12 SOILS IN THE VICINITY OF BRUNSWICK, GA. 



moderately deep plowing. The water table is usually reached at 

 from 30 to 36 inches. 



This type occurs in the slight depressions or flat areas where 

 moisture conditions have favored the accumulation of the remains 

 from a luxuriant growth of water-loving trees, shrubbery, and 

 weeds. On account of imperfect soil aeration oxidation has been 

 slow in such situations, consequently the organic matter content is 

 high. Areas ranging from one-half acre to several acres in extent 

 were seen in a number of places 5 or 6 miles west of Brunswick. 



The Portsmouth loam is very fertile, and when drained can be 

 easily made a valuable, productive soil. Very good drainage can 

 be effected at a comparatively low cost by means of open ditches, 

 but tiling is to be preferred where the land is intended for intensive 

 cultivation, as in case of vegetable production. The lowest level of 

 the type is not often more than 5 or 6 feet below the level of the 

 surrounding land, and usually natural drainage outlets can be reached 

 in short distances. 



A mam open ditch or tile through the center or lowest part, with 

 laterals placed at intervals of from 25 to 50 feet, according to local 

 peculiarities of topography and the relation of subsoil to water move- 

 ment, will be sufficient in most instances to bring about thorough 

 drainage. 



This type of soil is especially adapted to cabbage, celery, onions, 

 tomatoes, and strawberries of the truck crops, and to corn, oats, 

 cowpeas, and velvet beans of the general farm crops. Irish potatoes 

 would likely do quite well, but should be preceded by several other 

 crops following an application of lime, as the crop seems to prefer a 

 neutral or acid soil. Both this crop and tomatoes do well on new 

 land, leaving it in good condition for celery and lettuce. For the 

 two last-mentioned crops the depth to clay should be at least 6 

 inches. Phosphoric acid is generally of profitable use in hastening 

 crops to maturity. Fertilizers for this type should contain less 

 nitrogen and relatively more phosphoric acid and potash than those 

 used on the lighter colored, better drained sandy soils. Lighter 

 applications also are necessary. For celery and cabbage 1,000 to 

 1,500 pounds per acre of a brand analyzing about 10 per cent phos- 

 phoric acid, 3 per cent nitrogen, and 7 per cent potash have been 

 used on land of this character with excellent results. Corn, oats, or 

 forage, following a crop treated as above, would hardly need fertili- 

 zation. Irish potatoes also would need only a light application of 

 a potash-phosphoric mixture say, 200 to 300 pounds per acre. 



An acreage application of 1 ton to 1^ tons of lime will coi 

 possible sourness and otherwise benefit the soil. The lime should 

 be applied broadcast over the surface at least three weeks before 



[CIr. 21] 



