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Paxton series: the state soil of Massachusetts
Title
Paxton series: the state soil of Massachusetts.
Name/Creator
Deitsch, Adam Michael
Abstract/Description
A United States Commonwealth located around 42.4°N and 71.4°W, Massachusetts is an area still rebounding from the last glacial retreat. Its official state soil is the Paxton series, which covers approximately 816,626 acres in the New England area, and accounts for approximately 7.5% of the land in the commonwealth. Paxton is formed around dense glacial till, comprised of eroded and compacted gneiss, granite, and schist. Typically found around convex slopes such as drumlins and ground moraines...
Show moreA United States Commonwealth located around 42.4°N and 71.4°W, Massachusetts is an area still rebounding from the last glacial retreat. Its official state soil is the Paxton series, which covers approximately 816,626 acres in the New England area, and accounts for approximately 7.5% of the land in the commonwealth. Paxton is formed around dense glacial till, comprised of eroded and compacted gneiss, granite, and schist. Typically found around convex slopes such as drumlins and ground moraines, it is notably absent in the Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, and Nantucket areas. Classified as coarse-loamy, mixed, active, mesic Oxyaquic Dystrudepts, the series is of relatively young development and falls under the order of Inceptisols. Texture of Paxton soils range from fine, sandy loam to coarser loam as they approach the lowest horizon. The soil is mostly sand with a small portion of silt and clay. A pedon will usually have 4 horizons (Ap, Bw1, Bw2, Cd), though some have more. All horizons are acidic and increase in gravel content with depth. The soil’s characteristics make it viable for uses including cultivation, light construction, and pastureland. Limitations can be correlated to some of the qualities that make them suitable for prime farmland. High holding capacity can generate seasonal perched water tables, and while this can be beneficial for agricultural purposes, it can also increase erosion and lead to anaerobic conditions. Frost expansion from harsh winters can also cause structural damage to housing projects, roadways, and septic systems. Conservation and management issues are related to loss of farmland and forested land. Thousands of acres have been lost to development of solar farms, and future solar needs could destroy significantly more land. While some areas implement dual uses—farming beneath solar panels—there is uncertainty about long-term effects on soil health and arability.
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Date Issued
2021-04-21
Identifier
BC3351
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/broward/fd/BC3351
Delaware state soil - Greenwich
Title
Delaware state soil - Greenwich.
Name/Creator
Gazdick, Kaitlin
Abstract/Description
The predominate soil order in Delaware is Ultisols. They are located in mostly humid, temperate, and tropical areas that are in older and more stable parts of the world. An accumulation of clay can be found on the top layer. They consist of weathered, acid forest soils, low in calcium, magnesium, and potassium. These elements are present in soil as ions forming cation exchange capacity that is often reduced due to leaching and take up 9.2 percent of the total United States land area. The...
Show moreThe predominate soil order in Delaware is Ultisols. They are located in mostly humid, temperate, and tropical areas that are in older and more stable parts of the world. An accumulation of clay can be found on the top layer. They consist of weathered, acid forest soils, low in calcium, magnesium, and potassium. These elements are present in soil as ions forming cation exchange capacity that is often reduced due to leaching and take up 9.2 percent of the total United States land area. The state soil of Delaware is Greenwich, and it is the most significant and prevalent soil in the state. Greenwich is located on uplands of the coastal plain and consists of 123,000+ acres and takes up 9.4 percent of land in Delaware. The parent material is sandy alluvial sediments, transported by water, from the Atlantic Coastal Plain overlain with deposits high silt bothwind-blown, and water transported sediment. The warm humid climate in which Greenwich developed, causes leaching due to abundant rainfall. Leaves, twigs, roots, and other plant material on the surface of pine forests degrade into the soil. The soil horizon is described as having a topsoil of brown loam that is 10 inches thick brown loam. The upper subsoil is strong brown loam, and the lower subsoil is yellowish brown sandy loam. The substratum is yellowish brown coarse sand stratified with dark yellowish brown loamy sand. Greenwich is a productive soil used for crops such as vegetables and forest products. It is also often used for construction and recreational development.
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Date Issued
2021-04-21
Identifier
BC3352
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/broward/fd/BC3352