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Home My WebLink AboutSoil Water and Related ResourceIN 244 9 -69 Soil Water and Related Resource Data and Guidelines Prepared for: Carmel -Clay Plan Commission Brookshire Village, Sec. 1 & 2 - Phase I Bldg. Comm. County Highway Department Hamilton County Soil and Water Conservation District Assisted by: Tom Schellenberger District Conservationist United States Department of Agriculture Soil Conservation Service USDA -MS- LINCOLN. 11[112. 11111111 'UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE SOIL CONSERVATION SERVICE P.O. = .Box 27.9 Noblesville, Indiana January 17, 1972 Carmel Plan. Commission Myrneth Anderson, Chairman H; R. 2., Box 344D Carmel, Indiana 46032 SUBJECT: Brookshire Village - Phase 1, Sections 1 & 2 Dear Board Members: Soils: Both soils 445 & 144 in these sections have slight limitations for the in- tended use-- residential with public sewers. Both soils are characteristic of good internal drainage. These are excellent soils for residential - development: Water Management: I have reviewed ; .e proposed .drainage plans and they appear to provide a good drainage system for this type of development. I agree that I have not had a lot of experience with this type of development and will watch this closely. In discussing the outlet of this storm sewer with Garry Kern, he stated that they had a verbal agreement with American Aggregates. It appears that a firm written agreement is necessary because the whole system outlets at this point. Roadside ditches & Culverts: The plan shows reconstruction of roadside ditch along]26th Street and a 12n corrugated metal pipe wrier the entrance. I suggest these plans be 'approved by the County Highway Engineer. Erosion Control: To prevent erosion I suggest that following initial road construction and general leveling, that the whole area be reseeded -To 4 ib. annual ryegrass per 1000 sq. ft.- This is an excellent erosion control grass and a cheap cover: Then after construction is completed, a more desirable grass can be seeded. Erosion is a serious problem in development areas. This report.is submitted with the concurrence of the Hamilton County Soil' and Water Conservation District. TS:bs cc: Bldg. Comm Go. Highway Dept. Weihe Eng. Inc. - Sincerely, Tom Schellenberge District Conservationist OCKLEY SERIES ESTIMATED PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES IN -226 -B 5/18/6 Classification % of material pasain& sieve Permeability Available water capacity in. /in. Soil reaction pH Shrink - swell potential USDA Texture Unified AASHO No. 10 2.0 mm. No. LO .42 mm. No. 200 0.074 mm. inches per hour Surface layer 0 to 12 inches; loam or silt loam Subsoil 12 to 60 inches; silty clay loam, clay loam, sandy clay loam Underlying material 60 to 66 inches; sand and gravel ML or CL CL or CH or SC SM -SP or GW -GM A -4 or A -6 A -6 or A -7 A -1 100 90 -100 50 -70 85 -100 75 -95 15 -30 75 -90 45 -65 5 -10 0.63 - 2.00 0.63 - 2.00 . 20.00 0.17 - 0.20 0.19 - 0.21 <0.08 5.1 -6.0 5.6 -6.5 Calcareous Low Moderate Low INTERPRETATIONS OF ENGINEERING PROPERTIES LIMITATIONS FOR SOME URBAN USES 1/ Residential develop- ment with public sewer Suitability as a source of: Topsoil Surface: good. Subsoil: fair; somewhat clayey with gravels Sand and gravel Good below 40 to 66 inches. Road subgrade and highway fills Subsoil: poor - moderate shrink - swell; fair shear strength; medium compressibility; good to fair compaction; fair stability. Substratum: very good - good to fair shear strength; slight compressibility; fair to good compaction; fair to poor stability. Soil features affecting use for: Highway location Well drained; stratified sand and gravel make for easy excavation but sometimes hinders hauling. Foundations for low buildings Subsoil: moderate shrink - swell; fair shear strength; medium compressibility. Substratum: good to fair shear strength; slight compressibility. Pond reservoir areas Rapid seepage in substratum. Dams, dikes, levees and embankments Subsoil: fair stability; good to fair compaction: low permeability when compacted medium compres- sibility; good resistance to piping; moderate shrink - swell. Substratum: fair to poor stability fair to good compactions high to moderate permeability when compacted; slight compressibility: fair to good Waterways resistance to piping; good to fair shear strength. No limitations. Agricultural drainage Not needed. Terraces and diversions No limitations. LIMITATIONS FOR SOME URBAN USES 1/ Residential develop- ment with public sewer SLIGHT Residential develop- ment without public sewer SLIGHT - permeability at upper end of moderate; estimated percolation rate faster than 45 minutes /inch. Buildings for light industrial, commer- cial and public use SLIGHT 1/ The soil is evaluated only to a depth of 5 feet or less. Soils are rated on the basis of four classes of soil limitations: Slight - relatively free of limitations or Limitations are easily overcome; Moderate - limitations need to be recognized, but can be overcome with good management and careful design; Severe - limitations are severe enough to make use questionable; Very Severe - extreme measures are needed to overcome the limitations and usage generally is unsound or not practical. 5, L- 25790 —B Map Symbols OCKLEY INDIANA Date 1/68 Soil Series SOIL INTERPRETATIONS IN -226 -A 5/18/67 BRIEF SOIL DESCRIPTION : The Ockley series consists of deep, well drained soils that have a medium textured surface layer and moderately fine textured subsoil. They developed in loamy and sandy outwash material and occupy nearly level and gently sloping outwash plains and terraces. These soils are underlain by sand and gravel at depths of 40 to 66 inches. The native vegetation was mainly mixed hardwood trees. Ockley soils are low in organic matter and have a medium or high available moisture capacity. They have moderate permeability and runoff is slow or medium. INTERPRETATIONS FOR CROPLAND. PASTURE. AND WOODLAND Cropland - general and speciality farm crops Well suited for growing corn, soybeans, small grain and grasses and legumes. Pasture Well suited for growing alfalfa, red clover, brome grass, tall fescue, and orchard grass. Woodland Important wood crops: upland oak, tulip poplar Well suited for planting white pine, red pine, white ash, black walnut. Land capability unit and yield predictions: Slope Class Eros. Capability unit Corn -bu. A B Soybeans -bu. A B Wheat-bu. A B Oats-bu. A B Legume -Grass (hay) A B tons Pasture (AUM) A B A 0 C 1 1 & 2 2 1 IIe IIIe 75 120 65 105 55 90 30 45 25 40 20 35 37 50 32 45 28 4G 60 90 50 7o 45 65 3.5 5.5 3.0 4.5 2.5 4.5 5.8 10.5 5.0 8.5 4.1 8.5 LIMITATIONS FOR WILDLIFE 1/ Openland wildlife SLIGHT Tent and camp trailer sites Woodland wildlife SLIGHT SLIGHT Wetland wildlife VERY SEVERE - well drained limitations: very severe for wetland food and cover plants, water developments and ponds; slight for growing grain and seed crops. shallow LIMITATIONS FOR RECREATION 1/ Cottages and utility buildings SLIGHT Tent and camp trailer sites SLIGHT Picnic areas, parks and extensive play areas SLIGHT Playground, athletic field and intensive play areas SLIGHT - 0 to 2 percent slopes., MODERATE - 2 to 6 percent slopes. Bridle paths, nature and hiking trails SLIGHT Golf course fairways SLIGHT UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICJJLTURE SOIL CONSERVATION SERVICE in cooperation with PURDUE UNIVERSITY .AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION National Cooperative Soil Survey -USA 5, L- 25790 —A MIAMI SERIES ESTIMATED PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES IN -226 -11 5/18/6 Classification % of material passing, sieve Permeability inches per hour Available water capacity in. /in. Soil reaction pH Shrink - swell potential USDA Texture Unified AASHO No. 10 2.0 mm. No. 140 .142 mm. No. 200 0.074 mm. Surface layer 0 to 10 inches: Pond reservoir areas Moderate seepage. Dams, dikes, levees and embankments Subsoil and substratum: fair to poor stability and compaction; low permeaoillty when compacted; medium to high compressibility; good resistance to piping; moderate to low shrink - swell; fair to poor shear strength. No limitations. Waterways Agricultural drainage Not generally needed. Terraces and diversions No soil limitations; areas with short slopes are not suited. loam or silt loam ML A -11 100 85 -100 65 -90 0.63 - 2.00 0.17 - 0.20 6.1 -6.5 Low silty clay loam CL or CH A -7 100 95 -100 85 -95 0.63 - 2.00 0.19 - 0.21 5.6 -6.0 Moderate Subsoil 10 to 32 inches; clay loam or silty clay loam CL or CH A -6 or A -7 100 95 -100 85 -95 0.63 - 2.00 0.19 - 0.21 5.6 -6 0 Moderate Underlying material 32 to 60 inches loam CL A -6 100 85 -95 75 -85 0.63 - 2.00 0.17 - 0.2CCalcareous Low INTERPRETATIONS OF ENGINEERING PROPERTIES LIMITATIONS FOR SOME URBAN USES 1/ P -7 Residential develop- ment with public sewer Suitability as a source of: Topsoil Surface: fair or good. Subsoil fair to poor; somewhat clayey. Sand and gravel Not suitable. Road subgrade and highway fills Subsoil and substratum: fair to poor - moderate shrink - swell; fair to poor shear strength and compaction; fair to poor stability. Soil features affecting use for: Cuts and fills needed; subject to frost heave. Highway location Foundations for low buildings Fair to poor shear strength; medium to high compressibility. Pond reservoir areas Moderate seepage. Dams, dikes, levees and embankments Subsoil and substratum: fair to poor stability and compaction; low permeaoillty when compacted; medium to high compressibility; good resistance to piping; moderate to low shrink - swell; fair to poor shear strength. No limitations. Waterways Agricultural drainage Not generally needed. Terraces and diversions No soil limitations; areas with short slopes are not suited. LIMITATIONS FOR SOME URBAN USES 1/ P -7 Residential develop- ment with public sewer SLIGHT - 0 to 6 percent slopes. MODERATE - 6 to 12 percent slopes. Residential develop- ment without public sewer MODERATE - 0 to 12 percent slopes - 45' to 75 minutes /inch. lower end of moderate permeability; estimated percolation rate Buildings for light industrial, comer- cial and public use SLIGHT - 0 to 6 percent slopes. MODERATE - 6 to 12 percent slopes. 1/ The soil is evaluated only to a depth of 5 feet or less. Soils are rated on the basis of four classes of soil limitations: Slight - relatively free of limitations or limitations are easily overcome; Moderate - limitations need to be recognized, but can be overcome with good management and careful design; Severe - limitat owe severe enough to make use questionable; Very Severe - extreme measures are needed to overcome the limitations and usage generally is unsound or not practical. 5, L- 25790 —B Map Symbols MIAMI INDIANA Date 1/68 Soil Series SOIL INTERPRETATIONS IN -226 -A 5/18/67 BRIEF SOIL DESCRIPTION: The Miami series consists of deep, well drained soils that have a medium or moderately fine textured surface layer and moderately fine textured subsoil. They developed in loamy glacial till and occupy nearly level to moderately sloping areas on upland till plains. In many places these soils have a mantle of loess up to 18 inches thick. The native vegetation was mainly hardwood trees Miami soils are low in organic matter and have a high available moisture capacity They hove moderate permeability and runoff is slow to rapid. INTERPRETATIONS FOR CROPLAND, PASTURE, AND WOODLAND Cropland - general and speciality farm crops Well suited for growing corn, soybeans, small grain and grasses and legumes. Many speciality crops like tomatoes, sweet corn, and beans are also well suited. Pasture Well suited for growing alfalfa, red clover, brome grass, tall fescue and orchard grass Woodland Important wood crops: upland oak, tulip poplar, white pine. Well suited for planting black locust, tulip poplar, black walnut, white pine. Land capability unit and yield predictions: Slope Class `Eros. Capability unit Corn -bu. A B Soybeans -bu A B Wheat -bu A B Oats -bu. A B Legume -Grass (hay) A B tons Pasture (AUM) A B A B B C c 1 1 & 2 3 1 & 2 3 I Ile llle IIIe IVe 75 120 70 110 55 100 55 100 45 75 30 45 28 40 20 35 20 35 16 25 37 50 35 50 30 45 30 45 25 40 60 90 55 85 50 70 50 70 45 70 3.5 5.5 3.0 5.0 2.7 5.0 2.7 5.0 3.0 4.5 5.8 10.5 5.0 9 5 4 5 9.5 4.5 9 5 5 0 8.5 LIMITATIONS FOR WILDLIFE 1/ LIMITATIONS FOR RECREATION 1/ Cottages and utility buildings SLIGHT - 0 to 12 percent, eroded. Openland wildlife MODERATE - 2 to 12 percent slopes, severely eroded; limitations - moderate for growing grain and seed crops, grass and legumes, wild herbaceous upland plants; slight for hardwood woody plants. Picnic areas, parks and extensive play areas SLIGHT - 0 to 12 percent, eroded. Woodland wildlife MODERATE - 2 to 12 percent slopes, severely eroded; limitations - moderate for grasses and legumes, wild herbaceous upland plants; slight for hardwood woody plants and severe for coniferous woody plants. Bridle paths, nature and hiking trails VERY SEVERE - well drained; limitations - very severe for wetland food and cover plants, shallow Wetland wildlife water developments and ponds; slight on 0 to 6 percent slopes and moderate on 5 to 12 percent slopes for growing grain and seed crops. LIMITATIONS FOR RECREATION 1/ Cottages and utility buildings SLIGHT - 0 to 6 percent slopes. MODERATE - 5 to 12 percent slopes. Tent and camp trailer sites SLIGHT - 0 to 6 percent slopes. MODERATE - 6 to 12 percent slopes. Picnic areas, parks and extensive play areas SLIGHT - 0 to 6 percent slopes MODERATE - 6 to 12 percent slopes Playground, athletic field and intensive play areas SLIGHT - 0 to 2 percent slopes. MODERATE - 2 to 6 percent slopes. SEVERE - 6 to 12 percent slopes. Bridle paths, nature and hiking trails SLIGHT Golf course fairways SLIGHT - 0 to 6 percent slopes. MODERATE - 6 to 12 percent slopes. Severely eroded units are severe. UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE SOIL CONSERVATION SERVICE in cooperation with PURDUE UNIVERSITY AGRICULTURAL FXPERIMFNT STATION National Cooperative Soil Survey -USA 5, L- 25790 —A '1 • USE AND EXPLANATION OF SOIL INTERPRETATION SHEETS - INDIANA April 1968 The interpretation sheet(s) provide information on the interpretations of soils for cropland, pasture, and woodland; wildlife; recreation; estimated physical and chemical properties; engineering properties; and some urban uses. Some interpretations are expressed in terms of the degree of limitation. Slight, moderate, severe, or very severe are the four degrees of limitations used and are defined as follows: Slight- relatively free of limitations or limitations are easily overcome. Moderate- limitations need to be recognized, but can be overcome with good management and careful design. Severe- limitations are severe enough to make use questionable. Very Severe- extreme measures are needed to overcome the limitations and usage generally is unsound or not practical. THE INTERPRETATIONS WILL NOT ELIMINATE THE NEED FOR ON -SITE STUDY, TESTING, AND PLANNING OF SPECIFIC SITES FOR THE USE AND DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION FOR SPECIFIC USES. THE INTERPRETATIONS CAN BE USED AS A GUIDE TO PLANNING MORE DETAILED INVESTIGATIONS AND FOR AVOIDING UNDESIRABLE SITES FOR AN INTENDED USE. BY USING THE SOIL MAP AND INTERPRETATIONS, IT IS POSSIBLE TO SELECT SITES THAT HAVE THE LEAST LIMITATIONS FOR AN INTENDED USE. MANY SOMEWHAT POORLY AND POORLY DRAINED SOILS HAVE SEVERE OR VERY SEVERE LIMITATIONS IN THEIR NATURAL CONDITION FOR SOME LAND USES. THESE SAME SOILS, WHEN DRAINED ARTIFICIALLY, MAY HAVE ONLY A SLIGHT LIMITATION FOR THESE SAME LAND USES. MODERN EQUIPMENT AND KNOWLEDGE MAKE IT POSSIBLE TO OVERCOME MOST OF THE LIMITATIONS OF SOILS FOR MANY LAND USES. THE DEGREE OF LIMITATION AND THE LOCATION OF THE SOIL WILL HELP DETERMINE THE PRACTICABILITY OF DEVELOPING THE SOIL FOR THE INTENDED USE. NO CONSIDERATION WAS GIVEN IN THESE INTERPRETATIONS TO THE SIZE AND SHAPE OF SOIL AREAS, NOR TO THE PATTERN THEY FORM WITH OTHER SOILS ON THE LANDSCAPE. FOR EXAMPLE, SOME VERY DESIRABLE SOIL AREAS ARE T00 SMALL IN SIZE OR T00 IRREGULAR IN SHAPE, OR THEIR OCCURRENCE WITH LESS DESIRABLE SOILS FORMS A PATTERN T00 COMPLEX TO BE UTILIZED FOR THE INTENDED USE. ALTHOUGH NOT CONSIDERED IN THE INTERPRETATIONS, THESE ITEMS SHOULD INFLUENCE THE FINAL SELECTION OF A SITE. WHEN THE INTERPRETATION SHEETS ARE USED IN CONNECTION WITH DELINEATED SOIL AREAS ON SOIL MAPS, THE INFORMATION PERTAINS TO THE DOMINANT SOIL FOR WHICH THE SOIL AREA IS NAMED. OTHER SOILS, T00 SMALL IN EXTENT TO MAP OUT, MAY OCCUR WITHIN THE SOIL MAP AREA, THE INTERPRETATIONS ORDINARILY DO NOT APPLY TO THE INCLUDED SOILS. MORE DETAILED STUDIES ARE REQUIRED IF SMALL, SPECIFIC SITES ARE TO BE DEVELOPED OR USED WITHIN A GIVEN SOIL AREA. FCR EXAMPLE, A SOIL MAP AREA BEARING THE NAME MIAMI SILT LOAM, 2 TO 6 PERCENT SLOPES, ALSO CAN INCLUDE SMALL UNMAPPABLE AREAS OF OTHER SOILS, SUCH AS CROSBY AND BROOKSTON. THE INTERPRETATIONS APPLY ONLY TO THE MIAMI PART OF THE DELINEATED SOIL AREA, AND NOT TO THE ENTIRE SOIL AREA. EXPLANATION OF THE INTERPRETATIONS IN SEQUENCE AS ARRANGED ON THE INTERPRETATION SHEET(S) Brief Soil Description- a brief description of the soil series is provided to define it in general terms. Cropland- listed are the major kinds of general and for some soils, a few speciality crops that are suited. Properties of the soil, such as erosion hazard, wetness limitation, climate, slope and general fertility are items considered in the evaluation of the soil. Pasture- listed are the major kinds of legumes and grasses that are suited. Properties of the soil such as erosion hazard, wetness limitation, climate, slope, and general fertility are items considered in the evaluation of the soil. Woodland- listed are the major kinds of wood crops that are suited. Available water capacity, depth to root restricting layers, and natural drainage are major factors in determining the limitation of the soil. Land Capability Unit- indicates the degree of the hazard or limitation from Class I to VIII for the use of the soil for agriculture and the nature of soil limitation; e - erosion; s - root zone limitations; w - wetness. Yield Predictions- given in terms of "A" or average level of management and "B" or high level of management. The two levels of management are defined as follows: "A" (average)- average management includes the use of limestone and fertilizers, but soil reaction and available nutrients are often inadequate or not properly balanced for best crop yields. Some erosion control and drainage improvements have been made, but more are commonly needed. Cropping systems, plant populations, organic matter supplies, and soil physical conditions may be below levels needed for optimum crop yields. Cultural practices, such as tillage, use of good adapted seed, and control of weeds, diseases, and harmful insects may not be adequate. More attention should be given to timely application and the proper combination of improved practices. "B" (high)- high level management includes the application of effective practices adapted to different crops, soils, and climatic conditions. Such practices include providing for adequate drainage, protection from flooding, erosion and runoff control, optimum tillage, and planting the correct kind and amount of high quality seed. Control of weeds, diseases and harmful insects are other important considerations. Favorable soil reaction and optimum levels of available phosphorus and potassium need to be maintained for various crops by applying these fertilizers according to soil tests. High level management also includes efficient use of crop residues, barnyard manure and /or green manure crops. Cropping systems designed to control erosion, maintain optimum soil organic matter levels, and facilitate the production and utilization of nitrogen in soils are also important. The yield information, updated through 1967, is based on the North Central Regional Research Publication 166, titled "Productivity of Soils in the North Central Region of the U. S." LIMITATIONS FOR WILDLIFE -2- Openland Wildlife- includes birds and mammals that normally frequent cropland, pasture, meadows, and areas overgrown with grasses, herbs, and shrubby growth. Examples of this kind of wildlife are: quail, pheasants, meadowlarks, cotton tail rabbits and fox. Habitat elements evaluated in terms of the degree of limitations are: (a) grain and seed crops; (b) grasses and legumes: (c) wild herbaceous upland plants; (d) hardwood woody plants. Woodland Wildlife- includes birds and mammals that normally frequent wooded areas of hardwood trees and shrubs, coniferous trees and shrubs, or mixtures of such plants. Examples of this kind of wildlife are ruffed grouse, woodcocks, gray and red squirrels and white tail deer. Habitat elements evaluated in terms of the degree of limitations are: (a) grasses and legumes; (b) wild herbaceous upland plants; (c) hardwood woody plants; (d) coniferous woody plants. Wetland Wildlife- includes birds and mammals that normally frequent wet areas as ponds, streams or ditches, marshes and swamps. Examples of this kind of wildlife include ducks, rails, herons, mink and raccoon. Habitat elements evaluated in terms of the degree of limitations are: (a) wetland food and cover plants; (b) shallow water developments; (c) excavated ponds; (d) grain and seed crops. LIMITATIONS FOR RECREATION Cottages and Utility Buildings- these ratings apply to seasonal or year -round cottages, washrooms and bathrooms, picnic shelters and service buildings. Factors considered are: wetness and flood hazard, slope, rockiness and stoniness and depth to hard bedrock. Additional items that must be considered are: suitability for septic tank filter fields, shrink -swell and frost potential, hillside slippage, presence of loose sand, and bearing capacity. Suitability of soil for supporting vegetation and whether basements and underground utilities are planned should be considered in the final evaluation. Tent and Camp Trailer Sites- These are areas suitable for tent and camp trailer sites and the accompanying activities for outdoor living. They are used frequently during the camping season. These areas require little site preparation. They should be suitable for unaurfaced parking for car and camp trailers and heavy foot traffic by humans, horses and vehicular traffic. Factors considered are: wetness and flooding hazard, permeability, slope, surface soil texture, coarse fragments and stoniness or rockiness. Suitability of soil for supporting vegetation should be considered in the final evaluation. Picnic Areas, Parks and Extensive Play Areas- these are areas suitable for heavy foot traffic and used by people for the consumption of food in a natural outdoor environment. Ratings are based on: wetness and flooding hazard, slope, surface soil texture, stoniness and rockiness. Ratings do not include features as presence of trees or ponds which may affect the desirability of a site. Suitability of soil for supporting vegetation should be considered in the final evaluation. Playgrounds, Athletic Fields and Intensive Play Areas- these areas are developed for playgrounds and organized games such as baseball, football, tennis, badminton and the like. They are subject to heavy foot traffic and generally require a level surface, good drainage and a soil texture and consistence that gives a firm surface. It is assumed that good vegetative cover can be established and maintained on areas where needed. Bridle Paths, Nature and Hiking Trails- this soil rating applies to areas that are to be used for trails, cross - country hiking, bridle paths and other intensive uses which allow for the movement of people. It is assumed that these areas are to be used as they occur in nature and that little soil will be moved in providing this recreational use. The most desirable soils from a physical standpoint for bridle paths, nature and hiking trails have good foot and hoof trafficability. They are well drained, loamy in texture, and have nearly level to sloping surfaces. They have good stabilit,,, are not subject to erosion or cutting out, and are free of coarse fragments and stones or rock outcrops. Consideration should be given to placement of paths and trails on sloping relief on the contour to help control erosion. Variability in slope gradient on paths and trails may serve to enhance interest but slopes should not exceed 12 percent for prolonged distances. Golf Course Fairways- in evaluating soils for use in golf courses, consideration was given only to those features of the soil that influence their use for fairways. Greens, traps, hazards, and tees are man -made, generally from disturbed, transported soil material. For best use, fairways should be well drained and firm, be free of flooding during use periods, have good trafficability, contain a minimum of coarse fragments or stones, and have gently undulating slopes. They should be capable of supporting a good turf and be well suited for growing many kinds of trees and shrubs. Loaapy soils are best, but coarser textured soils serve equally well if irrigated. Poorly drained mineral and organic soils have severe limitations but they may be used for pond sites to provide esthetic value or for storing water for turf maintenance. Sandy soils likewise may be designed for hazards or used as a source of sand for greens. ESTIMATED PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES Classifications - the classifications refer respectively to the USDA, Unified and AASHO systems. The USDA system is based on the relative proportion of various size groups of individual soil grains in a mass of soil. This system refers to the proportion of sand, silt, and clay in a soil, giving rise to basic soil textural class names, such as sand, sandy loam, loam, clay loam, silty clay loam, etc. The Unified system is based on identification of soils according to their textural and plasticity qualities and their grouping with respect to their performance as engineering construction materials. Percentage of gravel, sand and fines, grain -size distribution, plasticity and compressibility characteristics form the basis of identification. The American Association of State Highway Officials (AASHO) system of classifying soils is an engineering property classification. It is based on field performance of highways. According to this system, soils having about the same general load - carrying capacity and service properties are grouped to form seven basic groups. These groups are designated as A -1, A -2, A -3, A -4, A -5, A -6 and A -7. In general, the best soils for highway subgrades are classified as A -1, the next best are A -2, and so on with the poorest being A -7. 1. t • -3- % of Material Passing Sieve- the measured or estimated percentages of material passing the numbers 10, 40, and 200 sieves are given for each major horizon. When there is very little gravel -size material (No. 10 sieve) present, the percent passing the 200 sieve approximates the amount of silt and clay. Values are rounded off to the nearest 5 percent. A range is listed because of the variability for a given soil. Permeability- values listed are estimates of the range in rate and time it takes for downward movement of water in the major soil layers when saturated, but allowed to drain freely. The estimates are based on soil texture, soil structure, available data on permeability and infiltration tests, and observation of water movement through soils. Available Water Capacity- the available water capacity is given in inches per inch of soil for the major horizons Available water capacity of the soil is the difference between percentage of moisture at field capacity and percentage of moisture at the wilting point Soil Reaction- soil reaction or the intensity of soil acidity or alkalinity is expressed in pH. A pH of 7 is neutral, lower values indicate acidity and higher values show alkalinity. Shrink -Swell Potential- indicates the volume change to be expected of the soil material with changes in moisture content. INTERPRETATIONS OF ENGINEERING PROPERTIES Topsoil- the surface and subsoil horizons are rated as to their suitability for topsoil. "Topsoil" as used here refers to soil material, preferably rich in organic matter that is used to topdress back slopes, embankments, lawns, gardens, etc. The evaluation uses texture and organic matter content as a basis for determining the suitability. Usually, only the surface layers of a soil are used. However, in an area dominated with sandy soils, loamy material is in great demand. Therefore, an isolated area of medium textured soil might be stripped of not only the surface layer but also the subsoil layers. It should be recognized that nutrients and structural deficiencies in the subsoil material will need to be corrected. Sand and Gravel- suitability as a source of sand and gravel is given for material to a depth of 5 feet. In some soils, the sand and gravel extends downward to depths much below 5 feet, whereas in other areas of the same soil, unsuitable material occurs just below 5 feet. It also should be recognized that some soils which are rated as not suitable may have sand and gravel at a depth below 5 feet. Where the suitability is in question, individual test pits will be needed. Road Subgrade and Highway Fills- suitability ratings for road fill for highway subgrade are based on performance of the soil material when excavated and used as barrow for subgrade. Both the subsoil and substratum are rated when they are contrasting in character and have significant thickness for use as barrow. The ratings given here also can be used for undisturbed soils if adjustments are made for features such as depth to water table, or bedrock, etc. Highway Location- the soil features considered here are those that affect the overall performance of the soil for the location of highways. The entire soil profile is evaluated, based on an undisturbed soil without artificial drainage. The factors considered are: texture, presence of and thickness of peat or muck, depth to bedrock, presence of stones and boulders, depth to water table, stability of back slopes, susceptibility to frost heave, flooding hazard, need for cuts and fills, suitability for subgrade, and plasticity of the material. Foundations for Buildings- the factors considered are those features and qualities of undisturbed soils that affect their suitability for supporting foundations of buildings up to 3 stories high. It is the substratum of the soil that usually provides the base for foundations and therefore is the soil material which is evaluated in this column. It is desirable that the foundation be located, if possible, below the depth to which frost may cause heaving. The suitability of the natural soil is dependent primarily on such factors as shrink -swell potential, shear strength, and compressibility of the soil. Pond Reservoir Areas- the factors considered here are those features and qualities of undisturbed soils that affect their suitability for water impoundments or reservoirs. Of primary concern are factors that affect the seepage rate. Such factors are permeability, depth to water table, depth to bedrock, or other unfavorable material that will allow seepage. Dams, Dikes, Levees or Embankments- the factors considered here are those properties and qualities of disturbed soils that affect their suitability for constructing pond embankments, dikes and levees. Both the subsoil and substratum are evaluated where they are contrasting in character and have sufficient thickness for use as barrow. Some of the soil features that affect construction are: stability, compaction characteristics, susceptibility to piping, shrink -swell potential, shear strength, erosiveness, and compacted permeability. Waterways- the factors considered in the evaluation are stability of soil material, texture and depth of soil material, natural drainage, presence of stones, percent of slope, and difficulty of establishing and maintaining vegetation. Agricultural Drainage- this column lists the factors that affect agricultural drainage. Some of these factors are permeability, depth to layers such as fragipan, claypan, sand, etc., topography, flooding or stream overflow, and corrosion potential. Terraces and Diversions- the suitability of soils for terraces and diversions depends mainly on stability, texture and thickness of soil material, difficulty of establishing and maintaining vegetation, and topography. LIMITATIONS FOR SOME URBAN USES Residential Development with Public Sewer- the ratings apply to the use of soils for residences of 3 stories or less with basements. Factors considered in making the ratings are wetness hazard, flooding hazard,, slope, limitations for foundations, depth to bedrock, erosion hazard, and limitations for lawns, shrubs, and trees. Residential Development without Public Sewer- the factors considered are the characteristics and qualities of the soil that affect the suitability for absorbing waste from domestic sewage disposal systems. The major features considered are soil permeability, percolation rate, ground water level, depth to bedrock, flooding hazards, and slope. Buildings for Light Industrial, Commercial and Public Use- the factors considered are those features and qualities of undisturbed soils that affect their suitability for supporting foundations of buildings up to 3 stories high. It is the subsoil and substratum of the soil that usually provides the base for foundations and therefore is the soil material which is evaluated. USDA.SCS- LINCOLN. REBA 196E 5, L -25790