Descriptions of soil types established and changes in classification since the publication of Bulletin 78

Issued November 6, 1911,

UPS eo EPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE.

BUREAU OF SOILS.

MILTON WHITNEY, CHIEF.

DESCRIPTIONS OF SOIL TYPES ESTABLISHED AND
CHANGES IN CLASSIFICATION SINCE THE PUBLICA-
TION OF BULLETIN 7S.

CHANGES IN CLASSIFICATION.

Transfer of the Berks series from the Piedmont Plateau province
to the Appalachian Mountain and Plateau province.

Transfer of the Montalto series from the Appalachian Mountain
and Plateau province to the Piedmont Plateau province.

The soil mapped as Oktibbeha silt loam in Oktibbeha County,
Miss., has been changed to Pheba silt loam. .

The soil mapped as Alamance silt loam in Alamance County, N. C.,
and now known as York silt loam, has been changed back to the Ala-
mance silt loam, as originally mapped.

The soil mapped as Cecil stony loam in Adams County, Pa., has
been changed to Montalto stony loam.

NEW TYPES ESTABLISHED.
ATLANTIC AND GULF COASTAL PLAINS PROVINCE.
SANDS.

Scranton sand.—The surface soil consists of 3 or 4 inches of ashy
to dark-gray sand, usually grading into sand of a coffee-brown color.
The subsoil, beginning at depths ranging from 8 to 12 inches, is a
white medium textured sand, compact and usually saturated with
water. The surface is quite rich in organic matter. Saw Palmetto
is a conspicuous plant. The type occurs as poorly drained flat areas
near streams or “bays,” and requires ditching to fit it for cultiva-
tion. It occupies an intermediate position between the Norfolk and
the Portsmouth sand. Reclaimed areas give rather poor results with
cotton, but better yields of corn and oats. (Bullock County, Ga.)

9426°—11——1

nr co \
2 DESCRIPTIONS OF NEW SOIL TYPES. aoe
14 tl
Scranton loamy sand.—This type consists of a dark-gray to black
sand or loamy sand rich in organic matter, resting, at an average
depth of about 10 inches, on a compact light-yellow material of about
the same texture as the soil. This is in turn underlain at 20 to 30
inches by light-yellow sticky sand to sandy clay, sometimes slightly
mottled with drab and red. The surface is flat and the underdrain-
age poor, the subsoil being nearly, or quite, saturated throughout a
good part of the year. Ditching is necessary to bring the land into
proper condition for cultivation. With moderate fertilization a
bale of cotton per acre has been secured. Sea-Island cotton makes a
rank growth, but yields rather lightly. Corn does quite well, as do
also sugar cane and a number of vegetables. (Bullock County, Ga.)

FINE SANDS.

Bienville fine sand—This type consists of a surface soil of light
yellowish gray medium to find sand 8 inches deep, underlain to a
depth of 36 inches by orange-colored sand. It occurs as low ridges
in the alluvial bottom lands, but is not subject to overflow. The
topography is almost level. Very little of this type is cultivated.
It should prove a valuable soil for early truck. (Ellis County, Tex.)

Susquehanna fine sand.—The surface soil, to an average depth of
about 24 inches, is a rather loose fine sand, gray in the immediate
surface portion and pale yellow below. The subsoil is a reddish to
mottled, red, yellow, drab, and gray plastic clay. The type gen-
erally occurs on the crests of ridges and knolls. The natural drain-
age is excessive. With heavy fertilization and the incorporation of
large quantities of organic matter fair crops of cotton, corn, and
forage are secured. Melons, sweet potatoes, and a number of other
vegetables do well. (Lauderdale County, Miss.)

SANDY LOAMS,

Ruston sandy loam.—The surface soil, to a depth of about 6 to
15 inches, consists of a gray loamy sand. The subsoil is a fairly
friable yellowish-red sandy clay, the color being intermediate be-
tween the red of the Orangeburg and the yellow of the Norfolk soils.
Iron concretions and ironstone fragments are encountered here and
there on the surface and throughout the subsoil. The surface is
predominately rolling, probably averaging rougher than either
Orangeburg or Norfolk areas. Grayish mottling is sometimes en-
countered in the lower portion of the subsoil and frequently the
subsoil is less friable than that of the Orangeburg or Norfolk soils.
The type is adapted to about the same crops as the Norfolk sandy
loam, but gives usually somewhat lighter yields. Cotton, corn, pea-
nuts, and forage crops give good results under careful treatment.

(Pike County, Ala.)

ee ATLANTIC AND GULF COASTAL PLAINS. 3
~“
Greenville coarse sandy loam.—The surface soil of this type varies
» from a coarse loamy sand to a heavy sandy loam, the immediate
~. surface portion usually being much coarser than the subsurface. In
color there is a range from dull reddish brown to a pronounced
reddish brown. The subsoil is a dark reddish brown to dark-red
sandy clay of a rather stiff, firm structure and a remarkable capacity
for holding moisture. The topography varies from undulating on
interstream divides to sloping along the descents to streams. In
the latter situation the soil loses the series characteristics and be-
comes more like the Orangeburg soil. With good drainage and
power to hold moisture this is a soil of high agricultural value,
especially when the coarse texture of the surface soil is taken into
consideration. Much of this land has been in cultivation 50 years or
more, and is still producing good yields of cotton, corn, oats, cowpeas,
and sorghum. (Pike County, Ala.)

Hoffman coarse sandy loam.—The surface soil is a gray coarse
sand, carrying generaily considerable quantities of small gravel. The
subsoil is a rather stiff sandy clay, mottled bright red, white, and
drab. The type occurs mainly as small knolls. On account of its
open character it does not hold moisture well and only moderate
vields can be expected except where heavy applications of fertilizers
and organic manures are used. (Bullock County, Ga.)

FINE SANDY LOAMS.

Hoffman fine sandy loam.—The surface soil consists of a light-gray
to yellowish fine sand to loamy fine sand from 12 to 15 inches deep.
The subsoil is a rather stiff, plastic sandy clay, distinctly mottled
purplish and pinkish red, gray, and yellow. Some pebbles and frag-
ments of iron-cemented sandstone occur here and there. The topog-
raphy is somewhat broken, being usually rougher than that of the
Norfolk fine sandy loam. The type is generally considered a rather
poor soil, although with careful handling much of it gives fairly
good results with cotton, corn, peanuts, sweet potatoes, cowpeas, and
velvet beans. (Bullock County, Ga.) ;

Pheba fine sandy loam.—The surface soil is a gray to light-brown
fine sandy loam from 6 to 10 inches deep. The subsoil is a yellowish-
brown heavy fine sandy loam, gradually passing into fine sandy clay
or silty clay. The lower subsoil is usually mottled with reddish-
yellow and gray colors. A heavy clay substratum is encountered at
3 to 6 feet. The surface is flat to gently rolling or undulating. Ditch-
ing is necessary in some of the more nearly level areas. The type is
deficient in organic matter. Cotton, corn, peanuts, oats, rye, cowpeas,
soybeans, and sorghum give very good results with proper treatment.
(Noxubee County, Miss. )

4 DESCRIPTIONS OF NEW SOIL TYPES.

Plummer fine sandy loam.—The surface soil is a gray loamy fine
sand sometimes faintly mottled with brown. At 8 to 18 inches a
compact loamy fine sand, gray or streaked with brownish or yellowish
colors, is encountered. Below this is found a mottled gray and yellow
fine sandy clay or sticky fine sand, with pockets or layers of yellowish
plastic fine sandy clay. On account of its flat surface and low posi-
tion the type is usually poorly drained. Cypress, pine, and cabbage
palmetto constitute the main timber growth. The soil is typically
developed in the flatwoods country of the Coastal Plains. Very
little has been utilized for farming, but with drainage oats, corn, and
sugar cane would probably give good results. Vegetables, especially
onions, lettuce, and cabbage, would also prove profitable. (Jackson-
ville area, Fla.)

The soils of the Plummer series belong in the key to the soils of the
Coastal Plains province, under the heading: Piedmont-Appalachian
Material—Drainage poorly established—Gray soil (attached to the
Lufkin leg)—Gray subsoil mottled with yellowish streaks—Pockets
and jayers of clay material common to lower subsoil—Flatwoods of
Atlantic and East Gulf Coastal Plains.

Durant very fine sandy loam.—This soil type consists of a yellow-
ish-brown very fine sandy loam, underlain by a pale yellowish gray
very fine sandy loam slightly heavier than the surface soil. The soil
varies in texture from a heavy very fine sandy loam to lght loam.
Thin layers of limestone occur throughout the type and fragments
of this rock are occasionally scattered over the surface. The topog-
raphy is broken and hilly, as the surface is cut by numerous
V-shaped valleys. Little of this type is under cultivation. The
greater part is used for grazing, for which purpose it is best adapted.
The areas are generally too hilly and badly eroded for tillage.
(Ellis County, Tex.)

SILT LOAM.

Ruston silt loam.—The soil of this type to an average depth of
about 7 inches is a gray to grayish-brown silt loam. In places the
content of very fine sand is high. The subsoil is a yellowish-red to
dull-red silt loam, grading quickly into a silty clay loam. In the
lower subsoil the material is mottled with gray and the structure is
slightly plastic. The type occupies undulating to gently sloping or
gently rolling country. With moderate applications of fertilizers
and organic manures cotton, corn, oats, and forage crops give good
yields. (Lauderdale County, Miss.)

CLAY LOAMS.

Greenville gravelly clay loam.—The surface soil to a depth of 4 or
5 inches is reddish-brown heavy sandy loam with sufficient clay to
impart the working qualities of a friable clay loam. In places the

ATLANTIC AND GULF COASTAL PLAINS. 5

texture is decidedly a clay loam. The subsoil is a reddish or dark-
red sandy clay, frequently becoming heavier with increase in depth.
Tron concretions are abundant over the surface, in the soil, and less
so in the subsoil. The surface configuration ranges from undulating
to gently rolling, giving good surface drainage without. destructive
erosion. Cotton, corn, oats, rye, and forage crops give very good
results. (Sumter County, Ga.)

CLAYS.

Durant clay.—This soil consists of 9 inches of dark-brown to almost
black clay. The subsoil from 8 to 36 inches is a stiff, heavy, pale yel-
lowish-drab or sometimes dark-bluish clay. Seattered over the sur-
face and throughout the soil and subsoil are lime concretions or
gravel. The type is derived from marly clays of the Eagle Ford
formation. The topography varies from level to gently rolling.
Cotton yields one-third to three-quarters bale per acre, corn 30 to 40
bushels, and oats 40 to 50 bushels. (Ellis County, Tex.)

Ellis clay—This soil, to a depth of 6 inches, is a yellowish-brown
clay. The subsoil is a yellowish heavy plastic clay to a depth of 3
feet or more. In many places there are scattered over the surface
and through the soil and subsoil fragments of hard, brown limestone.
The soil is very sticky and plastic when wet and bakes on drying.
The surface features vary from rolling to hilly or even broken.
The broken areas are badly eroded. The type is derived from the
marly clays of the Eagle Ford formation and from the Taylor marl.
Because of the difficulty of cultivation, owing to the heavy texture
and uneven surface, the greater proportion of the type is not culti-
vated. It is better suited to cotton than to any other crop, yielding
from one-quarter to one-half bale per acre. (Ellis County, Tex.)

The proper place for the Ellis series in the key to the soils of the
Coastal Plains province is under the heading “ Calcareous material,”
attached to the drainage well established leg, as follows: Yellowish-
brown soil—Yellow subsoil—Derived from marly clays—Surface
hilly.

Pheba clay—trThe surface soil consists of 8 inches of Lght-brown
clay or silty clay. Over this there occasionally is a shallow covering
of fine sandy material. The subsoil is a rather plastic clay of
brownish or yellowish color, mottled at lower depths with gray.
The surface drainage of the flatter areas is frequently poor. The
type is usually deficient in organic matter and is inclined to bake.
It is best adapted to wheat, grass, and forage crops. Cotton, corn,
and oats give fair returns. (Noxubee County, Miss.)

Henderson stony clay—This type consists of a surface soil of
greenish-gray, sticky clay, carrying varying proportions of frag-
mental limestone. There usually is a thin mantle of fine sand over

6 DESCRIPTIONS OF NEW SOIL TYPES.

the surface of the less stony areas. The subsoil is very heavy and
tenacious. In the lower part the decomposed limestone or a marly
material occurs. The soil is derived from Tertiary limestone. It
has not been seen under cultivation, and probably would prove of
low agricultural value on account of the intractable character of the
material. (Pike County, Ala.)

The Henderson series belongs in the key to the Coastal Plains
province as a leg attached to the Sumter soils, under the heading
“ Caleareous material,” drainage well established, as follows: Yellow
soil—Greenish-gray, sticky subsoil—Weathered limestone fragments
and marly material abundant.

Houston stony clay.—This type consists of 4 to 15 inches of dark-
brown or black clay, underlain by chalky white limestone. Lime-
stone fragments of varying size are scattered over the surface. The
type is eroded, and small outcrops of the parent rock are frequently
seen on the hillsides and on the summits of knolls. Owing to the
shallow soil the type does not stand drought well, and the yields
depend largely upon the season. In years of normal rainfall good
crops of cotton, corn, wheat, and oats are secured. (Ellis County,
Tex.)

Lauderdale stony clay—This type consists of a yellow to nearly
white, stiff clay carrying on the surface and throughout the soil
to 36 inches from 25 to 60 per cent of stone fragments, consisting of
‘ather soft white to yellowish or reddish siliceous rock, of locally
cemented reddish sandstone, and of a hard siliceous rock resembling
quartzite. There is no distinct line of demarcation between soil and
subsoil. The type is derived from the Tallahatta buhrstone forma-
tion of the Claibourne stage. The type is locally called “ white hills ”
and “white rock land.” It chiefly occupies the crests of narrow,
high, winding ridges and the tops of hills, though occasionally de-
veloped on lower slopes. The topography is too rough for profitable
farming. (Lauderdale County, Miss.)

The Lauderdale series belongs in the Coastal Plains province
under the heading: Piedmont-Appalachian material—Drainage well
established—Gray soils—Mottled tenacious clay subsoil (changed to
subsoils plastic). Here it will connect as a separate leg—Subsoil
white—Residual from soft, siliceous, gray rock (Claibourne forma-
tion).

SUBORDINATE TYPES.

Sumter stony sandy loam.—The surface soil, with a depth of about
5 to 12 inches, is a yellowish-gray to yellow sandy loam. The sub-
soil is principally composed of partially weathered limestone of the
Vicksburg-Jackson formation, the interstitial material being a yel-
lowish sandy clay. The surface is strewn with limestone and chert

PIEDMONT PLATEAU. yf

fragments. These fragments also are usually so plentiful as to inter-
fere materially with cultivation. The type occupies ridges and
slopes where erosion has exposed the underlying rock. Cultivated
areas give good yields of the general farm crops. Peaches do es-
pecially well. (Sumter County, Ga.)

The position of the Sumter series in the key to the soils of the
Coastal Plains is as follows: Caleareous material—Drainage well es-
tablished—A third leg reading: Yellow soil—Yellow subsoil—Frag-
ments of weathered Vicksburg-Jackson limestone common.

Susquehanna stony sandy loam.—The surface soil is a grayish or
grayish-brown medium to coarse sand to sandy loam. The subsoil
is usually a stiff, plastic red or reddish-yellow clay, with little sand.
Tt is often mottled with gray. In places the lower subsoil is com-
posed of a reddish micaceous sand with very little clay. The type
is characterized by its rough topography and the presence of an
abundance of ironstone and ferruginous gravel on the surface. It
has little value except for Bermuda pasturage. (Pike County, Ala.)

Greenville coarse sand—The surface soil is a brown to reddish-
brown coarse loamy sand of more coherent structure than the Norfolk
and Orangeburg coarse sand. The subsoil is usually very similar
to the soil in texture, averaging a little lighter. It has usually a
brighter red color than the surface soil. The type is often typically
developed on the lower slopes of divides on which the heavier mem-
bers of the Greenville series occur. For such a coarse textured soil,
the agricultural value is surprisingly high. This is due largely to a
greater power of conserving moisture than less ferruginous, lighter
colored coarse sands. This soil is not well adapted to general farm
crops, but cotton and oats give fair results. Watermelons, sweet
potatoes, and a number of vegetables do particularly well.

PIEDMONT PLATEAU PROVINCE,

SOUTHERN PIEDMONT.

Durham fine sandy loam.—The surface soil is a gray to yellowish
fine to medium sandy loam, 8 to 10 inches deep. The subsoil is a
friable yellow fine sandy clay. The topography is predominately
undulating to gently rolling and the drainage is good. The type is
derived principally from fine-grained granite and gneiss. It is
well suited to bright tobacco, peanuts, sweet and Irish potatoes, gar-
den peas, cowpeas, crimson clover, watermelons, and cantaloupes.
With fertilization rye, corn, oats, and cotton give fair to good
yields. (Granville County, N. C.)

Mecklenburg sandy loam.—The surface soil, to a depth of 6 to 12
inches, consists of a dark-brown to reddish-brown hght loam to
sandy loam. The subsoil is a yellowish-brown to ocherous-yellow,

8 DESCRIPTIONS OF NEW SOIL TYPES.

heavy, plastic, impervious clay, underlain at 20 to 36 inches by dis-
integrated rock of the parent diorite, micadiorite, gabbrodiorite, or
metagabbro. Hardwoods, principally oak and hickory, constitute
the chief growth of forested areas. Under ordinary methods of cul-
tivation corn yields from 15 to 30 bushels per acre and oats from 15 to
40 bushels. Wheat, cowpeas, and soy beans do fairly well. (Cabar-
rus County, N. C.)

The position of the Mecklenburg series in the key to the Southern
Piedmont Plateau province is as follows: Igneous and metamorphic
rocks—Diorite and diabase—Red soils—Yellow plastic subsoils—
Disintegrated rock substratum.

Iredell loam.—This type consists of light-brown heavy fine sandy
loam to light loam, 4 to 8 inches deep, underlain by a yellowish-
brown, impervious, waxy, sticky clay, passing at 20 to 30 inches into
disintegrated rock. Black iron concretions are common over the
surface and throughout the soil. The topography is flat or undu-
lating to gently rolling. Surface drainage is good, except in the
more nearly level areas, which need ditching. The type is derived
chiefly from diorite. Blackjack oak is a prominent tree, although
other oaks, some cedar, and old-field pine are seen. The type is
highly prized for oats, cotton, wheat, corn, and grasses. (Cabarrus,
Granville, and Mecklenburg Counties, N. C.)

Mecklenburg loam.—The surface soil consists of 6 to 8 inches of
reddish-brown to red loam or light loam. The subsoil is a yellowish-
brown or ocherous yellow plastic, tenacious clay, becoming more fri-
able at a depth of 24 to 30 inches, owing to the presence of fragments
of the parent rock. A mass of disintegrated rock is usually encoun-
tered within the 3-foot section. In places the subsoil resembles that
of the Iredell soils, giving a section somewhat the appearance of
Cecil material over Iredell. The topography is usually undulating
to gently rolling and the surface drainage good. The characteristic
timber growth is white, red, post, and blackjack oak, with consid-
erable hickory and a sprinkling of cedar and pine. The type is well
adapted to corn, cotton, oats, wheat, grass, and forage crops. From
15 to 30 bushels of corn, 15 to 40 bushels of oats, and from one-half
to 1 bale of cotton per acre are ordinary yields. (Mecklenburg
County, N. C.)

Alamance silt loam.—This type consists of a yellowish-gray to
white, floury, rather compact silt loam, 6 or 8 inches in depth, over-
lying a pale yellow heavy silt loam, which quickly grades into a
rather dense yellow silty clay. Fragments of the parent rock are
scattered over the surface, sometimes in sufficient ‘abundance to de-
velop patches of slate loam. The subsoil does not have the greasy
feel that is frequently noticed in the subsoil of the York soils. The

PIEDMONT PLATEAU. 9

type occupies nearly flat to rolling topography. White oak, post
oak, blackjack oak, and pine constitute the principal vegetation.
The soil is low in organic matter and is inclined to compact. It is
considered an excellent grain soil, and when properly supplied with
vegetable matter and moderately fertilized good yields of corn, cot-
ton, and forage crops are secured. (Cabarrus, Granville, and
Mecklenburg Counties, N. C.)

Georgeville silt loam.—The surface soil is a reddish-brown, rather
heavy silt loam, 4 to 8 inches deep. The subsoil is a red heavy clay,
underlain to about 36 inches by partially decomposed rock, which
in turn is underlain by hard bed rock at depths of 40 to 50 inches.
The type is derived from slate rocks closely related to those giving
the Alamance soils. The reddish color is believed to be due to the
higher content of iron-bearing minerals. The topography is very
undulating to broken along streams. The timber growth consists
principally of oak, hickory, dogwood, and pine. This is a better
agricultural soil than the Alamance silt loam. It is well suited to
oats, wheat, corn, and forage crops. Cotton matures late and is
sometimes killed by frost. (Cabarrus and Granville Counties, N. C.)

The Georgeville series belongs in the key to the soils of the South-
ern Piedmont. It should be attached to the Alamance series leg—
Carolina slates—Reddish-brown soil and red subsoil.

Mecklenburg clay loam.—Vhe surface soil consists of reddish-brown
to red loam to clay loam, with an average depth of 8 inches. The
subsoil is a yellowish-brown or ocherous-yellow, stiff, plastic clay.
At 18 to 24 inches the partially decomposed parent rock is encoun-
tered. Iron concretions occasionally occur on the surface. The
topography varies from undulating to gently rolling. Along stream
slopes it is sometimes slightly broken. Drainage is good, except in
some of the more nearly level areas. White, post, red, and black-
jack oak, hickory, pine, and cedar constitute the usual forest growth.
Cotton yields from one-half to 1 bale per acre; corn, from 20 to 40
bushels; oats, from 20 to 40 bushels; and wheat, 12 to 20 bushels per
acre. Clover, vetch, soy beans, cowpeas, and Johnson grass do well.
(Mecklenburg and Cabarrus Counties, N. C.)

Alamance slate loam.—The surface soil, to an average depth of about
8 inches, consists of a gray to nearly white silt loam, to which numer-
ous small fragments of slate rock impart a gritty feel. In some places
there is a thin layer of yellow silty clay subsoil, but usually the gray
silt loam soil is underlain by the slate. Fragments of this rock up
to an inch or more in diameter are present in the soil in sufficient
quantities to interfere materially with cultivation. The topography
varies from gently rolling to rolling or sometimes broken. Much of
the type is covered with valuable forest, consisting principally of

9426°—-11——2

10 DESCRIPTIONS OF NEW SOIL TYPES.

oak, pine, and hickory. Owing to the rolling topography, open
structure, and the proximity of bed rock to the surface the drainage
is usually excessive. The average yields are low, but where the soil
is less slaty and the depth to underlying rock deeper than normal
moderate yields of cotton, wheat, corn, and oats are secured. Cer-
tain varieties of apples, pears, and peaches do well. (Cabarrus
County, N. C.)

Iredell stony loam.—The surface soil of this type consists of 6
inches of greenish-brown loam. The subsoil is somewhat variable
but is prevailingly a yellowish-brown silty clay loam, quickly pass-
ing into a plastic, sticky reddish-yellow heavy clay, which in turn
erades into greenish-brown material of like character. At about 24
inches partially decomposed greenish rock is found. Fragments of
schistose rocks, of diorite, and sometimes of quartz are scattered over
the surface and disseminated throughout the soil in sufficient quan-
tities to hinder cultivation. Rock outcrops are also frequent. The
type is derived from andesite, altered andesite, and diorite. Of the
crops ordinarily grown, wheat, oats, and grass give the best results.
(Granville County, N. C.)

NORTHERN PIEDMONT.
COARSE SAND.

Granville coarse sandy loam.—The surface soil is a grayish coarse
sandy loam, which usually at a depth of about 5 inches becomes pale
yellow in color and slightly heavier in texture. The subsoil is a
yellow sandy clay, sometimes mottled with gray and occasionally
including, especially in the lower depths, a plastic clay of Indian
red color. A typical section is very similar to that of the Durham
coarse sandy loam, though differing in the frequent occurrence of
Indian red and grayish colored clay in the lower subsoil. The sub-
soil also is somewhat more plastic than that of the Durham coarse
sandy loam. Galled spots, representing areas from which the surface
soil has been washed off, are of common occurrence. In such areas
the soil is usually a plastic clay, of Indian-red or grayish color. The
topography is gently undulating to rolling or slightly hilly, and the
drainage good to excessive. The type is derived from Triassic sand-
stone. The agricultural value is about the same as that of the Dur-
ham coarse sandy loam. Good yields of a fine grade of bright yellow
tobacco are secured, Corn, oats, peanuts, sweet and Irish potatoes,
forage crops, and a number of vegetables do well. (Granville
County, N. C.)

The soils of the Granville series belong in the key to the soils of the
Piedmont Plateau province. They fall under “ yellow subsoil” of
the Lansdale lee, by adding “ deep subsoil, mottled gray and Indian
red (Penn material) —Granville.”

GLACIAL AND LOESSIAL. 11

GLACIAL AND LOESSIAL PROVINCE.
SANDS.

Miami sand.—The soil is a yellowish to brownish-gray medium
sand, about 8 inches deep, underlain by lighter colored, loose, inco-
herent sand of the same texture. Comparatively little stone occurs
in this type, though a small quantity of cobbles and gravel is found
in local areas. The topography is usually rolling and sometimes
hilly. The type occurs not infrequently in the form of moraines.
The drainage is so free as to make the soil droughty and the agri-
cultural value is consequently lower than in the case of the Miami
types of finer texture. In moist seasons such crops as rye, corn, and
potatoes produce fair yields. (Waukesha County, Wis.)

SANDY LOAMS.

Plainfield sandy loam—vThe surface soil of this type is a brown
loamy sand to sandy loam, 16 or 18 inches deep. The subsoil becomes
lighter in color and somewhat coarser in texture as depth increases
and at about 30 inches is usually a yellow sand possessing but little
coherency. The material often extends to depths of many feet. For
the most part it has been laid down by rushing glacial waters rather
than as present-day alluvium, and occurs in broad filled-in valleys
along the streams and as glacial outwash in the glaciated region of
the Great Lakes and also in the driftless area of Wisconsin. It has
a level to slightly undulating topography. While subirrigated the
soil is now above all overflow. It produces light yields of corn, hay,
rye, and some of the other general farm crops. Dairying is an
important industry on some of the type. (Iowa County, Wis.)

FINE SANDY LOAMS.

Plainfield fine sandy loam.—The surface soil varies from yellowish
to brownish in color. In texture it is a fine sandy loam. It extends
to a depth of about 10 inches. The subsoil is usually somewhat
looser and coarser than the overlying soil, and small gravel is usually
present. The type occurs as nearly level to gently undulating out-
wash plains, the materials forming which are often many feet in
depth. The underdrainage is free. In seasons of a moderate amount
of moisture the type produces fair crops of potatoes, corn, and other
general farm crops. (Waukesha County, Wis.)

LOAMS.

Farmington loam.—This type consists of a light-brown silt loam,
from 6 to 10 inches deep, resting upon thin-bedded shaly limestone.
The shallow soil contains more or less angular fragments of lime-
stone, together with a small percentage of glacial gravel and stones,
though the possibilities of cultivation are rather more dependent

12 DESCRIPTIONS OF NEW SOIL TYPES.

upon the depth to the limestone than upon the presence of loose stone.
The topography is nearly level and drainage is good. The type occu-
pies valley positions where a large part of the glacial material origi-
nally present has been swept away by glacial streams. The soil is
partly residual. This type is well adapted to potatoes, beans, corn,
oats, and clover, depending upon the depth to the underlying rock.
(Ontario County, N. Y.)

The Farmington series belongs in the Glacial and Loessial province,
under the heading, “ Thin glacial material,” and under the subdi-
vision, “ Limestone material ”—‘ shaly limestone,” attached to the
pendant under “ light-brown soil ”—substratum of limestone.

Plainfield loam.—This type consists of a light-brown medium loam,
about 10 inches deep, underlain by a yellowish or yellowish-brown
subsoil of slightly heavier texture, containing a small quantity of
sand and fine gravel. The gravel content increases below 18 inches,
and the subsoil frequently grades into a gravel bed. The type is
easy to cultivate and the presence of the underlying gravel gives good
drainage. In prolonged dry seasons crops are liable to suffer some-
what from lack of water, but in seasons of normal rainfall the type
is a good general purpose soil and is particularly well adapted to
corn and potatoes. The topography varies from level to somewhat
undulating. (Waukesha County, Wis.)

SILT LOAMS.

Plainfield silt loam.—This type consists of a light-gray to light-
brown silt loam, varying from 8 to 12 inches in depth, underlain by
a vellowish-brown heavy silt loam or clay loam subsoil. At from
about 18 inches to 3 feet fine gravel is usually found. This under-
lving gravel provides good subdrainage, so that the soil can be
cultivated under a rather wide range of moisture conditions. The
topography varies from nearly level to somewhat undulating and
ihe type usually forms outwash plains. It is a fairly good general
farming soil and produces moderate yields of ordinary crops, includ-
ing grains, root crops, etc. (Waukesha County, Wis.)

SUBORDINATE TYPES.

Miami gravel—The Miami gravel consists of a gray to brown
gravelly loam or slightly sandy loam. Cobblestones, gravel, and
bowlders form a large percentage of the material. The coarser mate-
rial is made up of a variety of angular and sometimes rounded frag-
ments of granitic or gneissic rocks and of limestone. The topography
is usually hummocky and often quite largely formed of the rounded
hills and knolls of moraines. In many localities the type is subject
to considerable erosion and the agricultural uses are limited. Its
principal value is for pasturage. (Waukesha County, Wis.)

GLACIAL LAKE AND RIVER TERRACE. 18

Miami gravelly sandy loam.—This type is a light-brown to grayish-
brown sandy loam, containing a small quantity of fine and medium
sized gravel and stone, underlain by a subsoil containing enough clay
to make it slightly sticky. The soil proper has a depth of about 10
inches. At 18 to 24 inches the gravel content increases and there are
not infrequently numerous cobblestones and bowlders. The topog-
raphy varies from undulating to rolling and somewhat hilly. The
surface drainage is always good. Some artificial drainage is neces-
sary in localities where the subsoil is heaviest and the stone content
least. The type is subject to some erosion. It is a very fair soil.
Oats and rye are well adapted to the type. Clover is one of the more
important crops. (Waukesha County, Wis.)

Waukesha gravelly loam.—This type consists of a brownish to
black loam, 8 or 10 inches deep, resting upon a subsoil somewhat
lighter in color and containing more fine gravel and sand. At a
depth of 18 inches to 2 feet the gravel increases in quantity, often
occurring as beds showing marked stratification. The topography
varies from level to undulating or slightly rolling. The type is best
adapted to such crops as rye and oats, though in seasons of consider-
able rainfall corn gives fair yields. (Waukesha County, Wis.)

GLACIAL LAKE AND RIVER TERRACE PROVINCE.
SANDY LOAMS.

Chenango sandy loam.—This type consists of light-brown sandy
loam, about 6 inches deep, overlying a yellowish-brown somewhat
incoherent sandy loam or loamy sand. Small gravel is found at the
surface and in the subsoil. The type occupies stream terraces above
danger of overflow, and is well suited to the production of truck
crops and small fruit. (Erie County, Pa.)

LOAMS.

Chenango loam.—The Chenango loam is characterized by a light-
brown or reddish-brown loam soil, about 8 inches deep, underlain by
a somewhat lighter and occasionally mottled loam or silty loam sub-
soll. Fine shale fragments and rounded gravel occur in the soil
and subsoil. The type is found on stream terraces. The gravel in
the subsoil usually makes the type well drained. The flatter areas
are sometimes improved by tiling. This is a good soil for general
farm crops and for cabbage and potatoes. Fruit does well where
topographic and climatic conditions are suitable. (Erie County, Pa.)

SILT LOAMS.,

Chenango silt loam.—This type consists of about 9 inches of brown
silt loam, overlying a silt loam or silty clay loam subsoil of somewhat

14 DESCRIPTIONS OF NEW SOIL TYPES. °

lighter color. Variable quantities of fine gravel occur in soil and
subsoil. The type occupies terraces lying above overflow along
streams, and the topography is level to slightly undulating. The
soil is easily cultivated and is well adapted to corn, grain, and grass
crops, and to pear and apple orchards where suitably located. (Erie
County, Pa.)

SILTY CLAY LOAMS.

Clyde silty clay loam.—This type is composed of a dark-brown to
black silty clay loam, ranging from 6 to 10 inches in depth, underlain
by a drab or gray usually mottled clay subsoil. The topography is
level and the drainage is naturally poor, so that ditching is necessary
before crops can be profitably grown. When reclaimed the type is
strong and productive and good yields of corn and general farm crops
are secured. Such crops as cabbages and onions are also very well
suited to this type. Timothy and redtop produce from 1 to 24 tons
per acre on reclaimed land. (Waukesha County, Wis.)

Livingston silty clay loam.—The soil of this type is a brown to
light-brown heavy loam or silty clay loam, about 10 inches deep.
The subsoil consists of a dense silty clay loam or clay of mottled gray
color. The topography is nearly level to gently undulating and the
natural drainage is inadequate both on account of the unfavorable
surface topography and the impervious nature of the subsoil. The
principal forest growth consists of different species of oaks, hickory,
and some elm. When well drained the type 1s adapted to corn, wheat,
beans, and hay. (Ontario County, N. Y.)

LIMESTONE VALLEYS AND UPLANDS PROVINCE.

SILT LOAMS.

Brooke silt loam.—The surface soil is a light-brown mellow silt
loam, 8 to 10 inches deep. The subsoil is a heavy tenacious clay, rang-
ing in color from ght brown to shghtly reddish brown, occasionally
mottled in the lower portion with grayish colors. The type occupies
plateau areas, the tops of hills, and ridges. It is a very productive
soil and is largely under cultivation. Corn yields from 60 to 100
bushels per acre; oats, 80 to 60 bushels; wheat, 18 to 30 bushels; and
hay, 14 to 34 tons. Bluegrass, timothy, and clover thrive. (Wash-
ington County, Pa.)

Pocahontas silt loam.—The surface soil is a yellowish-gray to hght-
brown silt loam of friable structure, with a depth of 9 to 12 inches.
The subsoil is a yellowish silty clay or silty clay loam. The type is
derived from shales with some included limestone. Its topography
is well suited to agriculture. Good yields of wheat, corn, cowpeas.

LIMESTONE VALLEY, AND UPLANDS. 15

grass, and clover are secured. With proper management alfalfa
would probably do well. (Cape Girardeau County, Mo.)

The Pocahontas series belongs in the Limestone valleys and Up-
lands province, as follows: On the Murrill leg, coming out directly
under the description of the subsoil and above the colluvial slopes.

Tilsit silt loam.—The surface soil of this type is a pale-yellow to
brownish-yellow silt loam. The upper 2 or 3 inches may have a
gray color. The soil differs from the Hagerstown silt loam in being
yellow rather than brown. There is present occasionally consider-
able quantities of fine and very fine sand. The subsoil is like the
soil, a pale yellow to brownish-yellow soil, with a faint reddish tinge.
At depths ranging from 10 to 24 inches the subsoil is shghtly heavier
than the soil and often has a somewhat lighter color. Below 24
inches the subsoil is mottled yellow, gray, and brown. It is derived
from a fine-grained sandstone lying between beds of limestone in the
Limestone Valleys and Uplands province. It is influenced more or
less by material from the limestone. (Cape Girardeau County, Mo.)

The Tilsit series belongs in the key of soils to the Limestone Val-
leys and Uplands province on the Colbert leg, under limestone and
sandstone, as follows: Brownish-yellow to gray soil—Brownish-
yellow subsoil—Deep subsoil mottled yellow, brown, and gray—
Tilsit.

SILTY CLAY LOAMS.

Colbert silty clay loam.—The surface soil is a grayish compact
heavy silt loam to silty clay loam having an average depth of about
5 inches. The subsoil in the upper part is yellow heavy silty clay
loam. This usually grades into plastic silty clay, the lower subsoil
frequently being quite sticky and tenacious. The type is derived
from pure limestone, or limestone including some sandstone. The
topography varies from flat to gently undulating. Drainage is im-
perfectly established. The characteristic forest consists of red oak,
post oak, blackjack oak, hickory, pine, and elm. The type is adapted
to shallow-rooted crops, such as wheat and grasses. (Walker
County, Ga.)

CLAYS,

Pennington clay.—This type consists of a yellow to light-brown
clay of variable depth, resting on a subsoil of tough yellowish clay
mottled with light blue. A thin covering of colluvial material is
encountered in places. At present none of the type is used for agri-
culture. Throughout most of the year the soil is soggy from accu-
mulation of seepage waters. It requires artificial drainage before
any crops can be grown. (Rockcastle County, Ky.)

The position of the Pennington soils in the key to the Limestone
Valleys and Uplands province is as follows: Attached to * limestone

16 DESCRIPTIONS OF NEW SOIL TYPES.

and shale” leg, above “ brown soil.” Yellow soil—sStiff clay subsoil,
mottled yellow and blue.

Colbert stony clay.—The surface soil is a gray to grayish-brown
compact silty clay loam to silty clay, 4 to 6 inches in depth. The
subsoil is very plastic, tenacious, sticky, yellow clay. Ledges and
fragments of the limestone from which the type is derived are of
very common occurrence. The type forms flat to undulating valley
lands and some lower slopes bounding escarpments. Oak, cedar, and
hickory constitute the principal forest growth. This is a very difk-
cult soil to plow. It is best suited to the production of grass for hay
or pasturage. (Walker County, Ga.)

APPALACHIAN MOUNTAINS AND PLATEAUS PROVINCE.

FINE SANDY LOAMS.

Allen fine sandy loam.—The surface soil is a brown to reddish-
brown fine sandy loam, from 6 to 8 inches deep. The subsoil is
reddish-brown to red compact heavy fine sandy loam. Rounded
sandstone fragments are more or less abundant on the surface and are
occasionally encountered in the soil. The type occupies level to slop-
ing situations about the mouth of gorges. The soil consists of De-
catur material mixed with Dekalb material washed from adjacent
higher lands. The drainage is well established. Cotton, corn, oats,
cowpeas, and sorghum give good results. (Walker County, Ga.)

The place of the Allen series in the key to soils of the Appalachian
Mountains and Plateaus province is as a separate leg headed: Sand-
stone, shale, and limestone—Brown soil, red subsoil, mixed Dekalb
and Decatur material.

Westmoreland. fine sandy loam.—The surface soil is a brown to
vellowish-brown fine sandy loam, averaging about 8 inches in depth.
The subsoil is a lighter-colored heavy fine sandy loam to fine sandy
silt loam or silty clay loam. The type occupies high plateau areas,
mainly where the drainage is good to excessive. It is derived from
fine-erained micaceous sandstone and is influenced to a variable
degree by limestone material from associated limestones. It is a
very good general farming soil, producing from 25 to 50 bushels of
corn, 20 to 40 bushels of oats, and 10 to 15 bushels of wheat per acre.
Grass gives only moderate yields. Vegetables do well. (Washington
County, Pa.)

The position of the Westmoreland series in the key to the soils of
the Appalachian Mountains and Plateaus province is attached to the
Conasauga pendant, under the heading: “ Shale and sandstone with
some interbedded limestone ”—Brown soil—Yellow friable subsoil—
Sloping to rolling topography.

APPALACHIAN MOUNTAINS AND PLATEAUS. Le

LOAMS.

Conasauga loam.—This type consists of a light-brown silty loam,
underlain at 12 to 15 inches by yellow silty clay loam to silty clay.
It forms gently rolling valley lands. It is derived from interbedded
fine-grained sandstone, shale, and siliceous limestone. It gives very
fair yields of cotton, corn, oats, wheat, and forage crops. (Walker
County, Ga.)

Lickdale shale loam.—The surface soil is a gray to light-brown
silt loam, averaging about 6 inches in depth. The subsoil is a yellow
silty clay, mottled with gray and dull-bluish colors in the lower por-
tion. At depths from 12 to 24 inches the parent shale rock is en-
countered. Fragments of gray, olive, bluish, and brown shale are
scattered plentifully over the surface and throughout the soil mass.
The type occupies lower slopes, usually bordering stream bottom or
terrace soils. It is kept in a soggy condition by seepage a good part
of the year. On the other hand, it is subject to excessive drainage
in dry periods. Chestnut, oak, hickory, and pine constitute the
principal tree growth. Little of the type is used for agriculture.
Grasses, such as redtop and meadow fescue and Japan clover, do
well. (Rockcastle County, Ky.)

SILT LOAMS.

Allis silt loam.—The surface soil of the Allis silt loam consists of
8 to 10 inches of light-brown to gray silt loam, containing small
quantities of rounded gravel and soft shale fragments. This overlies
a subsoil of gray sticky silty loam or clay loam. The surface soil is
friable and cultivation is carried on without much difficulty. The
topography is level to undulating, though drainage is usually poor
on account of the heavy character of the subsoil. The soil of this
type is derived from the intermixture of glacial material of foreign
origin with residual material formed through weathering from the
soft Salina shales. Most of the previously existing glacial drift has
been removed through glacial stream erosion. The type is adapted
to the production of corn, oats, wheat, and hay, good yields being
secured. (Ontario County, N. Y.) .

Conasauga silt loam.—This type consists of a light-brown silt loam
underlain by a yellow silty clay loam to silty clay. It occurs as
level to gently rolling valley lands. The type is derived from the
Conasauga formation or from similar rocks. Under proper man-
agement good yields of corn, oats, wheat, grass, and forage crops are
secured. Cotton also does fairly well. (Walker County, Ga.)

Westmoreland silt loam.—The surface soil is a grayish-brown to
brown mellow silt loam, 7 to 12 inches deep. The subsoil is yellow-

18 DESCRIPTIONS OF NEW SOIL TYPES.

ish-brown to yellow silty clay loam to silty clay, usually becoming
heavier in texture and lighter in color with increasing depth. The
type is derived from shales and fine-grained sandstone, with inter-
bedded limestone and calcareous shales. The topography ranges
from rolling to quite steep, many areas being so steep as to erode if
cultivated. In the main the soil has excellent drainage. It is,
though, sufficiently retentive of moisture. The principal trees in
forested areas are oak, hickory, locust, black gum, maple, and beech.
This type is admirably suited to the production of corn, oats, wheat,
grass, potatoes, apples, peaches, plums, cherries, and berries. (Wash-
ington County, Pa.)

SILTY CLAY LOAMS.

Armuchee silty clay loam.—This type consists of a brown to red-
dish-brown silty clay loam, 4 to 6 inches deep, resting on a red silty
clay. The type occupies moderately rolling valley lands and is
derived from interbedded fine-grained sandstone, shales, and lime-
stones. It is very well suited to corn, grain, and forage crops.
(Walker County, Ga.)

The position of Armuchee series in the key to the Appalachian
Mountains and Plateaus province is as a leg attached to the Cona-
sauga leg under “ Shale and sandstone with some interbedded lme-
stone,” Brown soil—Red subsoil.

Dekalb silty clay loam.—The surface soil of this type is a lhght-
brown to yellowish-brown heavy silt loam to silty clay loam, 4 to 8
inches deep. The subsoil is a compact, brittle, yellow silty clay
loam to silty clay. On the steeper slopes fragments of the fine-
grained sandstone and shale from which the type is derived are of
common occurrence. The type occupies gentle to steep slopes, the
crests of ridges, and the tops of hills. Grass gives only moderate
returns. Corn and small grains do fairly well, as do also certain
varieties of apples. (Clarksburg area, West Virginia.)

Upshur silty clay loam.—The surface soil is a grayish-brown to
light-red silty clay loam, 8 to 12 inches deep. The subsoil is a heavy
red silty clay loam to silty clay, which at a depth of about 24 inches
changes into an Indian-red heavy, plastic clay. While the surface
color is often grayish the subsoil has the typical red of the Upshur
series. The type is developed mainly on comparatively low hills,
the topography being somewhat less rolling than that of the Upshur
clay. ‘The type is derived from red shales and fine-grained sand-
stone, with some gray shales. It is well suited to apples, bluegrass,
corn, and wheat. Yields are not quite so heavy as those secured from
the Upshur clay, but are considerably better than those from the
Dekalb silt loam. A number of vegetables can be grown with fair
success. (Point Pleasant area, West Virginia.)

APPALACHIAN MOUNTAINS AND PLATEAUS. 19

Westmoreland silty clay loam.—The surface soil is a grayish-brown
to light-brown silty clay loam, 4 to 10 inches deep. The upper
subsoil is a yellow silty clay loam. This quickly grades into yellow
silty clay, somewhat sticky and plastic. Sometimes the lower sub-
soil has an olive green color, especially close to the underlying lime-
stone. Where the type overlies limestone the texture averages
heavier, those areas derived mainly from the limestone and not
markedly influenced by material from the associated shales and sand-
stones really representing local developments of Brooke silty clay
loam. The typical soil is derived from interbedded, fine-grained
sandstone, shale, and limestone. It occupies principally smooth
slopes and has excellent drainage. The type is a very valuable soil,
being suited to corn, small grains, bluegrass, timothy, and clover.
Much of it is used for bluegrass pastures, and affords excellent graz-
ing. (Clarksburg area, West Virginia.)

SUBORDINATE TYPES,

Dekalb loamy sand—This type consists of a light-brown loamy
sand, underlain to an average depth of 8 inches by pale yellow loamy
sand, where it changes to a light sandy loam, becoming coarser with
increase in depth. Areas of this type are developed on or near the
crest of ridges. These are excessively drained. The type is de-
rived from coarse-grained sandstone. Where liberal quantities of
vegetable matter are incorporated with the soil and moderate appli-
cations of fertilizers are made, fair yields of corn, wheat, oats, rye,
and a number of vegetables are secured. (Point Pleasant area, West
Virginia. )

Tanceville stony loam.—The surface soil is a light-brown to red-
dish-brown heavy fine sandy loam to light loam, 8 to 10 inches deep.
The subsoil is a red clay loam or fine sandy loam of friable structure.
Fragments of ferruginous red sandstone are so abundant as to inter-
fere materially with cultivation. The type is confined mainly to
slopes. It is derived from ferruginous sandstone. It is best suited
to forestry. (Walker County, Ga.)

Westmoreland stony loam.—The surface soil is a light-brown silt
loam to silty loam, about 10 inches deep. The subsoil is hghter in
color than the soil, and contains a higher percentage of clay. It
grades into a silty clay loam, which rests upon rock at about 2 to 3
feet. Small sandstone fragments are present in the soil in sufficient
quantities to interfere with cultivation. ‘The type occupies the crests
of hills, narrow ridges, and steep slopes, where erosion is often de-
structive. Drainage is good to excessive. Peaches give good results,
Where the surface admits of proper cultivation, corn yields from 50
to 80 bushels per acre; wheat, 12 to 25 bushels; oats, 20 to 40 bushels;

20 DESCRIPTIONS OF NEW SOIL TYPES.

and hay, 1 ton to 2 tons. In dry seasons the yields are considerably
reduced. (Washington County, Pa.)

RIVER FLOOD PLAINS PROVINCE.

SANDS.

Cahaba sand.—The surface scil is a light-brown to brown rather
loamy sand. The subsoil is a light-brown or yellowish-brown loamy
sand, the content of silt and clay increasing with depth. The lower
subsoil frequently has a reddish tinge. Below 36 inches the material
becomes a reddish-brown sandy loam, sometimes grading into a sandy
clay and having characteristics similar to those of the Orangeburg
subsoil. The type occupies comparatively high terraces and has an
undulating surface. Drainage is for the most part good. This is a
productive soil, giving, under good management, as much as 1 bale
of cotton per acre. Corn, forage, oats, and a number of vegetables
do well. (Pike County, Ala.)

Sarpy sand.—This type consists of a brownish-yellow to yellowish-
brown ght sandy loam to rather loose sand, about 4 to 8 inches deep,
underlain by a loose sand, faintly mottled with shades of yellow and
brown. In typical areas the sand continues to a depth of 3 feet or
more, but in some cases a silty clay loam or clay is encountered in the
lower part of the profile. This soil also occurs in a mixed phase with
the Sharkey soils. Such “mixed land” is characterized by hum-
mocks or small mounds of sand (“sand blows”) of Sarpy sand and
intervening depressions of Sharkey soils, so intermingled that separa-
tion is impracticable. The hummocks are more or less rounded in
shape and range from 8 to 15 inches above the bottoms of the depres-
sions. Between the typical Sharkey clay in the center of the de-
pressions and the typical Sarpy sand in the center of the mounds
there are frequently gradational types or phases of these soils. The
uneven surface of such areas interferes with cultivation, but never-
theless they are used for farming. The typical Sarpy sand is of
‘rather low agricultural value, being deficient in humus and _ irre-
tentive of moisture. By keeping the soil lberally supplied with
organic matter and with liberal applications of fertilizers good crops
of melons, sweet potatoes, Irish potatoes, and a number of vegetables
‘an be secured. Where the depth to clay is 83 feet or more the general
farm crops ordinarily give poor results. (Pemiscot County, Mo.)

FINE SANDS.

Sarpy fine sand.—This type consists of light-brown to grayish-
brown fine sand, sometimes containing minute mica flakes, resting on
a subsoil of yellowish-brown fine sand, in places faintly mottled with
shades of brown. The type is developed on natural levees along

RIVER FLOOD PLAINS. FA

stream courses and bayous. It is highest nearest the stream front,
sloping gradually away to blend with heavier types. Cotton, corn,
oats, cowpeas, and a number of vegetables do fairly well, especially
where the organic-matter content is maintained and the soil occasion-
ally manured or fertilized. (Jackson County, Mo.)

SANDY LOAMS.,

Bibb sandy loam.—This type consists of nearly white to ashy gray
moderately coarse sand, underlain by somewhat plastic sandy clay of
a grayish color, frequently mottled with yellowish. It occupies first
bottoms of streams. It is subject to frequent overflow and is poorly
drained. Grasses give better results than other crops. (Pike
County, Ala.)

St. Catherine sandy loam.—tThis type to a depth of about 10 inches
consists of a medium to rather fine sandy loam or sand of a yellow-
ish color. Below this depth the subsoil consists of about the same
material, though occasionally grading into sticky sandy loam at 30
inches. Gravel is present usually in both soil and subsoil. The type
occurs along the foot of loess bluffs as narrow strips having a slight
slope toward the contiguous true alluvium. It is derived from wash
- from the Lafayette and Port Hudson formations and includes very
little loess. The soil is inclined to be droughty. Early vegetables are
the best crops to grow. (Adams County, Miss.)

The proper place for the St. Catherine series in the key to the
River Flood Plains province is under the heading, “ Coastal Plain
material,” attached to the “ Drainage well established” leg as fol-
lows: Yellow soil—Yellow subsoil—Outwash from Lafayette and
Port Hudson lying under loess.

Genesee sandy loam.—This type consists of a yellowish-brown
sandy loam, about 9 inches deep, overlying a lght-brown or yellow-
ish sandy loam subsoil. Stratified sand and fine gravel not infre-
quently appear in the subsoil and sometimes extend to the surface.
The type usually occupies level areas in the first bottoms of streams
and is subject to more or less overflow. It is easily cultivated, and
adapted to corn, oats, hay, and potatoes. (Erie County, Pa.)

FINE SANDY LOAMS.

Bibb fine sandy loam—This type consists of a light-gray fine
sandy loam, underlain by gray fine sandy clay mottled with yellow.
It represents first bottom alluvial material derived principally from
noncaleareous Coastal Plain soils. It is subject to frequent overflow.
Drainage and applications of lime are needed to bring the land into
proper farming condition. A number of wild grasses and lespedeza
flourish, affording good pasturage. (Lauderdale and Noxubee Coun-
ties, Miss.)

22 DESCRIPTIONS OF NEW SOIL TYPES.

Miller very fine sandy loam.—The surface soil consists of a pinkish-
red or chocolate-red friable very fine sandy loam, with a depth of 20
to 30 inches or more. The subsoil may consist of darker colored
material or there may be very little change in the material from the
surface downward throughout the 3-foot profile. Cotton, corn, and
alfalfa should do well. (Concordia Parish, La.)

Wabash very fine sandy loam.—This type consists of a nearly
black or black friable very fine sandy loam, rich in organic matter,
overlying, at a depth of about 18 or 20 inches, lighter colored and
somewhat heavier material. It mellows readily with little tendency
te clod and is a desirable, productive soil, adapted to vegetables like
‘cabbage, onions, and potatoes. Corn and oats should give fair
yields. (Concordia Parish, La.)

Yazoo very fine sandy loam.—The surface soil is a hght-brown or
grayish-brown, rather loose, very fine sandy loam, ranging in depth
from about 8 inches to 20 inches. The subsoil is a brown or light-
brown very fine sandy loam, more or less mottled with rusty brown.
The type is typically and mainly developed along river fronts, where
it occupies well-drained natural levees. It is easily tilled, but re-
quires frequent replenishment of organic matter in order to supply
crops with sufficient moisture during dry spells. A number of vege-
tables do well. Corn and cotton make fair yields. (Concordia
Parish, La.)

LOAMS.

Buckner loam.—The surface soil is a dark-brown to nearly black
loam, 12 to 15 inches deep. The subsoil is brown but lighter in color
than the surface soil. It is also often lighter in texture than the soil.
The type is developed on terraces of flat-topped ridges and is essen-
tially a second bottom soil. It is well suited to cotton, corn, grain,
and forage crops. (Jackson County, Mo.)

The position of the Buckner series in the key to River Flood
Plains province is under the head “ Loessial material ”—* Drainage
well established” as a separate leg, as: Black soil—Brown subsoil—
Second bottom.

SILT LOAMS.

.

Altavista silt loam.—This type consists of a gray to yellow com-
pact silt loam to silty clay loam, underlain by a compact yellow silty
clay, mottled slightly in the upper portion with red and in the lower
portion with gray. The type is alluvial in origin and occupies well-
defined terraces lying above normal overflow. Drainage is needed
over most of the type, as the flat surface favors the standing of rain
water. Properly drained, fertilized, and cultivated, good yields of
grass, corn, wheat, and oats are secured. (Granville County, N. C.)

RIVER FLOOD PLAINS. 23

Buxin silt loam.—The type represents a shallow covering of red-
dish silt loam of Miller material overlying stiff, plastic, mottled
drab, bluish, and brown clay of Sharkey material. With reclama-
tion it should prove a very fine soil for corn, cotton, and probably
for alfalfa. (Concordia Parish, La.)

The position of the Buxin series in the key to River Flood Plains
province soils is under the heading * Residual Prairie material,” at-
tached to the “ Drainage poorly established” leg as follows: Red
soil (Miller material)—Mottled drab, bluish, and brownish plastic
subsoil (Sharkey material).

Congaree silt loam.—The surface soil is a brown, reddish-brown,
or chocolate-brown silt loam. The subsoil differs little from the
soil until a depth of about 24 inches is reached, where it usually is
a friable brown silt loam of somewhat lighter color and more or less
mottled with shades of brown. Strata or pockets of sandy material
are frequently encountered in various parts of the soil section. The
type is a first-bottom, alluvial soil and subject to overflow. It is
admirably adapted to corn, oats, forage crops, and grass. Cotton
also does well under favorable seasonal conditions. (Granville
County, N. C.)

Elk silt loam.—This type consists of a grayish to light-brown silt
loam soil, 6 to 12 inches deep, underlain by a compact silt loam sub-
soil of a lighter color than the surface. In the lower portion, where
the texture is usually a silty clay, the material is sometimes faintly
mottled with yellowish and grayish colors. At about 4 feet gravelly
material is frequently encountered. The type occurs on second ter-
races lying largely above overflow. The surface is sometimes flat
and drainage poor. Much of the type should be ditched or tiled.
Corn, with the usual methods of culture, yields from 15 to 30 bushels,
wheat 10 to 15 bushels, oats 15 to 25 bushels, and hay 1 ton to 1}.
tons per acre. (Rockcastle County, Ky.; Cape Girardeau County,
Mo.; Washington County, Pa.; and Clarksburg area, West Virginia.)

Holly silt loam.—tThe surface soil is a gray to lght-brown silt
loam, 6 to 8 inches deep. The subsoil is a compact gray silt loam,
mottled with yellow and brown, the lower portion being more in-
tensely mottled, bluish and drab colors being frequently prominent.
The type is rather clammy and cold-natured, remaining in a soggy
condition throughout a good part of the year. It occurs in the first
bottom of streams and is subject to frequent overflow. Grass, espe-
cially redtop and a number of wild water-loving varieties, afford
good grazing and make fair yields of hay. Corn and oats do well
in seasons of normal rainfall, especially where the drainage has been
improved by ditching or tiling. (Walker County, Ga.; Rockcastle
County, Ky.; and Cape Girardeau County, Mo.)

24 DESCRIPTIONS OF NEW SOIL TYPES.

CLAY LOAMS.

Sharkey clay loam—The surface soil varies from dark-brown
heavy loam to light-brown or grayish-brown light clay loam. The
subsoil is a plastic clay loam or clay mottled drab, bluish, and rusty
brown. The type represents in places a gradational soil between the
Yazoo or higher lying and lighter textured river front soils and the
heavy Sharkey clay. The topography ranges from flat to slightly
ridgy, being cut in places by old stream channels. The type is well
adapted to corn, cotton, sugar cane, and rice. (Adams County,
Miss. )

Congaree silty clay loam.—This type is composed of a brown to
reddish-brown silty clay loam soil, underlain by a subsoil slightly
lighter in color but very nearly the same in texture, except in occa-
sional strata of sandy material, encountered especially in its lower
portion. Particles of mica are frequently present throughout the
soil mass. The type occupies first bottoms of streams, and consists
of alluvial material derived mainly from the Piedmont. It is sub-
ject to overflow. A considerable proportion of the type can be suc-
cessfully used for corn, grass, oats, and forage crops, overflow not
being frequent enough to make this unprofitable. Other areas may
be reclaimed. (Cabarrus County, N. C.)

Genesee silty clay loam.—This type is characterized by brown or
grayish silty clay loam soil, averaging about 8 inches deep, under-
iain by drab, brown, or reddish-brown, mottled, compact clay. The
topography is level, the areas occupying first bottoms along streams,
where the materials have been deposited by comparatively recent
overflows. The surface drainage and underdrainage are both poor.
When drained the type is very well adapted to the grasses and to
corn, oats, and wheat. The native trees are chiefly elm and soft
maple. (Ontario and Erie Counties, N. Y.)

Sarpy silty clay loam.—The soil is a brown or dark-brown silty
clay loam, with an average depth of 15 inches. The subsoil is a light-
brown very fine sandy loam, usually mottled faintly with rusty brown
or yellow. The type is developed typically in positions intermediate
between the higher front-land Yazoo soils and the lower heavier
Sharkey soils or upon slight ridges. It has very fair natural drain-
age, owing to its light subsoil and slightly elevated position. The
type owes its origin to deposition of silty clay loam over the lighter
textured material of old sandbars or sandy front lands. Cotton,
corn, and oats give fair yields. Alfalfa should do well. (Concordia
Parish, La., and Pemiscot County, Mo.)

Sharkey silty clay loam.—The surface soil consists of 10 or 12
inches of light-brown or brown heavy silt loam to silty clay loam,

RIVER FLOOD PLAINS. 25

often slightly mottled with rusty brown. The subsoil ranges from
heavy very fine sandy loam through silt loam to silty clay loam, and
usually has a hght-brown color, mottled with drab and rusty brown
and in places with bluish-gray. Fairly good yields of corn and cot-
ton are secured. Protected from overflow and properly cultivated,
heavy yields of a number of crops would be secured. Cabbage, grass,
and rice should do well. (Adams County, Miss., and Pemiscot
County, Mo.)

Tyler silty clay loam.—This type consists of a gray to grayish-
brown compact silty clay loam, underlain at about 10 to 12 inches
by a rather plastic silty clay of grayish-brown or pale-yellow color,
sometimes mottled with gray in the lower portion. The material
represents old alluvium occurring on second terraces and in some
cases in abandoned stream valleys. The type is sometimes called
“crawfish” land. It is a rather clammy, cold-natured soil of mod-
erate productiveness. The type is best suited to grass. With liming,
liberal incorporation of vegetable matter, and the establishment of
good drainage conditions, general farm crops, such as corn, wheat,
and oats would give moderate to good yields. (Point Pleasant area,
West Virginia.)

Yazoo silty clay loam—The surface soil is a brown silty clay
loam, with an average depth of 18 inches. - The subsoil is a lght-
brown very fine sandy loam to silty clay loam, mottled with rusty
brown, yellowish, and sometimes bluish colors. The type occupies
an intermediate position between the sandier Yazoo front lands
and the heavy Sharkey clay of the lower back lands of the Mississippi
flood plains. Owing to its position and the sandy or fine sandy tex-
ture in many areas, it usually has good drainage. Where the subsoil
is heavier ditches or tile drains are necessary. The type gives good
yields of corn, oats, and cotton. (Concordia Parish, La.)

CLAYS.

Kalmia clay—tThis type of soil consists of a thin mantle of gray-
ish or yellowish compact very fine sandy loam to silty loam, resting
upon yellow very fine sandy to silty clay, which in the lower portion
is mottled with grayish and reddish colors. It occupies second ter-
races of streams and lies above overflow. The type is rather difficult
to cultivate, but when brought into good tilth gives fair yields of
oats, corn, cotton, and forage crops. (Clarendon County, S. C.)

Sarpy clay.—The surface soil consists of a yellowish-brown to
grayish-brown, or sometimes drab, heavy compact silty clay, ranging
from about 15 to 24 inches in depth. The subsoil is a silt loam to
very fine sandy loam of a friable structure. Rusty-brown and drab

26 DESCRIPTIONS OF NEW SOIL TYPES.

mottlings are common in the surface soil and subsoil. The type is
developed in depressions and flat areas in the river bottoms. Corn
is grown with success on this soil where drained, giving yields of
50 to 75 bushels per acre. On thoroughly drained areas alfalfa
would probably do well. (Pemiscot County, Mo.)

Yazoo clay—The surface soil to a depth of 20 inches is a brownish
clay, faintly mottled with grayish, reddish, or rusty brown. The
subsoil is a dark-drab or gray very fine sandy loam to silty clay loam,
mottled with brown or rusty-brown. The surface is usually level or
gently sloping. Notwithstanding the hight textured subsoil, ditches
are usually needed to carry off the surplus water after heavy rains.
Fine yields of corn, cotton, and rice are secured. Sugar cane and

alfalfa should do well. (Concordia Parish, La.)

INDEX.

Name. Soil province.
Alamance silt loam. 55285 Ao Se 25255 nal 3 PICOMIN My. oyu cans ddd eee
AANA GeIStLe LOAM ee 2h SS 2 ce een ban lice Osc sto ce 2 pose Se ee
Allen tinewancdy loam: s. 2b stccs+ 22sec s5. AD PAlSGhign< ..-2-sss. erases |
J LINES ST al GC 0) eee ee Ge iu bina ck oo ta See
PUMA VIALE G MON wg.os case 5 Sees nese nan 2 River Hlood Pisin-<.22 5.2822
Armuchee silty clay loam..........-...-.--..-- Pup PAlAGHiAni=. sec.c-2 sees
Bipp tine sandy loam... 225. tice os Sine River Flood Plain............
[SUD Disa Oye lOnm Seo eeeees aes Stee oleae Loar a eee
Piemville Ne RANG 2c 2 ees s case kes. Consia! Pigine: «2.3.2.2 tecleeed
TOGO BING MOAI L.. 2 cecue acs sey cts ce we Limestone. - bnctet, ee
PPD GRU ONE aout a San Sah di oe ele River Flood Plain............ |
LEV TSeTrS S371) [yO 1 0 eRe leon ee ea TO nad ocao hewn ee aeee
(U0 9G Ea eee ee ee Pe De Ave tere. Sede aoeee
Chenam colon. sae oe icicwh eee ose oe (plaGial (hake pees se see
MC PAN CMB ARCIY NOMEN Jit coc: salen dene ~ = Sek aerate 2 (See eee eae Pe
Chenancorailt 0am. 22 ccc secc acca cece... c<|oo5e- 3 (0 ee ee meer re
Gly densilivvclay loans. 53 hese es Sooo eel DOr eeese sear eee
Colbert ality clay loam:.......-2.0<5-<,.2.-..- WUINESTONG! S.-csc sees at cee ee
COIDELD ALON WGA Voces < - ton tek feremioctsccteeas|- ees LORS See ce con ae
CITE TSO g 1 ae Ee a foppalichian, ...-...<..ts.ets
Kcongenups wt loan. o. 0.2 .nc 1 wasn ess lensce 25 ee ee er eee
Goneareeyslii Oa enc co seca. cae sles. Se River Flood Plain............
ee Se a A ote ee 1G) x Ble Ke cm oes
Dekalb loamy sand.. Peter Sear a Appalac Tatoos oo atone wee
Dekalb silty clay loam.. Ne rey bog, = ACLs ose eS he
1D jotta) 6) Ey Sk oe et a cer Coastal Plains.............---
imam VOry MnC FANCY LOST Foc as. asec «foie Osos sacs coed sis os ettenee
eine hey APE, FORINT, Sou. ceaceed acta x's |) IOOMONE.. coc ei2c ce te wees’ 2
Jac reyt el Kore 0S ee ee River Flood Plam- ......260 3.2
JED CIES eB es AR Se re Coastal Bidinis...6 50) 4o5ae ee
BammIneton LOAN. ..<c<.cecc.s,.4 si. ~.~.-.---| Glacial and Loessial..-.......-
Genesee sandy loam.........................| River Flood Plain............
Genesee silty clay loam.5..52..2......s-....|--.- 1 ee re a eee
Georevilles iiOnMerees. 0. ons kes 23.) PICAMONE...cmeces ioe ecseue se
Granville coarse sandy loam.................-|.---- fo pee eee ere Beer
Greenville gravelly clay loam.........:.--.. Coastal Plains... 6602. 2scses
Greenville course sand... 2... 2... . 2. cone eaeleoess GOs Jo wecteeeee eee eee
Greenville coarse sandy loam...............--|----- QOcce $22. a2cee sess ees
Hanceville stony loam....................--- Appalachian <. 2. 2254. ckten eee
Hfenderson'stony clay.............------.-.-- Coastal Plains: . 22... s5.4eee ee
Hoffman coarse sandy loam...............---|.---- OSs. <5.$25 1332 eee ee
Hoffman fine sandy loam...............--..|..--- 064421 ghee se eee
POU AULt LOGIN o- chcd ccc ces ue swt otencsnse River Flood Plain............
IGUSUON BtONY ClBY <2. o-ccccwc esse saee ve ne oe Coastal Plains................
PCO MMO Mite ato ition beece ladon dese cscs’ Piedmont.. b sip tae
PECerOUetithy Wats s Soe e . a 2oe once o53|ene on OG one ee er ee
BOAR ORY Spccttein rec in o diwic a 'ajo ed eeiea das See River Flood Plain... ..2.2.25-
Pauderdale stony clay... ....-.2.6622.---- Coastal Plaims... 2.5584 s sear
intekaalesshale loam: - 22-2. .22-c6.0c fe sca =. - Aaa v@M alia 2-8 see ere
Livingston silty clay loam..............---- Glacial Lake. 2 25..-2--424

28

Name.

INDEX.

Soil province.

Mecklenburg clay loam. <.....-.22ce5 <= =: 5.
Mecklenburg loam. ........ scSe Re dea athe

Mecklenburg sandy loam. .....:......----.-|-

Miami gravel Sn cad taco eee yee eee
Miami gravelly sandy loam.

Miami sand.
Miller very fine sandy loam... .....-- eee
ennineton clays cos s2c.es2t 2c. Ope eee
eta clay <2 - sete SS SU eet setae
Phebasinesandy loam so. 9. See ee
Plainfield fine sandy loam....-.......--..-.-
Plainfield loam.
Pisintield sandy Mont. 62258 eae ek eee
Plainfield silt loam. .
Plummer fine sandy loam. .
PRocshontas'stltloam= : 22 {ers : Ie ee s-
Huston cand y loam. <. sats ee Be oe
IVUStON-ALLL Oat oe ort Yt ttt ase eae oe
St. Catherine sandy loam.............-----
DADDY Clay .2cen 2s: aoc haat ties dence
DAD rte PIOUS ede cas ere oe eect
Darhy Rant wee east Aciachia-s x ySeves Suinicentbane
Sanpy elluy Clay Logis. .162 cect 2s nbc pete ee
Scranton loamy sand.........-.-.----------
Seran ton sand 2h. 35 ayes atten ieee ten
Sharkey clay loamt. |. s2,<2 assis heat anaes
Sharkey silty clay loam. en ee ee
Sumter stony sandy Neen Pe er Re
Susquehanna fine sand. .......-.:.--------
Susquehanna stony sandy loam. .
MISii el NOAM a tatoos. 2 SEs er eee ee et
yier silty clay loam oo 2 bee eee
Upshur silty elay loamst.i... besssiee 22
Wabash very fine sandy loam. ........-.-...-
Waukesha gravelly loam... .......---------
Westmoreland fine Band ylGam.s:t4, oe ates ee
Westmoreland silt loam.42.2 Siete be 2
Westmoreland silty clay loam..........-....-
Westmoreland stony loam...:...252.:.2.2:.--
WAZOO CLAWS 2 cute wc Onlih dah aoe cena
Wazoo eiltyiclay loam. do sl itewcn becca es

Yazoo very fine sandy loam................-

Piedmont) 2s ee eee

Ap palachigiicen.2o ase tse ae |
River Flood Plaim=< 22: 2.425- 3:
Glacial and, Loessial\. 2c 2212.
ee eis chad: eee ya aes

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