4 SOILS OF THE EASTERN UNITED STATES. 



The Norfolk fine sand thus possesses the color characteristics of all 

 of the soils of the Norfolk series. The characteristic yellow color of 

 the subsoil distinguishes this series from any of the members of the 

 Portsmouth series which usually possess a black or dark-brown sur- 

 face soil and a gray subsoil. Similarly it differs from the soils of 

 the Orangeburg series, which may be associated with it, since the 

 latter always possess red sandy clay subsoils at some depth. 



The Norfolk fine sand is distinguished from the heavier members 

 of the same series in that the yellow sandy clay which forms the 

 subsoil of these other types is not usually encountered in the case of 

 the Norfolk fine sand at a depth less than 36 inches. It is distin- 

 guished from the Norfolk sand in that it has a smooth fine sandy 

 texture rather than the coarser, more gritty texture of the last- 

 named type. 



SURFACE FEATURES AND DRAINAGE. 



The Norfolk fine sand occurs principally upon the uplands between 

 the major stream drainages and at the lower elevations in the Coastal 

 Plain Section. It is extensively developed in the " Flat Woods " Sec- 

 tion from Virginia south to Alabama. It also occupies considerable 

 areas in the timbered region of east Texas and west central Louis- 

 iana. The topography is usually gently rolling to ridged or some- 

 what hilly. The higher elevations are occupied by areas of the Nor- 

 folk fine sand, while intervening hollows and depressions are occu- 

 pied either by heavier members of the Norfolk series, or by soils 

 belonging to the Portsmouth or other soil series. The texture of the 

 Norfolk fine sand and its topographic position give rise to excellent 

 natural drainage, both in the soil and in the subsoil. It rarely, if 

 ever, requires artificial drainage to supplement the natural conditions. 

 In fact, there is a tendency toward excessive drainage throughout 

 all the areas of the Norfolk fine sand, and this is particularly empha- 

 sized where the depth of the fine sand subsoil exceeds 4 or 5 feet. 

 Such areas are most likely to be encountered upon the low ridges 

 and hillocks which occur within the type. 



LIMITATIONS OF USES. 



The Norfolk fine sand is preeminently suited by its inherent soil 

 characteristics to the production of early and medium truck crops. 

 It is of but secondary importance, in all areas where it occurs, for the 

 production of the staple general farm crops. The yields of the latter 

 are invariably low, usually much lower than those secured upon the 

 heavier types of the same series or of other associated series. The 

 general field crops, which must depend upon a long-growing season 

 and upon large yields per acre for their profitable production, are 

 at a decided disadvantage when planted upon the Norfolk fine sand. 



