My nephew lives on 5 acres of dirt, weeds & a few cactus at 6800-7000 ft. elevation flat plains & the soil is like clay or caliche: after recent snows the drive is a muddy ditch but when dry is like cement!

Was wondering if he planted something like crown vetch if it would put down deep roots to stabilize this soil? I realize it can become invasive but under the nephew's conditions I think it even then would have a hard time becoming invasive! What ever was planted would have to survive on the minimal rainfall there & moderate winter snows. Area full of jackrabbits, gophers, etc. Any ideas appreciated!!