Land capability class with severe limitations typically has what slope range?

Land capability classes are used to categorize soils based on their suitability for agriculture, considering factors such as slope, drainage, erosion potential, and other limitations. In the context of severe limitations, a slope range of 5-14% is significant because this degree of slope can negatively impact cultivation practices.

In this range, soil erosion risk increases due to water runoff, as steeper slopes do not retain moisture and nutrients as effectively as flatter terrain. Additionally, the ability to use machinery is often compromised on these slopes due to the increased risk of erosion and the difficulty in managing water drainage. This slope range may also affect the types of crops that can be sustainably cultivated in these areas, making them less favorable for conventional agriculture.

Higher slope classes generally present more severe challenges, but the 5-14% range is particularly noted for representing a transition from more manageable land to areas with notable limitations. This understanding helps land managers and farmers make informed decisions regarding land use and management.