24 



FIELD OPERATIONS OF THE BUREAU OF SOILS, 1907. 



SACRAMENTO GKAVELLY SANDY LOAM. 



The Sacramento gravelly sandy loam varies considerably in the 

 quantity and character of its gravel content. From 10 to 30 inches 

 it consists of a light-brown or sometimes slightly reddish-brown, 

 light sandy loam or slightly sticky sandy loam. Subangular or 

 rounded particles of fine gravel and sometimes large quantities of 

 flattened or waterworn pebbles or cobbles of many varieties of rocks, 

 those of volcanic and metamorphic origin predominating, are found 

 mingled with the finer materials. 



It is underlain by beds of waterworn cobbles and gravels inter- 

 mingled with sands and finer sediments. Both soil and subsoil have 

 an open, porous structure and leachy character. 



This soil is in general of somewhat lighter color and heavier tex- 

 ture than the Sacramento gravelly sandy loam of the Colusa area." 



It occurs as inextensive and irregular bodies adjacent to the Sac- 

 ramento River, as long, narrow strips in the bottoms of the smaller 

 valleys, and in the numerous gulches and ravines traversing the higher 

 valley plains and lower foothills, extending sometimes for a distance 

 of several miles and bemg cut by meandering courses of intermittent 

 streams. The most extensive bod}? , which is, however, intermingled 

 somewhat with the heavier soil material of the Anderson gravelly 

 loam, and is not entirely typical of the Sacramento gravelly sandy 

 loam, occupies a large part of the Clear Creek Valley. The surface 

 is often uneven and eroded by flood waters and frequently supports 

 a moderately heavy growth of small timber and brush. It is of 

 recent alluvial origin, being a deposit from the flood waters of streams. 



When well irrigated, fair yields of peaches or other fruits and 

 alfalfa may be obtained on the heavier phases of the soil. It is, 

 however, of slight agricultural importance, the heavier and more 

 productive bodies being marked by very gravelly, unproductive 

 spots, and it is generally utilized for grazing. 



The results of a mechanical analysis of a fine-earth sample of the 

 soil is oriven in the followinof table: 



SACRAMENTO FINE SANDY LO.\M. 



The Sacramento fine sandy loam consists typically of a loose, uni- 

 form light gray, micaceous fine sandy loam, usually but not always 



« See Soil Survey of the Colusa Area, California. Field Operations, Bureau of. 

 Soils, 1907. 



