SLOPE

SLOPE Slope of land is expressed in terms of percent slope. Slope is measured in terms of difference in elevation per 100 feet on the level. Terms expressing the degree of slope are as follows. Nearly level, usually 2% or less. Gently sloping, usually 2% to 6%. Sloping, usually 6% to 15%. Moderately steep, usually 15 %• to

25%. —: J ; Steep, usually from 25% to 50%. Very steep, usually 50% plus. Land has 100% slope when it lays at an angle 45 degrees from the horizontal. A vertical cliff, or one that is straight up or down has no slope. ^ EROSION Erosion is the loss of soil by wind or water. In country like ours there is very little wind erosion yet we here in the east have had rains that splotch perfectly clean windows or windshields, a result of rain falling through air carrying soil particles caused by wind erosion out west. Terms expressing the degree of erosion are as follows: Slight, less than 25% of topsoil removed. Moderate, 25% to 75% of topsoil removed and there may be occassional gullies present. Severe, 75 % or more of topsoil removed or all of top soil and as much as 25% of subsoil removed. Frequent shallow gullies or occasional deep gullies may be present. Very severe, all of top soil and 25 to 75% of the subsoil removed. Very frequent gullies may be present. Physical properties determine typeerosion and slope determine phase or variation of type. Chemical" characteristics and physical affect productivity of soil while the physical slope and erosion primarily determine the best use. Greater interest in soils phase their physical and chemical properties govern its best use._ . • <.