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Custom Soil Resource Report
Soil Map
5059080505911050591405059170505920050592305059260505929050590805059110505914050591705059200505923050592605059290494520 494550 494580 494610 494640 494670 494700 494730 494760 494790 494820 494850
494520 494550 494580 494610 494640 494670 494700 494730 494760 494790 494820 494850
45° 41' 13'' N 111° 4' 13'' W45° 41' 13'' N111° 3' 57'' W45° 41' 6'' N
111° 4' 13'' W45° 41' 6'' N
111° 3' 57'' WN
Map projection: Web Mercator Corner coordinates: WGS84 Edge tics: UTM Zone 12N WGS84
0 50 100 200 300
Feet
0 20 40 80 120
Meters
Map Scale: 1:1,610 if printed on A landscape (11" x 8.5") sheet.
Soil Map may not be valid at this scale.
MAP LEGEND MAP INFORMATION
Area of Interest (AOI)
Area of Interest (AOI)
Soils
Soil Map Unit Polygons
Soil Map Unit Lines
Soil Map Unit Points
Special Point Features
Blowout
Borrow Pit
Clay Spot
Closed Depression
Gravel Pit
Gravelly Spot
Landfill
Lava Flow
Marsh or swamp
Mine or Quarry
Miscellaneous Water
Perennial Water
Rock Outcrop
Saline Spot
Sandy Spot
Severely Eroded Spot
Sinkhole
Slide or Slip
Sodic Spot
Spoil Area
Stony Spot
Very Stony Spot
Wet Spot
Other
Special Line Features
Water Features
Streams and Canals
Transportation
Rails
Interstate Highways
US Routes
Major Roads
Local Roads
Background
Aerial Photography
The soil surveys that comprise your AOI were mapped at
1:24,000.
Warning: Soil Map may not be valid at this scale.
Enlargement of maps beyond the scale of mapping can cause
misunderstanding of the detail of mapping and accuracy of soil
line placement. The maps do not show the small areas of
contrasting soils that could have been shown at a more detailed
scale.
Please rely on the bar scale on each map sheet for map
measurements.
Source of Map: Natural Resources Conservation Service
Web Soil Survey URL:
Coordinate System: Web Mercator (EPSG:3857)
Maps from the Web Soil Survey are based on the Web Mercator
projection, which preserves direction and shape but distorts
distance and area. A projection that preserves area, such as the
Albers equal-area conic projection, should be used if more
accurate calculations of distance or area are required.
This product is generated from the USDA-NRCS certified data as
of the version date(s) listed below.
Soil Survey Area: Gallatin County Area, Montana
Survey Area Data: Version 24, Jun 4, 2020
Soil map units are labeled (as space allows) for map scales
1:50,000 or larger.
Date(s) aerial images were photographed: Aug 3, 2009—Sep 1,
2016
The orthophoto or other base map on which the soil lines were
compiled and digitized probably differs from the background
imagery displayed on these maps. As a result, some minor
shifting of map unit boundaries may be evident.
Custom Soil Resource Report
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Map Unit Legend
Map Unit Symbol Map Unit Name Acres in AOI Percent of AOI
50B Blackdog silt loam, 0 to 4
percent slopes
1.6 12.5%
457A Turner loam, moderately wet, 0
to 2 percent slopes
8.1 61.7%
510B Meadowcreek loam, 0 to 4
percent slopes
2.8 21.5%
UL Urban land 0.6 4.4%
Totals for Area of Interest 13.2 100.0%
Map Unit Descriptions
The map units delineated on the detailed soil maps in a soil survey represent the
soils or miscellaneous areas in the survey area. The map unit descriptions, along
with the maps, can be used to determine the composition and properties of a unit.
A map unit delineation on a soil map represents an area dominated by one or more
major kinds of soil or miscellaneous areas. A map unit is identified and named
according to the taxonomic classification of the dominant soils. Within a taxonomic
class there are precisely defined limits for the properties of the soils. On the
landscape, however, the soils are natural phenomena, and they have the
characteristic variability of all natural phenomena. Thus, the range of some
observed properties may extend beyond the limits defined for a taxonomic class.
Areas of soils of a single taxonomic class rarely, if ever, can be mapped without
including areas of other taxonomic classes. Consequently, every map unit is made
up of the soils or miscellaneous areas for which it is named and some minor
components that belong to taxonomic classes other than those of the major soils.
Most minor soils have properties similar to those of the dominant soil or soils in the
map unit, and thus they do not affect use and management. These are called
noncontrasting, or similar, components. They may or may not be mentioned in a
particular map unit description. Other minor components, however, have properties
and behavioral characteristics divergent enough to affect use or to require different
management. These are called contrasting, or dissimilar, components. They
generally are in small areas and could not be mapped separately because of the
scale used. Some small areas of strongly contrasting soils or miscellaneous areas
are identified by a special symbol on the maps. If included in the database for a
given area, the contrasting minor components are identified in the map unit
descriptions along with some characteristics of each. A few areas of minor
components may not have been observed, and consequently they are not
mentioned in the descriptions, especially where the pattern was so complex that it
was impractical to make enough observations to identify all the soils and
miscellaneous areas on the landscape.
The presence of minor components in a map unit in no way diminishes the
usefulness or accuracy of the data. The objective of mapping is not to delineate
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pure taxonomic classes but rather to separate the landscape into landforms or
landform segments that have similar use and management requirements. The
delineation of such segments on the map provides sufficient information for the
development of resource plans. If intensive use of small areas is planned, however,
onsite investigation is needed to define and locate the soils and miscellaneous
areas.
An identifying symbol precedes the map unit name in the map unit descriptions.
Each description includes general facts about the unit and gives important soil
properties and qualities.
Soils that have profiles that are almost alike make up a soil series. Except for
differences in texture of the surface layer, all the soils of a series have major
horizons that are similar in composition, thickness, and arrangement.
Soils of one series can differ in texture of the surface layer, slope, stoniness,
salinity, degree of erosion, and other characteristics that affect their use. On the
basis of such differences, a soil series is divided into soil phases. Most of the areas
shown on the detailed soil maps are phases of soil series. The name of a soil phase
commonly indicates a feature that affects use or management. For example, Alpha
silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, is a phase of the Alpha series.
Some map units are made up of two or more major soils or miscellaneous areas.
These map units are complexes, associations, or undifferentiated groups.
A complex consists of two or more soils or miscellaneous areas in such an intricate
pattern or in such small areas that they cannot be shown separately on the maps.
The pattern and proportion of the soils or miscellaneous areas are somewhat similar
in all areas. Alpha-Beta complex, 0 to 6 percent slopes, is an example.
An association is made up of two or more geographically associated soils or
miscellaneous areas that are shown as one unit on the maps. Because of present
or anticipated uses of the map units in the survey area, it was not considered
practical or necessary to map the soils or miscellaneous areas separately. The
pattern and relative proportion of the soils or miscellaneous areas are somewhat
similar. Alpha-Beta association, 0 to 2 percent slopes, is an example.
An undifferentiated group is made up of two or more soils or miscellaneous areas
that could be mapped individually but are mapped as one unit because similar
interpretations can be made for use and management. The pattern and proportion
of the soils or miscellaneous areas in a mapped area are not uniform. An area can
be made up of only one of the major soils or miscellaneous areas, or it can be made
up of all of them. Alpha and Beta soils, 0 to 2 percent slopes, is an example.
Some surveys include miscellaneous areas. Such areas have little or no soil
material and support little or no vegetation. Rock outcrop is an example.
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Gallatin County Area, Montana
50B—Blackdog silt loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes
Map Unit Setting
National map unit symbol: 56vq
Elevation: 4,350 to 5,500 feet
Mean annual precipitation: 15 to 19 inches
Mean annual air temperature: 37 to 43 degrees F
Frost-free period: 90 to 110 days
Farmland classification: All areas are prime farmland
Map Unit Composition
Blackdog and similar soils:90 percent
Minor components:10 percent
Estimates are based on observations, descriptions, and transects of the mapunit.
Description of Blackdog
Setting
Landform:Stream terraces
Down-slope shape:Linear
Across-slope shape:Linear
Parent material:Calcareous loess
Typical profile
A - 0 to 10 inches: silt loam
Bt - 10 to 19 inches: silty clay loam
Bk - 19 to 60 inches: silt loam
Properties and qualities
Slope:0 to 4 percent
Depth to restrictive feature:More than 80 inches
Drainage class:Well drained
Capacity of the most limiting layer to transmit water (Ksat):Moderately high (0.20
to 0.57 in/hr)
Depth to water table:More than 80 inches
Frequency of flooding:None
Frequency of ponding:None
Calcium carbonate, maximum content:30 percent
Available water capacity:High (about 10.9 inches)
Interpretive groups
Land capability classification (irrigated): 3e
Land capability classification (nonirrigated): 3e
Hydrologic Soil Group: C
Ecological site: R044BB032MT - Loamy (Lo) LRU 44B-B
Hydric soil rating: No
Minor Components
Meagher
Percent of map unit:4 percent
Landform:Alluvial fans, stream terraces
Down-slope shape:Linear
Across-slope shape:Linear
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Ecological site:R044XS355MT - Silty (Si) 15-19" p.z.
Hydric soil rating: No
Quagle
Percent of map unit:3 percent
Landform:Stream terraces
Down-slope shape:Linear
Across-slope shape:Linear
Ecological site:R044XS357MT - Limy (Ly) 15-19" p.z.
Hydric soil rating: No
Bowery
Percent of map unit:3 percent
Landform:Alluvial fans, stream terraces
Down-slope shape:Linear
Across-slope shape:Linear
Ecological site:R044XS355MT - Silty (Si) 15-19" p.z.
Hydric soil rating: No
457A—Turner loam, moderately wet, 0 to 2 percent slopes
Map Unit Setting
National map unit symbol: 56tb
Elevation: 4,300 to 5,200 feet
Mean annual precipitation: 15 to 19 inches
Mean annual air temperature: 39 to 45 degrees F
Frost-free period: 90 to 110 days
Farmland classification: Prime farmland if irrigated
Map Unit Composition
Turner and similar soils:85 percent
Minor components:15 percent
Estimates are based on observations, descriptions, and transects of the mapunit.
Description of Turner
Setting
Landform:Stream terraces
Down-slope shape:Linear
Across-slope shape:Linear
Parent material:Alluvium
Typical profile
A - 0 to 6 inches: loam
Bt - 6 to 12 inches: clay loam
Bk - 12 to 26 inches: clay loam
2C - 26 to 60 inches: very gravelly loamy sand
Properties and qualities
Slope:0 to 2 percent
Depth to restrictive feature:More than 80 inches
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Drainage class:Well drained
Capacity of the most limiting layer to transmit water (Ksat):Moderately high to high
(0.57 to 1.98 in/hr)
Depth to water table:About 48 to 96 inches
Frequency of flooding:None
Frequency of ponding:None
Calcium carbonate, maximum content:15 percent
Maximum salinity:Nonsaline to very slightly saline (0.0 to 2.0 mmhos/cm)
Available water capacity:Low (about 5.4 inches)
Interpretive groups
Land capability classification (irrigated): 3e
Land capability classification (nonirrigated): 3e
Hydrologic Soil Group: B
Ecological site: R044BB032MT - Loamy (Lo) LRU 44B-B
Hydric soil rating: No
Minor Components
Meadowcreek
Percent of map unit:5 percent
Landform:Stream terraces
Down-slope shape:Linear
Across-slope shape:Linear
Ecological site:R044XS359MT - Subirrigated (Sb) 15-19" p.z.
Hydric soil rating: No
Beaverton
Percent of map unit:5 percent
Landform:Alluvial fans, stream terraces
Down-slope shape:Linear
Across-slope shape:Linear
Ecological site:R044XS354MT - Shallow to Gravel (SwGr) 15-19" p.z.
Hydric soil rating: No
Turner
Percent of map unit:5 percent
Landform:Stream terraces
Down-slope shape:Linear
Across-slope shape:Linear
Ecological site:R044XS355MT - Silty (Si) 15-19" p.z.
Hydric soil rating: No
510B—Meadowcreek loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes
Map Unit Setting
National map unit symbol: 56vt
Elevation: 4,200 to 5,950 feet
Mean annual precipitation: 12 to 18 inches
Mean annual air temperature: 39 to 45 degrees F
Frost-free period: 90 to 110 days
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Farmland classification: Prime farmland if irrigated
Map Unit Composition
Meadowcreek and similar soils:85 percent
Minor components:15 percent
Estimates are based on observations, descriptions, and transects of the mapunit.
Description of Meadowcreek
Setting
Landform:Stream terraces
Down-slope shape:Linear
Across-slope shape:Linear
Parent material:Alluvium
Typical profile
A - 0 to 11 inches: loam
Bg - 11 to 25 inches: silt loam
2C - 25 to 60 inches: very gravelly sand
Properties and qualities
Slope:0 to 4 percent
Depth to restrictive feature:More than 80 inches
Drainage class:Somewhat poorly drained
Capacity of the most limiting layer to transmit water (Ksat):Moderately high to high
(0.57 to 1.98 in/hr)
Depth to water table:About 24 to 42 inches
Frequency of flooding:None
Frequency of ponding:None
Maximum salinity:Nonsaline to slightly saline (0.0 to 4.0 mmhos/cm)
Available water capacity:Low (about 5.1 inches)
Interpretive groups
Land capability classification (irrigated): 2e
Land capability classification (nonirrigated): 3e
Hydrologic Soil Group: C
Ecological site: R044BY150MT - Subirrigated (Sb) LRU 44B-Y
Hydric soil rating: No
Minor Components
Blossberg
Percent of map unit:10 percent
Landform:Terraces
Down-slope shape:Linear
Across-slope shape:Linear
Ecological site:R044XS365MT - Wet Meadow (WM) 15-19" p.z.
Hydric soil rating: Yes
Beaverton
Percent of map unit:5 percent
Landform:Alluvial fans, stream terraces
Down-slope shape:Linear
Across-slope shape:Linear
Ecological site:R044XS354MT - Shallow to Gravel (SwGr) 15-19" p.z.
Hydric soil rating: No
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UL—Urban land
Map Unit Composition
Urban land:100 percent
Estimates are based on observations, descriptions, and transects of the mapunit.
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Soil Information for All Uses
Soil Reports
The Soil Reports section includes various formatted tabular and narrative reports
(tables) containing data for each selected soil map unit and each component of
each unit. No aggregation of data has occurred as is done in reports in the Soil
Properties and Qualities and Suitabilities and Limitations sections.
The reports contain soil interpretive information as well as basic soil properties and
qualities. A description of each report (table) is included.
Building Site Development
This folder contains a collection of tabular reports that present soil interpretations
related to building site development. The reports (tables) include all selected map
units and components for each map unit, limiting features and interpretive ratings.
Building site development interpretations are designed to be used as tools for
evaluating soil suitability and identifying soil limitations for various construction
purposes. As part of the interpretation process, the rating applies to each soil in its
described condition and does not consider present land use. Example
interpretations can include corrosion of concrete and steel, shallow excavations,
dwellings with and without basements, small commercial buildings, local roads and
streets, and lawns and landscaping.
Roads and Streets, Shallow Excavations, and Lawns
and Landscaping
Soil properties influence the development of building sites, including the selection of
the site, the design of the structure, construction, performance after construction,
and maintenance. This table shows the degree and kind of soil limitations that affect
local roads and streets, shallow excavations, and lawns and landscaping.
The ratings in the table are both verbal and numerical. Rating class terms indicate
the extent to which the soils are limited by all of the soil features that affect building
site development. Not limited indicates that the soil has features that are very
favorable for the specified use. Good performance and very low maintenance can
be expected. Somewhat limited indicates that the soil has features that are
moderately favorable for the specified use. The limitations can be overcome or
minimized by special planning, design, or installation. Fair performance and
18
moderate maintenance can be expected. Very limited indicates that the soil has one
or more features that are unfavorable for the specified use. The limitations generally
cannot be overcome without major soil reclamation, special design, or expensive
installation procedures. Poor performance and high maintenance can be expected.
Numerical ratings in the table indicate the severity of individual limitations. The
ratings are shown as decimal fractions ranging from 0.01 to 1.00. They indicate
gradations between the point at which a soil feature has the greatest negative
impact on the use (1.00) and the point at which the soil feature is not a limitation
(0.00).
Local roads and streets have an all-weather surface and carry automobile and light
truck traffic all year. They have a subgrade of cut or fill soil material; a base of
gravel, crushed rock, or soil material stabilized by lime or cement; and a surface of
flexible material (asphalt), rigid material (concrete), or gravel with a binder. The
ratings are based on the soil properties that affect the ease of excavation and
grading and the traffic-supporting capacity. The properties that affect the ease of
excavation and grading are depth to bedrock or a cemented pan, hardness of
bedrock or a cemented pan, depth to a water table, ponding, flooding, the amount of
large stones, and slope. The properties that affect the traffic-supporting capacity are
soil strength (as inferred from the AASHTO group index number), subsidence, linear
extensibility (shrink-swell potential), the potential for frost action, depth to a water
table, and ponding.
Shallow excavations are trenches or holes dug to a maximum depth of 5 or 6 feet
for graves, utility lines, open ditches, or other purposes. The ratings are based on
the soil properties that influence the ease of digging and the resistance to
sloughing. Depth to bedrock or a cemented pan, hardness of bedrock or a
cemented pan, the amount of large stones, and dense layers influence the ease of
digging, filling, and compacting. Depth to the seasonal high water table, flooding,
and ponding may restrict the period when excavations can be made. Slope
influences the ease of using machinery. Soil texture, depth to the water table, and
linear extensibility (shrink-swell potential) influence the resistance to sloughing.
Lawns and landscaping require soils on which turf and ornamental trees and shrubs
can be established and maintained. Irrigation is not considered in the ratings. The
ratings are based on the soil properties that affect plant growth and trafficability after
vegetation is established. The properties that affect plant growth are reaction; depth
to a water table; ponding; depth to bedrock or a cemented pan; the available water
capacity in the upper 40 inches; the content of salts, sodium, or calcium carbonate;
and sulfidic materials. The properties that affect trafficability are flooding, depth to a
water table, ponding, slope, stoniness, and the amount of sand, clay, or organic
matter in the surface layer.
Information in this table is intended for land use planning, for evaluating land use
alternatives, and for planning site investigations prior to design and construction.
The information, however, has limitations. For example, estimates and other data
generally apply only to that part of the soil between the surface and a depth of 5 to 7
feet. Because of the map scale, small areas of different soils may be included within
the mapped areas of a specific soil.
The information is not site specific and does not eliminate the need for onsite
investigation of the soils or for testing and analysis by personnel experienced in the
design and construction of engineering works.
Government ordinances and regulations that restrict certain land uses or impose
specific design criteria were not considered in preparing the information in this table.
Custom Soil Resource Report
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Local ordinances and regulations should be considered in planning, in site
selection, and in design.
Report—Roads and Streets, Shallow Excavations, and Lawns
and Landscaping
[Onsite investigation may be needed to validate the interpretations in this table and
to confirm the identity of the soil on a given site. The numbers in the value columns
range from 0.01 to 1.00. The larger the value, the greater the potential limitation.
The table shows only the top five limitations for any given soil. The soil may have
additional limitations]
Roads and Streets, Shallow Excavations, and Lawns and Landscaping–Gallatin County Area, Montana
Map symbol and soil
name
Pct. of
map
unit
Lawns and landscaping Local roads and streets Shallow excavations
Rating class and
limiting features
Value Rating class and
limiting features
Value Rating class and
limiting features
Value
50B—Blackdog silt
loam, 0 to 4 percent
slopes
Blackdog 90 Somewhat limited Somewhat limited Somewhat limited
Dusty 0.07 Low strength 0.93 Dusty 0.07
Frost action 0.50 Unstable excavation
walls
0.01
457A—Turner loam,
moderately wet, 0 to
2 percent slopes
Turner 85 Somewhat limited Somewhat limited Somewhat limited
Dusty 0.09 Frost action 0.50 Dusty 0.09
Shrink-swell 0.01 Unstable excavation
walls
0.01
510B—Meadowcreek
loam, 0 to 4 percent
slopes
Meadowcreek 85 Somewhat limited Very limited Somewhat limited
Dusty 0.14 Frost action 1.00 Depth to saturated
zone
0.99
Dusty 0.14
Unstable excavation
walls
0.01
UL—Urban land
Urban land 100 Not rated Not rated Not rated
Dwellings and Small Commercial Buildings
Soil properties influence the development of building sites, including the selection of
the site, the design of the structure, construction, performance after construction,
and maintenance. This table shows the degree and kind of soil limitations that affect
dwellings and small commercial buildings.
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The ratings in the table are both verbal and numerical. Rating class terms indicate
the extent to which the soils are limited by all of the soil features that affect building
site development. Not limited indicates that the soil has features that are very
favorable for the specified use. Good performance and very low maintenance can
be expected. Somewhat limited indicates that the soil has features that are
moderately favorable for the specified use. The limitations can be overcome or
minimized by special planning, design, or installation. Fair performance and
moderate maintenance can be expected. Very limited indicates that the soil has one
or more features that are unfavorable for the specified use. The limitations generally
cannot be overcome without major soil reclamation, special design, or expensive
installation procedures. Poor performance and high maintenance can be expected.
Numerical ratings in the table indicate the severity of individual limitations. The
ratings are shown as decimal fractions ranging from 0.01 to 1.00. They indicate
gradations between the point at which a soil feature has the greatest negative
impact on the use (1.00) and the point at which the soil feature is not a limitation
(0.00).
Dwellings are single-family houses of three stories or less. For dwellings without
basements, the foundation is assumed to consist of spread footings of reinforced
concrete built on undisturbed soil at a depth of 2 feet or at the depth of maximum
frost penetration, whichever is deeper. For dwellings with basements, the foundation
is assumed to consist of spread footings of reinforced concrete built on undisturbed
soil at a depth of about 7 feet. The ratings for dwellings are based on the soil
properties that affect the capacity of the soil to support a load without movement
and on the properties that affect excavation and construction costs. The properties
that affect the load-supporting capacity include depth to a water table, ponding,
flooding, subsidence, linear extensibility (shrink-swell potential), and compressibility.
Compressibility is inferred from the Unified classification. The properties that affect
the ease and amount of excavation include depth to a water table, ponding,
flooding, slope, depth to bedrock or a cemented pan, hardness of bedrock or a
cemented pan, and the amount and size of rock fragments.
Small commercial buildings are structures that are less than three stories high and
do not have basements. The foundation is assumed to consist of spread footings of
reinforced concrete built on undisturbed soil at a depth of 2 feet or at the depth of
maximum frost penetration, whichever is deeper. The ratings are based on the soil
properties that affect the capacity of the soil to support a load without movement
and on the properties that affect excavation and construction costs. The properties
that affect the load-supporting capacity include depth to a water table, ponding,
flooding, subsidence, linear extensibility (shrink-swell potential), and compressibility
(which is inferred from the Unified classification). The properties that affect the ease
and amount of excavation include flooding, depth to a water table, ponding, slope,
depth to bedrock or a cemented pan, hardness of bedrock or a cemented pan, and
the amount and size of rock fragments.
Information in this table is intended for land use planning, for evaluating land use
alternatives, and for planning site investigations prior to design and construction.
The information, however, has limitations. For example, estimates and other data
generally apply only to that part of the soil between the surface and a depth of 5 to 7
feet. Because of the map scale, small areas of different soils may be included within
the mapped areas of a specific soil.
The information is not site specific and does not eliminate the need for onsite
investigation of the soils or for testing and analysis by personnel experienced in the
design and construction of engineering works.
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Government ordinances and regulations that restrict certain land uses or impose
specific design criteria were not considered in preparing the information in this table.
Local ordinances and regulations should be considered in planning, in site
selection, and in design.
Report—Dwellings and Small Commercial Buildings
[Onsite investigation may be needed to validate the interpretations in this table and
to confirm the identity of the soil on a given site. The numbers in the value columns
range from 0.01 to 1.00. The larger the value, the greater the potential limitation.
The table shows only the top five limitations for any given soil. The soil may have
additional limitations]
Dwellings and Small Commercial Buildings–Gallatin County Area, Montana
Map symbol and soil
name
Pct. of
map
unit
Dwellings without basements Dwellings with basements Small commercial buildings
Rating class and
limiting features
Value Rating class and
limiting features
Value Rating class and
limiting features
Value
50B—Blackdog silt
loam, 0 to 4 percent
slopes
Blackdog 90 Not limited Not limited Not limited
457A—Turner loam,
moderately wet, 0 to
2 percent slopes
Turner 85 Somewhat limited Not limited Somewhat limited
Shrink-swell 0.01 Shrink-swell 0.01
510B—Meadowcreek
loam, 0 to 4 percent
slopes
Meadowcreek 85 Not limited Somewhat limited Not limited
Depth to saturated
zone
0.99
UL—Urban land
Urban land 100 Not rated Not rated Not rated
Soil Physical Properties
This folder contains a collection of tabular reports that present soil physical
properties. The reports (tables) include all selected map units and components for
each map unit. Soil physical properties are measured or inferred from direct
observations in the field or laboratory. Examples of soil physical properties include
percent clay, organic matter, saturated hydraulic conductivity, available water
capacity, and bulk density.
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Physical Soil Properties
This table shows estimates of some physical characteristics and features that affect
soil behavior. These estimates are given for the layers of each soil in the survey
area. The estimates are based on field observations and on test data for these and
similar soils.
Depth to the upper and lower boundaries of each layer is indicated.
Particle size is the effective diameter of a soil particle as measured by
sedimentation, sieving, or micrometric methods. Particle sizes are expressed as
classes with specific effective diameter class limits. The broad classes are sand,
silt, and clay, ranging from the larger to the smaller.
Sand as a soil separate consists of mineral soil particles that are 0.05 millimeter to 2
millimeters in diameter. In this table, the estimated sand content of each soil layer is
given as a percentage, by weight, of the soil material that is less than 2 millimeters
in diameter.
Silt as a soil separate consists of mineral soil particles that are 0.002 to 0.05
millimeter in diameter. In this table, the estimated silt content of each soil layer is
given as a percentage, by weight, of the soil material that is less than 2 millimeters
in diameter.
Clay as a soil separate consists of mineral soil particles that are less than 0.002
millimeter in diameter. In this table, the estimated clay content of each soil layer is
given as a percentage, by weight, of the soil material that is less than 2 millimeters
in diameter.
The content of sand, silt, and clay affects the physical behavior of a soil. Particle
size is important for engineering and agronomic interpretations, for determination of
soil hydrologic qualities, and for soil classification.
The amount and kind of clay affect the fertility and physical condition of the soil and
the ability of the soil to adsorb cations and to retain moisture. They influence shrink-
swell potential, saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat), plasticity, the ease of soil
dispersion, and other soil properties. The amount and kind of clay in a soil also
affect tillage and earthmoving operations.
Moist bulk density is the weight of soil (ovendry) per unit volume. Volume is
measured when the soil is at field moisture capacity, that is, the moisture content at
1/3- or 1/10-bar (33kPa or 10kPa) moisture tension. Weight is determined after the
soil is dried at 105 degrees C. In the table, the estimated moist bulk density of each
soil horizon is expressed in grams per cubic centimeter of soil material that is less
than 2 millimeters in diameter. Bulk density data are used to compute linear
extensibility, shrink-swell potential, available water capacity, total pore space, and
other soil properties. The moist bulk density of a soil indicates the pore space
available for water and roots. Depending on soil texture, a bulk density of more than
1.4 can restrict water storage and root penetration. Moist bulk density is influenced
by texture, kind of clay, content of organic matter, and soil structure.
Saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat) refers to the ease with which pores in a
saturated soil transmit water. The estimates in the table are expressed in terms of
micrometers per second. They are based on soil characteristics observed in the
field, particularly structure, porosity, and texture. Saturated hydraulic conductivity
(Ksat) is considered in the design of soil drainage systems and septic tank
absorption fields.
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Available water capacity refers to the quantity of water that the soil is capable of
storing for use by plants. The capacity for water storage is given in inches of water
per inch of soil for each soil layer. The capacity varies, depending on soil properties
that affect retention of water. The most important properties are the content of
organic matter, soil texture, bulk density, and soil structure. Available water capacity
is an important factor in the choice of plants or crops to be grown and in the design
and management of irrigation systems. Available water capacity is not an estimate
of the quantity of water actually available to plants at any given time.
Linear extensibility refers to the change in length of an unconfined clod as moisture
content is decreased from a moist to a dry state. It is an expression of the volume
change between the water content of the clod at 1/3- or 1/10-bar tension (33kPa or
10kPa tension) and oven dryness. The volume change is reported in the table as
percent change for the whole soil. The amount and type of clay minerals in the soil
influence volume change.
Linear extensibility is used to determine the shrink-swell potential of soils. The
shrink-swell potential is low if the soil has a linear extensibility of less than 3
percent; moderate if 3 to 6 percent; high if 6 to 9 percent; and very high if more than
9 percent. If the linear extensibility is more than 3, shrinking and swelling can cause
damage to buildings, roads, and other structures and to plant roots. Special design
commonly is needed.
Organic matter is the plant and animal residue in the soil at various stages of
decomposition. In this table, the estimated content of organic matter is expressed
as a percentage, by weight, of the soil material that is less than 2 millimeters in
diameter. The content of organic matter in a soil can be maintained by returning
crop residue to the soil.
Organic matter has a positive effect on available water capacity, water infiltration,
soil organism activity, and tilth. It is a source of nitrogen and other nutrients for
crops and soil organisms.
Erosion factors are shown in the table as the K factor (Kw and Kf) and the T factor.
Erosion factor K indicates the susceptibility of a soil to sheet and rill erosion by
water. Factor K is one of six factors used in the Universal Soil Loss Equation
(USLE) and the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) to predict the
average annual rate of soil loss by sheet and rill erosion in tons per acre per year.
The estimates are based primarily on percentage of silt, sand, and organic matter
and on soil structure and Ksat. Values of K range from 0.02 to 0.69. Other factors
being equal, the higher the value, the more susceptible the soil is to sheet and rill
erosion by water.
Erosion factor Kw indicates the erodibility of the whole soil. The estimates are
modified by the presence of rock fragments.
Erosion factor Kf indicates the erodibility of the fine-earth fraction, or the material
less than 2 millimeters in size.
Erosion factor T is an estimate of the maximum average annual rate of soil erosion
by wind and/or water that can occur without affecting crop productivity over a
sustained period. The rate is in tons per acre per year.
Wind erodibility groups are made up of soils that have similar properties affecting
their susceptibility to wind erosion in cultivated areas. The soils assigned to group 1
are the most susceptible to wind erosion, and those assigned to group 8 are the
least susceptible. The groups are described in the "National Soil Survey Handbook."
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Wind erodibility index is a numerical value indicating the susceptibility of soil to wind
erosion, or the tons per acre per year that can be expected to be lost to wind
erosion. There is a close correlation between wind erosion and the texture of the
surface layer, the size and durability of surface clods, rock fragments, organic
matter, and a calcareous reaction. Soil moisture and frozen soil layers also
influence wind erosion.
Reference:
United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service.
National soil survey handbook, title 430-VI. (http://soils.usda.gov)
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Three values are provided to identify the expected Low (L), Representative Value (R), and High (H).
Physical Soil Properties–Gallatin County Area, Montana
Map symbol
and soil name
Depth Sand Silt Clay Moist
bulk
density
Saturated
hydraulic
conductivity
Available
water
capacity
Linear
extensibility
Organic
matter
Erosion
factors
Wind
erodibility
group
Wind
erodibility
indexKwKfT
In Pct Pct Pct g/cc micro m/sec In/In Pct Pct
50B—Blackdog
silt loam, 0 to
4 percent
slopes
Blackdog 0-10 - 9--67-20-24- 27 1.10-1.20-
1.30
4.00-9.00-14.00 0.18-0.19-0.2
0
0.0- 1.5- 2.9 2.0- 3.0-
4.0
.37 .37 5 6 48
10-19 - 7--62-27-31- 35 1.20-1.30-
1.40
1.40-2.70-4.00 0.16-0.18-0.2
0
3.0- 4.5- 5.9 1.0- 2.0-
3.0
.37 .37
19-60 -11--69-15-20- 25 1.20-1.30-
1.40
4.00-9.00-14.00 0.16-0.18-0.2
0
0.0- 1.5- 2.9 0.5- 0.8-
1.0
.49 .49
457A—Turner
loam,
moderately
wet, 0 to 2
percent
slopes
Turner 0-6 -42--37-15-21- 27 1.10-1.20-
1.30
4.00-9.00-14.00 0.15-0.17-0.1
9
0.0- 1.5- 2.9 2.0- 3.0-
4.0
.24 .24 3 6 48
6-12 -34--37-25-30- 35 1.30-1.40-
1.50
4.00-9.00-14.00 0.12-0.15-0.1
8
3.0- 4.5- 5.9 0.5- 1.3-
2.0
.28 .28
12-26 -34--38-18-28- 35 1.35-1.43-
1.50
4.00-9.00-14.00 0.12-0.15-0.1
8
3.0- 4.5- 5.9 0.0- 0.3-
0.5
.32 .32
26-60 -81--17-0- 3- 5 1.35-1.43-
1.50
42.00-92.00-14
1.00
0.01-0.04-0.0
6
0.0- 1.5- 2.9 0.0- 0.3-
0.5
.05 .15
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Physical Soil Properties–Gallatin County Area, Montana
Map symbol
and soil name
Depth Sand Silt Clay Moist
bulk
density
Saturated
hydraulic
conductivity
Available
water
capacity
Linear
extensibility
Organic
matter
Erosion
factors
Wind
erodibility
group
Wind
erodibility
indexKwKfT
In Pct Pct Pct g/cc micro m/sec In/In Pct Pct
510B—
Meadowcreek
loam, 0 to 4
percent
slopes
Meadowcreek 0-11 -41--37-18-22- 25 1.20-1.30-
1.40
4.00-9.00-14.00 0.18-0.19-0.2
0
0.0- 1.5- 2.9 2.0- 3.5-
5.0
.24 .24 3 6 48
11-25 -20--54-18-26- 27 1.20-1.30-
1.40
4.00-9.00-14.00 0.13-0.14-0.1
5
0.0- 1.5- 2.9 1.0- 2.0-
3.0
.37 .37
25-60 -96-- 2-0- 3- 5 1.20-1.35-
1.50
141.00-141.00-
141.00
0.02-0.03-0.0
3
0.0- 1.5- 2.9 0.0- 0.3-
0.5
.02 .02
UL—Urban land
Urban land —————————
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Water Features
This folder contains tabular reports that present soil hydrology information. The
reports (tables) include all selected map units and components for each map unit.
Water Features include ponding frequency, flooding frequency, and depth to water
table.
Hydrologic Soil Group and Surface Runoff
This table gives estimates of various soil water features. The estimates are used in
land use planning that involves engineering considerations.
Hydrologic soil groups are based on estimates of runoff potential. Soils are
assigned to one of four groups according to the rate of water infiltration when the
soils are not protected by vegetation, are thoroughly wet, and receive precipitation
from long-duration storms.
The four hydrologic soil groups are:
Group A. Soils having a high infiltration rate (low runoff potential) when thoroughly
wet. These consist mainly of deep, well drained to excessively drained sands or
gravelly sands. These soils have a high rate of water transmission.
Group B. Soils having a moderate infiltration rate when thoroughly wet. These
consist chiefly of moderately deep or deep, moderately well drained or well drained
soils that have moderately fine texture to moderately coarse texture. These soils
have a moderate rate of water transmission.
Group C. Soils having a slow infiltration rate when thoroughly wet. These consist
chiefly of soils having a layer that impedes the downward movement of water or
soils of moderately fine texture or fine texture. These soils have a slow rate of water
transmission.
Group D. Soils having a very slow infiltration rate (high runoff potential) when
thoroughly wet. These consist chiefly of clays that have a high shrink-swell
potential, soils that have a high water table, soils that have a claypan or clay layer at
or near the surface, and soils that are shallow over nearly impervious material.
These soils have a very slow rate of water transmission.
If a soil is assigned to a dual hydrologic group (A/D, B/D, or C/D), the first letter is
for drained areas and the second is for undrained areas.
Surface runoff refers to the loss of water from an area by flow over the land surface.
Surface runoff classes are based on slope, climate, and vegetative cover. The
concept indicates relative runoff for very specific conditions. It is assumed that the
surface of the soil is bare and that the retention of surface water resulting from
irregularities in the ground surface is minimal. The classes are negligible, very low,
low, medium, high, and very high.
Report—Hydrologic Soil Group and Surface Runoff
Absence of an entry indicates that the data were not estimated. The dash indicates
no documented presence.
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Hydrologic Soil Group and Surface Runoff–Gallatin County Area, Montana
Map symbol and soil name Pct. of map unit Surface Runoff Hydrologic Soil Group
50B—Blackdog silt loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes
Blackdog 90 —C
457A—Turner loam, moderately wet, 0 to 2 percent
slopes
Turner 85 —B
510B—Meadowcreek loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes
Meadowcreek 85 —C
UL—Urban land
Urban land 100 ——
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References
American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO).
2004. Standard specifications for transportation materials and methods of sampling
and testing. 24th edition.
American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). 2005. Standard classification of
soils for engineering purposes. ASTM Standard D2487-00.
Cowardin, L.M., V. Carter, F.C. Golet, and E.T. LaRoe. 1979. Classification of
wetlands and deep-water habitats of the United States. U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service FWS/OBS-79/31.
Federal Register. July 13, 1994. Changes in hydric soils of the United States.
Federal Register. September 18, 2002. Hydric soils of the United States.
Hurt, G.W., and L.M. Vasilas, editors. Version 6.0, 2006. Field indicators of hydric
soils in the United States.
National Research Council. 1995. Wetlands: Characteristics and boundaries.
Soil Survey Division Staff. 1993. Soil survey manual. Soil Conservation Service.
U.S. Department of Agriculture Handbook 18. http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/
nrcs/detail/national/soils/?cid=nrcs142p2_054262
Soil Survey Staff. 1999. Soil taxonomy: A basic system of soil classification for
making and interpreting soil surveys. 2nd edition. Natural Resources Conservation
Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture Handbook 436. http://
www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/national/soils/?cid=nrcs142p2_053577
Soil Survey Staff. 2010. Keys to soil taxonomy. 11th edition. U.S. Department of
Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. http://
www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/national/soils/?cid=nrcs142p2_053580
Tiner, R.W., Jr. 1985. Wetlands of Delaware. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and
Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, Wetlands
Section.
United States Army Corps of Engineers, Environmental Laboratory. 1987. Corps of
Engineers wetlands delineation manual. Waterways Experiment Station Technical
Report Y-87-1.
United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service.
National forestry manual. http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/soils/
home/?cid=nrcs142p2_053374
United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service.
National range and pasture handbook. http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/
detail/national/landuse/rangepasture/?cid=stelprdb1043084
30
United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service.
National soil survey handbook, title 430-VI. http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/
nrcs/detail/soils/scientists/?cid=nrcs142p2_054242
United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service.
2006. Land resource regions and major land resource areas of the United States,
the Caribbean, and the Pacific Basin. U.S. Department of Agriculture Handbook
296. http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/national/soils/?
cid=nrcs142p2_053624
United States Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service. 1961. Land
capability classification. U.S. Department of Agriculture Handbook 210. http://
www.nrcs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/nrcs142p2_052290.pdf
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