LAND TYPES OF AfASSACHUSETTS 11 



This classification is based in part on principles established by the study 

 of natural land characteristics reviewed above. The categories were 

 selected and defined so that information given in the soil survey reports 

 could be used to the best advantage. It will be noted that the major 

 groups are based on positional and topographic relationships, as uplands 

 and lowlands. Slope, stoniness, and drainage are given considerable 

 weight; and the several factors determining soil type such as profile ar- 

 rangement, texture, and content of organic matter are considered. The 

 non-agricultural group (E) is composed of all land types not suited to 

 agriculture for various reasons including rough topography, excessive 

 stoniness, and high susceptibility to drouth. This classification states the 

 types of farming, but not the specific crops, to which the land tj^pes are 

 adapted; and it broadly prescribes methods of soil conservation necessary. 



Use Capabilities of Land 



In planning land-use activities for individual Massachusetts farms a 

 scale much larger than that used in making the county soil maps is neces- 

 sary. The United States Soil Conservation Service has developed technics 

 for mapping farms and planning land use which are being applied effective- 

 ly in this State. The scale of 1 :7920 (8 inches to the mile) is being used. 

 First, a map is made showing soil type, physical characteristics of land, 

 and erosion. With this as a basis a second map showing recommended 

 practices of land use is then made. 



As a further aid to land-use planning, the Soil Conservation Service has 

 developed a system of land classification based on land-use capabilities. 

 "Classes of land according to use capability are based on the physical 

 land factors together with their environment and expressed in terms of 

 the restrictions in use or practices and measures necessary for the most 

 intensive utilization that is consistent with the preservation of the soil 

 and its plant cover. Eight classes of land according to use capability are 

 now recognized. The classification is national in scope, designed to meet 

 the conditions throughout the country. . . . Seldom, if ever, will all eight 

 classes be represented in one area."^ 



For Massachusetts conditions six categories of this classification ajjpear 

 to be sufficient. They are as follows: 



A. Suitable for cultivation 



I. Without special conservation practices. 



II. With simple conservation practices. 



III. With complex or intensive conservation practices. 



. IV. Suitable for occasional or limited cultivation. 



B. Not suitable for cultivation. 



Vg. Suitable for permanent grassland. 

 Vw. Suitable for woodland. 



In order to show the applicability of this method of classification to 

 Massachusetts conditions the soil types of Essex County have been ar- 

 ranged according to their use capabilities, which are given in table 8. 



^From Field Memorandum S.C.S. No. 848-B, Sept. 28, 1940. 



