This state is characterized by a monoculture or a mixture of forage species that have been planted or allowed to establish from naturalized species.Pasture and Hayland Group 2C -Deep bottomland soils with loamy surface layers and loamy subsoils. Somewhat poorly drained to well drained alkaline bottomlandsoilsof high natural fertility.0–8% slopes. Most slopes are0–3%. Only a few soilsoccur on 3–5% slopes.This site is suited for forage production; however, there are some natural wetness limitations. When site hydrology has been altered with drainagesystems,foragespeciesmaybeestablished. Drainage system controlmustbe implemented and maintained as wet conditions will reduce forage growth production and limit the ability of livestock tograze. When the site is utilized for forage production, wetness conditions and/or flooding must be monitored to prevent loss of livestock or forage crop.Additionally, adjacent higher elevation areas or protected areas may be needed for the storage of harvested forage or holding of livestockwhen wet or flooded conditions occur. Some forage

Rangeland comprises over two-thirds of the Nation’s watershed area (FAO 1990) andprovides a significant part of its watersupply. The increasing importance of water has added a new dimension in range management strategies. In the Southwestern and Western United States, rangeland watersheds are the source of most surface water flow andaquifer recharge. Management on these lands can have a positive or negative effect onplant cover and compositional change, which ultimately influences water quality and quantity.

10-year project by the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology revealed that nature-friendly farming methods boost biodiversity without reducing average yield

For areas that are not functioning properly, changes have to be made to allow themto recover (e.g., acquire adequate vegetation). A change such as increasing vegeta-tion cover results in changes that improve function. Recovery starts with having theright elements present to dissipate energy, which puts the physical process intoworking order and provides the foundation to sustain the desired condition.Each riparian-wetland area has to be judged against its capability and potential. Thecapability and potential of natural riparian-wetland areas are characterized by theinteraction of three components: 1) hydrology, 2) vegetation, and 3) erosion/deposition (soils).