THE VOLUSIA LOAM. 7 



years or until the hay cut scarcely pays for the labor. The rotation 

 could be shortened through plowing the sod land the second year 

 and returning to corn. The advantage would lie in turning under 

 a much larger amount of roots and stubble before the clover had 

 entirely disappeared from the seeding. High cost of labor has 

 resulted in the lengthening of the period devoted to grass. 



LIMITATIONS UPON SPECIAL CROPS. 



A small acreage of potatoes is grown upon nearly every farm in 

 the region occupied by the Volusia loam, constituting the cash crop 

 grown in connection with dairying. Where the surface soil is deep, 

 easily worked, and well supplied with organic matter, the crop is suc- 

 cessful. Good drainage and an abundant supply of humus in the sur- 

 face soil are prerequisite to success with the crop. The land should 

 not be limed immediately before potatoes are grown. Where clover 

 or buckwheat can be plowed under as a green manuring crop, the 

 potatoes make an unusually good growth. 



For orchard planting only those portions of the Volusia loam 

 should be selected which possess good soil and air drainage. The 

 total depth of soil and subsoil should be in excess of 4 feet and the 

 best orchard sites upon the type are those crossed by low ridges of 

 moraines. These are usually well drained and the subsoil is more 

 open and more easily penetrated by the tree roots. 



Upon mucky areas, which have accumulated in depressed posi- 

 tions, cabbages and onions may be grown to advantage upon farms 

 which are well situated with regard to local markets. 



Small fruits, especially for home use, should be planted upon the 

 warmer and better drained phases of the type which will need to be 

 heavily fertilized with stable manures. The cane fruits and straw- 

 berries thrive in such situations. 



EXTENT OF OCCUPATION. 



At least 75 per cent of the Volusia loam is occupied for the produc- 

 tion of farm crops or for grazing purposes. It is probable that ap- 

 proximately one-half of the type is used for regular crop rotations 

 and the remainder is in permanent pasture and wood lot. Nearly 

 every farm is about equally divided between arable land and pasture, 

 with a small wood lot usually located upon the steeper slopes or on 

 land too rough and rocky to be used for either pasture or farm land. 

 Within the past 25 years there has been a decided tendency in many 

 localities to restrict the area of the type given over to cropping. As 

 a result increased acreages are thrown into pasture or are allowed 

 to grow up to scattered brush and timber. This is unnecessary if 

 proper care is taken with the drainage and liming of the tilled fields, 



