SOIL SURVEY OF BANNER COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 29 



matter. The subsoil is calcareous throughout, and the lower part is 

 largely composed of lime. 



The type has been derived chie% from the underlying sandy 

 Gtrata of Tertiary age, chiefly from the Ogallala formation. Bed- 

 rock frequently outcrops, giving the land a spotted appearance. It is 

 mapped in places among exposures of the Brule clay formation. 



The Eosebud very fine sandy loam is of relatively small extent in 

 Banner County. The principal developments are in the southwestern 

 part, though scattering bodies occur throughout the southern part. 

 One of the largest bodies lies in the vicinity of the Epworth Church. 

 Another large area occurs about 1 mile west of Flowerfield. A 

 smaller, though very typical body is mapped 1 mile southwest of 

 Gary. 



The topography is flat to gently rolling, with the greatest relief 

 along the stream channels. Many of the smaller bodies of the type 

 occur as long gradual slopes, on valley sides. Drainage is good and 

 in a few places excessive. Much of the rainfall percolates through 

 the porous soil and subsoil. In some of the larger bodies of the 

 tyi^e the stream channels are so poorly defined that it is difficult to 

 trace them. 



The type is of little importance in this county on account of its 

 small extent. It is a very good dry-land farming soil, however, and 

 about 40 per cent of it is under cultivation. The uncultivated parts 

 are used for pasture and hay land. The native vegetation differs 

 little from that of the Rosebud silt loam. In addition to the common 

 grasses found on the latter type there are a few that thrive on more 

 sandy soil, including needle grass and sand grasses. ^Vlieat, rye, 

 oats, and corn are the principal crops. Wheat and i*ye are mostly 

 sold outside the county. Oats and corn are fed on the farms where 

 produced. A few potatoes are grown to supply home needs. Live 

 stock constitutes the cliief source of farm income. Cattle are kept 

 on the range throughout the year, but most of the stock is shipped in 

 the fall after coming off the summer pasture. Dairying is not 

 carried on very extensively although nearly every farmer has some 

 dairy products to sell. There is a small herd of horses on most 

 farms. The type supports about 100 head of cattle per section where 

 used for summer range and from 30 to 40 head where grazed through- 

 out the year. 



In average years wheat yields about 15 bushels; rye, 15 bushels; 

 oats, 30 bushels ; corn^ 15 bushels ; and potatoes, 75 bushels per acre. 

 Native hay yields one- fourth to three-fourths ton per acre, depending 

 upon the rainfall. 



The general farming methods are the same on this type as on the 

 Rosebud silt loam. The soil can be cultivated under a wider range of 



