SOILS OF THE SASSAFRAS SERIES. 39 



crop rotation is practiced, where stable manure and other organic 

 manures are used, and particularly where moderate amounts of lime 

 are applied in connection with the seeding down of the grasses and 

 clover, maximum yields are always obtained, and the soil is found to 

 be in its best condition. On the contrary, where organic manures 

 are not used, where liming is never practiced, and where hoed crops 

 are cultivated year after year upon the same area, the soil is much 

 less productive and much less esteemed for the production of crops. 

 The introduction of better methods in the regions last referred to 

 will slowly increase the producing capacity of this soil and render it 

 as fertile and as valuable as in the locations where it has received 

 better treatment in the past. In all cases the natural capacity of the 

 soil is above the average for each region where it occurs. 



The necessary steps for the improvement of crop yields upon this 

 type have already been indicated in the discussion of the limitations 

 of such yields. One of the paramount necessities is the application 

 of all stable manure which is available, and in case this supply is 

 not sufficient to meet the needs some leguminous crop like crimson 

 clover or the medium red clover should be produced for the sole pur- 

 pose of being plowed under to increase the humus content, preferably 

 with an application of 2,000 pounds of lime per acre. In certain 

 localities difficulty has been encountered in securing a good stand of 

 clover upon this soil type. Liming will largely overcome this diffi- 

 culty, and better results can be obtained by seeding the clover with- 

 out a nurse crop. 



There are small local areas within the general area of the type 

 where additional artificial drainage would prove beneficial. These 

 usually consist of small saucer-shaped depressions or of flat inter- 

 stream areas where the headwater drainage of the streams is only 

 partially established. 



Practically every available acre of the Sassafras silt loam has been 

 brought under cultivation in the various regions where it occurs. 

 It is one of the most highly prized general farming soils of the 

 North Atlantic Coastal Plain section, and the original hardwood 

 timber was cleared from its surface from 100 to 200 years ago. The 

 soil type was early sought for the production of corn, wheat, and 

 grass, and certain special crops have been produced upon it with 

 success as transportation facilities and market demands increased. 

 While there is considerable variation in the yields produced, owing 

 to more or less efficient management, it is naturally an excellent soil 

 for general farming. 



It is apparent from the textural characteristics of the Sassafras 

 silt loam, from its level to gently undulating surface topography, and 

 from the classes of crops best suited for production upon this soil 

 that the equipment required for its most economical tillage will 



