Soil Management Group 8 



Leicester loam Ridcebury loam 



This group consists of the poorly drained, non-stony glacial till, re- 

 gardless of the nature of the parent material. It lies on level areas or in 

 slight depressions. The water that falls on these soils or drains into them 

 from other higher lying soils may form a temporary pond. This high water 

 table exists throughout most of the growing season. In fact, the soils are 

 usually saturated to within about 1 foot of the surface for extended periods 

 each year. This saturated condition severely restricts plant growth. Agri- 

 cultural uses of the soils vary according to whether they are used in their 

 natural drainage condition or whether artificial drainage is installed to 

 lower the water table. Drainage problems on these soils are very complex 

 and require detailed investigations before a decision can be made. Artificial 

 drainage should be installed only if the increased yields of crops would 

 be sufficient to justify the cost. 



Major Crop Adaptations 



I Natural Drainage Condition 



Well Adapted 



Intermediate 



Poorly Adapted 



Grasses 



Reed Canary 



Small Grains 

 Winter Rye 



Grasses 

 Brome 

 Redtop 



Legumes 



Alsike Clover 

 Birdsfoot Trefoil 

 Ladino Clover 



Corn 



Truck Crops* 

 Orchards 

 Small Grains 



Barley 



Oats 



Winter Wheat 

 Grasses 



Millet 



Orchard 



Sudan 



Timothy 

 Legumes 



Alfalfa 



Red Clover 



Soybeans 



Winter Vetch 



II Artificial Drainage Condition 



Well Adapted 



Intermediate 



Poorly Adapted 



Small Grains 

 Winter Rye 



Grasses 

 Brome 

 Redtop 

 Reed Canary 



Legumes 



Alsike Clover 

 Birdsfoot Trefoil 

 Ladino Clover 



Corn 



Truck Crops* 



Small Grains 



Oats 



Winter Wheat 

 Grasses 



Millet 



Orchartl 



Sudan 



Timothy 

 Legumes 



Red Clover 



Soybeans 



Orchards 

 Small Grains 



Barley 

 Legumes 



Alfalfa 



Winter Vetch 



* Includes potatoes; specific vegetables will have somewhat varying adaptations. 



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