SOILS OF EASTERN VIRGINIA. 61 



phosphoric acid is increased, a common mixture analyzing 7-6-0, 

 7-8-0, or in some cases 7-6-3. Extensive experiments with potato 

 fertilizers within the two counties indicate strongly that this com- 

 monly used formula, 7-6-5, is best suited to the soils, crop rotations, 

 and climatic conditions of the region. It is notable for the somewhat 

 lower percentage of potash than in the formula used in more northern 

 potato-growing regions. The large yields obtained on the Eastern 

 Shore of Virginia abundantly justify this formula for the conditious 

 existing there. 



There is a wider variation in the amount of fertilizer applied per 

 acre than in the formula used. The range, according to the replies 

 received, is from 1,000 to 2,000 pounds per acre. By far the greater 

 number of growers report either 1,200, 1,400, or 1,500 pounds per 

 acre. Probably 1,400 pounds represents a fair average application 

 in these two Eastern Shore counties. 



Of 70 growers expressing opinion as to the proper soil texture for 

 potato growing, 41 growers, or 58.6 per cent, prefer a sandy loam 

 soil; 28 growers, or 40 per cent, prefer a loam soil, some stating that 

 they prefer a dark loam; and only one prefers a clay loam. The dis- 

 tinct preference for a sandy loam soil is a very good reflection of the 

 fact that the dominant soils of the region are of this class and it is 

 in strict accord with the use of the Sassafras sandy loam, "red sandy 

 loam," and the Keyport sandy loam, known as "dark loam," as 

 shown by the detailed soil and crop map of the Onley area. 



It should be noted that some extensive growers, who have drained 

 some of the wetter and heavier soil types, find that under these 

 conditions the heavier soils are well suited to growing a rather late 

 crop but heavy yield of potatoes. The extension of potato growing 

 on the Eastern Shore of Virginia will be made possible in part by 

 such drainage and in part by the clearing of some of the forested 

 areas of naturally better drained types. Both procedures are pos- 

 sible over extensive areas. 



It should be said that the marked uniformity in farm practice in 

 the growing of potatoes in this region is not due to chance. The 

 experimental work of the Virginia Truck Experiment Station, with a 

 branch farm at Tazely, the free interchange of experience which is 

 made possible through the produce exchange, and the universality 

 of the potato crop, which places practically every farmer in touch 

 with his neighbors in the study of successful cropping practices, all 

 tend to the rapid discarding of practices which do not prove to be 

 profitable and to the adoption of a well-regulated use of crop rotations, 

 cover crops, manures, and fertilizers, and a uniform method of 

 cultivation and even of marketing the crop. 



