8 MUCK CROPS 



little difference. Near the surface of the 

 muck, clay is very objectionable, as it makes 

 poor capillary contact with muck, thereby 

 impeding the circulation of water. There 

 seems to be but little choice between sand or 

 marl at 3 feet, nevertheless marl is probably 

 a little better in regard to drainage and 

 moisture supply. 



Marl is commonly found beneath muck 

 beds, notably in New York there are several 

 areas where the marl beds are many feet in 

 thickness and approach within a few inches 

 of the surface. A source of agricultural lime 

 and cement is found in the marl of the Cale- 

 donia Swamp in New York. This marl is 

 composed of a very pure, soft lime carbonate. 

 It was probably formed in this place when the 

 area was a deep, clear lake. 



Water Holding Capacity. As previously 

 mentioned, muck is usually black or brown 

 and more or less fibrous. When dry, it is 

 very light, weighing per cubic foot from 15 

 to 40 pounds. As the stage of decay ad- 

 vances, the mineral content increases. Muck 

 will hold a large amount of water from 75 

 to 87 pounds being found in 100 pounds fresh 

 muck taken from beds. This is more than 

 any other soil material. 



