Number 9 Series 1925 UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE BUREAU OF CHEMISTRY AND SOILS In Cooperation with the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and the ‘North Carolina Agricultural Experiment Station SOIL SURVEY OF NORTHAMPTON COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA BY W. D. LEE, U. S. Department of Agriculture, in Charge and S. F. DAVIDSON, North Carolina Department of Agriculture and North Carolina Agricultural Experiment Station Beginning with the 1923 Series, Soil Survey Reports will be issued separately. These reports of the individual areas will be sent to libraries as soon as they are available and shoald be filed, preserved, and ultimately bound to take the place of the bound volumes of the Field Operations which have previously been supplied by the depart- ment. - The reports for each year will be consecutively numbered, the last report for a particular year bearing the conspicuous notice: ‘“This number ig the final and last Soil Survey Report for the Year 192-.’" BUREAU OF CHEMISTRY AND SOILS HENRY G. KNIGHT, Chief A. G. McCatr_ Chief, Soit Investigations SyDNEY D, Frissuix, Editor in Chief Som Surver CURTIS F. MARBUT, in Charge W. E. HEARN, Inspector, District 2 CoorzRATiIon Norre Carouivna DepaRTMENT or AGRricuLTURE W. A. GRAHAM, Commissioner 5 Norra Caronina AGRICULTURAL Exrerrmenr Srarron R. Y. WINTERS, Director C. B. WILLIAMS, in Charge of Soil Survey CONTENTS County surveyed. Climate Agriculture Soll 2S eee eee SCE S : Norfolk fine sandy loam Norfolk sandy loam. Norfolk fine sand Norfolk loamy fine sand Marlboro very fine sandy. loam Marlboro fine sandy loam Ruston fine sandy loam____ Ruston sandy loam______ Orangeburg sandy loam Greenville fine sandy loam Cuthbert fine sandy, loam Dunbar very fine sandy loam Dunbar fine sandy loam. Lufkin very fine sandy loam Lufkin silt loam: eonuue fine sandy loam oxville very fine sandy loam Coxyille silt loam 2 Wickham loam Wickham fine sandy loam Wickham loamy sand Cecil fine sandy loam Cecil: clay loam Appling fine sandy loam Georgeville silty clay loam Bradley sandy loam 3 Chesterfield sandy loam Altavista fine sandy loam. _ Altavista fine sand Roanoke very fine sandy loam. Roanoke silt loam Kalmia fine sandy loam. ‘Kalmia fine sand Myatt fine sandy loam. Congaree fine sandy loam. Congaree silty clay loam. Meadow. SOIL SURVEY OF NORTHAMPTON COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA By W.D, LEE, U.S. Department of Agriculture, in Charge, and S. F. DAVIDSON, North ‘Carolina Department of Agriculture and North Carolina Agricultural Experiment Station COUNTY SURVEYED Northampton County is in the northeastern part of North Carolina, along the Virginia State line. Roanoke River forms the south and southwest boundary. The county is very irregular in outline. It has an area of 541 square miles or 346,240 acres. Northampton County lies almost wholly within the coastal plain region, but the extreme northwestern part ex- tends into the piedmont plateau. The relief of the piedmont plateau region is generally decidedly rolling or hilly. In the coastal plain there are two rather Ficure 1.—Sketch map showing location of distinct physiographic divisions. To Northampton Ceunbvon. Cz the north of a line roughly following the State highway from Weldon to Jackson and passing through Lasker, Potecasi, and Hebron Church, the relief is mainly rolling and there are only small intervening flat areas. To the south of thisline the land is prevailingly flat or very gently rolling, the more rolling areas occurring along the stream courses. Many of the streams have cut valleys ranging from 40 to 80 feet in depth. The deepest valleys are those of Meherrin and Roanoke Rivers and their tributaries. In the northern part of the county they are all rather deep and somewhat narrow, and the streams have swift currents. Throughout the southern part of the county the valleys are broader and flatter, and the streams are more sluggish. Terraces are extensive along Roanoke River and, in places, along Meherrin River, and narrow strips of terrace occur on some of the larger creeks. The terrace along Roanoke River varies in width from a few yards to more than 4 miles and extends from above the abandoned Roanoke Railway to the extreme southern tip of the county. Its greatest development occurs in Occoneechee Neck, where it consists of a series of three generally flat strips rising step- like from the river, with depressions running more or less parallel to the river. In places the line of demarcation between the terrace and the upland is indistinct, the terrace merging gradually into the upland, with a scarcely noticeable rise. The terraces along Meherrin River, as a rule, are separated from the general upland level by sharp blufis from 50 to 80 feet high. These terraces are not so extensive as 31038—29——1 1 2 eo = a) BUREAU OF CHEMISTRY anp SOILS, 1925 al taose along Roanoke River. Numerous depressions and low ridges break their uniformity. The strips of terrace occurring along some of the larger creeks are generally narrow and inextensive. S There 1s considerable difference in elevation in various parts of the county. The highest point, at St. Lukes Church in the northwestern part, Has an elevation of 350 feet abovesea level: The lowest points are where Roanoke and Meherrin Rivers leave the county Weltersin River being less than 10 feet above sea level where it enters Hertford County. The elevation of Vultare is 326 feet above sea level, that ot Pleasant Hill is 117 feet, of Margaretsville 56 feet, of Severn 59 feet, of Garysburg 80 feet, and of Eagletown 66 feet. The prevail ing slope of the county is toward the east and south. | : Northampton County is drained by Meherrin and Roanoke Rivers and their tributaries. The greater part of the drainage enters sicher Ber Drainage eastward into Meherrin meee largely arried by Beaverpond, i iC dy Jacks Swamp. Drainage southward era caer by Deep Creek, Occoneechee Creek, Gumberry Swamp, Sand a Wak and numerous smaller streams. Drainage in the souther. ee of the county is not so well established i cndenttts parts. = The first bottoms along Roanoke Ri of very high water; those. alone only a slight rise above normal. Both Roanoke and Meherrin Rivers are swift-flowing streams. ecules pie Howes has been developed. ck, oanoke River has appare nearly to base level, and the current is Ue reels etka also is true of Meherrin River below Boykins Bridge. A few Ist- ming are operated on the smaller streams. i S ortnampton County was formed from Bertie Co in 17 and Jackson, the county seat, was established in 17 23. The ae settlers were principally Scotch and Scotch-Irish from the British Isles. English settlers came in later from Virginia, and from the older colonial Provinces to the north came French, Enelish Seotch and Scotch-Irish settlers. ‘The early settlers made their ‘way up Roanoke River and established their homes in the southern wall southwestern parts of the county. The settlers from Virgini northern provinces made their homes largely in that part of th lying to the west of the present village of Margaretsville ent white population consists mainly of cl ; settlers and of persons who have moved in More than half the present population consists of necroes. The population of Northampton County, accordine to the 1920 census, 1s 23,184, all of which is classed as rural. The average is 46 persons to the square mile. The population is fairly evenly distrib- uted throughout the county, no very extensive areas being unsettled The largest unsettled areas are the first-bottom lands along Roanoke and Meherrin Rivers and the poorly drained areas southeast and north of Rich Square, south of Woodland, and southeast of Jackson Settlement is comparatively dense around all the towns and villages. SOIL SURVEY OF NORTSAMPTON COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA 3 The largest towns and their population, as reported in the 1920 cen- sus, are as icllows: Jackson, the county seat, 579; Woodland, 409; Rich Square, 475;-Conway, 294; Severn, 284; and Seaboard, 280. These towns are the local trading centers for important agricultural! sections. Northampton County is very well served with railroad facilities. The main line of the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad, the Seaboard Air Line Railway, and the Carolina & Northeastern Railroad, a freight line, reach most parts of the county. Public county roads extend to practically all sections of the county. They are generally good throughout the year, except in midwinter, when they become almost impassable after much wet weather, espe- cially in the southern half of the county. The main routes of travel are the State highways, which are of sand, clay, and tarvia or concrete construction and which are kept in an excellent condition. The prin- cipal highway crosses almost through the center of the county, passing through Jackson and Conway; another serves the southern part, passing from Jackson through Rich Square and Eagletown; and a third connects Rich Square with Halifax County to the southwest. ' The extreme western part of the county is crossed by a highway from Roanoke Rapids to the Virginia State line. : ’ Telephone service is fair throughout the county, and rural mail routes reach practically all sections. The public-school system is fair. Good high schools are in the larger towns, and Woodland and Rich Square have accredited State high schools. The principal cotton market is Norfolk. Peanuts are generally sold to local buyers, who ship to Suffolk. Produce is sold in the larger towns of the county. Surplus poultry and eggs are shipped to Norfolk. . CLIMATE ‘ The climate of Northampton County favors the production of a wide range of general farm crops and late truck crops. The summers are long but not excessively hot, and the winters are short and com- paratively mild. According to the data of the Weather Bureau station at Hagletown, in the southeastern part of the county, the extreme range in temperature is 104° F., from —4°to 100°. The date of the latest killing frost recorded is May 11, and that of the earliest is October 9. The average date of the last llling frost is April 13 and of the first October 26. This gives a normal frost-free season of 196 days, which is sufficient to bring to maturity all the farm crops commonly grown. The ground freezes to only a slight depth, but the periods of freezing weather are sufficiently frequent to have a beneficial effect on fall-plowed land. The average annual rainfall of 48.62 inches is ample for the pro- duction of all common crops. The precipitation is heaviest during the summer and lightest during the fall, or- harvesting season. Crops rarely suffer from drought, but occasionally in summer excessive precipitation results in lower crop yields, particularly on the soils which naturally are poorly drained. Snow falls occasionally from November io early April. The average annual fall is 9.5 inches, but snows are generally light and remain on the ground only a few days. Table 1 gives the more important climatic data recorded at the Weather Bureau station at Hagletown. 4 BUREAU OF CHEMISTRY AND SOILS, 1925 Tasiz 1.— t BLE 1.—Vormal monihly, seasonal, and annual temperature and precipitation at Hagletown : {Blevation, 66 feet] Temperature Precipitation H i i ; Total i Total } | Absolute ‘Absolute | | amount ! amount! 4, Mean | maxi- {| mini- ; Mean | {rthe | forthe ; ~20W: miami driest | wettest | 2vezage ; year | depth (1917) | i : | Inches | Inches | Inches 3, 63 j 2.81} =f 3.38 | 4,31 2 2.70 | 3.22 | 2. 9.72 | 10.34] _——=——>: 7. 3.15 4.38 ! 1 a year (1921) 4.66 | 4.08 i 1. 90 | 5. 8% | 3.31 | | 136! 18.65) 1295" 1.42 = - 7.33 0 3.10 210. 11 0 206! . 6.23} 0 —————_ 8.58 23. 67 0 SS] | =—— | 4,52 9.14 0 85 4.20 Trace. 3,03 64 | 3 $$ 7.88 } 8.40 13. 98 | 3 38. 34 60, 24 95 AGRICULTURE Agriculture has been the principal indust: County since its settlement ihars shia 200 ae Rw aM settlements were made near Roanoke River and along the ean streams in the southern part of the county. The early ethers roduced corn, wheat, potatoes, peas, various vegetables, and fl 5 vestock included hogs, cattle, sheep, and poultry, The work at: mals were horses or oxen. Small patches of cotton were crown the lint being separated from the seed by hand and made into homes : garments. ‘Tobacco was an important cash crop and was also peat for home use. Cattle, hogs, and sheep, and surplus farm meats along with the tobacco, were taken down Roanoke River in bar: a pee ea Re ie towns along Albemarle Sound. Tar, pitch ee : 3 7 ar cay setters. umber were also important sources of Income to the he plantation system of farming prevailed unti ivi period. There was demoralization of inior and an Haan capital as a result of the war. A readjustment of farm eunditibng gradually took place. Crops which required the least labor and which were most readily converted into cash were crown Cotto became the leading crop. During the early part of the eda between 1880 and 1890 the production of peanuts on a commerci I scale was begun, and now peanuts rank second to cotton as a Gaal crop. Considerable of the former cotton acreage is now planted + peanuts. Corn, the most extensively grown crop, is also the principal SOIL SURVEY OF NORTHAMPTON COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA 5 subsistence crop. The acreage devoted to small grains has decreased rapidly and is not large at present. : Table 2 gives the acreage and production of the principal crops, as reported by the censuses from 1880 to 1920, inclusive. i Tass 2.— ere is a very wide range in land values in Northa the price depending more on location than onthe state pate and character of the soil. Lands near the towns, on State highways or near churches and schools are held for the higher prices The extreme range in prices runs from $5 to $150 an acre. The average assessed value of farm land in the county in 1919 was $38.57 “on 2 The census tabulates each tenancy as a “farm.’” SOIL SURVEY OF NORTHAMPTON COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA 9 acre. The value of wooded lands depends on the quantity and quality of the timber. In general, prices for improved lands near the towns or along. the State highways range from $75 to $125 an acre. Improved lands some distance from towns and good roads bring only from $30 to $50 an acre. SOILS The soils of Northampton County are light colored, the surface soil ranging from red or brown to very light gray or almost white. Red and brown soils prevail in the extreme western part and light- gray or yellowish-gray soils throughout the greater part of the remainder of the county. The soils contain a very small quantity of organic matter, owing to the fact that this area was covered with forest until it was partly cleared for agriculture. There was no great accumulation of vegetable matter in the soils under the rather heavy forest growth, as is the case in the prairie region of the Middle West where grasses have erown for years. In the wooded areas of the county, where there have been no fires, there is a very shallow covering of the leaf mold, and a small quantity of vegetable matter has been incorporated to a depth ranging from 1 to 3 inches, The soils of the county are mainly acid in reaction and respond to the application of liberal quantities of lime. No layer of lime or calcium-carbonate accumulation occurs in the soil, though calcium in other combinations is present. The rocks from which these soils are derived contained calcium, and some of the rocks on the coastal plain probably contained it in the form of carbonates. The heavy rainfall, warm temperatures, and continual leaching have not allowed lime carbonate +0 accumulate, and any carbonate that may have been present in the parent rocks has been removed from the soil. Ina few places, at a depth varying from 30 to 100 feet, are marl beds, but the depth at which the marl is found and the expense of digging prohibit its use. There are a large number of soil types in the county, owing to the fact that a part of the piedmont plateau, some of the typical high, well-drained coastal plain, a part of the flatwoods section of the coastal plain, and broad river terraces and first bottoms are included. The piedmont plateau part of the county covers approximately 25 square miles. In this particular region the relief is rolling or hilly and broken, the streams have cut deep channels, and erosion has been active. The surface soils have been subjected to considerable wash- ing and change, resulting in varied textures, structures, and colors. In many places, particularly on the steeper slopes,.erosion has kept close pace with the disintegration and decomposition of the rocks, thus preventing the normal development of a soil profile. On the smoother surfaces a mature or well-developed soil is found. Cecil fine sandy loam is characteristic of such soil. Its topsoil con- sists of a grayish-brown or reddish-brown surface layer, from | to 3 inches thick, and a yellowish or reddish subsurface layer which con- tinues to a depth varying from 6 to 10 inches. The typical subsoil varies in color from light red to deep red and consists of stiff, hard, but brittle clay which continues to a depth varying from 30 to 60 or more inches. Some finely divided mica scales and coarse quartz sand 31038—29-——2 10 BUREAU OF CHEMISTRY AND SOILS, 1925 gral istri 1 red Se niente throughout. Underlying the subsoil is lich the eet rh eee toes eee ar wii grades into ie g gneiss and granite from which th il that of Coal Rice 9 Cl lg lon isnot so wall dovcled Sandy loam. ‘The light-text f FS many places has been Ha xtured surface layer i h ’ n removed, exposing the subs (eee incor ans sony jo7e pa the espe slopes isin many plac neh } yPical; and the rotten rock li an” eet, bel “ - es from 2 4 or pate soni In a few places there is a pitti to 20 inches Clot. ze e disintegrated granite, eneiss, and schist bemcerlie’ This sat ae with the Cecil soils is Appling fine s sel eee es from the Cecil mainly in that the subsoil is a Seavall pee ee as there is no uniformity in the color, thick Pee ation of this layer. Typical Appling an ness, and degree gray or yellowish-gray surface layer from 1 to rien ie grayish-yellow or pale-yellow, friable subsurface le eee i See Sat pe, i eel bere dono a . ush-yellow or salmon-co i Hae satin ey ieee grades into mottled Heke ig lay, oF alee itt A oe tle clay continuous to a depth ca eats Pepreic bes ® substratum consists of yellow, friable, é BOs Parent rock mottled-with light red, which LO as Sintegrated granite and gneiss from which t Se pg Another group of soils i he soil is derived. Hien eon, wen in the piedmont plateau of the county is sist of predominantly fi Gee, weathering, i yellow and purplish red. These graduall colors, including mottled light gray, ee perenne This soft, weathered materi Y, yellow, pinkish, and i ? aterial _and purplish. fest below the surface, bat on mare of 9,Gepth varying from 2 to 4 within a few inches of the surface Georgeville silty clay | i Northampton Gouee ag ey ies ? i the typical. pi This group comprises soils See oe wee ple ? che hecre ] toad i un Socerien is Pee of coastal plain nate Neate ee eee - ¢ > L n é residual clay, grading into and deriv ae material, . ed from erani i i and slates. Under such conditions no matu eee oped. Two soil series, the Bradley and Chest See eae E st i and Bradley sandy loam, with a gravelly Tiere nae sandy loam are map : 3 mapped. The Bradle i : fo deep red or in places to mottled Y law ae 7d aa from red h but fairly brittle clay, which j consist ‘of d represent the most part of the county t i y vy vi east of the piedmont plateau. The occupy the high, level, or gently ? SOIL SURVEY OF NORTHAMPTON COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA ial? rolling areas and are, for the most part, naturally well drained. In them, below a depth varying from 8 to 18 inches, are uniformly friable and rather heavy subsoils. The topsoils are light textured and contain only a small percentage ot clay and silt in comparison with the subsoils. ‘The parent material underlying the subsoils is prevail- ingly redder in color and of a more friable consistence than the typical subsoil. The subsoil is the heaviest layer, as it has received consider- able of the fmer material from the surface soil. In this group of soils the Norfolk, Marlboro, Orangeburg, Ruston, and Greenville series are represented. Tn the Norfolk soils the topsoils consist of a gray or grayish-brown friable surface layer, from 1 to 3 inches thick, and a pale-yellow or grayish-yellow friable subsurface layer which continues to a depth ranging from 8 to 18 inches. The subsoil consists of yellow, friable material, commonly sandy clay or sand, which continues to a depth varying from 34 to 50 or more inches. The parent material is mottled purplish-red, yellow, and light-gray, hard but friable sandy clay of variable texture and structure. This material may have a thickness varying from 2 to 4 feet, and in many places is underlain by laminated light-eray material, streaked with ocherous yellow. One of the characteristic features of this soil is the occurrence of red splotches in the lower part of the subsoil or in the upper part of the substratum. These splotches appear to indicate the accumulation or segregation of iron at this depth. This accumulation of red material at a depth yarying from 28 to 35 inches is also noticeable in the Marlboro soils. Of the Norfolk series the fine sandy loam, with a deep phase, sandy loam, with a deep phase, fine sand, and loamy fine sand were mapped. The Marlboro soils closely resemble the Norfolk but contain more fine material in the topsoil, whose thickness in few places 1s more than 8 or10 inches. Also the color of the topsoil is slightly darker or more brownish. The subsoil is slightly heavier and deeper yellow in cplor than that of the Norfolk soils; and the parent material is, in some places, redder and more friable in the upper part. Marlboro fine sandy loam and Marlboro very fine sandy loam are mapped. The profile of the Orangeburg soils shows a gray or brown surface layer from 1 to 3 inches thick and a subsurface layer of pale-yellow or brownish-yellow friable material which continues to a depth vary- ing from 12 to 18 inches. These two layers comprise the topsoil. The typical subsoil is bright-red, friable, sandy clay, continuous to a depth varying from 4 to 15 feet with practically no change in texture, color, or structure. Beneath this uniform layer is the parent mate- rial which is variable but which in many places is reddish-yellow or mottled red and yellow gravelly sandy material. Locally it is indu- rated gravelly sandy clay or sand. Orangeburg sandy loam was mapped. Closely associated with the Orangeburg soils is the ‘red land” of the coastal plain, which has been classed in this county as Greenville fine sandy loam. A profile of this material shows a dark-brown or reddish-brown topsoil from 6 to 10 inches thick. In a few places a little vegetable mold lies on the surface. The subsoil consists of dark-red, heavy but friable fine sandy clay of uniform texture, color, and structure, which continues to a depth varying from 4 to 6 feet. The parent material is mottled red, yellow, and gray, hard but brittle ibe BUREAU OF CHEMISTRY AND SOILS, 1925 light sandy material, underlain by beds of gravel, sand, and light sandy material. : Another group of soils intermediate in color between the Norfolk on one hand and the Orangeburg and Greenville on the other, includes Ruston sandy loam, with a deep phase, and Ruston fine sandy loam, with a deep phase. The surface layer ranges from gray to brownish and is from 1 to 3 inches thick, and the subsurface layer is pale yellow and friable and continues to a depth varying from 10 to 18 inches. The subsoil is reddish-yellow or yellowish-red friable sandy clay, con- tinuous to a depth ranging from 18 to 40 or more inches. The substratum, or the partly weathered parent material, consists of mot- tled yellow and gray very friable sandy clay. : Closely related in color to the Ruston soils is a group of soils which differ greatly in their texture and structure, particularly in the sub- soil. ‘The soils have a thin grayish or grayish-brown surface layer, underlain by a pale-yellow layer which continues to a depth of 5 or 10 inches. ‘Lhe subsoil is tough, compact, reddish-yellow clay in the upper part, commonly to a depth varying from 18 to 24 inches, and js mottled light-red and yellow, tough, heavy, compact, hard clay in the lower part, to a depth varying from 34 to 56 or more inches. The parent material is mottled red and yellow with some gray, friable material resembling sandy clay. These soils are known as the Cuth- bert, and the fine sandy loam was mapped. ; The greater part of the southern portion of the county is poorly drained, the surface being prevailingly flat with slight depressions here and there. Natural drainage has not been wellestablished. In this part of the county the soils are much finer in texture, the subsoils are much heavier, and definite soil profiles have not been developed as in the soils of the northern and western parts. The profile of the highest and best-drained areas in this section shows a gray surface. layer and a yellowish-gray subsurface layer which continues to a depth varying from 6 to 10 inches. ‘These two layers constitute the topsoil. ‘The subsoilis heavy, yellowish fine sandy clay or friable clay, erading, at a depth varying from about 18 to 24 inches, into mottled light-red, yellow, and gray, heavy, tough clay which continues to a, depth of 40 or 50 inches. Beneath the subsoil is mottled light-yellow, red, and gray, friable very fine sandy loam. Soils having this profile have been classed in the Dunbar series. Dunbar fine sandy loam and Dunbar very fine sandy loam, with a well-drained phase are mapped. : ; The more poorly drained soils are included in the Lufkin and Cox- ville series. In the Lufkin series there are two soil types, the very fine sandy loam and the silt loam. The surface soils are gray, and the subsurface layers are grayish yellow or yellowish gray to a depth varying from 6 to 10 inches. The upper part of the subsoils is brownish-yellow, tough, heavy clay which continues to a depth yarying from 18 to 24 inches, where 1t grades into light-gray, heavy, plastic clay or silty clay streaked with rust brown. This layer is underlain, at a depth varying from 40 to 70 inches, by mottled gray and brown sticky sand. ire ; The Coxville soils differ from the Lufkin in that there is more gray in the surface layer, and that the subsurface layer is gray mottled with yellow, whereas the subsoil is mottled gray, yellow, and red heavy clay which continues to a depth of 30 or 40 inches, where the SOIL SURVEY OF NORTHAMPTON COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA 13 gray and yellow colors predominate. The fine sandy loam, very fine sandy loam, and silt loam members of the Coxville series were mapped. Along Roanoke and Meherrin Rivers and on some of the larger creeks of the county, rather extensive areas of terraces or second bottoms and first bottoms or overflow areas have developed. Along the two rivers the soils are composed of material brought down from the piedmont plateau and deposited during times of overflow. Except locally there is no well-developed soil profile. The surface material gradually passes into the subsoil, which continues to a depth of 3 or 4 feet, where either heavier or lighter material occurs. There is no regularity in the texture or structure of this underlying material. Of the Wickham soils, occurring on the terraces, the fine sandy loam, loam, and loamy sand have been mapped. The surface soils range in color from light brown to reddish brown, and the subsoils are dominantly reddish-brown friable clay, containing a few finely divided mica scales. The Altavista soils, which also occupy terraces, differ from the Wickham in that the surface soils are gray or yellowish gray and the subsoils are yellow or brownish yellow. Altavista fine sandy loam and Altavista fine sand were mapped. On the well-drained terraces a few areas of poorly drained soils have been mapped as Roanoke very fine sandy loam and Roanoke silt loam. The surface soils of these soils are gray or dark gray or mottled gray and rust brown,.and the subsurface layers are pale yellowish gray to a depth varying from 4 to 8 inches. The subsoils are mottled gray and yellow, drab-gray, or gray and yellow streaked with red or rust brown, heavy, tough, plastic, impervious clay. The streams which rise in the coastal-plain section of the county have developed small second bottoms or terraces, and the soils have been classed in the Kalmia and Myatt series. The Kalmia soils have, in a few places, developed a soil profile somewhat similar to that of the Norfolk soils. The topsoil consists of a thin, gray surface layer over a pale-yellow layer which continues to a depth varying from 6 to 14 inches. The subsoil is yellow, friable material to a depth of 30 or 40 inches, grading into.mottled light-gray and brownish- yellow, rather heavy, sticky, sandy clay. The fine sandy loam and the fine sand of this series were mapped. Associated with the Kalmia soils is Myatt fine sandy loam, which occupies the low, flat, poorly drained areas. This soil has a dark-gray surface layer, passing into a light-gray or almost white subsurface layer, which is underlain by mottled yellow and light-gray, heavy, plastic, fine sandy clay. Extensive areas of Congaree silty clay loam are mapped along Roanoke and Meherrin Rivers. This soil occurs in very uniform areas of reddish-brown silty clay loam ranging in thickness from 4 to 20 or more feet without any noticeable change in color, texture, or structure. A very few patches of Congaree fine sandy loam are mapped along with the Congaree silty clay loam. Meadow and swamp represent. miscellaneous classifications of material rather than definite soil types. They vary greatly in color, texture, and structure. Meadow occurs mainly along the smaller streams and is better drained than swamp. 14 BUREAU OF CHEMISTRY AND SOILS, 19 In the following i i t g pages of this report the various soils of N rh eee a described in detail and their relation to eee masse he accompanying soil map shows their disind moa a able 4 gives their acreage and proportionate extent ‘ad TasBie 4.— the acre of this mixture is used, with from 75 to 150 ere nitrate of soda at the two later top-dressings. This is th eee phe a the Saris in which it occurs. aoe e current selling price of Marlboro very fine i from $40 to $125 an acre, depending largely on 7 idan Sith respect to towns, good roads, and schools, and ore improvement, 5 on the state of Marlboro very fine sandy loam is one of th i i seu in Ni orthampton County. Itis generally nities = Aes nile is fairly easily tilled, and is capable of being miaittat ea eeonee state of productiveness. Constant cropping with cle ulti me CROP) such as cotton and peanuts, has prevented the ae = uae onpauic matter in the soil.. Green-manure crops can eae ee supply this deficiency. All available stable manure should eee Suggestions for cro i A Piste p rotations for Norfolk fine sandy loam apply also MARLBORO FINE SANDY LOAM Marlboro fine sandy loam in virgin areas h Papal =e sandy loam surface layer, 2 or 3 hanes tae Eaeatd Dy pale-ye low or grayish-yellow fine sandy loam which éoatit sages resi J eee from 7 to 10 inches. The subsoil is deep- cia a sa nish-yellow, heavy, slightly sticky but friable fine ae sf a ni . an Y, clay which continues to a depth of 35 or more inch ane sec a parent material, to a depth varying from 50 to 70 i h : Eee SO ee red and yellow, very friable fine sandy cla ai sao re eee ed licht-gray, yellow, and purplish, heavy toieh _ ans ae ee ae she and_ subsoil contain. sia in E act In consistenc i layers: in Norfolk fine sandy loam. Small iron concrete ee eae e areas. In cultivated fields the surface soil, to a denulevai Som, SURVEY OF NORTHAMPTON COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA 21 ing from 5 to 8 inches, is yellowish gray or brownish gray, depending on the percentage of organic matter present. In the more deeply plowed fields are spots of yellow, where the subsoil has been mixed with the surface soil. On the more rolling areas, some of the surface soil has eroded, leaving the subsoil exposed in places. Marlboro fine sandy loam occurs in small areas in the northern part of the county, east and west of the Atlantic Coast Line Rail- road, The largest areas mapped are between Seaboard and Galatia and along Potecasi Creek west of Creeksville. Marlboro fine sandy loam has a nearly level or undulating and gently rolling surface. Natural drainage courses are few, but the run-off is good, except in the flatter areas. Internal drainage is good. Ditching is necessary on the more level areas to carry off the excess water following heavy rains. This is an important soil in the sections where it predominates. About 60 per cent of it is under cultivation. The remainder is forested with pine, various oaks, and scattered hickory, maple, gum, poplar, dogwood, holly, persimmon, and cedar. Marlboro fine sandy loam is used for the production of all crops common to the county. Cotton is the chief crop, but corn and peanuts are extensively grown. Potatoes, vegetables, melons, and fruits are produced for home use. Soil-improvement crops are grown to a very smallextent. Cotton yields from one-half to 1 bale to the acre, corn from 15 to 40 bushels, and peanuts from 1,100 to 3,000 pounds. This soil is managed much as is Marlboro very fine sandy loam, and the fertilizer treatment is practically the same. Crop yields average slightly less, however, than on Marlboro very fine sandy loam. The current selling price of Marlboro fine sandy loam ranges from $50 to $125 an acre, depending on the location and character of improvements. RUSTON FINE SANDY LOAM _ In wooded areas the l-inch or 2-inch surface layer of Ruston fine sandy loam is gray or dark-gray fine sandy loam. The subsurface layer, to a depth ranging from 12 to 18 inches, consists of pale-yellow or brownish-yellow, light-textured fine sandy loam or loamy fine sand. ‘The subsoil is yellowish-red, reddish-yellow, brownish-red, or reddish-brown friable fine sandy clay continuous to a depth rangin from 30 to 50 inches. ‘The underlying material is mottled yellow aid eray, very friable sandy clay, from 2 to 4 feet thick, underlain by mottled light-gray, red, and rust-brown sandy clay material. In cultivated fields the surface soil, to a depth varying from 4 to 7 inches, is loamy fine sand or light fine sandy loam of a grayish-brown, gray, or light-gray color, depending on the quantity and kind of organic matter present. In a few areas in the eastern part of the county considerable water-rounded quartz gravel is present through- out. Such areas are shown by gravel symbols on the soil map. Included with Ruston fine sandy loam in mapping are several small spots of Ruston very fine sandy foam. This soil'differs principally from typical in that the surface soil is much finer in texture and 1s not so deep and the subsoil is somewhat heavier. This very fine sandy loam occurs in the central part of the county between Gum- 22 B UREAU OF CHEMISTRY AND SOILS, 1925 berry and Faisons Old’ T. and norte a Beagrie southwest of Mount Carmel Church, uston fine sandy loam occurs throughout ‘ y occu the north q pou ee i roma seve in abe section between Cannio os garetsville on the east, the lar i ret near Garysburg, Concord Ghurchwand ee Cres pele z alseecls nee comparatively high interstream areas Fhe fs ae ee a e phe stream courses. The surface ranges Poulter established, ng and strongly rolling. Drainage is very well uston fine sandy loam is one of the more i 2 ore im Soe gh ea nate County. About 65 per anaes ie i an ation, the remainder being forested with pine + ag earider é her scattered hardwoods. Abandoned fields ar and te quad 0 ao and ator loa pine. Soumnat naan otton and peanuts are the cash crops on this soi ; subspipugs crop. Cotton and anus are Bacco ina SE i way on fhe same fields, cotton being planted two aaa f eee - All crops common to the county are gro Leda s i sou aelds from one-half to 144 bales to ie Ree pe ite r ia ,800 pounds, and corn from 18 to 40 banhel Cc meee eee Paw. applications of commercial fertilizers, from 600 P roe Eee ie 0 ti a acre of a 3-8-3, 4-8-4, or 4-9-4 grade being us Sree ment g, me later top-dressings of nitrate of soda at the r t f Se ieee pou dete she aore when the crop is chopped out nd of 7 3 Pp n the first squares open. P. : pase but receive from 400 to 800 Sedamio he Beltre generally before the land is broken, and a top-dressing Cian ee gricultural pounds of Jand plaster or gypsum when the pl ae receives from 400 to 600 pounds to am mee blosennay er, and generally a top-dressing of 100 or 150 pounds ote of soda just before the plants tassel. Crops j j 5 0 i fiat, cult aked, The greater part of the eet fous re fe Sree send values of Ruston fine sandy loam range from $30 to $10¢ ee aoe mare price asked depending largely on the state of impro bn Sls ecation with respect to towns and good roads PRE Ua eee ine sandy loam is an easily tilled soil and is ca bl pethe ee in ua Siate of high productiveness. As is true of vee aie. all Otte i H of the county, its greatest need is ereanG ee of eer Topping with no return to the soil except commerci i f a bee ae eft many fields very deficient in organic ery chaey The gro Ba of winter cover crops such as rye, clover, oats, and yetch 1 oe ange moana t, of these crops in the soil would be very bened ane pt a here ae taal te of ese matter as well as yen i IS. otations are stro wate rete Agricultural Experiment eee sae for us sean a sneered for Orangeburg sandy loam are suitable uston fine sandy loam, deep phase.—The de Pie aAney ie is separated from typical Pen gae Geen ees ee Ee Prat e greater depth of the fine sandy loam or bane ee ae antle over the subsoil. In its natural state this soil ae itis ee poeane matter. Owing to its loose consistence it is easil tille d ght teams and implements. ‘The surface soil is becca aia SOIL SURVEY OF NORTHAMPTON COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA 23 gray than that of the typical soil, The subsoil, generally occurring at a depth ranging from 24 to 32 inches, is in most places somewhat lighter reddish or brownish yellow than that of the typical soil. It is underlain, at a depth varying from 40 to 60 inches, by material similar to that under the subsoil of the typical soil. The deep phase of Ruston fine sandy loam occurs in comparatively small, irregular areas from Stancell in the northwestern part of the county to Conway in the eastern part. The largest areas are east of Margaretsville and northeast of Conway. Areas containing a con- siderable quantity of water-rounded quartz gravel on the surface and throughout the soil are shown by gravel symbols on the soil map. This soul occurs on undulating or rolling and ridgy areas and on some very gently undulating or nearly level areas between higher ridges of the typical soil. Drainage is thorough. Percolation of soil water is so rapid that fields may be tilled shortly after rains. During periods of protracted drought crops sometimes suffer on this soil. This deep soil is of much smaller extent than the typical soil. The greater part of it has been under cultivation at one time or another, but at present probably less than one-half is tilled. Aban+ doned areas have largely grown up in old-field pine. Original growth on the uncleared areas consists of shortleaf pine and various oaks, with some dogwood, maple, cedar, hickory, gum, and sassafras. In general, the same crops are grown and the same methods of management practiced as on the typical soil. Heavier fertilization is necessary to maintain the same yields, as the deeper soil allows greater leaching. RUSTON SANDY LOAM Ruston sandy loam in forested areas has a gray or dark-gray sandy loam surface layer, from 2 to 3 inches thick, underlain by yellow loamy sand or loose sandy loam, which continues to a depth varying from 12 to 20 inches. ‘The subsoil, to a depth ranging from 35 to 50 inches, is friable sandy clay or fine sandy clay varying in color from yellowish brown to brownish red or reddish brown. The upper layer of the parent material is mottled red or rust-brown and light-gray, friable sandy material from 1 to 3 feet thick, underlain by bluish-gray coarse sandy material slightly mottled with red. Beds of gravel occur in many places at greater depth. In some places the gravel is closely cemented with iron. In cultivated fields the surface soil, to a depth of 6 or 8 inches, is loose loamy gand or light sandy loam of a gray or grayish-brown color, depending on the quantity and char- acter of the organic matter present. Considerable small water- rounded quartz gravel is on the surface and throughout the soil in many places. These gravelly areas are shown on the soil map by gravel symbols. This soil occurs in small areas throughout the north-central part of the county from Stancell to Milwaukee. The largest areas are south and southwest of Milwaukee. ‘The relief is generally gently rolling or rolling, becoming more steeply rolling near the slopes to stream courses. .In general the soil occupies a somewhat higher position than the surrounding soils. Owing to the rolling relief, loose consistence, and porosity of the soil, areas are well drained. Probably half of the Ruston sandy loam is under cultivation. It is considered a desirable soil for all the crops generally grown in the county. The forested areas support shortleaf pine, various oaks, 24 BUREAU OF CHEMISTRY AND SOILS, 1925 and i fee ons pag gum, and dogwood. The principal crops fee ies ; a peanuts, Cotton yields from one-third to . bal ce aetna , Tho pci pes 30 bushels, and peanuts from 1,100. to 2.000 Sane er treatment is similar to that on Orangeburg The current selling price: i D > pric Sie eens on the Tne Fa Siew cee glen “lany areas of this soil are deficient in organi C ani i ere ee to a high state of productiveness ee Ae eet sibaeties bine ae Aer using rotations containing [eatined. ras or 5 : qj aoe ue on this pie wes ea Ains eae ae ‘usion sandy loam, deep phase.—The de i f j § ep ph: ie is uae in order to separate the frriclead teenie eo re oe ae deeper mantle of sandy material over th SretibaRE Tie cee o has a topsoil varying from 20 to 30 inches i Hib Ge ie e ayer, to a depth ranging from 2 to 6 inch Agee Ey rowan valew’a ht Seto tl 084 andra sh-yellow or light-brown loam Fat See Pere bee oF eldinsareees FA © or 50 inches. hi i seleevaisiie atin ae pundss ype Ruston sandy Tooth ee LO : eep soil occupies slightly less-rollj iti typical soil, but surface drhinage: is sede W Tnternah: dpaives me e is excellent, yet the subsoil is retentive i of i watoranunded quartz gravel, varying in a ee eee mee ie es, occurs on the surface and throughout the Bilid wae pinces. : ese areas are shown on the soil map b 4 teers hi wocally these gravelly areas are called gravel b Bae ne paabols. oR considered of prime importance as road-buil mere Conger supplying gravel to road contr: anata! i s pravelly, soil southeast of Garysburg. The i wees HBS of the finer soil material, is graded in various ee . iD) in trainloads. Locally much gravell Aree mae Eoed pate on the roads. ear eeriab gsi used) iuca less than half of the deep Ruston i rane sonosted areas are cae with : Feces ae oe maga age dogwood. Abandoned fields are erown u etl a on oleae L pine, Cotton and corn are the Principal . ep oe ms ewhat lower than on the typical soil. Egos te lialds arming practices on this soil are similar to those on Orangeb urg sandy loam. The great aes ; organic matter. greatest need of the soil is the incorporation of ORANGEBURG SANDY LOAM _ Fhe surface soil of Oran i 1 geburg sandy loam in viroi: i a eray. a ey loamy sand font 2 to Arinaestinisoo Tie grades: ny, : an or brownish-yellow loamy sand or loose sand pes uctindde ee thick. The subsoil is bright-red, friable “A By pele ei ie in many places continues to a depth of 1Oae'e ®, eter cut any appreciable change in cole:, texture, or ste f ae eee meats a leas ee ee Soon ie oad the Bradation thick, is yellowish-red friable sand Te ee ee r ndy clay or ee Beneath the deep and uniform subsoil is Date aNG een Pee character but which in many places i and yellow gravelly sandy material. 25 SOIL SURVEY OF NORTHAMPTON COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA s reddish-yellow or motiled red Beds of sand, gravel, and loose sandy clay are found in some areas. In a few places on the more rolling areas near Vultare, Vultare School, Vincents Store, and Moody Store much of the deep surface mantle has been eroded, leaving a surface of brownish or reddish sandy loam which grades, at a depth ranging from 5 to 8 inches, into the red, friable sandy clay subsoil. In a few places the entire mantle of sandy loam has been removed in spots, leaving the red subsoil exposed. Locally small gravel or some ‘coarse sand are scattered over the surface and throughout the soil. ‘A few areas of Orangeburg fine sandy loam north of Camp Store and Gum Forks were included in mapping. Orangeburg sandy loam occurs in the western part of the county between Camp Store and St. Lukes Church. The largest areas are between Vincents Store and Vultare, near Moody Store, and at Vultare School. | This soil occupies t Northampton County. he highest: general elevation of any soil in The surface varies from undulating to somewhat steep. The greater part of the soil, however, occupies gently rolling ridges. Both surface and internal drainage are good. Although the surface soil is open and porous, the subsoil is retentive of moisture, and crops rarely suffer from drought. Although not of very great extent, Orangeburg sandy loam is very important and productive agricultural soil in Northampton it is under cultivation. The County. Probably 65 per cent of it i ] timbered areas are covered with a fairly good growth of oak, pine, hickory, gum, and dogwood. This soil was one of the first to be developed in the section of the county in which it occurs. It is easily tilled under a wide range of moisture conditions and responds readily to careful treatment. — Cotton is the most important crop on this soil, but corn, peanuts, Yields are almost as high and grain and hay crops are also grown. as those obtained on the Greenville soils. Cotton produces from one-half to 134 bales to the acre, corn from 20 to 40 bushels, and peanuts from 1,500 to 3,000 pounds. Small grains give good yields, and all the forage crops are grown. successfully. Although this soil is naturally highly productive it is not generally managed efficiently. The one-crop system has generally prevailed, although of recent years some systematic rotations including cotton, corn, small grains, and clover and other legumes have been followed. As a rule, however, cotton and peanuts or cotton and corn are planted alternately. Cotton and corn are the fertilized crops on this soil. Cotton is given an acreage application varying from 500 to 1,000 pounds of 3-8-3, 4-8-4, or 8-9-3 fertilizer. The grade commonly used this year (1925) is 3-8-3. When peanuts follow cotton from 400 to 800 pounds to the acre of lime is applied before planting, and at blossoming time from 200 to 300 pounds of. gypsum is applied as a top-dressing. ven from 300 to 600 pounds to the acre of a 3-8-3 fertilizer Corn is gt orfrom 200 to 300 pounds of superphosphate if the crop follows clover. The current selling price of this soil is from $40 to $100 an acre, the price depending generally on the location with reference to a good road and on the character of the improvements. 26 BUREAU OF CHEMISTRY AND SOILS, 1925 Orangeburg sandy loam needs organic matter to re as clover, cowpeas, so ) , Soy beans, vetch, oats ude for the purpose of supplying organic matter. ing these crops should be followed. A good recommended by the North Carolina Agricultural Experiment Station follows: First year, cotton, f ‘ ; , followed by rye sown j ace mnden in the spring; second year, corn, Sie oe ae) ae in July and followed by oats and vetch sown in the fall; and ¢hind year, peanuts, planted after oats and vetch h and followed by rye sown in the fall. A and f ¥ . Another rec i is: First year, corn, with soy beans or cowpeas Bea ed hs piation year, cotton, with rye or crimson clover and rye eat eh after the first picking; third year, peanuts, with oats and vetch sown aiter the peanuts are harvested; and fourth year, oats and vetch cut. for hay, followed by soy b i on the land in the fall, after soy beans of Goren glover seeded eans pee (ep ha or cowpeas are harvested or - GREENVILLE FINE SANDY Loam The surface soil of Greenville fine san i pede and in places dark-red, ree me eee fs epth varying from 6 to 10 inches. In wooded areas the imm rainsdate poe soil may contain a very little vegetable mold "Th sion - em -red or red very heavy but friable fine sandy cla: f nF sm Lies ure, color, and structure to a depth varying from he 6 feet. tie eons material is mottled red, yellow, and gray, hard but b sa . eo sun y_material overlying beds of gravel, sand, and li Kg ie ge Some small areas: of this soil approach loam reese and here the surface soil is of a darker color. On th iene coli areas considerable of the surface soil has been wash d aways" sora the deep-red subsoil exposed in places. Seaaemanns te The largest area of Greenville fine sand: Gum Forks. Other com i 7 scam is mapped south of O paratively large a Store and Shiloh Church, west of Oak (Gisvel CN ieee Garysburg, and north of Roanok k e Chapel. i eseee a the east-central part of the rt oe ae pees ot hs 10n, Greenville fine sandy loam occurs in somewhat cl Gettin with Orangeburg sandy loam. ibis howcne The surface of Greenville fine sandy loam ranges from nearly level to rolling. The greater part of the soil i i somewhat more elevated than the piodndinsieciie’: sr og The surface drainage i ; ge is generally good, b drainage ways have been developed over the Bete hos the a Internal drainage is good, yet the subsoil is retentive of moisture Crops very seldom suffer from drought on this soil. The surface in cultivated fields has a slight tend : unless it is kept ina good state of tilte "Pact ™ dry weather, This soil is generall i : Zer ly recognized as th tive upland soil in the eoeheys Prastaull: allot 4 ON aa - . - . . of 1 i i tion. It is easily tilled and is managed as well ees eee county. The chief crop is cotton. Corn i § Peanuts ai oe on much smaller acreages. Cotton yields panotally oS ae 4 ghtly more than a bale to the acre, but yields of 1 4 or aliasds . -) 1 lost through growing clean-cultivated crops AoA Riana BER and rye, may be turned. Rotations includ- totation for this soil,. ave been turned under: SOIL SURVEY OF NORTHAMPTON COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA QT not uncommon. Corn produces from 20 to 50 bushels and peanuts from 1,800 to 3,000 pounds to the acre. The creater part of the Greenville fine sandy loam belongs to large landholders and is farmed under the tenant system. Ordinarily the soil is not managed with any more care than the other soils of the county, but it generally receives as careful preparation for the seed and as good cultivation. This soil will respond to careful management and cropping more than any soil in the county. Although Greenville fine sandy loam is naturally a strong soil, fertilization is necessary for the crops commonly grown. Cotton is generally as heavily fertilized as on the less productive soils. When grown, peanuts are generally planted every third year, cotton being the intervening crop. The peanuts are not fertilized but receive heavy applications of lime before planting and a later top-dressing of gypsum. : Little or no land of this kind is offered for sale. It jis valued at $100 or more an acre. The greatest needs of this soil are the incorporation of organic matter and rotation of crops. Organic matter can be added by growing and turning under leguminous crops and winter cover crops, which may be grown in rotation with the cotton and peanuts. This soil is well adapted to the production of small grains. The rotations suggested for Orangeburg sandy loam may be used with equal success on this soil. CUTHBERT FINE SANDY LOAM In virgin areas the topsoil of Cuthbert fine sandy loam consists of gray or light-gray fine sandy loam, generally less than 2 inches thick, underlain by pale-yellow or grayish-yellow fine sandy loam or heavy fine sandy loam which continues to a depth yarying from 5 to 10 inches. The upper part of the subsoil is tough, compact, reddish-yellow clay, which generally continues to a depth varying from 18 to 24 inches. The lower part of the subsoil is mottled light-red and yellow, tough, heavy, hard, compact clay which may extend to a depth of 50 or more inches. The parent material is mottled red and yellow, but some eray, friable sandy clay material is present. In many cultivated. fields a large part of the surface soil has been washed off. The remaining soil is fine sandy clay loam, clay loam, and in spots clay in texture. In numerous galled spots the red or yellowish-red subsoil is exposed. In plowing, some of the subsoil becomes mixed with the surface soil, giving the soil a grayish-yellow or yellow, and, in some places, a reddisb-yellow color. In abandoned areas which have largely grown up in pines the surface soil is yellowish or reddish. Cuthbert fine sandy loam occurs mainly in the north-central part. of the county. ‘The largest areas are west and southwest of Pleasant. Hill and along Ramsey Creek north of Piney Grove Church. The soil occurs chiefly on the slopes to the stream courses and on com- paratively high ridges between the streams. The surface ranges from gently to strongly rolling. Natural surface drainage is good or excessive. : Cuthbert fine sandy loam is a comparatively important farming soil in Northampton County, and approximately 60 per cent of it is now under cultivation. ‘The rest is forested with pine, oak, hickory, gum, maple, dogwood, holly, and some beech, birch, redbud, poplar, and elm. Abandoned areas have largely grown up in old-field pine. 28 BUREAU OF CHEMISTRY AND SOILS, 1925 Cotton, corn only on the | sandy loam. Some small one-fourth ¢ ,and peanuts are the leading cro ess rolling areas which ee a ae Potatoes, vegetables, and fruits a. grains and clover are also grown © 1 bale to the acre, corn from 15 Peanuts from 800 to 2,400 > to 40 bushels, and pounds to the acre of a seepage y obi onarecalas from 500 to 1,000 top-dressings of nitrate of soda, each at the rate of iit naeNT aE unds to the acre. Corn receiy ones eceives from 300 to 400 oe 2.0F 3-8-3 fertilizer and a top-dressing ar nee Tate of soda. Peanuts are heavily limed and are dressing of gypsum b ut generally r ey ilizati The current selling oe of Teese te ae] an fertilization. $100 an acre, depending on the location eee ee i a an under proper management. D i sipchpredacia ae nee ictiveness seed bed, and the incorporation of sae Pia on eb atationcof tke such crops as clover, oats, vetch, or rye, ce Cee “the : . e m the more rolling ar 0 eas place during the Senta up in pines. lands. i under a rather tilled when too plowed when too dry it can not b . . é b a and implements. The incorporat elp greatly to remedy this condition. cover crops to be turned under in the gs The rotations recommended to Cuthbert fine Sahay london aqme DUNBAR VERY FINE SANDY Loam The surface layer of Dunbar ve fin i oe forkeray very fine sandy ee fon ao a deraris pare pace i by. erayiah yellow or pal heavy ve fs ont pag ee ine ee thick. The typical subsoil] consists ue tw Sees on epee Je yer of yellow, rat friable clay commentaire 2 dal layer of mottled red laces slichtly plastic Locally there is Peanuts are grown €eper covering of fine Te grown for home use, -_ Cotton yields from to the acre of to 150 pounds given a top- SOIL SURVEY OF NORTHAMPTON COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA 29 acter of the organic matter present and the depth of plowing. A few spots of Dunbar silt loam were included in mapping but, in general, the soil is uniform throughout. Dunbar very fine sandy loam is widely distributed throughout the county east of a line passing through Brewers Crossroads and Leba- non School but is most extensive in the flatwoods or southern section of the county. It generally occurs in comparatively small areas. The largest area, some 2 square miles in extent, is 3 miles southwest of Jackson. Other comparatively large areas occur along Potecasi Creek. The surface of this soil is generally flat or undulating. Drainage is retarded by the level surface and the compact lower subsoil layer, but in the sections where the soil is most typical it is fairly well drained. In the flatwoods section of the county this is an important farming soil. About 30 per cent of its total area is tilled. The uncleared areas support a good growth of pine and scattered oak, hickory, sweet gum, and maple, and an undergrowth of gall berry bushes. Ditches are necessary over the greater part of this soil to furnish adequate drainage in cultivated fields. The principal crops are cotton, corn, and peanuts. Garden vege- tables, potatoes, and fruits are grown for home consumption. Rye, oats, and crimson clover are sometimes grown for early spring feed, being pastured or cut for the hay. Soy beans, cowpeas, and bur clover are also grown on small acreages. Good yields are obtained in average seasons. This soil warms up slowly in the spring and can not be cultivated under a wide range of moisture conditions on account of its tendency to clod when plowed too wet and to bake after summer rains if it is not tilled soon enough. The soil is gener- ally deficient in organic matter. Cotton yields from one-third to 1 bale’ to the acre, corn from 12 to 35 bushels, and peanuts from 600 to 2,000 pounds. Peanuts are not generally fertilized but are heavily limed. Cotton is given from 600 to 1,200 pounds to the acre of a 3-8-3 or 3-9-3 fertilizer and corn from 300 to 400 pounds of a 2-8-2 grade. All available stable manure is applied. The current selline price of this land varies from $25 to $100 an acre, depending on the nearness to towns and good roads. Better drainage and an increased organic-matter content are the greatest needs of this soil. There is generally sufficient slope to enable the use of open ditches with moderate expenditure of money and labor. Crops may be grown profitably without the use of arti- ficial drainage, but good drainace insures higher yields. The growing of leguminous crops would add much-needed nitrogen to the soil. Cover crops of small grain may be grown profitably. Dunbar very fine sandy loam, well-drained phase.—The well-drained phase of Dunbar very fine sandy loam occurs throughout the south- central part of the county between Rehoboth and Bryantown on the west and Potecasi, Woodland, and Hertford County on the east. It closely resembles Dunbar very fine sandy loam and Marlboro very fine sandy loam. It occurs in. close association with Dunbar very fine sandy loam, in the same relative position as Marlboro very fine sandy loam. It also resembles the Marlboro soil in that the yellow clay subsoil is near the surface. The surface soil is yellow or rather pale grayish-yellow heavy very fine sandy loam, generally only from 30 BUREAU OF CHEMISTRY AND SOILS, 1925 3 to 6 inches thick. The upper layer of the subsoil is m yellow eo Va feet a ss ela soil ae is somewhat isan uilike me) subsoil is yellow, tough, and somewhat ° ae x compact Ss Ate cone less of the red and gray mottling so characteristic of f is is considered the most desirable soil thro i in which it occurs, on account of its good Ao eee reer Practically all of it is cultivated. It occupies ridgelike areas aiGR in places resemble broad and slightly flattened hummocks meréolé- ee ae a Appi is segs Sy to the heaviness and. toughness ut gen = ils i removal bea shine ge es y the run-off to lower soils insures the is a strong soil. Fields that have been pl oti to cotton for as long as 50 years are still ESCH tree es one-half or three-fourths bale to the acre. Corn and Sani af give excellent yields, but cotton is the most generally i Se Ris Tractors are used on some of the farms for breaking the oil From 600 to 1,200 pounds to the acre of a 4-84 or 4-9-4 fertilizer is bee ally used, with later top-dressings of nitrate of soda at the The 2 of 100 or 200 pounds to the acre when the crop is first chopped sted fr 2 75 to 150 pounds when the crop is laid by in July. When ita are grown, no fertilizer is used, but lime and gypsum ari Eaalied. Alla vallable pee manure is used. ane baie e result of continuous clean cropping wi table matter, this soil probably soutanta as eat He ivan soil in the county, except the fine sands. The incorporation of | a quantities of organic matter would result in a more open and moe easily tilled soil and in a subsoil that would be ators cokentiv eee moisture. Suggestions for the improvement of Cuthbert fine gaudy loam i i an ican also be applied to this phase of Dunbar very fine sandy DUNBAR FINE SANDY LOAM The surface layer of Dunbar fine sandy loam i loamy fine sand or fine sandy loam, to 4 deni Spat patos ean is underlain by grayish-yellow or pale-yellow heavy fine sand at to a depth varying from 8 to 12 inches. The upper layer of the bs soil is yellow friable clay or fine sandy clay which is underlai ° z : depth of 20 or 30 inches by mottled yellow and light-eray and 7 sche places, bright-red, heavy, tough clay, which may continue to a depth varying from 38 to 50 or more inches. In places the Beets d mottles may be-greatly modified, only faint splotches of red sho ae The parent material is mottled light-gray and yellow fri ble fin ; sandy clay loam, in which are splotches of red. In places eneaas i 1 is mottled light gray and yellow, with streaks or mottles of bricht fl g : In some heavily wooded areas the surface soil is very dark gray or almost black when moist. In plowed areas the surface layer, to a © ? depth of 6 or 8 inches, is light-eray, pale-yellow, or i sandy loam, the color depending on the ites aad Tie ie the organic matter present and the depth of plowing. sald Dunbar fine sandy loam occurs in small areas in all parts of th coastal-plain region of the county. It generally occurs as flats Ba broad interstream areas throughout the northern half of the Bounty: whereas in the southern part it generally occupies higher areas and is better drained than the surrounding soils. The surface varies prone S$OmL SURVEY OF NORTHAMPTON COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA 31 nearly flat to gently rolling. Surface drainage is poor in the northern part of the county, as the surrounding soils occupy a higher position, but the reverse is generally true in the southern part, where water runs off to the lower, surrounding soils. Internal drainage is not good, owing to the compactness and comparative imperviousness of the lower part of the subsoil. Ditching is required, however, over most of the soil to obtain adequate drainage in cultivated fields. Although this soil is more widely distributed than any other in the county, it is not important agriculturally. Only in the southern part of the county have any fair-sized areas been brought under cultivation. In the northern part practically all of the soil is covered with the original forest of pine, oak, sweet gum, and scattered hickory and dogwood. The undergrowth, which is very dense in places con- sists of gall berry and service berry bushes, and briers. Probably less than 20 per cent of the soil is farmed. The leading crops are cotton and corn. Yields average somewhat Jower than on Norfolk fine sandy loam. The soil is given practically the same fertilizer treatment and is managed in about the same manner as Dunbar very fine sandy loam. Selling prices are generally determined by the value of the timber on the land. Commonly the cultivated areas are small on the individual farms. ; LUFKIN VERY FINE SANDY LOAM The 1-inch or 2-inch surface layer of Lufkin very fine sandy loam, in its natural state, consists of light-gray or gray very fine sandy loam. It is underlain, to a depth varying from 7 to 10 inches, by pale yellowish-gray or light grayish-yellow, heavy, very finesandy loam. The subsoil is brownish-yellow or dull-yellow, heavy, tough, compact clay which continues to a depth varying from 10 to 20 inches. The underlying parent material, to a depth ranging from 4 to 6 feet, is light-gray, slate-gray, or drab-gray heavy, tough, plastic clay or silty clay streaked with rust brown. Beneath it is gray and rust- brown sandy clay material. When moist, or in heavily wooded areas, the surface soil is gray or dark gray in color. In cultivated fields the surface soil to a depth of a few inches may be almost yellow or light grayish yellow, with some spots of rust brown on the more sloping areas. The subsoil may vary in thickness from place to place put generally does not extend to a depth greater than 32 inches. Jn many places the subsoil is gray. Lufkin very fine sandy loam is the most extensive soil in the southern part of the county. The largest areas occur south of Rich Square and southwest of Jackson. Smaller areas are along Occonee- chee Creek, Urahaw Swamp, and Roanoke River. The soil occupies _interstream areas and the gentle slopes approaching the streams. The surface on the interstream areas is level or slightly rolling, whereas that along the stream slopes is generally rather broken. The run-off is poor except along the stream courses, and internal drainage is inadequate on account of the imperviousness of the sub- soil. Ditching is necessary for successful cultivation over the greater part of the soil. This is an important soil agriculturally, and approximately 60 per cent of it is farmed. The remainder is forested, principally with white oak, post oak, and pine, with scattered hickory, holly, and other 32 BUREAU OF CHEMISTRY AND SOILS, 1925 hardwoods. Locally this soil is called white-oak land, as the white oak is more common than any other tree. The chief crops grown are cotton and corn. Peanuts are extensively planted in a few sections. Potatoes garden vegetables, melo i f ; : . ms, and fruit — anced chiefly for home use. Oats, rye, crimson clover Pee B cowpeas are grown by some farmers for feed. Oats and rye are: Toquentiy cut in the milk stage and fed to the livestock. ak Pi eeerelss from quevoumh to 1 bale to the acre, corn from 10 , Peanuts from 5 cri from : to peenat oe Aids 0 to 2,500 pounds, and crimson clover rom 800 to 1,200 pounds to the acre of a 3-8-3, 4 ris “y° vs . BOS: , 8-4 re ; oF Lat Heviilizen is snplied to gcoteon fields, with a later eae op-dressings of nitrate of soda in quantiti i from 100 to 200 pounds to the acre each. C moana at Gr en 400 pounds to the acre of a 2-8-2 or 3-8-3 f ili panes tena eit dressing of 50 or 100 pounds of nitra Sadan, a ee alone ng 0 te of soda. In i pone ee ) growing peanuts eee ded neavaly limed, and the plants are treated with land plaster Lutkin very fine sandy loam is a ve i i 1 d j ry difficult soil + Pedaites heavy work animals and implements and can ne worked afk : under a narrow range of moisture conditions. However, this soil Hf as well farmed as any soil in Northampton County and with eat care than most of the better-drained soils. Fields are hoe ite spring as early as possible and are later plowed and harrowed ce daked before the crops are planted. Tractors are used on a number fe) bate In preparing the seed bed. A very little fall plowing is done and a few farmers turn under crops of rye, oats, or clover sod. Plant sows are generally made flat, and the usual practice of ridging is 0. vent in subsequent cultivations, the crops being laid bs on a rae ae 4 avec ridge. ue is dene dereely to facilitate drainage ummer rains. Timson clover is crow: 1 i sel pet Dee nee it follows peanuts, a pial cae ao : Oo s soil have a wide range, dependi ocation wee epee to fore and good roads as eerie Chateab uate about Gan te $15 to $125 an acre is asked, but the average price is. ufkin very fine sandy loam, like the other h i . eav a be greatly benefited by turning under ean eek ENCE only does this increase the content of organic matter, but it results in @ more open and easily tilled soil and facilitates percolation of moisture. i betel: Somewhat deeper plowing each year would also prove LUFKIN SILT LOAM The surface layer of Lufkin silt loam is gra: i 1 or 2 inches thick and is underlain by ware in es err very slightly mottled with rust brown; which continues to a aecik varying from 5 to 8 inches. The subsoil is mottled drab-gray can brownish-yellow, heavy, tough silty clay or clay. The parent material = mottled drab-gray, red, and brownish-yellow heavy tough, plasti silty clay between depths of about 24 and 45 inches and is oe Jt in bygmotiled: eray and brown sticky sandy material. ee ufkin silt loam occurs in the southern part of the i south of the road from Bryantown through Rich gee hare SOIL SURVEY OF NORTHAMPTON COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA 33 The largest areas are southeast of Bryantown and south of Hagle- town. ‘The soil occupies rather broad interstream areas and slopes approaching streams. The surface is level or undulating, becoming more rolling near the streams. Surface drainage is generally poor, and internal drainage is very poor on account of the imperviousness of the subsoil. This is an unimportant agricultural soil in Northampton County. Practically none of it is under cultivation. White and post oaks are the characteristic growth. Pines and scattered hardwoods occur on many areas. The current selling price of this land varies from $15 to $50 an acre, depending largely on the character and value of the timber. Lufkin silt loam, if adequately drained, has about the same agri- cultural value as Lufkin very fine sandy loam. It is used in adjoin- ing counties for the production of cotton and corn. It is more dificult to drain than Luflin very fine sandy loam and is somewhat harder to cultivate, owing to its heavier texture. COXVILLE FINE SANDY LOAM In wooded areas the surface 2-inch or 3-inch layer of Coxville fine sandy loam is gray or very dark-gray fine sandy loam. Beneath it is pale yellowish-gray or faintly brownish-gray heavy fine sandy loam which continues to a depth varying from 7 to 10 inches. The upper part of the subsoil is mottled light-gray and brownish-yellow, heavy, plastic clay underlain, at a depth varying from 18 to 24 inches, by mottled light-gray, yellow, and bright-red, heavy plastic clay which continues downward. to the parent material of licht-gray heavy plas- tic clay mottled with yellow. This layer generally occurs at a depth ranging from 45 to 60 inches. In cultivated. areas the surface is gray or yellowish-gray fine sandy loam to a depth ranging from 5 to 8 inches. The color depends on the quantity and character of the organic matter present and on the depth of plowing. This soil occurs throughout the northern part of the county, east of the piedmont plateau. It generally occurs in small areas, com- monly as depressions in the higher surrounding soils, and the run-off and internal drainage‘are poor. The largest areas are in the vicinity of Ashley Grove Church and west of Grants Store. Practically none of this soil is cultivated, the greater part being forested largely with pine. A few sweet gum trees and other scat- tered hardwoods are growing on some areas. Generally there is a rather dense undergrowth of gall berry bushes and briers. Corn and cotton are grown to some extent. Corn yields from 10 to 25 bushels to the acre and cotton from one-fourth to one-half bale. Oats are grown in a few places with fair results. ay This soil needs good drainage before it can be profitably farmed. It can be made more productive by deeper plowing and liming. In other counties of the State it is used for the production of strawberries _ and potatoes, as well as for corn and cotton. COXVILLE VERY FINH SANDY LOAM Coxville very fine sandy loam has a dark-gray or gray heavy fine sandy loam surface layer from 2 to 4 inches thick. This grades into light-gray or very slightly yellowish-gray, heavy, very fine sandy loam 34 BUREAU OF CHEMISTRY AND SOILS, 1925 which continues to a depth ranging from 6 to 9 inches. layer of the subsoil is mottled light-eray and brownish-yellow, heavy, plastic clay, which merges, at a depth ranging from 16 to 24 inches, with mottled light-gray, yellow, and bright-red, heavy, plastic clay. The parent material is light-gray, heavy, plastic clay mottled with yellow. In cultivated areas the dry surface soil, to a depth varying from 4 to 6 inches, is light gray or ash gray, depending on the quantity of organic matter present. In some Places where the land has long been cleared and subjected to leaching under clean cultivation it approaches fine sandy loam in texture. . The broad, flat, uncleared areas which are wet the ereater part of th Ppocosins or swamps. The soil is Soft and miry during the winter months, but on drying in the spring and summer it becomes hard and packs. It is acid in reaction. Coxville very fine sandy loam is extensive in the so the county, principally in the section lyi Woodland on the north and Bryantown and The largest areas are south of Jackson, nerthwest of Lasker. The surface is le occupy depressions or basins. _ Slopes to the stream courses are long and gentle. Both surface drainage and underdrainage are deficient, and the flatter areas are water-logged during rainy seasons. imperviousness of the subsoil prevents free downward movement of water. This is a strong soil, and a large part of it is under cultivation in the Rich Square section. Probably 15 per cent of the total area in the county is under cultivation. ‘The forest growth consists of pine, uthern part of g between Jackson and Eagletown on the south. north of Rich Square, and vel or flat, and many areas oak, hickory, sweet gum, maple, black gum, and holly. The under. growth is largely gall berry and briers, The greater part of the cultivated areas is devoted to corn and cotton. Peanuts are also - grown, as well as some oats, rye, and crimson clover. Yields of cotton range from one-third to 1 bale to the acre, of corn from 15 to 35 bushels, and of peanuts from 1,000 to 2,400 pounds. This soil is not cultivated without artificial drainage. generally necessary for all the crops grown. In practices are as good as on the better-drained soils. The soil warms up slowly in the spring and can be plowed and cultivated only under a very narrow range of moisture conditions. However, it is gener- ally -kept in a very good state of tilth. On a few farms tractors are used, and the fields are rather deeply broken with heavy plows. Some farmers plant cowpeas and soy beans in the corn, and a num- ber grow small fields of crimson clover and turn the sod under after cutting the clover in the spring. ertilizer applications are not generally so heavy on this soil as on ee 5 Lufkin very fine sandy loam. Cotton usually receives from 600 to 900 pounds to the acre of a 4-8-4 or 4-9-4 fertilizer, and corn from 300 to 500 pounds of a 2-8-2- grade. Peanuts are heavily limed but do not receive commercial. fertilizer. The selli acre, the hich Liming is general, the farming The upper SOIL SURVEY OF NORTHAMPTON COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA 35 COXVILLE SILT LOAM i i i in forested =i r 4-inch surface layer of Coxville silt loam in Rae a very dark-gray silt loam. Itis doderalny ie a dent of 6 or 8 inches, by light-gray or yollowislyetey, Beata pit HOAD TOs tled with rust brown. e upper par TL a ae: i lastic silty clay or clay to a depth | light-gray and yellow, heavy, p {PU OR ORME D Ee TBS: 15 or 20 inches, where it grades to Tore vy, im TaOUE DD Aah, i t-red clay which extends « mottled light-gray, yellow, and brig Lone Gae ryin| bes. The parent materia ¢ depth va g from 28 to 42 inc é ‘ sii geal lastic clay mottled with yellow. SIRNA Pea i hes silty clay or clay s the surface soil approache: es pga Mae aa ‘almost black color which becomes very dari Fey oe ait ioata occurs throughout the Rayna phe, SOUnLY, i ive i hern part. e lar: { but is most extensive in the sout $ eebear ones are i theast of Woodland, sc southeast of Rich Square, south an oan se eae one town. Areas 0 ‘west of Rehoboth, and north of Hagle tein ferred to as pocosins and occupy nearly ) general oes J in which drainage channels are only areas or basinlike depressions in whi jae PON 4 Where the soil occurs near small stre } partly, develoe ds i h the slopes approaching lightly undulating, althoug e slop z as ay ely gare gradual. Both surface drainage and under: ainiihee are very poor. Water covers the soil throughout the win = and early spring months and, unless the areas are artificially drained, : : = -yemains on the surface for days in summer following heavy rains 1thi is sol have such sluggish h some streams head within this soil they pa ee that they are not cree in gi cae lege Wabetnds Practically none of the Coxville silt loam is i a tayenoe it i th a fair or good growth of pin The greater part of it is covered wi a (a oe eo Cope ie ple trees. guid gfe Seem ee eae eur nS “fie ea e. Over much of the areas have largely grown up in old-field pine. Ov pes th consisting of gall berry wooded areas there is a dense undergrow! HDG (Ol BP aa POUEY hes and briers. This land is generally larg areas Agee eee of its poorly drained condition, there is no . it for farming. d ; beret: Paine type has been reclaimed successfully and armed in other counties of the State. Drainage of the soil in alo patos County is practicable, but the pnorm pus ieee ee ne ditches and numerous laterals, an e 1 past nae td probably not be eee Py. is ee aes POR, FANE : a The money and energy thus expended could. pepelier, be usage j better-drained soil which would justify ¢ é senate Be greatly increased yields. The best use of Coxville silt i forest land. loam HS es WICKHAM LOAM i i i is dark-brown layer of Wickham loam in untilled areas is eee pee es sai fine sandy loam to a depth varying pile pe inches. This is underlain by eae ames a kee, nie aoe oe ing from 7 to 9 inches. e t L Se ane Go ee but friable clay, from 30 to 45 ae ee ees grades into mottled yellow and gray, streaked wi ar aha brown, friable very fine sandy clay material. Both surface so 36 BUREAU OF CHEMISTRY AND SOILS, 1925 subsoil contain a few fine mic S dine mica scales. Over a lars ue es ot pas soil ee is a thin CSE: ae # pe g ight grayish-brown color. Aft tillage the finer material h } Ren siedr suet eae levi aAchine Ge as concentrated in the subsurface layer. g é oarser material on the ; rae a red or reddish-brown loam or clay loam pee Gabe oe ea A re tees is exposed after the greater Hantot the washing removed, partly by wind erosion and partly by ickham loam is the most extensive il i . lo L terrace soil in cee Te 1s most typical along Roanoke River Ossie as ‘ and south of Bryantown. Small areas Mahara River. _Its general occurrence is in | wes once rane from flat to undul nous, together with low, flat ridges, and intervenj me depressions. Drainage is generally good oie eZ Hanae ate a ate Se above oo highest flood stage. pies ag Aen S sou is regarded as one of the strongest farmin lain Cae Practically all of it is under Gate gate sean Ih He < pai although some corn is grown on a few areas In O teres eck and the lower Roanoke River sections cotton has Beate on most fields continuously since the Civil War. A few sate hese occasionally devoted to soy beans, cowpeas, or clover aid eat oe all of which are grown for feed. Cotton produces ane eee Season, nearly 1 bale to the acre, the range bein; e an oe Te AA ies Drodies from 20 to 40 Beans veers . narily fertilized with from 600 MS aS Rd teas On eat a grade and two later a ae ot u pes quantities varying from 100 to 200 pounds to the The greater part of the Wickham 1 i p 0am is held ee = farmed by colored tenants. The years of oe ie a ean-cultivated crop has left the soil largely depleted r Dreae atter, ohne Hae a eel Ome to harden and bake Bion atear é improved by turning under oon and clover, and by liberal applicants Bain peda Ree 8 aoe green crops are turned under it is advisable to daly tne neat. pe se SS crops of rye, oats, and vetch, or crimson clover Santis one peers manure in the spring, and the usual crop of ont e = fea ws in the summer. The incorporation of organic matter Be ea plowing will result in increased yields of cotton with | =e fer ation. The soil will have less tendency to compact and rill Tore retentive of moisture and, at the same time Batic Ase ily WICKHAM FINE SANDY LOAM J n fine sandy lo i i depvhayatyane from 10 to 14 inches. The Tibi, ides ies se a BEN 2 50 inches, is yellowish-red friable clay which 5 detain by re ash Vell friable fine sandy clay or fine sandy load 3B th yar 0 fe se ON, eae Mig Mae auandiaes of finely divided wea 4 J c s the ace soil, ti i 5 to 8 inches, is reddish or brownish red, with eer a a, Para 37 SOIL SURVEY OF NORTHAMPTON COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA red, the color depending largely on the depth of plowing and the quantity of organic matter present. Wickham fine sandy loam occurs only in second-bottom or terrace areas along Roanoke and Meherrin Rivers. The largest area is south of Bryantown. The surface is prevailingly level or gently undulating. Drainage is good, and the soil lies well above overflows. All of this soil is under cultivation. Cotton, the principal crop, yields from one-third to 1 bale to the acre. Corn and peanuts are grown to a very small extent. Corn yields from 20 to 40 bushels and peanuts from 1,500 to 2,500 pounds to the acre. This soil is managed in the same manner as is Wickham loam. WICKHAM LOAMY SAND Wickham loamy sand consists of dark-brown loamy medium sand to a depth varying from 8 to 12 inches. This layer is underlain by brown or golden-brown slightly loamy sand which grades, at a depth of 20 or 24 inches, into loose, incoherent sand of a faintly reddish- yellow color. In cultivated areas the surface soil is light brownish- yellow, rather loose sand, owing to the leaching out of the organic matter. This soil occurs mainly in ridgelike areas lying next to the first- bottom lands along Roanoke and Meherrin Rivers. The largest areas are near Princeton, along Meherrin River. The surface is rolling or hummocky, and the soil, in general, occupies a higher position than the surrounding soils. Drainage is excellent, and percolation is excessive, owing to the openness and porosity of both surface soil and subsoil. Generally the soil is rather droughty. Wickham loamy sand is of small extent, but practically all of it is under cultivation. The chief crop is corn, although cotton is grown on a few areas, and near Princeton some peanuts are grown. Corn yields from 8 to 15 bushels, cotton from one-fourth to one-third bale, and peanuts from 600 to 1,000 pounds to the acre. This soil is managed much as is Wickham fine sandy loam and can be improved in the same way. CECIL FINE SANDY LOAM The surface soil of Cecil fine sandy loam is light yellowish-gray or brownish-yellow, heavy fine sandy loam to a depth of 6 or 8 inches. The upper layer of the subsoil is yellowish-red or very slightly mot- tled yellow and red, heavy, brittle fine sandy clay which grades, at a depth varying from 12 to 15 inches, into deep-red, stiff, brittle clay continuous to a depth varying from 40 to 60 inches. This grades into yellowish or grayish friable material or the partly decomposed rock. A few fine mica scales and coarse quartz sand grains are distributed throughout the subsoil. In a few places white quartz fragments appear on the surface, and in some places outcrops of the bedrock may be seen. Included with this soil in mapping are some spots of Cecil sandy loam. In cultivated fields the surface soil is reddish brown or grayish yellow. On the morerolling areas considerable of the surface material has been eroded, leaving clay loam. Cecil fine sandy loam occurs in the piedmont plateau section of the county, near the Warren County line. The largest area is west. BUREAU OF CHEMISTRY AND SOILS, 1925 of Tillars Chapel. The soil occu ; pies ridges and gentle slopes. The Surface is gently rolling or rolling. Owing to the porous surface and rolling relief the soil is well drained. Cecil fine sandy loam is well adapted to th farm crops, fruits, potatoes, and vegetables. sists largely of various oaks, hickory, dogwood, maple, and cedar. Abandoned fields h up in old-feld pine. The principal crops are cotto grains are produced to a small extent. Cotton yields generally average less t acre. Corn yields range from 10 to 25 b bushels. Cotton is generally fertilized with a 2-8-2 or a 3-9-3 mixture. Other crops are not given definite fertilization as a rule. Some rotation of crops is practiced. The s and deeper plowing. Land of this kind brin State of improvement. ushels, averaging about 14 gs from $20 to $50 an acre, depending on the CECIL CLAY LOAM Virgin Cecil clay loam has a brown or slightly reddish-brown loamy surface layer, underlain by reddish-brown, ) n, heavy clay loam which continues to a depth varying from 5 to 7 inches. © The subsoil of red, heavy, stiff but brittle clay extends d : : ownward to the parent soil material, which occurs at a depth varying from 30 to 50 or more In cultivated areas the surface soil is generally more shallow and redderin color. Mica flakes and quart; z sand grains are present in the subsoil in many places, and a few outcrops of the bedrock occur in places on the steeper slopes. Cecil clay loam occurs in the piedmont plateau section of the county west of the abandoned R Ik oanoke Railway. The largest area. is mapped along Jimmies Run and Double Branch. Smaller areas occur along Pea Hill Creek and Roanoke River. _ Areas of Cecil clay loam are prevailingly rolling or strongly roll- Ing and broken. Natural drainage over all of the soil is good or excessive. ; 2 Nearly half of the Cecil clay loam has at one time been cleared. and cultivated. At present probably one-third of it is under culti- vation. The forest growth consists of various oaks, pine, hickory dogwood, and, some maple, cedar, and locust. The principal crops are corn and cotton, but some wheat and rye a I re produced. Corn. yields from 10 to 25 bushels to the acre, cotton from one-fourth to. three-fourths bale, and wheat from 6 to 12 bushels. Potatoes, vege-. tables, and apples are produced for home use. Cotton is generally fertilized with from 400 to 600 pounds to the acre of a 2-8-2 or a 3-9-3 grade. Asa rule the other crops are not fertilized. The selling prices of Cecil clay loam Tange from $20 to $60 an acre,, the price de i This soil can be built up to a high state of productiveness by deeper plowing, liming, growing clover or other legumes, and by © production of general i Tuts About one-fourth of it. 1s under cultivation. The forest growth on the uncleared areas con- and shortleaf pine with scattered ave largely grown mandcorn. Small. 2 Vegetables, fruits, and. potatoes are grown for home consumption. han one-half bale to the- oil needs organic matter, lime, - és SOIL SURVEY OF NOBTHAMPTON COUNTY, NORTH CAaRoLIna 39 tating crops. The more rolling and broken areas can better be teat pasture land or left to grow up in pines. APPLING FINE SANDY LOAM In virgin areas the surface layer of Appling fine ee eee fine sandy loam from 1 to 3 inches thick. It is un a a4 Beene of 8 or § inches, by erayiabeyellow onyyallow: enue eR layer of the subsoil is yellow 1 Pa eee mone clay to a depth varying from M fo: 48 inches and the underlying layer consists of zat eee er aes ee ear} eat NaN i rt of the subs ; OD COL bus brittle alaMiiag Boiairanns ttling, but it is in no 6 he red and yellow mottling, : and not show distinctly t elem Mere a eet nN idedly red. Mottled gray, light-red, L paper ee at a depth Na from go ig 0 or mene inches, and i into the soft rock at a depth betw : this Soe may contain a large quantity of quartz Bald aed a ry on small areas of Durham fine sandy Ba aaa nme pa Appling fine sandy loam in mapping. This soil has aN PEG Bf eae ace soul and a yellows friable elev tubsot oe Som toes ham fine sandy loam are mapp ] Sen ote the Virginia State line. Small neludediexets ot Appling sandy joam do not differ appreciably in agricultura taepinedieos fine sandy loam occurs in the nor hws er CONNIE of tie f the old Roanoke Railway. The larg } equa Craiers OF School, extendine to the we lines sae is soi interstream c This soil occurs on the broad in a idene ene oa Tint to the stream courses. Therelief v be cereine Ree Tee places to strongly rolling. Baik mirfagepdrainaze and underdrainage are well sstaplishedt buts Sorin a Pie ane i mie places on the steeper slo Beek ae sariace soil of fine sandy clay texture and of spotted ? color. F : 20 maou see eae loam is Botan ea ee Mme a 13a c=] . n account of its small extent. ua aes cultivation, principally to sation and joa ae s sometimes grown are wheat, rye, oats, ¢ ome es ae ah garden vegetables, and some ie are aaa sh ote . The uncleared areas suppor ‘ 7 fare nated! pine, and some dogwood, persimmon, poplar and ? cenit: generally yields from one-third to sobs pale, fants SEF EOE Hee eee Pees yee ae application being ‘Jizers are generally used on cotton, oto Saands to the acre of a 3-8-3 or 3-9-3 ois | Lien eed, ‘ The current selling price of this land ranges io Meet tale ea the price asked depending largely on the state o sie ne wT his soil is deficient in organic matter, which can | e " PP eae plowing under such crops as ae pars cow bebe c ied ae i lso be practiced. e so ae ee unary ( egetables, peaches, and o i tton, clover, potatoes, veg: es, es ane sections of the State, it is considered one of the best bright-leaf tobacco soils. 40 BUREAU OF CHEMISTRY AND SOILS, 1925 GEORGEVILLE SILTY CLAY LOAM In Georgeville silty clay loam there is no sharp line of demarcation between the topsoil and subsoil. The l-inch or 2-inch surface layer is brown -silt loam and is underlain, to a depth varying from 5 to 9 inches, by a layer of salmon-colored, reddish-brown, or light-red silty clay loam. The subsoil is very dark-red or maroon-red heavy silty clay, continuous to a depth varying from 15 to 100 inches, where the partly weathered soft slate from which the soil is derived occurs. This rock material is mottled light red and yellow or streaked light gray, yellow, and purplish red. When moist both surface soil and subsoil have a slight purplish cast. This is not a uniform soil. In a few places fragments of slate are scattered over the surface, and some outcrops of this rock are seen. On the less rolling areas the soil has weathered deeply, whereas along the steeper slopes adjacent to Roanoke River numerous outcrops of slate and bowlders occur. These stony areas are shown by stone symbols on the soil map. Georgeville silty clay loam occurs in the northwestern corner of the county along Roanoke River and some of its tributaries. The relief is rolling or very steep and broken. Drainage is well estab- lished and on the steeper slopes is excessive, resulting in badly eroded areas. : The forest growth on Georgeville silty clay loam consists of various oaks, hickory, poplar, elm, sycamore, shortleaf pine, dogwood, and cedar. Some of the cleared areas are in pasture. Only a very small percentage of the soil is cultivated. The principal crops are corn and cotton. : This is an unimportant soil on account of its small extent and broken surface. The greater part of it should be utilized as pasture land or allowed to grow up in pines. It is generally sold with the other soils of the farm. BRADLEY SANDY LOAM The surface layer of virgin Bradley sandy loam consists of gray loamy sand 2 or 3 inches thick. This is underlain by yellowish-gray or light-gray sandy loam which continues to a depth varying from 8 to 30 inches. In a few places a third layer, consisting of moderately heavy, friable reddish-yellow sandy loam, continues to a depth vary- ing from 18 to 30 inches. The subsoil is red, moderately stiff but brittle clay, which commonly contains more or less finely divided mica and a small percentage of angular quartz sand. In a few areas the silty clay subsoil is maroon red or purplish red. Partly weath- ered parent material occurs at a depth varying from 40 to 60 or more inches. The underlying rocks are granite, gneiss, schist, and slate. A small quantity of rounded quartz gravel or coarse sand is present in the soil in a few places. : The Bradley series represents an overlapping of the sandy coastal- plain material on the residual clays of the piedmont plateau. It Tepresents a soil condition rather than definitely well-developed soil types. The subsoil of Bradley sandy loam belongs largely to the Cecil series, in which a few small areas of Georgeville silty clay loam occur. The surface soi] belongs to the Norfolk series. On the steeper slopes a part of the surface covering of sand has been eroded, leaving the red clay subsoil exposed in a few places. In cultivated SOIL SURVEY OF NORTHAMPTON COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA 41 lor of the surface soil ranges from gray through yellowish Loe eT red, depending largely on the thickness of the soil and t th of plowing. arr loan ie in small areas from the extreme kee western corner of the county eastward to the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad. A large percentage of the soil occupies slopes to oe and has a decidedly rolling or hilly surface. Farther back from the streams, the surface is undulating or gently rolling. Drainage is very cessive. es we ae of its small extent and generally broken surface, Brad- ley sandy loam is not important in the agriculture of lao ei Probably about 15 per cent of it is under cultivation. T : cree growth consists of oaks, pine, hickory, and some dogwood, pop nae an cedar. Cotton and corn are the principal crops. Cotton yie f oon one-fourth to one-half bale to the acre and corn from 10 to oe aS els. Cotton is given the same fertilizer treatment as on the Cec ce es This soil can be improved by the methods suggested for Appling fine sandy loam. It 1s valued between $10 and $50 an gene 5 afl Bradley sandy loam, gravelly phase.—The gravelly phase oe He ey sandy loam is separated from the typical soil on the basis e t. - con- tent of gravel. In the gravelly phase the surface is thic ys ae with water-rounded quartz gravel varying in diameter from fhe o iP peato2or3inches. Varying quantities of gravel are present t roUE out the soil. In a few places angular quartz fragments ont aa e surface and throughout the soil. This phase of Bradley Bat y ae varies more in thickness than the typical soil. Generally the su pee mantle of sandy soil is deeper on the phase, ranging from 20 to inches. : ; eravelly phase of Bradley sandy loam occurs in. close associa- dae oe the aera soil. The largest areas are south of a ac Church and east of Camp Store. About 20 per cent of the i is under cultivation, but the quantity of gravel present in some p os greatly interferes with cultivation. Abandoned areas are covere with second-growth pine. The areas are rolling or steep, but erosion is not excessive, owing to the great quantity of gravel present through- soil. adit ote soilis generally too gravelly for successful cultivation om nae best be utilized for forest lands. The forest trees consist mostly o ~ oak, pine, hickory, and some beech, black gum, dogwood, and cedar. i lal i i -building ‘he soil material is considered very valuable for road. g veers and quantities have been used locally with much success. CHESTERFIELD SANDY LOAM irgin areas, the 2-inch or 3-inch surface layer of Chesterfield dea e consists of gray loamy sand or loose sandy loam. Bis is underlain by pale grayish-yellow loamy sand or sandy loam whic! continues to a depth varying from 10 to 20 inches. Underlying ps there is in some places another layer which consists of yellow Bon y loam and extends to a depth ranging from 18 to 24 inches. The subsoil is yellow, rather heavy but friable clay to » depth between eal and 30 inches and is underlain. by yellowish-red or mottled red Bad yellow friable clay. The mottled yellow and red, friable disintegrate and partly decomposed parent rock occurs below a depth varying 42 BUREAU OF CHEMISTRY AND SOILS, 1925 from 30 to 60 or more inches. and schist. A small quantity sand is present in the soil in a few places. like the Bradley, represent an overlapping of the coa residual] piedmont plateau, and are a soil conditio soil types. In the Chesterfield soils, ham and Appling series, and the surf; Chesterfield sandy loam occurs al county near the Virginia State line to Bethany School and Gum Forks. Beaverpond Creek and Jacks Swamp. The soil occupies smooth ridges and slopes to stream courses. Drainage is well established. gricultural soil in Northam The current selling price of Chesterfield sandy loam ranges from $5 to $60 an acre, depending on the location and character of the timber or improvements. ALTAVISTA FINE SANDY LOAM clay or silty clay containing a small quantity of fine mica particles. This grades, at a depth ranging from 18 to 26 inches, into ocherous- yellow, mottled with light-gray, heavy, sticky very fine sandy clay. In cultivated areas the surface soil is very light-cray fine sandy loam to a depth varying from 4 to 8 inches, Altavista fine sandy loam, as mapped in this county, includes a few small areas of Wickham fine sandy loam, Roanoke very fine sandy loam, and Wickham loam. These areas were too small to be shown Separately on the soil map. The most important areas of Altavista fine sandy loam occur along Mebherrin River at Rogers, east of Margaretsville. Several small areas are mapped along both Meherrin and Roanoke Rivers. The soil mainly occupies flat or gently undulating Positions, somewhat lower than the associated Wickham soils. Some of the smaller areas occur in basinlike dépressions. i e lack of surface relief and to the heavy texture and compact struct ure of the surface soil and sub- soil, natural drainage is not so well established as on the Wickham sous, : On account of its comparatively small extent this is not an impor- tant agricultural soil in Northampton County. Probably 40 per cent of it is cultivated. A rather large part of the uncultivated areas is cut-over land. The timber trees include pine, oak, sweet gum, hickory, elm, and other hardwoods. Corn, cotton, and peanuts are grown, devoted to rye, oats, and crimson clover. fourth to one-half bale to the acre, and some small areas are Cotton yields from one- Peanuts from 600 to 1,200 This rock consists of gneiss, granite of rounded quartz gravel or coarse The Chesterfield soils, Stal plain on the n rather than distinct the subsoil belongs to the Dur- ace soil belongs to the Norfolk. ong the northern border of the from Concord Church westward The largest areas are along OLINA 43 SOYL SURVEY OF NORTHAMPTON COUNTY, NORTH CAROLID land is given from from 10 to 25 bushels. Cotton g pl perce to the acre of a hom Ee are t aoa wee 8 4 2-8- , and peanuts from 5 , 0 a ‘i sige pete red tee ey penine Practically all of the farming of lime g i il i colored tenants. _ : i er oor Oe soil requires ditching before it cn re eat ie ee ean Along Meherrin River the soil is su ia doaeuee ee Seas very high water. On account of the rather poor, are ae ete consistence, the soil has a rence i pear aa n Uf iti j too soon after rains. t Oe aa neee of vegetable matter, by deeper plowing, and by liberal applications of lime. ALTAVISTA FINE SAND i i Li light-gray loose 1 of Altavista fine sand is gray or lg 0 See ies satin between 8 and a inghes where th Seance incoherent fine sand which contin Fee 8 Tellow adore ze? The underlying material is mottled yellow or lope sae ‘ ded areas the surface l-inch or ii sandy clay. In wooded ar t Mae very little vegetable matter and is darker gray 23 ah occupies islandlike mounds, low ridges, pee EN the terraces along Meherrin River, mai fe at nen These a as are small and have all been under ¢ ane aan es aaaother! At present the greater part of the ee i ex pee ine fel d pine. Corn and cotton are grown on - Pe ears nae visits ‘are low. ‘This is one of the least important so ‘yi . Tt should remain in forest. ROANOKE VERY FINE SANDY LOAM ; i 2-inch surface layer fine sandy loam has a 1-inch or an Borgen Melee fine sandy loam. ‘This is pnderlain, ee mute of Bor 8 inches, by sarees, Bey See ea cr about 10 and j ellow. 6 subsoil, be : see scteealls consists of an upper layer, a a Res a ee SF drab-eray, tough, plastic clay, mott. sane ae coma ‘ a . lower layer of mottled gray and yellowish- rome ¥ y tous . ise ious, plastic clay. In a few places red mottles peront 2 te pete art of the subsoil. Generally a thin layer on eens ne pet from surface soil to subsoil. This comonty caren vai SELES ay heavy, very fine sandy clay, whic esc aeiaeeene che vine froma ’8 to 12 inches below the surface. n ee yin silty aabeen ag mottled SERRE Ey aes EEG Ero Sy alone hat ape i terial which is somewhat ¢ 2 : pe ea eee il i nerally yellowish-gray or j the surface soil is ge ‘ 4 Rel ee ayiver? fine sandy loam, the color yar Te ae quantity aad Cale Cael ees Hora cules in j how a motile a b red plowing eee Ta bsoil, on exposure and drying, becomes hard, beh a nee ee Fa aie pan color. In places it has © , anya ere 1 all areas on the terraces fine sandy loam occurs in sm: on t] of See ace Rice and in small areas along the Meherrin River. The 44 BUREAU OF CHEMISTRY AND SOILS, 1925 largest areas are mapped around Roanoke Chapel and west of flat, or very slightly undulating depressions in the terraces and generally lies adjacent to the upland. is generally a very short slope. Owing to the lack of relief and. ore poorly ce for some. Bryantown. The soil occupies low, Where the soil approaches drainage channels there rather abrupt but the imperviousness of the subsoil, thisis one of the m drained soils in the county, and water remains on the surfa time after rains. Only a very small part of the Roanoke y cultivation. Most of it is cut-over land. with white oak, water oak, willow o gum, maple, ash, elm, and hickory. soil is low, and it is regarded as best ad purposes. Good drainage is difficult to obtain over practically all areas. otton and corn are grown on a few small fields near Roanoke Chapel and along Meherrin River. the Wickham soils, and in wet seasons the crops have a tendency to Some of the cut-over areas are utilized as pastures. The remainder is forested ROANOKE SILT Loam The surface layer of Roanoke silt loam is gray or very dark-gray silt loam, to a depth varying from 2 to 4 inches. This grades into brownish-eray heavy silt loam which continues to a depth of 8 or 10 inches. The subsoil is drab-sray, plastic, impervious, silty clay mottled with brown or brownish yellow. It grades, at a depth of 20: or 30 inches, into mottled gray and brown, somewhat loose and friable sandy clay material. This soil occurs in a few spots in the lowest depressions on the terraces along Roanoke and Meherrin Rivers. It is more poorly drained than any soil in the county, except the first-bottom soils. Most of it has been cleared but abandoned, and it is now grown up in coarse grasses, reeds, and alder bushes. Locally such areas are used as pastures for cattle and hogs. The land should be used for pasturage or forestry purposes. KALMIA FINE SANDY Loam Kalmia fine sandy loam is not a uniform soil, there being consider™ able variation in the surface soil and subsoil. In typical areas, the l-inch or 2-inch surface layer is light-gray fine sandy loam. This is underlain, to a depth ranging from 8 to 12 inches, by pale grayish- yellow fine sandy loam. The subsoil is yellow, friable, fine sandy clay underlain, at a depth between 28 and 35 inches, by mottled light- gray and brownish-yellow, rather heavy, slightly sticky fine sandy clay. Locally the subsoil may lie within 2 or 3 inches of the surface,; or It may be from 18 to 24 inches below the Surface. In some places: the surface soil is dark-gray very fine sandy loam to a depth of 4 or 5 inches. Kalmia fine sandy loam occurs on the terraces or second bottoms along Kirbys and Potecasi Creeks. These terraces consist of coastal- plain material which has been redeposited by the streams. The argest areas mapped are north of Worrell Mill. The surface ranges from nearly lev if to gently undulating, with a somewhat pronounced ery fine sandy loam is under ak, post oak, tupelo gum, sweet. The agricultural value of the apted to forestry and pasturage The yields are lower than on TENVAUEEEES) SOIL SURVEY OF NORTHAMPTON COUNTY, NORTH CAROL to the swamp or first-bottom areas. The general fey ee eeect oe At bove the stream ranges from a few feet a Pnnaonaa ae ee canes on which it occurs lie well above ea om ie The ter ve, and their position tends to give the so: ge Ee suanoeee ee Aiea i sandy loam is of small paces ae is ch egies Nise 3 i iculture of the county. ae little importance in the agric isting largely of pine, beech, birch, vas d, the growth consisting larg ae gee bibl eaten scattered dogwood and pony Salle peanuts, garden vesetaples, palaces, fe Bae earth oF Worrell Pe d own on the cultivate a tad at Dae aaa yields By ocaee arent ane amet bana ae ia ese ils belonging to the Norfolk an : = By, Cae eee por atebc to the acre, corn rome A Senna pote uts from 1,000 to 2,400 pounds, This ie ieee he aan HERPES about the same manner as Norfolk fine Soares ofthis fonsilize = sives the results of mechanical analyses 0 ea pe Kalmus oan ial SAE soil, and two layers of the subs 8 2 fine sandy loam. Tanun 5.—Mechanical analysis of Kalmia fine sandy loam | | Fine | Coarse [Medium deine |vary ane Silt | Clay Description gravel | sand sand | san | \ Per cent | Per cent | Per cent| Per cent ae Per Gi Perc : : ber : , 0.7} 21.6 1, 0 to 2 inches_--.. 0.2 43. Sac soil, 2 to 10 inches. -2| é, : 40.7 ars Subsoil, 10 to 34 inches_----_- 4 ; : Subsoil, 34 to 52 inches___---- 4 KALMIA FINE SAND + i i f light-gray fine r of Kalmia fine sand consists 0 g tae ot te ween thick. This i gph a 49 a ape 1a oF i -yellow, loose, mellow corey 5 f 1S aca, By ee etn in t fine sand which grades, a h-yellow loose, incoheren i 4 weer als aint sat mottled light-gray and yellow ae sneered SRLaa "Phere is considerable variation in the color material. : all ‘ an He a eer a of this soil occur along Kirbys Creek, the 0. icini i 1 mile south of ing in the vicinity of the mill about Beacon Fee cally all of the soil has been Seed ee pee boon abuadoned ore ae Fon'of bs % Rede fine shad ‘occupies roduction of corn. c hela oa are pains of Kalmia fine sandy loam. It has low cenenlearel value and should remain in forest. MYATT FINE SANDY LOAM i is dark-gray or almost il of Myatt fine sandy loam 1s or hee reece. #0 loam to a depth varying from 3 tes 7 inches, nner plage eee by light-gray pr almost mgnite wine sai dy pale Led ightly mottled in places wit : ° fne.nendy oot seu ht: heavy, plastic fine sandy clay. In inmottled ye ear a an be light gray. The soil is found i fey places ae ee and Poteeas! Creeks. It is reworked and ins! 46 BUREAU OF CHEMISTRY AND SOILS, 1925 redeposited coastal-plain material and occupies low, poorly drained areas on the terraces. None of this gs land. The fores gum, tupelo gum undergrowth limed, this so oil is cultivated, and t growth consists prin il is used in other countie; It is best suited to forestry i n Northampton County. CONGAREE FINE SANDY LOAM Congaree fine sandy loam consists of material, from 10 to 14 inches thick, ght reddish-brown or yellowish- planted to corn to the acre. water. CONGAREE SILTY CLAY LOAM Congaree silty clay loam consists of reddish-brown silty clay loam which continues to a depth ranging from 6 to 20 feet with no appreci- able change in color, texture, or structure. This is the most uniform soil in the county. ongaree silty clay loam occurs in the first bottoms of Roanoke Meherrin Rivers and in one small area on Beaverpond Creek. rface is flat or level, with a very gentle slope toward the stream i i Meherrin River the soil lies only a few feet above the normal wate er level and is inundated after practically every rain. Roanoke R iver has a much deeper channel, and the first bottoms aré not ove rflowed except during periods of high water. In a normal season Roanoke L River does not overflow All of this soil, however, requires arti- Floodgates prevented water high water. Years ago in milarly reclaimed by State- ongaree silty clay loam is inherently the m the county, but on account of its Susceptibility to overflow only a very small part of it’ is under cultivation. Original forest consists of mixed hardwoods, principally maple, ash, elm, water willow, white the greater part is cut-over cipally of sweet gum, black , Shortleaf pine, white and post oak, holly, and an of gall berry bushes and briers. When drained and 8 for the production of corn brownish or reddish-brown. underlain, to a depth of 50 brown fine sandy C. ina 47 SURVEY OF NORTHAMPTON COUNTY, NORTH CAROLi SOIL ¢ gum, and black gum, ost oak, tupelo gum, sweet gum, lalioine gah ted Bae Rolle and buckeye. Some se a Aes ea ee are ‘also found. At one time a . : 2 lee forest of valuable nero ae Nouet aahic slab wth soi ssheoasiicr een aka 78 bushels to the acre, RiGee, Seine a eae No fertilizer is cote coe Uae f 40 bushels in a normal season. that are Wig ate sea erow luxuriantly on the cleared areas used.) Wald grass ee reas are utilized as pastures. 5 d some of these are fa@orinaxee 'sil6y not cultivated; am heaviness and compactness 0 g ; in — mare okt animals and heavy plows are necessary Clay 10 ? 3 pr eparing the . breaking can not be done unless e 4 h seed bed Good i th it i er the field several hs ist, and it is necessary to go ov ; are ie ye Lees ioe to break up the Seo aee ee hich, Hf imes wi : wast nes I ra e to throw up ri a it & ue eee es Generally two or three cultivations a oa dollars oTh ens es Congaree silty clay loam ranges from a few ev ore. an acre to $50 or m MEADOW epresents a classification of material pric e dees nya sung 20 Ta aah 0 a dee oar to Peenendy loam and sand and in color from black to “Nee ies wet ne Cee i ttoms and is subjec sey ie ae estore oo the mendouae paar cattle during the summer and early fall. SwAMP : ; : ‘ail includes stream-bottom areas in wy teh a aa ae ile much in texture, structs end GOO ae ranges in texture VETS F d e surface n ran be made. J Taciioamand type separation cn fine sand and loam to silt loam or clay he from sand throug through dark gray and brown to black. in color from light a, fr sandy clay, silt clay, or clay, with ranges Vaearomeadi oe tled gray subsoil may be sand, bne led eray and yellow to mottled gray 5 hrough mottle gray Tommeaover in color from gray t jaces the soil is black, mucky loam ) and brown. in many P Ter streams much of the swamp is . k. On the smaller i i sag Sa sand ith J oa yt eT i 1 . . the first bottoms alon Tee gone Swamp occurs 1n F 5 lateau. New materia the piedmont plate v s a aoe oeaated by P56 washing un of See atematen tnually ‘by hich water, and y decayin t ORNS epee Seanad than meadow and remains saturated rene ed with water the greater part of the year. ee ay °F Swan bias cular zs eee eon scattered hard- k, and cypress, toge ¢ if ene "The Tne pice depends largely on the quantity and quality woods. of the timber growth. 48 BUREAU OF CHEMISTRY AND SOILS, 1925 SUMMARY Northampton County is in the northeastern part of North Carolina along the Virginia State line. The relief ranges from level in the southern part, throug ing j to hilly in the extreme western part. Drainag 1 northern part is generall is very good or excessive, Railway facilities are very good. The State highways are main- tained in an excellent condition, but the average county roads are poor. The county is well settled, there being no extensive uninhabited areas. There are no large towns. farms in the county and Only a very little hay and other feed are produced. Norfolk and Suffolk are the cotton and peanut markets. : r coastal plain to the finer-textured and heavier soils of the flatwoods and river terraces. Thirty-six soil types, six phases, and two miscellaneous classes of soil material, meadow and Swamp, were mapped. The principal agricultural soils are Norfolk fine sandy loam, Marl- boro fine sandy loam, Marlboro very fi loam, Orangeburg sandy loam, Greenville fine dy | fine sandy loam, m, Lufkin very Matter can best be supplied by manure crops, especially legumes. O or . Ca Ht og ON ee Ve — 2 NAW