SOIL SURVEY OF BRADFORD COUNTY, FLORIDA. 281 
parts of the county. It has a nearly level topography, slightly 
varied by low ridges and gentle slopes toward depressed areas or 
cypress ponds. The type occupies the larger part of the “flatwoods” 
section and is locally designated as “sand-soak land,” “hardpan 
land,” and “palmetto' flat woods.” Saw palmetto is usually abun¬ 
dant, except in the northeastern part of the county. The type sup¬ 
ports a thick growth of gallberrv and usually of wire grass. The 
tree growth consists of longleaf pine, shortleaf pine, and slash pine. 
Most of the longleaf pine is “boxed” for turpentine, and large tracts 
of “cut-over” land are included in the type. A very small part of 
the type is under cultivation. 
The most important factor limiting crop production on the Ports¬ 
mouth fine sand is drainage. The greater part of the type is suffi¬ 
ciently elevated above the stream channels to permit drainage by 
means of open ditches, and much of the type can be cheaply drained 
by individuals. It is believed that thorough drainage will gradually 
eliminate the detrimental effects of the hardpan. Laboratory tests 
show that a part of the hardpan material is soluble, and field obser¬ 
vations show a discoloration Of the white sand underlying the 
stratum by teachings. With thorough underdrainage it is believed 
that this part of the material would be carried away and that the 
stratum would then disintegrate, or at least become more permeable. 
In connection with drainage, the application of lime will be 
found beneficial. Field tests show the soil to' be acid throughout 
the 3-foot section, and the hardpan stratum to be exceptionally so. 
Laboratory tests of a typical sample show the following quantities 
of lime necessary to neutralize the acidity: 
Lime requirements of Portsmouth fine sand. 
CaO per 
acre-foot 
CaC 03 per 
acre-foot 
Surf are! soil 
Pounds 
3,850 
6,300 
2,450 
Pounds 
7,700 
12,600 
5,900 
Hardpan stratum . _ . 
Subsoil . . _ 
Many farmers deem it unwise to bring the material of the brown 
hardpan layer, to the surface in plowing, as it is said crops give 
poor results where this material is exposed. In some cases dynamite 
