6 SOILS OF THE EASTERN UNITED STATES. 



open ditches or by the better but more costly installation of tile- 

 drainage systems, is essential to the production of satisfactory crop 

 yields. Where the value of the land and of the crops to be produced 

 will justify it the complete underdrainage of the wet portions by tile 

 is to be preferred. 



On the other hand, where the depth of the surface sandy soil or 

 subsoil exceeds 2 feet, the incorporation of additional organic matter 

 is required, in order to raise the moisture-holding capacity of the soil 

 sufficiently to insure good yields. 



In the production of either cowpeas or peanuts the application of 

 lime to the soil before the planting of the crop is to be recommended. 



LIMITATIONS UPON SPECIAL CROPS. 



For the production of truck crops the Norfolk fine sandy loam in 

 all of its locations is available, provided the distance of the particular 

 field from lines of through transportation to the selected market 

 is not too great. It is also essential that the lighter textured and 

 warmer phases of the soil having a depth of 12 to 24 inches to the 

 subsoil should be chosen. In general the Norfolk fine sand or the 

 Norfolk sand should be selected for the extensive production of such 

 crops. Heavy fertilization with organic manures and special mineral 

 fertilizers are prerequisite. Cabbage constitutes the only exception 

 to the first rule, in that the cabbage crop may best be grown upon 

 soils moderately drained and particularly well supplied with organic 

 matter. Hence the Norfolk fine sandy loam is more successfully 

 employed for cabbage production than for almost any other form of 

 trucking. 



EXTENT OF OCCUPATION. 



In the Middle Atlantic section the greater part of the entire area 

 of the Norfolk fine sandy loam is cleared and cutivated and consti- 

 tutes one of the most prized general-farming soils of the section. 

 Where transportation facilities are the best, special truck crops are also 

 produced, although the Norfolk fine sand or the Norfolk sand should 

 usually be selected for the earlier truck crops. In the South Atlantic 

 section a smaller proportion of the total extent of the type is cleared 

 and cultivated, although the soil is highly esteemed and increasing 

 areas are being brought under cultivation each year. In the truck in 

 sections 'practically the entire acreage of this soil type, particularly 

 in eastern South Carolina, is utilized for the growing of these crops 

 In southern Georgia and northern Florida areas of the medium deep 

 phase are in considerable demand for the production of the shade- 

 grown Sumatra wrapper tobacco. 



In the Eastern Gulf section more than half of the total acreage of 

 the Norfolk fine sandy loam is still uncleared and not under culth ;i- 



