The following is a map unit description from the "Soil Survey of Norfolk and Suffolk Counties, Massachusetts (Peragallo, 1989)"
WrA-Woodbridge fine sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes. This is a very deep, moderately well drained, nearly level soil on tops of hills and in low areas within uplands. Areas of the soil are oval and range from 6 to 150 acres.
Typically, the surface layer is very dark gray fine sandy loam about 8 inches thick. The subsoil is mottled very fine sandy loam about 18 inches thick. It is light olive brown in the upper part and light yellowish brown in the lower part. The substratum is very firm, mottled, grayish brown loam to a depth of 60 inches or more.
Included with this soil in mapping are small areas of Paxton soils on subtle rises in the landscape, Ridgebury soils in depressions and low areas, and Scituate soils in positions on the landscape similar to those of the Woodbridge soil. Also included are areas that have bedrock within 48 inches, areas where topsoil has been removed, and areas where stones cover 1 to 15 percent of the surface. Included soils make up about 15 percent of the map unit.
Soil properties:Permeability: Moderate in the surface layer and the subsoil and slow or very slow in the substratum. Available water capacity: Moderate.
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 2.5 feet.
Hydrologic group: C.
Most areas of this soil are woodland. Some areas have been developed as individual homesites. A few areas are cropland or pastureland.
This soil is well suited to cultivated crops and pasture. The perched seasonal high water table generally delays planting in spring or harvesting in fall. Drainage is needed for best crop growth and the most efficient use of machinery. The firm, compact substratum increases the difficulty of installing effective drainage systems. Cover crops and crop rotations help to reduce runoff and to control erosion. Proper stocking rates, timely grazing, and restricted grazing during wet periods help to maintain desirable pasture plant species.
Potential productivity for eastern white pine on this soil is high. The soil is easily managed for woodland use. The high productivity of the soil justifies intensive management for either hardwoods or conifers. Plant competition at regeneration is moderate if conifers are grown. Thinning crowded stands to accepted, standard stocking levels allows more vigorous growth. 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. Pruning helps to improve the quality of white pine.
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 water away from buildings and the use of sump pumps in basements also protect the interior from damage by the seasonal high water table. Constructing roads on well compacted, coarse textured base material helps to protect the pavement from damage by frost action.
The seasonal high water table and slow or very slow permeability are the main limitations to use of the soil as sites for septic tank absorption fields. Placing distribution lines in a mound of more suitable fill material helps to overcome these limitations.
Back to the Norfolk/Suffolk Home Page
