30 



The Bulletin 



The following table gives tlie average results of analyses of soil and 

 subsoil of Iredell fine sandy loam : 



ALAMANCE SILT LOAM 



This type, together with the shallow phase, covers approximately one- 

 seventh or 32,000 acres of the county. It is developed in large areas 

 in the slate belt along the eastern and southeastern border of the 

 county, joining the extensive area which reaches across Stanly and 

 other counties. 



The Alamance silt loam is locally called "white floury land" because 

 of its mellow, smooth silty texture and Avhitish appearance. The first 

 few inches of the surface is a light gray silt loam, passing into a pale 

 yellow silt loam, which extends to a depth of 6 to 10 inches. The sub- 

 soil is a light yellow compact but friable silty clay loam to silty clay, 

 usually i)assing into the rotten slate roch at 30 to 36 inches. Upon the 

 flatter' or slightly depressed areas the subsoil may show mottlings of light 

 gray or drab, while on the ridges reddish colorations are seen. Small 

 slate fragments and also a few quartz rocks occur on its surface in some 

 localities, but not to such an extent as to interfere with cultivation. 



The surface of this soil is prevailingly smooth and flat, with some 

 rolling areas in the southern pnrt of the county. With the exception of 

 the more level areas all of it has fairly good natural drainage. Open 

 ditches would serve every purpose for drainage. This soil, as its color 

 indicates, is naturally deficient in organic matter. Owing to the fine 

 texture of the soil and lack of vegetable matter, it is liable to bake and 



