THE NORFOLK SAND. 17 



Of the staple crops, corn and cotton are most universally raised 

 upon the Norfolk sand in all of the areas where the climatic condi- 

 tions are favorable to their production. Oats are raised to a lim- 

 ited degree as a summer crop in the more northern areas and as a 

 winter crop in the more southern ones. To a limited extent, pea- 

 nuts, bright tobacco, and even wrapper tobacco are grown in different 

 localities upon the Norfolk sand. The yields are usually low, and 

 the soil type can not be recommended for the general production of 

 these crops. 



Among the truck crops, the extra early asparagus is probably 

 the best suited of any to the Norfolk sand and is the most profitable. 

 It is also the chosen soil for the production of sweet potatoes, water- 

 melons, cantaloupes, and the extra early Irish potatoes in all of the 

 North Atlantic and Middle Atlantic trucking regions. It is fairly 

 well suited to the production of extra early peas and beans for 

 market-garden purposes and for truck shipment. Tomatoes, cucum- 

 bers, eggplant, lettuce, and a few minor trucking crops are also 

 raised to a limited degree. Among fruit crops, the peach is the only 

 tree fruit which may be recommended for production upon the Nor- 

 folk sand. To a limited extent pecans have been planted upon this 

 type in the Middle Gulf section. 



The equipment of the Norfolk sand with buildings and with im- 

 plements varies according to the uses to which the type is put and 

 with the degree of agricultural development and prosperity of the 

 section within which it occurs. In general, only the lighter work 

 stock and the lighter implements are found necessary for the cultiva- 

 tion and management of this loose incoherent soil. 



For the improvement of crop yields upon the Norfolk sand prob- 

 ably the greatest benefit may be derived from the incorporation of 

 added amounts of organic matter in the surface soil. For this pur- 

 pose the winter cover crops, such as crimson clover and rye in the 

 more northern States ; cowpeas, crimson clover, winter vetch, winter 

 rye, and winter oats in the Middle Atlantic States; and the velvet 

 bean, bur clover, winter rye, or winter oats in the more southern 

 locations may best be used. Wherever possible the leguminous crops 

 should be employed for this purpose. It is frequently desirable after 

 plowing under a heavy green manuring crop to apply lime to the 

 extent of 1,500 to 2,000 pounds per acre in order to promote the rapid 

 decomposition of the organic matter within the soil. 



Where stable manure is available from city sources it is exten- 

 sively used for increasing the crop-producing power of the Norfolk 

 sand, particularly in the trucking region. 



Where transportation to Northern markets is available the price 

 of the Norfolk sand has risen to $150 or even $250 an acre where 



