Slope and Shape of Land

• Range plants vary by slope and aspect. It is important for a range person to understand slope and aspect.
• Slope is the steepness of the land. Erosion can be a serious problem on steep slopes unless there are plenty of range plants growing there to protect the soil.
• Aspect is the direction the slope faces. The aspect also affects range plants. During the summer in Montana, the south aspect slopes receive the most sunlight. This makes the south-facing slopes the hottest and driest.
• Some plants prefer to grow on south-aspect slopes; others prefer to grow on north slopes.
• South-slope plants usually are more drought-tolerant. South-slope plants green-up earlier in the spring than north-slope plants.
• Animal preference varies with slope and aspect. Cattle usually like the flat, rolling country, while sheep and horses like sidehills and ridges. Deer like to loaf near the top of a hill so they can run and hide on the other side when they see a hunter.

< Back to Soil Factors Lesson Plan

Last Modified: 12/06/2007