12 SOILS OF THE SHENANDOAH RIVER TERRACE. 



Like the Waynesboro sandy loam, tliis type is most extensively 

 developed over the higher elevations. Uncleared areas support a 

 growth consisting principally of oak, dogwood, hickory, and 

 chinquapin. 



This soil is adapted to the same crops as the Waynesboro loam, 

 but the yields average a little lower. It needs about the same 

 treatment as that suggested for the loam, though most fields would 

 be improved by picking off the stones. 



HOLSTON SOILS. 



The Holston soils apparently are more frequently associated with 

 the Shenandoah soils than with the Waynesboro soils, from which 

 they differ most strikingly in the yellow color of their subsoils. It is 

 believed that the absence of red in the Holston soils is due to the less- 

 advanced stage in the oxidation of the material. The subsoils of 

 this series seem to average a little more dense than those of the 

 Waynesboro, and it would seem that this structural feature has had 

 some bearing on the retarded oxidation and consequent reddening 

 of the subsoils, possibly by limiting subsoil aeration. The Holston 

 soils are generally a little less rolling than those of the Waynesboro 

 series and therefore are not quite so well drained, particularly in the 

 subsoil portions. 



As in the case of the Waynesboro series, four important types are 

 developed the sandy loam, stony sandy loam, loam, and sandy loam. 



HOLSTOX SANDY LOAM. 



In its typical development the Holston sandy loam is a pale-yel- 

 low rather heavy sandy loam, underlain at about 10 to 15 inches 

 by a yellow, moderately friable sandy loam. Water-rounded rocks 

 are scattered over the surface and throughout the soil section. 



This type usually occupies higher levels than the heavier members 

 of the series. It is quite extensively developed near Basic City. 

 Although apparently not so well drained in the subsoil as the Waynes- 

 boro sandy loam, its drainage is nevertheless quite sufficient for agri- 

 cultural purposes. A considerable proportion of this land is under 

 cultivation to general farm crops. Corn, rye, and cowpeas give very 

 good yields with good soil treatment. Some wheat is grown, but 

 moderate yields are the rule. The organic matter supply should In- 

 maintained by turning under occasional green crops, e. g., cowpeas or 

 rye. Sweet potatoes, Irish potatoes, melons, and a number of other 

 vegetables do well. Thrifty apple trees were seen in several place-. 



Where the soil is well supplied with organic matter applications of 

 complete commercial fertilizers are quite effective. Less nitrogen, 

 of course, would be needed following the legumes. 



