92 PRINCIPLES OF AGRICULTURAL CHEMISTRY 



The relation between physical character and adaptation in the 

 soils of the Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plains, as ascertained by 

 field agents of the Bureau of Soils, 1 is as follows : 



Sands. These soils are characterized by open structure, thor- 

 ough drainage and warm nature. They are the earliest truck 

 soils, produce light yields, and are not well adapted for general 

 farming. 



Fine Sands. These are more retentive of moisture than the 

 sands, mature truck ten days to two weeks later, and give heavier 

 yields. They are not well adapted for general farming. 



Sandy Loam Soils. These are the medium early truck and 

 light general farming soils of the Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plains. 

 They are the lightest desirable soils for general farming, are 

 more retentive of moisture than the fine sands, and mature crops 

 about two weeks later. In general farming, crop returns are 

 light. 



Fine Sandy Loams. These soils are adapted to medium truck 

 crops, give moderately good yields of vegetables, and give average 

 yields of general farm crops. Cotton matures somewhat later 

 than on the sandy soil. 



Loams. These soils produce medium-late truck crops and are 

 the best soils for general farming in this region. They are easily 

 kept in good condition of tilth and are very retentive of moisture. 

 Vegetables mature late but the yields are good. Small grains and 

 grasses do well. 



Silt Loams. These are adapted to late truck, vegetables for 

 canning purposes and for heavy farm crops or for special pur- 

 poses. Hay does well on this type of soil. 



Clay Loams. These are too stiff and too late in maturing crops 

 for vegetables. A small number of farm crops is adapted to this 

 type. Wheat, oats, rice, forage crops, and grass do well. 



Clays. These are adapted to heavy farm crops, such as wheat, 

 grass ; rice, and forage crops for ensilage. Cultivation is difficult. 

 Early varieties of cotton do well outside of boll weevil districts. 



A specific example of the relation between the use made of 

 1 Bulletin No. 78. 



