The following is a map unit description from the "Soil Survey of Norfolk and Suffolk Counties, Massachusetts (Peragallo, 1989)"
DeA-Deerfield loamy sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes. This is a nearly level, moderately well drained soil on deltas and in depressions on terraces. Areas of the soil are irregular in shape and range from 6 to 60 acres.
Typically, the surface layer is very dark grayish brown sandy loam about 11 inches thick. The subsoil is mottled and about 24 inches thick. It is dark yellowish brown loamy sand in the upper part and olive yellow loamy sand in the lower part. The substratum is mottled, yellowish brown sand to a depth of 60 inches or more. In many areas the surface layer is thinner and sandier.
Included with this soil in mapping are some small areas of Sudbury, Walpole, and Windsor soils in positions on the landscape similar to those of the Deerfield soil. These soils make up about 10 percent of the map unit.
Soil properties:Permeability: Rapid or very rapid throughout.
Available water capacity: Low.
Soil reaction: Very strongly acid to moderately acid
throughout.
Depth to bedrock: More than 60 inches.
Depth to the seasonal high water table: 1.5 to 3.0 feet
below the surface.
Hydrologic group: B.
Most areas of this soil are woodland. A few small areas are used for commercial and industrial development.
This soil is suited to cultivated crops. The seasonal high water table delays farming in spring and limits root growth. Irrigating the soil during dry periods is needed for best crop growth. The soil is limited in its use for hay and pasture. The restricted root system and droughtiness in summer lower crop yields. The main management concern is preventing overgrazing, particularly during droughty periods, which reduces the hardiness and density of desirable plants. Proper stocking rates, timely grazing, and restricted grazing during droughty periods help to maintain plant densities.
Potential productivity for eastern white pine on this soil is high. Seedling mortality is moderate because of moisture stress caused by droughtiness. Minimizing disturbance of the soil, retaining the sponge-like mulch of leaves, and designing regeneration cuts to optimize shade and reduce evapotranspiration help to retain the limited soil moisture. Thinning crowded stands to accepted standard stocking levels allows more vigorous growth. In thinning operations it is important to remove diseased, poorly formed, and otherwise undesirable trees. Shelterwood cutting, seed-tree cutting, and clearcutting help to establish natural regeneration or to provide suitable planting sites. Removing or controlling competing vegetation allows best growth of newly established seedlings.
Constructing buildings without basements, above the seasonal high water table, helps to protect the interior from damage by the seasonal high water table. Tile drains around foundations help to lower the seasonal high water table. Landscaping designed to drain surface runoff away from buildings also helps to protect the interior from damage by the seasonal high water table. Constructing roads on raised, coarse textured base material and providing adequate side ditches and culverts help to protect pavement from damage by the seasonal high water table and potential frost action.
If the soil is used as sites for septic tank absorption fields. ground water pollution is a hazard. Because of rapid or very rapid permeability, the soil readily absorbs but does not adequately filter the effluent. Placing distribution lines in a mound of more suitable fill material helps to overcome the limitation of the seasonal high water table.
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