THE WABASH SILT LOAM. 13 



silt loam to clay loam. There is some variation in texture across 

 the surface of the fields, dependent upon the form of deposition of 

 the river sediments. The fine sands accumulate near to the main 

 channels at the point of first deposition in time of overflow, while 

 at lower levels, and in more remote positions, the materials are apt 

 to be somewhat more silty and a little more compact. 



The chief limitation upon the use of the Wabash silt loam arises 

 from the annual or frequent overflows which cover a large propor- 

 tion of its surface during the early spring months. Furthermore, 

 it is poorly drained, owing to the fact that the soil type lies at a low 

 level and the subsoil is usually saturated with water at all times at 

 a depth of 2 feet or more. 



The utilization of additional areas of the type for more intensive 

 agriculture is chiefly dependent upon the erection of necessary dikes 

 and embankments to exclude flood waters, and the establishment 

 behind these embankments of adequate drainage through tile under- 

 drains and open ditches. It is frequently necessary to protect the 

 embanked areas from sudden floods descending the courses of local 

 upland streams. 



Corn is the principal crop grown upon the Wabash silt loam. 

 With no damage from floods, normal crop yields range from 40 to 

 60 bushels per acre. The inherent characteristics of the type enable 

 it to maintain such yields through long periods of time. The chief 

 element of uncertainty as to the yield arises from yearly floods. 



Wheat and oats are raised to a limited extent, but with excellent 

 results, upon the diked lands of this type. 



The Wabash silt loam is one of the best natural grasslands in the 

 Central States, yielding heavy crops of timothy and redtop, and, 

 where drainage has been properly established, excellent harvests of 

 clover. Even areas which are not used for other agricultural pur- 

 poses furnish excellent natural pasture during the summer season. 



Probably 60 per cent or more of the entire area of the Wabash silt 

 loam is still covered by a heavy timber growth occurring through 

 the more swampy or low-lying portions of the type. Approximately 

 20 per cent is planted to corn, with wheat and oats as secondary 

 crops. Market gardening and potato growing in the vicinity of 

 larger cities occupy a portion of the type, while nearly 20 per cent is 

 maintained in grass for mowing. 



In all cases where the engineering features of embankment and 

 drainage have been properly carried out upon well-selected areas, 

 the financial returns received from such treatment have amply 

 justified the expense involved. There remain thousands of acres of 

 the type which may be similarly treated when the demand for this 

 land shall become sufficiently active. 



