174 



THE SOILS OF PRINCE GEORGE S COUNTY 



The surface covering of the Susquehanna chiy loam consists of 

 about 10 inches of sand or sandy loam, though its depth may be some- 

 what less, but the distinguishing feature of this soil type is the heavy 

 mottled clay subsoil, which is identical with the Susquehanna clay. 



The surface covering of sandy loam, however, furnishes an easily 

 tilled seed bed which is of sufHcient depth to germinate seeds and 

 nourish the young plants. The heavy clay subsoil, covered by this 

 loose-textured soil, serves as a reservoir for maintaining a good mois- 



Mechanical Analyses of Susquehanna Clay. 

 [Fine earth.] 



ture supply, and its imperviousness aids in the retention of plant 

 foods, which would be leached readily from the soil alone. As a 

 result this modification of the Susquehanna clay, by the interven- 

 tion of other materials to form the soil, gives rise to a type adapted 

 to general farming, and especially to grain and grass crops. This 

 type of soil requires very careful farming. Lime is used to good 

 advantage, and with its use some excellent clover crops have been 

 produced. 



The accompanying table gives the mechanical analyses of soils and 

 subsoils of this type of soil : 



THE ELKTON CLAY. 



The Elkton clay occurs locally in several small areas adjacent to 

 stream courses in the northern portion of the county. Its surface is 

 low lying, usually flat, and rather poorly drained. 



