Soil Map Unit Description from the Soil Survey of Rhode Island

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Wa—Walpole sandy loam.

This nearly level, poorly drained soil is in depressions and small drainageways of terraces and outwash plains. Areas are irregular in shape and range mostly from 2 to 70 acres.

Typically the surface layer is very dark brown sandy loam about 7 inches thick. The subsoil is light brownish gray, mottled sandy loam 12 inches thick. The substratum is dark yellowish brown and grayish brown, mottled gravelly sand to a depth of 60 inches or more.

Included with this soil in mapping are small areas of moderately well drained Sudbury soils and very poorly drained Scarboro soils. Also included are a few small areas with a surface layer of silt loam. Included areas make up about 10 percent of this map unit.

The permeability of this soil is moderately rapid in the surface layer and subsoil and rapid or very rapid in the substratum. Available water capacity is moderate, and runoff is slow. This soil has a seasonal high water table at a depth of about 6 inches from late fall through midspring. The soil is very strongly acid through medium acid.

Most areas of this soil are in woodland. Some small areas are cleared and used for pasture or wildlife habitat.

The seasonal high water table makes the soil poorly suited to community development. Onsite septic systems need special design and installation, and areas require extensive filling. Slopes of excavated areas are commonly unstable. Roads and streets need careful design to prevent frost heaving.

This soil is suited to trees. The main limitation for woodland is wetness, and tree windthrow is common.

The soil is suited to cultivated crops but is limited by the high water table. Artificial drainage is needed. The use of cover crops and the return of crop residue to the soil help to maintain tilth and organic matter content.

The soil is suited to most types of wildlife habitat. Capability subclass IIIw; woodland group 4w.

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