THE CECIL, SANDY LOAM. 15 



The production of cowpeas upon the Cecil sandy loam has been 

 gradually extended during the past 10 or 15 years. Many of the 

 farmers sow the crop at the last cultivation of the corn, and then 

 pasture off the growth of cowpea hay after the corn has been gath- 

 ered. This method leaves a considerable amount of stubble and all 

 of the roots of the crop to be incorporated with, the soil when it is 

 next plowed. The trampling of the stock also assists in the com- 

 pacting of the surface soil, and their droppings while grazing over 

 the land constitute an added supply of much needed organic manure. 

 The practice of producing cowpeas in the corn for grazing purposes 

 is highly to be commended, and should be more universally used 

 throughout all the more southern regions where the Cecil sandy loam 

 is found. Cowpeas may also be grown in regular rotation with other 

 crops and harvested for hay. Only a few farmers have thus far 

 practiced this form of hay production, but the yields secured have 

 varied from 1^ to 3 tons per acre. Succeeding crops of cotton or 

 corn are also benefited by the production of this leguminous crop in 

 the rotation. 



Sweet potatoes constitute a staple crop throughout the entire extent 

 of the Cecil sandy loam. The yields vary from 75 to 200 bushels per 

 acre, depending upon the condition in which the land has been main- 

 tained. Sweet potatoes are well suited to this soil and their more 

 extensive production for shipment to northern markets may well be 

 recommended. Irish potatoes are grown to a limited extent as a 

 crop for home use, the yields ranging from 75 to 100 bushels per 

 acre. 



In a few locations, principally in North Carolina, the Cecil sandy 

 loam has been used for the production of tomatoes for canning pur- 

 poses. The yields vary from 5 to 8 tons per acre, and the crop is 

 considered fairly satisfactory as an additional money crop. The 

 more extensive production of tomatoes, particularly in North Caro- 

 lina and Virginia, is advisable. 



The production of peanuts, garden peas, and other vegetable crops 

 on this type of soil is only of local importance. The type lies in 

 such an elevated position that it can scarcely compete in the pro- 

 duction of garden vegetables with the soils of the Norfolk series in 

 the Coastal Plain region. It would, however, be possible to produce 

 the garden peas for canning purposes and sugar corn for the same 

 use in connection with the tomato crops where the canning industry 

 has been established. 



FRUIT. 



The Cecil sandy loam is probably the best peach soil to be found 

 within the limits of the Piedmont Plateau. Not nearly all of the 

 territory covered by the type, however, could be utilized for the 



