Soil Survey of Lincoln County, West Virginia - Soil Data Mart - US ...

Soil Survey of Lincoln County, West Virginia
Slope class: Steep
Stoniness: 1 to 3 percent of the surface covered by stones
Rockiness: None
Natural fertility: Medium
Reaction: In unlimed areas, extremely acid to moderately acid throughout
Organic matter content in the surface layer: Moderate
Surface runoff: High
Depth to bedrock: 20 to 40 inches
Inclusions
Limiting inclusions:
Shallow soils
Wharton soils
Soils that have more clay in the subsoil and are moderately well drained
Use and Management
Uses: Most areas of this map unit are used as woodland. Some areas have been
cleared and are used as hayland or pasture.
Cropland
Suitability: Unsuited
Management considerations:
The steepness of slope, a severe hazard of erosion, and the stones on the soil
surface are the major management concerns.
Crop rotations that include grasses and legumes or small grain, a system of
conservation tillage, cover crops and green manure crops, and crop residue
management help to prevent excessive erosion and to maintain fertility and tilth.
Removal of surface stones reduces equipment wear and helps to increase crop
yields.
Pasture and Hayland
Suitability: Unsuited to hay; suited to pasture
Management considerations:
The surface stones interfere with the operation of harvesting equipment in areas of
hayland.
Erosion is a severe hazard if the sod is removed by overgrazing.
Proper stocking rates, a planned grazing system, and deferred grazing during wet
periods help to keep the pasture in good condition.
Woodland
Potential productivity: Moderate
Management considerations:
Seedling mortality caused by droughtiness, plant competition, and the severe
erosion hazard are management concerns.
Because of the stoniness, machine planting is not practical in areas of this map
unit.
Mulching seedlings, when practical, and using north-facing slopes for plantations,
where possible, reduce the seedling mortality rate.
Exposing the soil immediately prior to the production of a seed crop or prior to
artificial seeding can help desirable tree seedlings to become established quickly
and to compete better with undesirable vegetation.
The hazard of erosion can be minimized by building logging roads and trails on the
contour; seeding roads, landings, and areas that have been cut and filled to
perennial grasses and legumes; and installing water bars and culverts.
Because of stones at the surface, wheeled skidders with high clearance should be
operated at a reduced speed over carefully chosen routes.
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