The Soils of The Regional Municipality of Ottawa=Carleton

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CH7 : Dominantly poorly Orthic Humic drained soils found Gleysols on level to nearly level or depressional topography. Slopes range from 0 to 2% . The clayey veneer is underlainby Queensway till . Taxonomic Components The MacDonald series (Orthic Humic Gleysol subgroup) is poorly drained and represents the majority of soils which were mapped . Surface horizons are commonly very dark grayish brown or black in color and have granular structure. Subsurface B horizons ofthemarine veneer are dark brown to dark grayish brown or olive in color, and C horizons or parent material are dark grayish brown to olive gray. In both horizons, structure is usually subangular blocky. Prominent yellowish brown to dark yellowish brown mottles occur in the veneer within 50 cm of the surface. The stony calcareous till material underlying the veneer is commonly grayish brown to olive gray in color with prominent yellowish brown mottles. Structure is most often subangular blocky, but occasionally maybemassive or platy. The imperfectly drained Gleyed Melanie Brunisols and Gleyed Eluviated Melanie Brunisols comprising the CH4 soil landscape unit were not named due to their limited extent . Soils which constitute these subgroups have a till underlayer which corresponds to the parent material of the Grenville association . Except for the presence of a slightly illuviated B horizon (Btj) in the latter subgroup, most profile characteristics of each subgroup are similar to the poorly drained MacDonald series . They differ by having slightly browner matrix colors and distinct rather than prominent yellowish brown mottles, characteristics which are indicative of less persistent saturation in theupper profile. The imperfectly drained Gleyed Melanie Brunisols and poorly drained Orthic Humic Gleysols comprising the CH5 and CH6 soil landscape units have a till underlayer which cor responds to the parent material ofthe Leitrim soil association . Profile characteristics oftheupper marine veneer are similar to those previously described for the imperfect and poorly drained components underlain by Grenville till . Characteristics of the underlying shaly till are similar to those described for the parent material of the Leitrim association . The poorly drained Orthic Humic Gleysols which constitute the CH7 soil landscape unit have a till underlayer which corresponds to the parent material of the Queensway soil asso ciation . Profile characteristics are similar tothose given for the MacDonald series except for the absence of carbonates, lower pH, and slightly browner matrix color of the underlying Queensway till material . Mapped SoilCombinations Approximately 1,600 ha of Chateauguay soils were mapped in combination with soils of other associations . Of this total, 700 ha were mapped in combinations in which theywere the dominant component, and 900 ha were mapped in combinations in which they were the significant component . When mapped as the dominant component, the most extensive combinations occur with soils of the Dalhousie and Grenville soil associations . When mapped as the significant component, Grenville-Chateauguay combinations are the most extensive. North Gower-Chateauguay and Dalhousie-Chateauguay combinations also occur but less extensively. General land use Chateauguay soils are well suited for most annually cultivated crops . They are, therefore, utilized in both rotational cropping systems and in monocultural systems such as continuous corn . In some systems corn may be emphasized in the rotation, while in others more emphasis may be placed on cereal grains . Correlation to the Ottawa Urban Fringe Chateauguay soils in the area are slightly different from those mapped in the Ottawa Urban Fringe. Although the association concept of marine material overlying glacial till was retained, there are a number of differences with respect to the depth and type of materials. With respect to depth, the marine veneer in this survey was allowed to be 40 to 100 cm rather than 25 to 100 cm as in the Urban Fringe survey in order to conform to recent classification guidelines . Since the minimum veneer thickness in each survey area is usually greater than 40 cm, this difference in depth is not significant . There is, however, a significant difference in the type of materials which comprise the soil association in each survey area . In general, the marine veneer of a Chateauguay soil in each survey area is similar, with clay content usually exceeding 27% . The glacial till underlayer, however, varies considerably . Although the majority of Chateauguay soils in the survey area are underlain by stony Grenville till, they are also occasionally underlain by either stony Queensway till, or shaly Leitrim till . Due to the limited extent of the two latter soils, it was decided that new associations to characterizethem were not warranted . The moderately well drained Chateauguay series was identified in the OttawaUrbanFringe, butnot in this survey for a number of reasons . Outside the Fringe area, the occurrence of these is quite limited and they were not mapped mainly due to scale limitations . They occur in small transition areas between better drained soils of the Grenville association having higher elevations, and lower lying poorly drained soils of the Chateauguay association . Also, the marine veneer of these soils tends to be lighter textured, with clay content often less than 27% . With respect to texture they are not significantly different from soils ofthe Grenville association, and they were thereforemapped as part ofthat association . DALHOUSIE (D) Location and Extent Soils ofthe Dalhousie association occur quite extensively in most ofthetownships ofthe survey area . In West Carleton Township, the most extensive area occurs on the marine clayplains in the vicinity ofthe villages ofAntrim, Kinburn, and Carp. A less extensive area occurs in Goulbourn Township between the villages of Stittsville and Richmond . In Rideau Township, the most extensive area occurs between and in close proximity to the villages of North Gower and Manotick . Less extensive areas occur adjacent to the Rideau River between the hamlets of Reevecraig and Burritts Rapids . An extensive area occurs in the southern portion of Osgoode Township and is centred around the village ofVernon . In CumberlandTownship, extensive areas occur adjacent to and north ofthe village ofNavan . Approximately 21,200 ha ofDalhousie soils were mapped . Landform and Topography Soils of the Dalhousie association have developed on level to very gently sloping marine clay plains . The clayey marine material was deposited in deep water during inundation bythe Champlain sea . Slopes are mostoften less than 2 076, but occasionally may range from 2 to 5 56 . Soil Materials Dalhousie association soils are predominantly finetextured, noncalcareous, and lack coarse fragments ofany type. The parent material ofmost soils is gray in color and has either silty clay or clay textures . Soil reaction is neutral . Some soils were included in the association, however, which had parent materials which were mildly alkaline in reaction and also weakly calcareous. Surface textures generally have a slightly lower clay content, and are dominantly silty clay loam or clay loam .
In some soils, significant layers ofcoarser textured materials occur which have clay loam, silty clay loam, silt loam, or loam textures . Thickness of the layers is highly variable. Occa sionally, some soil materials also gradeinto heavy clay near the bottom ofthe control section . Four soil phases were recognized, with each being very limited inextent . An organic phase was recognized in which 15 to 40 cm of organic material occurred on the surface of some very poorly drained soils . A coarse phase was applied to Dalhousie soils which had 15 to 40 cm of sandy material at the surface. Occasionally, a shallow phase was necessary where bedrock occurred at depths between 50 and 100 cm, and a rockiness phase was applied to some Dalhousie landscapes with intermittent rock outcrops. Soil Moisture Characteristics More than 90% of the Dalhousie soils mapped in the survey area are poorly drained . Theyoccur on level or nearly levellandscapes having slopes less than 2% . Occasionally, very poorly drained soils occur in depressional areas . In both soils, drainage is restricted due to high water tables resulting from groundwater discharge and surface water runoff from adjacent areas . Imperfectly drained soils also are found in the survey area but are quite limited in extent . They occur on the mid to upper slopes of very gently sloping landscapes . Slopes range from 2 to 5% . Dalhousie soils have generally medium permeability and highmoisture holding capacity. In some soils, permeability has been significantly reduced due to compaction by heavy machinery associated with monocultural tillage practices such as continuous corn cropping . Surface runoff on Dalhousie soils is slow to moderate. Soil Landscape Units Five units were identified for the Dalhousie association . They are described as follows : Recognized Recognized Subgroups Series D 1 : Dominantly imper- Gleyed Melanie Dalhousie fectly drained soils Brunisols found on nearly level to very gently sloping topography. Slopes generally range from I to 5 01o . D2 : Dominantly imper- Gleyed Melanie Dalhousie fectly drained soils in Brunisols combination with (imperfect) significant areas of Orthic Humic Brandon poorlydrained soils Gleysols (poor) found on nearly level to very gently sloping topography. Slopes generally range from Ito3% . D3 : Dominantlypoorly Orthic Humic Brandon drained soils found Gleysols on level to nearly level topography. Slopes range from0 to 2% . D4 : Dominantlyvery Rego Gleysols poorly drained soils found on level to nearly level or depressional topography. Slopes are lessthan 2% . D5 : Dominantly poorly Orthic Humic Brandon drained soils in Gleysols (poor) combination with significant areas of Gleyed Melanie Dalhousie imperfectly drained Brunisols soils found on nearly (imperfect) levelto very gently sloping topography. Slopes range from Ito3olo . Taxonomic Components The imperfectly drained Dalhousie series (Gleyed Melanie Brunisol subgroup) commonly is found on inclinedmarine claylandscapes which occur infrequently in the survey area. The surface Ap horizons are most often dark brown to very dark grayish brown in color andhave subangular blocky to granular structure. The underlying Bmgj horizons are olive to dark grayish brown in color and also have subangular blocky structure. Faint to distinct olive colored mottles may be present inthese horizons . The parent material orC horizons are gray in color and have prominent yellowish brown to olive brown mottles . Structure ranges from subangular blocky to angular blocky. The poorly drained Brandon series (Orthic Humic Gleysol subgroup) is found on the level to nearly level marine clay plains which are common in the survey area . Surface Ap horizons are generally very dark grayish brown to very dark gray in color and have subangular blocky to granular structure. The underlying Bg horizons have a dark gray colored matrix and prominent yellowish brown mottles . Structure is subangular blocky. The parent material or C horizons have gray matrix colors and prominent mottles with colors similar to those in the overlying Bg horizons . Structure is commonly subangular to angular blocky. The very poorly drained Rego Gleysols most often occur in wet depressional areas . The majority of these soils have a surface layer of organic materialwhich ranges in depth from 15 to 40 cm. They remain saturated for much of the year which contributes to massive structures and olive gray to greenish gray matrix colors . Mapped Soil Combinations Approximately 11,900 ha or 56% of all Dalhousie soils were mapped in combination with either soils of other associations or miscellaneous land units . Of this total, approximately 8,500 ha were mapped in combinations in which they were the dominant component, and 3,400 ha were mapped in combinations in which they were the significant component . The combinations ofDalhousie-North Gower, Dalhousie-Rideau, and North Gower-Dalhousie are the most extensive. They account for approximately 5,000, 1,500, and 1,200 ha respectively of all Dalhousie soils mapped . The lack of recognizable topographic differences across the landscapes as well as scale limitations necessitated the mapping ofthese soils in combinations . General Land Use Dalhousie soils have good agricultural capability for common field crops . They are widely utilized for the production of corn, cereal grains, and hay. Some soils in small localized areas remain in permanent pasture or are forested . Correlation to Ottawa Urban Fringe Dalhousie association soils of this survey correlate closely with those of the Ottawa Urban Fringe . The DS soil landscape unit was developed for this survey in order to characterize landscapes with dominantly poor drainage and significant imperfect drainage. The smaller map scale of this survey made this decision practical .
Page 1 and 2: i The Soils of The III Regional Mun
Page 3 and 4: ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS . . . . . . . . .
Page 5 and 6: 1 . Soil map index for the Regional
Page 7 and 8: 0 t W. CARLETO 10 L 20 km KANATA GO
Page 9 and 10: Otta!~? Figure 3. Main towns, trans
Page 11 and 12: Arnprior Chats Falls Almonte " Carp
Page 13 and 14: may also contain shaly layers . Out
Page 15 and 16: Till plains (undrumlinized) _ Esker
Page 17 and 18: Surficial Geology and Relationship
Page 19 and 20: HUN nnnnoioion miammoo nonmmnon nou
Page 21 and 22: GEOLOGICAL MATERIALS SOIL ASSOCIATI
Page 23 and 24: GEOLOGICAL MATERIALS SOIL ASSOCIATI
Page 25 and 26: In this survey, boundaries were per
Page 27 and 28: BASIC LAND AREAS SOIL ASSOCIATION -
Page 29 and 30: their agricultural use . The domina
Page 31 and 32: OTTAWA- CARLETON SOILS t TYPE DEPTH
Page 33 and 34: B3 : Dominantlyvery Rego Gleysols p
Page 35: cant component, approximately 600 h
Page 39 and 40: Taxonomic Components The well-drain
Page 41 and 42: Taxonomic Components Four component
Page 43 and 44: Correlation to Ottawa Urban Fringe
Page 45 and 46: The well-drained Orthic Melanic Bru
Page 47 and 48: ial which extends in a northwest-so
Page 51 and 52: all Leitrim soils classified as suc
Page 53 and 54: The imperfectly drained St . Damase
Page 55 and 56: Recognized Recognized Subgroups Ser
Page 57 and 58: Soil Materials North Gower soils co
Page 59 and 60: Figure 17 . A poorly drained Orthic
Page 61 and 62: Figure 25 . Manotick association so
Page 63 and 64: Soil Landscape Units Four units wer
Page 67 and 68: sloping areas, groundwater flow, an
Page 69 and 70: from clay to silty clay loam . In s
Page 73 and 74: scapes occurring inclose proximity
Page 75 and 76: Within Rockland units, significant
Page 77 and 78: A . AGRICULTURAL CAPABILITY CLASSIF
Page 79 and 80: Table 7 . (cont'd) R' : T' : V' : W
Page 81 and 82: adequate moisture or a wetness limi
Page 83 and 84: In order to apply the tables, one m
Page 85 and 86: (e) The Capability Rating Tables Ta
Page 87 and 88:
00 Table 9. (continued) Slope Class
Page 89 and 90:
Table 9 . (continued) AGRICULTURAL
Page 91 and 92:
Table 9 . (continued) AGRICULTURAL
Page 93 and 94:
Soil Landscape Unit Table 10 . Agri
Page 95 and 96:
The water erosion formula, A= RKLSC
Page 97 and 98:
soil Association Table 13 . K-value
Page 99 and 100:
graphic regions . Therefore, the C
Page 101 and 102:
Table 17 . continued Crop Rotation
Page 103 and 104:
SOIL SOIL MATERIAL DESCRIPTION MAIN
Page 105 and 106:
C . LAND SUITABILITY CLASSIFICATION
Page 107 and 108:
Table 19 . Land suitability ratings
Page 109 and 110:
Table 19 . continued Soil associati
Page 111 and 112:
1 . Marshall, I.B., J. Dumanski, E.
Page 113 and 114:
Class Description Sl Slightly stony
Page 115 and 116:
Soil Association GRENVILLE Series a
Page 117 and 118:
Soil Association Series and (Subgro
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The Soils of The Regional Municipality of Ottawa=Carleton

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