CHAPTER XVIII 



SANDS AND THEIR MANAGEMENT 



SANDY soils include four important classes, namely: (1) Coarse 

 and medium sand; (2) fine sand; (3) sandy loam, and (4) fine 

 sandy loam. The last two classes are generally recognized as 

 excellent soils, and their management requires no special attention 

 when due consideration is given to the maintenance of their 

 fertility. When depleted they require about the same treatment 

 in their improvement as do loams and silt loams. The medium 



FIG. 205. Shifting or dune sand. 



sands and the fine sands, on the other hand, have certain charac- 

 teristics which necessitate a special knowledge for their success- 

 ful management. 



The fine sands are much more desirable soils than coarse sands. 

 This fact is usually indicated by the character and size of the under- 

 growth of cut-over lands or by the original vegetation which they 

 are supporting or have supported. Heavy growth and hardwoods 

 usually indicate the presence of more fine material in the soil and a 

 higher content of plant-food elements, which mean more favorable 

 cropping possibilities. 



Dune or shifting sands (Fig. 205), being of little or no agricul- 

 tural value, are not considered in this chapter. 



Advantages in Farming Sands. There are several advantages 

 to be considered in farming sands, namely : (a) They are warm and 

 quick soils; (b) they are especially well adapted to the growing 

 of small fruit, early vegetables and such crops as strawberries, 



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