SOILS OF EASTERN VIKOINIA. 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 
fertihzers 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 conditions 
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 loatQ. 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. 
