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Soil Series, Use & Sustainability
Understanding the County’s Soil Diversity
Soils are classified through a national system that explains how they formed, where they occur, and how they can best be used. This information supports informed decisions about farming, development, and conservation. Each type is grouped by traits such as texture, color, structure, and drainage, then organized into broader categories showing how soils relate across regions.
Local landscapes include a mix of upland, floodplain, and Coastal Plain soils. Knowing your soil series helps determine how land can best support crops, pasture, trees, or construction. Each series connects to one or more capability units in the Pitt County Soil Survey. The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the Soil & Water Conservation District can help identify your soil type and provide management guidance.
- Agricultural Use & Sustainability
- Woodland Use & Sustainability
- Wildlife Use & Sustainability
- Engineering/Urban Use & Sustainability
- Soil Series Full Descriptions
Using Soil Potential to Strengthen Local Agriculture
Local soils support crops such as corn, soybeans, small grains, peanuts, tobacco, and hay. Well-drained upland soils are best for intensive farming, while flatter, wetter areas often need drainage or conservation practices. Managing fertility, rotating crops, and maintaining cover vegetation preserve soil structure and reduce erosion. Conservation tillage and nutrient management also improve yield and protect water quality.
- Best suited: Norfolk, Goldsboro, Exum, Wagram, and Coxville – Well- to moderately well-drained upland soils ideal for row crops and pasture.
- Moderate limitations: Rains, Lynchburg, and Craven – Moderately to somewhat poorly drained; productive with drainage, contour tillage, or terraces.
- Poorly suited: Bladen, Lenoir, Portsmouth, and Bibb – Poorly drained and flood-prone; best for pasture, forestry, or wetland use.
Crop yields vary widely based on soil type, drainage, and slope. Well-drained upland soils such as Norfolk, Goldsboro, Exum, Wagram, and Wickham produce the highest yields across most crops, especially cotton, corn, and flue-cured tobacco. These soils also support strong peanut and hay production, averaging over 3,500 pounds of peanuts per acre and 6 tons of hay under intensive management.
Moderately drained soils like Lynchburg, Craven, and Rains perform well with proper management, providing good yields for corn, peanuts, and soybeans when drainage or conservation practices are applied. In contrast, poorly drained or flood-prone soils such as Bladen, Lenoir, Portsmouth, and Bibb show reduced yields and are better suited for pasture, forestry, or limited crop use.
Overall, Pitt County’s most productive farmland occurs on gently sloping, well-drained soils where conservation tillage and nutrient management are practiced. These areas support sustainable agriculture while protecting soil structure and water quality.
Supporting Timber Growth and Sustainable Woodland Use
Pitt County’s woodlands are vital for timber production, regeneration, wildlife habitat, and erosion control. Soil characteristics such as drainage, slope, and fertility determine how well trees grow and how forestland should be managed. Sustainable forestry practices protect soil stability, reduce nutrient loss, and preserve nearby waterways.
- Best suited: Norfolk, Goldsboro, Exum, and Wagram – Well-drained upland soils that support strong growth of pine and mixed hardwood timber.
- Moderate limitations: Rains, Lynchburg, and Craven – Moderately to somewhat poorly drained soils; suitable for pine or hardwoods with proper drainage and selective harvesting.
- Poorly suited: Bladen, Lenoir, Portsmouth, and Bibb – Poorly drained or flood-prone soils best managed for bottomland hardwoods, wetland forests, or wildlife habitat.
Connecting Soil Health to Wildlife Diversity
The mix of uplands, lowlands, and wetlands provides habitat for a wide range of species. Uplands favor game such as deer, turkey, and quail, while bottomlands and floodplains support waterfowl, amphibians, and wading birds. Maintaining native vegetation, planting food plots, and protecting riparian buffers improve habitat quality and biodiversity across the county.
- Upland habitat: Norfolk, Exum, and Wagram – Support deer, turkey, and quail; enhanced by field borders and native grasses.
- Wetland habitat: Roanoke, Lenoir, Bladen, and Bibb – Provide habitat for ducks, amphibians, and wetland plants; ideal for riparian conservation.
- Mixed habitat: Lynchburg and Rains – Transitional soils supporting both upland and wetland species depending on water conditions.
Planning Safe and Sustainable Development
Soil conditions strongly influence development, including homes, roads, and septic systems. Drainage, shrink–swell potential, and bearing strength determine how safely land can be built upon. Careful site evaluation, grading, and drainage reduce risks of flooding and structural damage. Understanding soil limitations helps engineers and planners make sound, sustainable design decisions.
- Best suited: Norfolk, Goldsboro, and Exum – Stable, well-drained soils with few limitations for development.
- Moderate limitations: Coxville, Craven, and Rains – Require grading, drainage, or foundation reinforcement due to seasonal wetness or clay content.
- Severe limitations: Lenoir, Bladen, Bibb, and Portsmouth – Poorly drained soils with flooding and shrink–swell risks; not recommended for development without major engineering measures.
- Alaga Series
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Alaga Series
The Alaga series consists of somewhat excessively drained, nearly level and gently sloping on uplands and stream terraces. These soils formed in Coastal Plain and alluvial sediment. A seasonal high water table is below a depth of 5 feet. In a typical profile, the surface layer is dark grayish-brown loamy sand about 7 inches thick. To a depth of about 72 inches, the underlying material is very friable and loose loamy sand that is yellowish brown and light yellowish brown in the upper part and is brownish yellow mottled with light gray in the lower part. Below this material and extending to a depth of about 85 inches is light-gray sand containing thin (less than one-half inch thick) bands of sandy loam. Natural fertility and the content of organic matter are very low, and available water capacity is low. Permeability is rapid, and shrink-swell potential is low. In areas that have not received lime, reaction is medium acid to very strongly acid. Alaga soils in Pitt County are of only minor importance for farming, but most of the acreage is cultivated or in pasture. The rest is chiefly in forest and in housing developments or other nonfarm uses. Very low natural fertility, low available water capacity, and droughtiness are major limitations to use of these soils. In addition, these soils are subject to soil blowing, and they lose plant nutrients readily as a result of leaching. Crops grown on them respond fairly well to recommended applications of fertilizer and lime.
Representative profile of Alaga loamy sand, banded substratum, 0 to 6 percent slopes, 3 ½ miles west of Grimesland, 1 mile south of U.S. Highway No. 264, one-fourth mile east of State Road No. 1764, and 50 yards north in a field:
- Ap–0 to 7 inches, dark grayish-brown (10YR 4/2) loamy sand; weak, medium, granular structure; very friable; many small roots; medium acid; abrupt, smooth boundary.
- C1–7 to 13 inches, yellowish-brown (10YR 5/4) loamy sand; single grain; very friable; many small and few medium roots; medium acid; clear, smooth boundary.
- C2–13 to 33 inches; light yellowish-brown (2.5Y 6/4) loamy sand; single grain; very friable; few medium roots; strongly acid; gradual, wavy boundary.
- C3–33 to 64 inches, brownish-yellow (10YR 6/6) loamy sand; single grain; loose; very strongly acid; gradual, wavy boundary.
- C4–64 to 72 inches, brownish-yellow (10YR 6/6) loamy sand; many, medium, distinct, light-gray (10YR 7/1) mottles as the result of uncoated sand grains; single grain; loose; very strongly acid; gradual, wavy boundary.
- C5–72 to 85 inches, light gray (10YR 7/1) sand; thin (less than one-half inch thick) bands of yellowish brown (10YR 5/6) sandy loam; single grain; loose; medium acid.
The combined thickness of the sandy horizons is greater than 80 inches. The Ap or A1 horizon ranges from dark gray to grayish brown and is 5 to 10 inches thick. The upper part of the C horizon is yellowish-brown, light yellowish-brown, or brownish-yellow loamy sand or loamy fine sand. The lower part of the C horizon is commonly light gray sand that contains thin (less than one-half inch thick) bands of sandy loam.
Alaga loamy sand banded substratum, 0 to 6 percent slopes (AgB). – This is a somewhat excessively drained, sandy soil on broad, high divides on uplands and stream terraces. It occurs in areas of irregular shape that are 5 to 40 acres in size. The surface layer is dark grayish-brown loamy sand about 7 inches thick. To a depth of about 72 inches, the underlying material is very friable and loose loamy sand that is yellowish brown and light yellowish brown in the upper part and is brownish yellow mottled with light gray in the lower part. Sand that contains thin (less than one-half inch thick) bands of sandy loam is generally at a depth of 6 feet or more.
Included with this soil in mapping were a few areas of soils that has a similar profile but that have slopes of 6 to 10 percent. Also, included were a few areas in which the surface layer is loamy fine sand. Other inclusions consist of small areas of Lakeland, Chipley, Pactolus, and Wagram soils. Infiltration is rapid. Runoff is slow. This soil is fairly easy to keep in good tilth and can be satisfactorily worked throughout a wide range of moisture content. It is fairly well suited to most of the locally grown crops. Most of the acreage is cultivated or in pasture. The rest is chiefly in forest and in housing developments or other nonfarm uses.
Very low natural fertility and droughtiness are severe limitations to use of this soil because of the thick layers of sandy material. In addition, soil blowing is a severe hazard in cultivated areas. If cultivated crops are grown, practices that effectively control soil blowing and that maintain soil productivity are needed.
Capability unit IIIs-1; woodland suitability group 3s2.
- Altavista Series
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Altavista Series
The Altavista series consists of moderately well drained, nearly level and gently sloping soils on stream terraces. These soils formed in alluvial sediment. A seasonal high water table is at a depth of about 2 ½ feet.
In a typical profile, the surface layer is dark grayish-brown and light yellowish-brown sandy loam about 14 inches thick. The subsoil is about 23 inches thick. In the upper part the subsoil is dominantly yellow and brownish-yellow, friable sandy clay loam mottled with light gray and reddish yellow. In the lower part it is light gray, friable sandy loam mottled with brownish yellow. Below the subsoil and extending to a depth of about 66 inches are layers of loamy coarse sand and loamy fine sand that are light gray mottled with brownish yellow and yellow mottled with light gray. The underlying material is mottled, very pale brown, yellow, and reddish-yellow coarse sand that extends to a depth of about 92 inches.
Natural fertility and the content of organic matter are low, and available water capacity is medium. Permeability is moderate, and shrink-swell potential is low. In areas that have not received lime, reaction is strongly acid or very strongly acid.
Altavista soils in Pitt County are of only minor importance for farming. About half of the acreage is cultivated or in pasture, and the rest is chiefly in forest and in housing developments or other nonfarm uses. The seasonal high water table and infrequent flooding for brief periods are the major limitations to use of these soils. Where crops are grown, response is good to recommended applications of fertilizer and lime.
Representative profile of Altavista sandy loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes, 1 mile southeast of Penny Hill, 75 feet east of State Road No. 1408 and 200 feet south of a farmhouse:
- Ap–0 to 7 inches, dark grayish-brown (10YR 4/2) sandy loam; weak, fine, granular structure; very friable; many small roots; medium acid; clear smooth boundary.
- A2–7 to 14 inches, light yellowish-brown (10YR 6/4) sandy loam; weak, medium, granular structure; very friable; many small and few medium roots; few medium root channels and few; small, old cracks filled with dark grayish-brown sandy loam from the Ap horizon; strongly acid; clear, wavy boundary.
- B21t–14 to 16 inches, very pale brown (10YR 7/4) sandy clay loam; weak, medium, subangular blocky structure; friable, slightly sticky and slightly plastic; few small and medium roots; few medium root channels; few, thin, patchy clay films on faces peds; strongly acid; clear, wavy boundary.
- B22t–16 to 25 inches, yellow (10YR 7/6) sandy clay loam; weak, medium, subangular blocky structure; friable, slightly sticky and slightly plastic; few medium roots and root channels; thin, patchy clay film on faces of peds; very strongly acid; gradual, wavy boundary.
- B23–25 to 32 inches, brownish-yellow (10YR 6/6) sandy clay loam; few, fine, distinct, light-gray mottles and few, medium, distinct, reddish-yellow (7.5YR 6/8) mottles; weak, medium, subangular blocky structure; friable, sticky and slightly plastic; few medium root channels; thin, patchy clay films on faces of peds; very strongly acid; gradual, wavy boundary.
- B3g–32 to 37 inches, light-gray (10YR 7/1) sandy loam; common, fine, distinct, brownish-yellow mottles; weak, medium, subangular blocky structure; friable; few fine mica flakes; few fine pebbles; very strongly acid; gradual, wavy boundary.
- IIC1g–37 to 44 inches, light-gray (10YR 7/1) loamy coarse sand; common, fine, distinct, brownish-yellow mottles; weak, medium subangular blocky structure; friable; few fine mica flakes; few fine pebbles; very strongly acid; gradual, wavy boundary.
- IIC2–44 to 54 inches, yellow (10YR 7/6) loamy coarse sand; common, medium, distinct, light-gray (10YR 7/1) mottles; single grain; very friable; few fine mica flakes; few fine pebbles; very strongly acid; gradual, wavy boundary.
- IIC3–54 to 66 inches, yellow (10YR 7/6) loamy fine sand; common, medium, distinct, light-gray (10YR 7/1) mottles; single grain; very friable; few fine mica flakes; few fine pebbles; very strongly acid; gradual, wavy boundary.
- IIC4–66 to 92 inches, mottled very pale brown (10YR 7/3), yellow (10YR 7/6), and reddish-yellow (7.5YR 6/8) coarse sand; single grain; loose; few fine mica flakes; few fine pebbles; most sand grains are uncoated; strongly acid.
Thickness of the solum is 40 inches or less. The A horizon is 8 to 20 inches thick. The Ap or A1 horizon is dark grayish brown or dark gray, and the A2 horizon is light yellowish brown to pale brown. The B2 horizon ranges from very pale brown or yellow to brownish-yellow sandy loam to sandy clay loam, and it has reddish-yellow, light-gray, or gray mottles in the lower part. The B3 horizon is light-gray or gray sandy loam mottled with brownish yellow. The C horizon is commonly loamy fine sand to coarse sand. It contains few to many pebbles.
Altavista sandy loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes (AlB). – This is a moderately well drained soil that occupies broad divides on stream terraces. It occurs in areas of irregular shape that are 4 to 20 acres in size. The surface layer is dark grayish-brown and light yellowish-brown sandy loam about 14 inches thick. The subsoil is about 23 inches thick. In the upper part, the subsoil is dominantly yellow and brownish-yellow, friable sandy clay loam mottled with light gray and reddish yellow. In the lower part, it is light-gray, friable sandy loam mottled with brownish yellow.
Included with this soil in mapping were a few areas of soils that have a similar profile but that have a surface layer of fine sandy loam, loamy fine sand, or loamy sand. Also included were small areas of Masada, Wickham, Ocilla, and Tuckerman soils.
Infiltration is moderate. Runoff is slow. This soil is easy to keep in good tilth and can be satisfactorily worked throughout a wide range of moisture content. It is well suited to most of the locally grown crops. Infrequent flooding occurs for brief periods, however, and wetness is a moderate limitation. About half of the acreage is cultivated or in pasture, and the rest is chiefly in forest and in housing developments or other nonfarm uses. Artificial drainage is needed in some cultivated areas for optimum growth of tobacco and other crops that require good drainage.
Capability unit IIw-2; woodland suitability group 2w8.
- Aycock Series
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Aycock Series
The Aycock series consists of well-drained, nearly level or gently sloping soils on uplands. These soils formed in Coastal Plain sediment. A seasonal high water table is below a depth of 5 feet.
In a typical profile, the surface layer is dark grayish-brown and light yellowish-brown fine sandy loam about 10 inches thick. The subsoil extends to a depth of 85 inches or more. To a depth of 72 inches, the subsoil is dominantly brownish-yellow, friable clay loam mottled with light yellowish brown, yellowish brown, and red. Below this is brownish-yellow, friable sandy clay mottled with red, gray, and yellowish brown.
Natural fertility and the content of organic matter are low, and available water capacity is high. Permeability is moderate, and shrink swell potential is low to moderate. In areas that have not received lime, reaction is strongly acid or very strongly acid.
Aycock soils in Pitt County are of only minor importance for farming. Nevertheless, most of the acreage is used for cultivated crops or pasture. The rest is maintained in forest or is in housing developments or other nonfarm uses. Slope is the major limitation to use of these soils for crops or other purposes. Where these soils are used for crops, response is good to recommended applications of fertilizer and lime.
Representative profile of Aycock fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, 3 miles northeast of Farmville, one-third mile north of South Road No. 1200, 195 feet east of State Road No 1221, and 30 feet south of field path:
- Ap–0 to 8 inches, dark grayish-brown (10YR 4/2) fine sandy loam; weak, fine, granular structure; very friable; many small roots; medium acid; abrupt, smooth boundary.
- A2–8 to 10 inches, light yellowish-brown (10YR 6/4) fine sandy loam; weak, medium, granular structure; very friable; many small roots; many medium root channels filled with dark grayish-brown material from the Ap horizon; strongly acid; clear, wavy boundary.
- B1t–10 to 13 inches, light yellowish-brown (10YR 6/6) sandy clay loam; weak, medium, subangular blocky structure; friable, slightly sticky and slightly plastic; few small and medium roots; few medium root channels filled with dark grayish-brown material from Ap horizon; strongly acid; clear, wavy boundary.
- B21t–13 to 33 inches, brownish-yellow (10YR 6/6) clay loam; few, medium, distinct, light yellowish-brown (10YR 6/4) mottles; weak and moderate, medium, subangular blocky structure; friable, sticky and plastic; few medium roots and root channels; few, thin, patchy clay films on faces of peds; very strongly acid; gradual, wavy boundary.
- B22t–33 to 50 inches, brownish-yellow (10YR 6/6) clay loam; many, medium, distinct, light yellowish-brown (10YR 5/8) mottles; and few, fine, and medium, distinct, light, brownish-gray (10YR 6/2) mottles; weak and moderate, medium, subangular blocky structure; friable, sticky and plastic; few medium roots and root channels; thin, patchy clay films and silt coats on faces of peds; very strongly acid; gradual, wavy boundary.
- B23t–50 to 72 inches, brownish-yellow (10YR 6/6) clay loam; many, medium, prominent, red (2.5YR 4/8) mottles; few, coarse, distinct gray (10YR 5/1) mottles; and few, medium, faint yellowish-brown (10YR 5/8) mottles; weak and moderate, medium, subangular blocky structure; friable, sticky and plastic; thin, patchy clay films and silt coats on faces of peds; very strongly acid; gradual, wavy boundary.
- B3t–72 to 85 inches, brownish-yellow (10YR 6/6) sandy clay; many, medium, prominent, red (2.5YR 4/8) mottles; few, coarse, faint, gray (10YR 5/1) mottles; and few, medium, distinct, yellowish-brown (10YR 5/8) mottles; weak, medium, subangular blocky and platy structure; friable, sticky and plastic; few, thin, patchy clay films on faces of peds; very strongly acid.
The solum is more than 60 inches thick. Ap or A1 horizon ranges from 3 to 20 inches in thickness. It is dark grayish brown or grayish brown in uneroded areas but ranges to yellowish brown in eroded areas. The A2 horizon is light yellowish brown to pale yellow. The B horizon is brownish-yellow to yellowish brown, and it ranges from 40 to more than 65 inches in thickness. Red, light yellowish-brown, and yellowish-brown mottles are in the B horizon. Gray mottles are more than 30 inches below the surface. The B1 and B2 horizons range from sandy clay loam to silty clay loam. The C horizon is yellowish to grayish loamy sand to clay.
In Pitt County these soils have a lower content of silt and of very fine sand is recognized for the Aycock series. About 31 percent of the soil material is coarse, medium, and fine sand. This difference does not alter the usefulness and behavior of the soils.
Aycock fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes (AyA). – This is a well-drained soil on broad divides in the uplands. It occurs in areas of irregular shape that is 5 to 20 acres in size. The profile is the one described as representative of the Aycock series. The surface layer is dark grayish-brown and light yellowish-brown fine sandy loam about 10 inches thick. The subsoil extends to a depth of 85 inches or more. To a depth of 72 inches, the subsoil is dominantly brownish-yellow, friable clay loam mottled with light yellowish brown, yellowish brown, and red. Below this is brownish-yellow, friable sandy clay mottled with red, gray, and yellowish brown.
Included with this soil in mapping were a few areas of soils that have a similar profile but that have a surface layer of silt loam, very fine sandy loam, or sandy loam. Also included were small areas of Norfolk, Goldsboro, and Exum soils.
Infiltration is moderate. Runoff is slow. This soil is easy to keep in good tilth and can be satisfactorily worked throughout a wide range of moisture content. It has no major limitations to use and is well suited to all the locally grown crops. Most of the acreage is in the cultivated crops or pasture. The rest is chiefly in forest or in housing developments or other nonfarm uses. Tobacco, peanuts, and cotton are the principal crops. Capability unit I-1; woodland suitability group 2o1.
Aycock fine sandy loam, 1 to 6 percent slopes (AyB). – This is a well-drained soil on smooth side slopes in the uplands. It is in long, narrow areas that range from 3 to 20 acres in size. The surface layer is dark grayish-brown or grayish-brown fine sandy loam 8 to 20 inches thick. The subsoil is brownish-yellow to yellowish-brown, friable clay loam 40 to more than 65 inches thick.
Included with this soil in mapping were a few areas of soils that have a similar profile but that have a surface layer of sandy loam. Also included were small areas of Norfolk, Goldsboro, and Exum soils.
Infiltration is moderate. Runoff is medium. This soil easy to keep in good tilth and can be satisfactorily worked throughout a wide range of moisture content. It is used mainly for cultivated crops and pasture, but part of the acreage is used for other purposes, chiefly for forest and housing developments or other nonfarm uses. This soil is well suited to all the locally grown crops. Erosion is moderate hazard, however, where cultivated crops are grown. Practices that effectively control runoff and that reduce erosion are needed if cultivated crops are grown. Tobacco, peanuts, and cotton are the principal crops. Capability unit IIe-1; woodland suitability group 2o1.
Aycock fine sandy loam, 1 to 6 percent slopes, eroded (AyB2). – This is a well-drained soil on smooth side slopes in the uplands. It is in long, narrow areas that range from 3 to 8 acres in size. The surface layer is 3 to 8 inches thick. In many places it is a mixture of soil material from remaining original surface layer and from the subsoil. In the less eroded spots, the present surface layer is dominantly yellowish-brown fine sandy clay loam. The subsoil is 40 to more than 65 inches thick. It is brownish-yellow to yellowish-brown, friable clay loam to silty clay loam.
Included with this soil in mapping were a few areas of a soil that has a similar profile but that has a surface layer of sandy loam. Also included were a few small areas in which slopes are greater than 6 percent. Other inclusions consist of small of Norfolk and Exum soils.
Infiltration is moderately slow. Runoff is medium. The surface layer has been thinned by erosion. Therefore, this soil is rather difficult to keep in good tilth, but it can be satisfactorily worked throughout a fairly wide range of moisture content.
After hard rains, however, a crust forms in the more eroded spots and clods tend to form if this soil is worked when too wet. The crusting and clodding adversely affect germination. As a result, stands of crops are likely to be poor, replanting of some crops may be necessary, and even stand of tobacco is hard to obtain. Where the stand is uneven, the tobacco ripens at different times, harvesting and curing are difficult, and the quality of the crop is reduced.
This soil is suited to all locally grown crops. Most of the acreage is used for cultivated crops or pasture, and the rest is chiefly in forest. Erosion is a moderate hazard. In cultivated areas practices that effectively control runoff and that reduce erosion are needed. Areas that are farmed are used mainly for tobacco, cotton, corn, soybeans, and pasture. Capability unit IIe-1; woodland suitability group 2o1.
- Bibb Series
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Bibb Series
The Bibb series consists of poorly drained, nearly level soils on flood plains in draws and depressions in the uplands. These soils formed in recent alluvium and in local alluvium. A seasonal high water table is at or near the surface.
In a typical profile, the surface layer is dark grayish-brown fine sandy loam about 4 inches thick. To a depth of about 21 inches, the underlying material is dark-gray and very dark gray, very friable fine sandy loam mottled with gray. The next layer is dark-gray, very friable sandy loam mottled with gray and light gray. It is underlain at a depth of about 36 inches by light-gray sand that is mottled with dark gray and extends to a depth of about 72 inches.
Natural fertility and the content of organic matter are low. Available water capacity is medium. Permeability is moderate, and shrink-swell potential is low. In areas that have not received lime, reaction is medium acid to very strongly acid.
The Bibb soils in Pitt County are of only minor importance for farming. The seasonal high water table and very frequent flooding for brief periods are the major limitations to their use. Most of the acreage is in forest, and the rest is used mainly for pasture. Where crops are grown, response is fairly good to recommended applications of fertilizer and lime.
Representative profile of Bibb fine sandy loam in an area of Bibb complex, 4 miles southeast of Ayden, one-half mile north of State Road No. 1902, 240 feet south of Swift Creek, and 75 feet west of a drainage ditch:
- Ap–0 to 14 inches, dark grayish brown (10YR 4/2) fine sandy loam; weak, medium, granular structure; very friable; many small and medium roots; very strongly acid; abrupt, smooth boundary.
- C1g–4 to 17 inches, dark gray (10YR 4/1) fine sandy loam; few coarse, faint, gray (10YR 5/1) mottles; massive; very friable; many medium roots and root channels; very strongly acid, clear, wavy boundary.
- C2g–17 to 21 inches, very dark gray (10YR 3/1) fine sandy loam; few medium, distinct, gray (10YR 5/1) mottles; massive; very friable; few medium roots and root channels; very strongly acid, clear, wavy boundary.
- C3g–21 to 36 inches, dark-gray (10YR 4/1) sandy loam; many, medium, faint gray (10YR 5/1) mottles and distinct, light gray (10YR 7/1) mottles; massive; very friable; very strongly acid; gradual, wavy boundary.
- C4g–36 to 72 inches, light gray (10YR 7/1) sand; many, medium, distinct, dark-gray (10YR 4/1) mottles; single grain; loose, many uncoated sand grains; medium acid.
The A horizon ranges from dark grayish brown to dark gray in color and from 4 to 10 inches in thickness. At depths between 10 and about 40 inches, the C horizon is light gray to very dark gray fine sandy loam, sandy loam, or loam to sand. It is commonly stratified, but is mainly sandy loam. Below a depth of about 40 inches to a depth of 72 inches or more, the C horizon is dark-gray to light-gray loamy sand to sand.
Bibb Complex (Bb). – This mapping unit consists of soils on flood plains and in draws and depressions in the uplands. Slopes are 0 to 1 percent. The areas are long and narrow, and they range from 5 to more than 75 acres in size. The Bibb soils and other soils in this mapping unit are so intricately mixed that they cannot be separated on a map of the scale used.
About 40 percent of this mapping unit is Bibb soils, and the rest consists of other soils. The Bibb soils have a surface layer of dark grayish-brown fine sandy loam about 4 inches thick. The surface layer is underlain by dark-gray and very dark gray, very friable fine sandy loam mottled with gray. A layer of dark-gray, very friable sandy loam mottled with light gray is at a depth of about 21 inches. Light gray, loose sand mottled with dark gray is at a depth of about 36 inches and extends to a depth of about 72 inches.
In the other soils, the surface layer and the underlying layers are variable in texture. In about 10 percent of the acreage of soils other than Bibb, the profile is similar to that of Bibb soils but the soils are not acid. In another 10 percent, the soils are acid and have dark grayish-brown and grayish-brown underlying layers. In still another 10 percent, the soils have a very dark gray or black surface layer, and in about 20 percent, the soils are not acid and have dark grayish-brown underlying layers. The remaining 10 percent consist of sandy soils.
Infiltration is moderate, and runoff is slow. Water is ponded in some places. These soils are easy to keep in good tilth and can be satisfactorily worked throughout a fairly wide range of moisture content. Most of the acreage is in forest, and the rest is chiefly in pasture. Very frequent flooding occurs for brief periods, and wetness is a very severe limitation to use of these soils. Artificial drainage and, in places, dikes are needed for most uses. If properly drained, these soils are fairly well suited to pasture, hay, and a few locally grown field crops. Drained areas are used mainly for corn and soybeans. Capability unit IVw-4; woodland suitability group 2w9.
- Bladen Series
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Bladen Series
The Bladen series consists of poorly drained, nearly level soils on uplands. These soils formed in the Coastal Plain sediment. A seasonal high water table is at or near the surface.
In a typical profile, the surface layer is dark-gray fine sandy loam about 7 inches thick. The subsoil is about 48 inches thick. In the upper part, the subsoil is light brownish-gray, firm sandy clay mottled with brownish yellow and dark gray. In the lower part, it is gray, very firm clay mottled with strong brown, yellowish brown and brownish yellow. Below the subsoil and extending to a depth of about 70 inches is gray clay mottled with brownish yellow.
Natural fertility is medium, and the content of organic matter is low. Available water capacity is medium, permeability is slow, and shrink-swell potential is moderate. In areas that have not received lime, reaction is strongly acid or very strongly acid.
The Bladen soils in Pitt County are of only minor importance for farming. Most of the acreage is in forest, and the rest is chiefly in cultivated crops or pasture. Major limitations to the use of these soils are the seasonal high water table, frequent ponding for brief periods, and slow permeability. Where these soils are used for crops, response is good to recommended applications of fertilizer and lime.
Representative profile of Bladen fine sandy loam, 6 miles north of Greenville, 150 feet east of U.S. Highway No. 13 and State Highway No. 11, one-half mile north of the junction of State Highway No. 903 with those highways, and 70 feet south of a field path:
- Ap–0 to 7 inches, dark gray (10YR 4/1) fine sandy loam; weak, medium, granular structure; very friable; many, small roots; strongly acid; abrupt, smooth boundary.
- B21tg–7 to 14 inches, light brownish-gray (10YR 6/2) sandy clay; few, fine, distinct, brownish-yellow and dark-gray mottles; weak, medium, subangular blocky structure; firm, sticky and plastic; many small and few medium roots; many root channels; few thin, patchy clay films on faces of peds; very strongly acid; clear, wavy boundary.
- B22tg–14 to 40 inches, gray (10YR 5/1) clay; few, medium, distinct, strong brown (7.5YR 5/8) and yellowish-brown (10YR 5/8) mottles; weak and moderate, medium, angular blocky structure; very firm, very sticky and very plastic; few small and medium roots and root channels; patchy clay films on faces of peds; very strongly acid; gradual, wavy boundary.
- B23tg–40 to 55 inches, gray (10YR 6/1) clay; few, fine, distinct, brownish-yellow mottles; weak, medium, angular blocky structure; very firm, very sticky and very plastic; few thin, patchy clay films on the faces of peds; very strongly acid; gradual, wavy boundary.
- Cg–55 to 70 inches, gray (10YR 6/1) clay; few medium, distinct, brownish-yellow (10YR 6/8) mottles; massive; very firm, very sticky and very plastic; very strongly acid.
The solum ranges from 50 to more than 60 inches in thickness. The A horizon is dark gray or gray and ranges form 5 to 14 inches in thickness. The B horizon is gray or light brownish-gray to dark-gray sandy clay to clay and is 40 to 55 inches or more thick. It is commonly mottled with yellowish brown, brownish yellow, strong brown. The C horizon is gray and ranges from sandy clay loam to clay in texture.
Bladen fine sandy loam (Bd). – This is a poorly drained soil on broad flats and in slight depressions in the uplands. It occurs in areas of irregular shape that are 4 to more than 40 acres in size. Slopes are 0 to 1 percent. The surface layer is dark-gray fine sandy loam about 7 inches thick. The subsoil is about 48 inches thick. In the upper part, the subsoil is light brownish-gray, firm sandy clay mottled with brownish yellow and dark gray. In the lower part, it is gray, very firm clay mottled with strong brown, yellowish brown, and brownish yellow.
Included with this soil in mapping were a few areas of soils that have a similar profile but that have a surface layer of sandy loam or silt loam. Also included were small areas of Leaf, Lenoir, Coxville, Byars, and Pantego soils.
Infiltration is moderate. Runoff is slow to ponded. This soil is fairly easy to keep in good tilth, but it can be satisfactorily worked only within a fairly narrow range of moisture content. It is frequently ponded for brief periods, and wetness is a severe limitation to its use. Most of the acreage is in forest, and the rest is chiefly cultivated or in pasture. If properly drained, this soil is suited to a few locally grown crops. A system of surface drains is needed where cultivated crops are grown. Areas that are farmed are used mainly for corn, soybeans, small grain, and pasture. Capability unit IIIw-2; woodland suitability group 2w9.
- Byars Series
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Byars Series
The Byars series consists of very poorly drained, nearly level soils on uplands. These soils formed in Coastal Plain sediment. A seasonal high water table is at or near the surface.
In a typical profile, the surface layer is black and very dark gray loam about 13 inches thick. The subsoil is about 50 inches thick. In the upper part, the subsoil is dark gray, very firm silty clay. In the lower part, it is gray, very firm clay mottled with dark gray and yellowish brown. Below the subsoil and extending to a depth of about 72 inches is gray sandy clay loam mottled with brownish yellow and bluish gray.
Natural fertility, the content of organic matter, and available water capacity are all medium. Permeability is slow, and shrink-swell potential high. In areas that have not received lime, reaction is very strongly acid or extremely acid.
The Byars soils in Pitt County are only minor importance for farming. A seasonal high water, infrequent ponding for brief periods, and slow permeability are the major limitations to their use. Most of the acreage is in forest, and the rest is chiefly cultivated or in pasture. In areas used for crops, response is good to recommended applications of fertilizer and lime.
Representative profile of Byars loam, 6 miles southwest of Bethel, 1 mile of State Road No. 1424, and 50 feet north of pulpwood road in Grindle Pocosin:
- O1–1 inch to 0, undecayed grass, pine needles, and leaf mold.
- A11–0 to 2 inches, black (10YR 2/1) loam; common, medium, distinct, dark grayish-brown (10YR 4/2) mottles; weak, medium, granular structure; very friable; many small and medium roots; high content of organic matter; very strongly acid; abrupt, smooth boundary.
- A12–2 to 11 inches, black (10YR 2/1) loam; weak, medium, granular structure; very friable; many small and medium roots; few medium root channels; very strongly acid; abrupt, smooth boundary.
- A13–11 to 13 inches, very dark gray (10YR 3/1) loam; weak, medium, granular structure; very friable; few small and medium roots; few medium root channels; very strongly acid; abrupt, smooth boundary.
- B21tg–13 to 21 inches, dark-gray (10YR 4/1) silty clay; weak, medium, angular blocky structure; very firm, sticky and plastic; small and medium roots; few medium root channels; thin, patchy clay films on faces of peds; very strongly acid; gradual, wavy boundary.
- B22tg–21 to 27 inches, gray (10YR 5/1) clay; few, fine, distinct, very dark gray mottles; weak, medium, angular blocky structure; very firm, very sticky and very plastic; few medium roots and root channels; thin, patchy clay films on faces of peds; extremely acid; gradual, wavy boundary.
- B23tg–27 to 63 inches, gray (10YR 6/1) clay; few, fine, distinct, very dark gray and yellowish-brown mottles; weak, medium, angular blocky structure; very firm, very sticky and very plastic; few medium root channels; extremely acid; gradual, wavy boundary.
- Cg–63 to 72 inches, gray (10YR 6/1) sandy clay loam with lenses of sandy loam; few, fine, distinct, brownish-yellow and bluish-gray mottles; massive; firm, slightly sticky and slightly plastic; extremely acid.
Thickness of the solum ranges from 60 to 70 inches or more. The A horizon is black or very dark gray and ranges from 10 to 20 inches in thickness. The B horizon is gray to dark-gray silty clay and clay and is 50 inches or more thick. It is commonly mottled with yellowish brown and very dark gray. The C horizon is gray and ranges from sandy clay loam to clay in texture.
Byars loam (By). – This is a very poorly drained soil on smooth flats and in slight depressions in the uplands. It occurs in areas of irregular shape that are 5 to more than 40 acres in size. Slopes are 0 to 1 percent. The surface layer is black and very dark gray loam about 13 inches thick. The subsoil is about 50 inches thick. In the upper part, the subsoil is dark-gray, very firm silty clay. In the lower part, it is gray, very firm clay mottled with very dark gray and yellowish brown.
Included with this soil in mapping were a few areas of soils that have a similar profile but that have a surface layer of fine sandy loam, very fine sandy loam, or silt loam. Also included were small areas of Bladen, Leaf, Coxville, and Pantego soils.
Infiltration is moderate. Runoff is very slow to ponded. This soil is fairly easy to keep in good tilth, but it can be satisfactorily worked only within a fairly narrow range of moisture content. Most of the acreage is in forest, and the rest is used chiefly for cultivated crops and pasture. Water infrequently ponds on the surface for brief periods, and wetness is a severe limitation to use. If properly drained, this soil is suited to a few locally grown crops. Surface drainage is needed if cultivated crops are grown. Areas that are farmed are used mainly for corn, soybeans, small grain, and pasture. Capability unit IIIw-2; woodland suitability group 2w9.
- Cape Fear Series
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Cape Fear Series
The Cape Fear series consists of very poorly drained, nearly level soils on stream terraces. These soils formed in alluvial sediment. A seasonal high water table is at or near the surface.
In a typical profile, the surface layer is black and very dark gray loam about 14 inches thick. The subsoil, about 26 inches thick is dominantly gray, firm clay mottled with yellowish brown. Below the subsoil and extending to a depth of about 60 inches is light-gray coarse sand mottled with gray.
Natural fertility, the content of organic matter, and available water capacity are all medium. Permeability is slow, and shrink-swell potential is high. In areas that have not received lime, reaction is very strongly acid.
The Cape Fear soils in Pitt County are of only minor importance for farming. Major limitations to their use are the seasonal high water table, frequent flooding for brief periods, and slow permeability. Most of the acreage is in forest, and the rest is chiefly cultivated or in pasture. Crops grown on these soils respond well to recommended applications of fertilizer and lime.
Representative profile of Cape Fear loam, 3 miles northwest of Greenville on U.S. Highway No. 13 and N.C. Highway 11; one-third mile north of State Road No. 1417, 650 feet east of State Road No. 1422, and 70 feet north of tobacco barn:
- Ap–0 to 8 inches, black (10YR 2/1) loam, weak, medium, granular structure; very friable; few small roots; strongly acid; clear, smooth boundary.
- A12–8 to 14 inches, very dark gray (10YR 3/1) loam, weak, medium, granular structure; very friable; few small roots; strongly acid; clear wavy boundary.
- B1tg–14 to 17 inches, very dark gray (10YR 3/1) sandy clay; weak, medium, subangular blocky structure; firm; slightly sticky and slightly plastic; few small roots; few thin clay films on faces of peds; few uncoated sand grains; very strongly acid; clear, wavy boundary.
- B2tg–17 to 36 inches, gray (10YR 5/1) clay; few, medium distinct, yellowish-brown (10YR 5/6) mottles; weak, medium, angular blocky structure; firm, sticky and plastic; few small and medium roots; few medium root channels; few, thin, patchy clay films on faces of peds; very strongly acid; gradual, wavy boundary.
- B3tg–36 to 40 inches, gray (10YR 5/1) clay; weak, medium, subangular blocky structure; firm, slightly sticky and slightly plastic; few small roots; few uncoated sand grains; few lenses of loamy sand and sand; very strongly acid; clear, wavy boundary.
- IICg–40 to 60 inches, light gray (10YR 7/2) coarse sand; many, coarse, distinct, gray (10YR 5/1) mottles; single grain; loose; few uncoated sand grains; very strongly acid.
Thickness of the solum is 40 inches or less. The A horizon is very dark gray to black and ranges from 10 to 20 inches in thickness. The B horizon is gray to very dark gray sandy clay, silty clay, or clay, and it ranges from 20 to 30 inches in thickness. It is commonly mottled with yellowish brown. The C horizon is light gray or gray and ranges from coarse sand to loamy sand in texture.
Cape Fear loam (Ca). – This is a very poorly drained soil on smooth side flats and in slight depressions in stream terraces. It occurs in areas of irregular shape that are 3 to 15 acres in size. Slopes are 0 to 1 percent. The surface layer is black and very dark gray loam about 14 inches thick. The subsoil is about 26 inches thick. It is dominantly gray, firm clay mottled with yellowish brown.
Included with this soil in mapping were a few areas of soils that have a similar profile but that have a surface layer of fine sandy loam or silt loam. Also included were small areas of Bibb, Tuckerman, Pantego, and Roanoke soils.
Infiltration is moderate. Runoff is very slow to ponded. This soil is easy to keep in good tilth, but it can be satisfactorily worked only within a fairly narrow range of moisture content. Most of the acreage is in forest, and the rest is chiefly cultivated or in pasture. Wetness is a very severe limitation and this soil is frequently flooded for brief periods. If properly drained, it is suited to a few locally grown crops. Areas that are farmed are used primarily for corn, soybeans, small grain, and pasture. A system of surface drains is needed where cultivated crops are grown. Capability unit IVw-2; woodland suitability group 2w9.
- Chipley Series
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Chipley Series
The Chipley series consists of moderately well drained, nearly level and gently sloping soils on uplands and stream terraces. These soils formed in the coastal plain and alluvial sediment. A seasonal high water table is within about 2 ½ feet of the surface. White mottles are within the zone affected by the high water table.
In a typical profile, the surface layer is dark grayish-brown sand about 9 inches thick. To a depth of about 42 inches, the underlying layers are light yellowish-brown and very pale-brown, loose fine sand and sand mottled with white and brownish yellow. The next layers, to a depth of about 66 inches, are white and light brownish-gray, loose sand and coarse sand mottled with yellowish brown. Below these layers, to a depth of about of about 86 inches, is mottled white and yellowish-brown coarse sand.
Natural fertility, the content of organic matter, and available water capacity are all very low. Permeability is rapid, and shrink-swell potential is low. In areas that have not received lime, reaction is strongly acid or very strongly acid.
The Chipley soils in Pitt County are of only minor importance for farming. About half of the acreage is cultivated or in pasture, and the rest is chiefly in forest or in housing developments or other nonfarm uses. Very low natural fertility, the seasonal high water table, and infrequent flooding for brief periods are major limitations to the use of these soils. Where crops are grown, response is fairly good to recommended applications of lime and fertilizer.
Representative profile of Chipley sand 2 miles east of Belvoir, 300 yards south of State Road No. 1001, and 150 feet south of a field ditch:
- Ap–0 to 9 inches, dark grayish-brown (10YR 4/2) sand; weak, fine, granular structure; very friable; many small roots; slightly acid; abrupt, smooth boundary.
- C1–9 to 14 inches, light yellowish-brown (10YR 6/4) sand; single grain; loose; few small and medium roots; strongly acid; clear, wavy boundary.
- C2–14 to 33 inches, very pale brown (10YR 7/4) fine sand; few, medium, distinct, white (10YR 8/1) mottles; single grain; loose; few medium roots; uncoated white sand grains; strongly acid; gradual, wavy boundary.
- C3–33 to 42 inches, very pale brown (10YR 7/4) sand; common, medium, distinct, white (10YR 8/1) mottles and few, medium, distinct, brownish-yellow (10YR 6/8) mottles; single grain; loose; uncoated white sand grains; strongly acid; gradual, wavy boundary.
- C4–42 to 52 inches, white (10YR 8/2) sand; single grain; loose; strongly acid; wavy boundary.
- C5–52 to 66 inches, light brownish gray (10YR 6/2) coarse sand; few coarse, distinct, yellowish-brown (10YR 5/8) mottles; single grain; loose; many uncoated sand grains; very strongly acid; gradual, wavy boundary.
- C6–66 to 86 inches, mottled, white (10YR 8/1) and yellowish-brown (10YR 5/8) coarse sand; single grain; loose; yellowish-brown, coated sand grains; very strongly acid.
Combined thickness of the sandy horizon is more than 80 inches. The Ap or A1 horizon is dark gray to dark grayish brown and is 5 to 10 inches thick. The upper part of the C horizon ranges from light yellowish brown to very pale brown and from fine sand to coarse sand. Gray or white mottles are at a depth within 10 to 40 inches of the surface. The lower part of the C horizon is commonly white to light brownish-gray sand or coarse sand.
Chipley sand (Ch). – This is a moderately well drained soil on broad flats and on smooth side slopes of uplands and stream terraces. It occurs in areas of irregular shape that are 4 to 20 acres in size. Slopes range from 0 to 4 percent. The surface layer is dark grayish-brown sand about 9 inches thick. To a depth of about 42 inches, the underlying layers are light yellowish-brown and very pale brown, loose fine sand and sand mottled with white and brownish yellow. The next layers, to a depth of about 66 inches, are white and light brownish-gray, loose sand and coarse sand mottled with yellowish brown.
Included with this soil in mapping were a few areas of soils that have a similar profile but that have a surface layer of fine sand. Also included were small areas of Lakeland, Alaga, Pactolus, Osier, and Wagram soils.
Infiltration is rapid. Runoff is slow. This soil is fairly easy to keep in good tilth and can be satisfactorily worked throughout a wide range of moisture content. It is fairly well suited to most of the locally grown crops, but natural fertility is very low. Also, infrequent flooding occurs for brief periods, and wetness is a severe limitation. About half of the acreage is cultivated or in pasture. The rest is chiefly in forest and in housing developments or other nonfarm uses. Some artificial drainage is needed in places for optimum returns from most crops. Capability unit IIIw-1; woodland suitability group 2w2.
- Coxville Series
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Coxville Series
The Coxville series consists of poorly drained, nearly level soils on uplands. These soils formed in Coastal Plain sediment. A seasonal high water table is at or near the surface.
In a typical profile, the surface layer is dark-gray and gray fine sandy loam about 11 inches thick. The subsoil, about 51 inches, is dominantly gray, firm sandy clay mottled with yellowish brown, brownish yellow, and red. Below the subsoil and extending to a depth of about 70 inches is gray sandy clay mottled with reddish yellow.
Natural fertility and available water capacity are medium, and the content of organic matter is low. Permeability is moderately slow, and shrink-swell potential is moderate. In areas that have not received lime, reaction is very strongly acid or extremely acid.
Although most of the acreage is in forest, these soils are fairly important for farming. Areas not in trees are used mainly for cultivated crops and pasture. The major limitations to use of these soils are the seasonal high water table, frequent ponding for brief periods, and moderately slow permeability. Crops respond well to recommended applications of fertilizer and lime.
Representative profile of Coxville fine sandy loam, 0.2 mile south of the city limits of Greenville, 300 feet east of Highway No. 43, and 250 feet south of an apartment housing project:
- Ap–0 to 9 inches, dark-gray (10YR 4/1) fine sandy loam; weak, fine, granular structure; very friable; many small roots; slightly acid; clear, wavy boundary.
- A2–9 to 11 inches, gray (10YR 6/1) fine sandy loam; many, fine, distinct, grayish-brown mottles; weak, medium, granular structure; very friable; many small and medium roots and few large roots; few small and medium root channels; strongly acid; clear, smooth boundary.
- B1g–11 to 13 inches, grayish-brown (10YR 5/2) sandy clay loam; few, fine, distinct, brownish-yellow mottles; weak, medium, subangular blocky structure; friable, slightly sticky and slightly plastic; few small roots; very strongly acid; clear, wavy boundary.
- B21tg–13 to 25 inches, gray (10YR 6/1) sandy clay; few, medium, distinct, yellowish-brown (10YR 5/4) mottles; weak, medium, subangular blocky structure; firm, sticky and plastic; few small roots and root channels; thin clay films on vertical faces of peds and in root channels; very strongly acid; gradual, wavy boundary.
- B22tg–25 to 62 inches, gray (10YR 6/1) sandy clay; many, medium, distinct, brownish-yellow (10YR 6/6) mottles and few, fine, prominent, red mottles; weak, medium, angular and subangular blocky structure; firm, sticky and plastic; thin, patchy clay films on faces of peds; extremely acid; gradual, wavy boundary.
- Cg–62 to 70 inches, gray (10YR 6/1) sandy clay; few medium, prominent, reddish-yellow (5YR 6/6) mottles; massive; firm, sticky and plastic; pockets and lenses of clay and loamy sand; extremely acid.
The solum is more than 60 inches thick. The A horizon is gray or dark gray and ranges from 8 to 20 inches in thickness. The B1 horizon is gray to grayish brown. The Bt horizon is gray sandy clay to clay loam and is 43 to 55 inches or more thick. The B horizon is commonly mottled with yellowish brown, brownish yellow, and red. The C horizon is gray and is sandy clay to clay.
Coxville fine sandy loam (Co). – This is a poorly drained soil on smooth flats and in slight depressions in the uplands. It occurs in areas of irregular shape that is 4 to more than 40 acres in size. Slopes are 0 to 1 percent. The surface layer is dark-gray and gray fine sandy loam about 11 inches thick. The subsoil about 51 inches thick, is dominantly gray fine sandy clay mottled with yellowish brown, brownish yellow, and red.
Included with this soil in mapping were a few areas of soils that have a similar profile but that have a surface layer of sandy loam or loam. Also included were small areas of Lenoir, Bladen, and Rains soils.
Infiltration is moderate. Runoff is slow to ponded. This soil is fairly easy to keep in good tilth, but it can be satisfactorily worked only within a fairly narrow range of moisture content. Most of the acreage is in forest, and the rest is chiefly cultivated or in pasture. If properly drained, this soil is suited to most of the locally grown crops. Wetness is a severe limitation, however, and frequent ponding occurs for brief periods. A complete drainage system is needed if cultivated crops are grown. In areas that are farmed, the crops are mainly corn, soybeans, small grain, and pasture. Capability unit IIIw-2; woodland suitability group 2w9.
- Craven Series
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Craven Series
The Craven series consists of moderately well drained, nearly level to sloping soils on uplands. These soils formed in the Coastal Plain sediment. A seasonal high water table is at a depth of about 2 ½ feet. Gray mottles are within the zone affected by the high water table.
In a typical profile, the surface layer is dark-gray and light gray fine sandy loam about 12 inches thick. The subsoil is about 43 inches thick and is dominantly very firm clay in the upper part, the subsoil is brownish yellow and yellowish brown and is mottled with brownish yellow and red. In the lower part, it is gray mottled with brownish yellow and red. Below the subsoil and extending to a depth of about 78 inches is gray clay mottled with light yellowish brown and red.
Natural fertility and available water capacity are medium, and the content of organic matter is low. Permeability is slow, and shrink-swell potential is high. In areas that have not received lime, reaction is strongly acid to extremely acid.
The Craven soils in Pitt County are moderately important for farming. Most of the acreage is cultivated or in pasture. The rest is chiefly in forest and in housing developments or other nonfarm uses. The seasonal high water table, slow permeability, and slope are the major limitations to use of these soils. Crops respond well to recommended applications of fertilizer and lime.
Representative profile of Craven fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, 3.3 miles south of Grimesland, 1.3 miles of Boyd's Crossroad, 0.3 mile west of State Road No. 565, and 70 feet north of State Road No. 1782:
- Ap–0 to 7 inches, dark-gray (10YR 4/1) fine sandy loam; weak, fine, granular structure; very friable; many small roots; medium acid; clear, smooth boundary.
- A2–7 to 12 inches, light-gray (10YR 7/2) fine sandy loam; weak, fine, granular structure; very friable; many small and medium roots; few medium root channels filled with material form the Ap horizon; strongly acid; clear, smooth boundary.
- B1t–12 to 14 inches, light yellowish-brown (2.5Y 6/4) clay loam; weak, medium, subangular blocky structure; firm, sticky and plastic; few small and medium roots and root channels; few, thin, patchy clay films on the faces of pods; very strongly acid; clear, wavy boundary.
- B21t–14 to 26 inches, brownish-yellow (10YR 6/6) clay; moderate, medium, angular blocky structure; very firm, very sticky and very plastic; few medium roots and root channels; thin, patchy clay films on the faces of peds; very strongly acid; gradual, wavy boundary.
- B22t–26 to 38 inches, yellowish-brown (10YR 5/6) clay; few, fine, faint, brownish-yellow mottles and distinct gray mottles; very firm, very sticky and very plastic; few medium roots and root channels; patchy clay films on the faces of peds; very strongly acid; gradual, wavy boundary.
- B23t–38 to 46 inches, yellowish-brown (10YR 5/6) clay; common, medium, prominent, red (2.5YR 4/8) mottles and common, medium, distinct, gray (10YR 6/1) mottles; moderate, medium, angular blocky structure; very firm, very sticky and very plastic; few medium roots and root channels; patchy clay films on the faces of peds; very strongly acid; gradual, wavy boundary.
- B3tg–46 to 55 inches, gray (10YR 6/1) clay; few, medium, distinct, brownish-yellow (10YR 6/8) mottles and few, fine, prominent, red mottles; weak, medium, angular blocky and platy structure; very firm, very sticky and very plastic; few, thin, patchy clay films on the faces of peds; very strongly acid; gradual, wavy boundary.
- Cg–55 to 78 inches, gray (10YR 6/1) clay; few medium lenses of sandy clay; few, medium, distinct, light yellowish-brown (10YR 6/4) mottles and few, fine, prominent, red mottles; massive; firm, sticky and plastic; extremely acid.
Thickness of the solum ranges from 40 to 60 inches. The A horizon is 3 to 20 inches thick. The Al or Ap horizon is dark gray to grayish brown in uneroded areas and is very pale brown or brown in eroded areas. The A2 horizon is light gray to pale brown. Thickness of the B horizon ranges from 20 to 57 inches. The B2 horizon is yellowish-brown to brownish-yellow clay that is mottled with gray and red in the lower part. Gray mottles are within 30 inches of the surface. The C horizon is gray clay to loamy sand.
Craven fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes (CrA). – This is a moderately well drained soil on broad, smooth divides in the uplands. It occurs in areas of irregular shape that are 5 to 15 acres in size. The profile is the one described as representative of the Craven series. The surface layer is dark-gray and light-gray fine sandy loam about 12 inches thick. The subsoil is about 43 inches thick and is dominantly very firm clay. The upper part of the subsoil is brownish yellow and yellowish brown and is mottled with brownish yellow, gray, and red. The lower part is gray and is mottled with brownish yellow and red. Gray mottles are within 30 inches of the surface.
Included with this soil in mapping were a few areas of soils that have a similar profile but that have a surface layer of sandy loam, very fine sandy loam, silt loam, or loam. Also included were areas of soils that also have a similar profile but that have a combined surface layer and subsoil thickness of about 40 inches or less and are underlain by sandy loam and loamy sand. Other inclusions consist of small areas of Goldsboro, Exum, Nahunta, and Lenoir soils.
Infiltration is moderate. Runoff is slow. This soil is easy to keep in good tilth and can be satisfactorily worked throughout a wide range of moisture content. Most of the acreage is cultivated or in pasture. The rest is chiefly in forest and in housing developments or other nonfarm uses. This soil is well suited to most of the locally grown crops. Wetness is a moderate limitation, however, and artificial drainage is needed for most crops. Areas that are farmed are used mainly for tobacco, cotton, corn, soybeans, small grain, and pasture. Capability unit IIw-1; woodland suitability group 3w2.
Craven fine sandy loam, 1 to 6 percent slopes (CrB). – This is a moderately well drained soil on smooth side slopes in the uplands. It occurs in areas that are long and narrow or irregular in shape and that are 3 to 15 acres in size. The surface layer is grayish-brown fine sandy loam 8 to 15 inches thick. The subsoil is yellowish-brown to brownish-yellow, very firm clay 25 to 57 inches thick. Gray mottles are within 30 inches of the surface.
Included with this soil in mapping were a few areas of soils that have a similar profile but that have a surface layer of sandy loam, very fine silt loam, or silt loam. Also included were a few areas of soils that also have a similar profile but that are underlain by sandy loam or loamy sand and the surface layer and subsoil combined are 40 inches thick or less. Other inclusions consist of small areas of Goldsboro and Exum soils.
Infiltration is moderate. Runoff is medium. This soil is easy to keep in good tilth and can be satisfactorily worked throughout a wide range of moisture content. Most of the acreage is cultivated or in pasture; the rest is chiefly in forest or in housing developments or other nonfarm uses. This soil is well suited to most of the locally grown crops. In areas that are farmed, it is used mainly for tobacco, cotton, corn, soybeans, small grain, and pasture. Because of the slope and runoff, erosion is a moderate hazard. In cultivated areas practices that effectively control runoff and that reduce erosion are needed. Capability unit IIe-3; woodland suitability group 3w2.
Craven fine sandy loam, 1 to 6 percent slopes, eroded (CrB2). – This is a moderately well drained soil on smooth side slopes in the uplands. It occurs in areas of irregular shape that are 3 to 8 acres in size. The surface layer is 3 to 8 inches thick. In many places it is a mixture of soil material from the remaining original surface layer and the subsoil. In the less eroded spots, the present surface layer is dominantly very pale brown or brown fine sandy loam. In the more eroded spots, the surface layer is clay loam or sandy loam. The subsoil is 25 to 52 inches thick and consists of yellowish-brown to brownish yellow, very firm clay. Gray mottles are within 30 inches of the surface.
Included with this soil in mapping were a few areas of soils that have a similar profile but that have a surface layer of sandy loam or silt loam and a few areas of soils that have slopes greater than 6 percent. Also included were areas of soils that also have a similar profile but that are underlain by sandy loam or loamy sand and in which the combined thickness of the surface layer and subsoil is 40 inches or less. Other inclusions consists of small areas of Goldsboro and Exum soils.
Infiltration is moderately slow. Runoff is medium. Because the surface layer has been thinned by erosion, this soil is difficult to keep in good tilth. It can be satisfactorily worked only within a narrow range of moisture content. After hard rains a crust forms in the more eroded spots, and clods tend to form if this soil is worked when wet. The crusting and clodding adversely affect germination. As a result, stands of crops are likely to be poor, and an even stand of tobacco is hard to obtain. In places replanting of some crops may be necessary.
Most of the acreage is cultivated or in pasture, and the rest is chiefly in forest. This soil is fairly well suited to most of the locally grown crops. Areas that are farmed are used mainly for tobacco, cotton, corn, soybeans, and pasture. Because of the slope and runoff, further erosion is a moderate hazard. In cultivated areas practices that effectively control runoff and that reduce erosion are needed. Capability unit IIe-3; woodland suitability group 3w2.
Craven fine sandy loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes (CrC). – This is a moderately well drained soil on narrow side slopes in the uplands. The areas range from 3 to 20 acres in size. The surface layer is dark gray fine sandy loam 8 to 20 inches thick. The subsoil is 20 to 52 inches thick. It consists of yellowish-brown to brownish-yellow, very firm clay that is mottled with gray at depths within about 30 inches of the surface.
Included with this soil in mapping were a few areas of soils that have a similar profile but that have slopes of 10 to 15 percent. Also included were a few small areas of soils that also have a similar but that are eroded. Other inclusions consist of small areas of Norfolk and Wagram soils.
Infiltration is moderate. Runoff is rapid. This soil is easy to keep in good tilth and can be satisfactorily worked throughout a wide range of moisture content. Most of the acreage is in forest, and the rest is chiefly in pasture. This soil is fairly well suited to most of the locally grown crops. Because of the slope and runoff, however, erosion is a severe hazard. Intensive practices that effectively control runoff and that reduce erosion are needed where cultivated crops are grown. Capability unit IIe-2; woodland suitability group 3w2.
- Exum Series
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Exum Series
The Exum series consists of moderately well drained, nearly level and gently sloping soils on uplands. These soils formed in Coastal Plain sediment. A seasonal high water table is at a depth of about 2 ½ feet. Gray mottles are within the zone affected by high water table.
In a typical profile, the surface layer is grayish-brown and light yellowish-brown fine sandy loam about 12 inches thick. The subsoil extends to a depth of about 72 inches. In the upper part, the subsoil is brownish-yellow, friable clay loam mottled with light yellowish-brown, light brownish gray, gray, and yellowish red. In the lower part, it is gray, friable sandy clay loam mottled with yellowish red and brownish yellow.
Natural fertility and the content of organic matter are low, and available water capacity is high. Permeability is moderate, shrink-swell potential is low to moderate. In areas that have not received lime, reaction is strongly acid or very strongly acid.
The Exum soils in Pitt County are important for farming. Most of the acreage is cultivated or in pasture. The rest is chiefly in forest and in housing developments or other nonfarm uses. Major limitations to use of these soils are the seasonal high water table and slope. Crops respond well to recommended applications of fertilizer and lime.
Representative profile of Exum fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, one-fourth mile northwest of Chicod, 65 feet southwest of State Highway No. 43, and 15 feet southwest of telephone pole No. 4:
- Ap–0 to 7 inches, grayish-brown (10YR 5/2) fine sandy loam; weak, medium, granular structure; very friable; many small and medium roots; medium acid; abrupt, smooth boundary.
- A2–7 to 12 inches, light yellowish-brown (2.5YR 6/4) fine sandy loam; weak, medium, granular structure; very friable; few medium roots; medium acid; clear, wavy boundary.
- B1t–12 to 15 inches, brownish yellow (10YR 6/6) clay loam; weak, medium, subangular blocky structure; friable; medium roots and root channels; few, thin, patchy clay films on faces of peds; strongly acid; wavy boundary.
- B21t–15 to 26 inches, brownish-yellow (10YR 6/6) clay loam; few, weak, medium, distinct, light yellowish-brown (10YR 6/4) mottles; weak, medium, subangular blocky structure; friable; medium roots and root channels; patchy clay films on faces of peds; very strongly acid; gradual, wavy boundary.
- B22t–26 to 44 inches, brownish-yellow (10YR 6/6) clay loam; few, medium, distinct, light brownish-gray (10YR 6/2) mottles; weak, medium, subangular blocky structure; friable, sticky and plastic; patchy clay films on faces of peds; very strongly acid; gradual, wavy boundary.
- B23t–44 to 62 inches, brownish-yellow (10YR 6/6) clay loam; common, medium, distinct, gray (10YR 5/1) mottles and few, medium, prominent, yellowish-red (5YR 5/8) mottles; weak, medium, angular blocky structure; friable, sticky and plastic; patchy clay films on faces of peds; very strongly acid; gradual, wavy boundary.
- B3tg–62 to 72 inches, gray (10YR 6/1) sandy clay loam; common, medium, prominent, yellowish-red (5YR 5/8) mottles and few, medium, distinct, brownish-yellow (10YR 6/8) mottles; weak, medium, angular blocky and platy structure; friable; very strongly acid.
The solum is more than 60 inches thick. The A horizon is 7 to 20 inches thick. The A1 or Ap horizon is dark grayish brown or grayish brown, and the A2 horizon is light yellowish brown to pale yellow. The B horizon is 40 to more than 53 inches thick. It is mottled with yellowish red and yellowish brown and also has grayish mottles within 30 inches of the surface. The B2 horizon is brownish yellow to yellowish brown and is silty clay loam or clay loam. The B3 horizon is commonly gray sandy clay loam. The C horizon is gray loamy sand to clay.
Exum fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes (ExA). – This is a moderately well drained soil on broad, smooth divides in the uplands. It occurs in areas of irregular shape that are 5 to 35 acres in size. The profile is the one described as representative of the Exum series. The surface layer is grayish-brown and light yellowish-brown fine sandy loam about 12 inches thick. The subsoil extends to a depth of about 72 inches. In the upper part, the subsoil is brownish-yellow, friable clay loam mottled with light yellowish brown, light brownish gray, gray and yellowish red. In the lower part, it is gray, friable sandy clay loam mottled with yellowish red and brownish yellow.
Included with this soil in mapping were a few areas of soils that have a similar profile but that have a surface layer of silt loam, very fine sandy loam, sandy loam, or loam. Also included were small areas of Aycock, Norfolk, Goldsboro, and Nahunta soils.
Infiltration is moderate. Runoff is slow. This soil is easy to keep in good tilth and can be satisfactorily worked throughout a wide range of moisture content. Most of the acreage is cultivated or in pasture. The rest is chiefly in forest and in housing developments or other nonfarm uses. This soil is well suited to all the locally grown crops, and it is especially well suited to tobacco, peanuts, and cotton. Wetness is a moderate limitation. In places artificial drainage is needed for optimum returns from tobacco and other crops that require good drainage. Capability unit IIw-1; woodland suitability group 2w8.
Exum fine sandy loam, 1 to 6 percent slopes (ExB). – This is a moderately well drained soil on smooth side slopes in the uplands. It occurs in areas that are long and narrow or irregular in shape and that are 3 to 12 acres in size. The surface layer is grayish-brown fine sandy loam about 7 to 20 inches thick. The subsoil is dominantly brownish-yellow, friable clay loam 40 to more than 53 inches thick. Gray mottles are within 30 inches of the surface.
Included with this soil in mapping were a few areas of soils that have a similar profile but that have a surface layer of silt loam, sandy loam or loam. Also included were small areas of soils that also have a similar profile but that are moderately to severely eroded in some spots. Other inclusions consist of small areas of Aycock, Norfolk and Craven soils.
Infiltration is moderate. Runoff is medium. This soil is easy to keep in good tilth and can be satisfactorily worked throughout a wide range of moisture content. Most of the acreage is cultivated or in pasture. The rest is chiefly in forest and in housing developments or other nonfarm uses. This soil is well suited to all the locally grown crops. Because of slopes and runoff, however, erosion is a moderate hazard. Where cultivated crops are grown, practices that effectively control runoff and that reduce erosion are needed. Capability unit IIe-2; woodland suitability group 2w8.
- Goldsboro Series
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Goldsboro Series
The Goldsboro series consists of moderately well drained, nearly level and gently sloping soils on uplands. These soils formed in Coastal Plain sediment. A seasonal high water is at a depth of about 2 ½ feet. Gray mottles are within the zone affected by the high water table.
In a typical profile, the surface layer is dark-gray and light yellowish-brown sandy loam about 17 inches thick. The subsoil is about 48 inches thick and is friable sandy clay loam. The upper part of the subsoil is dominantly brownish yellow and is mottled with strong brown and gray. The lower part is gray and is mottled with brownish yellow and red. A layer of light-gray sandy clay loam mottled with gray is below the subsoil and extends to a depth of about 75 inches.
Natural fertility and the content of organic matter are low, and available water capacity is medium. Permeability is moderate, and shrink-swell potential is low. In areas that have not received lime, reaction is strongly acid or very strongly acid.
The Goldsboro soils in Pitt County are important for farming. Most of the acreage is cultivated or in pasture, and the rest is chiefly in forest and in housing developments or other nonfarm uses. Major limitations to use of these soils are the seasonal high water table and slope. In areas used for crops, response is good to recommended applications of fertilizer and lime.
Representative profile of Goldsboro sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, 1 mile east of Piney Grove Church, 1 mile south of Frog Level, 450 feet north of State Road No. 1128, and 20 feet east of a field path:
- Ap–0 to 7 inches, dark gray (10YR 4/1) sandy loam; weak, fine, granular structure; very friable; many small roots; medium acid; clear, smooth boundary.
- A2–7 to 17 inches, light yellowish-brown (2.5Y 6/4) sandy loam; weak, medium, granular structure; very friable; many small and few medium roots; few medium root channels; dark gray material in old root channels; medium acid; gradual, wavy boundary.
- B1t–17 to 20 inches, olive yellow (2.5Y 6/6) sandy clay loam; weak, medium, subangular blocky structure; friable, slightly sticky and slightly plastic; few medium roots and root channels; few, thin, patchy clay films on faces of peds; very strongly acid; gradual, wavy boundary.
- B21t–20 to 27 inches, brownish-yellow (10YR 6/6) sandy clay loam; few, medium, distinct, strong-brown (7.5YR 5/8) mottles; weak, medium, subangular blocky structure; friable, slightly sticky and slightly plastic; few medium roots and root channels; thin, patchy clay films on faces of peds; very strongly acid; gradual, wavy boundary.
- B22t–27 to 49 inches, brownish-yellow (10YR 6/6) sandy clay loam; common, medium, distinct, gray (10YR 5/1) mottles and few, fine, distinct, strong-brown mottles; weak, medium, subangular blocky structure; friable, slightly sticky and slightly plastic; thin, patchy clay films on faces of peds; very strongly acid; gradual, wavy boundary.
- B3tg–49 to 65 inches, gray (10YR 6/1) sandy clay loam; common, medium, distinct, brownish-yellow (10YR 6/8) mottles and few, fine, prominent, red mottles; weak, medium, subangular blocky structure; friable, slightly sticky and slightly plastic; few, thin, patchy clay films on faces of peds; very strongly acid; gradual, wavy boundary.
- Cg–65 to 75 inches, light-gray (10YR 7/1) sandy clay loam; common, medium, faint, gray (10YR 5/1) mottles; massive; friable, slightly sticky and slightly plastic; very strongly acid.
The solum is 60 inches or more thick. The A horizon is 9 to 20 inches thick. The Ap or A1 horizon is dark gray to grayish brown, and the A2 horizon is light yellowish brown to pale brown. The B horizon is olive yellow to brownish yellow in the upper part and is gray in the lower part. It is sandy clay loam to sandy loam and is 40 to more than 51 inches thick. Gray mottles are at depths within 30 inches of the surface. The C horizon is commonly light gray or gray. Its texture ranges from sand to clay, but it is dominantly sandy clay loam.
Goldsboro sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes (GoA). – This is a moderately well drained soil on broad, smooth divides in the uplands. It occurs in areas of irregular shape that are 4 to 15 acres in size. The profile is the one described as representative of the Goldsboro series. The surface layer is dark-gray and light yellowish-brown sandy loam about 17 inches thick. The subsoil is about 48 inches thick and is friable sandy clay loam. The upper part of the subsoil is dominantly brownish yellow and is mottled with strong brown and gray. The lower part is gray and is mottled with brownish yellow and red.
Included with this soil in mapping were a few areas of soils that have a similar profile but that have slopes of more than 1 percent; a few areas of soils that have a surface layer of loamy fine sand of fine sandy loam; and small areas of Norfolk, Lynchburg, and Rains soils.
Infiltration is moderate. Runoff is slow. This soil is easy to keep in good tilth and can be satisfactorily worked throughout a wide range of moisture content. Most of the acreage is in cultivated crops of pasture. The rest is chiefly in forest and in housing developments or other nonfarm uses. This soil is well suited to all the locally grown crops, but wetness is a moderate limitation. In places artificial drainage is needed for optimum returns from tobacco and other crops that require good drainage. Capability unit IIw-1; woodland suitability group 2w8.
Goldsboro sandy loam, 1 to 6 percent slopes (GoB). – This is a moderately well drained soil on smooth side slopes in the uplands. It occurs in areas of irregular shape that are less than 4 acres to as much as 14 acres in size. The surface layer is grayish-brown sandy loam 9 to 20 inches thick. The subsoil is olive-yellow to brownish-yellow, friable sandy clay loam and is 40 to more than 51 inches thick. The lower part of the subsoil is commonly gray. Gray mottles are within 30 inches of the surface.
Included with this soil in mapping were a few areas of soils that have a similar profile but that have slopes of less than 1 percent or of more than 6 percent. Also included were small moderately eroded areas and a few areas of soils that have a surface layer of loamy fine sand or fine sandy loam. Other inclusions consist of small areas of Norfolk, Aycock, and Exum soils.
Infiltration is moderate. Runoff is medium. This soil is easy to keep in good tilth and can be satisfactorily worked throughout a wide range of moisture content. Most of the acreage is in cultivated crops and pasture. The rest is chiefly in forest and in housing developments or other nonfarm uses. This soil is well suited to all locally grown crops, but erosion is a moderate hazard. Where cultivated crops are grown practices that effectively control runoff and that reduces erosion are needed. Capability unit IIe-2; woodland suitability group 2w8.
- Lakeland Series
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Lakeland Series
The Lakeland series consists of excessively drained, nearly level and gently sloping soils on uplands and stream terraces. These soils formed in Coastal Plain and alluvial sediment. A seasonal high water table is below a depth of 5 feet.
In a typical profile, the surface layer is dark-brown sand about 7 inches thick. The next layer is brownish-yellow, loose fine sand that extends to a depth of about 29 inches. Below that layer and extending to a depth of about 82 inches is loose coarse sand that is brownish yellow in the upper part and is pale yellow in the lower part.
Natural fertility, the content of organic matter, and available water capacity are all very low. Permeability is rapid, and shrink swell potential is low. In areas that have not received lime, reaction is medium acid to strongly acid.
The Lakeland soils in Pitt County are of only minor importance for farming. About half of the acreage is cultivated or in pasture, and the rest is chiefly in forest and in housing developments or other nonfarm uses. The major limitations to use of these soils are very low natural fertility, very low available water capacity, and droughtiness. These soils are also subject to soil blowing and they lose plant nutrients readily as a result of leaching. Where crops are grown, response to recommended applications of fertilizer and lime is rather poor.
Representative profile of Lakeland sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes, 1 mile west of Greenville, 80 feet west of wildlife access from State Highway Commission’s sandpit, at west end of Greenville Airport:
- Ap–0 to 7 inches, dark-brown (10YR 4/3) sand; single grain; loose; few small roots; strongly acid; abrupt, smooth boundary.
- C1–7 to 29 inches, brownish yellow (10YR 6/6) fine sand; single grain; loose; few small roots in upper 6 inches of horizon; sand grains are coated; strongly acid; gradual, wavy boundary.
- C2–29 to 68 inches, brownish-yellow (10YR 6/6) coarse sand; single grain; loose; few fine pebbles; sand grains are coated; medium acid; gradual, wavy boundary.
- C3–68 to 82 inches, pale-yellow (2.5Y 7/4) coarse sand; single grain; loose; few fine pebbles; medium acid.
Combined thickness of the sandy horizon is more than 80 inches. The Ap or A1 horizon is dark grayish brown or dark brown and is 5 to 10 inches thick. The C horizon is brownish yellow to pale yellow and had a texture of fine sand to coarse sand.
Lakeland sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes (LaB). – This is an excessively drained, sandy soil in broad, undulating areas and on rounded divides in the uplands and on stream terraces. It occurs in areas of irregular shape that are 4 to 25 acres in size. The surface layer is dark-brown sand about 7 inches thick. It is underlain by a layer of brownish-yellow, loose fine sand that extends to a depth of about 29 inches. Below that layer to a depth of about 82 inches, is loose coarse sand that is brownish yellow in the upper part and is pale yellow in the lower part.
Included with this soil in mapping were a few areas of soils that have a similar profile but that have slopes of more than 6 percent; a few areas in which the surface layer is fine sand; and small areas of Alaga, Chipley, Pactolus, and Wagram soils.
Infiltration is rapid. Runoff is slow. This soil is fairly easy to keep in good tilth and can be satisfactorily worked throughout a wide range of moisture content. About half of the acreage is cultivated or in pasture, and the rest is chiefly in forest or in housing developments and other nonfarm uses. This soil is fairly well suited to most of the locally grown crops. Because of the thick layers of sand, however, very low natural fertility, droughtiness, and susceptibility to soil blowing are very severe limitations in cultivated areas. In addition, this soil loses plant nutrients readily as a result of leaching. Practices that effectively control soil blowing and that maintain productivity are needed. Capability unit IVs-1; woodland suitability group 4s2.
- Leaf Series
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Leaf Series
The Leaf series consists of poorly drained, nearly level soils on uplands. These soils formed in the Coastal Plain sediment. A seasonal high water table is at or near the surface.
In a typical profile, the surface layer is dark-gray silt loam about 6 inches thick. The subsoil, about 44 inches thick, is gray, very firm clay and silty clay mottled with brownish yellow, dark gray, and red. The upper part of the underlying material extends to a depth of about 70 inches and is gray clay mottled with brownish yellow. The lower part, to a depth of about 80 inches, is grayish-brown sandy loam mottled with gray.
Natural fertility is medium, and the content of organic matter is low. Available water capacity is high. Permeability is slow, and shrink-swell potential is high. In areas that have not received lime, reaction is very strongly acid or extremely acid.
The Leaf soils in Pitt County are of only minor importance for farming. Most of the acreage is in forest, and the rest is chiefly in cultivated crops or pasture. The seasonal high water table, frequent ponding for brief periods, and slow permeability are the major limitations to use of these soils. Where crops are grown, response is good to recommended applications of fertilizer and lime.
Representative profile of Leaf silt loam, 0.2 mile north of Coxville, 110 feet east of State Road No. 1753, and 60 feet south of a filed ditch:
- Ap–0 to 6 inches, dark gray (10YR 4/1) silt loam; weak, medium, granular structure; very friable; many small and medium roots; strongly acid; clear, wavy boundary.
- B21tg–6 to 19 inches, gray (10YR 6/1) clay; common, medium, distinct, brownish-yellow (10YR 6/6) mottles and few, fine, distinct, dark-gray mottles; weak, prismatic structure; very firm, very sticky and very plastic; many small roots and root channels; patchy clay films on faces of peds; very strongly acid; gradual, wavy boundary.
- B22tg–19 to 35 inches, gray (10YR 5/1) silty clay; common, medium, distinct, brownish-yellow (10YR 6/8) mottles and few, fine prominent, red mottles; moderate, medium, angular blocky structure; very firm, very sticky and very plastic; few small and medium roots and root channels; patchy clay films on faces of peds; very strongly acid; gradual, wavy boundary.
- B3tg–35 to 50 inches, gray (10YR 6/1) clay; many, coarse, distinct, brownish-yellow (10YR 6/8) mottles and few, fine, prominent, red mottles; moderate, medium, angular blocky structure; very firm, very sticky and very plastic; patchy clay films on faces of peds; very strongly acid; gradual, wavy boundary.
- C1g–50 to 70 inches, gray (10YR 6/1) clay; few, fine, distinct, brownish-yellow mottles; massive; very firm, very sticky and very plastic; extremely acid; gradual, wavy boundary.
- IIC2g–70 to 80 inches, grayish-brown (10YR 5/2) sandy loam containing lenses of clay; few, medium, faint, gray (10YR 5/1) mottles; massive; friable; extremely acid.
Thickness of the solum ranges from 40 to 60 inches or more. The A horizon is dark gray or gray and is 5 to 14 inches thick. The B horizon is clay and silty clay and is 26 to 55 inches thick. Mottles in the B horizon are dark gray, brownish yellow, or red. The C horizon is commonly gray to grayish brown, and it ranges from sandy loam to clay in texture.
Leaf silt loam (Le). – This is a poorly drained soil on smooth flats and in slight depressions in the uplands. It occurs in areas of irregular shape that are 5 to more than 75 acres in size. Slopes are 0 to 1 percent. The surface layer is dark-gray silt loam about 6 inches thick. The subsoil, about 44 inches thick, is gray, very firm clay and silty clay mottled with brownish yellow, dark gray, and red.
Included with this soil in mapping were a few areas of soils that have a similar profile but that have a surface layer of very fine sandy loam or loam. Also included were small areas of Lenoir, Bladen, Coxville, Byars, and Pantego.
Infiltration is moderate. Runoff is slow to ponded. This soil is difficult to keep in good tilth and can be satisfactorily worked only within a narrow range of moisture content. Clods tend to form if tillage takes place when the content of moisture in soil is slightly low or is slightly high. Most of the acreage is in forest, and the rest is chiefly in cultivated crops or pasture. If properly drained, this soil is suited to a few locally grown crops. It is subject to frequent ponding for brief periods, however, and wetness is a severe limitation. Artificial drainage is needed if cultivated crops are grown. Corn and soybeans are the main crops in cultivated areas. Capability unit IIIw-2; woodland suitability group 2w9.
- Lenoir Series
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Lenoir Series
The Lenoir series consists of somewhat poorly drained, nearly level soils on uplands. These soils formed in Coastal Plain sediment. A seasonal high water table is at a depth of about 1 ½ feet. Gray mottles are within the zone affected by the high water table.
In a typical profile, the surface layer is dark-gray loam about 8 inches thick. The subsoil is about 64 inches thick. The upper part of the subsoil is dominantly yellowish-brown, very firm clay mottled with light brownish gray and red; the middle part is gray, very firm clay and silty clay mottled with brownish yellow and red; and the lower part is gray, firm sandy clay mottled with brownish yellow. Below the subsoil and extending to a depth of about 80 inches is gray loamy sand mottled with light yellowish brown.
Natural fertility is medium, and the content of organic matter is low. Available water capacity is high. Permeability is slow, and shrink-swell potential is high. In areas that have not received lime, reaction is strongly acid or very strongly acid.
The Lenoir soils in Pitt County are important for farming. About half of the acreage is cultivated or in pasture, and the rest is chiefly in forest. The seasonal high water tables, low permeability and infrequent flooding in places are major limitations to use of these soils. Crops respond well to recommended applications of fertilizer and lime.
Representative profile of Lenoir loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, 1 ½ miles south of Calico, 0.4 mile west of State Highway No. 43, and 150 feet south of State Road No. 1927:
- Ap–0 to 8 inches, dark gray (10YR 4/1) loam; weak, medium, granular structure; very friable; many small and medium roots; medium acid; abrupt, smooth boundary.
- B1–8 to 11 inches, light yellowish-brown (10YR 6/4) silt loam; weak, medium, subangular blocky structure; friable; many small roots; few small root channels; very strongly acid; clear, wavy boundary.
- B21t–11 to 20 inches, yellowish-brown (10YR 5/6) clay; many, medium, distinct, light brownish-gray (10YR 6/2) mottles and few, fine, distinct, red mottles; weak, medium, angular blocky structure; very firm, sticky and plastic; few small roots; few medium root channels; thin, patchy clay films on faces of peds; very strongly acid; gradual, wavy boundary.
- B22tg–20 to 48 inches, gray (10YR 5/1) clay; common, fine, distinct, brownish-yellow and prominent, red mottles; moderate, medium, angular blocky structure; very firm, very sticky and very plastic; few medium roots and root channels; thin, patchy clay films on faces of peds; very strongly acid; gradual, wavy boundary.
- B23tg–48 to 55 inches, gray (10YR 6/1) silty clay; common, medium, distinct, brownish-yellow (10YR 6/8) mottles and few, fine, prominent, red mottles; weak, medium, angular blocky structure; very firm, very sticky and very plastic; few, thin, patchy clay films on faces of peds; very strongly acid; gradual, wavy boundary.
- B3tg–55 to 72 inches, gray (10YR 6/1) sandy clay; few, medium, distinct, brownish-yellow (10YR 6/8) mottles; weak, medium, angular blocky structure; firm, slightly sticky and slightly plastic; very strongly acid; gradual, wavy boundary.
- IICg–72 to 80 inches, gray (10YR 6/1) loamy sand; common, medium, distinct, light yellowish-brown (10YR 6/4) mottles; single grain; very friable; few fine pebbles; very strongly acid.
The solum is 60 inches or more thick. The A horizon is dark grayish brown and is 5 to 20 inches thick. The B horizon is 45 to 65 inches thick. The upper part of the Bt horizon is yellowish brown mottled with red and with grayish colors. The lower part is gray mottled with brownish yellow and red. Texture of the Bt horizon is clay, silty cla
- Lenoir Series, Thin Solum Variant
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Lenoir Series, Thin Solum Variant
Soils of the Lenoir series, thin solum variant, are somewhat poorly drained and are nearly level or gently sloping. They are on stream terraces, where they formed in alluvial sediment. A seasonal high water table is at a depth of about 1 ½ feet beneath the surface. Grayish mottles are within the zone affected by the high water table.
In a typical profile, the surface layer is grayish-brown fine sandy loam about 7 inches thick. The subsoil is about 29 inches thick. The upper part of the subsoil is light yellowish-brown, friable sandy clay loam mottled with brownish yellow; the middle part is brownish-yellow, very firm clay mottled with light brownish gray; and the lower part is gray, very firm clay mottled with brownish yellow. Below the subsoil and extending to a depth of about 58 inches is gray loamy sand and coarse sand.
Natural fertility is medium, and the content of organic matter is low. Available water capacity is high. Permeability is slow, and shrink-swell potential is high. In areas that have not received lime, reaction is strongly acid or very strongly acid.
In Pitt County soils of the Lenoir series, thin solum variant, are important for farming. About half of the acreage is cultivated or in pasture, and the rest is chiefly in forest. The major limitations to use of these soils are the seasonal high water table, slow permeability, and, in places, infrequent flooding. Crops respond well to recommended applications of fertilizer and lime.
Representative profile of Lenoir fine sandy loam, thin solum variant, 0 to 3 percent slopes, 2 miles east of Belvoir, 370 feet south of State Road No. 1001, and 50 feet east of State Road No. 1402:
- Ap–0 to 7 inches, grayish-brown (10YR 5/2) fine sandy loam; weak, fine, granular structure; very friable; small roots; slightly acid; abrupt, smooth boundary.
- B1t–7 to 11 inches, light yellowish-brown (10YR 6/4) sandy clay loam; many, medium, distinct, brownish yellow (10YR 6/6) mottles; weak, medium, subangular blocky structure; friable; few small and medium roots; few medium root channels and cracks filled with grayish-brown soil material from the A horizon; few, thin, patchy clay films on faces of peds; very strongly acid; abrupt, smooth boundary.
- B21tg–11 to 20 inches, brownish yellow (10YR 6/8) clay; many, coarse, distinct, light brownish-gray (10YR 6/2) mottles; moderate, medium, angular blocky structure; very firm, plastic and sticky; few medium roots and root channels; thin, patchy clay films on faces of peds; very strongly acid; gradual, wavy boundary.
- B22tg–20 to 36 inches, gray (10YR 6/1) clay; few, medium, distinct, brownish-yellow (10YR 6/8) mottles; moderate, medium, angular blocky structure; very firm, sticky and plastic; few medium root channels; thin, patchy clay films on faces of peds; very strongly acid; gradual, wavy boundary.
- IIC1g–36 to 40 inches, gray (10YR 6/1) loamy sand containing lenses of clay loam; massive; very friable; very strongly acid; gradual, wavy boundary.
- IIC2g–40 to 58 inches, gray (10YR 6/1) coarse sand; single grain; loose; sand grains coated with brownish yellow (10YR 6/8); very strongly acid; gradual, wavy boundary.
Thickness of the solum is 40 inches or less. The A horizon is 5 to 10 inches thick and is dark gray to grayish brown. The B horizon is gray, light yellowish-brown, yellowish-brown, or brownish-yellow clay, silty clay or sandy clay loam and is about 20 to 30 inches thick. The C horizon is gray loamy sand or coarse sand.
Lenoir fine sandy loam, thin solum variant, 0 to 3 percent slopes (LnA). – This is a somewhat poorly drained soil that occupies broad divides on stream terraces. It occurs in areas of irregular shape that is 5 to 20 acres in size. The surface layer is grayish-brown fine sandy loam about 7 inches thick. The subsoil is about 29 inches thick. The upper part of the subsoil is light yellowish-brown, friable, sandy clay loam mottled with brownish yellow; the middle part is brownish-yellow, very firm clay mottled with light brownish gray; and the lower part is gray, very firm clay mottled with brownish yellow.
Included with this soil in mapping were small eroded areas and areas of soils that have similar profile but that have a surface layer of silt loam or loam. Also included were small areas of Craven and Roanoke soils.
Infiltration is moderate. Runoff is slow. This soil is fairly easy to keep in good tilth, but it can be satisfactorily worked only within a fairly narrow range of moisture content. About half of the acreage is cultivated or in pasture, and the rest is chiefly in forest. Infrequent flooding occurs for brief periods, and wetness is a severe limitation. If this soil is properly drained, however, it is fairly well suited to most of the locally grown crops. Artificial drainage is needed for optimum returns from all crops. Areas that are farmed are used mainly for corn, soybeans, small grain, and pasture. Capability unit IIIw-4; woodland suitability group 2w8.
- Lynchburg Series
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Lynchburg Series
The Lynchburg series consists of somewhat poorly drained, nearly level soils on uplands. These soils formed in Coastal Plain sediment. A seasonal high water table is at a depth of about 1 ½ feet. Gray mottles are within the zone affected by the high water table.
In a typical profile, the surface layer is dark-gray and pale-brown fine sandy loam about 10 inches thick. The subsoil is about 52 inches thick. The upper part of the subsoil is dominantly brownish-yellow, friable sandy clay loam mottled with light brownish gray and gray; the middle part is gray, friable sandy clay loam mottled with brownish yellow and strong brown; and the lower part is gray, friable sandy loam mottled with brownish yellow.
Natural fertility and the content of organic matter are low, and available water capacity is medium. Permeability is moderate, and shrink-swell potential is low. In areas that have not received lime, reaction is strongly acid or very strongly acid.
The Lynchburg soils in Pitt County are important for farming. Most of the acreage is cultivated or in pasture, and the rest is chiefly in forest. The seasonal high water table is the major limitation to use of these soils. In areas that are farmed, crops respond well to recommended applications of fertilizer and lime.
Representative profile of Lynchburg fine sandy loam, one-half mile east of Carson, one-half mile east of State Road No. 1550, and 100 feet west of a road in a cultivated field:
- Ap–0 to 7 inches, dark-gray (10YR 4/1) fine sandy loam; weak, fine, granular structure; very friable; many small roots; slightly acid; abrupt, smooth boundary.
- A2–7 to 10 inches, pale-brown (10YR 6/3) fine sandy loam; few, fine, distinct, brownish-yellow mottles; weak, medium, granular structure; very friable; many small and few medium roots; medium acid; clear, wavy boundary.
- B1t–10 to 13 inches, pale-brown (10YR 6/3) sandy clay loam; few, medium, distinct, brownish-yellow (10YR 6/8) mottles; weak, medium, subangular blocky structure; friable, slightly sticky and slightly plastic; few medium roots and root channels; few, thin, patchy clay films on faces of peds; strongly acid; clear, wavy boundary.
- B21tg–13 to 19 inches, brownish-yellow (10YR 6/6) sandy clay loam; many, medium, distinct, light brownish-gray (10YR 6/2) mottles; and few, medium, distinct gray (10YR 5/1); weak, medium, subangular blocky structure; friable, slightly sticky and slightly plastic; few medium roots and root channels; few, thin, patchy clay films on faces of peds; very strongly acid; gradual, wavy boundary.
- B22tg–19 to 41 inches, gray (10YR 6/1) sandy clay loam; many, medium, distinct, brownish-yellow (10YR 6/8) and few, medium, distinct, strong-brown (7.5YR 5/8) mottles; weak, medium, subangular blocky structure; friable, slightly sticky and slightly plastic; few medium roots and root channels in the upper part of the horizon; few, thin, patchy clay films on faces of peds; very strongly acid; gradual, wavy boundary.
- B23tg–41 to 48 inches, gray (10YR 6/1) sandy clay loam; many, medium, distinct, strong-brown (7.5YR 5/8) mottles; weak, medium, subangular blocky structure; friable, slightly sticky and slightly plastic; few, thin, patchy clay films on faces of peds; very strongly acid; gradual, wavy boundary.
- B3g–48 to 62 inches, gray (10YR 6/1) sandy loam containing lenses of sandy clay loam; few, medium, distinct, brownish-yellow (10YR 6/8) mottles; weak, coarse, subangular blocky structure; friable; very strongly acid.
Thickness of the solum is 60 inches or more. The A horizon ranges from 8 to 20 inches in thickness. The Ap or A1 horizon is dark gray or gray, and the A2 horizon is pale brown to light olive brown. The B2 horizon is brownish yellow in the upper part and is gray in the lower part. It is friable sandy clay loam to sandy loam. Gray mottles are in the upper part of the B horizon, and the brownish-yellow and strong-brown mottles are in the lower part. The B horizon is more than 40 inches thick. The C horizon is gray loamy sand or sandy loam to clay.
Lynchburg fine sandy loam (Ly). – This is a somewhat poorly drained soil on smooth flats and in slight depressions in the uplands. It occurs in areas of irregular shape that are 4 to 22 acres in size. Slopes are 0 to 1 percent. The surface layer is dark-gray and pale-brown fine sandy loam about 10 inches thick. The subsoil is about 52 inches thick. The upper part of the subsoil is dominantly brownish-yellow, friable sandy clay loam mottled with light brownish gray and gray; the middle part is gray, friable sandy clay loam mottled with brownish yellow and strong brown; and the lower part is gray, friable sandy loam mottled with brownish yellow.
Included with this soil in mapping were small areas of soils that have a similar profile but that have a surface layer of loamy sand, loamy fine sand, or sandy loam. Also included were small areas of Goldsboro, Ocilla, Exum, and Rains soils.
Infiltration is moderate. Runoff is slow. This soil is easy to keep in good tilth. It can be satisfactorily worked throughout a wide range of moisture content. Most of the acreage is cultivated or in pasture, and the rest is chiefly in forest. Wetness is a moderate limitation. If this soil is properly drained, however, it is well suited to all the locally grown crops. Areas that are farmed are used mainly for corn, soybeans, small grain, and pasture. Surface drains or tile drains, and in some places both, are needed in cultivated areas. Capability unit IIw-2; woodland suitability group 2w8.
- Masada Series
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Masada Series
The Masada series consists of well-drained, nearly level and gently sloping soils on stream terraces. These soils formed in alluvial sediment. A sediment high water table is below a depth of 5 feet.
In a typical profile, the surface layer is grayish-brown and pale-yellow sandy loam about 12 inches thick. The subsoil is about 24 inches thick. It is dominantly brownish-yellow, friable sandy clay loam in the upper part and brownish-yellow, friable sandy loam in the lower part. Below the subsoil, to a depth of about 60 inches, is brownish-yellow and pale-yellow sand and coarse sand.
Natural fertility and the content of organic matter are low, and available water capacity is medium. Permeability is moderate, and shrink-swell potential is low. In areas that have not received lime, reaction is strongly acid or very strongly acid.
The Masada soils in Pitt County are of only minor importance for farming, but most of the acreage is cultivated or in pasture. The rest is chiefly in forest and in housing developments or other nonfarm uses. Slope is the major limitation to use of these soils. Where crops are grown, response is good to recommended applications of fertilizer and lime.
Representative profile of Masada sandy loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes, 4 miles north of Grimesland, 80 feet west of State Road No. 1565, 90 feet north of Seaboard Coast Line Railroad, and 300 feet south of State Highway No. 33:
- Ap–0 to 7 inches, grayish-brown (2.5Y 5/2) sandy loam; weak, fine, granular structure; very friable; many small roots; medium acid; abrupt, smooth boundary.
- A2–7 to 12 inches, pale-yellow (2.5Y 7/4) sandy loam; weak, fine, granular structure; very friable; many small and few medium roots; strongly acid; clear, smooth boundary.
- B1t–12 to 15 inches, yellow (10YR 7/6) sandy loam; weak, medium, subangular blocky structure; friable; few medium roots and root channels; few, thin, patchy clay films on faces of peds; few fine mica flakes; strongly acid; clear, wavy boundary.
- B2t–15 to 30 inches, brownish-yellow (10YR 6/8) sandy clay loam; weak, medium, subangular blocky structure; friable, slightly sticky and slightly plastic; few medium roots and root channels; few, thin, patchy clay films on faces of peds; few fine mica flakes; strongly acid; gradual, wavy boundary.
- B3t–30 to 36 inches, brownish-yellow (10YR 6/8) sandy loam; weak, medium, subangular blocky structure; friable; few, thin, patchy clay films on faces of peds; few fine mica flakes; very strongly acid; gradual, wavy boundary.
- IIC1–36 to 50 inches, brownish-yellow (10YR 6/8) sand; single grain; loose; few fine mica flakes; very strongly acid; gradual, wavy boundary.
- IIC2–50 to 60 inches, pale-yellow (2.5YR 7/4) coarse sand; single grain; loose; many fine gravel fragments; very strongly acid.
Thickness of the solum is 40 inches or less. The A horizon ranges from 5 to 20 inches in thickness. The Ap or A1 horizon is dark gray, grayish brown, or dark grayish brown, and the A2 horizon is pale yellow to light yellowish brown. The B horizon is yellow or brownish-yellow to strong-brown sandy clay loam to sandy loam and is 20 to 35 inches thick. The C horizon is commonly brownish-yellow to pale-yellow loamy sand to coarse sand. In places the C horizon lacks gravel.
Masada sandy loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes (MaB). – This is a well-drained soil that occupies broad divides on stream terraces. It occurs in long narrow areas and in areas of irregular shape that range from 4 to 10 acres in size. The surface layer is grayish-brown and pale-yellow sandy loam about 12 inches thick. The subsoil is about 24 inches thick. It is dominantly brownish-yellow, friable sandy clay loam in the upper part and brownish-yellow, friable sandy loam in the lower part.
Included with this soil in mapping were a few areas of soils that have a similar profile but that have a surface layer of fine sandy loam, loamy fine sand, or loamy sand. Also included were small areas of Wickham, Altavista, Wagram, and Ocilla soils.
Infiltration is moderate. Runoff is slow to medium. This soil is easy to keep in good tilth and can be satisfactorily worked throughout a wide range of moisture content. Most of the acreage is cultivated or in pasture. The rest is chiefly in forest and in housing developments or other nonfarm uses. This soil is well suited to all the locally grown crops, but erosion is a moderate hazard because of the slope. In cultivated areas, practices that effectively control runoff and that reduce erosion are needed. Areas that are farmed are used mostly for row crops, especially for tobacco, peanuts, and cotton. Capability unit IIe-1; woodland suitability group 3o7.
- Nahunta Series
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Nahunta Series
The Nahunta series consists of somewhat poorly drained, nearly level soils on uplands. These soils formed in Coastal Plain sediment. A seasonal high water table is at a depth of about 1 ½ feet. Gray mottles are within the zone affected by the high water table.
In a typical profile, the surface layer is black, dark-gray, and pale-yellow silt loam about 12 inches thick. The subsoil is about 53 inches thick. The upper part of the subsoil is brownish-yellow, friable silt loam mottled with light gray. The middle and lower parts are gray, friable silty clay loam mottled with brownish yellow and yellowish red. Below the subsoil and extending to a depth of about 72 inches is gray silty clay loam mottled with brownish yellow.
Natural fertility and the content of organic matter are low, and available water capacity is high. Permeability is moderate, and shrink-swell potential is low. In areas that have not received lime, reaction is strongly acid or extremely acid.
The Nahunta soils in Pitt County are of only minor importance for farming, but about half of the acreage is cultivated or in pasture. The rest is chiefly in forest. The seasonal high water table is the major limitation to use of these soils. Where crops are grown, response is good to recommended applications of fertilizer and lime.
Representative profile of Nahunta silt loam in a wooded area, 2 miles southeast of Black Jack and 300 feet east of State Road No. 178:
- O1–2 inches to 0, partly decayed and fresh-fallen debris of pine and oak trees, myrtle bushes, and grass.
- A11–0 to 3 inches, black (10YR 2/1) silt loam; weak, fine, granular structure; very friable; many small roots; very strongly acid; abrupt, smooth boundary.
- A12–3 to 5 inches, dark-gray (10YR 4/1) silt loam; weak, fine, granular structure; very friable; many small and medium roots; very strongly acid; clear, smooth boundary.
- A2–5 to 12 inches, pale-yellow (2.5YR 7/4) silt loam; weak, fine, granular structure; friable, slightly sticky and slightly plastic; many small and medium roots; many medium root channels; very strongly acid; gradual, wavy boundary.
- B21tg–12 to 20 inches, brownish-yellow (10YR 6/6) silt loam; common, medium, distinct, light-gray (10YR 7/1) mottles; weak, fine, subangular blocky structure; friable, slightly sticky and slightly plastic; few small and medium roots; few medium root channels; few, thin, patchy clay films and silt coats on faces of peds; very strongly acid; gradual, wavy boundary.
- B22tg–20 to 30 inches, gray (10YR 6/1) silty clay loam; many, medium, distinct, brownish-yellow (10YR 6/8) mottles; weak, medium, subangular blocky structure; friable, sticky and plastic; few medium roots and root channels; few thin, patchy clay films and silt coats on vertical faces of peds; very strongly acid; gradual, wavy boundary.
- B23tg–30 to 54 inches, gray (10YR 6/1) silty clay loam; common, medium, distinct, brownish-yellow (10YR 6/8) and yellowish-red (5YR 5/8) mottles; weak, medium, subangular blocky structure; friable, sticky and plastic; few, thin, patchy clay films and silt coats on faces of peds; very strongly acid; gradual, wavy boundary.
- B3tg–54 to 65 inches, gray (10YR 6/1) silty clay loam; many, medium, distinct, brownish-yellow (10YR 6/8) mottles; weak, fine, subangular blocky structure; friable, sticky and plastic; few, thin, patchy clay films and silt coats on faces of peds; extremely acid; gradual, wavy boundary.
- Cg–65 to 72 inches, gray (10YR 6/1) silty clay loam; common, medium, distinct, brownish-yellow (10YR 6/8) mottles; massive; firm, sticky and plastic; extremely acid.
The solum is more than 60 inches thick. The A horizon is 7 to 20 inches thick. The A1 or Ap horizon is gray or dark gray to black. Where this horizon is black, it is less than 6 inches thick. The A2 horizon is pale yellow to pale brown. In the upper part, the B horizon is brownish yellow to yellowish brown and is mottled with gray or light gray. In the lower part, it is gray or light gray and is mottled with brownish yellow, yellowish brown, and yellowish red. The B horizon is silty clay loam, clay loam, or silt, and it is 40 to more than 53 inches thick. The C horizon is grayish sandy loam to clay, but it is dominantly silty clay loam.
Nahunta silt loam (Na). – This is a somewhat poorly drained soil on broad, smooth divides in the uplands. It occurs in areas of irregular shape that are 4 to 55 or more acres in size. Slopes are 0 to 1 percent. The surface layer is black, dark-gray, and pale-yellow silt loam about 12 inches thick. The subsoil is about 53 inches thick. The upper part of the subsoil is brownish-yellow, friable silt loam mottled with light gray. The middle and lower parts are gray, friable silty clay loam mottled with brownish yellow and yellowish red.
Included with this soil in mapping were a few areas of soils that have a similar profile, but that have a surface layer of very fine sandy loam or loam. Also included were small areas of Exum, Goldsboro, Lenoir, Leaf, Bladen, and Coxville soils.
Infiltration is moderate. Runoff is slow. This soil is easy to keep in good tilth and can be satisfactorily worked throughout a wide range of moisture content. About half of the acreage is cultivated or in pasture, the rest is chiefly in forest. Wetness is a moderate limitation to use, but this soil is suited to most of the locally grown crops if it is properly drained. In cultivated areas surface drains or tile drains, and in some places both surface drains and tile drains, are needed. Areas that are farmed are used mainly for corn, soybeans, small grain, and pasture. Capability unit IIw-2; woodland suitability group 2w8.
- Norfolk Series
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Norfolk Series
The Norfolk series consists of well-drained, nearly level and gently sloping soils on uplands. These soils formed in Coastal Plain sediment. A seasonal high water table is below a depth of 5 feet.
In a typical profile, the surface layer is dark grayish-brown and light yellowish-brown sandy loam about 10 inches thick. The subsoil is olive yellow and brownish yellow to a depth of about 84 inches. In the upper part, the subsoil is friable sandy clay loam mottled with red. In the lower part, it is friable sandy loam mottled with red and gray.
Natural fertility and the content of organic matter are low, and available water capacity is medium. Permeability is moderate, and shrink-swell potential is low. In areas that have not received lime, reaction is strongly acid or very strongly acid.
The Norfolk soils of Pitt County are important for farming. Slope is the major limitation to their use. Most of the acreage is cultivated or in pasture. The rest is chiefly in forest and in housing developments or other nonfarm uses. Where crops are grown, response is good to recommended applications of fertilizer and lime.
Representative profile of Norfolk sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, in a cultivated field, 1 mile west of Fountain, 200 feet north of State Highway No. 222, and 75 feet east of State Road No. 1231:
- Ap–0 to 7 inches, dark grayish-brown (10YR 4/2) sandy loam; weak, fine, granular structure; very friable; few small roots; slightly acid; abrupt, smooth boundary.
- A2–7 to 10 inches, light yellowish-brown (2.5YR 6/4) sandy loam; weak, medium, granular structure; very friable; few medium roots; few medium root channels filled with material from the Ap horizon; medium acid; abrupt, smooth boundary.
- B1–10 to 14 inches, olive yellow (2.5YR 6/8) sandy clay loam; weak, medium, subangular blocky structure; friable; few medium roots and root channels; strongly acid; clear, wavy boundary.
- B21t–14 to 40 inches, brownish-yellow (10YR 6/8) sandy clay loam; weak, medium, subangular blocky structure; friable, slightly sticky and slightly plastic; few medium roots and root channels; thin, patchy clay films on faces of peds; strongly acid; gradual, wavy boundary.
- B22t–40 to 60 inches, brownish-yellow (10YR 6/8) sandy clay loam; few, medium, prominent, red (2.5YR 5/8) mottles; weak, medium, subangular blocky structure; friable, slightly sticky and slightly plastic; few medium roots and root channels; thin, patchy clay films on faces of peds; strongly acid; gradual, wavy boundary.
- B23t–60 to 70 inches, brownish-yellow (10YR 6/6) sandy clay loam; many, medium, prominent, red (2.5YR 5/8) mottles; weak, medium, subangular blocky structure; friable, slightly sticky and slightly plastic; thin, patchy clay films on faces of peds; less than 5 percent of horizon is plinthite; very strongly acid; gradual, wavy boundary.
- B3t–72 to 84 inches, brownish-yellow (10YR 6/6) sandy loam; many, medium, prominent, red (2.5YR 5/8) and distinct, gray (10YR 6/1) mottles; weak, medium, subangular blocky structure; friable; less than 5 percent of horizon is plinthite; the gray mottled material contains less clay than the red and more coarse sand grains; very strongly acid.
Thickness of the solum is 60 inches or more. The A horizon is 5 to 20 inches thick. The Ap or A1 horizon ranges from dark grayish brown or grayish brown in uneroded areas to light yellowish brown in eroded places. The A2 horizon is light yellowish brown to pale yellow. The B horizon is olive yellow to brownish yellow. It is sandy clay loam to sandy loam but is dominantly sandy clay loam. The B horizon is 40 inches or more to 55 inches thick. The C horizon commonly consists of stratified loamy material, but it is variable in texture.
Norfolk sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes (NrA). – This is a well-drained soil on broad, smooth divides in the uplands. It occurs in areas of irregular shape that are 4 to 15 acres in size. The profile is the one described as representative of the Norfolk series. The surface layer is dark grayish-brown and light yellowish-brown sandy loam about 10 inches thick. The subsoil is olive yellow to brownish yellow. The upper part of the subsoil is friable sandy clay loam mottled with red. The lower part is friable sandy loam mottled with red and gray to a depth of about 84 inches.
Included with this soil in mapping were a few areas of soils that have a similar profile but that have a surface layer of loamy fine sand or fine sandy loam. Also included were a few small areas of soils that also have a similar profile but that have a more reddish subsoil. Other inclusions consist of small areas of Goldsboro, Lynchburg, and Wagram soils.
Infiltration is moderate. Runoff is slow. This soil is easy to keep in good tilth and can be satisfactorily worked throughout a wide range of moisture content. It has no major limitations to intensive use and is well suited to all the locally grown crops. Most of the acreage is cultivated or in pasture. The rest is chiefly in forest and in housing developments or other nonfarm uses. Areas that are farmed are used mainly for row crops, especially for tobacco, peanuts, and cotton. Capability unit I-1; woodland suitability group 2o1.
Norfolk sandy loam, 1 to 6 percent slopes (NrB). – This is a well-drained soil on smooth side slopes in the uplands. It occurs in areas of irregular shape that are less than 4 acres to as much as 12 acres in size. The surface layer is dark grayish-brown or grayish-brown sandy loam 7 to 20 inches thick. The subsoil is olive-yellow to brownish-yellow, friable sandy clay loam to sandy loam and is 40 to more than 55 inches thick.
Included with this soil in mapping were a few areas of soils that have a similar profile but that have slopes of more than 6 percent. Also included were small areas of Goldsboro, Exum, and Aycock soils.
Infiltration is moderate. Runoff is medium. This soil is easy to keep in good tilth and can be satisfactorily worked throughout a wide range of moisture content. It is well suited to all the locally grown crops, but erosion is a moderate hazard because of slope. Most of the acreage is cultivated or in pasture. The rest is chiefly in forest and in housing developments or other nonfarm uses. Areas that are farmed are used mainly for row crops, especially for tobacco, peanuts, and cotton. In cultivated areas, practices that effectively control runoff and that reduce erosion are needed. Capability unit IIe-1; woodland suitability group 2o1.
Norfolk sandy loam, 1 to 6 percent slopes, eroded (NrB2). – This is a well-drained soil on smooth slopes in the uplands. It occurs in areas of irregular shape that are less than 3 to more than 8 acres in size. The surface layer is 5 to 8 inches thick. In most places it is a mixture of material from the remaining original surface layer and the subsoil. The present surface layer is light yellowish-brown in the more eroded areas and is grayish brown in the less eroded spots. The subsoil is olive-yellow to brownish-yellow, friable sandy clay loam to sandy loam and is 52 to more than 55 inches thick.
Included with this soil in mapping were a few areas of soils that have a similar profile but that are severely eroded and have a surface layer of sandy clay loam. Also included were small areas of soils that have a similar profile but that have slopes of more than 6 percent. Other inclusions consist of small areas of Aycock, Goldsboro, and Exum soils.
Infiltration is moderately slow. Runoff is medium. Because its surface layer has been thinned by erosion, this soil is rather difficult to keep in good tilth. It can be satisfactorily worked throughout a fairly wide range of moisture content. After hard rains, a crust forms in the more eroded spots, however, and clods tend to form if this soil is worked when too wet. The crusting and clodding adversely affect germination. As a result, stands of crops are poor and uneven. For some crops replanting of these areas may be necessary. Where the stand is uneven, the tobacco ripens at different times, harvesting and curing are difficult, and the quality of the crop is reduced.
This soil is suited to all the locally grown crops, but further erosion is a moderate hazard because of the slope and runoff. Most of the acreage is in cultivated crops and pasture. The rest is chiefly in forest and in housing developments or other nonfarm uses. The cultivated areas are used mainly for row crops, especially for tobacco, peanuts, and cotton. Practices that effectively control runoff and that reduce erosion are needed in cultivated areas. Capability unit IIe-1; woodland suitability group 2o1.
- Ocilla Series
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Ocilla Series
The Ocilla series consists of somewhat poorly drained, nearly level and gently sloping soils on uplands and stream terraces. These soils formed in Coastal Plain and alluvial sediment. A seasonal high water table is at a depth of about 2 ½ feet. Gray mottles are within the zone affected by the high water table.
In a typical profile, the surface layer is loamy fine sand about 22 inches thick. The surface layer is dark gray in the upper part and is pale brown in the lower part. The subsoil is about 47 inches thick and is friable sandy clay loam. The upper part of the subsoil is yellow and is mottled with brownish yellow. The lower part is brownish yellow and is mottled with gray. Below the subsoil and extending to a depth of about 75 inches is gray sandy clay loam mottled with light yellowish brown.
Natural fertility, the content of organic matter, and available water capacity are all low. Permeability is moderate, and shrink-swell potential is low. In areas that have not received lime, reaction is strongly acid or very strongly acid.
The Ocilla soils in Pitt County are moderately important for farming. The seasonal high water table is the major limitation to their use. Most of the acreage is cultivated or in pasture, and the rest is in forest or in housing developments or other nonfarm uses. In areas that are farmed, crops respond well to applications of fertilizer and lime.
Representative profile of Ocilla loamy fine sand, 0 to 4 percent slopes, one-third mile south of Hanrahan, 660 feet west of Seaboard Coastline Railroad, 20 feet west of a field path, and 42 feet southwest of telephone pole No. 602:
- Ap–0 to 8 inches, dark-gray (10YR 4/1) loamy fine sand; weak, fine, granular structure; very friable; many small roots; medium acid; abrupt, smooth boundary.
- A2–8 to 22 inches, pale brown (10YR 6/3) loamy fine sand; weak, fine, granular structure; very friable; few small and medium roots; few medium root channels filled with material from the Ap horizon; medium acid; gradual, wavy boundary.
- B1–22 to 28 inches, yellow (10YR 7/6) sandy clay loam; few, fine, distinct, brownish-yellow mottles; weak, medium, subangular blocky structure; friable, slightly sticky and slightly plastic; few medium roots and root channels; few, thin, patchy clay films on faces of peds; very strongly acid; gradual, wavy boundary.
- B2t–28 to 69 inches, brownish-yellow (10YR 6/6) sandy clay loam; common, medium, distinct, gray (10YR 6/1) mottles; weak, medium, subangular blocky structure; friable, slightly sticky and slightly plastic; few medium root channels in upper half of horizon; few, thin, patchy clay films on faces of peds; very strongly acid; gradual, wavy boundary.
- Cg–69 to 75 inches, gray (10YR 6/1) sandy clay loam; few coarse lenses of loamy sand and sand; few, medium, distinct, light yellowish-brown (10YR 6/4) mottles; massive; friable, slightly sticky and slightly plastic; very strongly acid.
Thickness of the solum is 60 inches or more. Thickness of the A horizon is 20 to 40 inches. The Ap or A1 horizon is gray, dark gray, or dark grayish brown, and the A2 horizon is pale brown to light yellow brown. The B horizon is yellow to brownish-yellow sandy clay loam to sandy loam. Gray mottles are within 30 inches from the surface. Thickness of the B horizon ranges from 20 to more than 40 inches. The C horizon has a grayish color. Texture of the C horizon ranges from loamy sand to sandy clay but is dominantly sandy clay loam.
Ocilla loamy fine sand, 0 to 4 percent slopes (OcB). – This is a somewhat poorly drained soil on broad flats and smooth side slopes in the uplands and on stream terraces. It occurs in areas of irregular shape that are less than 4 acres to as much as 20 acres in size. The surface layer is loamy fine sand about 22 inches thick. It is dark gray in the upper part and is pale brown in the lower part. The subsoil is about 47 inches thick and is friable sandy clay loam. The upper part of the subsoil is yellow and is mottled with brownish yellow. The lower part is brownish yellow and is mottled with gray.
Included with this soil in mapping were small areas of soils that have a similar profile but that have a surface layer of loamy sand. Also included were small areas of moderately well drained and somewhat poorly drained soils in draws and depressions. Other inclusions consist of areas of Lynchburg and Rains soils.
Infiltration is rapid. Runoff is slow. This soil is fairly easy to keep in good tilth and can be satisfactorily worked throughout a wide range of moisture content. Most of the acreage is cultivated or in pasture, and the rest is chiefly in forest and in housing developments or other nonfarm uses. Wetness is a severe limitation, but this soil is suited to most of the locally grown crops. Artificial drainage is needed for most crops. Capability unit IIIw-1; woodland suitability group 3w2.
- Olustee Series, Sandy Subsoil Variant
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Olustee Series, Sandy Subsoil Variant
Soils of the Olustee series, sandy subsoil variant, are very poorly drained and are nearly level. They are on uplands and stream terraces, where they formed in Coastal Plain and alluvial sediment. A seasonal high water table is at or near the surface.
In a typical profile, the surface layer is black loamy sand about 12 inches thick. Beneath the surface layer and extending to a depth of about 18 inches is a layer of dark reddish-brown fine sand that is coated with organic matter. To a depth of about 42 inches, the next layers are grayish-brown and light brownish gray fine sand. Below them and extending to a depth of about 85 inches are layers of light-gray sand and coarse sand.
Natural fertility is very low, and the content of organic matter is medium. Available water capacity is low. Permeability is rapid, and shrink-swell potential is low. In areas that have not received lime, reaction is strongly acid or very strongly acid.
These soils are of only minor importance for farming. The seasonal high water table, frequent flooding for brief periods, and very low natural fertility are the major limitations to their use. Most of the acreage is in forest, and the rest is chiefly in cultivated crops or pasture. Where crops are grown, response is fairly good to recommended applications of fertilizer and lime.
Representative profile of Olustee loamy sand, sandy subsoil variant, 2 miles east of Grifton, 200 feet south of State Road No 1753, and 20 feet east of State Road No. 1915:
- Ap–0 to 12 inches, black (10YR 2/1) loamy sand; weak, fine, granular structure; very friable; many small roots; very strongly acid; clear, smooth boundary.
- Bh–12 to 18 inches, dark reddish-brown (5YR 2/2) fine sand; weak, fine, granular structure; friable; many small and few medium roots; sand grains well coated with organic matter; very strongly acid; clear, wavy boundary.
- C1g–18 to 30 inches, grayish-brown (10YR 5/2) fine sand; single grain; loose; few medium roots; very strongly acid; gradual, wavy boundary.
- C2g–30 to 42 inches, light brownish-gray (10YR 6/2) fine sand; single grain; loose; strongly acid; gradual, wavy boundary.
- C3g–42 to 75 inches, light-gray (10YR 7/1) sand; single grain; loose; strongly acid; gradual, wavy boundary.
- C4g–75 to 85 inches, light-gray (10YR 7/1) coarse sand; single grain; loose; few fine pebbles; strongly acid.
Combined thickness of the sandy horizons is more than 80 inches. The A horizon is black or very dark gray and is 10 to 20 inches thick. The Bh horizon is 4 to 8 inches thick. The sand grains in that horizon are well coated with organic matter, and they give the Bh horizon a dark reddish-brown color. The C horizon is grayish-brown and light brownish-gray to light gray fine sand to coarse sand. It ranges from 60 to more than 70 inches in thickness.
These soils are variants to the Olustee series. Bt horizons are lacking beneath the Bh horizon, but the profile is otherwise similar to that of normal Olustee soils.
Olustee loamy sand, sandy subsoil variant (Oe). – This is a very poorly drained sandy soil on smooth flats and in slight depressions in the uplands and on stream terraces. It occurs in areas of irregular shape that are 3 to 15 acres in size. Slopes are 0 to 1 percent. The surface layer is black loamy sand about 12 inches thick. It is underlain by a layer of dark reddish-brown fine sand that is coated with organic matter and is about 6 inches thick. To a depth of about 42 inches, the next layers are grayish-brown and light brownish-gray fine sand. Below these layers and extending to a depth of about 85 inches are layers of light-gray sand and coarse sand.
Included with this soil in mapping were a few areas of soils that have a similar profile but that have a surface layer of loamy fine sand. Also included were small areas of soils that have a similar profile but that lack the dark reddish-brown layer that is stained with organic matter. Other inclusions consist of small areas of Osier, Tuckerman, Pantego and Portsmouth soils.
Infiltration is rapid. Runoff is slow.
This soil is fairly easy to keep in good tilth and can be satisfactorily worked throughout a wide range of moisture content. Most of the acreage is in forest, however, and the rest is chiefly in cultivated crops or pasture. Wetness is a very severe limitation, and use of this soil is limited by seasonal high water table, frequent flooding and very low natural fertility. Artificial drainage is needed for most uses. If properly drained, this soil is fairly well suited to a few of the locally grown crops. Areas that are farmed are used mainly for corn, soybeans, and pasture. Capability unit IVw-1; woodland suitability group 3w2.
- Osier Series
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Osier Series
The Osier series consists of poorly drained, nearly level soils on uplands and stream terraces. These soils formed in Coastal Plain and alluvial sediment. A seasonal high water table is at or near the surface.
In a typical profile, the surface layer is loamy sand and is about 19 inches thick. It is very dark grayish brown in the upper part and is dark grayish brown in the lower part. The next layers consist of gray and dark-gray fine sand over very dark grayish-brown sand, and gray loamy sand that extends to a depth of about 62 inches. Underlying these layers is light brownish-gray sandy loam that extends to a depth of about 80 inches.
Natural fertility is very low, and the content of organic matter and available water capacity are low. Permeability is rapid, and shrink-swell potential is low. In areas that have not received lime, reaction is strongly acid or very strongly acid.
The Osier soils in Pitt County are of only minor importance for farming. Most of the acreage is in forest, and the rest is chiefly in cultivated crops or pasture. Major limitations to the use of these soils are the seasonal high water table, very low natural fertility, and frequent flooding for brief periods. In areas that are farmed, crops respond fairly well to recommended applications of fertilizer and lime.
Representative profile of Osier loamy sand, loamy substratum, 3 miles east of Belvoir, 1.75 miles southeast of the Gum Swamp Church, 200 feet west of State Road No. 1414, and 30 feet west and 30 north of a wooded area:
- Ap–0 to 6 inches, very dark grayish-brown (10YR 3/2) loamy sand; weak, fine, granular structure; very friable; few small roots; strongly acid; abrupt, smooth boundary.
- AC–6 to 19 inches, dark grayish-brown (10YR 4/2) loamy sand; single grain; very friable; few medium roots; medium acid; abrupt, smooth boundary.
- C1g–19 to 35 inches, grayish (10YR 6/1) fine sand; single grain; loose; few medium roots; strongly acid; clear, wavy boundary.
- C2g–35 to 42 inches, dark-gray (10YR 4/1) fine sand; single grain; loose; strongly acid; clear, wavy boundary.
- C3g–42 to 54 inches, very dark grayish-brown (10YR 3/2) sand; single grain; loose; strongly acid; clear, wavy boundary.
- C4g–54 to 62 inches, gray (10YR 6/1) loamy sand; single grain; very friable; strongly acid; clear, wavy boundary.
- C5g–62 to 80 inches, light brownish-gray (10YR 6/2) sandy loam; massive; friable; very strongly acid.
The Ap or A1 horizon is dark gray to very dark grayish brown and is 5 to 10 inches thick. Where the color is very dark grayish brown, thickness of the Ap or A1 horizon is 6 inches or less. To a depth of more than 60 inches, the C horizon is gray or dark gray to very dark grayish brown loamy sand to sand. The lower part of the C horizon is commonly light brownish-gray sandy loam.
Osier loamy sand, loamy substratum (Os). – This is a poorly drained soil on broad flats and in slight depressions in the uplands and on stream terraces. The areas are of irregular shape and range from 4 to 16 acres in size. Slopes are 0 to 1 percent. The surface layer is about 19 inches thick and is loamy sand that is very dark grayish brown in the upper part and is dark grayish brown in the lower part. To a depth of about 62 inches, the next layers consist of gray and dark gray fine sand that is underlain by very dark grayish-brown sand and gray loamy sand.
Included with this soil in mapping were a few areas of soils that have a similar profile but that have a surface layer of loamy fine sand or sand. Also included were small areas of Chipley, Pactolus, Olustee, and Tuckerman soils.
Infiltration is rapid. Runoff is slow.
This soil is fairly easy to keep in good tilth and can be satisfactorily worked throughout a wide range of moisture content. Wetness is a very severe limitation, and frequent flooding for brief periods, the seasonal high water table, and very low natural fertility are additional limitations.
Artificial drainage is needed for most uses. Most of the acreage is in forest, and the rest is used chiefly for cultivated crops or pasture. This soil is fairly well suited to a few of the locally grown crops if it is properly drained. Areas that are farmed are used mainly for corn, soybeans, and pasture. Capability unit IVw-1; woodland suitability group 3w3.
- Pactolus Series
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Pactolus Series
The Pactolus series consists of moderately well drained, nearly level soils on uplands and stream terraces. These soils formed in Coastal Plain and alluvial sediment. A seasonal high water table is at a depth of about 2 ½ feet. Gray mottles are within the zone affected by the high water table.
In a typical profile, the surface layer is dark-gray loamy sand about 8 inches thick. To a depth of about 36 inches, the underlying layers consist of yellow and brownish-yellow, very friable loamy sand that is mottled with light gray and strong brown. The next layer extends to a depth of about 64 inches and is white, loose loamy fine sand mottled with brownish yellow. Beneath this layer and extending to a depth of about 90 inches is yellow, loose coarse sand mottled with white.
Natural fertility and the content of organic matter are very low, and available water capacity is low. Permeability is rapid, and shrink-swell potential is low. In areas that have not received lime, reaction is slightly acid to very strongly acid.
The Pactolus soils in Pitt County are of only minor importance for farming, but most the acreage is cultivated or in pasture. The rest is chiefly in forest and in housing developments or other nonfarm uses. The major limitations to use of these soils are the seasonal high water table and very low natural fertility. Where crops are grown, response is fairly good to recommended application of fertilizer and lime.
Representative profile of Pactolus loamy sand, 1 mile east of Greenville, one-fourth mile north of State Road No. 1523:
- Ap–0 to 8 inches, dark-gray (10YR 4/1) loamy sand; weak, medium, granular structure; very friable; many small roots; slightly acid; abrupt, smooth boundary.
- C1–8 to 26 inches, yellow (10YR 7/6) loamy sand; single grain; very friable; few small roots; slightly acid; gradual, wavy boundary.
- C2–26 to 36 inches, brownish-yellow (10YR 6/6) loamy sand; few, medium, distinct, light-gray (10YR 7/1) and strong-brown (7.5YR 5/8) mottles; single grain; very friable; very strongly acid; abrupt, wavy boundary.
- C3–36 to 64 inches, white (10YR 8/2) loamy fine sand; few, fine, faint, brownish-yellow mottles; single grain; loose; slightly acid; gradual, wavy boundary.
- C4–64 to 90 inches, yellow (10YR 7/6) coarse sand; common, medium, distinct, white (10YR 8/1) mottles; single grain; loose; common fine pebbles; medium acid.
Combined thickness of the sandy horizons is more than 80 inches. The Ap or A1 horizon is dark gray to dark grayish brown and is 5 to 10 inches thick. The upper part of the C horizon is yellow or brownish-yellow, very friable or loose loamy sand or loamy fine sand. Grayish mottles are at depths between 20 and 40 inches from the surface. The lower part of the C horizon is white or yellow loamy fine sand, sand, or coarse sand. It commonly contains pebbles.
Pactolus loamy sand (Pa). – This is moderately well drained soil on broad, smooth divides in the uplands and on stream terraces. It occurs in areas of irregular shape that are 4 to 20 acres in size. Slopes range from 0 to 2 percent. The surface layer is dark-gray loamy sand about 8 inches thick. To a depth of about 36 inches, the underlying layers consist of yellow and brownish-yellow, very friable loamy sand that is mottled with light gray to strong brown. The next layer extends to a depth of about 64 inches and consists of white, loose loamy fine sand mottled with brownish yellow. Beneath this layer and extending to a depth of about 90 inches is yellow loose coarse sand mottled with white.
Included with this soil in mapping were a few areas of soils that have a similar profile but that have a surface layer of loamy fine sand. Also included were small areas of Lakeland, Alaga, Chipley, and Osier soils.
Infiltration is rapid. Runoff is slow.
This soil is fairly easy to keep in good tilth and can be satisfactorily worked throughout a wide range of moisture content. Most of the acreage is cultivated or in pasture. The rest is chiefly in forest or in housing developments or other nonfarm uses. This soil is fairly well suited to most of the locally grown crops. Wetness is a severe limitation, however, and natural fertility is very low because of the thick layers of sandy material. Artificial drainage is needed in cultivated areas. Capability unit IIIw-1; woodland suitability group 3w2.
- Pantego Series
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Pantego Series
The Pantego series consists of very poorly drained, nearly level soils on uplands. These soils formed in Coastal Plain sediment. A seasonal high water table is at or near the surface.
In a typical profile, the surface layer is black loam about 14 inches thick. The subsoil is friable sandy clay loam about 55 inches thick. The upper part is light brownish gray, and is mottled with dark gray and gray. The lower part is gray. A layer of light-gray sandy loam mottled with light yellowish brown is below the subsoil and extends to a depth of about 80 inches.
The Pantego soils in Pitt County are of only minor importance for farming. The seasonal high water table and frequent ponding for brief periods are the major limitations to their use. Most of the acreage is in forest, and the rest is chiefly in cultivated crops or pasture. Where crops are grown, response is good to recommended applications of fertilizer and lime.
Representative profile of Pantego loam, 1.1 miles south of State Road No. 1708, 600 feet west of State Road No. 1709, and 50 feet north of a field path:
- Ap–0 to 8 inches, black (10YR 2/1) loam; weak, fine, granular structure; very friable; many small roots; medium acid; clear, smooth boundary.
- A12–8 to 14 inches, black (10YR 2/1) loam; weak, fine, granular structure; very friable; few small roots; common uncoated sand grains; strongly acid; clear, smooth boundary.
- B1tg–14 to 19 inches, light brownish-gray (10YR 6/2) sandy clay loam; common, medium, distinct, dark-gray (10YR 4/1) mottles; weak, medium and fine, subangular blocky structure; friable; few small roots and root channels; few, thin, patchy clay films on faces of peds; very strongly acid; gradual, wavy boundary.
- B2tg–19 to 56 inches, light brownish-gray (10YR 6/2) sandy clay loam; common, medium, faint, gray (10YR 6/1) mottles; weak, medium, subangular blocky structure; friable; thin, patchy clay films on faces of peds; very strongly acid; gradual, wavy boundary.
- B3g–56 to 69 inches, gray (10YR 5/1) sandy clay loam; few lenses of loamy sand; weak, medium, subangular blocky structure; friable; very strongly acid; gradual, wavy boundary.
- Cg–69 to 80 inches, light-gray (10YR 7/1) sandy loam; lenses of loamy sand; few, medium, distinct, light yellowish-brown (10YR 6/4) mottles; massive; friable; very strongly acid.
The solum is more than 60 inches thick. The A horizon is black or very dark gray and is 10 to 20 inches thick. The B horizon is light brownish-gray to gray sandy clay loam, sandy loam, or clay loam and is more than 50 inches thick. The B horizon is commonly mottled with brownish yellow and yellowish brown. The C horizon is light gray or gray. It ranges from sand to loam in texture but is commonly sandy loam.
Pantego loam (Pg). – This is a very poorly drained soil on broad flats and in slight depressions in the uplands. It occurs in areas of irregular shape that are 4 to more than 40 acres in size. Slopes are 0 to 1 percent. The surface layer is black loam about 14 inches thick. The subsoil is friable sandy clay loam about 55 inches thick. The upper part of the subsoil is light brownish gray and is mottled with dark gray and gray. The lower part is gray.
Included with this soil in mapping were a few areas of soils that have a similar profile but that have a surface layer of fine sandy loam. Also included were small areas of Rains and Olustee soils.
Infiltration is moderate. Runoff is very slow or ponded.
This soil is easy to keep in good tilth and can be satisfactorily worked throughout a wide range of moisture content. Wetness is a severe limitation to its use, however, and ponding frequently occurs for brief periods. Most of the acreage is forest. The rest is chiefly in cultivated crops or pasture. A system of surface drains or tile drains, and in some places both surface drains and tile drains, is needed for most uses. Where this soil is adequately drained, it is well suited to a few of the locally grown crops. Areas that are farmed are used mainly for corn, soybeans, small grain, and pasture. Capability unit IIIw-3; woodland suitability group 1w9.
- Portsmouth Series
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Portsmouth Series
The Portsmouth series consists of very poorly drained, nearly level soils on stream terraces. These soils formed in alluvial sediment. A seasonal high water table is at or near the surface.
In a typical profile, the surface layer is very dark gray and very dark grayish-brown loam about 15 inches thick. The subsoil is about 24 inches thick. The upper part is grayish-brown, friable sandy loam mottled with grayish brown. The lower part is grayish-brown, friable, sandy clay loam mottled with yellowish brown. Below the subsoil and extending to a depth of about 68 inches is grayish-brown and light brownish-gray sand and coarse sand.
Natural fertility is low, and the content of organic matter and available water capacity are medium. Permeability is moderate, and shrink-swell potential is low. In areas that have not received lime, reaction is strongly acid or very strongly acid.
The Portsmouth soils in Pitt County are of only minor importance for farming. Major limitations to their use are the seasonal high water table and frequent flooding for brief periods. Most of the acreage is in forest, and the rest is chiefly in cultivated crops or pasture. Where crops are grown they respond well to recommended applications of fertilizer and lime.
Representative profile of Portsmouth loam, 1 mile east of Greenville, 0.7 mile north of State Highway No. 30, 70 feet east of State Road No. 1523, 50 feet south of a field path, and 65 feet southeast of power pole No. SPC-40-5:
- Ap–0 to 8 inches, very dark gray (10YR 3/1) loam; weak, medium, granular structure; very friable; many small roots; strongly acid; clear, smooth boundary.
- A12–8 to 15 inches, very dark grayish-brown (10YR 3/2) loam; weak, medium, granular structure; very friable; many small and few medium roots; strongly acid; clear, smooth boundary.
- B1g–15 to 22 inches, dark-gray (10YR 4/1) sandy loam; many, fine, distinct, grayish-brown mottles; weak, medium, subangular blocky structure; friable, slightly sticky and slightly plastic; few medium roots and root channels; few, thin, patchy clay films on vertical faces of peds and in old root channels; very strongly acid; gradual, wavy boundary.
- B2tg–22 to 39 inches, grayish brown (10YR 5/2) sandy clay loam; few, fine, distinct, yellowish-brown mottles; weak, medium, subangular blocky structure; friable, slightly sticky and plastic; few, thin, patchy clay films on faces of peds and in old root channels; very strongly acid; clear, wavy boundary.
- IIC1g–39 to 52 inches, grayish brown (10YR 5/2) sand; single grain; loose; very strongly acid; gradual, wavy boundary.
- IIC2g–52 to 68 inches, light brownish-gray (10YR 6/2) coarse sand; single grain; loose; few fine pebbles and crushed oyster shells; strongly acid.
Thickness of the solum is 40 inches or less. The A horizon is very dark gray or very dark grayish brown to black and is 10 to 20 inches thick. The B horizon is gray or dark gray to grayish-brown sandy clay loam to sandy loam and is 20 to 30 inches thick. A few yellowish-brown or grayish-brown mottles are commonly in the B horizon. The C horizon is grayish-brown to light brownish-gray loamy sand to coarse sand. It commonly contains fine pebbles.
Portsmouth loam (Po). – This is a very poorly drained soil on broad, smooth flats and in slight depressions. It is on stream terraces and occurs in areas of irregular shape that are 3 to 20 acres in size. Slopes are 0 to 1 percent. The surface layer is very dark gray and very dark grayish-brown loam about 15 inches thick. The subsoil is about 24 inches thick. The upper part of the subsoil is dark-gray, friable sandy loam mottled with grayish brown. The lower part is mottled with yellowish brown.
Included with this soil in mapping were a few areas of soils that have a similar profile but that have a surface layer of fine sandy loam. Also included were small areas of Tuckerman, Cape Fear, and Olustee soils.
Infiltration is moderate. Runoff is very slow or ponded.
This soil is easy to keep in good tilth and can be satisfactorily worked throughout a wide range of moisture content. Most of the acreage is in forest, however, and the rest is chiefly in cultivated crops or pasture. Flooding frequently occurs for brief periods, and wetness is a severe limitation. A system of surface drains or tile drains is needed for most uses, and both surface drains and tile drains are needed in some places. If properly drained, this soil is well suited to a few locally grown crops. Areas that are farmed are used mainly for corn, soybeans, and pasture. Capability unit IIIw-3; woodland suitability group 1w9.
- Rains Series
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Rains Series
The Rains series consists of poorly drained, nearly level soils on uplands. These soils formed in Coastal Plain sediment. A seasonal high water table is at or near the surface.
In a typical profile, the surface layer is dark-gray and light brownish-gray fine sandy loam about 13 inches thick. The lower part of the surface layer is mottled with yellowish brown and pale brown. The subsoil, about 49 inches thick, is gray, friable sandy clay loam mottled with brownish yellow and yellowish brown is beneath the subsoil and extends to a depth of about 74 inches.
Natural fertility and the content of organic matter are low. Available water capacity is medium. Permeability is moderate, and shrink-swell potential is low. In areas that have not received lime, reaction is strongly acid or very strongly acid.
The Rains soils in Pitt County are moderately important for farming. About half of the acreage is cultivated or in pasture, and the rest is chiefly in forest. Major limitations to the use of these soils are the seasonal high water table and frequent ponding for brief periods. Crops respond well to recommended applications of fertilizer and lime.
Representative profile of Rains fine sandy loam, 4 miles northeast of Farmville, 300 feet north of State Highway No. 121, and 150 feet west of State Road No. 1259:
- Ap–0 to 8 inches, dark gray (10YR 4/1) fine sandy loam; weak, fine, granular structure; very friable; many small roots; medium acid; abrupt, smooth boundary.
- A2g–8 to 13 inches, light brownish-gray (10YR 6/2) fine sandy loam; few, medium distinct, yellowish-brown (10YR 5/6) and pale-brown (10YR 6/3) mottles; weak, medium, granular structure; very friable; few medium roots and root channels; medium acid; abrupt, smooth boundary.
- B21tg–13 to 32 inches, gray (10YR 6/1) sandy clay loam; few medium, distinct, brownish-yellow (10YR 6/6) mottles; weak, medium, subangular blocky structure; friable, slightly sticky and slightly plastic; few medium roots; few medium and small root channels; few, thin, patchy clay films on faces of peds; very strongly acid; clear, wavy boundary.
- B22tg–32 to 38 inches, gray (10YR 6/1) sandy clay loam; common, medium, distinct, yellowish-brown (10YR 5/8) mottles; weak, medium, subangular blocky structure; friable, slightly sticky and slightly plastic; few medium root channels; thin, patchy clay films on faces of peds; very strongly acid; clear, wavy boundary.
- B23tg–38 to 62 inches, gray (10YR 5/1) sandy clay loam; few medium, distinct, brownish-yellow (10YR 6/8) mottles; weak, medium, subangular blocky structure; friable, slightly sticky and slightly plastic; thin, patchy clay films on faces of peds; very strongly acid, clear, wavy boundary.
- Cg–62 to 74 inches, gray (10YR 5/1) sandy clay loam; few, fine, distinct, yellowish-brown mottles; massive; friable, slightly sticky and slightly plastic; very strongly acid.
Thickness of the solum is 60 inches or more. Thickness of the A horizon is 10 to 20 inches. The Ap or A1 horizon is dark gray to dark grayish brown and the A2 horizon is light brownish gray to gray. The B horizon is sandy clay loam to sandy loam, and it is about 50 inches thick. Mottles in the B horizon are yellowish brown and brownish yellow. The C horizon is gray to loamy sand to clay, but it is dominantly sandy clay loam.
Rains fine sandy loam (Ra). – This is a poorly drained soil on broad flats and in slight depressions in the uplands. It occurs in areas of irregular shape that are 4 to 25 acres in size. Slopes are 0 to 1 percent. The surface layer is dark-gray and light brownish-gray fine sandy loam about 13 inches thick. The lower part of the surface layer is mottled with yellowish brown and pale brown. The subsoil, about 49 inches thick, is gray, friable sandy clay loam mottled with brownish yellow and yellowish brown.
Included with this soil in mapping were small areas of soils that have a similar profile but that have a surface layer of loamy sand, sandy loam, or loam. Also included were small areas of Lynchburg and Pantego soils.
Infiltration is moderate. Runoff is slow or ponded.
This soil is easy to keep in good tilth and can be satisfactorily worked throughout a wide range of moisture content. About half of the acreage is cultivated or in pasture, and the rest chiefly in forest. Wetness is a severe limitation, and ponding occurs frequently for brief periods. A system of surface drains or tile drains is needed where cultivated crops are grown, and both surface drains and tile drains are needed in some places. If properly drained, this soil is suited to most of the locally grown crops. Areas that are farmed are used mainly for corn, soybeans, small grain, and Ladino clover-fescue pasture. Capability unit IIIw-3; woodland suitability group 2w3.
- Roanoke Series
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Roanoke Series
The Roanoke series consists of poorly drained, nearly level soils on stream terraces. These soils formed in alluvial sediment. A seasonal high water table is at or near the surface.
In a typical profile, the surface layer is dominantly dark grayish-brown silt loam about 9 inches thick. Beneath the surface layer is a gray subsoil about 33 inches thick. The upper part of the subsoil is dominantly very firm clay mottled with very dark gray and brownish yellow. The lower part is firm silty clay loam mottled with brownish yellow and dark gray. Below the subsoil and extending to a depth of about 66 inches is gray loamy fine sand and loamy sand mottled with light gray and brownish yellow. Underlying this material and extending to a depth of about 74 inches is white sand mottled with olive yellow.
Natural fertility and available water capacity are medium, and the content of organic matter is low. Permeability is slow, and shrink-swell potential is high. In areas that have not received lime, reaction is very strongly acid.
The Roanoke soils in Pitt County are of only minor importance for farming. Most of the acreage is in forest, and the rest is chiefly in cultivated crops or pasture. The seasonal high water table, frequent flooding for brief periods, and slow permeability are major limitations to the use of these soils for farming and for other purposes. In areas that are farmed, crops respond well to recommended applications of fertilizer and lime.
Representative profile of Roanoke silt loam, 3 miles west of Grimesland on U.S. Highway No. 264, 0.4 miles north on State Road No. 1762, 30 feet east of road and 100 feet north of a wooded area:
- Ap–0 to 7 inches, dark grayish-brown (10YR 4/2) silt loam; weak, medium, granular structure; very friable; many small roots; medium acid; abrupt, smooth boundary.
- A2–7 to 9 inches, gray (10YR 5/1) very fine sandy loam; many fine, distinct, brownish-yellow mottles; weak, medium, granular structure; friable; many small roots; few small root channels; very strongly acid; abrupt, smooth boundary.
- B1tg–9 to 12 inches, gray (10YR 6/1) clay loam; few, fine, distinct, brownish-yellow mottles; weak, medium, subangular blocky structure; firm, sticky and plastic; few medium roots and root channels; some dark grayish-brown colors in root channels; few thin clay films on faces of peds; very strongly acid; abrupt, smooth boundary.
- B21tg–12 to 26 inches, gray (10YR 6/1) clay; few, coarse, distinct, very dark gray (10YR 3/1) mottles and few, fine, distinct, brownish-yellow mottles; weak, medium, angular blocky structure; very firm, very sticky and very plastic; few medium roots and root channels; thin, patchy clay films on faces of peds; very strongly acid; gradual, wavy boundary.
- B22tg–26 to 36 inches, gray (10YR 5/1) clay; few, medium, distinct, brownish-yellow (10YR 6/6) mottles; weak, medium, angular blocky structure; very firm, very sticky and very plastic; few, thin, patchy clay films on faces of peds; very strongly acid; gradual, wavy boundary.
- B3tg–36 to 42 inches, gray (10YR 6/1) silty clay loam; few, fine, distinct, brownish-yellow and dark-gray mottles; weak, medium, angular blocky structure; firm, sticky and plastic; few, thin, patchy clay films on faces of peds; very strongly acid; gradual, wavy boundary.
- IIC1g–42 to 54 inches, gray (10YR 6/1) loamy fine sand; few, fine, faint, light-gray mottles; single grain; very friable; very strongly acid; gradual, wavy boundary.
- IIC2g–54 to 66 inches, gray (10YR 6/1) loamy sand; few, fine, distinct, brownish-yellow mottles; single grain; very friable; very strongly acid; gradual, wavy boundary.
- IIC3g–66 to 74 inches, white (N 8/0) sand; few, fine, distinct, olive-yellow mottles; single grain; loose; very strongly acid.
Thickness of the solum is 45 inches or less. Thickness of the A horizon is 5 to 20 inches. The Ap or A1 horizon is dark gray to dark grayish brown, and the A2 horizon is commonly gray. Texture of the B horizon is silty clay loam, clay loam, or clay, but it is dominantly clay. The B horizon is commonly mottled with brownish yellow, dark gray, and very dark gray. The C horizon is gray to white with loamy fine sand to sand.
Roanoke silt loam (Ro). – This is a poorly drained soil on broad flats in slight depressions. It is on stream terraces, where it occurs in areas of irregular shape. The areas range from 3 to more than 100 acres in size. Slopes are 0 to 1 percent. The surface layer is dominantly dark grayish-brown silt loam about 9 inches thick. The subsoil is gray and is about 33 inches thick. The upper part of the subsoil is dominantly very firm clay mottled with very dark gray and brownish yellow. The lower part is firm silty clay loam mottled with brownish yellow and dark gray. The underlying material is gray to white loamy fine sand to coarse sand.
Included with this soil in mapping were a few areas of soils that have a similar profile but that have a surface layer of very fine sandy loam or loam. Also included were small areas of Altavista, Bibb, and Cape Fear soils.
Infiltration is moderate. Runoff is slow or ponded.
This soil is fairly easy to keep in good tilth, but it can be satisfactorily worked only within a fairly narrow range of moisture content. Most of the acreage is in forest, and the rest is chiefly in cultivated crops or pasture. Flooding frequently occurs for brief periods, and wetness is a very severe limitation. A system of surface drains is needed for most uses. If properly drained, this soil is suited to a few of the locally grown crops. Areas that are farmed are used mainly for corn, soybeans, and pasture. Capability unit IVw-2; woodland suitability group 2w9.
- Swamp
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Swamp
Swamp (Sw) is a poorly drained or very poorly drained miscellaneous land type on flood plains, where it occurs in slight depressions. It has slopes of less than 1 percent. The areas are commonly long and narrow, and they range from 5 to 100 acres or more in size. Flooding for long periods occurs very frequently. In fact, water covers this land type throughout most of the year. The surface layer is light-gray to black loam or sand to silty clay that is commonly high in content of organic matter. The underlying material is gray to mixed alluvium.
This land type is not suitable for cultivated crops or pasture. All of the acreage is in baldcypress, gum, and other native hardwoods. Capability unit VIIw-1; not placed in a woodland suitability group.
- Tuckerman Series
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Tuckerman Series
The Tuckerman series consists of poorly drained, nearly level soils on stream terraces. These soils formed in alluvial sediment. A seasonal high water table is at or near the surface.
In typical profile, the surface layer is dark-gray and gray fine sandy loam about 17 inches thick. The subsoil is about 19 inches thick and is dominantly gray, friable sandy clay loam and fine sandy loam mottled with brownish yellow. Below the subsoil and extending to depth of about 72 inches is gray loamy sand and coarse sand.
Natural fertility and the content of organic matter are low and available water capacity is medium. Permeability and shrink-swell potential are moderate. In areas that have not received lime, reaction is slightly acid to medium acid.
The Tuckerman soils of Pitt County are of only minor importance for farming. The seasonal high water table and infrequent flooding for brief periods are the major limitations to their use. Most of the acreage is in forest, and the rest is chiefly in cultivated crops or pasture. In areas that are farmed, crops respond well to recommended applications of fertilizer and lime.
Representative profile of Tuckerman fine sandy loam, 1 mile east Greenville, 150 feet north of State Highway No. 30, and 30 feet east of field path:
- Ap – 0 to 10 inches, dark-gray (10YR 4/1) fine sandy loam; weak, fine granular structure; very friable; many small and few medium roots; slightly acid; clear, smooth boundary.
- A2g – 10 to 17 inches, gray (10YR 5/1) fine sandy loam, weak, fine granular structure; very friable; few small and medium roots; medium acid; clear, wavy boundary.
- B1g – 17 to 20 inches, light brownish-gray (10YR 6/2) fine sandy loam; few, medium, distinct, yellow (2.5Y 7/6) mottles; weak, medium, subangular blocky structure; friable, few medium roots and root channels; medium acid, gradual, irregular boundary.
- B2tg – 20 to 30 inches, gray (10YR 5/1) sandy clay loam; few, fine and medium distinct, brownish-yellow (10YR 6/6) mottles; weak, medium, subangular blocky structure; friable, slightly sticky and slightly plastic; few medium root channels; few thin clay films on faces of peds; medium acid, gradual, wavy boundary.
- B3tg – 30 to 36 inches, gray (10YR 5/1) fine sandy loam; weak, medium, subangular blocky structure; friable; few fine fragments of quartz gravel; few fine mica flakes; medium acid; gradual, wavy boundary.
- IIC1g – 36 to 48 inches, gray (10YR 6/1) loamy sand; single grain; loose; few fine fragments of quartz gravel; few fine mica flakes; medium acid; gradual, wavy boundary.
- IIC2g – 48 to 72 inches, gray (10YR 6/1) coarse sand; single grain; loose; many fine fragments of quartz gravel; few fine mica flakes, slightly acid; gradual, wavy boundary.
Thickness of the solum is 40 inches or less. Thickness of the A horizon is 8 to 20 inches. The Ap or A1 horizon is dark gray to grayish brown, and the A2 horizon is gray to grayish brown. The B horizon is light brownish-gray to gray fine sandy loam or sandy clay loam and is 15 to 32 inches thick. A few yellow and brownish-yellow mottles are in the B horizon. The C horizon is grayish loamy sand to coarse sand. It contains few to many fine fragments of gravel.
Tuckerman fine sandy loam (Tu). – This is a poorly drained soil on broad flats in slight depressions on stream terraces. It occurs in areas of irregular shape that are 3 to 21 acres in size. Slopes are 0 to 1 percent. The surface layer is dark-gray and gray fine sandy loam about 17 inches thick. The subsoil is about 19 inches thick and is dominantly gray, friable sandy clay loam and fine sandy loam mottled with brownish yellow.
Included with this soil in mapping were a few areas of soils that have a similar profile but that have a surface layer of sandy loam or loamy fine sand. Also included were small areas of Altavista, Portsmouth, Olustee, and Osier soils.
Infiltration is moderate. Runoff is slow or ponded.
This soil is easy to keep in good tilth and can be satisfactorily worked throughout a fairly wide range of moisture content. Most of the acreage is in forest, and the rest is chiefly in cultivated crops or pasture. Wetness is a very severe limitation, and infrequent flooding occurs for brief periods. For most uses a system of surface drains or drains are needed in some places. If properly drained, this soil is fairly well suited to a few of the locally grown crops. Areas that are farmed are used mainly for corn, soybeans, small grain, and pasture. Capability unit IVw-4; woodland suitability group 2w9.
- Wagram Series
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Wagram Series
The Wagram series consists of well-drained, nearly level to sloping soils on uplands and stream terraces. These soils formed in Coastal Plan and alluvial sediment. A seasonal high water table is below a depth of 5 feet.
In a typical profile, the surface layer is loamy sand about 25 inches thick. It is grayish brown in the upper part and is light yellowish brown in the lower part. The subsoil is about 41 inches thick and is friable sandy clay loam. The upper part of the subsoil is dominantly brownish-yellow. The lower part is olive yellow mottled with yellowish red, gray, and red. Below the subsoil and extending to a depth of about 84 inches is mottled light yellowish-brown, olive-yellow, and loamy sand.
Natural fertility and the content of organic matter are low or very low, and available water capacity is low. Permeability is moderately rapid, and shrink-swell potential is low. In areas that have not received lime, reaction is strongly acid to extremely acid.
The Wagram soils in Pitt County are important for farming. Most of the acreage is cultivated or in pasture. The rest is chiefly in forest and in housing developments or other nonfarm uses. Droughtiness and slope are major limitations to use of these soils. Soil blowing is also a hazard, and plant nutrients are readily lost as a result of leaching. In cultivated areas crops respond well to recommended applications of fertilizer and lime.
Representative profile of Wagram loamy sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes, 2 miles west of Fountain on State Highway No. 222, one-half mile east of State Road No. 1232, and 30 feet south of a field path:
- Ap – 0 to 9 inches, grayish-brown (10YR 5/2) loamy sand; weak, fine, granular structure; very friable; many small roots; medium acid; abrupt, smooth boundary.
- A2 – 9 to 25 inches, light yellowish-brown (2.5Y 6/4) loamy sand; weak, medium, granular structure; very friable; few small and medium roots; few medium root channels; strongly acid; abrupt, smooth boundary.
- B1t – 25 to 28 inches, olive-yellow (2.5Y 6/8) sandy clay loam; weak, medium, subangular blocky structure; friable, slightly sticky and slightly plastic; few small and medium roots; few medium root channels; few thin clay films on faces of peds; very strongly acid; abrupt, smooth boundary.
- B21t – 28 to 50 inches, brownish yellow (10YR 6/6) sandy clay loam; weak, medium, subangular blocky structure; friable, slightly sticky and slightly plastic; patchy clay films on faces of peds; very strongly acid; gradual, wavy boundary.
- B22t – 50 to 55 inches, olive yellow (2.5Y 6/8) sandy clay loam; few medium, distinct, yellowish-red (5YR 5/8) and gray (10YR 6/1) mottles; weak, medium, subangular blocky structure; friable, slightly sticky and slightly plastic; patchy clay films on faces of peds; very strongly acid; gradual, wavy boundary.
- B3t – 55 to 66 inches, olive-yellow (2.5Y 6/8) sandy clay loam; many, medium, prominent, red (2.5YR 5/8) and many, fine, distinct, gray mottles; weak, medium, subangular blocky structure; friable, slightly sticky and slightly plastic; thin, patchy clay films on faces of peds; very strongly acid; gradual, wavy boundary.
- C – 66 to 84 inches, mottled light yellowish-brown (2.5Y 6/4), olive-yellow (2.5Y 6/8), and gray (10YR 6/1) loamy sand; many lenses of sandy clay loam; massive; friable; extremely acid.
The solum is more than 60 inches thick. The A horizon is 20 to 40 inches thick. The Ap or A1 horizon is gray to grayish brown, and the A2 horizon is light yellowish brown to very pale brown. The B horizon is olive-yellow to brownish-yellow sandy clay loam to a depth of more than 60 inches. The C horizon is commonly mottled light yellowish brown, olive yellow, and gray. It ranges from sand to clay in texture.
Wagram loamy sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes (WaB). – This is a well-drained soil on slightly convex, smooth, broad divides on uplands and stream terraces. It occurs in areas of irregular shape that are 4 to 20 acres in size. The profile is the one described as representative of the Wagram series. The surface layer is loamy sand about 25 inches thick. It is grayish brown in the upper part and is light yellowish brown in the lower part. The subsoil is about 41 inches thick and is friable sandy clay loam. The upper part of the subsoil is dominantly brownish yellow. The lower part is olive yellow mottled with yellowish red, gray, and red.
Included with this soil in mapping were a few areas of soils that have a similar profile but that have a surface layer of fine sand, sand, or loamy fine sand. Also included were small areas Alaga, Lakeland, Norfolk, Masada, Wickham, and Ocilla soils.
Infiltration is rapid. Runoff is slow.
This soil is fairly easy to keep in good tilth and can be satisfactorily worked throughout a wide range of moisture content. Most of the acreage is cultivated or in pasture. The rest chiefly in forest and in housing developments of other nonfarm uses. This soil is suited to most of the locally grown crops. Because of its thick, sandy surface layer, however, droughtiness is a moderate limitation, moderate leaching of plant nutrients takes place, and soil blowing is a moderate hazard. Cultivated areas are used mainly for row crops, chiefly for tobacco and peanuts. Capability unit IIs-1; woodland suitability group 3s2.
Wagram loamy sand, 6 to 10 percent slopes (WaC). – This is a well-drained soil on short side slopes of uplands and stream terraces. It occurs in long, narrow areas that are 3 to 10 acres in size. The surface layer is gray to grayish-brown loamy sand 20 to 40 inches thick. The subsoil is olive-yellow to brownish-yellow, friable sandy clay loam and sandy loam to a depth of 60 inches or more.
Included with this soil mapping were areas of soils that have a similar profiles but that have a surface layer of fine sand, sand, or loamy fine sand. Also included were small areas of soils that have a similar profile but that have slopes of more than 10 percent. Other inclusions consist of small areas of Alaga, Lakeland, and Norfolk soils.
Infiltration is rapid. Runoff is medium.
This soil is fairly easy to keep in good tilth and can be satisfactorily worked throughout a wide range of moisture content. Most of the acreage is in cultivated crops or pasture, and the rest is chiefly in forest. This soil is fairly well suited to most locally grown crops. Erosion is a severe hazard, however, and because of the thick, sandy blowing, and loses plant nutrients readily as a result of leaching. In cultivated areas intensive practices that effectively control runoff and that reduce erosion are needed. The cultivated areas are used mainly for row crops, especially for tobacco and peanuts. Capability unit IIIe-3; woodland suitability group 3s2.
- Wickham Series
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Wickham Series
The Wickham series consists of well-drained, nearly level and gently sloping soils on stream terraces. These soils formed in alluvial sediment. A seasonal high water table is below a depth of 5 feet.
In a typical profile, the surface layer is dark-brown and reddish-yellow sandy loam about 11 inches thick. The subsoil is about 31 inches thick. It is reddish-yellow, friable sandy loam in the upper part and is yellowish-red, friable sandy clay loam and sandy loam in the lower part. Below the subsoil and extending to a depth of about 80 inches is reddish-yellow and yellow loamy sand and sand mottled with light gray.
Natural fertility and the content of organic matter are low, and available water capacity is medium. Permeability is moderate, and shrink-swell potential is low. In areas that have not received lime, reaction is strongly acid or very strongly acid.
The Wickham soils of Pitt County are of only minor importance for farming, but most of the acreage is cultivated or in pasture. The rest is chiefly in forest and in housing developments or other nonfarm uses. Major limitations to use of these soils are slope and, in nearly level areas, infrequent flooding for brief periods. Crops grown on these soils respond well to recommended applications of fertilizer and lime.
Representative profile of Wickham sandy loam, 0 to 6 percent slopes, 2 miles west of Belvoir, 130 feet north of State Road No. 1001, and 75 feet west of State Road No. 1408:
- Ap – 0 to 6 inches, dark-brown (10YR 4/3) sandy loam; weak, fine, granular structure; very friable; many small roots; medium acid; abrupt, smooth boundary.
- A2 – 6 to 11 inches, reddish-yellow (7.5YR 6/6) sandy loam; weak, medium, granular structure; very friable; few small and medium roots; medium acid; abrupt, smooth boundary.
- B1t – 11 to 17 inches, reddish-yellow (5YR 6/8) sandy loam; weak, medium, subangular blocky structure; friable; few medium roots and root channels; few, thin, patchy clay films on faces of peds; strongly acid; abrupt, wavy boundary.
- B2t – 17 to 37 inches, yellowish-red (5YR 5/8) sandy clay loam; weak, medium, subangular blocky structure; friable, slightly sticky and slightly plastic; few medium roots and root channels; few, thin, patchy clay films on faces of peds; common fine mica flakes; very strongly acid; clear, wavy boundary.
- B3t – 37 to 42 inches, yellowish-red (5YR 5/8) sandy loam; weak, medium, subangular blocky structure; friable; few, thin, patchy clay films on faces of peds; few fine mica flakes; very strongly acid; clear, wavy boundary.
- IIC1 – 42 to 52 inches, reddish-yellow (7.5YR 6/8) loamy sand; single grain; loose; few fine mica flakes; strongly acid; clear, wavy boundary.
- IIC2 – 52 to 72 inches, yellow (10YR 7/6) sand; single grain; loose; few fine mica flakes; strongly acid; clear, wavy boundary.
- IIC3 – 72 to 80 inches, yellow (10YR 7/6) sand; few, coarse, distinct, light-gray (10YR 7/1) mottles; single grain; loose; strongly acid.
Thickness of the solum ranges from about 40 inches to less than 60 inches. Thickness of the A horizon ranges from 5 to 20 inches. The Ap or A1 horizon is dark brown to dark gray, and the A2 horizon is reddish yellow to light brown. The B horizon is reddish-yellow to yellowish-red sandy loam, sandy clay loam, and it is 30 to 37 inches thick. The C horizon is reddish-yellowish, yellowish-red, or yellow loamy sand or sand, and it is commonly mottled with light gray or gray. Few to common fine mica flakes are in the B and the C horizons.
Wickham sandy loam, 0 to 6 percent slopes (WkB). – This is a well-drained soil on broad, smooth divides on stream terraces. It occurs in areas that are long and narrow or irregular in shape and that are 4 to 12 acres in size. The surface layer is dark-brown and reddish-yellow sandy loam about 11 inches thick. The subsoil is about 31 inches thick. It is reddish-yellow, friable sandy loam in the upper part and is yellowish-red, friable sandy clay loam and sandy loam in the lower part.
Included with this soil in mapping were a few areas of soils that have a similar profile but that have a surface layer of fine sandy loam, loamy fine sand, or loamy sand. Also included were small areas of Masada and Altavista soils.
Infiltration is moderate. Runoff is slow to medium.
This soil is easy to keep in good tilth and can be satisfactorily worked throughout a wide range of moisture content. Most of the acreage is cultivated or in pasture. The rest is chiefly in forest and in housing developments or other nonfarm uses. This soil is well suited to all the locally grown crops. Erosion is a moderate hazard in the sloping areas, however, and infrequent flooding for brief periods occurs in the nearly level areas. Practices that effectively control runoff and that reduce erosion are needed if the sloping are cultivated. Cultivated areas are used mainly for row crops, especially for tobacco, peanuts, and cotton. Capability unit IIe–1; woodland suitability group 207.