Sioux Series. 



115 



Sioux sandy loam. — A coarse to medium brown sandy loam or 

 heavy sandy loam from 10 to 24 inches deep and containing con- 

 siderable organic matter. The color becomes lighter with depth. 

 The subsoil over wide areas consists of almost pure waterworn 

 gravel, which is found at an average of 22 inches below the surface 

 and which extends to great depths. The subsoil, however, varies 

 considerably, and the gravel is frequently bedded in a matrix of 

 sandy loam, silty sand, or sand. Alluvial soil occupying river 

 terraces or bottoms, with level to gently rolling topography. 

 Drainage is too thorough where the pure gravel subsoil predomi- 

 nates for good crop yields, although the soil is early and might be 

 profitably utilized in the production of early, short-season crops. 

 Hay, corn, oats, and alfalfa are important crops, but the yields are 

 very irregular. In a wet season, or on areas of better moisture 

 conditions, 40 to 60 bushels of corn are obtained per acre, but a 

 dry spell at the critical period of growth often results in total 

 failure. Some truck is grown. Clover and timothy have been 

 produced with fair success. 



12 3 4 



Soil (10) 30 27 26 16 



Subsoil (10) 43 32 14 12 



Acres. 



Brookings, S. Dak 28, 864 



Cerro Gordo County, Iowa 32, 768 



Grand Island, Nebr 29, 184 



Acres. 



Viroqua, Wis 5, 568 



Winnebago County, 111 38. 528 



Sioux fine sandy loam. — A dark-gray or black fine sandy loam 

 from 10 to 15 inches deep, containing a relatively high percentage 

 of organic matter, resting on a subsoil of fine to medium sandy 

 loam of a light-brown color. At from 3 to 8 feet below the surface 

 the material changes to sand and gravel. The surface is generally 

 level. The soil is alluvial and occupies both river bottoms and ter- 

 races. It generally maintains a good supply of moisture, although 

 in areas of light rainfall irrigation is desirable. The drainage is, on 

 the whole, satisfactory, artificial drains being necessary only in 

 depressed areas. A desirable soil, yielding 15 to 35 bushels of 

 wheat, 25 to 50 bushels of corn, 15 to 60 bushels of oats, about 40 

 bushels of barley, and 20 bushels of flax per acre. Alfalfa pro- 

 duces well and sugar befts give yields ranging from 8 to 18 tons 



