Soil Survey of Murray and Whitfield Counties, Georgia

Murray and Whitfield Counties, Georgia 139
obtain high yields of legumes and other crops that grow best on nearly neutral soils.
On all soils, additions of lime and fertilizer should be based on the results of soil
testing, on the needs of the crop, and on the desired level of yields. The Cooperative
Extension Service can help in determining the kinds and amounts of fertilizer and lime
to be applied.
Soil tilth affects the germination of seeds and the infiltration of water into the soil.
Soils that have good tilth are granular and porous. Many of the soils used for crops in
Murray and Whitfield Counties have a surface layer that is low in organic matter. Tilth
generally is good, but it has deteriorated in areas where the soil has eroded and the
subsoil is exposed. Regular additions of crop residue, manure, and other organic
material help to maintain or improve tilth.
Some of the more common crops that are suited to the soils and the climate of the
survey area are corn, soybeans, grain sorghum, and wheat. Improved bermudagrass
and tall fescue are common pasture grasses that grow well on moderately well
drained, loamy or clayey soils. Somewhat poorly drained soils, which are seasonally
wet, are best suited to tall fescue.
The latest information about growing specialty crops can be obtained from local offices
of the Cooperative Extension Service and the Natural Resources Conservation Service.
Yields per Acre
The average yields per acre that can be expected of the principal crops under a
high level of management are shown in the table “Nonirrigated Yields by Map Unit
Component.” In any given year, yields may be higher or lower than those indicated in
the table because of variations in rainfall and other climatic factors. The land capability
classification of map units in the survey area also is shown in the table.
The yields are based mainly on the experience and records of farmers,
conservationists, and extension agents. Available yield data from nearby counties and
results of field trials and demonstrations also are considered.
The management needed to obtain the indicated yields of the various crops
depends on the kind of soil and the crop. Management can include drainage, erosion
control, and protection from flooding; the proper planting and seeding rates; suitable
high-yielding crop varieties; appropriate and timely tillage; control of weeds, plant
diseases, and harmful insects; favorable soil reaction and optimum levels of nitrogen,
phosphorus, potassium, and trace elements for each crop; effective use of crop
residue, barnyard manure, and green manure crops; and harvesting that ensures the
smallest possible loss.
Pasture yields are expressed in terms of animal unit months. An animal unit month
(AUM) is the amount of forage required by one mature cow of approximately 1,000
pounds weight, with or without a calf, for 1 month.
The estimated yields reflect the productive capacity of each soil for each of the
principal crops. Yields are likely to increase as new production technology is
developed. The productivity of a given soil compared with that of other soils, however,
is not likely to change.
Crops other than those shown in the yields table are grown in the survey area, but
estimated yields are not listed because the acreage of such crops is small. The local
office of the Natural Resources Conservation Service or of the Cooperative Extension
Service can provide information about the management and productivity of the soils
for those crops.
Land Capability Classification
Land capability classification shows, in a general way, the suitability of soils for most
kinds of field crops. Crops that require special management are excluded. The soils