SOILS IN THE VICINITY OF BRUNSWICK, GA. 



13 



planting. Ground limestone may be used in larger amounts. This 

 form of lime is less soluble and, owing to its slower action, it is advisable 

 to make an initial application of lime. If desired, ground limestone 

 can be used at the same time for later effect. 



The following table gives the results of mechanical analyses of a 

 sample of the soil and subsoil of the Portsmouth loam: 



Mechanical analyses of Portsmouth loam. 



PORTSMOUTH FINE SAND. 



The Portsmouth fine sand was encountered in areas ranging from 

 small patches to bodies of 10 or more acres in extent in several direc- 

 tions from Brunswick. It occurs principally in flat areas having 

 rather poor drainage a condition due to the slight depression of its 

 surface below the level of the surrounding country. 



The type is somewhat variable in texture, but generally consists 

 of dark-gray to black fine sand, underlain at 15 to 24 inches by white 

 to slightly mottled grayish and yellowish sand. A dense stratum or 

 hardpan of compact brown to reddish-brown fine sand more or less 

 cemented with iron oxides is encountered somewhere between the 

 immediate surface and a depth of 3 feet. This stratum varies from 

 an inch or two to 6 inches or more in thickness. Where it occurs 

 near the surface the soil is referred to locally as "red land." Areas 

 in which this brownish material can be turned to the surface by plow- 

 ing are considered unproductive. Applications of lime following the 

 turning under of a green crop, as cowpeas or rye, with subsequent 

 frequent stirring of the soil, would probably in a year or two correct 

 any condition unfavorable to plant growth arising from turning up 

 such material. Where a hardpan stratum several inches or more 

 thick and not too feebly cemented lies at a depth of 12 to about 24 

 inches subirrigation is generally considered practicable, the compact 

 layer holding up the water and insuring proper lateral and upward 

 distribution. 



In many of the areas of the type forming shallow depressions, the 

 water table is encountered within 18 to 30 inches of the surface. 

 Subirrigation here also would likely prove successful, as percolation 

 would be limited to the upper level of the underground water, which 

 could be raised sufficiently by subirrigation to bring the water at 

 least within capillary reach of plant roots. 



[Cir. 21] 



