THE CECIL, SANDY LOAM. 17 



SUMMARY. 



The Cecil sandy loam is the most extensively developed of any of 

 the soil types of the southern Piedmont region, occupying an esti- 

 mated area of one-third of the total extent of the southern Piedmont 

 Plateau. 



It is the most sandy soil suited to general farming purposes in that 

 section. 



The crop adaptations of the Cecil sandy loam vary to some de- 

 gree with the climatic conditions under which it occurs, and in the 

 case of special crops, also, with variations in depth of the surface 

 sandy loam soil. 



In the more northern regions tobacco, corn, wheat, oats, and grass 

 are the dominant crops. In the more southern region cotton, corn, 

 and oats constitute the only crops of widespread production. 



In addition to these general farm crops sweet potatoes, Irish pota- 

 toes, and tomatoes may be grown for local use, for canning purposes, 

 and for shipment. Cowpeas are well suited to production upon the 

 type and should be more extensively grown. 



The incorporation of additional organic matter in the surface soil 

 would aid greatly in the maintenance of an adequate moisture sup- 

 ply throughout the growing season. Such practice is requisite to 

 securing large yields of any staple crops. 



The heavy applications of commercial fertilizers upon the tobacco 

 crops are not only justified by the increased yields of tobacco secured, 

 but are also rewarded by increased yields in the succeeding crops of 

 wheat and grass where such applications are made. 



Mineral fertilizers containing a high percentage of nitrogen and 

 phosphoric acid and a lower percentage of potash are most com- 

 monly used for crop production upon the Cecil sandy loam. 



Soil erosion is one of the most important problems in connection 

 with this type. The steeper slopes within the area of the Cecil sandy 

 loam should be permanently established in woodland or grass for 

 pasture. The more gentle slopes should be carefully tilled with con- 

 tour cultivation, terracing, deeper plowing, and the incorporation of 

 organic matter in the soil in order to prevent excessive erosion. The 

 use of winter cover crops should also become more general for the 

 same purpose. 



The greater part of the area occupied by the Cecil sandy loam has 

 been cleared and placed under cultivation. Certain portions of these 

 clearings, because of destructive erosion, have been permitted to pass 

 out of cultivation, and then have grown up to the hardwoods or to 

 " old-field " pine. 



