Slope
Topographical map of Shelburne Falls, section view (below) is taken from A - A’
Severity of slopes will help determine the agricultural techniques and plant selection used in the village. Slope is a measure of incline represented in percentage or degrees and can be associated with soil development and drainage in natural ecosystems. Exposed bedrock on a slope greater than about 66 percent (sixty degrees) is considered a cliff and soil development is virtually non-existent. Furthermore, drainage is greater on steeper slopes, creating dry conditions. Soils are more likely to develop on slopes less than 66 percent and therefore plant communities can exist. Likewise, areas with less steep slopes are more likely to retain water (Thompson and Sorenson 2000). Conditions for crop production are better in relatively flat areas (0-5%) due to soil conditions, but more importantly, crops grown on less steep slopes are easier for the grower to maintain and harvest. Furthermore, cultivating crops in areas with steep slopes (above 15%), especially when disturbing the soil for planting, increases the risk of erosion. However, areas with steep slopes should not be considered unproductive or incapable of growing crops. Steep areas can be used for growing perennials and crops
A`
A West Mountain 1,001’
Route Deerfield Route River 112 112
BucklandRoute Shelburne 112 Elementary School
Massamett Mountain Lookout 1,588’, Shelburne State Forest
Section View of Shelburne Falls looking north, West Mountain (1,001 feet) is to the west, Massamett Mountain (1,588 feet) is to the east.
UNDERSTANDING THE LANDSCAPE: INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS
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