
Rangeland Moderate High 20-36
VIU8
Well to
somewhat
exces-
sive
Well
Well
Well
Runoff
Very slow
Rapid be-
cause of
slope
AWC
(Inches)
2.0
to
3.5
2.0
to
3.0
Rapid be- 2.0
cause of to
slope 3.0
Moderately 4.0
rapid to to
rapid 6.0
CO
Vt
APPENDIX I. SOIL CHARACTE RISTICS AND INTERPRETATIONS
Soil Symbol Soil'Name
KaB2 Keane Spring, loamy sand,
moderate erosion,
0 to 4 percent slopes
OaB2 Oak Spring gravelly
loamy sand, moderate
erosion, 0 to 4 per-
cent slopes
OcB2 Oak Spring i
fine sandy loam, mod-
erate erosion, 0 to 4
percent slopes
PaBZ Pahute gravelly loam
shallow.over hardpan,
•oderate erosion,
0 to 4 percent slopes
Subsoil
5-40" Dark gray loamy sand, weak
fine subangular blocky structure,
soft, friable, slightly efferves-
cent moderately alkaline
Position Surface Layer
Smooth nearly 0-5* Dark grayish brown,
level to slop- loa.iv sand, weak fine
Ing alluvial subangular blocky strue-
fans ture, soft, friable,
slightly effervescent
noderately alkaline
Smooth nearly 0-8* Light brownish gray
level to gently gravelly loacy sand,
sloping allu- weak fine subangular
vial fans blocky structure, soft,
friable, slightly ef-
fervescent moderately
alkaline
Smooth nearly 0-8* Light brownish gray 8-44" Very pale brown cobbly
8-44" Very pale brown cobbly and
gravelly loamy sand, massive
loose when dry and moist, vio-
lently effervescent, strongly
alkaline
and gravelly loamy sand, cas-
slve loose when dry and mist,
violently effervescent, strong-
ly alkaline
level to gently gravelly fine sandy
sloping allu- loam, weak fine subangu-
vlal fans lar blocky structure
soft, friable, slightly
effervescent noderately
alkaline
Smooth nearly 0-4" Light gray gravelly 4-12" Light reddish brown grav-
level to gentV loam, moderate medium elly sandy clay loam, moderate
sloping low platy structure, soft, medium subangular blocky s true-
terraces and friable, vesicular pores, ture slightly hard, friable,
convex hill slightly effervescent slightly effer
tops moderately alkaline alkaline
ervescent noderately
Substratum
40"+ White cobbly gravelly sand,
single grain, loose when dry
and moist, violently efferves-
cent, strongly alkaline, cobbles
are covered with silica-lime
on all sides
44-60° Light reddish brown
gravelly fine sandy loam,
strong coarse subangular
blocky structure, hard frl-
aftle, slightly effervescent,
noderately alkaline
44-60" Light reddish brown
gravelly fine sandy loam,
strong coarse subangular
blocky structure, hard
friable, slightly effer-
vescent, moderately al-
kaline
12"+ White slllca-Ume
cemented gravel-tuff
massive very firm dry
and moist, violently
effervescent, moderately
alkaline
Present Use S
Capability
Classification
Rangeland
Erosion
Hazard
Fertility
Effective
Depth •Natural
(Inches) Drainage
Runoff
VII
Rangeland
VIIsl
Moderate Low Over 60 Well Very slow
Moderate LOW Over 60 Well Very slow
Rangeland Moderate Low Over 60 Well Very slow
VIIsl
Rangeland Moderate Low 10-20 Well to Medium
noderately
•ell
VII»8
AWC
(Inches)
3.0
to
4.0
2.0
to
3.5
3.0
to
4.5
2.0
to
4.0
-------
Soil Symbol
PcE2
RaEZ
RcF2
RdB2
Soil Name
Pahute gravelly loam
shallow over hardpan,
moderate erosion,
Z to 8 percent slopes
Rockland (Tuff
material)
Rockland (Tuff
material)
Ruddle gravelly
loamy sand, mod-
erate erosion
0 to 4 percent
slopes
Position
Smooth nearly
level to gently
sloping low
terraces and
convex Mil
tops
Steep mountains
Steep mountains
Smooth nearly
level to mod-
erate sloping
' flood plains
and alluvial
fans
Surface Layer
0-4" Light gray gravelly
loam, moderate medium
platy structure, soft,
friable, vesicular pores,
slightly effervescent
moderately alkaline
0-10" Stony loam
0-10" Stony loam
0-4" Light brownish-
gray gravelly loamy
sand, weak, fine sub-
angular blocky struc-
ture, soft, very fri-
able, strongly effer-
vescent moderately
alkaline
Subsoil
4-12" Light reddish brown
gravelly sandy clay loam,
moderate medium subangular
blocky structure slightly
hard, friable, slightly
effervescent moderately
alkaline
Tuff, basalt and lime-
stone outcrops
Tuff, basalt and lime-
stone outcrops
4-12" Light brownish gray
. cobbly and gravelly sandy
loam, weak fine subangular
blocky structure, soft,
very friable, violently
effervescent moderately
alkaline
APPENDIX I. SOIL CHARACTERISTICS AND INTERPRETATIONS
Substratum
13°+ White sIHca-Ume cemented
gravel-tuff, massive.very firm
dry and moist, violently effer-
vescent, moderately alkaline
Present Use 1 Effective
Capability Erosion Depth Natural
Classification Hazard Fertility (Inches) Drainage Runoff
12-50"+ Light gray cobbly
gravelly sand, single
grain, loose dry and mplst,
violently effervescent,
moderately alkaline
Rangeland
VIIsS
Rangeland
Capability
VIIIsS
Moderate Low
Moderate Low
to severe
4-10
Well to Medium
moderately
well
Rangeland
Capability
VIIIsS
Rangeland
VIIsl
Moderate
to severe
Moderate
Low
Low
Very Well Rapid
shallow
Very Well Rapid
shallow
Over 60 Well Very
to ex- slow
cesslve
AWC
(Inches)
2.0
to
4.0
0
to
1.0
0
to
1.0
2.0
to
3.0
CO
en
Soil Symbol
ReB2
RfC2
Soil Name
Ruddle gravelly sandy
loam, moderate erosion,
0 to 4 percent slopes
Ruddle gravelly sandy
loam, moderate deep
over hardpan, moder-
ate erosion, 2 to 8
percent slopes
Position
Smooth nearly
level to
moderate slop-
Ing flood
plains and
alluvial fans
Smooth gently
to moderately
sloping allu-
vial fans
SaE2
Sawtooth stony sandy
clay loam, moderate
erosion 8 to 30 per-
cent slopes
Rolling hill
top and side
slopes
0-4" Light gray stony
sandy clay loam, strong
coarse platy structure
soft friable, vesicular
pores, slightly effer-
vescent moderately
alkaline
APPENDIX I. SOIL CHARACTERISTICS AND INTERPRETATIONS
Surface Layer
0-4" Light brownish gray
gravelly sandy loam,
weak fine subangular
blocky structure, soft,
very friable, strongly
effervescent moderately
alkaline
0-4" Light brownish gray
gravelly sandy loam, weak
fine subangular blocky
structure soft, very fri-
able, strongly efferves-
cent moderately alkaline
Subsoil
Substratum
4-12 Light brownish gray i2.50"+ Light gray cobbly grav-
cobbly and gravelly sandy elly sand, single grain, loose
loam, weak fine subangular drv and m1st violently effer-
blocky structure, soft, vescent, moderately alkaline
very friable, violently
effervescent moderately
alkaline
4-30" Light brownish gray
cobbly and gravelly sandy
loam, weak fine subangular
blocky structure, soft,
very friable, violently
effervescent moderately
alkaline
4-8" Light reddish brown,
sandy clay loam, moderate
.medium subangular blocky
structure; slightly
sticky, slightly plastic
very few fine and medium
roots, common fine and
nedlum tubular pores;
slightly effervescent
moderately alkaline
30"+ S1l1ca-I1me hardpan
8"+ Basalt Bedrock
Present Use *
Capability
Classification
Rangeland
VIIsl
Rangeland
VIIs4
Rangeland
VIIeB
Erosion
Hazard
Effective
Depth
(Inches)
Fertility
Moderate Low Over 60
Natural
Drainage
Runoff
Moderate Low
Moderate Low
20-36
4-10
Well Very slow
Well Very slow
Well
Medium to
rapid
AWC
(Inches)
3.0
to
4.0
3.0
to
4.0
Z.O
to
3.0
-------
APPENDIX I. SOIL CHARACTER ISTICS AND INTERPRETATIONS
Soil "Symbol
ScE2
SdF2
TaE2
Soil Name
Scranton stony sandy clay
loam, moderate erosion
8 to 30 percent slopes
Position
Steep to mod-
erately hill
slopes
Scranton stony sandy clay Steep to very
loam, moderate erosion steep hill
8 to 30 percent slopes slopes
Timber stony clay loam. Moderate to
moderate erosion steep hills
8 to 30 percent slopes and ter-
races
Surface Layer
0-5° Very pale brown stony
sandy clay loam, moderate
medium subangular blocky
structure soft, friable, '
vesicular pores, slightly
effervescent moderately
alkaline
Subsoil
5-11" Brown sandy clay loam,
stony coarse subangular
blocky structure, slightly
hard, friable, slightly
effervescent, moderately
alkaline
0-5* Very pale brown stony 5-11* Brown sandy clay loam,
sandy clay loam, moderate stony coarse subangular
blocky structure, slightly
effervescent, moderatel>
alkaline
CO
medium subangular blocky
structure soft, friable,
vesicular pores, slightly
effervescent moderately
alkaline
0-6* Very pale brown, stony
clay loam, strong medium
platy breaking to strong
coarse subangular blocky
structure, soft, friable,
violently effervescent
moderately alkaline
6-12" Reddish brown
. loam, moderate medium
subangular blocky structure,
slightly hard, friable
slightly effervescent mod-
erately alkaline
Substratum
11-32" Gravelly clay loam to
very cobbly sandy loam, with
white silica-lime streaks.
massive, slightly hard,
friable, violently efferves-
cent, moderately alkaline
Basalt bedrock at 32"+
11* Bedrock
12"+ White silica-lime hard-
pan, massive, firm when dry
and moist, violently effer-
vescent strongly alkaline
Present Use I Effective
Capability Erosion Depth Natural
Classification Hazard Fertility (Inches) Drainage Runoff
Rangeland
VlleS
Moderate High
Rangeland Moderate High
VlleS
Rangeland Moderate High
VlleS
20-36
4-10
4-10
Well
Well
Medium to
rapid
Medium to
rapid
Well Medium
AWC
(Inches)
3.-0
to
4.0
2.0
to
3.0
2.0
to
3.0
APPENDIX I. SOIL CHARACTERISTICS AND INTERPRETATIONS
Soil Symbol Soil Name Position
TcC2 Tlmpahute, gravelly sandy Gently to
clay loam, moderate deep moderately
over hardpan moderate sloping
erosion. 2 to 8 percent low ter-
slopes races
TdC2 Tlmpahute, gravelly clay Gently to
moderately deep over moderately
hardpan. moderate ero- sloping
slon. 2 to 8 percent low ter-
slopes races
TeC2 Tlmpahute. gravelly sandy Gently to
clay loam, shallow depth moderately
over hardpan. moderate sloping
erosion. 2 to 8 percent low ten-
slopes races
TbC2 Ttmpahute, gravelly sandy Gently to
clay loam, shallow depth moderately
over hardpan, moderate sloping
erosion. 2 to 8 percent low ter-
slopes races
Surface Layer
Subsoil
0-8" Pale brown gravelly 8-20" Reddish brown clay,
clay loam, weak fine sub- strong very coarse prls-
angular blocky structure, matlc structure, slightly
soft, friable, slightly hard, friable, clay films,
effervescent moderately strongly effervescent mod-
alkaline erately alkaline
0-8" Pale brown clay,
weak fine subangular
blocky structure, soft,
friable, slightly ef-
fervescent moderately
alkaline
8-20" Reddish brown clay.
strong very coarse pris-
matic structure, slightly
hard, friable, clay films,
strongly effervescent
moderately alkaline
0-8" Pale brown gravelly 8-20" Reddish brown clay.
clay loam, weak fine sub- strong very coarse prls-
angular blocky structure, matlc structure, slightly
soft, friable, slightly hard, friable, clay films.
effervescent moderately strongly effervescent
alkaline moderately alkaline
0-8" Pale brown gravelly
clay loam, weak fine
subangular blocky struc-
ture, soft, friable.
slightly effervescent
moderately alkaline
8-20" Reddish brown clay.
strong very coarse pris-
matic structure, slightly
hard, friable, clay films.
strongly effervescent
moderately alkaline
Substratum
20"t Very pale brown gravelly
loam -silica-lime hardpan,
massive slightly hard, fri-
able, violently efferves-
cent moderately alkaline
20"+ Very pale brown grave*ly
loanrslllca-Ume hardpan,
massive slightly hard, fri-
able, violently efferves-
cent moderately alkaline
20"* Very pale brown gravelly
loam-slllca-llme hardpan,
massive slightly hard, fri-
able, violently efferves-
cent moderately alkaline
20"+ Very pale brown gravelly
loam-slHca-ltme hardpan,
massive slightly hard, fri-
able, violently efferves-
cent moderately alkaline
Present Use 1
Capability Erosion
Classification Hazard .Fertility
Effective
Depth Natural
(Inches) Drainage
Rangeland
VIIsS
Rangeland
VIIsS
Moderate High
Moderate High
Rangeland Moderate High
VIIsS
Rangeland Moderate High
VIIsS
20-36
20-36
10-20
10-20
Well
Well
Well
Well
Runoff
Very slow
to medium
Very slow
to medium
Very slow
to medium
Very slow
to tedium
AWC
(Inches)
3.0
to
5.0
3.0
to
5.0
3.0
to
4.0
3.0
to
4.0
-------
APPENDIX I. SOIL CHARACTERISTICS AND INTERPRETATIONS
Soil Symbol Soil Name Position Surface Layer
0-8" Pale brown stony loam,
weak fine subangular blocky
structure, soft, friable,
slightly effervescent mod-
erately alkaline
TfE2 Tlnpahute,stony loam mod- Moderate to
erate erosion, 8 to 30 steep sloping
percent slopes terraces
TgC2
ThC2
Ttmpahute, gravelly clay Gently to
loam, federate erosion, moderately
2 to 8 percent slopes sloping
low ter-
races
Tlmpahute,stony clay
loam, moderate erosion,
2 to 8 percent slopes
0-8° Pale brown gravelly
clay loam, weak fine
subangular blocky struc-
ture, soft friable,
slightly effervescent
moderately alkaline
Gently to 0-8° Pale brown stony
moderately clay loam, weak fine
sloping subangular blocky struc-
low ter- ture, soft, friable,
races slightly effervescent
moderately alkaline
Subsoil
8-20"Redd1sh brcwn.clay,
strong very coarse
prismatic structure
slightly hard, fri-
able, clay flics,
strongly efferves-
cent moderate
alkaline
8-20* Reddish brown
clay, strong very
coarse prismatic
structure, slightly
hard, friable, clay
films, slightly ef-
fervescent moderate
alkaline
8-20° Reddish brown clay.
strong very coarse
prismatic structure,
slightly hard, fri-
able, clay films,
strongly effervescent
moderate
Substratum
20"+ Very pale brown gravelly
Ioam-s1l1ca-l1me hardpan,
massive slightly hard, fri-
able, violently effervescent
moderately alkaline
20"+ Very pale brown gravelly
loam-silica-11 me hardpan,
massive slightly hard, fri-
able, violently effervescent
moderately alkaline
20"+ Very pale brown gravelly
loam-silica-lime hardpan,
massive slightly hard, fri-
able, violently effervescent
moderately alkaline
Present Use S
Capability
Classification
Rangeland
VlleS
Erosion
Hazard Fertility
Moderate High
Effective
Depth Natural
(Inches) Drainage
4-10 Hell
Runoff
Very slow
to medium
Rangeland Moderate High 4-10 Hell
VIIsS
Rangeland Moderate High 4-10 Well
VIIs7
Very slow
to medium
Very slow
to medium
AWC
(Inches)
2.0
to
3.0
2.0
to
3.0
2.0
to
3.0
APPENDIX I. SOIL CHARACTERISTICS AND INTERPRETATIONS
CO
00 Soil Syu&ol
TkE2
Soil Name
federate erosion, 8 to 30
percent slopes
TmC2 Tipplpah, gravelly clay
loan, moderately deep
over hardpan, moderate
erosion, 2 to 8 percent
slopes
TnC2 Tipplpah, gravelly loam
noderate erosion, 2 to
8 percent slopes
Position
Surface Layer
Subsoil
Moderate to
steep slop-
Ing terraces
Smooth to
slightly con-
vex nearly
to gently
sloping al-
luvial fans
and low
terraces
Smooth to
slightly con-
vex nearly
level to
gently slop-
Ing alluvial
fans and low
terraces
0-8" Pale brown stony
clay loam, weak fine
subangular blocky struc-
ture, soft, friable.
slightly effervescent
moderately alkaline
0-8" Brown gravelly
clay loam aeak sub-
angular blocky soft.
friable, slightly
effervescent, mod-
erately alkaline
0-8° Brown gravelly
loam weak subangular
blocky soft, friable
slightly effervescent
moderately alkaline
8-20" Reddish brown ;
clay, strong very •
coarse prismatic t
structure, slightly j
hard, friable, clay <
films, strongly ef-
fervescent moderately
alkaline
8-16" Reddish brown :
light clay strong ,
medium subangular ,
blocky slightly j
hard, friable. |
slightly efferves- ,
cent, moderately i
alkaline
8-16" Reddish brown ;
light clay strong |
medium subangular t
blocky slightly <
hard, friable, .
slightly efferves- \
cent, moderately t
alkaline
Substratum
20"+ Very pale brown gravelly
loam-silica-lime hardpan,
massive slightly ha.rd, fri-
able, violently efferves-
cent moderately alkaline
16-26° Pale brown with fine
distinct white 11me streaks,
gravelly sandy loam, mas-
sive slightly hard, fri-
able, violently efferves-
cent moderately alkaline
(26°+ Silica hardpan)
26"+ Silica hardpan pale
brown with fine distinct
white lime streaks, grav-
elly sandy loam, massive
slightly hard, friable
violently effervescent
moderately alkaline
Present Use &
Capability
Classification
Rangeland
VlleS
Rangeland
VIIsS
Rangeland
VIIsS
Erosion
Hazard
Moderate
Fertility
High
Effective
Depth Natural
(Inches) Drainage
4-10
Well
Moderate Low
Moderate Low
20-36
Well
Runoff
Very slow
to medium
Very slow
4-10
Veil to
exces-
sively
Slow
AWC
(Inches)
2.0
to
3.0
3.0
to
4.0
3-0
to
4.0
-------
APPENDIX I. SOIL CHARACTERISTICS AND INTERPRETATIONS
Soil Name
HaC2
00
<£>
Soil Nine
Ulldcat, loamy fine sand
moderate deep over hard-
pan moderate erosion.
2 to 8 percent slopes
Position
Gently sloping
sand dunes and
alluvial fans
Surface Layer
Subsoil
0-8° Light gray loamy fine 8-27° Very pale brown,
sand, single grain, loose loamy fine sand, weak
when dry and moist, slightly fine subangular blocky
effervescent mildly alkaline breaking to single
grain, loose when dry
and moist, slightly
effervescent, mllkly
alkaline
Substratum
27-36"+ White silica cemented
loamy fine sand moderate
medium subangular blocky
slightly hard, friable.
slightly effervescent, mod-
erately alkaline
Present Use S
Capability
Classification
Rangeland
VIIs4
Erosion
Hazard
Moderate
Fertility
Very low
Effective
Depth
(Inches)
20-36
Natural
Drainage Runoff
Hell to ex- Slow
cesslvely
AMC
(Inches)
3.0
to
4.0
-------
APPENDIX II. Physical Analysis of Soils
Particle-size Distribution
Soil
tare gravelly fine sandy
loam BaB2
Locat1on:Area 18 NTS
Survey Hole No.:35
Lab. No.: 368-371
fieatty gravelly sandy
loam BdB2
location: Are a 18 NTS
Survey Hole No. :6
lab. No.:246-249
Big Butte gravelly
fine sandy loam BeC2
Locat1on:Area 18 NTS
Survey Hole No.:26
Lab. No.: 353-355
Buckboard sandy
loam BfC2
Locat1on:Area 18 NTS
Survey Hole No.:14
Lab. No. : 338, 339,406
Horl- Depth
zon (Inches)
Al
Cl
C2
C3s1ca
Al
Cl
C2
C3
Al
Bl
B2
R
Al
81
C slca
C2s1cam
0-6
6-12
12-18
18-50+
0-5
5-18
18-45
45-60+
0-3
3-10
10-13
13+
0-3
3-9
9-25
25+
Textural Class Gravel
gravelly fine sandy loam
sandy loam
gravelly loam
sand
gravelly sandy loam
gravelly sand
loamy sand
gravelly loamy sand
gravelly fine sandy loam
gravelly fine sandy loam
gravelly loam
Basalt Bedrock
fine sandy loam
sandy loam
sH1ca-Hme
cemented sand
silica-lime pan
(X)
43
14
30
20
35
31
0
25
33
25
43
8
12
12
Very Coarse
Sand (2.0
to 1.0 mm)
(X)
17
19
12
44
7
19
0
7
13
22
15
10
13
48
Coarse Sand
(1.0 to
0.5 mm)
(X)
9
14
8
30
12
30
0
14
7
8
5
15
20
18
Medium Sand
(0.5 to
0.25 mm)
(X)
5
8
3
8
14
21
24
18
6
5
4
12
14
10
Fine Sand
(0.25 to
0.10 mm)
00
9
11
6
7
18
16.5
31.5
22
10
8
7
11
12
7.5
Very fine Sand
(0.10 to
0.05 mm)
(X)
20
16
24
4
15
5.5
19.5
. 11
17
11
10
6
6
4
Silt
(0.05 to
0.002 mm)
(X)
30.5
23. 5
32
5
26.5
5
18.5
24
36
36
37
30
25
9.5
Clay
(<0. 002mm)
(X)
9.5
9.5
15
2
7.5
3
6.5
4
11
10
22
16
10
3
Particle-size Distribution
Soil
Hori-
Depth
Textural Class Gravel
zon (Inches)
Bullfrog gravelly and
cobbly loam BnF2
Location: Area 18 NTS
Survey Hole No: 13
Lab. No. :334-337
Echo gravelly
loam EaE2
Locat1on:Area 18 NTS
Survey Hole No.:32
Lab. No. :359-380
Eleana stony sandy
loam EdF2
Locat1on:Area 18 NTS
Survey Hole No.:34
Lab. No. :364-367
Half pint gravelly
loamy sand HcB2
Location: Area 18 NTS
Survey Hole No.: 16
Lab. No.:342-343
All
A12
B2
ClsUam
A2
Bl
R
Al
B2
B3
Ctslcam
Al
Cl
0-9
9-20
20-40
40+
0-3
3-8
8+
0-4
4-8
8-13
13-48+
0-5
5-48+
gravelly and cobbly loam
gravelly and cobbly loam
clay loam
silica-lime pan
gravelly sandy loam
gravelly loam
Basalt bedrock
stony sandy loam
sandy clay loam
gravelly sandy loam
silica-lime pan
gravelly loamy sand
very gravelly loamy
sand
(«)
27
27
6
0
24
20
12
10
32
22
40
65
Very Coarse
Sand (2.0
to 1.0 mm)
W
6
13
3
18
6
10
16
21
26
23
30
Coarse Sand
(1.0 to
0.5 mm)
W
3
2
1
9
6
11
13
15
31
27
23
Medium Sand
(0.5 to
0.25 mn)
(X)
4
4
2
5
5
11
9
13 "
17
18
18
Fine Sand
(0.25 to
0.10 mm)
(X)
12
13
7
9
9
17
12
11
13
15
14
Very fine Sand
(0.10 to
0.05 mm)
w
22
18
8
17
14
14
6
6
4
6
5
S1lt
(0.05 to
0.002 mm)
(X)
. 38
35
44
36
40
30
19
24
7
6
5
Clay
(< 0.002mm)
(X)
15
15
35
6
20
7
25
10
2
6
5
-------
APPENDIX II. Physical Analysis of Soils
Particle-size Distribution
Soil
Hampel stony
sandy loam HdF2
Locat1on:Area 18 NTS
Survey Hole Ho: 44
Lab. No,:381-383
Indian Springs
gravelly clay IaC2
Locat1on:Area 18 NTS
Survey Hole No.: 30
Lab. No. -.294-297
Keane Spring loamy
sand KaB2
Locat1on:Area 18 NTS
Survey Hole Ho.:24
Lab. No. -.345-348
Oak Spring fine
sandy loam OaB2
Locat1on:Area 18 NTS
Survey Hole No. -.28
Lab. No. £86-290
Hori-
zon
A2
Bl
R
A2
81
82
83
All
A12
Cl
C2
Al
A2
Cl
C2
Bib
Depth
(Inches)
0-5
5-9
9+
0-4
4-12
12-36
36-43+
0-5
5-12
12-40
40*
0-4
4-8
8-15
15-44
44-60
Textural Class
stony, cobbly sandy loam
gravelly sandy clay loam
tuff bedrock
gravelly sandy loam
gravelly clay
cobbly loam
gravelly sandy loam
sand
loamy sand
loamy sand
cobbly, gravelly sand
fine sand
fine sandy loam
fine sandy loam
fine sandy loam
sandy loam
Gravel
(*)
17
21
23
. 32
0
51
6
3
11
34
a
0
10
18
16
Very Coarse
Sand (2.0
to 1.0 ran)
(«)
12
10
8
5
0
11
19
17.5
20
34
13
0
10
0
4
Coarse Sand
(1.0 to
0.5 mm)
(tl
15
12
9
5
0
11
27
23.1
27
30
18
0
13
0
12
Medium Sand
(0.5 to
0.25 mm)
(*)
12
12
15
8
15
12
21
18.5
19
19
24
29
17
25
35
Fine Sand
(0.25 to
0.10 mm)
00
21
18
27
18
25
25
17
16.9
IS
7
25
40
25
42
21
Very fine Sand
(0.10 to
0.05 ran)
(I)
17
12
12
7
13
6
7
B
9
13
19
l£
12
S1U
(0.05 to
0.002 ran)
(*)
15.5
15
>
21
18
32
21
7
12
10
6
10
19
1C
16
Clay
(< 0.002 ran)
(X)
7.5
21
8
39
15
14
2
5
8
5
Particle-size Distribution
Soil
Pahute gravelly sandy
clay loam Pa82
Location: Area 18 NTS
Survey Hole No.:43
Lab. No.;379. 380. 403
Ruddle gravelly
fine sand RdB2
Locat1on:Area 18 NTS
Survey Hole No.: 54
Lab. No.:299-301
Sawtooth stony
loam SaE2
Location: Area 18 NTS
Survey Hole No.:4S
Lab. No. :398. 404
Scranton stony fine
sandy loam Sc£2
Location: Area 18 NTS
Survey Hole No. -.37
Lab. No.:25i. 255-257
Hori-
zon
A2
Bl
Clsic
Al
Cl
C2
A2
B2
R
A2
811
812
Cls1
Depth
(Inches)
0-4
4-12
am 12+
0-4
4-12
12-50*
0-4
4-8
8+
0-5
5-11
11-18
18-32+
Textural Class
gravelly sandy loam
very sandy clay loam
silica-lime pan
gravelly loamy sand
gravelly fine sand
cobbly, gravelly
sand
stony loam
loam
tuff bedrock
stony fine sandy loam
loam
gravelly loam
very gravelly, and
cobbly sandy clay loam
Gravel
w
18
51
40
45
49
14
17
0
14
45
61
Very Coarse
Sand (2.0
to 1.0 ran)
(»)
12
12
0
0
4
5
6
0
0
7
9
Coarse Sand
(1.0 to
0.5 mm)
W
9
12
0
1
11
3
4
0
0
10
15
Medium Sand
(0.5 to
0.25 mm)
U)
8
11
24
35
24
2
5
13
7
13
13
Fine Sand
(0.25 -to
0.10 mm)
(*)
18
18
39
49
31
12
15
33
18
15
12
Very fine Sand
(0.10 to
0.05 ran)
W
14
8
16
9
16
20
16
14
15
10
S
sin
(0.05 to
0.002 ran)
(«)
28
19
17
2
10
40
32
. 28
42
32
20
Clay
(< 0.002 ran)
(I)
11
20
4
4
4
18
22
12
18
13
26
-------
APPENDIX II. Physical Analysts of Soils
Particle-size Distribution (Continued)
Soil
VD
Hor1- Depth
zon (Inches)
Textural Class
limber stony
clay loam TaE2
Locatton:Area 18 NTS
Survey Hole No.: 31
Lab. No.:356-358
Tlmpahute gravelly
clay TeC2
Locat1on:Area 18 NTS
Survey Hole No.: 19
Lab. No.:291,309 310
Tlpplpah sandy
clay loam TnC2
Locat1on:Area 18 NTS
Survey Hole No.: 39
Lab. No. -376, 377,
378, 391
Wildcat medium
sand WaC2
Locat1on:Area 18 NTS
Survey Hole No: 1
Lab. No.: 242-245
A2
Bl
Clslcam
A2
B2
Clslcam
Al
A2
B2
Clslcam
Al
Cl
C2
C3
0-6
6-12
12+
0-5
5-18
18+
0-3
3-7
7-11
11+
0-3
3-8
8-27
27-36+
stony clay loam
loam
s1l1ca-Hme pan
gravelly sandy loam
clay
gravelly clay
sandy loam
sandy clay loam
clay loam
silica-lime pan
medium sand
medium sand
sand
gravelly fine sand
Gravel Very Coarse
Sand (2.0
to
(*>
12
13
32
0
42.3
13
7
0
8
10
28
36 .
1.0 mm)
(*) '
S
3
9
4
2.5
16
15
8
6
3
3
7
Coarse Sand
(1.0 to
0.5 am)
w
4
3
7
3
3.1
13
10
8
S
5
7
19
Medium Sand Fine Sand
(0.5 to (0.25 to
0.25 mm)
(*)
6
7
9
2
3.4
8
8
7
54
58
47
27
0.10 mm)
ft)
17
21
20
5
6.5
15
13
15
29.5
26.5
32
34
Very fine Sai
(0.10 to
0.05 nn)
(*)
14
14
17
3
10.5
10
9
8
2
2
3.5
6
(0.05 to Clay
0.002 mm) (< 0.002 en)
24
30
28
33
28.0
25
18
26
1.5
2.5
2.5
6
30
22
10
50
46.0
13
27
32
-------
APPENDIX III. Chemical Analysis of Soil Extracts
to
Soil
Bare gravelly fine sandy
loam BaB?
Locat1on:Area 18 NTS
Survey Hole No.: 35
Lab. No.:368-371
Beatty gravelly sandy
loam BdB2
Locat1on:Area 18 NTS
Survey Hole No.:6
Lab. No.:246-249
Big Butte gravelly
fine sandy loam BdC2
Location -.Area 18 NTS
Survey Hole No. :26
Lab. No.:353-355
Buckboard sandy
loam BfC2
Locat1on:Area 18 NTS
Survey Hole No.: 14
Lab. No.:338, 339. 406
Soil
Horl- Depth
ton (Inches)
Al 0-6
Cl 6-12
C2 12-18
C3stca 18-50*
Al 0-5
Cl 5-18
C2 18-45
C3 45-60
Al 0-3
Bl 3-10
82 10-13
R 13*
Al 0-3
Bl 3-9
Clslca 9-25
C2s1cam 25+
Hor1- Depth
zon (Inches)
Bullfrog gravelly, cobbly All 0-9
loam BnF2 A12 9-20
Location: Area 18 NTS
Survey Hole No.: 13
Lab. No.:334-337
Echo gravelly loam
EaE2
Location: Area 18 NTS
Survey Hole No.: 32
Lab. No.:359-360
Eleana stony sandy
loam EdF2
Location: Area 18 NTS
Survey Hole No.:34
Half pint gravelly
loamy sand HcB2
Locat1on:Area 18 NTS
Survey Hole No.: 16
Lab. No.:342-343
B2 20-40
C2s1cai» 40*
A2 0-3
Bl 3-8
R 8*
Al 0-4
B2 4-8
B3 8-13
Cls team B-48+
A1 ML
Cl 5-48*
PH
Reaction
Paste Ext
7.0 7.4
7.5 7.9
7.7 8.5
8.7 8.3
7.1 7.7
7.4 7.8
8.2 7.7
8.2 7.6
7.3 7.5
'6.9 7.1
7.9 8.1
8.0 7.8
7.4 7.6
pH
Reaction
Paste Ext
8.4 7.7
8.3 7.8
8.5 8.1
7.8 7.8
7.1 7.8
7.5 8.1
7.5 7.8
7.8 7.8
8.3 7.8
7.6 7.4
8.0 8.4
EC
Paste Ext
0.18 0.40
0.1? 0.30
0.30 0.28
0.34 0.41
0.13 0.14
0.25 0.27
0.22 0.28
0.32 0.58
0.24 0.19
0.12 0.10
0.48
0.20 0.18
0.27 0.43
EC
Paste Ext
0.63 0.59
0.17 0.23
0.25 0.26
0.23 0.27
0.09 0.09
0.21 0.27
0.24 0.25
0.16 0.13
0.36 0.54
0.25 0.35
0.19 0.30
Na
0.01
0.02
0.006
0.05
<0.01
0.01
0.03
0.06
0.009
0.02
0.009
0.03
Na
0.005
0.01
0.2
0.01
0.02
0.01
0.02
0.08
0.02
0.02
Sat Ext
meq/IOO
K Ca
0.02 0.2
0.02 0.1
0.02 0.01
0.12 0.08
<0.01 <0.01
0.01 0.03
-------
APPENDIX III. Chemical Analysis of Soil Extracts (Continued)
1C
Soil
Hampel stony
sandy loam HdF2
Location: Area 18 NTS
Survey Hole No.:44
Lab. No.: 381-383
Indian Springs
gravelly clay IaC2
Locat1on:Area 18 NTS
Survey Hole No.: 30
Lab. No.: 294-297
Keane Spring
loamy sand KaB2
Locat1on:Area 18 NTS
Survey hole No.:24
Lab. No.: 345-348
Oak Spring fine
sandy loam OaB2
Locat1on:Area 18 NTS
Survey Hole No.: 28
Lab. No. :286-290
*Trace -
Soil
Pahute gravelly sandy
clay loam PaB2
Locat1on:Area 18 NTS
Survey Hole No.:43
Lab. No.: 379, 380. 403
Ruddle gravelly fine
sand RdB2
Location: Area 18 NTS
Survey Hole No.:54
Lab. No.:299-301
Sawtooth stony
loam SaE2
Locat1on:Area 18 NTS
Survey Hole No.: 45
Lab. No.: 398, 404
Scranton stony
fine sandy loam ScE2
Locat1on:Area 18 NTS
Survey Hole No.: 37
Lab. No.: 251, 255-257
pH
__ .. Reaction
Un_> Depth
„„ (Inches) Paste Ext
A2
Bl
R
A2
Bl
B2
B3
All
A12
Cl
C2
Al
A2
Cl
C2
Bib
HiiiH
non- .
zon »
A2
Bl
Clslcam
Al
Cl
C2
A2
B2
R
A2
Bll
B12
Cls1
0-5
5-9
9+
0-4
4-12
12-36
36-43+
0-5
5-12
12-40
40+
0-4
4-8
8-15
15-44
44-60
inches)'
0-4
4-12
12+
0-4
4-12
12-50+
0-4
4-8
8+
0-5
5-11
11-18
18-32+
8.0 7.7
7.3 7.8
7.1. 7.7
7.5 8.1
7.4 7.8
7.8 7.4
7.5 7.7
8.9
8.4 8.1
8.2 8.1
7.5 7.6
7.7 7.4
7.8 7.1
7.7 7.0
7.1 7.0
pH
Reaction
>aste Ext
6.9 7.6
7.5 7.4
7.1 7.7
7.6 7.7
8.2 8.5
8.2 8.1
8-.1 7-8
6.9 7.3
6.8 7.4
7.0 7.4
7.5 7.8
EC
Paste
0.19
0.11
0.24
0.52
0.23
0.16
0.21
0.27
0.33
0.32
0.40
0.63
1.9
EC
Paste
0.13
0.12
0.27
0.14
0.27
0.25
0.15
0.25
0.33
0.45
Ext Na
0.18 0.01
0.12 0.03
0.27. 0.01
0.39 0.04
0.40 0.06
0.38 0.01
0.40 0.02
0.18 0.01
0.25 0.02
0.78 0.06
0.58 <0.01
0.44 <0.01
0.57 0.02
0.98 0.13
3.8 0.35
Sat Ext
meq/100
K Ca
0.04
0.02
<0.01
0.01
0.01
<0.01
0.07
0.07
0.06
0.01
0.08
0.06
0.05
0.04
0.06
Sat
0.07
0.03
0.05
0.05
0.06
0.05
0.2
0.05
0.08
0.09
0.05
0.04
0.07
0.13
0.44
F«t
Mg
0.02
0.02
0.03
<0.01
0.01
0.02
0.1
0.02
0.04
0.04
0.03
0.03
0.02
0.04
0.11
Na
0.04
0.34
0.73
0.11
0.21
0.34
0.28
0.05
0.09
0.13
1.1
0.04
T*
0.17
0.96
21.0
meq/100 "
Ext Na
0.49 0.004
0.13 0.03
0.52 <0.01
0.17 <0.01
0.51 0.02
0.25 0.009
0.21 0.03
0.16 <0.01
0.15 <0.01
0.18 <0.01
<0.01
K
<
0.03
0.02
0.01
0.02
<
0.03
<0.01
0.01
<0.01
<0.01
Ca
0.006
0.04
0.08
0.04
0.08
0.01
0.09
0.01
0.01
0.02
0.02
Kg
0.003
0.02
0.02
<0.01
<0.01
0.005
0.02
<0.01
<0.01
<0.01
0.01
Na
0.15
0.30
0.87
0.05
0.11
0.36
0.16
0.22
0.08
0.12
0.16
0.39
Ext Cations
meq/100
K Ca Mg
1.5 3.8 0.7
2.1 5.5 2.0
3.0 9.0 2.1
1.4 6.2 2.2
2.3 11.7 3.4
2.9 15.3 3.7
2.9 13.0 3.1
5.3 2.6 0.5
6.4 3.1 O.S
6.4 4.2 0.5
2.6 2.8 1.0
4.3 3.0 1.8
0.94 5.8 1.8
4.6 7.2 1.4
3.3 8.8 1.8
3.7 11.8 2.4
Ext Cations
meq/100
K Ca Mg
1.4 3.2 1.1
2.1 6.5 1.7
2.1 11.3 1.1
2.6 5.3 0.99
2.2 4.2 0.69
1.8 4.3 0.72
2.0 6.5 1.4
2.4 8.0 1.5
1.7 5.8 2.4
3.1 8.3 3.2
3.4 11.2 3.6
3.1 12.3 4.1
CEC X
neq/ BS
100
12.9
23.3
29.0
11.5
20.9
23.6
21.9
11.9 68
12.9 78
14.8 74
9.0
10.1
12.8
16.5
12.9
17.5
CEC I
req/ BS
100
13.6
23.6
14.8
9.0
8.1
6.5
18.9
24.8
12.9
17.4
20.6
22.3
jp Exch
50.6
72.4
30.2 9.8
50.0
59.2
53.4 19.2
52.4 8.1
54.3 10.0
56.3 11.0
33.5
42.0 8.9
40.4 8.4
38.9 13.2
40.4 14.7
49.7
Exch
SP Bases
38.9
53.4
46.2
39.6
39.2
40.4
55.3
35.9 10.0
43.7 14.7
44.5 18.3
48.8 19.8
t MR
(Bars)
X
CaCOj
0.10 0.33 1.0 15
20.0 13.9
26.7 20.5
16.2 11.6
27.5 19.8
31.9 21.7
23.4 16.7
12.9 9.7
14.5 10.5
15.6 11.1
12.5 9.3
13.9 11.1
16.2 12.7
17.0 12.8
20.5 15.0
X
10.2 5.6
16.2 11.4
10.1 5.0
11.8 10.7
18.7 12.7
14.1 8.7
8.5 7.2
9.4 6.2
9.1 6.3
7.9 5.3
9.6 5.4
11.1 7.1
10.0 5.8
11.8 7.8
MR
2.25
2.51
5.54
2.02
2.84
3.10
3.54
1.97
2.12
2.16
5.61
2.16
2.17
2.64
3.34
2.79
X
CaCO
(Bars) Eq3
0.10 0.33
23.6 19.5
27.0 20.8
12.1 8.3
10.9 6.2
22.6 20.2
30.2 24.8
23.0 17.5
23.6 16.2
25.0 17.1
19.5 14.0
1.0 15
15.0 7.1
17.4 6.9
6.9 5.7
5.3 4.2
17.6 9.9
19.8 12.5
17.3 11.2
12.6 11.8
13.6 9.5
11.9 8.5
2.20
2.69
1.96
1.94
2.12
2.91
2.63
2.14
1.51
3.94
3.92
-------
APPENDIX HI. Chemical Analysis of Soil Extracts (Continued)
ID
tn
Soil
Timber stony
clay loam TaE2
Locatton:Area 18 NTS
Survey Hole No.:31
Lab. No.:356-358
Tlrapahute gravelly
clay TeC2
Locat1on:Area 18 NTS
Survey Hole No.: 19
Lab. No.:291. 303. 310
Tlpplpah sandy
clay loan TnC2
Locat1on:Area 18 NTS
Survey Hole No.: 39
Lab. No.:376. 377. 378
391
Wildcat medium
sand UaCZ
LocatlomArea 18 NTS
Survey Hole No.:l
Lab. No.: 242-245
pH
Reaction
£?- (ftcnesj"'* Ext
A2 0-6
Bl 6-12
Clslcam 12+
A2 0-5
B2 5-18
Clslcam 18+
Al 0-3
A2 3-7
B2 7-11
Clslcam 11+
Al 0-3
Cl 3-8
C2 8-27
C3 27-36+
8.6
8.5
7.2
7.7
8.2
7.1
7.5
7.5
7.1
7.4
6.6
7.5
8.1
8.3
7.4
8.3
8.5
7.2
7.4
8.1
7.0
7.3
7.3
7.1
EC
Paste Ext
0.41
0.20
0.36
0.17
0.09
0.21
.
0.12
0.12
0.15
0.34
0.16
0.41
0.50
0.67
0.16
0.18
0.10
0.09
0.13
0.13
.
Na
0.008
0.01
0.02
0.22
0.83
0.01
0.03
0.04
<0.01
<0.01
<0.01
<0.01
Sat Ext
meq/100
K Ca
<
0.02
0.03
<0.01
<0.01
0.03
"0.03
<
<0.01
<0.01
<0.01
<0.01
0.009
0.05
0.04
0.06
0.08
0.03
0.08
0.007
0.01
0.01
0.01
0.01
MS
0.005
0.02
0.02
0.01
0.02
0.02
0.07
0.004
<0.01
<0.01
-
-------
APPENDIX IV. AS-4 SOIL SURVEY PROTOCOL
This legend lists and defines the mapping symbols for soil, slope,
erosion, and other physical land factors which will be used for soil
surveys on the range area of NTS.
Order of Symbols
The land mapping symbol shows soil characteristics, slope erosion, and
additional land factors of wetness, salinity, and overflow if signifi-
cant. Symbols are written in fractional form with soil characteristics
in the numerator and slope, erosion, and additional land factors in the
denominator. Soil series will be shown by attaching an identifying
symbol to the numerator of the fractional symbol.
Delineations
Soil Type and Phase Boundary: Solid black lines.
Land Use Boundary: Dashed lines (1/8")
Symbols for Soil Characteristics
Order of symbols to show soil characteristics is as follows: First,
the effective depth, then, the texture; then, the permeability of
the upper subsoil; then the permeability of the lower subsoil; finally,
the type of underlying material if significant.
Type of underlying material will-be shown whenever it limits the effec-
tive depth. The permeability of the lower subsoil will be omitted when
this is not significantly different from that of the upper subsoil.
Permeability of lower subsoil is also omitted when depth symbol is 4.
Permeability of both upper and lower subsoil is omitted when depth
symbol is 5.
96
-------
EFFECTIVE DEPTH
Symbol
' 1
2
3
4
5
Range
Over 60 inches
36 - 60 inches
24 - 36 inches
12 - 24 inches
Less than 12 inches
Descriptive Term
Very deep
Deep
Moderately deep
Shallow
Very shallow
TEXTURE
Symbol
H
F
M
S
L
C
X
Descriptive Term
Heavy
Moderately heavy
Medi urn
Moderately coarse
Coarse
Very coarse
Undifferentiated
Included Texture Classes
Clay, silty clay
Sandy clay, silty
clay loam
Silt loam, loam,
very fine sandy
loam
Fine sandy loam,
sandy loam
Loamy fine sand,
loamy very fine
sandsloamy sand
Fine sand, sand,
and coarse sand
MODIFIERS OF TEXTURE (Placed before texture symbol)
Symbol Descriptive Term
g Gravelly
r Very gravelly ,
s Stony or cobbly
Range_
Limiting crop adapta-
tion and moisture-
holding capacity
Enough gravel to pre-
vent cultivation
Enough stone to
hinder cultivation
97
-------
PERMEABILITY
Symbol
2
3
4
5
6
7
Class
Slow
Moderately slow
Moderate
Moderately rapid
Rapi d
Very rapid
Approximate Rate
(Inches Per Hour)
.05 - 2.0
.20 - .80
.80 - 2.50
2.50 - 5.00
5.00 -10.00
More than 10.00
Probable
Texture
H or F
F or M
M or S
S
L
C
TYPE of LIMITING or UNDERLYING MATERIAL
Symbol
V
R
Y
Z
Type of Material
Lacustrine sediments
lime or lime-silica hardpan
Dense very slowly permeable clay
Gravel
Slope
One set of slope classes will be mapped. In symbolizing slope, slope
class letters only will be placed in the fractional symbol. For
hummocky micro-topography a double slope class letter will be used.
Slope Class
Symbol
A
B
AB
C
BC
DE
EF
AA
BB
*Percent of slope
Range
0-2*
2-4
0 - 4
4 - 8
2-8
8-30
15 - 45+
0-2
2 - 4
Descriptive Term
Nearly level
Gently sloping
Nearly level to gently sloping
Moderately sloping
Gently to moderately sloping
Strongly sloping to steep
Steep to very steeply sloping
Nearly level with hummocks
Gently sloping with hummocks
98
-------
Erosion
Symbol Descriptive Term
1 No apparent or sitght erosion
2 Moderate erosion
4 Very severe erosion
N Very severe wind erosion (large dunes)
Degree of Wetness
Symbol Descriptive Term and Range
Wl Moderately well drained; Profile is wet for a small but
significant part of the time, usually because of a slowly
permeable layer within or immediately beneath the sol urn,
a relatively high or intermittently high water table
(usually below 5 feet), surface additions of water by
runoff from areas higher up the slopes, or a combina-
tion of those conditions. (This class is particularly
difficult to assess in drier climates or where winter
rainfall occurs when temperatures are low enough to almost
inhibit growth.) Evidence includes somewhat thicker and
darker A horizons as contrasted to those of well drained
soils (grass vegetation), mottling in the lower B horizons
or within 36 to 60 inches of the surface or both.
W2 Imperfectly or somewhat poorly drained; Soil is wet for
significant periods, but not all of the time, usually
because of a slowly permeable layer or a high water
table. Field evidences of imperfect drainage are the
presence of a water table (at depths of 36 to 60 inches),
distinct gleying within 18 to 36 inches of the surface
ususually thick and dark A horizons (related to abundant
growth of coarser grasses and slower decomposition rates
because of wetness), pronouced accumulations of water
. soluble salts within 36 inches, or a combination of these.
Arti icial drainage is needed for the growth of most deep
rooted crops and many others that are sensitive to poor
aeration. Drainage may also be necessary to maintain a
favorable salt balance,
W3 Poorly drained; The soil remains wet much of the time with
the water table seasonally near the surface for prolonged
intervals. Field evidences of poor d^atnage are the
presence of a high water table (at depths of 18 to 36 inches),
gleying near the surface (above 18 inches), and pronouced
99
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Symbol Descriptive Term and Range (Continued^
W3 accumulations of water soluble salts at or near the surface
in saline areas. Soils usually lack peaty or mucky surface
horizons. Drainage is necessary for the growth of important
crops, Grazing is possible most of the time, and hay can
usaully be harvested,
W4 Very poorly drained: The water table remains at or near the
surface a greater part of the time, Field evidences of very
poor drainage are the presence of a very high water table
(at depths above 18 inches), a peaty or mucky surface
horizon, and gleying at or near the surface (i.e. hues
yellower than 10YR and/or chromas of /2 or less and/or
distinct discontinuous phase of the pattern). Soils that
are very poorly drained due to a moving water table may
have oxidized rather than reduced colors because of dis-
solved oxygen in the water. Drainage is a minimum pre-
requisite for the growth of important crops. Usually graz-
ing is possible, at least seasonally, and hay may be harvested
in drier years.
Salinity
Symbol
No symbol
SI
S2
S3
Range
(% Salt)
Less than 0.15
0.15 - 0.35
0.35 - 0.65
Range-Conducti vi ty
Saturation Extract
(Ec 10 A 25°C)
Less than 4
4 - 8
8-15
0.65 - or greater 15 or greater
Descriptive Term
Free
Slight
Moderate
Severe
Alkalinity
Symbol
No symbol
al
a2
Descriptive Term
Free
Slight to moderate
Severe
100
-------
Overflow
Symbol Descriptive Term
fl Occasional overflow
101
-------
MAPPING SYMBOLS FOR SURVEY FIELD SHEET
Hard Surfaced Roads
Good Gravel Road ZZ
Poor Dirt Road 1. '.
Pipe Line (Water) —
Power-transmission Line O O O O O O O
Wells O Well
Intermittent Streams
Soil Survey Area Boundary
Soil Boundary
Fence x x x x x x x-
102
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APPENDIX V. IDENTIFICATION LEGEND FOR
AREA 18 OF THE NEVADA TEST SITE SOIL SURVEY
Mapping Symbol
New Old
Mapping Unit Name
Capability Unit
o
CO
BaB2 lgS5-Ba-AB-2
BcB2 lgL6-Be-AB-2
BdB2 lgS6-Be-AB-2
BeC2 5gMB-Bb-BC-2
BfC2 5gFR-Bc-BC-2
BgC2 5sFR-Bc-BC-2
BhE2 5gFR-Bc-DE-2
Bare, gravelly sandy loam moderate erosion 0 to 4
percent slopes
Beatty, gravelly.loamy sand moderate erosion, 0 to 4
percent slopes
Beatty, gravelly sandy loam, moderate erosion 0 to 4
percent slopes
Big Butte, gravelly loam, moderate erosion 2 to 8
percent slopes
Buckboard, gravelly sandy loam, moderate erosion,
2 to 8 percent slopes
Buckboard, stony clay loam moderate erosion, 2 to 8
percent slopes
Buckboard, gravelly sandy clay loam, moderate erosion,
8 to 30 percent slopes
VIIsl
VIIsl
VIIsl
VIIsS
VIIsS
VIIs7
VIIe8
-------
APPENDIX V. IDENTIFICATION LEGEND FOR AREA 18 OF THE NEVADA TEST SITE SOIL SURVEY (Continued)
Mapping Symbol
New 01d
Mapping Unit Name
Capability Unit
o
-pi
BkE2 5sFR-Sc-DE-2
BmE4 5sFR-Bc-DE-4
BnF2 2gM3R-Bu-EF-2
BoC2 3gM3R-Bu-BC-2
BpE2 5sFR-Bu-DE-2
EaE2 5sFR-Ec-DE-2
EcF2 5sFB-Ec-EF-2
EdF2 4sSR-El-EF-2
HaB2 lC7-Hp-AB-2
Buckboard, stony clay loam moderate erosion, 8 VIIe8
to 30 percent slopes
Buckboard, stony clay loam severe erosion, 8 to VHIe
30 percent slopes
Bullfrog, gravelly and cobbly loam deep over VIIe8
hardpan, moderate erosion, 15 to 45+ percent slopes
Bullfrog, gravelly and cobbly loam, moderate deep VIIs8
over hardpan, moderate erosion, 2 to 8 percent slopes
Bullfrog, stony clay loam, shallow over silica hardpan, VIIIe8
moderate erosion, 8 to 30 percent slopes
Echo, gravelly sandy loam, moderate erosion, 8 to 30 VIIe8
percent slopes
Echo, stony clay loam, moderate erosion, 15 to 45+ VIIe8
percent slopes
Eleana, stony sandy loam, shallow over hardpan, moderate VIIe8
erosion, 15 to 45+ percent slopes
Halfpint, loamy sand, moderate erosion, 0 to 4 percent VIIsl
slopes
-------
APPENDIX V. IDENTIFICATION LEGEND FOR AREA 18 OF THE NEVADA TEST SITE SOIL SURVEY (Continued)
Mapping Symbol
New 01d
Mapping Name Unit
Capability Unit
o
en
HcB2 lgL6-Hp-AB-2
HdF2 5sMB-Ha-EF-2
HeF2 5sFB-Ha-EF-2
IaC2 3gH2R-Is-BC-2
KaB2 lLG-Ks-AB-2
OaB2 lgL6-Os-AB-2
OcB2 lgS6-Os-AB-2
PaB2 -4gMR-Pa-AB-2
PcE2 5gMR-Pa-BC-2
Halfpint, gravelly coarse sand, moderate erosion,
0 to 4 percent slopes
Hampel, stony sandy loam, moderate erosion, 15 to 45+
percent slopes
Hampel, stony clay loam, moderate erosion, 15 to 45+
percent slopes
Indian Springs, gravelly clay, moderate deep over
hardpan, moderate erosion, 2 to 8 percent slopes
Keane Spring, loamy sand, moderate erosion, 0 to 4
percent slopes
Oak Spring, gravelly loamy sand, moderate erosion
0 to 4 percent slopes
Oak Spring, fine sandy loam, moderate erosion, 0 to 4
percent slopes
Pahute, gravelly loam, shallow over hardpan, moderate
erosion, 0 to 4 percent slopes
Pahute, gravelly loam, moderate erosion, 2 to 8 percent
slopes
VIIs
VIIe8
VIIe8
VIIs8
Vllck
VIIs
VIIsl
VIIsS
VIIsS
-------
APPENDIX V. IDENTIFICATION LEGEND FOR AREA 18 OF THE NEVADA TEST SITE SOIL SURVEY (Continued)
Mapping Symbol
New 01 d
RaE2
RcF2
RdB2
ReB2
RfC2
o SaE2
CTl
ScE2
SdF2
TaE2
TcC2
5sB-DE-2
5sB-EF-2
lgL6-Ru-AB-2
lgS6-Ru-AB-2
3g5R-Ru-BC-2
5sFB-Sa-DE-2
3sFR-Sc-DE-2
5sFR-Sc-EF-2
5sMR-Tb-DE-2
3gF3R-Ti-BC-2
Mapping Unit Name Capability Unit
Rock land (tuff & basalt material) 8 to 30 percent slopes
Rock land (tuff & basalt material) 15 to 45+ percent slopes
Ruddle, loamy sand, moderate erosion, 0 to 4 percent slopes
Ruddle, gravelly sandy loam, moderate erosion, 0 to 4
percent slopes
Ruddle, gravelly sandy loam, moderate deep over hardpan,
moderate erosion, 2 to 8 percent slopes
Sawtooth, stony loam, moderate erosion, 8 to 30 percent
slopes
Scranton, stony fine sandy loam, moderate erosion, moderately
deep over hardpan, 8 to 30 percent slopes
Scranton, stony sandy clay loam, shallow over hardpan,
15 to 45 percent slopes moderate erosion
Timber, stony clay loam, moderate erosion, 8 to 30 per-
cent slopes
Timpahute, gravelly sandy clay loam, moderate deep over
hardpan, moderate erosion, 2 to 8 percent slopes
VIIIsS
VIIIsS
VIIsl
VIIsl
VIIs4
VlleS
VlleS
VlleS
VlleS
VIIsS
-------
APPENDIX V. IDENTIFICATION LEGEND FOR AREA 18 OF THE NEVADA TEST SITE SOIL SURVEY (Continued)
Mapping Symbol
New 01d
Mapping Unit Name
Capability Unit
TbC2 4gMR-Ti-BC-2
TdC2 3gH2R-Ti-BC-2
TeC2 4gFR-Ti-BC-2
TfE2 5SMR-T1-DE-2
TgC2 5gFR-Ti-BC-2
ThC2 5gFR-Ti-BC-2
TkE2 5sFR-Ti-DE-2
TmC2 3gF3R-Tp-BC-2
Timpahute, gravelly loam shallow over silica hard-
pan, moderate erosion, 2 to 8 percent slopes
Timpahute, gravelly clay moderate deep over hardpan,
moderate erosion, 2 to 8 percent slopes
Timpahute, gravelly sandy loam, shallow, over hardpan,
moderate erosion, 2 to 8 percent slopes
Timpahute, stony loam, moderate erosion, 8 to 30 per-
cent slopes
Timpahute, gravelly clay loam, moderate erosion, 2 to
8 percent slopes
Timpahute, stony clay loam, moderate erosion, 2 to
8 percent slopes
Timpahute, stony clay loam, moderate erosion, 8 to
30 percent slopes
Tippipah, gravelly sandy clay loam, moderate deep
over hardpan, moderate erosion, 2 to 8 percent slopes
VIIsS
VIIsS
VIIsS
VIIe8
VIIsS
VIIs7
VlleS
VIIsS
-------
APPENDIX V. IDENTIFICATION LEGEND FOR AREA 18 OF THE NEVADA TEST SITE SOIL SURVEY (Continued)
Mapping Symbol
New Old Mapping Unit Name Capability Unit
TnC2 5gMR-Tp-BC-2 Tippipah, gravelly loam, moderate erosion, 2 to 8 VIIsS
percent slopes
WaC2 3L6R-Wi-BC-2 Wildcat, loamy fine sand, moderately deep over hard- VIIs4
pan, moderate erosion, 2 to 8 percent slopes
o
CO
-------
APPENDIX VI. AREA 18 NEVADA TEST SITE SOIL SURVEY
109
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APPENDIX VII. GLOSSARY
ABC soil. A soil that has a complete profile, including an A, B, and
C horizon.
AC soil. A soil that has an A and C horizon but no B horizon. Commonly
such soils are immature, as those developing from alluvium or those
on steep, rocky slopes.
Aeration, soil. The exchange of air in soil with air from the atmosphere.
The air in a well-aerated soil is similar to that in the atmosphere;
but, that in a poorly aerated soil is considerably higher in carbon
dioxide and lower in oxygen.
Alluvial fan. A fan-shaped deposit of sand, gravel, and fine material
dropped by'a stream where its gradient lessens abruptly.
Alluvium. Fine material, such as sand, silt, or clay, that has been
deposited on land by streams.
Aspect (forestry). The direction toward which a slope faces. Synonym:
Exposure.
Available moisture capacity. The difference between the amount of water
in a soil at field capacity and the amount in the same soil at the
permanent wilting point. Commonly expressed as inches of water per
inch depth of soil.
Badlands. Areas of rough, irregular, denuded land in which most of the
surface is occupied by ridges, gullies, and deep channels.
Bedrock. The solid rock that underlies the soil and other unconsolidated
material or that is exposed at the surface.
Buried soil. A developed soil, once exposed but now overlain by more
recently formed soil.
Calcareous soil. A soil containing enough calcium carbonate (often
with magnesium carbonate) to effervesce (fizz) visibly when
treated with cold dilute hydrochloric acid.
Caliche. A more or less cemented deposit of calcium carbonate in many
soils of warm-temperature areas, as in the southwestern states,
The material may consist of soft, thin layers in the soil or of
hard, thick beds just beneath the sol urn or it may be exposed at
the surface by erosion.
Clay. As a soil separate, the mineral soil particles less than 0.002
millimeter in diameter. As a soil textural class, soil material
that is 40 percent or more clay, less than 45 percent sand, and
less than 40 percent silt.
110
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AREA 18 NEVADA TEST SITE SOIL SURVEY— SHEET NUMBER
o
N
(joins sheet 4)
0
1/2
1 Mile 0
-i Scole 1=31680 <-
5000 Feet
-------
AREA 18 NEVADA TEST SITE SOIL SURVEY SHEET NUMBER 2
(joins sheet 3)
0 1/2 I Mile 0
I , III , i Scole 1=31680 L-
5000 Feet
-------
AREA 18 NEVADA TEST SITE SOIL SURVEY— SHEET NUMBER 3
(Joins sheet 2)
1)
•c;
V,
N
1/2
Mile
Scole 1:31680
5000 Feet
-------
AREA 18 NEVADA TEST SITE SOIL SURVEY— SHEET NUMBER 4
(Joins Sheet I)
®
N
*
1/2
I Mile 0
-I Scale I--3I680 L-
5000 Feet
-------
Clay film. A thin coating of clay on the surface of a soil aggregate.
Synonyms: Clay coat, clay skin.
Claypan. A compact, slowly permeable soil horizon that contains more
clay than the horizon above and below it. A claypan is commonly
hard when dry and plastic or stiff when wet.
Coarse fragments. Minerals or rock particles more than 2 millimeters
in diameter.
Coarse-textured soil. Sand and loamy sand.
Complex, soil. A mapping unit consisting of different kinds of soils
that occur in such small individual areas or in such an intricate
pattern that they cannot be shown separately on a publishable soil
map.
Consistence, soil. The feel of the soil and the ease with which a
lump can be crushed by the fingers. Terms commonly used to
describe consistence are--
Loose. Noncoherent; will not hold together in a mass.
Friable. When moist, crushed easily under gentle to moderate
pressure between thumb and forefinger and can be pressed
together into a lump.
Firm. When moist, crushed under moderate pressure between
thumb and forefinger, but resistance is distinctly noticeable.
Plastic. Wheii wet, readily deformed by moderate pressure but
can be pressed into a lump; will form a wire when rolled
between the thumb and forefinger.
Sticky. When wet, adheres to other material; tends to stretch
somewTTat and pull apart, rather than pull free from other material
Hard. When dry, moderately resistant to pressure; can be broken
with difficulty between thumb and forefinger.
Cemented. Hard and brittle; little affected by moistening.
Continental climate. The climate in areas distant from the ocean;
characterized by considerable variation in temperature and in
other weather conditions.
Contour. An imaginary line connecting points of equal elevation on
the surface of:the soil.
Dune. A mound or ridge of loose sand piled up by the wind.
Erosion. The wearing away of land surface by wind, running water,
and other geological agents.
Erosion pavement (geology). A layer of coarse fragments of gravel or
stones on the surface oi: the ground, which remains after the fine
particles are removed by erosion.
Ill
-------
Fine-textured soils. Moderately fine textured: Clay loam, sandy clay
loam, silty clay loam; fine-textured; sandy clay, silty clay, and
clay. Roughly, soil that contains 35 percent or more of clay.
Flood plain. Nearly level land, consisting of stream sediment, that
borders a stream and is subject to flooding unless protected
artificially.
Forage. Plant material that can be used as feed by domestic animals;
it may be grazed or cut for hay.
Genesis, soil, the manner in which the soil originated, with special
reference to the processes responsible for the development of
the sol urn, or true soil, from the unconsolidated parent material.
Gravelly soil material. From 15 to 50 percent of material by volume,
consists of rounded or angular rock fragments that are not
prominently flattened and are up to 3 inches in diameter.
Grazing capacity. The maximum number of animals or animal units per
acre, or acres per animal unit, that a grazing area can support
adequately without deterioration; sometimes called carrying capacity.
Gully. A miniature valley with steep sides cut by running water through
which water ordinarily runs only after rains. The distinction bet-
ween gully and rill is one of depth. A gully generally is an
obstacle to farm machinery and is too deep to be obliterated by
normal tillage, whereas, a rill is of lesser depth and can be
smoothed over by ordinary tillage.
Hardpan. A hardened or cemented soil horizon, or layer. The soil
material may be sandy or clayey, and it may be cemented by iron
oxide, silica, calcium carbonate, or other substances.
Horizon, soil. A layer of soil, approximately parallel to the surface,
that has distinct characteristics produced by soil-forming pro-
cesses. The relative position of the several soil horizons in a
typical soil profile, and their nomenclature, are as follows:
AO Organic debris, partly decomposed or matted.
A, A dark-colored horizon having a fairly high content of organic
matter mixed with mineral matter.
A£ A light-colored horizon, often representing the zone of maximum
leaching where podzolized; absent in wet, dark-colored soil.
A3 Transitional to B horizon but more like A than B; sometimes
absent.
B, Transitional to B horizon but more like B than A; sometimes
absent.
B2 A usually darker colored horizon, which often represents the
zone of maximum illuviation where podzolized.
B Transitional to C horizon.
112
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The A horizons make up a zone of eluviation, or leached zones. The
B horizons make up a zone of illuviation, in which clay and other
materials have accumulated. The A and B horizons, taken together,
are called the solum, or true soil.
Hue. One of the three variables of color. The dominant spectral (rain-
bow) color; it is related to the dominant wavelength of the light.
See Munsell notation.
Igneous rock. Rock that has been formed by the cooling of molten
mineral material. Example: Granite, syenite, diorite, and gabbro.
Illuviation. The accumulation of material in a soil horizon through the
deposition of suspended material and organic matter removed from
horizons above. Since part of the fine clay in B horizon (or sub-
soil) of many soils has moved into the B horizon from the A horizon
above, the B horizon is called an illuvial horizon.
Indicator plants (ecology). Plants that give reliable information con-
cerning present condition and past history of an area as to soil,
alkalinity, salinity, climate, depth to water table, overgrazing,
fire, and the use to which the area is best adapted.
Inherited soil characteristic. Any characteristic of a soil that re-
sults directly from the nature of the material from which it was
formed, as contrasted to characteristics that are wholly or partly
the result of soil-forming processes acting on parent material. For
example, some soils are red because the parent material was red, but
the color of most red soils is the result of the soil-forming pro-
cesses.
Lacustrine deposit (geology). Material deposited in lake water and
exposed by lowering of the water level of elevation of the land.
Land. The total natural and cultural environment within which produc-
tion taken place. Land is a broader term than soil. In addition
to soil, it applies to mineral deposits and water supply; location
in relation to centers of commerce and population; the size of the
individual tracts or holdings; and the existing plant cover works
of improvement, and the like.
Land classification. The classification of units of land for the purpose
of showing their relative suitabilities for some specific use.
Leached layer. A layer from which the soluble materials have been dis-
solved and washed away by percolating water.
Lime. Chemically, lime is calcium oxide (CaO), but its meaning has been
extended to include all limestone-derived materials applied to
neutralize acid soils. Agricultural lime can be obtained as ground
limestone, hydrated lime, or burned lime, with or without magnesium
minerals. Basic slag, oystershells, and marl also contain calcium.
-Lime concretion. An aggregate cemented by the precipitation of calcium
carbonate (CaCOg).
113
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Mechanical analysis (soils). The percentage of the various sizes of
individual mineral particles, or separates in the soil. Also
a laboratory method of determining soil texture.
Medium-textured soil. Soil of very fine sandy loam, loam, silt loam,
or silt texture.
Mica. Primary alumino-silicate minerals in which two silica layers
alternate with one alumina layer. The layers separate readily into
thin sheets or flakes.
Micro-organisms. Forms of life that are either too small to be seen
with the unaided eye or are barely discernible.
Montmorillonite. A fine, platy, alumino-silicate clay mineral that
expands and contracts with the absorption and loss of water. It
has a high cation-exchange capacity and is plastic and sticky
when moist.
Morphology, soil. The makeup of the soil, including the texture, struc-
ture, consistence, color and other physical, chemical, mineralogical,
and biological properties of the various horizons that make up the
soil profile.
Mottled. Irregularly marked with spots of different colors that vary
in number and size. Mottling in soils usually indicates poor
aeration and lack of drainage. Descriptive terms are as follows:
Abundance—few, common, and many; size—fine, medium, and coarse;
and contrast—faint, distinct, and prominent. The size measure-
ments are these: fine less than 5 millimeters (about 0.2 inch) in
diameter along the greatest dimension; medium, ranging from 5 milli-
meters to 15 millimeters (about 0.2 to 0.6 inch) in diameter, along
the greatest dimension; and coarse, more than 15 millimeters (about
0.6 inch) in diameter along the greatest dimension.
Munsell notation. A system for designating color by degrees of the
three simple variables—hue, value and chroma. For example, a
notation of 10YR 6/4 is a color with a hue of 10YR, value of 6
and a chroma of 4.
Natural drainage. Refers to moisture conditions that existed during the
development of the soil, as opposed to altered drainage, which is
commonly the result of artificial drainage or irrigation but may be
caused by the sudden deepening of channels or the blocking of drain-
age outlets. Several different classes of natural drainage are recognized.
Excessively drained soils are commonly very porous and rapidly
permeable and have a low water-holding capacity.
Somewhat excessively drained soils are also very permeable and
are free from mottling throughout their profile.
Well-drained soils are nearly free from mottling and are commonly of
intermediate texture.
114
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Moderately well-drained soils commonly have a slowly permeable layer
in or immediately beneath the sol urn. They have uniform color in the
A and upper B horizons and have mottling in the lower B and the C
horizons.
Imperfectly or somewhat poorly drained soils are wet for significant
periods but not all the time, and in^podzolic soils commonly have
mottlings below 6 to 16 inches, in the lower A horizon and in the
B and C horizons.
Poorly drained soils are wet for long peri dels and are light gray
and generally mottled from the surface downward, although mottling
may be absent or nearly so in some soils.
Very poorly drained soils are wet nearly all the time. They have a
dark-gray or black surface layer and are gray or light gray, with
or without mottling, in the deeper parts of the profile.
Neutral soil. In practice, a soil having a pH value between 6.6 and 7.3;
Strictly speaking, a soil that has a pH value of 7.0.
Organic matter. A general term for plant and animal material, in or on
the soil, in all stages of decomposition. Readily decomposed organic
matter is often distinguished from the more stable forms that are
past the stage of rapid decomposition.
Organic soil. A general term applied to a soil or to a soil horizon
that consists primarily of organic matter, such as peat soils,
mulch soils, and peaty soil layers. In chemistry, organic refers
to the compounds of carbon.
Pan. A layer in a soil that is firmly compacted or very rich in clay.
Frequently the word "pan" is combined with other words that more
explicitly indicate the nature of the layers; for example, hard-
pan, fragipan, and claypan.
Parent material (soil). The horizon of weathered rock or partly weath-
ered soil material from which soil has formed; horizon C in the
soil profile.
Ped. An individual natural soil aggregate, such as a crumb, a prism,
or a block in contrast to a clod.
Permeability, soil. The quality of a soil horizon that enables water
or air to move through it. Terms used to describe permeability are
as follows: very slow, slow, moderately slow, moderate, moderately
rapid, rapid, and very rapid.
pH. A numerical means for designating relatively weak acidity and
alkalinity, as in soils and other biological systems. A pH value
of 7.0 indicates precise neutrality; a higher value, alkalinity; an
and a lower value, acidity.
Phase soil. A subdivision of a soil type, series, or other unit in the
soil classification system made because of differences in the soil
that affect its management but .do not affect its classification in
,the natural landscape. A soil type, for example, may be divided
115
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into phases because of differences in slope, stoniness, thickness or
some other characteristic that affects management.
Physical properties of soils. Properties related to or caused by the
forces and operations of physics.
Plastic (soil consistence). Capable of being deformed without being
broken.
Plastic limit (soil engineering). The 'moisture content at which a soil
changes from a solid to a plastic state.
Precipitation-effectiveness (P-E) index. The sum of the 12 monthly
quotients of precipitation divided by the evaporation during the
12 months.
Profile, soil. A vertical section of the soil through all its horizons
and extending into the parent material. See Horizon, soil.
Range (or rangeland). Land that, for the most part, produces native
plants suitable for grazing by livestock; includes land on which
there are some forest trees.
Range condition. The state of health or productivity of both soil and
forage in a given range, in terms of what it could or should be
under normal climate and the best practical management. Condition
classes generally recognized are—excellent, good, fair, and good,
The classification is based on the percentage of original, or climax,
vegetation on the site, as compared to what ought to grow on it if
management were good.
Range plant cover. All the herbaceous and shrubby plants on a range
that livestock can reach, regardless of whether these plants con-
stitute forage.
Range site. An area of range where climate, soil and topography are
sufficiently uniform to produce a distinct kind of climax vege-
tation.
Range survey. A systematic, comprehensive inventory and analysis of the
range resources and the related problems of management, in a range
area, and development of plans for its management.
Range type. An area of range differentiated from other range areas
primarily by its kind of plant cover, such as grass, browse, or
conifer.
Reaction, soil. The degree of acidity or alkalinity of a soil expressed
in pH values. A soil that tests to pH 7.0 is precisely neutral in
reaction, because it is neither acid or alkaline. In words the
degrees of acidity or alkalinity are expressed thus:
Extremely acid Below 4.5 Neutral 6.6 to 7.3
Very strongly acid • 4.5 to 5.0 Mildly alkaline 7.4 to 7.8
Strongly acid 5.1 to 5.5 Moderately alkaline 7.9 to 8.4
Medium acid 5.6 to 6.0 Strongly alkaline 8.5 to 9.0
Slightly acid 6.1 to 6.5 Very strongly alkaline above pH 9.0
116
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Ridge terrace. A long, low ridge of earth that has gently sloping
sides and a shallow channel along the upper side; controls erosion
by diverting surface runoff across the slope instead of allowing
it to flow uninterrupted down the slope. Compare with Bench terrace.
Rolling. Having moderately steep, complex slopes; intermediate between
undulating and hilly.
Root zone. The part of the soil that is penetrated, or can be penetrated
by plant roots.
Sand. Individual rock or mineral fragments in soils having diameters
ranging from 0.05 to 2.0 millimeters. Most sand grains consist
of quartz, but they may be of any mineral composition. The textural
class name of any soil that contains 85 percent or more sand and
not more than 10 percent clay.
Sandy soils. A broad term for soils of the sand and loamy sand classes;
soil material with more than 70 percent and less than 15 percent
clay.
Sedimentary rock. A rock composed of particles deposited from suspension
in water. The chief sedimentary rocks are conglomerate from gravel,
sands one from sand; shale from clay; and limestone from soft masses
.of calcium carbonate. There are many intermediate types. Some wind
deposited sands have been consolidated into sandstone.
Semi-arid climate. A climate intermediate between that of a true desert
and a subhumid area.
Series, soil. A group of soils developed from a particular type of
parent material and having genetic horizons that, except for texture
of the surface soil, are similar in differentiating characteristics
and in arrangement in the profile.
Sesquioxides. Oxides having trivalent cations, as iron or aluminum
oxi des.
Shale. A sedimentary rock formed by the hardening of clay deposits.
Sheet erosion. The removal of a fairly uniform layer of soil or material
from the land surface by the action of rainfall and runoff water.
Silica. An important soil constituent composed of silicon and oxygen.
The essential material in the mineral called quartz.
Silica-sesquioxide ratio. The ratio of the number of molecules of
silica to the number of molecules of alumina plus iron oxide in
a soil or the clay fraction of a soil. The more highly weathered
materials in warm-temperate humid regions and especially those in
the tropics, generally have low ratios. The clay in soils with low
ratios normally are less active, physically and chemically than
those with high ratios.
Silt. Individual mineral particles in a soil that range in diameter
from the upper limit of clay (0.002 millimeters) to the lower limit
of very fine sand (0.05 millimeters). Soil of the silt textural
class is 80 percent or more silt and less than 12 percent clay.
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Soil map. A map designed to show the distribution of soil mapping units
in relation to the prominent physical and cultural features of the
earth's surface.
Soil separates. Mineral particles, less than 2 millimeters in equivalent
diameter and ranging between specified size limits. The names and
sizes of separates recognized in the United States are as follows:
Very coarse sand (2.0 to 1.0 millimeter); coarse sand (1.0 to 0.5
mi 11 imeter')";"'medium sand (0.5 to 1.25 millimeter); fine sand (0.25 to
0.10 mi 11i meter) very fi he sand (0.10 to 0.05 to 0.002 millimeter);
and clay (less than 0.002 millimeter). The separates recognized
by the International Society of Soil Science are as follows: I (2.0
to 0.2 millimeters); II (0.2 to 0.02 millimeters); III (0.02 to
0.002 millimeters); IV (less than 0.002 millimeter).
Soil survey. A systematic examination, description, classification,
and mapping of soils in an area. Soil surveys are classified
accordingly to intensity of field examination as exploratory,
reconnaissance, or detailed.
Solum (pi. sola). The upper part of a soil profile, above that parent
material, in which the processes of soil formation are active.
The sol urn in mature soil includes the A and B horizons. Generally,
the characteristics of the material in these horizons are unlike
those of the underlying parent material. The living roots and
other plant and animal life characteristic of the soil are largely
confined to the sol urn.
Stones. Rock fragments greater than 10 inches in diameter if rounded.
and greater than 15 inches along the longer axis if flat.
Stony. Used to describe soils that contain stones in numbers that
interfere with or prevent tillage.
Stratified. Composed of, or arranged in, strata, or layers, such as
stratified alluvium. The term is confined to geological material.
Layers in soil that result from the processes of soil formation
are called horizons; those inherited from the parent material are
called strata.
Structure, soil. The arrangement of primary soil particles into com-
pound particles or clusters that are separate from adjoining
aggregates and have properties unlike those of an equal mass of
unaggregated primary soil particles. The principal forms of soil
structure are platy, (laminated), prismatic, (vertical axis of
aggregates longer than horizontal), columnar, (prisms with rounded
tops), blocky, (angular or subangular), and granular. Structure-
less soils are (1) single grain (each grain by itself as in dune
sand) or (2) massive (the particles adhering together without any
regular cleavage, as in many claypans and hardpans).
Subsoil. Technically, the B horizon; roughly, the part of the profile
below plow depth.
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Substratum. Any layer lying beneath the solum, or true soil; the C or
D horizon.
Surface layer. A term used in nontechnical soil descriptions for one
or more layers above the subsoil. Includes A horizon and part of
B horizon; has no depth limit.
Surface soil. The soil ordinarily moved in tillage, or its equivalent
in uncultivated soil, about 5 to 8 inches in thickness. The plowed
layer.
Terrace. An embankment, or ridge, constructed-across sloping soils a
the contour or at a slight angle to the contour. The terrace
intercepts surplus runoff so that it may soak into the soil or
flow slowly to a prepared outlet without harm. Terraces intended
mainly for drainage have a deep channel that is maintained in
permanent soil. See also broadbase terrace, narrowbase terrace,
bench terrace.
Terrace (geological). An old alluvial plain, ordinarily flat or un-
dulating bordering a river, lake, or the sea. Stream terraces
are frequently called second bottom, as contrasted to flood plains,
and are seldom subject to overflow. Marine terraces were deposited
by the sea and are generally wide.
Topsoil. A presumed fertile soil or soil material, ordinarily rich in
organic matter used to topdress roadbanks, lawns, and gardens.
Trace elements. The chemical elements found in soils in extremely
small amounts, yet which are essential to plant growth. Some of
the trace elements are zinc, cobalt, manganese, and copper,
Synoynm: Minor elements.
Type, soil. A subdivision of the soil series that is made on the basis
of differences in the texture of the surface layer.
Value (color). One of three variables of color. Value increases as
the relative intensity of reflected light increases. See Munsell
. notation.
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DISTRIBUTION
1-20 SWRHL, Las Vegas, Nevada
21 Chief, NOB/DASA, NVOO/AEC, Las Vegas, Nevada
22 Robert R. Loux, NVOO/AEC, Las Vegas, Nevada
23 D. W. Hendricks, NVOO/AEC, Las Vegas, Nevada
24 Martin B. Biles, DOS, USAEC, Washington, D. C.
25 Director, DMA, USAEC, Washington, D. C.
26 John S. Kelly, DPNE, USAEC, Washington, D. C.
27 Daniel W. Wilson, Div. of Biology & Medicine, USAEC, Washington, D. C.
28 Philip Allen, ARL/ESSA, NVOO/AEC, Las Vegas, Nevada
29 Gilbert Ferber, ARL/ESSA, Silver Spring, Maryland
30 - 31 Charles L. Weaver, BRH, PHS, Rockville, Maryland
32 Arthur H. Wolff, BRH, Rockville Maryland
33 John C. Villforth, Director, BRH, Rockville, Maryland
34 John Bailey, BRH, Rockville, Maryland
35 Region IX Regional Representative, BRH, PHS, San Francisco, Calif.
36 Bernd Kahn, Rad. Eng. Lab, BRH, Cincinnati, Ohio
37 Northeastern Radiological Health Lab., Winchester, Mass,
38 Southeastern Radiological Health Lab., Montgomery, Ala.
39 .W. C. King, LRL, Mercury, Nevada
40 John W. Gofman, LRL, Livermore, Calif.
41 H. L. Reynolds, LRL, Livermore, Calif.
42 Roger Batzel, LRL, Livermore, Calif.
43 Ed Fleming, LRL, Livermore, Calif.
44 Wm. E. Ogle, LASL, Los Alamos, New Mexico
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Distribution (continued)
45 Harry S. Jordan, LASL, Los Alamos, New Mexico.
46 Arden Bicker, REECo,:Mercury, Nevada
47 Clinton S. Maupin, REECo, Mercury, Nevada
48 Byron Murphey, Sandia Corp., Albuquerque, New Mexico
49 R. H. Wilson, University of Rochester, Rochester, N. Y.
50 R. S. Davidson, Battelle Memorial Institute, Columbus, Ohio
51 - 52 DTIE, Oak Ridge, Tennessee
53 Arthur Wallace, UCLA, Los Angeles, Calif.
.. ' *
54 Van Romney, UCLA, Mercury, Nevada
55 Benjamin J. Mason, Battelle Memorial Institute, Las Vegas, Nevada
56 BRH Library, Rockville, Maryland
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