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Major fieldwork for this soil survey was done in the period 1963-1968. Soil names and descriptions
were approved in 1969. Unless otherwise indicated, statements in the publication refer to conditions in
the county at the time the survey was in progress. This survey was made cooperatively by the Soil Con-
servation Service and the North Carolina Agricultural Experiment Station. It is part of the technical
assistance furnished to the Catawba Soil and Water Conservation District.
Either enlarged or reduced copies of the soil map in this publication can be made by commercial
photographers, or they can be purchased on individual order from the Cartographic Division, Soil Con-
servation Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Washington, D.C. 20250.
HOW TO USE THIS SOIL SURVEY
THIS SOIL SURVEY contains information
that can be applied in managing farms and
woodlands; in selecting sites for roads, ponds,
buildings, and other structures; and in judging
the suitability of tracts of land for farming,
industry, and recreation.
Locating Soils
All the soils of Catawba County are shown on
the detailed map at the back of this publication.
This map consists of many sheets made from
aerial photographs. Each sheet is numbered to
correspond with a number on the Index to Map
Sheets.
On each sheet of the detailed map, soil areas
are outlined and are identified by symbols. All
areas marked with the same symbol are the same
kind of soil. The soil symbol is inside the area
if there is enough room; otherwise, it is outside
and a pointer shows where the symbol belongs.
Finding and Using Information
The "Guide to Mapping Units" can be used
to find information. This guide lists all the soils
of the county in alphabetic order by map symbol
and gives the capability classification of each.
It also shows the page where each soil is de-
scribed and the page for the woodland group to
which the soil has been assigned.
Individual colored maps showing the relative
suitability or degree of limitation of soils for
many specific purposes can be developed by
using the soil map and the information In the
text. Translucent material can be used as an
overlay over the soil map and colored to show
soils that have the same limitation or suitability.
For example, soils that have a slight limitation
for a given use can be colored green, those with
a moderate limitation can be colored yellow, and
those with a severe limitation can be colored red.
Farmers and those who work with, farmers
can learn about use and management of the soils
from the soil descriptions and from the descrip-
tions of the capability units and the woodland
groups.
Foresters and others can refer to the section
"Woodland," where the soils of the county are
grouped according to their suitability for trees.
Game managers, sportsmen, and others can
find information about soils and wildlife in the
section "Wildlife."
Engineers and builders can find, under "En-
gineering," tables that contain test data, esti-
mates of soil properties, and information about
soil features that affect engineering practices.
Scientists and others can read about how the
soils formed and how they are classified in the
section "Formation and Classification of the
Soils."
Newcomers in Catawba County may be es-
pecially interested in the section "General Soil
Map," where broad patterns of soils are de-
scribed. They may also be interested in the in-
formation about the county given in the section
"General Nature of the County" at the end of
the publication.
Cover: Typical landscape in the Pacolet-Cecil association.
Pacolet soils are in the drainageways, and Cecil soils are
on the ridgetops.

Contents
How this survey was made---------------------------------------
Page
1
General soil map------------------------------------------------
2
1. Cecil association-------------------------------------------
2
2. Hiwassee-Cecil association-----------------------------------
2
3. Hiwassee association-----------------------------.----------
3
4. Pacolet-Cecil association---..--------------------------------
3
5. Madison -Cecil association-----------------------------------
3
6. Cecil-Appling association-----------------------------------
3
Descriptions of the soils------------------------------------------
3
Altavista series, clayey variant------------------------------..---
4
Appling series-------------------------------------------------
5
Buncombe series-----------------------------------------------
6
Cecil series---------------------------------------------------
7
Chewaclaseries-----------------------------------------------
9
Congaree series------------------------------------------------
10
Enon series---------------------------------------------------
10
Gulliedland--------------------------------------------------
11
Hiwassee series------------------------------------------------
11
Leveled clayey land--------------------------------------------
13
Madison series------------------------------------------------
14
Pacolet series-------------------------------------------------
15
Wehadkeeseries-----------------------------------------------
16
Wilkes series--------------------------------------------------
16
Worsham series------------------------------------------------
17
Use and management of the soils----------------------------------
17
Crops and pasture---------------------------------------------
17
Capability grouping------------------------------------------
17
Estimated yields--------------------------------------------
23
Woodland----------------------------------------------------
23
Woodland management--------------------------------------
24
Woodland grouping------------------------------------------
25
Wildlife------------------------------------------------------
25
Engineering---------------------------------------------------
29
Engineering test data----------------------------------------
32
Engineering classification-------------------------------------
32
Estimated properties-----------------------------------------
33
Engineering interpretations-----------------------------------
33
Formation and classification of the soils----------------------------
34
Factors of soil formation----------------------------------------
34
Parent material---------------------------------------------
34
Climate----------------------------------------------------
35
Plant and animal life----------------------------------------
35
Relief------------------------------------------------------
42
Time-------------------------------------------------------
42
Classification of the soils---------------------------------------
42
General nature of the county--------------------------------------
44
Physiography, relief, and drainage-------------------------------
44
Watersupply-------------------------------------------------
44
Climate------------------------------------------------------
44
Farming-------------------------------------- ----------------
45
Industry and transportation------------------------------------
46
Literature cited-------------------------------------------------
46
Glossary-------------------------------------------------------
46
Guide to mapping units----------------------------------- Following
48
Issued October 1975

SOIL SURVEY OF CATAWBA COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA
BY EDWARD O. BREWER, SOIL CONSERVATION SERVICE
SOIL SURVEYED BY ROBERT M. BROWN, JULIAN H. McINTYRE, RONALD B. STEPHENS, AND EDWARD O. BREWER
SOIL CONSERVATION SERVICE I
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, SOIL CONSERVATION SERVICE, IN COOPERATION WITH THE
NORTH CAROLINA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION
CATAWBA COUNTY is on the upper Piedmont Pla-
teau in the west -central part of North Carolina (fig.
1) . Newton, the county seat, is about 180 miles west of
Raleigh, the State capital, and 55 miles northwest of
Charlotte, the largest city in North Carolina. Hickory,
the largest city in the county, is about 10 miles northwest
of Newton.
The 1970 census showed a population of 90,873 for the
county, 38,943 of which is urban. The total land area is
394 square miles. The average elevation is 1,165 feet above
sea level. Baker Mountain, the highest elevation, is 1,812
feet above sea level. It is in the western part. The lowest
elevation is approximately 760 feet above sea level, where
the Catawba River leaves the county. The soils are nearly
level to steep. The landscape is one of fairly broad ridges
and short, steep slopes.
Catawba County is industrially oriented, but farm crops
are of major importance. Farms number about 1,012. The
average size is approximately 97 acres. About 98 percent
are owner operated; many farmers also work in industry.
Corn, small grain, and soybeans are the leading cash crops.
Poultry, cattle, and hogs contribute considerably to the
farm income.
According to the 1969 Census of Agriculture, 51,032
acres was cropland, including idle cropland; 16,151 acres
was pasture; and 28,626 acres woodland.
The soils of Catawba County are dominantly acid and
strongly leached and for the most part have low base
saturation. Most of the soils are low In natural fertility
and organic -matter content; exceptions are Wilkes and
Enon soils, which have more than 35 percent base satura-
tion and are medium in natural fertility. For optimum
yields, most soils in the county require fertilizer and lime.
Figure I. —Location of Catawba County in North Carolina.
How This Survey Was Made
Soil scientists made this survey to learn what kinds of
soil are in Catawba County, where they are located, and
how they can be used. The soil scientists went into the
county knowing they likely would find many soils they
had already seen and perhaps some they had not. They
observed the steepness, length, and shape of slopes, the
size and speed of streams, the kinds of native plants or
crops, the kinds of rock, and many facts about the soils.
They dug many holes to expose soil profiles. A profile is
the sequence of natural layers, or horizons, in a soil; it
extends from the surface down into the parent material
that has not been changed much by leaching or by the
action of plant roots.
The soil scientists made comparisons among the pro-
files they studied, and they compared these profiles with
those in counties nearby and in places more distant. They
classified and named the soil according to nationwide,
uniform procedures. The soil series and the soil phase are
the categories of soil classification most used in a local
survey.
Soils that have profiles almost alike make up a soil
series. Except for different texture in the surface layer,
all the soils of one series have major horizons that are
similar in thickness, arrangement, and other important
characteristics. Each soil series is named for a town or
other geographic feature near the place where a soil of
that series was first observed and mapped. Cecil and
Appling, for example, are the names of two soil series.
All the soils in the United States having the same series
name are essentially alike in those characteristics that
affect their behavior in the undisturbed landscape.
Soils of one series can differ in texture of the surface
layer and in slope, stoniness, or some other characteristic
that affects use of the soils by man. On the basis of such
differences, a soil series is divided into phases. The name
of a soil phase indicates a feature that affects manage-
ment. For example, Cecil sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent
slopes, eroded, is one of several phases within the Cecil
series.
After a guide for classifying and naming the soils had
been worked out, the soil scientists drew the boundaries
1 CiHARLES S. WILSON and EARL S. WARRICK contributed substan-
tially to this survey.

2
SOM SURVEY
of the individual soils on aerial photographs. These
photographs show woodlands, buildings, field borders,
trees, and other details that help in drawing boundaries
accurately. The soil map at the back of this publication
was prepared from aerial photographs.
The areas shown on a soil map are called mapping
units. On most maps detailed enough to be useful in plan-
ning the management of farms and fields, a mapping unit
is nearly equivalent to a soil phase. It is not exactly
equivalent, because it is not practical to show on such a
map all the small, scattered bits of soil of some kind that
have been seen within an area that is dominantly of a
recognized soil phase.
Some mapping units are made up of soils of different
series, or of different phases within one series. Only one
such kind of mapping unit is shown on the soil map of
Catawba County: a soil complex.
A soil complex consists of areas of two or more soils,
so intricately mixed or so small in size that they cannot
be shown separately on the soil map. Each area of a
complex contains some of each of the two or more domi-
nant soils, and the pattern and relative proportions are
about the same in all areas. Congaree complex is an
example.
In most areas surveyed there are places where the soil
material is so rocky, so shallow, so severely eroded, or so
variable that it has not been classified by soil series. These
places are shown on the soil map and are described in the
survey, but they are called land types and are given
descriptive names. Gullied land is a land type in this
county.
While a soil survey is in progress, soil scientists take
soil samples needed for laboratory measurements and for
engineering tests. Laboratory data from the same kind of
soil in other places are also assembled. Data on yields of
crops under defined practices are assembled from farm
records and from field or plot experiments on the same
kind of soil. Yields under defined management are esti-
mated for all the soils.
Soil scientists observe how soils behave when used as a
growing place for native and cultivated plants, and as
material for structures, foundations for structures, or
covering for structures. They relate this behavior to prop-
erties of the soils. For example, they observe that filter
fields for onsite disposal of sewage fail on a given kind
of soil, and they relate this to the slow permeability of
the soil or a high water table. They see that streets, road
pavements, and foundations for houses are cracked on a
named kind of soil, and they relate this failure to the
high shrink -swell potential of the soil material. Thus,
they use observation and knowledge of soil properties,
together with available research data, to predict limita-
tions or suitability of soils for present and potential uses.
After data have been collected and tested for the key,
or benchmark, soils in a survey area, the soil scientists set
up trial groups of soils. They test these groups by further
study and by consultation with farmers, agronomists, en-
gineers, and others. They then adjust the groups accord-
ing to the results of their studies and consultation. Thus,
the groups that are finally evolved reflect up-to-date
knowledge of the soils and their behavior under current
methods of use and management.
General Soil Map
The general soil map at the back of this survey shows,
in color, the soil associations in Catawba County. A soil
association is a landscape that has a distinctive propor-
tional pattern of soils. It normally consists of one or more
major soils and at least one minor soil, and it is named
for the major soils. The soils in one association may occur
in another, but in a different pattern.
A map showing soil associations is useful to people who
want a general idea of the soils in a county, who want to
compare different parts of a county, or who want to know
the location of large tracts that are suitable for a certain
kind of land use. Such a map is a useful general guide in
managing a watershed, a wooded tract, or a wildlife area,
or in planning engineering works, recreational facilities,
and community developments. It is not a suitable map
for planning the management of a farm or field, or for
selecting the exact location of a road, building, or similar
structure because the soils in any one association ordi-
narily differ in slope, depth, stoniness, drainage, and
other characteristics that affect their management.
The six soil associations in Catawba County are de-
scribed on the following pages.
The terms for texture used in the title for several of
the associations apply to the texture of the surface layer.
For example, in the title of association 5, the words,
°`mainly gravelly soils," refer to the texture of the surface
layer.
1. Cecil association
Gently sloping to moderately steep soils that have a sub-
soil that is dominantly red, firm clay, on broad ridgetops
and short side slopes
This association occurs as large areas on broad ridges
and fairly short side slopes. It makes up 25 percent of the
county. It is about 75 percent Cecil soils and 25 percent
soils of minor extent.
Cecil soils are well drained. The surface layer is sandy
loam or clay loam. The subsoil is mainly red, firm clay.
Less extensive in this association are the Pacolet, Hi-
wassee, Madison, and Appling soils on uplands and the
Congaree, Wehadkee, and Chewacla soils on flood plains.
Most of this association is cultivated and pastured.
The rest is chiefly wooded or under urban development.
The major farm enterprises are growing corn, small
grain, and soybeans and raising cattle. The Cecil soil is
fairly well suited to most locally grown crops.
The slope and the clayey subsoil are the chief limiting
factors for all farm and nonfarm uses.
2. Hiwassee-Cecil association
Gently sloping to moderately steep soils that have a sub-
soil that is dominantly dark -red or red, firm clay; on
fairly broad ridgetops and short side slopes
This association occupies irregularly shaped bands on
fairly broad ridges and short side slopes. It makes up
about 23 percent of the county. It is about 30 percent
Hiwassee soils, 30 percent Cecil soils, and 40 percent soils
of minor extent.
Hiwassee soils are well drained. The surface layer is
loam or clay loam. The subsoil is dark -red to red, firm
clay or friable clay loam.

CATAWBA COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA
Cecil soils are well drained. The surface layer is sandy
loam or clay loam. The subsoil is red, firm clay.
Less extensive in this association are the Pacolet, Madi-
son, Enon, and Wilkes soils on uplands and the Congaree,
Chewacla, and Wehadkee soils on flood plains.
Most of this association is cultivated or pastured. The
rest is chiefly forested. Growing corn and small grain and
raising cattle are the chief farm enterprises. The Hiwas-
see and Cecil soils are fairly well suited to well suited to
most locally grown crops.
The slope and the clayey subsoil are the chief limiting
factors for all farm and nonfarm uses.
3. Hiwassee association
Gently sloping to moderately steep soils that have a sub-
soil that is dominantly dark -red, firm clay; on smooth,
broad ridgetops and short side slopes
This association is in long, wide belts on smooth, broad
ridges and short side slopes. It makes up about 19 percent
of the county. It is about 70 percent Hiwassee soils and
30 percent soils of minor extent.
Hiwassee soils are well drained. The surface layer is
loam or clay loam. The subsoil is dark -red or red, firm
clay or friable clay loam.
Less extensive in this association are the Cecil, Madi-
son, Pacolet, Enon, Wilkes, and Appling soils on uplands
and the Congaree, Chewacla, and Wehadkee soils on flood
plains.
Most of this association is pastured or cultivated. The
rest is chiefly forested or under urban development. The
Hiwassee soil is well suited to fairly well suited to most
locally grown crops.
The slope and the clayey subsoil are the chief limiting
factors for all farm and nonfarm uses.
4. Pacolet-Cecil association
Gently sloping to steep, mainly gravelly soils that have a
subsoil that is dominantly red, friable clay loam or firm
clay; on long, narrow, winding ridgetops and long side
Slopes
This association occurs as large areas on fairly narrow
ridges and long, sharply breaking side slopes. It makes
up about 13 percent of the county. It is about 45 percent
Pacolet soils, 35 percent Cecil soils, and 20 percent soils
of minor extent.
Pacolet soils are well drained. The surface layer is
gravelly sandy loam, gravelly fine sandy loam, or sandy
loam. The subsoil is red to yellowish -red, friable clay,
sandy clay loam, or firm clay.
Cecil soils are well drained. The surface layer is sandy
loam and clay loam. The subsoil is red, firm clay.
Less extensive in this association are the Madison, Hi-
wassee, Appling, Enon, and Wilkes soils on uplands and
the Congaree, Chewacla, V"Tehadkee, and Altavista soils
on flood plains and terraces.
Most of this association is forested. The rest is chiefly
pastured, cultivated, or under urban development. The
Pacolet and Cecil soils are well suited to fairly well
suited to most locally grown crops.
The slope and the clayey subsoil are the chief limiting
factors for all farm and nonfarm uses.
5. Madison -Cecil association
3
Gently sloping to moderately steep, mainly gravelly soils
that have a subsoil that is dominantly red, friable clay or
firm clay; on fairly narrow ridgetops and long side slopes
This association occurs as fairly long, wide bands on
ridges and side slopes. It makes up about 12 percent of
the county. It is about 40 percent Madison soils, 30 per-
cent Cecil soils, and 30 percent soils of minor extent.
Madison soils are well drained. The surface layer is
gravelly sandy loam. The subsoil is red to yellowish -red,
firm clay, friable clay loam, or sandy clay loam that con-
tains varying amounts of fine mica.
Cecil soils are well drained. The surface layer is sandy
loam and clay loam. The subsoil is mainly red, firm clay.
Less extensive in this association are the Pacolet, Hi-
wassee, Appling, and Worsham soils on uplands and the
Chewacla, Congaree, and Wehadkee soils on flood plains.
About half of this association is forested. The rest is
pastured or cultivated. Pasture grasses, corn, and small
grain are the chief crops. The Madison and Cecil soils are
well suited to fairly well suited to most locally grown
crops.
The slope and the clayey subsoil are the chief limiting
factors for all farm and nonfarm uses.
6. Cecil-Appling association
Gently sloping to moderately steep soils that have a sub-
soil that is dominantly red or Strong -brown and brown,
firm clay; on broad ridgetops and short side slopes
This association is on broad ridges and fairly short
side slopes. It makes up about 8 percent of the county. It
is about 50 percent Cecil soils, 30 percent Appling soils,
and 20 percent soils of minor extent.
Cecil soils are well drained. The surface layer is sandy
loam or clay loam. The subsoil is red, firm clay.
Appling soils are well drained. The surface layer is
sandy loam. The subsoil is strong -brown to yellowish -red,
firm clay or friable clay loam.
Less extensive in this association are the Pacolet, Hi-
wassee, and Madison soils on uplands and the Congaree,
Chewacla, and Wehadkee soils on flood plains.
Most of this association is cultivated or pastured. The
rest is chiefly forested. The major farm enterprises are
growing corn, soybeans, and small grain and raising
cattle. The Cecil and Appling soils are well suited to
fairly well suited to most locally grown crops.
The slope and the clayey subsoil are the chief limiting
factors for all farm and nonfarm uses.
Descriptions of the Soils
This section describes the soil series and mapping units
in Catawba County. Each soil series is described in de-
tail, and then, briefly, each mapping unit in that series.
Unless it is specifically mentioned otherwise, it is to be
assumed that what is stated about the soil series holds
true for the mapping units in that series. Thus, to get full
information about any one mapping unit, it is necessary
to read both the description of the mapping unit and the
description of the soil series to which it belongs.
An important part of the description of each soil series
is the soil profile, that is, the sequence of layers from the

in
SOM SURVEY
surface downward to rock or other underlying material.
Each series contains two descriptions of this profile. The
first is brief and in terms familiar to the layman. The
second is much more detailed and is for those who need
to make thorough and precise studies of soils. The profile
described in the series is representative for mapping units
in that series. If the profile of a given mapping unit is
different from the one described for the series, these dif-
ferences are stated in describing the mapping unit, or
they are differences that are apparent in the name of the
mapping unit.
As mentioned in the section "How This Survey Was
Made," not all mapping units are members of a soil series.
Gullied land, for example, does not belong to a soil series,
but nevertheless is listed in alphabetic order along with
the soil series.
Following the name of each mapping unit is a symbol
in parentheses. This symbol identifies the mapping unit
on the detailed soil map. Listed at the end of each de-
scription of a mapping unit is the capability unit and
woodland group to which the mapping unit has been as-
signed. To find the page for the description of each capa-
bility unit and woodland group refer to the "Guide to
Mapping Units" at the back of this survey.
The acreage and proportionate extent of each mapping
unit are shown in table 1. Many of the terms used in de-
scribing soils can be found in the Glossary, and more de-
tailed information about the terminology and methods
of soil ma ping can be obtained from the Soil Survey
Manual (8,.2
Altavista Series, Clayey Variant
The Altavista series, clayey variant, consists of moder-
ately well drained, gently sloping soils on low, slightly
'Italic numbers in parentheses refer to Literature Cited, p. 46.
convex benches or shelves between the steeper uplands
and the flood plains. These soils formed in fairly old
alluvium.
In a representative profile the surface layer is dark
yellowish -brown fine sandy loam 6 inches thick. The sub-
soil is yellowish -brown, firm clay loam 32 inches thick.
Gray mottles are within a depth of 38 inches. The sub-
stratum extends to a depth of about 100 inches. It is light
brownish -gray clay in the upper part and light brownish -
gray gravelly coarse sand in the lower part.
Altavista soils, clayey variant, are flooded infrequently
for brief periods. They are low in natural fertility and
content of organic matter. Unless limed, they are medium
acid. Permeability is moderate, and available water ca-
pacity is medium. The root zone is deep. Depth to the
seasonal high water table is about 2 feet. The shrink -
swell potential is moderate.
Altavista soils are of minor importance for farming.
Most of the acreage is pastured or cultivated, and the rest
is wooded. Slope and wetness are the main limitations.
Representative profile of Altavista fine sandy loam,
clayey variant, in a pasture 21/2 miles southeast of Ca-
tawba, one-half mile south of County Road 1004, 100
yards north of Balls Creek, and 160 feet east of field road:
Ap-0 to 6 inches, dark yellowish -brown (10YR 4/4) fine
sandy loam; weak, fine, granular structure; very fri-
able; many small roots; few fine mica flakes; slightly
acid; clear, smooth boundary.
111-6 to 9 inches, yellowish -brown (10YR 5/6) clay loam;
weak, medium, subangular blocky structure; friable,
slightly sticky, slightly plastic; few small roots; few
fine mica flakes; medium acid; gradual, wavy
boundary.
B21t-9 to 22 inches, yellowish -brown (10YR 5/6) clay loam;
weak, medium, subangular blocky structure; firm,
slightly sticky, slightly plastic; thin discontinuous
clay films on ped faces; few fine mica flakes; medium
acid; gradual, wavy boundary.
TABLE 1.-Approximate acreage and proportionate extent of the soils
Soil
Area
Extent
Soil
Area
Extent
Altavista fine sandy loam, clayey variant-_ _ _ _ _
Acres
771
Percent
0.3
Hiwassee clay loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes,
Acres
Percent
Appling sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes_____
4,992
2.0
eroded__________________________________
1,697
0.7
Appling sandy loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes,
Hiwassee clay loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes,
eroded__________________________________
2,791
1.1
eroded ----------------------------------
9,831
3.9
Appling sandy loam, 10 to 25 percent slopes,
Leveled clayey land_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
1,469
.6
eroded__________________________________
940
.4
Madison gravelly sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent
Buncombe loamy sand______________________
766
.3
slopes, eroded ----------------------------
4,789
1.9
Cecil sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded_ _
37,745
15.0
Madison gravelly sandy loam, 6 to 10 percent
Cecil sandy loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes,
slopes, eroded____________________________
7,471
3.0
eroded__________________________________
36,560
14.5
Madison gravelly sandy loam, 10 to 25 percent
Cecil sandy loam, 10 to 15 percent slopes,
slopes, eroded____________________________
10,137
4.0
eroded__________________________________
11,838
4.7
Pacolet gravelly sandy loam, 25 to 45 percent
Cecil clay loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded__
1,515
.6
slopes________________ ________ ________
4,902
1.9
Cecil clay loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes, eroded- _
6,278
2.5
Pacolet gravelly fine sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent
Cecil clay loam, 10 to 25 percent slopes, severely
slopes___________________________________
1,012
.4
eroded__________________________________
16,121
6.4
Pacolet gravelly fine sandy loam, 6to10percent
Chewacla loam -----------------------------
11,170
4.4
slopes-----------------------------------
6,180
2.5
Congaree complex__________________________
5,622
2.2
Pacolet soils, 10 to 25 percent slopes ----------
21,258
8.4
Enon fine sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes___-
318
. 1
Wehadkee fine sandy loam -------------------
839
.3
Gullied land_______________________________
1,080
.4
Wilkes loam, 10 to 25 percent slopes ----------
1,265
.5
Hiwassee loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded-_-
23,287
9.2
Worsham fine sandy loam_ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
937
.4
Hiwassee loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes, eroded_-
11,764
4.7
Hiwassee loam, 10 to 15 percent slopes, eroded_-
3,607
1.4
Total_________________________________
252, 160
100.0
Hiwassee loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes --------
3,208
1.3

CATAWBA COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA
B22t-22 to 38 inches, yellowish -brown (10YR 5/6) clay loam;
common, medium, distinct, light brownish -gray (10YR
6/2) mottles; weak, medium, subangular blocky struc-
ture ; firm, slightly sticky, slightly plastic; thin
patchy clay films on ped faces; few fine mica flakes;
medium acid; gradual, wavy boundary.
Cg-38 to 55 inches, light brownish -gray (10YR 6/2) clay,
massive; firm, plastic, sticky; few fine mica flakes;
medium acid; abrupt, wavy boundary.
IICg-55 to 100 inches, light brownish -gray (10YR 6/2) grav-
elly coarse sand; loose.
This variant of the Altavista series differs from the typical
Altavista soils in having a higher clay content in the B hori-
zon. The solum ranges from 30 to 50 inches in thickness.
Depth to bedrock is more than 5 feet. The A horizon ranges
from yellowish brown to dark brown in color and from 6 to
10 inches in thickness. The B horizon ranges from 24 to 40
inches in thickness and is yellowish -brown or brownish -yellow,
friable to firm clay loam. Gray mottles are within a depth of
38 inches. The B and C horizons in places contain few to com-
mon mica flakes. The C horizon ranges from grayish brown or
light brownish gray to gray and from clay to gravelly coarse
sand.
Altavista fine sandy loam, clayey variant (Af).—This
is a moderately well drained soil on benches and shelves
between the steeper uplands and the flood plains. It oc-
curs as fairly narrow bands just above flood plains.
Slopes are 2 to 6 percent. Areas range from 3 to 15 acres
in size.
Included with this soil in mapping are a few areas of
similar soils that have slopes of 6 to 10 percent and a
few areas of similar soils that are well drained.
This Altavista soil is easy to keep in good tilth and
can be worked throughout a wide range of moisture con-
tent. It is medium acid throughout unless limed. Infiltra-
tion is moderate, and surface runoff is medium. Crops
respond well to applications of lime and fertilizer.
This soil is well suited to most locally grown crops and
is used mainly for corn. Most of the acreage is pastured
or cultivated, and the rest is wooded. Drainage is needed
in places, particularly in low spots, for some deep-rooted
crops. The hazard of erosion is moderate. Control of run-
off and erosion is needed in cultivated areas. Capability
unit IIe-2; woodland group 2w8.
Appling Series
The Appling series consists of well -drained, gently
sloping to moderately steep soils on uplands. These soils
formed in residuum derived from acidic rock, including
granite and granite -gneiss.
In a representative profile the surface layer is dark
grayish -brown and pale -brown sandy loam 8 inches thick.
The subsoil is about 39 inches thick. The upper part is
dominantly strong -brown and brown, firm clay mottled
with red and yellowish brown. The lower part is mottled
,yellowish -brown, red, and gray, friable sandy clay loam.
The substratum, to a depth of about 90 inches, is reddish -
yellow sandy loam mottled with brownish yellow.
Appling soils are low in natural fertility and content
of organic matter. Unless limed, they are strongly acid
to very strongly acid throughout. Permeability is moder-
ate, and available water capacity is medium. The root
zone is deep. Depth to the seasonal high water table is
more than 7 feet. The shrink -swell potential is moderate.
Appling soils are important for farming. Most of the
acreage is cleared and is either cultivated or pastured.
Slope is the main limitation.
!s7
Representative profile of Appling sandy loam, 2 to 6
percent slopes, in a wooded area 6 miles east of Newton,
about 11/2 miles north of Ball's Creek School on County
Road 1810, and 100 feet west of road:
02-2 inches to 0, partially decomposed litter.
A1-0 to 3 inches, dark grayish -brown (10YR 4/2) sandy
loam; weak, medium, granular structure; very fri-
able; few quartz pebbles; very strongly acid; clear,
smooth boundary.
A2-3 to 8 inches, pale -brown (10YR 6/3) sandy loam; weak,
fine and medium, granular structure; very friable;
many small and medium roots; few quartz pebbles;
very strongly acid; clear, smooth boundary.
B1-8 to 12 inches, yellowish -brown (10YR 5/4) sandy clay
loam; weak, fine, subangular blocky structure; fri-
able; few small roots; few quartz pebbles; very
strongly acid; clear, smooth boundary.
B21t-12 to 27 inches, strong -brown (7.5YR 5/6) clay; mod-
erate, medium, subangular blocky structure; firm,
sticky, slightly plastic; thin discontinuous clay films
on ped faces; few small and medium roots; few fine
mica flakes; very strongly acid; gradual, smooth
boundary.
B22t-27 to 42 inches, brown (7.5YR 5/4) clay; common, me-
dium, distinct, red (2.5YR 5/6) and yellowish -brown
(10YR 5/6) mottles; moderate, medium, subangular
blocky structure; firm, sticky, slightly plastic; thin
discontinuous clay films on ped faces; few fine mica,
flakes; very strongly acid; gradual, smooth boundary.
B3t-42 to 47 inches, mottled yellowish -brown (10YR 5/6),
red (2.5YR 5,/8), and gray (10YR 5/1) sandy clay
loam; weak, medium, subangular blocky structure;
friable; thin discontinuous clay films on ped faces;
few fine mica flakes; strongly acid; gradual, smooth
boundary.
C-47 to 90 inches, reddish -yellow (5YR 6/8) sandy loam;
common, medium, distinct, brownish -yellow (10YR
6/6) mottles; massive; friable; few, soft, weathered
rock fragments; few fine mica flakes; very strongly
acid.
The solum ranges from 40 to 60 inches in thickness. Depth
to bedrock is more than 5 feet. The Al or Ap horizon ranges
from 5 to 12 inches in thickness and is dark grayish brown
to yellowish brown. The A2 horizon, if present, is pale brown
to yellowish brown. The B horizon ranges from 36 to 48 inches
in thickness. The B1 horizon is commonly yellowish -brown
sandy clay loam. The B2 horizon is strong -brown, brown, or
yellowish -red clay or clay loam. The B3 horizon is commonly
mottled yellowish -brown, yellowish -red, red, or gray sandy
clay loam. The C horizon is weathered granite or granite -
gneiss of sandy loam to clay loam texture and is commonly
mottled with shades of red, brown, yellow, and gray.
Appling sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes (AsB).—This
soil has the profile described as representative of the
series. It is a well -drained soil on fairly smooth broad
ridges on uplands. Areas are irregular in shape and 5 to
10 acres in size.
Included with this soil in mapping are areas of a yel-
lower, coarser textured soil; areas of Cecil soils; and a
few areas of well -drained to somewhat poorly drained
soils along small drainageways and in depressions.
This Appling soil is easy to keep in good tilth and can
be worked throughout a wide range of moisture content.
Unless limed, it is strongly acid to very strongly acid
throughout. Infiltration is moderate, and runoff is me-
dium. Crops respond well to applications of lime and
fertilizer.
This soil is well suited to most locally grown crops and
to pasture and native trees. It is used chiefly for soy-
beans, corn, and small grain. Most of the acreage is cul-
tivated or pastured, and the rest is wooded. In areas of
cultivated row crops, the hazard of erosion is moderate.

T
SOIL SURVLY
Control of runoff and erosion is needed in cultivated
areas. Capability unit IIe-1; woodland group W.
Appling sandy loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes, eroded
(AsC2).—This is a well -drained soil on the upper parts of
slopes on uplands. It occurs as fairly long areas 4 to 25
acres in size. In many places the present surface layer is
a mixture of the original surface layer, subsurface layer,
and subsoil material. The surface layer is pale -brown to
yellowish -brown sandy loam 5 to 8 inches thick. In some
wooded areas it is dark grayish brown. The subsoil is
firm clay to friable clay loam 36 to 48 inches thick. It is
strong brown to yellowish red and is commonly mottled
with red.
Included with this soil in mapping are areas of a yel-
lower, coarser textured soil that typically has a sandy
clay loam subsoil; areas of Cecil soils; and a few areas
of well -drained to somewhat poorly drained soils along
small drainageways and in depressions.
This Appling soil is easy to keep in good tilth and can
be worked throughout a wide range of moisture content.
Unless limed, it is strongly acid to very strongly acid
throughout. Infiltration is moderate, and runoff is rapid.
Crops respond fairly well to applications of lime and
fertilizer.
This soil is well suited to most locally grown crops and
is used chiefly for soybeans, corn, and small grain. Most
of the acreage is cultivated or pastured. The hazard of
erosion is severe. Control of runoff and erosion is needed
in cultivated areas. Capability unit IIIe-1; woodland
group 3o7.
Appling sandy loam, 10 to 25 percent slopes, eroded
(AsE2).—This is a well -drained soil on lower slopes border-
ing drainageways. It occurs on uplands as fairly long
narrow bands 3 to 20 acres in size. In many places the
present surface layer is a mixture of the original surface
layer, subsurface layer, and subsoil material. The surface
layer is pale -brown to yellowish -brown sandy loam 5 to
8 inches thick. In some wooded areas it is dark grayish
brown. The subsoil is strong -brown to ,yellowish -red, firm
clay to friable clay loam 36 to 40 inches thick. In most
places it is mottled with red.
Included with this soil in mapping are many areas of
similar soils that are only slightly eroded and a few areas
of Cecil and Pacolet soils.
This Appling soil is fairly easy to keep in good tilth
and can be worked throughout a wide range of moisture
content. Unless limed, it is strongly acid to very strongly
acid throughout. Infiltration is moderately slow, and run-
off is rapid. Crops respond fairly well to applications of
lime and fertilizer.
This soil is fairly well suited to most locally grown
crops and is well suited to pasture and trees. Most of the
acreage is wooded, and the rest is cultivated or pastured.
Most cultivated areas are on the milder slopes. They are
chiefly in small grain and soybeans. Trees and pasture
are on the steeper slopes. Control of runoff and erosion
is needed in cultivated areas. Capability unit IVe-1;
woodland group 3r8.
Buncombe Series
The Buncombe series consists of nearly level, somewhat
excessively drained soils on flood plains. These soils
formed in recent alluvium.
In a representative profile the surface layer is brown
loamy sand about 10 inches thick. The next layers are
light -brown loose sand, reddish -yellow loamy fine sand,
and brown loose sand. At a depth of about 55 inches is
reddish -brown, very friable sandy loam mottled with
strong brown and yellowish brown.
Buncombe soils are flooded frequently, but only for
brief periods. They are very low in natural fertility and
content of organic matter. Unless limed, they are medium
acid. Permeability is rapid, and available water capacity
is low. The root zone is deep. Depth to the seasonal high
water table is about 21/2 feet. The shrink -swell potential
is low.
Buncombe soils are not important for farming. Most of
the acreage is forest. The rest is pastured or cultivated.
Flooding and droughtiness are the main limitations.
Representative profile of Buncombe loamy sand in a
pasture 11/2 miles west of Maiden, one-fourth mile east
of County Road 2009, and 50 yards west of Clark Creek:
Ap-0 to 10 inches, brown (10YR 5/3) loamy sand; weak,
fine, granular structure; loose; many fine $brows
roots; few fine mica flakes; slightly acid; abrupt,
smooth boundary.
C1-10 to 13 inches, light -brown (7.5YR 6/4) sand; single
grain; loose; few small and medium roots; few me-
dium mica flakes; medium acid; abrupt, smooth
boundary.
C2-13 to 16 inches, reddish -yellow (7.5YR 6/6) loamy fine
sand; single grain; loose; few small and medium
roots; few medium mica flakes; medium acid; clear,
wavy boundary.
C3-16 to 55 inches, brown (7.5YR 5/4) sand, few grains of
reddish yellow and black; single grain; loose; few
medium mica flakes; medium acid; gradual, smooth
boundary.
C4-55 to 65 inches, reddish -brown (5YR 5/4) sandy loam;
few, fine and medium, faint, strong -brown and yellow-
ish -brown mottles; massive; very friable; medium
acid.
The A horizon ranges from dark brown or brown to yellow-
ish brown in color and from 10 to 18 inches in thickness. The
upper part of the horizon ranges from light brown or brown
to reddish yellow in color and from sand to loamy fine sand
in texture. The lower part is commonly reddish -brown sandy
loam, loam, and loamy sand. The substratum in some places
contains layers of rounded gravel and cobblestones. Content
of mica flakes ranges from few to common throughout the
profile. Depth to bedrock is more than 10 feet.
Buncombe loamy sand (Bn).—This is a somewhat ex-
cessively drained soil on flood plains. It occurs as fairly
long, narrow strips adjacent to streams and is subject to
frequent flooding. Slopes are 0 to 2 percent. Areas range
from 3 to about 30 acres in size and are about 325 feet
wide.
Included with this soil in mapping are some areas of
Congaree soils and a few areas of poorly drained and
somewhat poorly drained loamy sands and sands.
This Buncombe soil is easy to keep in good tilth and
can be worked throughout a wide range of moisture con-
tent. It is medium acid throughout unless limed. Perme-
ability is rapid, and surface runoff is slow. Crops respond
fairly well to applications of lime and fertilizer.
Most of the acreage is forest. The rest is pastured or
cultivated. Most locally grown crops are fairly well
suited. Flooding and droughtiness are severe limitations.
Capability unit IIIs-1; woodland group 2s8.

CATAWBA COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA
Cecil Series
The Cecil series consists of well -drained, gently slop-
ing to moderately steep soils on uplands. These soils
formed in residuum from acidic rock, including granite -
gneiss and granite.
In a representative profile the surface layer is dark
grayish -brown and brown sandy loam about 7 inches
thick. The subsoil is about 43 inches thick. It is domi-
nantly red, firm clay in the upper part and red, friable
clay loam mottled with strong brown in the lower part.
The substratum, to a depth of about 75 inches, is mottled
red, string -brown, and pale -brown sandy loam.
Cecil soils are low in natural fertility and organic -
matter content. Unless limed, they are strongly acid to
very strongly acid throughout. Permeability is moderate,
and available water capacity is medium. The root zone
is deep. Depth to the seasonal high water table is 10 feet
or more. The shrink -swell potential is moderate.
Cecil soils are important for farming. Most of the
acreage is cultivated or pastured (fig. 2), and the rest is
chiefly wooded. Slope is the main limitation.
Representative profile of Cecil sandy loam, 2 to 6 per-
-ent slopes, eroded, in a wooded area 51/4 miles southeast
of Newton on State Highway 16, 11/4 miles south of
..r
7
Mount Olin Church, 450 yards north of County Road
1877, and 50 feet northeast of private road:
02-2 inches to 0, partially decomposed forest litter.
A1-0 to 2 inches, dark grayish -brown (10YR 4/2) sandy
loam; weak, medium, granular structure; very fri-
able; many small roots; few quartz pebbles; strongly
acid; clear, wavy boundary.
A2-2 to 7 inches, brown (7.5YR 5/4) sandy loam; weak, me-
dium, granular structure; very friable; many small
and medium roots; few quartz pebbles; strongly
acid; clear, smooth boundary.
B1-7 to 10 inches, yellowish -red (5YR 4/8) sandy clay loam;
weak, fine, subangular blocky structure; friable; few
small and medium roots; strongly acid; clear, smooth
boundary.
B21t-10 to 30 inches, red (2.5YR 4/8) clay; moderate, me-
dium, subangular blocky structure; firm, sticky, plas-
tic; few small roots; distinct clay films on ped faces;
few fine mica flakes; few fine quartz pebbles; strongly
acid; gradual, smooth boundary.
B22t-30 to 40 inches, red (2.5YR 4/8) clay; moderate and
weak, medium, subangular blocky structure; firm,
sticky, plastic; thin clay films on most ped faces;
common fine mica flakes; strongly acid; gradual,
smooth boundary.
B3-40 to 50 inches, red (2.5YR 5/8) clay loam; common,
medium, distinct, strong -brown (7.5YR 5/6) mottles;
weak, medium, subangular blocky structure; friable;
few clay films on vertical faces; common fine mica
flakes; strongly acid; gradual, smooth boundary.
Figure 2.—Fescue pasture on Cecil sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded.

0
SOIL SURVEY
C-50 to 75 inches, mottled red (2.5YR 5/8), strong -brown
(7.5YR 5/8), and pale -brown (10YR 6/3) sandy loam;
massive; friable,, common fine mica flakes; strongly
acid.
The solum ranges from 40 to 60 inches in thickness. Depth
to bedrock is more than 5 feet. The Al or Ap horizon is
grayish -brown or dark grayish -brown to reddish -brown sandy
loam or clay loam 4 to 10 inches thick. The A2 horizon is
brown or yellowish -brown sandy loam, fine sandy loam, or
loam. The B horizon ranges from 35 to 50 inches in thickness.
The Bl horizon is yellowish -red or red sandy clay loam or
clay loam. The B2t horizon is red clay. The B3 horizon is red
sandy clay loam or clay loam. The C horizon is mostly mottled
red, strong -brown, and pale -brown sandy loam to clay loam
material weathered from acidic rock that includes granite and
granite -gneiss.
Cecil sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded
(CmB2).—This soil has the profile described as representa-
tive of the series. It is a well -drained soil on fairly
smooth, broad ridges on uplands. It occurs as fairly long,
wide bands 6 to 100 acres in size.
Included with this soil in mapping are areas of similar
soils that are only slightly eroded or have a gravelly
surface layer, a few areas of Hiwassee and Madison soils,
and a few areas of similar soils on stream terraces that
contain a small amount of rounded gravel.
Unless limed, this Cecil soil is strongly acid to very
strongly acid throughout. It is difficult to keep in good
filth and can be worked within only a narrow range of
moisture content. In the more eroded areas, a crust
forms after heavy rain and clods form if the surface
layer is worked when too wet. Infiltration is moderate,
and runoff is medium. Crops respond well to applica-
tions of lime and fertilizer.
This soil is well suited to most locally grown crops
and is used chiefly for corn, soybeans, and small grain.
Most of the acreage is cultivated or pastured. The rest
is wooded or is under urban development. The hazard of
erosion is moderate in cultivated areas. Control of runoff
is needed. Capability unit IIe-1; woodland group 3o7.
Cecil sandy loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes, eroded
(CmC2)•—This is a well -drained soil on the upper parts of
slopes on uplands. It occurs as long, fairly wide bands
6 to 60 acres in size. In many places the present surface
layer is a mixture of the original surface layer and ma-
terial from the upper part of the subsoil. The surface
layer is grayish -brown to reddish -brown sandy loam 6
to 10 inches thick. The subsoil is dominantly red, firm
clay 35 to 50 inches thick.
Included with this soil in mapping are areas of similar
soils that are only slightly eroded or have a gravelly
surface layer; a few areas of Pacolet, Madison, and Hi-
wassee soils; and a few areas of a similar soil, on stream
terraces, that contains a small amount of quartz gravel.
Unless limed, this Cecil soil is strongly acid to very
strongly acid throughout. It is difficult to keep in good
tilth and can be worked within only a narrow range of
moisture content. In the more eroded areas, a crust forms
after heavy rain and clods form if the surface layer is
worked when too wet. Infiltration is moderate, and run-
off is rapid. Crops respond fairly well to applications of
lime and fertilizer.
This soil is fairly well suited to most locally grown
crops and is used chiefly for small grain, soybeans, and
corn. It is well suited to pasture, hay, and trees. About
half the acreage is cultivated or pastured. The rest is
wooded or is under urban development. The hazard of
erosion is severe in cultivated areas. Control of runoff
and erosion is needed. Capability unit IIIe-1; woodland
group 3o7.
Cecil sandy lown, 10 to 15 percent slopes, eroded
(CmD2).—This is a well -drained soil on uplands. It occupies
lower slopes bordering drainageways and is also above
steeper side slopes. It occurs as fairly narrow areas 3
to 30 acres in size. In many places the present surface
layer is a mixture of the original surface layer and ma-
terial from the upper part of the subsoil. The surface
layer is grayish -brown to reddish -brown sandy loam 5
to 8 inches thick. The subsoil is dominantly red, firm clay
35 to 45 inches thick.
Included with this soil in mapping are a few areas
of similar soils that have a gravelly surface layer and
some areas of Pacolet; Madison, and Hiwassee soils.
Unless limed, this Cecil soil is strongly acid to very
strongly acid. It is difficult to keep in good tilth and can
be worked within only a narrow range of moisture
content. In the more eroded areas, a crust forms after
heavy rain and clods form if the surface layer is worked
when too wet. Crusts and clods affect germination. Hence,
stands are poor and uneven and yields are reduced.
Crops respond fairly well to applications of lime and
fertilizer. Infiltration is moderately slow, and runoff
is rapid.
This soil is fairly well suited to most locally grown crops
and is used chiefly for small grain and corn. It is well
suited to pasture and trees. Most of the acreage is wooded,
and the rest is pastured or cultivated. Control of runoff
and erosion is needed in cultivated areas. Capability unit
IVe-1; woodland group 3o7.
Cecil clay loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded
(CnB2).—This is a well -drained soil on fairly smooth broad
ridges on uplands. It occurs as fairly wide, irregularly
shaped areas 3 to 50 acres in size. The surface layer is
dominantly reddish -brown clay loam 4 to 6 inches thick.
It is a mixture of the original surface layer and material
from the upper part of the subsoil. The subsoil is domi-
nantly red, firm clay 35 to 45 inches thick.
Included with this soil in mapping are some areas of
Hiwassee and Pacolet soils and a few small areas of
gravelly and cobbly soils.
Unless limed, this Cecil soil is strongly acid to very
strongly acid throughout. It is difficult to keep in good
tilth and can be worked within only a very narrow range
of moisture content. A crust forms after heavy rain, and
clods form if the surface layer is worked when too wet.
Crusts and clods affect germination, and stands are poor
and uneven. Yields are somewhat lower on this soil than
on Cecil sandy loams. Crops respond fairly well to appli-
cations of lime and fertilizer. Infiltration is slow, and
runoff is rapid.
This soil is fairly well suited to most locally grown
crops and is used chiefly for small grain and corn. About
half the acreage is cultivated or pastured, and the rest
is mostly wooded. Control of runoff and erosion is needed.
Capability unit IIIe-2; woodland group 3o7.
Cecil clay loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes, eroded
(CnC2).—This is a well -drained soil on the upper parts of
slopes on uplands. It occurs as fairly long bands 3 to
50 acres in size. The surface layer is dominantly reddish-

CATAWBA COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA
brown clay loam 4 to 6 inches thick and is a mixture of
the original surface layer and material from the upper
part of the subsoil. The subsoil is dominantly red, firm
clay 35 to 40 inches thick.
Included with this soil in mapping are areas of Hi-
wassee and Pacolet soils.
Unless limed, this Cecil soil is strongly acid to very
strongly acid throughout. It is difficult to keep in good
tilth and can be worked within only a very narrow range
of moisture content. A crust forms after heavy ram,
and clods form if the surface layer is worked when too
wet. Crusts and clods affect germination, and stands are
poor and uneven. Yields are somewhat lower on this soil
than on Cecil sandy loams. Crops respond fairly well to
applications of lime and fertilizer. Infiltration is slow,
and runoff is rapid.
This soil is well suited to pasture and most hay crops
and trees and is fairly well suited to most locally grown
cultivated crops. Most of the acreage is wooded. The
rest is chiefly pastured or cultivated. Control of runoff
and erosion is needed in cultivated areas. Capability unit
IVe-2; woodland group 3o7.
Cecil clay loam, 10 to 25 percent slopes, severely
eroded (CnE3).—This is a well -drained soil on the lower
parts of slopes on uplands. It occurs as fairly long, nar-
row bands bordering drainageways. Areas are 5 to 50
acres in size. The surface layer is mostly reddish -brown
clay. loam 4 to 6 inches thick and is a mixture of the
original surface layer and material from the upper part
of the subsoil. The subsoil is dominantly red, firm clay
35 to 40 inches thick. It is commonly cut by many shallow
gullies and a few deep gullies.
Included with this soil in mapping are areas of Hi-
wassee and Pacolet soils.
Unless limed, this Cecil soil is strongly acid to very
strongly acid throughout. Crop response is fair to applica-
tions of lime and fertilizer. Infiltration is slow, and
runoff is very rapid.
This soil is not suited to cultivated crops. It is poorly
suited to pasture and is only fairly well suited to trees.
Most of the acreage is wooded, and the rest is chiefly
pastured. The severe hazard of erosion, the steep. slope,
and the gullies are the main limitations. Capability unit
VIe-2; woodland group 4c2e.
Chewacla Series
The Chewacla series consists of nearly level, somewhat
poorly drained soils on flood plains. These soils formed
in recent alluvium.
In a representative profile the surface layer is brown
loam about 10 inches thick. The subsoil is about 30 inches
thick. The upper part is brown, friable loam mottled
with light brownish gray. Underlying this is light yellow-
ish -brown, friable loam mottled with light brownish gray.
The lower part is light -gray, friable clay loam mottled
with yellowish brown. The substratum, to a depth of about
64 inches, is gray clay loam mottled with yellowish brown
and olive.
Chewacla soils are flooded very frequently, but for
brief periods. Unless limed, they are medium acid to
strongly acid throughout. Natural fertility is low, and
the content of organic matter is medium. Permeability
9
is moderate, and available water capacity is high. The
root zone is moderately deep. Depth to the seasonal high
water table is 1 foot. The shrink -swell potential is low.
Chewacla soils are fairly important for farming. They
are well suited to corn. Most of the acreage is pastured or
cultivated. Flooding and wetness are the main limita-
tions.
Representative profile of Chewacla loam in a pasture
21/2 miles southeast of Catawba, 1 mile south of Hudson
Chapel Church, and 200 feet south of Ball Creek:
Ap-0 to 10 inches, brown (7.5YR 4/4) loam; few, fine, dis-
tinct, pale -brown mottles; weak, medium, granular
structure; very friable; many small fibrous roots;
few line mica flakes; medium acid; gradual, wavy
boundary.
B21-10 to 14 inches, brown (7.5YR 4/4) loam; few, fine,
distinct, light brownish -gray mottles; weak, medium,
subangular blocky structure; friable; few small fi-
brous roots; common fine mica flakes; medium acid;
abrupt, smooth boundary.
B22g--14 to 30 inches, light yellowish -brown (10YR 6/4)
loam; common, fine and medium, distinct, light
brownish -gray (2.5Y 6/2) mottles; weak, medium,
subangular blocky structure; friable; few small fi-
brous roots; common fine mica flakes; medium acid;
gradual, wavy boundary.
B239-30 to 40 inches, light -gray (10YR 7/2) clay loam;
common, fine and medium, distinct, yellowish -brown
(10YR 5/6) mottles; weak, medium, subangular
blocky structure; friable; common fine mica. flakes;
medium acid; gradual, wavy boundary.
C1g-40 to 51 inches, gray (10YR 5/1) clay loam; few to
common, fine and medium, distinct, yellowish -brown
(10YR 5/6) mottles; massive; friable; common fine
mica flakes; strongly acid; gradual, wavy boundary.
C2g-51 to 64 inches, gray (N 5/0) clay loam; few, medium,
distinct, olive (5Y 4/3) mottles; massive; friable;
common fine mica flakes; strongly acid.
The solum ranges from 36 to 60 inches in thickness. Depth
to bedrock is more than 4 feet. The A horizon ranges from
8 to 15 inches in thickness and is brown, yellowish -brown, or
reddish -brown loam, sandy loam, or silt loam. The B horizon
ranges from 28 to 45 inches in thickness and is brown, light
yellowish -brown, yellowish -brown, dark -brown, or light -gray
loam, silt loam, or clay loam. It is mottled with light brown-
ish gray, brownish gray, gray, grayish brown, yellowish
brown, or strong brown. The C horizon is dominantly clay
loam and sandy clay loam, but ranges to stratified sand, silt,
and clay.
Chewacla loam (Cm. —This is a somewhat poorly
drained soil on flood plains. It is very frequently flood-
ed. It is along streams in strips u to 2 miles long, 200
to 600 feet wide, and 2 to 40 acres in size. Slopes are 0
to 2 percent.
Included with this soil in mapping are a few areas
of Congaree and Wehadkee soils and a few areas of
somewhat poorly drained clayey soils at the heads of
draws and in depressions.
This Chewacla soil is easy to keep in good tilth and
can be worked throughout a wide range of moisture
content. Unless limed, it is medium acid to strongly acid
throughout. Infiltration is moderate, and runoff is slow.
Crops respond well to applications of lime and fertilizer.
This soil is fairly well suited to a few locally grown
crops and is well suited to pasture and water -tolerant
trees. Most of the acreage is pastured or cultivated. The
rest is chiefly wooded. Wetness, flooding, and a season-
al high water table are severe limitations to cultivated
crops and are moderate limitations to trees. In unpro-
tected areas, flooding usually damages crops 1 year out

10
SOIL SURVEY
of 2. Artificial drainage and flood control are needed in
cultivated areas. Capability unit IIIw-1; woodland group
1w8.
Congaree Series
The Congaree series consists of nearly level, well -
drained soils on flood plains. These soils formed in recent
alluvium.
In a representative profile the surface layer is brown
loam about 10 inches thick. The underlying material
extends to a depth of about 70 inches. It is dark -brown,
friable silt loam in the upper part. The middle part is
strong -brown and yellowish -brown, friable silty clay
loam. The lower part is dark yellowish -brown clay loam
mottled with strong brown and grayish brown.
Congaree soils are flooded very frequently, but for brief
periods. Unless limed, they are strongly acid to medium
acid throughout. Natural fertility is low, and the con-
tent of organic matter is medium. Permeability is mod-
erate, and available water capacity is high. The root
zone is deep. Depth to the seasonal high water table
is more than 3 feet. The shrink -swell potential is low.
Congaree soils are fairly important for farming. Most
of the acreage is cultivated or pastured. Flooding is the
main limitation.
Representative profile of Congaree loam, in an area
of Congaree complex, in a pasture 5% miles south of
Hickory, 2 miles southwest of Brookford at the north
end of County Road 1129, and 200 yards south of Henry
Fork River:
Ap-0 to 10 inches, brown (7.5YR 5/4) loam; weak, fine and
medium, granular structure; very friable; many
small fibrous roots; common fine mica flakes; medium
acid; gradual, smooth boundary.
C'1-10 to 27 inches, dark -brown (7.5YR 4/4) silt loam; weak,
medium, granular structure; friable; few small fi-
brous roots; few fine mica flakes; medium acid; grad-
ual, smooth boundary.
Ab-27 to 31 inches, dark -brown (10YR 3/3) silt loam; weak,
fine and medium, granular structure; friable; com-
mon fine mica flakes; medium acid; gradual, smooth
boundary.
02-31 to 52 inches, strong -brown (7.5YR 5/6) silty clay
loam; massive; friable, slightly sticky, slightly plas-
tic; common fine mica flakes; medium acid; gradual,
smooth boundary.
C3-52 to 58 inches, yellowish -brown (10YR 5/4) silty clay
loam; massive; friable, slightly sticky, slightly plas-
tic; common fine mica flakes; medium acid; gradual,
smooth boundary.
04--58 to 70 inches dark yellowish -brown (10YR 4/4) clay
loam; common, fine, strong -brown and grayish -brown
mottles; massive; friable; common fine mica flakes;
strongly acid.
Depth to bedrock is more than 10 feet. The A horizon
ranges from 8 to 15 inches in thickness and is brown, dark -
brown, dark yellowish -brown, or strong -brown loam, silt loam,
and fine sandy loam. The C horizon is dark brown, dark
yellowish brown, strong brown, and yellowish brown and
ranges from fine sandy loam to clay loam or silty clay loam.
A buried A horizon is common. The lower part of the C hori-
zon is dominantly sandy clay loam or clay loam but includes
sand, loamy sand, and gravelly sand. The content of mica
flakes ranges from few to common. In most places bedding
planes are evident.
Congaree complex (Cy). —These are intricately mixed,
well -drained soils on flood plains. They occur as fairly
wide bands adjacent to streams and are subject to very
frequent flooding for brief periods. Slopes are 0 to 2
percent. Areas range from 3 to 50 acres in size. In most
areas this complex is about 60 percent Congaree soil and
about 15 percent a soil that is similar to the Congaree soil,
but is less clayey and in some places lacks evidence of
bedding planes and has little or no structure.
Included with these soils in mapping are a few areas
of Buncombe and Chewacla soils and a few areas on
low terraces of more strongly developed, well -drained
soils that are subject to less frequent flooding.
These Congaree soils are easy to keep in good tilth and
can be worked throughout a wide range of moisture con-
tent. Unless limed, they are strongly acid to medium acid
throughout. Infiltration is moderate, and runoff is slow.
Crops respond well to applications of lime and fertilizer.
These soils are well suited to most locally grown crops.
Most of the acreage is pastured or cultivated. Crops are
only occasionally damaged by flooding. Flood control
is needed in cultivated areas. Capability unit IIw-1;
woodland group lot
Enon Series
The Enon series consists of well -drained, gently slop-
ing soils on uplands. These soils formed in residuum
from mixed acidic and basic rock, including hornblende,
gneiss, and diorite.
In a representative profile the surface layer is dark
grayish -brown and light olive -brown fine sandy loam
about 7 inches thick ( fig. 3) . The subsoil is about 24
inches thick. It is yellowish -brown, very firm clay in
the upper part and light olive -brown, firm clay in the
lower part. The substratum, to a depth of about 39
inches, is mottled pale -yellow, yellowish -brown, and dark
olive -gray clay loam.
Unless limed, Enon soils are medium acid to slightly
acid throughout. Natural fertility is medium, and the
content of organic matter is low. Permeability is slow,
and available water capacity is medium. The root zone
is moderately deep. Depth to the seasonal high water
table is more than 10 feet. The shrink -swell potential is
high.
Enon soils are of little importance for farming. About
half the acreage is pastured or cultivated, and the rest
is chiefly wooded. Slope is the main limitation.
Representative profile of Enon fine sandy loam, 2 to
6 percent slopes, in a pasture 9 miles north of Conover, I
mile east of Lake Hickory Dam, one-half mile south of
the Catawba River, and 20 feet west of field road:
A1-0 to 3 inches, dark grayish -brown (10YR 4/2) fine sandy
loam; weak, fine, granular structure; very friable;
many small fibrous roots; medium acid; clear, wavy
boundary.
A2-3 to 7 inches, light olive -brown (2.5Y 5/4) fine sandy
loam; weak, fine, granular structure; very friable;
few small fibrous roots; medium acid; abrupt,
smooth boundary.
B21t-7 to 20 inches, yellowish -brown (10YR 5/6) clay; mod-
erate, medium, angular blocky structure; very firm,
sticky, plastic; few small fibrous roots; thin discon-
tinuous clay films on ped faces; slightly acid; clear,
wavy boundary.
B22t-20 to 31 inches, light olive -brown (2.5Y 5/4) clay;
weak, medium, angular blocky structure; firm, sticky,
plastic; few medium fibrous roots; few black highly
weathered concretions; patchy clay films on ped
faces; slightly acid; gradual, irregular boundary.

CATAWBA COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA
C-31 to 39 inches, mottled pale -yellow (2.5Y 8/4), yellowish -
brown (10YR 5/8), and dark olive -gray (5Y 3/2)
clay loam and weathered soft rock fragments; mas-
sive; slightly acid.
The solum ranges from 20 to 40 inches in thickness. Depth
to bedrock is more than 4 feet. The Al or Ap horizon ranges
from 5 to 10 inches in thickness and is dark grayish -brown to
olive -brown fine sandy loam, loam, or clay loam. The A2 hori-
zon is light olive -brown or yellowish -brown fine sandy loam,
loam, or clay loam. The B horizon ranges from 15 to 30 inches
in thickness and from yellowish brown to light olive brown in
color. Structure is mostly weak to moderate angular blocky.
The C horizon is mottled pale -yellow or yellowish -brown to
olive -brown or dark olive -gray, weathered soft rock of clay
loam to clay texture. Black manganese concretions range from
few to many throughout the profile.
Enon fine sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes (EnB).—
This is a well -drained soil on fairly short smooth ridges
on uplands. Areas range from 3 to 20 acres in size.
Included with this soil in mapping are a few areas
of similar soils that have slopes greater than 6 percent
and some areas of Wilkes soils.
This Enon soil is difficult to keep in good tilth and
can be worked within only a narrow range of moisture
Figure 3.—Profile of Enon fine sandy loam. The surface layer is
fine sandy loam. The subsoil is plastic and clayey.
11
content. Unless limed, it is medium acid or slightly acid
throughout. Infiltration is moderate to slow, and runoff
is medium. Crops respond fairly well to applications of
lime and fertilizer.
This soil is fairly well suited to most locally grown
crops and is used chiefly for corn and small grain. About
half the acreage is pastured or cultivated. The rest is
chiefly wooded. The hazard of erosion is moderate in
areas used for row crops. Control of runoff and erosion
is needed. Capability unit IIe-3; woodland group 4o1.
Gullied Land
Gullied land (Gu) consists of areas that have been
severely eroded and deeply dissected by gullies. It occurs
as small areas throughout the county, but is mainly in
the steeper parts of uplands. In most places gullies have
cut into the parent material and are so numerous that
only narrow ridges of the original soil remain (fig. 4).
On these ridges the surface layer is clay loam.
Gullied land is suitable only for trees and wildlife. In-
filtration is slow, and surface runoff is rapid. Capability
unit VIIe-2; woodland group unclassified.
Hiwassee Series
The Hiwassee series consists of well -drained, gently
sloping to moderately steep soils on uplands. The soils
formed in old alluvium or in residuum from mixed acidic
and basic rock, including hornblende, gneiss, and schist.
In a representative profile the surface layer is reddish -
brown loam about 6 inches thick. The subsoil is about 50
inches thick. It is dark -red, firm clay in the upper part
and red, firm and friable clay loam in the lower part.
The substratum, to a depth of about 108 inches, is yel-
lowish -red loam.
Unless limed, Hiwassee soils are medium acid through-
out. Natural fertility and the organic -matter content are
low. Permeability is moderate, and available water ca-
pacity is medium. The root zone is deep. Depth to the
seasonal high water table is more than 5 feet. The
shrink -swell potential is moderate.
Hiwassee soils are important farm soils. Most of the
acreage is cultivated or pastured. Slope is the chief limi-
tation.
Representative profile of Hiwassee loam, 2 to 6 percent
slopes, eroded, in a cultivated field 31/2 miles southwest
of Newton, 220 yards west of County Road 2013, and 50
feet east of woods along field boundary:
Ap-0 to 6 inches, reddish -brown (5YR 4/4) loam; weak, fine,
granular structure; very friable; many small fibrous
roots; medium acid; abrupt, smooth boundary.
B21t-6 to 30 inches, dark -red (2.5YR 3/6) clay, red (2.5YR
4/6) dry; moderate, fine and medium, subangular
blocky structure; firm, sticky, plastic; few small
roots; thin continuous clay films on ped faces; medium
acid; clear, smooth boundary.
B22t-30 to 44 inches, red (2.5YR 4/6) clay loam; moderate,
medium, subangular blocky structure; firm, sticky,
plastic; thin patchy clay films on ped faces; few fine
mica flakes; medium acid; gradual, smooth boundary.
B3t--14 to 56 inches, red (2.5YR 4/8) clay loam; weak, me-
dium, subangular blocky structure; friable; discon-
tinuous clay films on ped faces; few, fine, dark -brown,
primary mineral streaks; common fine mica flakes;
medium acid; gradual, wavy boundary.

12 Sou, SURVEY
Figure 4.—Gullied land. Gullies have out through the solum and into the parent material and are so numerous that only remnants
of soil profiles remain.
C-56 to 108 inches, yellowish -red (5YR 5/6) loam; massive;
friable; many dark -brown and black particles; pock-
ets of soft weathered rock fragments; common fine
mica flakes; medium acid.
The solum ranges from 40 to 60 inches in thickness. Depth
to bedrock is more than 5 feet. The A horizon ranges from 4
to 12 inches in thickness and is reddish -brown to dark reddish -
brown loam or clay loam. The B horizon ranges from 36 to 50
Inches in thickness and is dark -red and red, firm clay and
friable clay loam. The C horizon ranges from yellowish -red,
red, or dark -red loam to clay loam. In places few to common
mica flakes occur throughout the profile.
Hiwassee loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded (HsB2)•—
This soil has the profile described as representative of
the series. It is a well -drained soil on smooth, broad
ridges on uplands. It occupies wide belts 5 to 120 acres
in size.
Included with this soil in mapping are a few areas of
Cecil soils and a few areas in draws and depressions in
which there is a soil that has a thick surface layer.
Unless limed, this Hiwassee soil is medium acid through-
out. It is fairly easy to keep in good tilth, but can be
worked within only a narrow range of moisture content.
Crusts form after heavy rain, and clods form if the
soil is too wet when worked. Infiltration is moderate, and
runoff is medium. Crops respond well to applications of
lime and fertilizer.
This soil is well suited to all locally grown crops
and is used chiefly for corn, small grain, and soybeans.
It is also well suited to pasture and trees. Most of the
acreage is cultivated or pastured, and the rest is chiefly
wooded or under urban development. The erosion hazard
is moderate in cultivated areas. Control of runoff and
erosion is needed. Capability unit IIe-1; woodland group
3o7.
Hiwassee loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes, eroded
(HsC2).—This is a well -drained soil on uplands. It occurs
as long, wide bands, 5 to 120 acres in size, on the upper
parts of slopes. In many places the present surface layer
is a mixture of the original surface layer and subsoil
material. The surface layer is reddish -brown to dark
reddish -brown loam 6 to 12 inches thick. The subsoil
is dark -red and red, firm clay and friable clay loam 36 to
50 inches thick.
Included with this soil in mapping are some areas of
Cecil soils and a few areas in draws and depressions of
a similar soil that has a thick surface layer.

C,ATAWBA COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA
Unless limed, this Hiwassee soil is medium acid through-
out. It is fairly easy to keep in good tilth, but can be
worked within only a narrow range of moisture content.
Crusts form after heavy rain, and clods form if the soil
is too wet when worked. Stands of crops in the more
eroded areas are uneven, and yields are lower. Crops
respond well to applications of lime and fertilizer. Infil-
tration is moderate, and runoff is rapid.
This soil is well suited to all locally grown crops,
pasture grasses, and trees. It is used chiefly for small
grain, soybeans, and corn. Most of the acreage is culti-
vated or pastured, and the rest is wooded or under urban
development. The erosion hazard is severe in cultivated
areas. Control of runoff and erosion is needed. Capability
unit IIIe-2; woodland group 3o7.
Hiwassee loam, 10 to 15 percent slopes, eroded
(HsD2).—This is a well -drained soil on lower slopes border-
ing drainageways and on the lower parts of steeper
slopes. It is on uplands. It occurs as short, narrow bands
3 to 30 acres in size. The surface layer is reddish -brown
to dark reddish -brown loam 6 to 10 inches thick. The
subsoil is dark -red, firm clay and friable clay loam 36
to 45 inches thick.
Included with this soil in mapping are some areas of
similar soils that are only slightly eroded and a few
areas of Cecil and Madison soils.
Unless limed, this Hiwassee soil is medium acid
throughout. It is fairly easy to keep in good tilth, but
can be worked within only a narrow range of moisture
content. In the more eroded areas, crusts form after
heavy rain and clods form if the soil is too wet when
worked. In these areas stands of crops are uneven, and
yields are somewhat lower. Crops respond fairly well
to applications of lime and fertilizer. Infiltration is mod-
erately slow, and runoff is rapid.
This soil is fairly well suited to most locally grown
crops. It is well suited to pasture and trees. Most of the
acreage is wooded. The rest is chiefly pastured or culti-
vated. The erosion hazard is very severe in cultivated
areas. Control of runoff and erosion is needed. Capability
unit IVe-2; woodland group 3o7.
Hiwassee loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes (HsE).—This is
a well -drained soil on uplands. It occurs as long, narrow
bands, 5 to 50 acres in size, on lower slopes bordering
drainageways. The surface layer is reddish -brown to dark
reddish -brown loam 7 to 10 inches thick. The subsoil is
dark -red and red, firm clay and friable clay loam 36 to
40 inches thick.
Included with this soil in mapping are a few areas of
Cecil and Madison soils.
Unless limed, this Hiwassee soil is medium acid through-
out. Infiltration is moderately slow, and runoff is rapid.
Crops respond fairly well to applications of lime and
fertilizer.
This soil is well suited to trees and is fairly well suited
to pasture. It is not suited to cultivated crops. Most of
the acreage is wooded, and the rest is chiefly pastured.
Slope is the main limitation. Capability unit VIe-1;
woodland group 3r8.
Hiwassee clay loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded
(HwB2).—This is a well -drained soil on smooth, broad
ridges on uplands. Areas are irregular in shape and 3
to 40 acres in size. The surface layer is dominantly red-
13
dish -brown clay loam 4 to 6 inches thick. The subsoil is
dark -red and red, firm clay and friable clay loam 36 to
45 inches thick.
Included with this soil in mapping are a few areas
of Cecil and Madison soils and a few small areas in
draws and depressions of a similar soil that has a thick
loam surface layer.
Unless limed, this Hiwassee soil is medium acid
throughout. It is difficult to keep in good tilth and can
be worked within only a narrow range of moisture con-
tent. Crusts form after heavy rain, and clods form if
the soil is too wet when worked. Infiltration is slow, and
runoff is medium. Crops respond fairly well to applica-
tions of lime and fertilizer.
This soil is fairly well suited to most locally grown
crops and is well suited to pasture, hay, and trees. Culti-
vated areas are used chiefly for small grain, corn, and
soybeans. About half of the acreage is pastured or culti-
vated, and the rest is chiefly wooded or under urban
development. The erosion hazard is severe in cultivated
areas. Slope and the slow rate of infiltration are the main
limitations. Control of runoff and erosion is needed.
Capability unit IIIe-2; woodland group 3o7.
Hiwassee clay loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes, eroded
(HwCZ.—This is a well -drained soil on uplands. It occurs
as long, wide bands, 5 to 100 acres in size, on the upper
parts of slopes. The surface layer is dominantly reddish -
brown clay loam 4 to 6 inches thick. The subsoil is dark -
red and red, firm clay and friable clay loam 36 to 40
inches thick.
Included with this soil in mapping are some areas
of Cecil and Madison soils.
Unless limed, this Hiwassee soil is medium acid
throughout. It is difficult to keep in good tilth and can be
worked within only a narrow range of moisture content.
Crusts form after heavy rain, and clods form if the soil
is too wet when worked. Infiltration is slow, and runoff
is rapid. Crops respond fairly well to applications of lime
and fertilizer.
This soil is fairly well suited to most locally grown
crops. It is well suited to pasture, hay, and trees. Culti-
vated areas are used chiefly for small grain and corn.
Most of the areage is wooded or under urban develop-
ment. The rest is chiefly pastured or cultivated. In culti-
vated areas the hazard of erosion is very severe. Slope
and the slow rate of infiltration are the main limitations.
Control of runoff and erosion is needed. Capability unit
IVe-2; woodland, group 3o7.
Leveled Clayey Land
Leveled clayey land (Lc) consists of areas on uplands
that have been cut or filled and altered to such an extent
that the original soils cannot be recognized. In some
places the surface layer, the subsoil, and part of the un-
derlying material have been removed. In other places the
fill is 6 to 8 feet thick.
Leveled clayey land is used chiefly for parking lots,
playgrounds, and industrial sites. Some areas are along
railroad tracks and right-of-ways.
The material is so variable that no use or management
can be suggested. Onsite examination is needed. Capa-
bility unit unclassified; woodland group unclassified.

14
Madison Series
SOIL SURVEY
The Madison series consists of well -drained, gently
sloping to moderately steep soils on uplands. These soils
formed in residuum from acidic rock, including mica -
schist and mica -gneiss.
In a representative profile the surface layer is yellow-
ish -brown gravelly sandy loam about 6 inches thick. The
subsoil is about 29 inches thick. It is dominantly red,
friable clay in the upper part and ,yellowish -red friable
sandy clay loam in the lower part. The substratum, to a
depth of about 66 inches, is yellowish -red sandy loam
mottled with red.
Unless limed, Madison soils are strongly acid through-
out. Natural fertility and content of organic matter are
low. Permeability is moderate, and available water ca-
pacity is medium. The root zone is moderately deep.
Depth to the seasonal high water table is more than 10
feet. The shrink -swell potential is moderate.
Madison soils are fairly important for farming. About
half the acreage is pastured or cultivated, and the rest is
chiefly wooded. Slope is the main limitation.
Representative profile of Madison gravelly sandy loam,
2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded, in a wooded area 51/4 miles
southeast of Newton on State Highway 16, one -eighth
mile south on County Road 1810, 21/8 miles southeast on
County Road 1858, 2 miles west on County Road 1874
and 500 feet north of road:
Ap-0 to 6 inches, yellowish -brown (30YR 5/4) gravelly
sandy loam; moderate, medium and coarse, granular
structure; very friable; many small and medium
roots; few fine mica flakes; common quartz and
schist fragments, about 1 inch in size, make up about
20 percent of volume; strongly acid; clear, smooth
boundary.
B1-6 to 9 inches, strong -brown (1.5YR 5/6) sandy clay loam;
weak, medium, subangular blocky structure; friable;
many small and medium roots; common medium
mica flakes; quartz and schist fragments make up
about 20 percent of volume; strongly acid; clear,
wavy boundary.
B2t-9 to 3o inches, red (2.5YR 4/8) clay; moderate, fine,
subangular blocky structure; friable, sticky, slightly
plastic; few small and medium roots; patchy clay
films on ped faces; many fine mica flakes; common
quartz and schist fragments; strongly acid; gradual,
smooth boundary.
B"o to 35 inches, yellowish -red (5YR 5/8) sandy clay
loam; weak, fine and medium, subangular blocky
structure; friable; many fine mica flakes; many
quartz and reddish -brown schist fragments; strongly
acid; gradual, smooth boundary.
C-35 to 66 inches, yellowish -red (5YR 5/8) sandy loam;
common, medium, distinct, red (2.5YR 5/8) mottles;
massive; friable; weathered quartz and mica -schist
mixed with sandy loam; strongly acid.
The solum ranges from 24 to 40 inches in thickness. Depth
to bedrock is more than 3 feet. The A horizon ranges from 4
to 8 inches in thickness and from yellowish brown to reddish
brown in color. The B horizon ranges from 20 to 32 inches in
thickness and is red, friable to firm clay, clay loam, or sandy
clay loam. The B1 horizon, if present, ranges from strong.
brown sandy clay loam to clay loam. The B3 horizon, if pres-
ent, is dominantly yellowish -red clay loam. Mica flakes range
from common to many in the B horizon and give it a slick,
greasy feel. The C horizon is dominantly yellowish -red, red-
dish -yellow, and red, weathered, highly micaceous schist or
gneiss that contains pockets and seams of yellowish -red sandy
loam.
Madison gravelly sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes,
eroded (MgB2).—This soil has the profile described as
representative of the series. It is a well -drained soil on
fairly narrow ridges on uplands. Areas range from 2 to
20 acres in size. Gravel content ranges from 15 to 30
percent, by volume, throughout the profile.
Included with this soil in mapping are some areas of
similar, but nongravelly soils; some of soils that are
slightly eroded; and some areas of Pacolet and Cecil
soils.
Unless limed, this Madison soil is strongly acid
throughout. It is fairly easy to keep in good tilth and
can be worked throughout a wide range of moisture con-
tent. In the more eroded areas, a crust forms after
heavy rain and clods form if the surface layer is worked
when too wet. Infiltration is moderate, and runoff is
medium. Crops respond well to applications of lime and
fertilizer.
This soil is well suited to most locally grown crops.
It is used chiefly for small grain and soybeans. Most of
the acreage is cultivated or pastured, and the rest is
chiefly wooded. The hazard of erosion is moderate in
cultivated areas. Control of runoff and erosion is needed.
Capability unit IIe-1; woodland group 3o7.
Madison gravelly sandy loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes,
eroded (MgC2).—This is a well -drained soil on the upper
slopes of uplands, in fairly short, narrow bands 3 to
25 acres in size. The surface layer is yellowish -brown
to reddish -brown gravelly sandy loam 5 to 8 inches thick.
The subsoil is red to yellowish -red, friable to firm clay
to clay loam 24 to 30 inches thick. Gravel content ranges
from 15 to 30 percent by volume throughout the profile.
Included with this soil in mapping are some areas of
similar, but nongravelly soils; and some areas of Pacolet
and Cecil soils.
Unless limed, this Madison soil is strongly acid
throughout. It is fairly easy to keep in good tilth and
can be worked throughout a wide range of moisture
content. In the more eroded areas, a crust forms after
heavy rain, and clods form if the surface layer is worked
when wet. Infiltration is moderate, and runoff is rapid.
Crops respond well to applications of lime and fertilizer.
This soil is fairly well suited to most locally grown
crops. It is used chiefly for small grain and soybeans.
About half the acreage is pastured or cultivated, and
the rest is chiefly wooded. The hazard of erosion is severe
in cultivated areas. Control of erosion and runoff is
needed. Capability unit IIIe-1; woodland group 3o7.
Madison gravelly sandy loam, 10 to 25 percent slopes,
eroded (MgE2).—This is a well -drained soil on the lower
slopes bordering drainageways in the uplands. It occurs
as fairly short, narrow bands from 3 to 20 acres in size.
The surface layer is ,yellowish -brown to reddish -brown
gravelly sandy loam 4 to 7 inches thick. The subsoil is
red to ,yellowish -red, friable to firm clay to clay loam
24 to 28 inches thick. Gravel content ranges from 15 to
30 percent, by volume.
Included with this soil in mapping are some areas of
Pacolet and Cecil soils and a few areas of thinner, more
weakly developed soils.
Unless limed, this Madison soil is strongly acid
throughout. Infiltration is moderate, and runoff is rapid.
Crops respond fairly well to applications of lime and
fertilizer.
This soil is generally not suited to row crops. It is
fairly well suited to all local pasture plants end is well

CiATAWBA COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA
suited to trees. Most of the acreage is wooded, and a
small amount is pastured. Capability unit VIe-1; wood-
land group 3r8.
Pacolet Series
The Pacolet series consists of well -drained, gently
sloping to steep soils on uplands. These soils formed in
residuum and acidic rock, including granite -gneiss and
granite.
In a representative profile the surface layer is brown
gravelly fine sandy loam about 6 inches thick. The sub-
soil is dominantly red, friable clay loam and sandy clay
loam about 29 inches thick. The substratum, to a depth
of about 60 inches, is reddish -yellow sandy loam.
Unless limed, Pacolet soils are strongly acid through-
out. Natural fertility and the content of organic matter
are low. Permeability is moderate, and available water
capacity is medium. The root zone is moderately deep.
Depth to the seasonal high water table is more than 5
feet. The shrink -swell potential is moderate.
Pacolet soils are fairly important for farming. Most
of the acreage is wooded. Small acreages are cultivated
and pastured. Slope is the main limitation.
Representative profile of Pacolet gravelly fine sandy
loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes, in wooded area 9 miles
southwest of Hickory, 1.6 miles southwest of Baker
Mountain, and 50 feet west of County Road 1121:
A1-0 to 6 inches, brown (7.5YR 5/4) gravelly fine sandy
loam; weak, fine, granular structure; very friable;
many small roots; about 20 percent, by volume, com-
mon fine and medium gravel; strongly acid; clear,
smooth boundary.
B1-6 to 8 inches, yellowish -red (5YR 5/8) gravelly sandy
clay loam; weak, fine, subangular blocky structure;
friable; few small roots; common fine and medium
gravel; strongly acid; gradual, smooth boundary.
B2t-8 to 26 inches, red (2.5YR 4/8) clay loam; weak, me-
dium, subangular blocky structure; friable, sticky;
few small and medium roots; thin discontinuous clay
films on ped faces; few fine pebbles; strongly acid;
gradual, smooth boundary.
B3-26 to 35 inches, red (2.5YR 5/8) sandy clay loam; weak,
fine, subangular blocky structure; friable, slightly
sticky, slightly plastic; some partially weathered
rock; few fine mica flakes; strongly acid; gradual,
wavy boundary.
C-85 to 60 inches, reddish -yellow (7.5YR 6/8) sandy loam;
many, soft, weathered rock fragments; strongly acid.
R-60 inches, semihard, acid crystalline rock.
The solum ranges from 24 to 40 inches in thickness. Depth
to bedrock is more than 5 feet. The A horizon is brown to
dark grayish -brown gravelly fine sandy loam, gravelly sandy
loam, and sandy loam and ranges from 5 to 9 inches in thick-
ness. The B horizon ranges from 19 to 31 inches in thickness.
The BI horizon is red or yellowish -red sandy clay loam, and
In some areas it contains gravel. The B2 horizon is red clay
loam or clay. The B3 horizon is red sandy clay loam or sandy
clay. The C horizon is reddish -yellow to red sandy loam.
Pacolet gravelly sandy loam, 25 to 45 percent slopes
(PoF).—This is a well -drained soil on uplands, in long nar-
row bands bordering drainageways. Areas are 5 to 50
acres in size. The surface layer is brown to dark grayish -
brown gravelly sandy loam 5 to 7 inches thick. The sub-
soil is red or ,yellowish -red, friable to firm clay loam or
clay 20 to 25 inches thick.
Included with this soil in mapping are a few areas of
Madison soils, a few areas of shallow soils that have
15
less distinct horizons than this Pacolet soil, and a few
areas where rock is at the surface.
Unless limed, this Pacolet soil is strongly acid through-
out. Infiltration is moderately slow, and runoff is rapid.
Crop response is fair to applications of lime and fer-
tilizer.
This soil is not suited to cultivated crops or hay. It is
only fairly well suited to pasture, but is well suited to
trees. Most of the acreage is wooded. Slope is the main
limitation. Capability unit VIIe-1; woodland group 3r8.
Pacolet gravelly fine sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent
slopes (PcB).—This is a well -drained soil on long narrow
ridges on uplands. Areas range from 3 to 25 acres in
size. The surface layer is brown to dark grayish -brown
gravelly fine sandy loam 5 to 9 inches thick. The subsoil
is red to ,yellowish -red, friable to firm clay loam or clay
22 to 30 inches thick.
Included with this soil in mapping are areas of Cecil,
Madison, and Hiwassee soils.
This Pacolet soil is fairly easy to keep in good tilth
and can be worked throughout a wide range of moisture
content. Unless limed, it is strongly acid throughout. In-
filtration is moderate, and runoff is medium. Crops re-
spond well to applications of lime and fertilizer.
This soil is well suited to pasture, hay, and all locally
grown crops. Part of the acreage is wooded, part is under
urban development, and the rest is chiefly pastured or
cultivated. The hazard of erosion is moderate in culti-
vated areas. Control of runoff and erosion is needed.
Capability unit IIe-1; woodland group 3o7.
Pacolet gravelly fine sandy loam, 6 to 10 percent
slopes (PcC).—This soil has the profile described as repre-
sentative of the series. It is a well -drained soil in long
narrow bands on upper slopes of the uplands. Areas are
4 to 30 acres in size.
Included with this soil in mapping are areas of Cecil
and Madison soils.
This Pacolet soil is fairly easy to keep in good tilth
and can be worked throughout a wide range of moisture
content. Unless limed, it is strongly acid throughout.
Infiltration is moderate, and runoff is rapid. Crops re-
spond fairly well to applications of lime and fertilizer.
This soil is fairly well suited to pasture, hay, and most
locally grown crops. Most of the acreage is wooded, and
the rest is chiefly pastured. The hazard of erosion is
severe in cultivated areas. Control of runoff and erosion
is needed. Capability unit IIIe-1; woodland group 3o7.
Pacolet soils, 10 to 25 percent slopes (PeE).—These are
well -drained soils on uplands. They occupy fairly long,
narrow bands along drainageways or between the milder
and steeper slopes. Areas are 5 to 50 acres in size. The
surface layer is brown to dark grayish -brown gravelly
sandy loam or sandy loam 5 to 8 inches thick. The sub-
soil is red to yellowish -red, friable to firm clay loam
or clay 19 to 28 inches thick. Gravel content ranges from
15 to 30 percent.
Included with these soils in mapping are a few areas
of Madison and Cecil soils and small areas of well
drained to moderately well drained soils in long narrow
drainageways. Also included are a few areas where rock
is at the surface.
Unless limed, these Pacolet soils are strongly acid
throughout. Infiltration is moderately slow, and runoff

16
SOIL SURVSY
is rapid. Crops respond fairly well to applications of
lime and fertilizer.
These soils are well suited to trees and fairly well
suited to most pasture plants. They generally are not
suited to row crops. Most of the acreage is wooded, and
the rest is chiefly. pastured. Slope and the hazard of
erosion are the main limitations. Capability unit VIe-1;
woodland group 3r8.
Wehadkee Series
The Wehadkee series consists of nearly level, poorly
drained soils on flood plains. These soils formed in loamy
alluvial deposits.
In a representative profile the surface layer is grayish -
brown fine sandy loam about 8 inches thick. The subsoil is
about 32 inches thick. The tipper part is dark -gray, fri-
able loam mottled with strong brown. The lower part is
gray, friable sandy clay loam mottled with strong
brown. The substratum, to a depth of about 50 inches,
is gray sandy loam mottled with grayish brown and
strong brown.
Wehadkee soils are flooded very frequently, but for
brief periods. Unless limed, they are medium acid
throughout. Natural fertility is low, and the content of
organic matter is medium. Permeability is moderate, and
available water capacity is high. The root zone is mod-
erately deep. The high water table is seasonally at the
surface. The shrink -swell potential is low.
Wehadkee soils are not important for farming. Most of
the acreage is in mixed hardwoods and a few pines. A
small part is pasture. Wetness and flooding are the main
limitations.
Representative profile of Wehadkee fine sandy loam
one-half mile south of Witherspoon Crossroads on County
Road 1801, three -fourths of a mile east on County
Road 1807, and 650 feet north of bridge on Hagan
Fork:
Ap-0 to 8 inches, grayish -brown (10YR 5/2) fine sandy loam;
weak, medium, granular structure; very friable; few
fine mica flakes; medium acid; abrupt, smooth
boundary.
B1g-8 to 17 inches, dark -gray (10YR 4/1) loam; common,
medium, distinct, strong -brown (7.5YR 5/6) mottles;
weak, fine and medium, subangular blocky structure;
friable; few fine mica flakes; medium acid; clear,
smooth boundary.
B2g-17 to 40 inches, gray (10YR 6/1) sandy clay loam; com-
mon, medium, distinct, strong -brown (7.5YR 5/6)
mottles; weak, medium, subangular blocky structure;
friable; common fine mica flakes; medium acid; clear,
smooth boundary.
Cg­40 to 50 inches, gray (10YR 6/1) sandy loam; common,
medium, distinct, grayish -brown (10YR 5/2) and
strong -brown (7.5YR 5/6) mottles; massive; friable;
common fine mica flakes; medium acid.
The solum ranges from 36 to 60 inches in thickness. Depth
to bedrock is more than 4 feet. The A horizon ranges from 6
to 12 inches in thickness and from grayish brown to gray in
color. The B horizon ranges from 30 to 48 inches in thickness
and is light -gray to dark -gray sandy clay loam, loam, or silt
loam. It contains few to many grayish -brown, strong -brown,
and yellowish -brown mottles. Structure is commonly weak,
fine and medium, subangular blocky. The C horizon is sandy
loam or stratified sand, silt, clay, and gravel. The content of
mica flakes ranges from few to common throughout the profile.
Wehadkee fine sandy loam (Wd).—This is a poorly
drained soil on flood plains. It occurs as fairly narrow
bands between uplands and streams. Areas range from 3
to 40 acres in size. Slopes are 0 to 2 percent.
Included with this soil in mapping are some areas of
Chewacla soils and small areas of more clayey, poorly
drained soils in draws and depressions.
This Wehadkee soil is fairly easy to keep in good tilth,
but can be worked within only a narrow range of mois-
ture content. Unless limed, it is medium acid throughout.
Infiltration is moderate. Runoff is slow and in places is
ponded. Crops respond fairly well to applications of
lime and fertilizer.
If adequately drained, this soil is well suited to pasture
and water -tolerant trees and is fairly well suited to a few
locally grown crops. Most of the acreage is wooded.
Wetness caused by a seasonal high water table and
very frequent flooding is a severe limitation. Artificial
drainage and flood control are needed in cultivated
areas. Capability unit IVw-1; woodland group 1w9.
Wilkes Series
The Wilkes series consists of strongly sloping to mod-
erately steep, well -drained soils on uplands. These soils
formed in residuum derived from mixed acidic and basic
rocks.
In a representative profile the surface layer is light
olive -brown loam about 5 inches thick. The subsoil is
light yellowish -brown clay loam about 10 inches thick.
The substratum is mottled pale -,yellow and olive -gray
sandy loam. Depth to hard rock is about 42 inches.
Wilkes soils are medium in natural fertility and low in
content of organic matter. They are medium acid to
neutral throughout the profile. Permeability is moder-
ately slow, and available water capacity is medium. The
root zone is shallow. A seasonal high water table is at
a depth of more than 10 feet. The shrink -swell potential
is high.
Wilkes soils are of minor importance for farming.
Most of the acreage is wooded. Slope and shallowness
are the main limitations.
Representative profile of Wilkes loam, 10 to 25 percent
slopes, in a pasture 11/4 miles east from junction of State
Highway 16 and County Road 1700,1 mile west on farm
road to old two-story house, and 250 feet northeast from
house.
Ap-0 to 5 inches, light olive -brown (2.5YR 5/4) loam; weak,
medium, granular structure; friable; many small fi-
brous roots; few quartz pebbles; few black rock
fragments; few fine mica flakes; slightly acid;
abrupt, wavy boundary.
B2t-5 to 15 inches, light yellowish -brown (2.5Y 6/4) clay
loam; moderate, medium, angular blocky structure;
firm, sticky, plastic; thin discontinuous clay films on
ped faces; few fine mica flakes; few black rock frag-
ments; many pockets of highly weathered saprolite ;
neutral; gradual, irregular boundary.
C-15 to 42 inches, mottled pale -yellow (2.5Y 8/4) and olive -
gray (5Y 4/2) sandy loam; massive; friable; few
fine mica flakes; clayey material intermingled in
layer; slightly acid.
R-42 inches, hard rock.
The solum ranges from 12 to 20 inches in thickness. It con-
tains few to many black ferromagnesian rock fragments.
Depth to bedrock ranges from 2 to 4 feet or more. The A hori-
zon ranges from 4 to 8 inches in thickness, from light olive
brown to dark brown in color, and from loam to sandy loam
In texture. The B horizon ranges from 6 to 12 inches in thick-
ness, from light yellowish brown to olive brown in color, and

CATAWBA COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA
from clay to sandy clay loam in texture. The C horizon is
highly variable in color and is mottled mostly in shades of
yellow, brown, black, and gray. It ranges from clay loam to
sandy loam.
Wilkes loam, 10 to 25 percent slopes (WkE).—This is
a well -drained soil of the uplands. It occurs as irregular
areas, 3 to 20 acres in size, bordering drainageways.
Included with this soil in mapping are a few areas
of Enon soils, a few areas where slopes are less than 10
percent, and some where slopes are greater than 25
percent.
This Wilkes soil is medium acid to neutral throughout
the profile. Crops respond moderately well to applications
of lime and fertilizer. Infiltration is moderately slow,
and runoff is rapid.
This soil is not suited to crops but is moderately well
suited to pasture grasses and trees. Most of the acreage
is wooded, and the rest is pastured. Sloe and shallow-
ness are the main limitations. Capability unit VIe-1;
woodland group 4r2.
Worsham Series
The Worsham series consists of nearly level to gently
sloping, poorly drained soils on uplands. These soils are
at the heads of drainageways, on foot slopes, and in
slight depressions. They formed in material washed from
adjacent slopes and in residuum derived from weathered
bedrock.
In a representative profile the surface layer is dark -
gray fine sandy loam about 9 inches thick. The subsoil
contains ,yellowish -brown mottles and is about 31 inches
thick. It is gray, firm sandy clay in the upper part, and
gray, friable sandy clay loam in the lower part. The
substratum, to a depth of 60 inches, is gray and clay
mottled with yellowish brown.
Worsham soils are low in natural fertility and medium
in content of organic matter. Unless limed, they are
strongly acid to very strongly acid throughout. Permea-
bility is moderately slow, and available water capacity is
high. The root zone is moderately deep. The high water
table is seasonally at the surface. The shrink -swell po-
tential is moderate.
Worsham soils are not important for farming. Most
of the acreage is wooded. If cleared, the soils are
well suited to pasture and fairly well suited to a few
locally grown crops. The seasonal high water table,
seepage, and flooding are the main limitations.
Representative profile of Worsham fine sandy loam in
a wooded area 6 miles east of Newton, 0.7 mile southeast
of Balls Creek School, and 125 yards east of County
Road 1815 :
A1-0 to 9 inches, dark gray (10YR 4/1) fine sandy loam ;
weak, line, granular structure; very friable; many
small fibrous roots; strongly acid; clear, smooth
boundary.
B2tg-9 to 30 inches, gray (10YR 6/1) sandy clay; few, fine,
distinct, yellowish -brown mottles; moderate, medium,
subangular blocky structure; firm, sticky, slightly
plastic; patchy clay films on ped faces; few fine
mica flakes; strongly acid; gradual, smooth boundary.
Eft-30 to 40 inches, gray (10YR 6/1) sandy clay loam;
common, fine and medium, distinct, yellowish -brown
(10YR 5/4) mottles; weak, medium, subangular
blocky structure; friable; patchy clay films on ped
faces; few fine mica flakes; very strongly acid; clear,
smooth boundary.
17
Cg-40 to 60 inches, gray (10YR 6/1) sandy clay; many, fine
and medium, distinct, yellowish -brown (10YR 5/4)
mottles; massive; firm; few fine mica flakes; very
strongly acid.
The solum ranges from 40 to 60 inches in thickness. Depth
to bedrock is more than 5 feet. The A horizon ranges from
8 to 12 inches in thickness and is gray to dark grayish -brown
fine sandy loam or loam. The B horizon ranges from 28 to 48
inches in thickness and is light -gray to grayish -brown clay
loam, sandy clay, sandy clay loam, and clay. There are few
to many, yellowish -brown to yellowish -red mottles in the B
horizon. The B and C horizons contain few to common mica.
flakes. The C horizon ranges from sandy clay to sandy loam.
Worsham fine sandy loam (Wo).—This is a poorly
drained soil at the heads of drainageways, on foot slopes,
and in depressions on uplands. Slopes range from 0 to 6
percent. Areas are irregular in shape and 3 to 20 acres
in size.
Included with this soil in mapping are some areas
of a somewhat poorly drained soil in draws and depres-
sions and a few areas of somewhat poorly drained and
poorly drained soils on flood plains and low terraces that
are subject to flooding.
This Worsham soil is wet during much of the year.
Infiltration is moderately slow, and surface runoff is slow
or ponded. This soil is easy to keep in good tilth. Unless
limed, it is strongly acid to very strongly acid through-
out. Crops respond fairly well to applications of lime and
fertilizer.
If adequately drained, this soil is well suited to pasture
and moderately well suited to a few locally grown crops.
Most of the acreage is wooded. Wetness is the main limi-
tation for cultivated crops. The water table is seasonally
high, and water seeps in from the adjacent uplands. Arti-
ficial drainage and diversions are needed in cultivated
areas. Capability unit IVw-1; woodland group 2w8.
Use and Management of the Soils
Use and management of the soils of Catawba County
for crops and pasture, woodland, wildlife, and engineer-
ing are suggested in the pages that follow. For specific
suggestions on management of individual soils, consult
a representative of the local office of the Soil Conserva-
tion Service, the Extension Service, or the Agricultural
Experiment Station.
Crops and Pasture'
This section explains the capability classification, in
which the soils are grouped according to their suitability
for most kinds of farming. It defines the capability
groups in Catawba County and describes management of
the soils by capability units. It also gives estimates of
yields of crops under superior management on the arable
soils of the county.
Capability groupings
Capability grouping shows, in a general way, the
suitability of soils for most kinds of field crops. The soils
are grouped according to their limitations when used for
J. E. PoLLocx, conservation agronomist, and ANTHONY J.
ERNsTEs, district conservationist, Soil Conservation service,
helped prepare this section.

In
SOIL SURVEY
field crops, the risk of damage when they are so used, and
the way they respond to treatment. The grouping does
not take into account major and generally expensive
landforming that would change slope, depth, or other
characteristics of the soils; does not take into considera-
tion possible but unlikely major reclamation projects;
and does not apply to rice, cranberries, horticultural
crops, or other crops requiring special management.
Those familiar with the capability classification can
infer from it much about the behavior of soils when used
for other purposes, but this classification is not a sub-
stitute for interpretations designed to show suitability
and limitations of groups of soils for range, for forest
trees, or for engineering.
In the capability system, the kinds of soil are grouped
at three levels: the capability class, the subclass, and the
unit. These levels are described in the following para-
graphs.
CAPABILITY CLASSES, the broadest groups, are desig-
nated by Roman numerals I through VIII. The numerals
indicate progressively greater limitations and narrower'
choices for practical use, defined as follows:
Class I soils have few limitations that restrict their
use. (None in Catawba County)
Class II soils have moderate limitations that reduce
the choice of plants or that require moderate
conservation practices.
Class III soils have severe limitations that reduce
the choice of plants, require special conserva-
tion practices, or both.
Class IV soils have very severe limitations that re-
duce the choice of plants, require very careful
management, or both.
Class V soils are subject to little or no erosion, but
have other limitations, impractical to remove,
that limit their use largely to pasture or range,
woodland, or wildlife. (None in Catawba Coun-
ty)
Class VI soils have severe limitations that make them
generally unsuitable for cultivation and limit
their use largely to pasture or range, woodland,
or wildlife.
Class VII soils have very severe limitations that
make them unsuitable for cultivation and that re-
strict their use largely to pasture or range, wood-
land, or wildlife.
Class VIII soils and landforms have limitations that
preclude their use for commercial crop produc-
tion and restrict their use to recreation, wild-
life, or water supply, or to esthetic purposes.
(None in Catawba County)
CAPABILITY SUBCLAssEs are soil groups within one class;
they are designated by adding a small letter, e, W, 8, or a,
to the class numeral, for example, IIe. The letter a shows
that the main limitation is risk of erosion unless close -
growing plant cover is maintained; w shows that water
in or on the soil interferes with plant growth or cultiva-
tion (in some soils the wetness can be partly corrected by
artificial drainage) ; 8 shows that the soil is limited main-
ly because it is shallow, droughty, or stony; and e, used
in some parts of the United States but not in Catawba
County, shows that the chief limitation is climate that is
too cold or too dry.
In class I there are no subclasses, because the soils of
this class have few limitations. Class V can contain, at
the most, only the subclasses indicated by w, 8, and c,
because the soils in class V are subject to little or no ero-
sion, though they have other limitations that restrict their
use largely to pasture, range, woodland, wildlife, or
recreation.
CAPABILITY UNITS are soil groups within the subclasses.
The soils in one capability unit are enough alike to be
suited to the same crops and pasture plants, to require
similar management, and to have similar productivity
and other responses to management. Thus, the capability
unit is a convenient grouping for making many state-
ments about management of soils. Capability units are
generally designated by adding an Arabic numeral to
the subclass symbol, for example IIe-2 or IIw-1. Thus,
in one symbol, the Roman numeral designates the capa-
bility class, or degree of limitation; the small letter
indicates the subclass, or kind of limitation, as defined
in the foregoing paragraph; and the Arabic numeral
specifically identifies the capability unit within each
subclass.
In the following pages the capability units in Catawba
County are described and suggestions for the use and
management of the soils are given. The capability desig-
nation for each soil in the county can be found in the
Guide to Mapping Units.
CAPABILITY UNIT IIe-1
This unit consists of well -drained, gentl sloping soils
on uplands. The surface layer is loam, sandy loam, grav-
elly sandy loam, or gravelly fine sandy loam. The sub-
soil ranges from friable clay loam or sandy clay loam
to firm clay. In places part of the original plow layer
has been removed through erosion, and the plow layer is
a mixture of the remaining surface layer and the sub-
soil. In some small areas the subsoil is exposed.
Unless limed, these soils are medium acid to very
strongly acid.
The uneroded soils are easy to keep in good tilth and
can be worked throughout a wide range of moisture
content. In most places the eroded soils are fairly easy
to keep in good tilth, but unless they are worked under
optimum moisture conditions, crusts and clods form.
Natural fertility and the content of organic matter are
low. Permeability is moderate, and available water ca-
pacity is medium. Crops respond well to applications of
fertilizer and lime.
These soils are well suited to most locally grown crops,
mainly small grain, corn, and soybeans. Most of the
acreage is cultivated or pastured, and the rest is wooded
or is under urban development.
The erosion hazard is moderate in cultivated areas.
Runoff and the erosion hazard can be reduced if all crop
residue is returned to the soil; tillage is kept at a mini-
mum; close -growing crops are grown 25 to 50 percent
of the time; and contour tillage, diversions, terraces, and
striperopping are part of management. Natural draws,
field borders (fig. 5), and other needed outlets for dis-
posal of surface runoff can be planted to perennial grass-
es, preferably a sod -forming type.
CAPABILITY UNIT IIe-8
Altavista fine sandy loam, clayey variant, is the only
soil in this unit. It is a moderately well drained, gently

CATAWBA COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA
Figure 5.—Field border of fescue on Hiwassee loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded.
sloping soil on uplands and flood plains. The surface
layer is fine sandy loam. The subsoil is friable to firm
clay loam.
This soil is easy to keep in good tilth and can be
worked throughout a wide range of moisture content. It
is medium acid unless limed. Natural fertility and the
content of organic matter are low. Permeability is mod-
erate, and available water capacity is medium. Crops
respond well to applications of lime and fertilizer.
This soil is well suited to most locally grown crops.
Most of the acreage is cultivated or pastured, and the
rest is chiefly wooded.
The hazard of erosion is moderate in cultivated areas.
Runoff and the erosion hazard can be reduced, soil tilth
improved, and crop yields increased if all crop residue
is returned to the soil; tillage is kept at a minimum;
close -growing crops are grown 25 to 50 percent of the
time; and contour tillage along with diversions, terraces,
or striperopping are part of management. Natural draws,
field borders, and other needed outlets for disposal of
surface runoff can be planted to perennial grasses, pref-
erably a sod -forming type.
CAPABILITY UNIT Ile-3
Enon fine sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, the only
soil in this unit, is a well -drained soil on uplands. The
surface layer is fine sandy loam. The subsoil is very firm
to firm clay. Part of the original surface layer has been
19
removed through erosion, and in places the plow layer
is a mixture of the remaining surface layer and the
subsoil.
This soil is difficult to keep in good tilth. It can be
worked only within a narrow range of moisture content;
otherwise, crusts and clods form. Natural fertility is
medium, and content of organic matter is low. Permea-
bility is slow, and available water capacity is medium.
The soil is medium acid to slightly acid unless limed.
Crops respond fairly well to applications of lime and
fertilizer.
This soil is fairly well suited to most locally grown
crops. About half the acreage is cultivated or pastured,
and the rest is wooded.
Runoff and the hazard of erosion are moderate in cul-
tivated areas. Both can be reduced, soil tilth improved,
and crop yields increased if all crop residue is. -returned
to the soil; tillage is kept at a minimum; close -growing
crops are grown 30 to 50 percent of the time; and contour
tillage along with diversions, terraces, or striperopping
are part of management. Natural draws, field borders,
and other needed outlets for disposal of surface runoff
can be planted to perennial grasses, preferably a sod -
forming type.
CAPABILITY UNIT IIw-1
This unit consists only of Congaree complex, a mapping
unit of well -drained, nearly level soils on flood plains.

SOIL SURVEY
The surface layer ranges from loam to silt loam and
fine sandy loam. The underling material is friable fine
sandy loam, clay loam, or silty clay loam.
These soils are easy to keep in good tilth and can
be worked throughout a wide range of moisture content.
They are medium acid to strongly acid unless limed.
Natural fertility is low, and content of organic matter
is medium. Permeability is moderate, and available water
capacity is high. Crops respond very well to applications
of lime and fertilizer.
These soils are well suited to most locally grown crops.
Most of the acreage is cultivated or pastured.
Flooding is the main limitation to intensive use of
these soils. Flooding for brief periods occurs two or three
times in some years. Crops are occasionally damaged. In
some areas drainage is needed in small wet spots. Row
crops can be grown each year if all crop residue is re-
turned to the soil. Crop yields, the organic -matter content,
and the soil tilth can be maintained at a high level if
tillage is kept at a minimum and soil conserving crops,
preferably perennial grasses, are included in the cropping
system every other year or at least 1 year in 3.
CAPABILITY UNIT IIIe-1
This unit consists of well -drained, sloping soils on up-
lands. The surface layer is gravelly sandy loam, gravelly
fine sandy loam, or sandy loam. The subsoil ranges from
friable sandy clay loam or clay loam to firm clay. In
places part of the original plow layer has been removed
through erosion, and the present plow layer is a mixture
of the remaining surface material and material from the
subsoil. In some small areas the subsoil is exposed.
Unless limed, these soils are strongly acid to very
strongly acid. All but the eroded soils are easy to keep
in good tilth and can be worked throughout a wide
range of moisture content. Unless the eroded soils are
worked under optimum moisture conditions, crusts and
clods form. Natural fertility and the content of organic
matter are low. Permeability is moderate, and available
water capacity is medium. Crops respond well to fairly
well to applications of lime and fertilizer.
The eroded soils are fairly well suited to most locally
grown crops. The rest are well suited. Small grain (fig.
6) , corn, and soybeans are the main crops. About half
Figure 6—Barley on Cecil sandy loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes, eroded.

CATAWBA COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA
the acreage is cultivated or pastured, and the rest is
wooded or under urban development.
Runoff and the hazard of erosion are severe in culti-
vated areas. Both can be reduced if all crop residue is
returned to the soil; tillage is kept at a minimum; close -
growing crops are grown 50 to 75 percent of the time;
and contour tillage along with diversions, terraces, or
striperopping are part of management.
CAPABILITY UNIT IIIe-2
This unit consists of well -drained, gently sloping to
sloping soils on uplands. The surface layer is loam or
clay loam. The subsoil is firm clay or friable clay loam.
In many places part of the original plow layer has been
removed through erosion, and the present plow layer is a
mixture of the remaining surface material and the
subsoil. In the more severely eroded areas, the plow layer
is dominantly subsoil material.
Unless limed, these soils are medium acid to very
strongly acid. In most areas they are difficult to keep in
good tilth and can be worked within only a narrow or
very narrow range of moisture content. Unless moisture
conditions are optimum, crusts and clods form. Natural
fertility and the content of organic matter are low.
Permeability is moderate, and available water capacity
is medium. Crops respond well to fairly well to appli-
21
cations of lime and fertilizer, depending on the degree
of erosion.
The severely eroded soils are fairly well suited to most
locally grown crops. The rest are well suited. All are well
suited to grasses, legumes, and small grain. About half
the acreage is cultivated or pastured, and the rest is
wooded or under urban development.
Runoff and the hazard of erosion are severe in culti-
vated areas. Both can be reduced, soil tilth improved,
and organic -matter content and crop yields increased
if all crop residue is returned to the soil; tillage is kept
at a minimum; close -growing crops are grown 50 to 75
percent of the time; and contour tillage along with diver-
sions, terraces, or striperopping are part of management.
Natural draws, field borders, and other needed outlets for
disposal of surface runoff can be plashed to perennial
grasses, preferably a sod -forming type, such as fescue
(ft. 7).
CAPABILITY UNIT IIIw-1
Chewacla loam, the only soil in this unit, is a some-
what poorly drained, nearly level soil on flood plains.
The surface layer is loam, and the subsoil is friable loam,
silt loam, or clay loam.
Unless limed, this soil is medium acid to strongly acid.
It is easy to keep in good tilth and can be worked
Figure 7. Natural draw seeded to fescue. The soil is Hiwassee loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes, eroded.

22
SOIL SURVEY
throughout a wide range of moisture content. Natural
fertility is low, and the content of organic matter is
medium. Permeability is moderate, and available water
capacity is high. Crops respond well to applications of
lime and fertilizer.
This soil is fairly well suited to a few locally grown
crops that are fairly tolerant of water, for example, corn
and fescue. It is well suited to pasture. Most of the
acreage is pastured or cultivated, and the rest is wooded.
Wetness and flooding are the main limitations. Wetness
is a severe hazard. Some artificial drainage is needed for
most crops. The content of organic matter can be main-
tained and tilth improved if all crop residue is returned
to the soil.
CAPABILITY UNIT IIIs-1
Buncombe loamy sand, the only soil in this unit, is a
somewhat excessively drained, nearly level soil on flood
plains. The surface layer is loamy sand, and the underly-
ing layers are loose sand or loamy fine sand.
This soil is easy to keep in good tilth and can be
worked throughout a wide range of moisture content. It
is medium acid unless limed. Natural fertility and the
content of organic matter are very low. Permeability is
raid, and available water capacity 1s low. Crops respond
fairly well to applications of lime and fertilizer.
Most of the acreage is wooded, and the rest is pastured
or cultivated. Flooding and low available water capacity
make this soil only fairly well suited to most locally
grown crops.
Droughtiness and the very low natural fertility and
content of organic matter are the major limitations. Tilth
can be maintained, the content of organic matter in-
creased, and crop yields improved if all crop residue is
returned to the soil and tillage is kept at a minimum.
Organic matter "burns out" of this soil rapidly. Fertil-
izer, especially nitrogen, should be applied in split appli-
cations.
CAPABILITY UNIT IVe-1
This unit consists of well -drained, strongly sloping to
moderately steep soils on uplands. The surface layer is
sandy loam, and the subsoil is firm clay or friable clay
loam. In places, part of the original plow layer has been
removed through erosion, and the present plow layer is
a mixture of the remaining material and the subsoil. In
spots the subsoil is exposed.
Unless limed, these soils are strongly acid to very
strongly acid. Some are easy to keep in good tilth and
can be worked throughout a wide range of moisture
content. Others are difficult to keep in good tilth and can
be worked within only a narrow range of moisture con-
tent. Unless moisture conditions are optimum, crusts and
clods form. Natural fertility and the organic -matter
content are low. Permeability is moderate, and available
water capacity is medium. Crops respond fairly well to
applications of lime and fertilizer.
These soils are fairly well suited to moderately well
suited to most locally grown crops. They are well suited
to most locally grown pasture and hay crops. Most of
the acreage is wooded, and the rest is pastured or culti-
vated.
Runoff and the hazard of erosion are severe in culti-
vated areas. Both can be reduced, soil tilth improved,
and crop yields and organic -matter content increased if
all crop residue is returned to the soil; tillage is kept at
a minimum; soil conserving crops, such as perennial
grasses, are grown 75 percent or more of the time; and
contour tillage along with striperopping or diversions,
or both, are part of management. Natural draws, field
borders, and other needed outlets for disposal of surface
runoff can be planted to perennial grasses, preferably
a sod -forming type.
CAPABILITY UNIT IVo-Y
This unit consists of well -drained, sloping and strongly
sloping soils on uplands. The surface layer is loam or clay
loam. The subsoil is clay or clay loam. In places part
of the original plow layer has been removed through
erosion, and the present plow layer is a mixture of the
remaining surface material and the subsoil.
Unless limed, these soils are medium acid to very
strongly acid. They are difficult to keep in good tilth
and can be worked within only a narrow or very narrow
range of moisture content. Unless moisture conditions
are optimum, crusts and clods form. Natural fertility and
the content of organic matter are low. Permeability is
moderate, and available water capacity is medium. Crops
respond fairly we'll to applications of lime and fertilizer.
These soils are fairly well suited to most locally
grown crops. They are well suited to pasture, hay, and
trees.
Runoff and the hazard of erosion are severe in culti-
vated areas. Slope and erosion are the main limitations
to be considered in management. Runoff and the ero-
sion hazard can be reduced, tilth improved, and the
organic -matter content and crop yields increased if all
crop residue is returned to the soil; tillage is kept at a
minimum; close -growing crops are grown 75 percent
or more of the time; and contour tillage along with
striperopping or diversions, or both, are part of manage-
ment. Natural draws, field borders, and other needed out-
lets for disposal of surface runoff can be planted to sod -
forming, perennial grasses.
CAPABILITY UNIT IVw-1
This unit consists of poorly drained, nearly level to
gently sloping soils on flood plains and in depressions
and draws In the uplands. The surface layer is fine sandy
loam, and the subsoil is friable to firm loam, sandy clay
loam, or sandy clay.
Unless limed, these soils are medium acid to very
strongly acid. Natural fertility is low, and the content
of organic matter is medium. Permeability is moderately
slow or moderate, and available water capacity is high.
Crop response is fair to fairly good to applications of
lime and fertilizer.
If drained, these soils are fairly well suited to a few
locally grown crops. They are well suited to trees and
pasture. Most of the acreage is wooded. Only a small
part is cultivated or pastured.
A seasonal high water table, flooding, and seepage
from adjacent uplands are the main limitations. Wet-
ness is a severe hazard. A complete drainage system is
needed for all crops and most pasture. In cultivated
areas, tilth can be improved and organic -matter content
maintained if all crop residue is returned to the soil.
Crops can be grown each year, but a better cropping
system is 1 or more years of a close -growing crop fol-
lowed by 1 or 2 years of row crops.

CATAWBA COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA
CAPABILITY UNIT VIe-1
This unit consists of well -drained, strongly sloping to
moderately steep soils on uplands. The surface layer is
sandy loam, loam, or gravelly sandy loam. The subsoil
ranges from friable clay loam to firm clay. In places,
part of the original plow layer has been removed through
erosion, and the present plow layer is a mixture of the
remaining surface material and the subsoil.
The soils range from strongly acid to neutral. Natural
fertility is low to medium, and the content of organic
matter is low. Permeability is moderate or moderately
slow, and available water capacity is medium. Crop re-
sponse is fair to fairly good to applications of lime and
fertilizer.
In most areas these soils are too steep to be suited to
cultivated crops. They are fairly well suited to locally
grown pasture grasses and legumes, and they are well
suited to trees. Most of the acreage is wooded, and the
rest is used mainly for pasture.
Pasture seeding or renovation, particularly on the
steeper slopes, can be done in alternate strips to reduce
the erosion hazard. Pastures can be stocked at a rate
that maintains a top growth of not less than 3 inches.
Pastures are best maintained by rotation grazing. By
this method, animals graze the pasture down to the
3-inch level and are then rotated to another pasture.
CAPABILITY UNIT VIe-2
Cecil clay loam, 10 to 25 percent slopes, severely eroded,
is the only soil in this unit. It is well drained and is on
uplands. Many shallow gullies and a few deep gullies
have formed. The surface layer is clay loam, and the
subsoil is dominantly firm clay. In most places, the orig-
inal plow layer has been removed through erosion, and
the present plow layer is a mixture of the subsoil mate-
rial and only a small amount of the original surface
material.
Unless limed, this soil is strongly acid to very strongly
acid. Natural fertility and the content of organic mat-
ter are low. Permeability is moderate, and available
water capacity is medium. Crop response is only fair to
applications of lime and fertilizer.
This soil is not suited to cultivated crops because it
is steep, gullied, and highly erodible. It is poorly suited
to pasture and is only fairly well suited to trees. Most
of the acreage is wooded. A small part is pastured.
If this soil is used for pasture, seeding or renovation
can be done in alternate strips to reduce the hazard of
erosion. More intensive management is required in the
severely eroded and gullied areas to establish any type
of vegetation.
CAPABILITY UNIT VIIe-1
Pacolet gravelly sandy loam, 25 to 45 percent slopes,
is the only soil in this unit. It is well drained and is on
uplands. The surface layer is gravelly sandy loam. The
subsoil is friable or firm clay loam or firm clay.
Unless limed, this soil is strongly acid. Natural fer-
tility and the content of organic matter are low. Per-
meability is moderate, and available water capacity is
medium.
This soil is too steep to be suitable for cultivation. It
is best suited to forest, wildlife, and recreation. Most of
the acreage is wooded or idle.
23
CAPABILITY UNIT VIIe-2
Only Gullied land is in this unit. It consists of areas,
mostly on the steeper parts of uplands, that have been
cut by numerous, deep and shallow gullies. The surface
layer is dominantly clay loam. In most places, the gullies
have cut into the parent material and are so numerous
that only narrow ridges of the original soil remain be-
tween the gullies.
Gullied land is not suitable for cultivation. All the
acreage is wooded or idle.
Special management practices are needed to establish
any kind of vegetation on Gullied land. Planting trees,
kudzu, or other close -growing plants would prevent fur-
ther damage to the surrounding areas and reduce silting
of streams.
Estimated yields
Estimated yields of the principal crops grown in
Catawba County are shown in table 2. Yields depend on
the kind of soil, the climate, the kind of crop, and the
level of management. The estimates in table 2 are based
on high-level management. Under high-level manage-
ment-
1. Fertilizer and lime are applied according to the
needs indicated by the results of soil tests.
2. High -yielding varieties of crops are planted.
3. Legumes are inoculated.
4. Soils are properly tilled, and crops are properly
cultivated.
5. Weeds, insects, and diseases are controlled.
6. Crop rotations selected conserve moisture and
protect the soils from erosion.
7. Runoff is adequately controlled.
8. Overgrazing is avoided, and pasture is well man-
aged.
The estimates in table 2 are based on experience with
the crops and soils of the county and on assumptions
of average rainfall over a long period, no supplemen-
tal irrigation, adequate drainage, and no flooding or
ponding.
Woodland "
All the area that is now Catawba County was orig-
inally forest. The forests were predominantly hardwoods
consisting of many different kinds of broadleaf decidu-
ous trees and also some needleleaf cone -bearing species,
such as pine, hemlock, and eastern redcedar. Shade -tol-
erant trees, shrubs, and woody vines made up the under -
story. On north -facing slopes, especially in the western
part of the county in the vicinity of Baker Mountain,
mountain -laurel and rhododendron (rosebay) were dom-
inant in the flora of the understory.
On the uplands and high stream terraces were scarlet,
red, white, black, southern red, chestnut, blackjack, and
post oaks; mockernut and pignut hickory; blackgum
and sweetgum; yellow -poplar, American chestnut, per-
simmon, winged elm, and basswood; some shortleaf, Vir-
ginia, and pitch pine; and in the western part of the
county, scattered eastern white pine. In the understory
were dogwood, sourwood, serviceberry, and holly.
`By JOHN E. WI661N8, JR., forester, Soil Conservation Service,
U.S. Department of Agriculture.

24
SOIL SURVEY
TABLE 2. Estimated average acre yields of dryfarmed crops under superior management
[Absence of figure indicates that the crop is not commonly grown on the soil or no data are available on which to base an estimate]
Soil
Corn
Soy-
Oats
Wheat
Bar -
Silage
Hay
Pasture
beans
ley
Soybeans
Fes-
Red
Corn
and
cue
clover
Fescue
sorghum
Bu.
Bu.
Bu.
Bu.
Bu.
TOM
Tons
Tone
Toro
A.U.D.1
Altavista fine sandy loam, clayey variant_ _ _ - _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
95
42
80
65
60
20
15
2.3
2.4
260
Appling sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes _ _ _ _ _ _ - _ _ _ _
90
40
85
65
60
18
14
2. 1
2.2
260
Appling sandy loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes, eroded-___
80
30
80
60
55
15
12
1.9
2.0
240
Appling sandy loam, 10 to 25 percent slopes, eroded___
65
25
70
55
50
12
10
1.7
1.6
220
Buncombe loamy sand____________________________
55
20
55
------
40
10
8
1.0
________
150
Cecil sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded_ _ _ _ _ _ _
90
40
85
65
60
18
14
2. 1
2.2
260
Cecil sandy loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes, eroded ------
80
32
80
60
55
15
10
1.9
2.0
240
Cecil sandy loam, 10 to 15 percent slopes, eroded_ _ _ _ _
70
25
70
55
50
12
8
1.7
1.6
220
Cecil clay loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded---------
70
30
60
50
40
12
10
1.7
1.8
200
Cecil clay loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes, eroded__ _ _ _ _ _ _
60
20
50
45
35
10
8
1.5
1.6
180
Cecil clay loam, 10to25percent slopes, severely eroded _
______
______
______
______
______
______
__________
1.3
1.4
140
Chewaclaloam -----------------------------------
100
______
80
__-___
------
20
12
2.4
--------
265
Congaree complex________ ______ _ ______________
110
45
80
75
65
22
18
2.4
2.6
270
Enon fine sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes-_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
75
32
60
50
45
15
12
2.0
2. 1
240
Gulliedland-------------------------------------
------
------
------
------
------
------
----------
------
--------
--------
Hiwassee loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
90
42
85
75
65
18
14
2.2
2.3
260
Hiwassee loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes, eroded --------
80
35
80
70
60
15
12
2.0
2.1
240
Hiwassee loam, 10 to 15 percent slopes, eroded- _ _ _ - _ _
70
28
70
60
50
12
10
1.8
1.9
220
Hiwassee loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes______________
______
______
______
______
______
______
__________
1.6
1.7
200
Hiwassee clay loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded_ _ _ _ _
70
30
60
50
45
12
12
1.8
1.9
220
Hiwassee clay loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes, eroded-___
60
25
50
45
40
10
10
1.6
1.7
200
Leveledclayey land -------------------------------
------
------
------
------------
----------------
------
--------
--------
Madison gravelly sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes,
eroded________________________________________
85
35
80
60
55
16
12
2.0
2.1
240
Madison gravelly sandy loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes,
eroded________________________________________
75
28
70
50
50
14
10
1.8
1.9
220
Madison gravelly sandy loam, 10 to 25 percent slopes,
eroded----------------------------------------
------
------
------
------
------
------
----------
1.6
1.5
200
Pacolet gravelly sandy loam, 25 to 45 percent slopes__
______
______
______
______
______
______
__________
______
________
140
Pacolet gravelly fine sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes_
85
35
80
60
55
16
12
2.0
2. 1
240
Pacolet gravelly fine sandy loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes-
75
28
70
50
50
14
10
1.8
1.9
220
Pacolet soils, 10 to 25 percent slopes________________
______
______
______
______
______
______
__________
1.6
1.7
200
Wehadkee fine sandy loam -------------------------
55
.______
------
______
______
12
----------
1.8
--------
180
Wilkes loam, 10 to 25 percent slopes________________
______
______
______
______
______
______
__________
1.4
--------
180
Worsham fine sandy loam --------------------------
------
------
------
------
------
------
----------
1.6
--------
160
1 Animal -unit -days is a term used to express the carrying capacity of pasture. It is the number of animal units carried per acre multi-
plied by the number of days the pasture is grazed during a single grazing season without injury to the sod. An acre of pasture that provides
30 days of grazing for two cows has a carrying capacity of 60 animal -unit -days. An animal unit is one cow, one steer, or one horse; five
hogs, or seven sheep or goats.
On the better drained soils of the low stream terraces
and the flood plains of the Catawba River and its main
tributaries were red, white, swamp, and chestnut oaks;
white and green ash; American and slippery elm; shag-
bark hickory, yellow -poplar, sweetgum, sycamore, south-
ern sugar maple, sugarberry, and some shortleaf pine.
Red mulberry, hophornbeam, and holly were present In
the understory of these stands.
On the poorly drained soils of the flood plains were
black willow, river birch, green ash, red maple, water
and willow oaks, and sweetgum.
Colonial settlement of the Catawba area began about
1747. Since then most of the forest has been subjected
to repeated disturbances. Nearly all of the tillable part
of the county has been cleared at one time or another,
and some areas have been cleared more than once. The
early clearing for farming and for wood products was
followed by abandonment of many of the fields because
the natural fertility of the soils declined. Shortleaf and
Virginia pines invaded the fields, and pure or mixed
stands of these species became established. Many of these
second -growth stands have been cut to meet an increas-
ing demand for wood products. This cutover land is
now cultivated. As a result of these disturbances, most
of the original forest has been converted to stands of
pine or mixed pine and hardwoods.
Forests now occupy 28,626 acres (10) of Catawba
County, and are one of its most valuable natural re-
sources. About 99.7 percent of the forest land is privately
owned. Only 300 acres is in public ownership. The
greatest part of the privately owned forest is held by
farmers. Most of it is in tracts that are less than 100
acres in size.
Woodland management
The suitability of the soils of Catawba County for
producing wood crops is shown in table 3. Ratings are
based on measurements by foresters and forest man-
agers. They are a means of expressing information use-
ful in managing soils for forestry purposes. Erosion

CATAWBA COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA
hazard, equipment restriction, and seedling mortality
are concerns in management. Windthrow is not generally
considered a hazard on soils in Catawba County, except
when winds are abnormally high, for example, during
a hurricane. Soil -related factors important to tree growth
and management in Catawba County are defined in the
paragraphs that follow.
Potential productivity is expressed as a site index for
a given tree species. Site index is the average total
height, in feet, of the dominant and codominant trees
in an even -aged stand at 50 years of age. Published
research data are available for converting site index to
expected yields (6, 7).
Erosion hazard is expressed as slight, moderate, or
severe, depending on the erodibility of the particular
soil, the depth, and the slope.
Equipment restriction refers to the physical character-
istics and topographic features of the soil that restrict
or prohibit the use of equipment commonly used in con-
structing access roads, harvesting tree crops, and con-
trolling fire and undesired vegetation. Excess water,
clayey texture, and steep slope are the chief factors re-
stricting equipment use in Catawba County. The rating
is slight if conventional equipment can be used any time
during the year, except for short periods after heavy
rainfall, and if the soil is moderately well drained to
well drained, is not subject to prolonged flooding or ex-
cessive water, and has slopes of less than 15 percent.
The rating is moderate if conventional equipment can be
used from March to December, flooding is only occa-
sional, the water table is generally below the surface, or
seldom above the surface for extended periods, and slopes
are less than 45 percent. The rating is severe if conven-
tional equipment can be used only during the driest
months, or between periods of flooding, or if slopes ex-
ceed 45 percent.
Seedling mortality refers to the loss of tree seedlings
of preferred species, established by planting, direct seed-
ing, or natural seeding, as a result of adverse soil charac-
teristics or topographic features. In evaluating mortal-
ity, it is assumed that plant competition is not a limiting
factor. For planted seedlings, it is assumed that healthy
seedlings of good quality have been properly planted.
An adequate seed source is assumed for seedlings estab-
lished by natural reseeding. Normal environmental con-
ditions are assumed for both planted and naturally es-
tablished seedlings. The rating is slight if average mor-
tality does not ordinarily exceed 25 percent. The rating
is moderate if average mortality is 25 to 50 percent. The
rating is severe if average mortality exceeds 50 percent.
Preferred species for planting are the principal com-
mercial species to be favored in existing stands and those
preferred for planting. Preferred species were selected
on the basis of their growth rates and the quality, value,
and general marketability of the wood crop.
Woodland grouping
The soils in Catawba County are grouped according
to their suitability for woodland use and management.
Such groupings simplify the arrangement and presenta-
tion of the information in the paragraphs that follow.
A woodland group consists of soils that have comparable
potential productivity, produce similar tree crops, and
require the same management.
25
Information about potential productivity, hazards and
limitations of the soils that affect management, and pre-
ferred tree species for planting are shown for each wood-
land group in table 3.
Each group is identified by a three-part symbol, for
example, 1w8, 2s8, and 4ol. The first numeral in the sym-
bol denotes relative potential productivity, or site qual-
ity. The numeral 1 denotes very high potential produc-
tivity (fig. 8) ; 2, high; 3, moderately high; 4, moderate;
and 5, low.
The second part of the symbol is a small letter that
denotes the soil property or physiographic characteristic
that imposes a moderate or severe hazard or limitation
in managing the soil for wood crops. The letter w de-
notes excessive wetness. Water in or on the soil, either
seasonally or year round, is the chief limitation and ad-
versely affects tree growth and management. Such soils
have restricted drainage, a seasonal high water table, or are
subject to flooding. The letter c denotes management
restrictions or limitations caused by the kind or amount
of clay in the upper part of the soil profile. The letter s
denotes management restrictions caused by the amount
of sandy material in the soil profile. Such soils have little
or no textural B horizon, low available water capacity,
and are normally low in available plant nutrients. The
letter r denotes that the main limitation is steep slope.
The letter o denotes no significant soil -related limitation.
Some soils have more than one limiting characteristic.
In such cases priority is assigned in the order that the
characteristics are listed above.
The third part of the symbol is a numeral that denotes
the degree of hazard or limitation and the general suita-
bility of the soils for certain kinds of trees.
The numeral 1 indicates soils that have no limitations
or only slight limitations and are best suited to needle -
leaf trees.
The numeral 2 indicates soils that have one or more
moderate limitations and are best suited to needleleaf
trees.
The numeral 3 indicates soils that have one or more
severe limitations and are best suited to needleleaf trees.
The numeral 7 indicates soils that have no limitations
or only slight limitations and are suited to either needle -
leaf or broadleaf trees.
The numeral 8 indicates soils that have one or more
moderate limitations and are suited to either needleleaf
(fig. 9) or broadleaf trees.
The numeral 9 indicates soils that have one or more
severe limitations and are suited to either needleleaf or
broadleaf trees.
The letter e, following the last numeral of the symbol,
is used to indicate severely eroded soils.
The woodland group to which each soil mapping unit
is assigned can be determined by referring to the Guide
to Mapping Units.
Wildlife
Wildlife species are associated with given types of
plant communities, which, in turn, are directly related to
particular kinds of soil. The soils of Catawba County
s By JOHN P. EDWARDs, biologist, Soil Conservation Service.

26
SOIL SURVEY
Woodland group and map symbols
TABLE 3.—Woodland groups, wood
Potential productivity
Tree species Site
class 1
107. Well drained, nearly level soils that have a friable loamy subsoil; on flood plains; subject to
Green ash_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
90
very frequent flooding; very high potential productivity; suitable for broadleaf and
Loblolly pine_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
90
needleleaf trees. Cy.
White pine_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Cherrybark oak_________
100
110
Sweetgum______________
100
Sycamore_______________
90
Yellow -poplar -----------
110
1w8. Somewhat poorly drained, nearly level soils that have a friable loamy subsoil; on flood
Cherrybark oak _ - _ _ _ _ - _ -
100
plains; subject to very frequent flooding; very high potential productivity; suitable for
Cottonwood ------------
100
broadleaf and needleleaf trees. Cw.
Water oak_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Willow oak_____________
90
90
Loblolly pine -----------
100
White pine_____________
100
Sweetgum______________
100
Yellow -poplar -----------
100
1w9. Poorly drained, nearly level soils that have a friable loamy subsoil; on flood plains; subject
Cottonwood _ - _ _ _ _ - _ _ _ _ _
90
to very frequent flooding; very high potential productivity; suitable for broadleaf and
Loblolly pine_ _ - _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
100
needleleaf trees. W d.
Water oak__ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Willow oak_____________
90
90
Sweetgum --------------
90
Yellow -poplar s..........
100
2w8. Moderately well drained and poorly drained, nearly level to gently sloping soils that have a
Loblolly pine_ _ - _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
90
friable or firm loamy or clayey subsoil; subject to infrequent flooding; high potential
Shortleaf pine_ _ _ _ - _ _ _ _ _ -
80
productivity; suitable for broadleaf and needleleaf trees. Af, Wo.
White pine_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
90
90
Sweetgum______________
Yellow -poplar -----------
100
2s8. Somewhat excessively drained, nearly level soils that have a loose sandy subsoil; on flood Cottonwood_ - _ _ _ - _ _ _ _ _ _ 100
plains; subject to very frequent flooding; high potential productivity; suitable for broad- Loblolly pine_ _ _ _ _ - _ _ _ _ _ 90
leaf and needleleaf trees. B n . Shortleaf pine_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ - 80
White pine------------- 90
Yellow -poplar ----------- 100
3o7. Well -drained, gently sloping to sloping soils that have a friable to firm loamy and clayey
Red oaks_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
70-80
80
subsoil; moderately high potential productivity; suitable for broadleaf and needleleaf
Loblolly pine_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _-
trees. AsB, AsC2, CmB2, CmC2, CmD2, CnB2, CnC2, HsB2, HsC2, HsD2, HwB2,
Shortleaf pine -----------
70
70+
HwC2, MgB2, MgC2, PcB, PcC.
Virginia pine ------------
White pine_____________
80
Sweetgum______________
80
Yellow -poplar -----------
90
3r8. Well -drained, strongly sloping to very steep soils that have a friable to firm loamy and
Red oaks___ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
70-80
clayey subsoil; on uplands; moderately high potential productivity; suitable for broadleaf
Loblolly pine_ _ _ - _ _ _ _ _ _ _
80
and needleleaf trees. AsE2, HsE, MgE2, PaF, PeE.
Shortleaf pine -----------
70
70 +
Virginia pine ------------
White pine_____________
80
Sweetgum______________
80
Yellow -poplar___________
90
4o1. Well -drained, gently sloping soils that have a very friable to very firm clayey subsoil; on
Loblolly pine_ _ _ _ _ _ - _ _ _ -
70
60
uplands; moderate potential productivity; better suited to needleleaf trees. EnB.
Shortleaf pine -----------
Virginia pine ------------
60
White pine_____________
70-80
4c2e. Well -drained, strongly sloping soils that have a firm clayey subsoil; on uplands; erosion
Loblolly pine- _ _ _ _ _ _ - _ _ _
70
60
hazard and seedling mortality associated with high clay content in the upper profile;
Shortleaf pine -----------
moderate potential productivity; bettersuited to needleleaf trees. Cn E3.
Virginia pine ------------
60
70
White pine_____________
4r2. Well -drained, strongly sloping to moderately steep soils that have a firm clayey or loamy
Loblolly pine_ _ - - _ _ _ _ _ _ _
70
60
subsoil; on uplands; moderate potential productivity; better suited to needleleaf trees.
Shortleaf pine__ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
W k E.
Virginia pine ------------
White pine-------------
60
70
1 Site class is the numerical designation of the relative potential productivity of the soil for the specified species. It is based on site index,
which is the average height, in feet, of the dominant and codominant trees in an even -aged stand at age 50. Site index was rounded to the
nearest 10-foot interval to determine site class. For some trees, especially broadleaf species, site class is based on the comparative site class
of other species on the same soil.

CATAWBA COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA
crops, and factors in management
27
Management limitations
Species preferred for planting
Erosion
Equipment
Seedling
Broadleaf
Needleleaf
hazard
restrictions
mortality
Slight _ _ - _ _ - _ -
Slight_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Slight_ _ _ _ _ - - -
Green ash, white ash, cherrybark oak, northern
Loblolly pine, shortleaf pine,
red oak, Shumard oak, southern red oak, white
white pine.
oak, sycamore, black walnut, yellow -poplar.
Slight_ _ - _ _ - _ _
Moderate__ _ _ _
Slight-_ _ _ _ _ _ _
Cottonwood, green ash, white ash, cherrybark oak,
Loblolly pine, shortleaf pine,
northern red oak, Shumard oak, southern red
white pine.
oak, water oak, white oak, willow oak, sweetgum,
sycamore, yellow -poplar.
Slight _ _ - _ _ _ _ _
Severe 3 - - -- _ _
Severe 3- _ _ _ _ _
Cottonwood, green ash, cherrybark oak, Shumard
Loblolly pine, white pine.*
oak, water oak, white oak, willow oak, sweet -
gum, sycamore, swamp tupelo, yellow-poplar.4
Slight --------
Moderate_____
Slightto
Cottonwood, green ash, water oak, willow oak,
Loblolly pine, shortleaf pine,
moderate.
sweetgum, sycamore, yellow -poplar.
white pine.
Slight --------
Moderate---__
Moderate_____
Cottonwood, green ash, sycamore, yellow -poplar-_-
Loblolly pine, shortleaf pine,
white pine.
Slight_ _ _ _ - - - _
Slight_ _ - _ _ _ _ -
Slight_ _ _ - --- _
Northern red oak, white oak, yellow -poplar- _ _ - _ --
Loblolly pine, shortleaf pine,
white pine.
Slight --------
Moderate---__
Moderate----_
Northern red oak, white oak, yellow -poplar---_---
Loblolly pine, shortleaf pine,
Virginia pine, white pine.
Slight --------
Slight --------
Slight --------
No broadleaf species suitable--------------------
Loblolly pine, shortleaf pine,
Virginia pine, white pine.
Moderate_--__
Moderate_---_
Moderate-----
No broadleaf species suitable--------------------
Loblolly pine, Virginia pine,
white pine.
Moderate-----
Moderate-----
Slight --------
No broadleaf species suitable--------------------
Loblolly pine, Virginia pine,
white pine.
3 Potential productivity is attainable if drainage is adequate.
3 Moderate if drainage is adequate.
Tree planting is not usually feasible in ponded areas.

NEI
SOIL SURVEY
Figure 8.—Natural stand of yellow -poplar on Chewacla loam.
produce a wide variety of plants that provide food,
cover, and protection for many species of wildlife.
Upland game species, such as quail, fox, doves, rabbits,
and squirrels, and nongame birds are abundant in much
of the county. Furbearers include mink, raccoon, musk-
rat, and opossum. Waterfowl species include black ducks,
mallards, widgeon, wood ducks, ringnecks, and green-
0 teal. All are fairly abundant along the Catawba
er and its tributaries during winter. Also found here
in winter is the woodcock.
In table 4 the soils of the county are rated according
to their suitability for producing seven elements of wild-
life habitat and for supporting three different kinds of
wildlife. Following is a brief explanation of each element
of the habitat.
Grain and seed crops: Mostly agricultural crops
that provide food for wildlife. Examples are proso
millet, browntop millet, corn, wheat, and oats.
Grasses and legumes: Plants that furnish food and
cover for wildlife. Examples are fescue, clover, shrub
lespedeza (fig. 10), annual lespedeza, soybeans, rye-
grass, lovegrass, and kudzu.
Wild herbaceous plants: Native or introduced per-
ennials that furnish food and cover to game species.
Examples are pokeweed, tick clover, ragweed, and
wild strawberries.
Hardwood trees and shrubs: Also vines. All fruit,
buds, nuts, and foliage used by wildlife for food
and cover. Examples are oak, hickory, grapes, au-
tum olive, pyracantha, dogwood, poplar, and multi -
flora rose.
Coniferous trees and shrubs: Mostly pines. Used by
wildlife mainly for cover. Pine seeds are used as
food to some extent.
Wetland food and cover plants: Trees and wild
herbaceous plants associated with wetland. Examples
are rushes, sedges, smartweed, cattails, water tupelo,
swamp tupelo, cypress, and Carolina ash.
Shallow water developments: Shallow ponds or
flooded areas.
The different kinds of wildlife one can expect to find
on a given soil are defined as follows.
Openland wildlife: Birds and mammals generally
associated with open areas. Examples are mourning
dove, quail, red fox, cottontail rabbit, woodchuck,
and many species of song birds.
Woodland wildlife: Mammals found mostly in
woodland communities. Examples are deer, bear,
marsh rabbit, bobcat, and squirrel.
Wetland wildlife: Birds and mammals found
mostly in swamps, marshes, or ponds. Examples are
muskrat, mink, raccoon, redwing blackbirds, and
ducks.
Each soil in the county is rated well suited, suited,
poorly suited, or not suited, depending on the degree of
limitation for a given use. Permeability, flood hazard,
texture, and slope were among the soil properties consid-
ered in the ratings.
The ratings shown in table 4 are to be used as guide-
lines and do not provide specific site analysis. For ex-
ample, a soil rated as well suited for grasses and legumes
may be unsuited for certain species of each, although

CATAWBA COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA 29
Figure 9.—Natural stand of shortleaf pine on Appling sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes.
most species commonly grown in the county can be ex-
pected to do well. Onsite investigation is required in
planning individual management.
Engineering
Some soil properties are of special interest to engineers
because they affect the construction and maintenance of
roads, airports, pipelines, building foundations, dwell-
ings, facilities for water storage, earthen dams, erosion -
control structures, drainage systems, recreational facili-
ties, and the suitability of soils for topsoil, road fill, and
subgrade. Among the properties most important to en-
gineers are permeability, compaction characteristics,
shrink -swell potential, grain size, plasticity, reaction,
drainage, topography, and depth to the seasonal high
water table.
Information concerning these and related soil prop-
erties is given in tables 5, 6, and 7. The estimates and in-
terpretations in these tables can be used to-
1. Make studies that will aid in selecting and eval-
uating areas for developing industrial, commer-
cial, residential, and recreational sites.
e CanRLEs R. CioBB and S. T. CuRRiN, civil engineers, Soil Con-
servation Service, helped prepare this section.
2. Make preliminary estimates of the engineering
properties of soils in planning earthen dams,
excavated pits, drainage systems, sewage dis-
posal systems, and sprinkler irrigation systems.
3. Make preliminary evaluations of soil and ground
conditions that will aid in selecting highway and
airport locations and in planning detailed inves-
tigations at the selected locations.
4. Locate sources of construction materials.
5. Correlate performance of engineering structures
with soil mapping units to obtain information
useful in designing and maintaining the struc-
tures.
6. Determine the suitability of the soils for cross-
country movement of vehicles and construction
equipment.
With the soil map for identification of soil areas, the
engineering interpretations reported here can be useful
for many purposes. It should be emphasized, however,
that these interpretations will not eliminate the need for
sampling and testing at the site of specific engineering
works involving heavy loads and excavations greater
than the depth of layers here reported (ordinarily about
5 feet). Even in these situations, the soil map is useful in

30
SOIL SURVEY
TABLE 4.—Suitability for elements of
Soil
Elements of wildlife habitat
Grain and
Grasses and
Wild
Hardwood
seed crops
legumes
herbaceous
trees
plants
and shrubs
Altavista: Af 1________________________
Well suited_________
Well suited_________
Well suited_________
Well suited_________
Appling:
AsB_______________________________
Well suited_________
Well suited_________
Well suited_________
Well suited_________
AsC2______________________________
Suited_____________
Well suited_________
Well suited_________
Well suited ---------
As E2 a_____________________________
Poorly suited_______
Suited_____________
Well suited_________
Well suited_________
Buncombe: Bn________________________
Not suited__________
Poorly suited_______
Poorly suited_______
Poorly suited_______
Cecil:
Cm B2_____________________________
Well suited_________
Well suited_________
Well suited_________
Well suited_________
CmC2_____________________________
Suited_____________
Well suited_________
Well suited_________
Well suited_________
CmD2_____________________________
Suited_____________
Well suited_________
Well suited_________
Well suited_________
CnB2______________________________
Suited_____________
Suited_____________
Suited_____________
Well suited_________
CnC2______________________________
Suited_____________
Suited_____________
Suited_____________
Well suited_________
CnE33____________________________
Poorly suited_______
Suited_____________
Suited______________
Well suited_________
Chewacla: Cw_________________________
Not suited__________
Poorly suited --------
Poorly suited_______
Well suited_________
Congaree: Cy_________________________
Poorly suited_______
Suited_____________
Suited_____________
Well suited_________
Enon: En B___________________________
Suited_____________
Well suited_________
Well suited_________
Well suited_________
Gullied land: Gu.
Variable soil material.
Hiwassee:
Hs B2_____________________________
Well suited_________
Well suited_________
Well suited_________
Well suited_________
HsC2_____________________________
Suited_____________
Well suited_________
Well suited_________
Well suited_________
HsD2______________________________
Suited_____________
Well suited_________
Well suited_________
Well suited_________
HsE_______________________________
Poorly suited_______
Suited_____________
Well suited_________
Well suited_________
HwB2_____________________________
Suited_____________
Suited_____________
Suited_____________
Well suited_________
HwC2_____________________________
Suited_____________
Suited_____________
Suited_____________
Well suited_________
Leveled clayey land: Lc.
Variable soil material.
Madison:
MgB2_____________________________
Suited_____________
Well suited_________
Well suited_________
Well suited_________
MgC2_____________________________
Suited_____________
Well suited_________
Well suited_________
Well suited_________
MgE2 1____________________________
Poorly suited_______
Suited_____________
Well suited_________
Well suited_________
Pacolet
PaF_______________________________
Not suited__________
Poorly suited_______
Well suited_________
Well suited_________
PcB_______________________________
Suited_____________
Well suited_________
Well suited_________
Well suited_________
PcC_______________________________
Suited_____________
Well suited_________
Well suited_________
Well suited_________
PeE I______________________________
Poorly suited_______
Suited_____________
Well suited_________
Well suited_________
Wehadkee: Wd________________________
Not suited__________
Poorly suited_______
Poorly suited_______
Well suited_________
Wilkes: WkE-------------------------
Poorly suited_______
Poorly suited_______
Suited_____________
Suited_____________
Worsham: Wo_________________________
Not suited__________
Poorly suited_______
Poorly suited_______
Well suited_________
1 All ratings applicable if slope is 2 to 6 percent.
2 All ratings applicable if slope is 15 to 25 percent. If slope is 10 to 15 percent, ratings for grain and seed crops, grasses and legumes,
and open land wildlife can be raised one factor.

CATAWBA COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA
wildlife habitat and kinds of wildlife
31
Elements of wildlife habitat —Continued
Kinds of wildlife
Low -growing
Wetland
Shallow
Openland
Woodland
Wetland
coniferous
food and
water
wildlife
wildlife
wildlife
woody plants
cover plants
development
Poorly suited -------
Not suited ----------
Not suited ----------
Well suited ---------
Well suited ---------
Not suited.
Poorly suited -------
Not suited ----------
Not suited ----------
Well suited ---------
Well suited ---------
Not suited.
Poorly suited -------
Not suited ----------
Not suited ----------
Well suited ---------
Well suited ---------
Not suited.
Poorly suited -------
Not suited ----------
Not suited ----------
Suited_____________
Well suited ---------
Not suited.
Well suited ---------
Not suited ----------
Not suited ----------
Poorly suited -------
Poorly suited --------
Not suited.
Poorly suited -------
Not suited ----------
Not suited ----------
Well suited ---------
Well suited ---------
Not suited.
Poorly suited -------
Not suited ----------
Not suited ----------
Well suited ---------
Well suited ---------
Not suited.
Poorly suited -------
Not suited ----------
Not suited ----------
Well suited ---------
Well suited ---------
Not suited.
Poorly suited -------
Not suited ----------
Not suited ----------
Suited_____________
Well suited ---------
Not suited.
Poorly suited -------
Not suited ----------
Not suited ----------
Suited_____________
Well suited ---------
Not suited.
Poorly suited -------
Not suited ----------
Not suited ----------
Suited_____________
Well suited ---------
Not suited.
Well suited ---------
Suited_____________
Not suited ----------
Poorly suited -------
Well suited ---------
Poorly suited.
Suited-------------
Not suited ----------
Poorly suited -------
Suited -------------
Well suited ---------
Poorly suited.
Poorly suited -------
Not suited ----------
Not suited ----------
Well suited ---------
Well suited ---------
Not suited.
Poorly suited -------
Not suited ----------
Not suited ----------
Well suited ---------
Well suited ---------
Not suited.
Poorly suited --------
Not suited ----------
Not suited ----------
Well suited ---------
Well suited ---------
Not suited.
Poorly suited -------
Not suited ----------
Not suited ----------
Well suited ---------
Well suited ---------
Not suited.
Poorly suited -------
Not suited ----------
Not suited ----------
Suited_____________
Well suited ---------
Not suited.
Poorly suited -------
Not suited ----------
Not suited ----------
Suited_____________
Well suited
Not suited.
Poorly suited -------
Not suited ----------
Not suited ----------
Suited_____________
---------
Well suited ---------
Not suited.
Poorly suited -------
Not suited ----------
Not suited ----------
Well suited ---------
Well suited
Not suited.
Poorly suited -------
Not suited ----------
Not suited ----------
Well suited ---------
---------
Well suited
Not suited.
Poorly suited -------
Not suited ----------
Not suited ----------
Suited_____________
---------
Well suited ---------
Not suited.
Poorly suited -------
Not suited ----------
Not suited ----------
Poorly suited -------
Well suited ---------
Not suited.
Poorly suited -------
Not suited ----------
Not suited ----------
Well suited ---------
Well suited ---------
Not suited.
Poorly suited -------
Not suited ----------
Not suited ----------
Well suited ---------
Well suited
Not suited.
Poorly suited -------
Not suited ----------
Not suited ----------
Suited_____________
---------
Well suited ---------
Not suited.
Well suited ---------
Well suited ---------
Not suited ----------
Poorly suited_______
Well suited ---------
Suited.
Suited-------------
Not suited ----------
Not suited ----------
Poorly suited -------
Suited -------------
Not suited.
Well suited ---------
Well suited ---------
Not suited ----------
Poorly suited -------
Well suited ---------
Suited.
3 All ratings applicable if slope is 15 to 25 percent. If slope is 10 to 15 percent, ratings for grain and seed crops can be raised one factor
4 All ratings applicable if slope is 15 to 25 percent. If slope is 10 to 15 percent, ratings for grain and seed crops, grasses and legumes
and open land wildlife can be raised one factor.

32 SOM SURVEY
Figure 10. Field border of shrub lespedeza on Hiwassee loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded, provides needed food and cover for wild-
life and also reduces runoff and erosion.
planning more detailed field investigations and in indi-
cating the kinds of problems that may be expected.
Some of the terms used by soil scientists have special
meanings in soil science that may not be familiar to en-
gineers. These terms are defined in the "Glossary."
Engineering test data
Soil samples, representing four soil series taken from
six profiles in the county, were tested in accordance with
standard procedures to help evaluate the soils for engi-
neering purposes. The tests were made by the North
Carolina State Highway Commission in cooperation with
the U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Public
Roads. The results of these tests are shown in table 5.
They indicate the characteristics of the soil at the speci-
fied location. The physical characteristics of similar soils
at other locations may vary from those of the soil sam-
pled. All samples were obtained at a depth of less than
7 feet. For the soil series not tested, classification was
estimated from descriptions of soil profiles.
The engineering classifications in table 5 are based
on data obtained by mechanical analysis and by tests
made to determine the liquid and plastic limits. The me-
chanical analysis was made by combined sieve and hy-
drometer methods.
Tests to determine plastic limit and liquid limit meas-
ure the effect of water on the consistency of the soil mate-
rial. As the moisture content of a clayey soil increases
from a dry state, the material changes from a solid to a
semisolid to plastic. As the moisture content is further
increased, the material changes from plastic to liquid.
The plastic limit is the moisture content at which the
material passes from semisolid to plastic. The liquid
limit is the moisture content at which the material passes
from plastic to liquid. The plasticity index is the numer-
ical difference between the liquid limit and the plastic
limit. It indicates the range of moisture content within
which soil material is plastic.
Engineering classification
The two systems most commonly used in classifying
soils for engineering are the systems approved by the

CATAWBA COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA
American Association of State Highway Officials
(AASHO) and the Unified system.
The AASHO system (1) is used to classify soils ac-
cording to those properties that affect use in highway
construction. In this system all soil material is classified
in seven principal groups. The groups range from A-1,
which consists of soils that have the highest bearing
strength and are the best soils for subgrade, to A-7,
which consists of soils that have the lowest strength
when wet. Within each group, the relative engmeermg
value of the soil material is indicated by a group index
number. The numbers range from 0, for the best mate-
rial, to 20, for the poorest. The group index number is
shown in parentheses following the soil group system
(see table 5).
In the Unified system (11) soils are classified accord-
ing to their texture and plasticity and their perform-
ance as engineering construction material. Soils are
grouped in 15 classes. There are eight classes of coarse -
grained soils, identified as GW, GP, GM, GC, SW, SP,
SM, and SC; six classes of fine grained soils, identified
as ML, CL, OL, MH, CH, and OH; and one class of
highly organic soils, identified as Pt. GP and GW are
clean gravels, and GM and GC are gravels that include,
respectively, an appreciable amount of nonplastic and
plastic fines. SP and SW are clean sands. SM and SC
are sands that include fines of silt and clay. ML and CL
are silts and clays that have a low liquid limit, and MH
and CH are silts and clays that have a high liquid limit.
Soils on the borderline between two classes are desig-
nated by symbols for both classes; for example, ML-CL.
Soil scientists use the USDA textual classification (8).
In this, the texture of the soil is determined according
to the proportion of soil particles smaller than 2 milli-
meters in diameter, that is, the proportion of sand, silt,
and clay. Textural modifiers, such as gravelly, stony,
shaly, and cobbly, are used as needed.
Table 5 shows the AASHO and Unified Classification
of specified soils in the county, as determined by labo-
ratory tests. Table 6 shows the estimated classification
of all the soils in the county according to all three sys-
tems of classification.
Estimated properties
Table 6 lists some of the significant characteristics of
the soils of the county. It also shows the engineering clas-
sification of the principal horizons of typical profiles.
The depth to the seasonal high water table is based
on field observations.
The soil material in the main horizons is classified ac-
cording to USDA textural terms. Except for the soils
listed in table 5, for which engineering test data are
available, the classifications shown for the Unified and
AASHO systems are estimates based on the USDA clas-
sification of texture and the description of the soils.
The estimated permeability rates are for soil material
in its natural state. They are based on field observations
and limited laboratory data.
Available water capacity refers to the capacity of soils
to hold water available for use by most plants. It is com-
monly defined as the difference between the amount of
water held in the soil at field capacity and the amount
held at permanent wilting point; that is, between one-
33
third atmosphere and 15 atmospheres of tension. The
amount is based on laboratory tests of a limited number
of soils; for soils not tested, estimates are based on sim-
ilar soils.
Reaction, or the degree of acidity or alkalinity, is
given in terms of pH values.
Shrink -swell potential indicates the expected change
in volume when the moisture content changes. It is esti-
mated on the basis of the amount and type of clay in a
soil. In general, soils classified as CH and A-7 have a
high shrink -swell potential. Sandy soils have a low
shrink -swell potential.
Engineering interpretations
The suitability of soils for various engineering uses
is estimated in table 7.
Erosion -control practices are needed on sloping, cul-
tivated soils. If slope is no more than 6 percent, all but
the shallow, rocky, and plastic soils can be terraced.
Adequate outlets are needed for safe disposal of sur-
face runoff from terraces, diversions, and other drainage -
ways. Vegetation is needed in these waterways.
Topsoil refers to soil material used to grow vegetation.
Factors considered in determining the suitability of a
soil for use as topsoil are texture, slope, coarse fragments,
drainage, and thickness of usable material.
Road fill is material moved from borrow areas and
used as subgrade for highways. The ratings are based
on the engineering classification and the shrink -swell
potential and drainage of the soil to be used.
The soils in Catawba County are not rated as a source
of sand and gravel because sand and gravel deposits are
not extensive and contain appreciable quantities of silt
and clay. These deposits occur along stream flood plains.
Factors considered in determining the suitability of a
soil as a site for dwellings are flood hazard, depth to
seasonal high water table, shrink -swell potential, and
slope.
Ratings for septic tank absorption fields are based on
soil permeability, slope, depth to seasonal high water
table, flood hazard, and depth to bedrock. Standards used
in rating a soil are based on the ability of a soil to ab-
sorb effluent.
Ratings for campsites, picnic areas, and intensive play
areas are based on slope, stoniness, flood hazard, wetness,
and texture of the surface layer.
Factors considered in rating the suitability of a soil
as a site for light industry are drainage, shrink -swell
potential, slope, flood hazard, and depth to seasonal high
water table.
Soil features affecting the location of streets and low
cost roads are shrink -swell potential, depth to bedrock,
slope, flood hazard, and drainage.
Permeability of the undisturbed soil and depth to bed-
rock or coarse -textured material are the factors consid-
ered in rating the suitability of a soil as a site for a res-
ervoir.
Ratings of soils to be used in compacted embankments
are based on features of disturbed soil that affect earth
fills. These features are compaction characteristics, com-
pacted permeability, susceptibility to piping, and com-
pressibility.

34
SOIL SURVEY
TABLE 5.—Engineering
[Tests performed by North Carolina State Highway Commission
Soil name and location
Parent material
Report
Depth
Moisture density 1
Maximum
Optimum
No.
dry
moisture
density
S65NC--18
Incha
Lba. per cu. ft.
Pet.
Appling sandy loam:
In a wooded area 6 miles east of Newton, about 1% miles
Residuum from acidic
2-3
3-8
118
12
north of Balls Creek School on County Road 1810, and 100
rocks.
2-5
12-27
99
23
feet west of highway. Modal.
2-6
27-42
95
26
Cecil sandy loam:
In a wooded area 5% miles southeast of Newton on State
Residuum from acidic
4-2
0-2
107
16
Highway 16, 1% miles south of Mount Olin Church, 450
rocks.
4-5
10-30
88
30
yards north of County Road 1877, and 50 feet northeast
4-8
50-75
101
20
of a private road. Modal.
Hiwassee loam:
In a cultivated field 3% miles southwest of Newton, 220
Residuum from mixed
5-3
0-6
101
18
yards west of County Road 2013, and 50 feet east of woods
acidic and basic rocks.
5-5
6-30
101
22
along field boundary. Modal.
5-8
56-108
99
21
Madison gravelly sandy loam:
In a wooded area 5% miles southeast of Newton on State
Chiefly quartz mica-
1-2
0-6
113
15
Highway 16, one -eighth mile south on County Road 1810,
schist.
1-4
9-30
93
21
2% miles southeast on County Road 1858, 2 miles west on
1-6
35-66
107
17
County Road 1874, and 500 feet north of road. Modal.
1 Based on AASHO Designation: T 99-70, Methods A and C (1).
9 Mechanical analysis according to the AASHO Designation: T 88-70 Q). Results by this procedure may differ somewhat from results
by the soil survey procedure of the Soil Conservation Service (SCS). In the AASHO procedure, the fine material is analyzed by the hydrom-
eter method and the various grain -size fractions are calculated on the basis of all the material, including that coarser than 2 millimeters in
diameter. In the SCS soil survey procedure, the fine material is analyzed by the pipette method and the material coarser than 2 millimeters
Formation and Classification
of the Soils
This section describes the major factors of soil forma-
tion and tells how these factors have affected the soils
of Catawba County. It also defines the current system
for classifying soils and classifies the soils of the county
according to that system.
Factors of Soil Formation
The characteristics of a soil at any given place de-
pend on the parent material, climate, plant and animal
life, relief, and time. All of these factors affect the forma-
tion of each soil and determine its present characteristics.
The relative importance of each factor differs from place
to place; sometimes one is more important, and some-
times another. In many places one or two of the factors
dominate in the formation of a soil and fig most of its
properties.
The five factors of soil formation as they occur in
Catawba County are described in the paragraphs that
follow.
Parent material
Parent material is the mass of disintegrated and partly
weathered rock from which a soil forms. It is mostly re-
sponsible for the chemical and mineralogical composi-
tion of soils. The parent material of the soils in Catawba
County differs greatly from one part of the county to
another, in mineral and chemical composition and in
physical characteristics. Major differences, such as tex-
ture, can be determined in the field. Minor differences
in mineralogical composition are determined only by
careful laboratory analysis.
Many differences in the soil reflect the original differ-
ences in the characteristics of the geological materials.
Most of the parent material of the soils in Catawba
County is residual; that is, the soils formed in place in
material derived from weathering of the underlying
rock. The rocks underlying the soils in the county are
primarily schist, gneiss, and granite containing a small
amount of diorite. The soils along the larger streams in
the county formed in material washed from residual soils
in the watershed area.
Cecil, Appling, and Pacolet soils formed in residuum
derived from acidic rock, high in quartz content, for ex-
ample, granite and mica -gneiss. These soils have a sur-
face layer of sandy loam, clay loam, gravelly fine sandy
loam, and gravelly sandy loam and a subsoil of red to
strong -brown clay to sandy clay loam. They occur
throughout the county. The largest area of Cecil and
Appling soils is east of Newton, and the largest area of
Pacolet soil is around Baker Mountain.
Hiwassee and Enon soils formed in residuum derived
from mixed acidic and basic rock, or from basic rock,

CATAWBA COUNTY, NORTH CAROUNA
test data
Department of Materials and Tests, Raleigh, N.C.]
35
Mechanical analysis 3
Liquid
Plas-
Classification
Percentage passing sieve—
Percentage smaller than—
limit
ticity
index
AASHO a
Unified 4
No.4
No.10
No.40
No.200
0.05
0.02
0.005
0.002
in.
1 in.
Y4 in.
% in.
(4.7
(2.0
(0.42
(0.074
mm.
mm.
mm.
mm.
mm.)
mm.)
mm.)
mm.)
------
100
-----
98
96
84
55
35
33
27
16
9
27
5
A-2-4(0)
SM-SC
______
_____
_____
______
100
92
77
64
62
59
49
42
60
28
A-7-5(18)
MH-CH
______
_____
_____
______
100
88
70
55
54
51
44
40
74
27
A-7-5(15)
MH
------
-----
-----
------
100
99
78
42
39
33
20
13
30
5
A-4(1)
SM
------
-----
-----
------
--------
100
90
77
76
71
59
52
80
37
A-7-5(20)
MH
------
-----
-----
------
100
99
78
50
45
32
16
11
47
6
A-5(4)
MH
___________
_____
______
100
99
83
41
38
30
18
11
31
5
A-4(1)
SM
------
-----
-----
------
--------
100
88
64
61
59
46
39
50
23
A-7-6(13)
ML-CL
------
-----
-----
------
--------
100
85
55
49
39
25
20
45
8
A-5(5)
ML
100
95
94
91
87
81
61
36
35
30
18
12
34
5
A-4(0)
SM
___________
_____
______
100
90
81
66
65
64
56
50
72
31
A-7-5(17)
MH
______
I _____
_____
______
100
83
55
31
29
24
15
11
45
5
A-2-5(0)
SM
in diameter is excluded from calculations of grain -size fractions. The mechanical analysis data used in this table are not suitable for namign
textural classes for soil.
3 Based on AASHO Designation: M 145-66 (1).
4 SCS and BPR have agreed to consider that all soils having plasticity indexes within two points of A -line are to be given a borderline
classification. Examples of borderline classification obtained by this use are SM-SC and MH-CH.
such as horneblende-gneiss and diorite. They have a sur-
face layer of loam, clay loam, and fine sandy loam and a
subsoil of dark -red to light olive -brown clay to clan loam.
Wilkes soils have the same parent material as Hiwassee
and Enon soils, but have a loam or sandy loam surface
layer and a clay to sandy clay loam subsoil. These soils
occur mostly in the central part of the county.
Madison soils formed in residuum derived from acidic
rock, chiefly mica -schist. They have a surface layer of
gravelly sandy loam and a subsoil of red to yellowish -
red clay, clay loam, and sandy clay loam fairly high in
mica content.
Congaree, Chewacla, Wehadkee, Buncombe, Worsham,
and Altavista soils formed in alluvial deposits along
streams and in depressions. They have a surface layer
of loam, silt loam, fine sandy loam, and loamy sand and
a subsoil of sand to clay.
Climate
Climate affects the physical, chemical, and biological
relationships of soil through the influence of precipita-
tion and temperature. Water dissolves minerals, is neces-
sary for biological activity, and transports minerals and
organic residues throughout the soil profile. The amount
of water that actually moves through the soil depends
mainly on the amount and duration of rainfall, the rela-
tive humidity, the length of the frost -free period, and
the permeability of the soil. Temperature influences the
kind, amount, and growth of organisms and the speed
of physical and chemical reaction in the soil.
Catawba County is warm and humid. The average an-
nual temperature 1s 590 F., and the average annual low
is 480. The monthly temperature ranges from 420 in
December and January to 78' in July and August. Pre-
cipitation is well distributed throughout the county and
throughout the year and averages 49.2 inches per year.
There are approximately 205 frost -free days, from mid -
April to late October.
The relatively mild temperature and abundant mois-
ture cause fairly rapid decomposition of organic matter
and speed up chemical reactions in the soil. The fairly
high rainfall leaches out a large amount of soluble nu-
trients, and less soluble fine materials are moved deeper
into the soil.
The most important influence of climate on the soils
is the alteration of parent material by temperature
changes and precipitation, and the effect of this altera-
tion on plant and animal life.
Plant and animal life
Plants and animals that live on and in the soil in-
fluence soil formation. They determine the kind and
amount of organic material and the way it is incor-
porated in the soil. They transfer nutrients and soil
material from one part of the soil to another. They
affect the gain and loss of organic matter and plant

36
SOIL SURVEY
TABLE 6.-Estimates of soil
[The symbol > means more than;
Soil series and map symbols
Depth
to bed-
Depth to
seasonal
high
Depth
from
surface
Classification
rock
water
(typical
USDA texture
Unified
AASHO
table
profile)
Altavista clayey variant: Af--------------
Feet
>5
Feet
' 2
Inches
0-6
Fine sandy loam--------
SM
A-4, A-2
6-55
Clay laom to clay-------
CL, MH
A-6, A-7
55-100
Gravelly coarse sand-----
SP
A-1
Appling: AsB, AsC2, AsE2--------------
>5
>7
0-8
Sandy loam-------------
SM-SC, SC
A-2, A-4
9-47
Clay, sandy clay loam----
MH, CH
A-6, A-7
47-90
Sandy loam-------------
SM, MH
A-2, A-7
Buncombe: Bn-------------------------
>10
12
0-10
Loamy sand------------
SM
A-2
10-55
Sand-------------------
SM, SP-SM
A-2
55-65
Sandy loam-------------
SM
A-2
Cecil: CmB2, CmC2, CmD2, CnB2, CnC2,
>5
>10
0-10
Sandyloam-------------
SM
A-4
Cn E3.
10-50
Clay, clay loam---------
MH
A-7
50-75
Sandy loam------------
SM, ML
A-5
Chewacla: Cw--------------------------
>4
11
0-10
Loam------------------
ML, SM
A-41 A-2
10-64
Loam, clay loam--------
ML, CL
A-4, A-6
Congaree: Cy--------------------------
>10
13
0-10
Loam------------------
ML, SM
A-4, A-2
10-31
Silt loam ---------------
ML
A-4, A-6
31-70
Silty clay, loam, clay
ML
A-6
loam.
Enon: En B----------------------------
>4
>10
0-7
Fine sandy loam--------
SM
A-2
7-31
Clay-------------------
MH, CH
A-7
31-39
Clay loam --------------
CL
A-6
Gullied land: Gu.
No valid estimates can be made.
Hiwassee: HsB2, HsC2, HsD2, HsE,
>5
>5
0-6
Loam------------------
ML, SM
A-4, A-2
HwB2, HwC2.
6-56
Clay, clay loam---------
MH ML CL
A-6, A-7
56-108
Loam------------------
ML, SM
A-4, A-5
Leveled clayey land: Lc.
No valid estimates can be made.
Madison: MgB2, MgC2, MgE2-----------
>3
>10
0-6
Gravelly sandy loam-----
SM
A-4, A-2
6-35
Clay, sandy clay loam----
MH
A-7
35-66
Sandy loam-------------
SM
A-2, A-4
Paeolet: PaF, PcB, PcC, PeE ----------
>5
>5
0-6
Gravelly fine sandy loam-
SM
A-2, A-4
6-35
Clay loam, sandy clay
MH
A-6
loam.
35-60
Sandy loam -------------
SM
A-2, A-4
> 60
Rock.
Wehadkee: Wd-------------------------
>4
10
0-S
Fine sandy loam--------
SM, ML
A-4
8-40
Sandy clay loam, loam---
CL, SC
A-6, A-2
40-50
Sandy loam-------------
SM
A-4, A-2
Wilkes: WkE---------------------------
2-4
>1.0
0-5
Loam------------------
ML
A-4
5-15
Clay loam --------------
MH, CL
A-6, A-4
15-42
Sandy loam -------------
SM
A-2, A-4
>42
Rock.
Worsham: Wo--------------------------
>5
10
0-9
Fine sandy loam--------
SM, ML
A-4
9-60
Sandy clay, sandy clay
CL, CH
A-7
loam.
I
1 Subject to flooding.

CATAWBA COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA
properties significant in engineering
the symbol < means less than]
37
Percentage less than 3 inches passing sieve -
Permeability
Available
water
Reaction
Shrink -swell
potential
No.4
No.10
No.40
No.200
capacity
Inches per
Inches per hour
inch of soil
pH
98-100
90-98
70-85
15-40
2.0-6.3
0.11-0.13
5.6-6.5
Low.
98-100
95-100
90-95
51-90
0.63-2.0
0.12-0.14
5.6-6.0
Moderate.
98-100
40-60
25-40
0-4
>6.3
0.04-0.06
5.6-6.0
Low.
95-100
80-98
52-70
13-40
> 6. 3
0. 11-0. 13
4. 5-5. 5
Low.
98-100
85-100
70-95
52-80
0.63-2.0
0.12-0.14
4.5-5.5
Moderate.
98-100
80-98
68-90
25-60
0.63-2.0
0.12-0.14
4.5-5.5
Low.
98-100
98-100
90-95
13-35
> 6. 3
0. 06-0. 08
5. 6-6. 5
Low.
95-100
95-100
90-95
5-15
> 6. 3
0. 05-0. 07
5. 6-6. 0
Low.
95-100
90-98
60-70
13-35
> 6. 3
0. 11-0. 13
5. 6-6. 0
Low.
98-100
95-100
70-80
36-45
> 6. 3
0. 12-0. 14
4. 5-5. 5
Low.
98-100
98-100
90-95
60-90
0.63-2.0
0.13-0.15
5.1-5.5
Moderate.
98-100
98-100
75-85
36-60
0.63-2.0
0.13-0.15
5.1-5.5
Moderate.
98-100
95-100
80-95
25-55
0.63-2.0
0.13-0.15
5.1-6.0
Low.
95-100
95-100
75-95
51-75
0.63-2.0
0.17-0.19
5.1-6.0
Low.
98-100
95-100
70-80
30-60
0.63-2.0
0.13-0.15
5.1-6.0
Low.
98-100
95-100
90-100
70-90
0.63-2.0
0.14-0.16
5.1-6.0
Low.
98-100
95-100
90-100
70-90
0. 63-2. 0
0. 12-0. 15
5. 1-6. 0
Moderate to low.
98-100
98-100
75-85
13-35
2.0-6.3
0.11-0.13
5.6-6.5
Low.
98-100
98-100
90-100
70-90
<0.20
0.13-0.15
5.6-6.5
High.
98-100
98-100
90-100
55-85
<0.20
0.13-0.15
5.6-6.5
Moderate.
98-100
98-100
80-95
25-60
2.0-6.3
0.13-0.15
5.6-6.0
Low.
98-100
98-100
85-100
51-90
0.63-2.0
0.12-0.14
5.6-6.0
Moderate.
85-100
75-100
60-85
40-60
0. 63-2. 0
0. 12-0. 14
5. 6-6. 0
Moderate to low.
85-100
80-95
55-85
15-40
> 6. 3
0. 10-0. 12
5. 1-5. 5
Low.
98-100
85-100
80-90
55-85
0.63-2.0
0.12-0.14
5.1-5.5
Moderate.
98-100
80-90
55-70
30-49
0.63-2.0
0.10-0.12
5.1-5.5
Low.
85-100
85-100
40-60
15-40
> 6. 3
0. 11-0. 13
5. 1-5. 5
Low.
98-100
98-100
60-80
51-80
0.63-2.0
0.12-0.14
5.1-5.5
Moderate.
80-100
80-100
60-70
30-40
0.63-2.0
0.11-0.13
5.1-5.5
Low.
98-100
98-100
70-85
40-55
2.0-6.3
0.14-0.16
5.6-6.0
Low.
98-100
98-100
80-95
20-55
0.63-2.0
0.16-0.20
5.6-6.0
Low.
98-100
98-100
40-60
15-40
2.0-6.3
0.14-0.16
5.6-6.0
Low.
98-1C0
98-100
70-85
60-75
2.0-6.3
0.13-0.15
5.6-7.3
Low.
98-1C0
98-100
90-100
55-90
0.2-0.63
0.14-0.16
6.6-7.3
High.
98-100
98-100
60-70
35-40
0.63-2.0
0.09-0.11
6.1-6.5
Low.
98-100
98-100
90-100
40-55
0.63-2.0
0.12-0.14
4.5-5.5
Low.
98-100
96-100
90-100
70-90
0.20-0.63
0.15-0.17
4.5-5.5
Moderate.

RN
SOIL SURVEY
Suitability as source of —
TABLE 7. Engineering
Degree and kind of limitation for—
Soils
Septic tank absorption
Topsoil Road fill Dwellings I fields
Altavista: Af_-________
Appling:
AsB---------------
AsC2--------------
As E2 --------------
Buncombe: Bn________
Cecil:
Cm B2-------------
CmC2-------------
CmD2-------------
Cn B2-------------
CnC2--------------
Cn E3-------------
Chewacla: Cw_-__-____
Congaree: Cy-_-___-__
Poor: less than 6 inches
of suitable material.
Fair: less than 8 inches
of suitable material.
Fair: less than 8 inches
of suitable material.
Fair: less than 8 inches
of suitable material.
Poor: sandy surface
layer.
Fair: less than 10
inches of suitable
material.
Fair: less than 10
inches of suitable
material.
Fair: less than 10
inches of suitable
material.
Poor: less than 6
inches of suitable
material.
Poor: less than 6
inches of suitable
material.
Poor: less than 6
inches of suitable
material.
Good------------------
Good------------------
Fair: moderate shrink -
swell potential.
Fair: moderate shrink -
swell potential.
Fair: moderate shrink -
swell potential.
Fair: moderate shrink -
swell potential.
Good------------------
Fair: moderate shrink -
swell potential.
Fair: moderate shrink -
swell potential.
Fair: moderate shrink -
swell potential.
Fair: moderate shrink -
swell potential.
Fair: moderate shrink -
swell potential.
Fair: moderate shrink -
swell potential.
Fair: somewhat poorly
drained.
Fair: ML material _ _ - - _
Severe: infrequent
flooding.
Moderate: moderate
shrink -swell potential.
Moderate: moderate
shrink -swell potential.
Severe: slope ----------
Severe: very frequent
flooding.
Moderate: moderate
shrink -swell potential.
Moderate: moderate
shrink -swell potential.
Moderate: moderate
shrink -swell potential.
Moderate: moderate
shrink -swell potential.
Moderate: moderate
shrink -swell potential.
Severe: slope _-________
Severe: very frequent
flooding.
Severe: very frequent
flooding.
Severe: infrequent
flooding.
Moderate: moderate
permeability.
Moderate: moderate
permeability.
Severe: slope _---______
Severe: seasonal high
water table; very
frequent flooding.
Moderate: moderate
permeability.
Moderate: moderate
permeability.
Moderate: moderate
permeability.
Moderate: moderate
permeability.
Moderate: moderate
permeability.
Severe: slope --________
Severe: 1 foot to sea-
sonal high water ta-
ble; very frequent
flooding.
Severe: very frequent
flooding.

interpretations
Recreation
Campsites Picnic areas
CATAWBA COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA
Degree and kind of limitation for —Continued
Intensive play
areas
Moderate: Moderate: wet- I Moderate:
wetness. ness. infrequent
I
flooding.
Slight ---------- + Slight -_--__--__.
Slight-__--_____
Severe: slope ---
Moderate:
sandy surface
layer.
Slight__-__-____
I Slight_-____-__-.
Severe: slope ---
Moderate:
sandy surface
layer.
Slight _-___-.____
Slight__ --______I Slight ______-____
Severe: slope ---I Severe: slope ---
Moderate:
Moderate:
clayey surface
clayey surface
layer.
layer.
Moderate:
Moderate:
clayey surface
clayey surface
layer.
layer.
Severe: slope___
Severe: slope ---
Severe: wet- I Severe: wet-
ness. ness.
Moderate
j slope.
ISevere: slope-
--
ISevere: slope___
Moderate:
flooding;
sandy surface
layer.
Moderate:
slope.
Severe: slope ---
Severe: slope ---
Moderate
slope.
Severe: slope -__I
Severe: slope_ _ _ j
Severe: wet-
ness.
Roads and low
Light industries I cost streets
Severe:
infrequent
flooding.
Moderate:
moderate
shrink -swell
potential.
Moderate:
moderate
shrink -swell
potential.
Severe: slope__.
Severe: very
frequent
flooding.
Moderate:
moderate
shrink -swell
potential.
Moderate:
moderate
shrink -swell
potential.
Severe: slope ---
Moderate:
moderate
shrink -swell
potential.
Moderate:
moderate
shrink -swell
potential.
Severe: slope___
Severe: some-
what poorly
drained.
Slight ---------- I Slight ----------- I Severe: very Severe: very
frequent frequent
flooding. I flooding.
Moderate:
infrequent
flooding.
Moderate:
moderate
shrink -swell
potential.
Moderate:
moderate
shrink -swell
potential.
Severe: slope__.
Severe: very
II frequent
flooding.
Moderate:
moderate
shrink -swell
potential.
Moderate:
moderate
shrink -swell
potential.
Moderate:
moderate
shrink -swell
potential.
Moderate:
moderate
shrink -swell
potential.
Moderate:
moderate
shrink -swell
potential.
Severe: slope ---
Severe: very
frequent
flooding.
Severe: very
frequent
flooding.
Earthen dams
Reservoir area
Moderate:
coarse sand
and gravel at
a depth of 55
inches.
Moderate:
moderate
permeability.
Moderate:
moderate
permeability.
Moderate:
moderate
permeability.
Severe: rapid
permeability.
Moderate:
moderate
permeability.
Moderate:
moderate
permeability.
Moderate:
moderate
permeability.
Moderate:
moderate
permeability.
Moderate:
moderate
permeability.
Moderate:
moderate
permeability.
Slight ----------- I
Moderate:
moderate
permeability
39
Compacted
embankment
Moderate:
low resistance
to piping.
Moderate:
medium com-
pressibility.
Moderate:
medium com-
pressibility.
Moderate:
medium com-
pressibility.
Severe: rapid
permeability.
Severe: high
compressibil-
ity when
compacted
and saturated.
Severe: high
compressi-
bility when
compacted
and saturated.
Severe: high
compressi-
bility when
compacted
and saturated.
Severe: high
compressi-
bility when
compacted
and saturated.
Severe: high
compressi-
bility when
compacted
and saturated.
Severe: high
compressi-
bility when
compacted
and saturated.
Moderate: low
resistance to
piping.
Moderate: low
resistance to
piping.

40
SOIL SURVEY
Suitability as source of —
Soils
ToDsoil Road fill
Enon: En8-----------
Gullied land: Gu.
No interpreta-
tions. Material
too variable.
Hiwassee:
HsB2-------------
HsC2--------------
HsD2--------------
HsE---------------
Hw B2-------------
HwC2--------------
Leveled clayey land: Lc.
No interpreta-
tions. Material
too variable.
Madison:
MgB2-------------
MgC2-------------
MgE2-------------
Fair: less than 8
inches of suitable
material.
Poor: less than 6 inches
of suitable material.
Poor: less than 6 inches
of suitable material.
Poor: less than 6 inches
of suitable material.
Poor: less than 6 inches
of suitable material.
Poor: less than 6 inches
of suitable material.
Poor: less than 6 inches
of suitable material.
Poor:
coarse fragments --
Poor:
coarse fragments-.
Poor:
coarse fragments-.
Poor: high shrink -
swell potential.
Poor: mostly MH
material.
Poor: mostly MH
material.
Poor: mostly MH
material.
Poor: mostly MH
material.
Poor: mostly MH
material.
Poor: mostly MH
material.
Poor-------------------
Poor-------------------
Poor-------------------
TABLE 7.—Engine
Degree and kind of limitation for —
Dwellings
Severe: high shrink -
swell potential.
Moderate: moderate
shrink -swell potential.
Moderate: moderate
shrink -swell potential.
Moderate: moderate
shrink -swell potential.
Severe: slope ----------
Moderate: moderate
shrink -swell potential.
Moderate: moderate
shrink -swell potential.
Moderate: moderate
shrink -swell potential.
Moderate: moderate
shrink -swell potential.
Severe: slope ----------
Septic tank absorption
fields
Severe: slow perme-
ability.
Moderate: moderate
permeability.
Moderate: moderate
permeability.
Moderate: moderate
permeability.
Severe: slope ----------
Moderate: moderate
permeability.
Moderate: moderate
permeability.
Moderate: moderate
permeability.
Moderate: moderate
permeability.
Severe: slope----------

interpretations —Continued
Campsites
Moderate:
slow perme-
ability.
Recreation
Picnic areas
Moderate: slow
permeability.
Slight__________ I Slight___________
CATAWBA COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA
Degree and kind of limitation for —Continued
Roads and low
Light industries cost streets
Intensive play
areas
Zoderate:
slope.
Moderate:
slope.
Slight ---------- I Slight ----------- I Severe: slope ----
Moderate:
slope.
Severe: slope___
Moderate:
clayey surface
layer.
Moderate:
clayey surface
layer.
Slight ----------
slight ----------
Severe: slope_ _ _
Moderate:
slope.
Severe: slope_ _ _
Moderate:
clayey surface
layer.
Moderate:
clayey surface
layer.
Severe: slope____
Severe: slope_ _ _
Moderate:
slope.
Severe: slope_ _ _
Slight___________ Moderate:
slope.
Severe: slope___
Severe: slope___ Severe: slope____
Severe: high
shrink -swell
potential.
Slight___________
Moderate
slope.
Severe: slope-
---
I Severe: slope ---
Slight -----------
Moderate:
slope.
Slight___________
Moderate:
slope.
Severe: slope____
Severe: high
shrink -swell
potential.
Moderate:
moderate
shrink -swell
potential.
Moderate:
moderate
shrink -swell
potential.
Moderate:
moderate
shrink -swell
potential.
Severe: slope ---
Moderate:
moderate
shrink -swell
potential.
Moderate:
moderate
shrink -swell
potential.
Moderate:
moderate
shrink -swell
potential.
Moderate:
moderate
shrink -swell
potential.
Severe: slope____
41
Earthen dams
Reservoir area Compacted
embankment
light___________ Severe: low
shear strength
when com-
pacted and
saturated.
Moderate:
moderate
permeability.
Moderate:
moderate
permeability.
Moderate:
moderate
permeability.
Moderate:
moderate
permeability.
Moderate:
moderate
permeability.
Moderate:
moderate
permeability.
Moderate:
moderate
permeability.
Moderate:
moderate
permeability.
Moderate:
moderate
permeability.
Moderate:
medium com-
pressibility
when com-
pacted and
saturated.
Moderate:
medium com-
pressibility
when com-
pacted and
saturated.
Moderate:
medium com-
pressibility
when com-
pacted and
saturated.
Moderate:
medium com-
pressibility
when com-
pacted and
saturated.
Moderate:
medium com-
pressibility
when com-
pacted and
saturated.
Moderate:
medium com-
pressibility
when com-
pacted and
saturated.
Moderate:
medium com-
pressibility.
Moderate:
medium com-
pressibility.
Moderate:
medium com-
pressibility.

42
sort SURVEY
TABLE 7. Engineering
Soils
Suitability as source of—
Degree and kind of limitation for —
Septic tank absorption
Topsoil
Road fill
Dwellings
fields
Pacolet:
PaF---------------
Poor: coarse fragments-_
Fair: moderate shrink-
Severe: slope ----------
Severe: slope ----______
swell potential.
PcB---------------
Poor: coarse fragments_-
Fair: moderate shrink-
Moderate: moderate
Moderate: moderate
swell potential.
shrink -swell potential.
permeability.
PcC_______________
Poor: coarse fragments-_
Fair: moderate shrink-
Moderate: moderate
Moderate: moderate
swell potential.
shrink -swell potential.
permeability.
Pe E---------------
Poor: coarse fragments--
Fair: moderate shrink-
Severe: slope _ - - _ _ _ _ - _ -
Severe: slope - _ - - - - _ _ _ _
swell potential.
Wehadkee: Wd--------
Poor: poorly drained_--
Poor: poorly drained-_-_
Severe: very frequent
Severe: seasonal high
flooding.
water table at the
surface; very frequent
flooding.
Wilkes: WkE---------
Poor: less than 6 in-
Poor: high shrink -swell
Severe: slope ----------
Severe: moderately
ches of suitable
potential.
slow permeability;
material.
slope.
Worsham: Wo---------
Poor: poorly drained-_-_
Poor: poorly drained___-
Severe: poorlydrained__
Severe: moderately
slow permeability;
seasonal high water
table at the surface.
nutrients in the soil, and also affect soil structure, soil
porosity, and certain other characteristics of the soil.
As fallen leaves, twigs, roots, and whole plants decay,
plant nutrients and organic acids are released and move
down through the soil. Roots take up some of the nu-
trients, while organic acids dissolve some of the less sol-
uble soil components and increase the rate of leaching
of inorganic material. The effect of these organic acids
on soil formation is conditioned by the climate and
other factors. Organic matter decays more rapidly in
well -drained soils, such as Cecil and Hiwassee soils. The
decay of organic matter is slower on the wetter soils,
such as Wehadkee and Chewacla soils, because the oxi-
dation process is retarded by excess moisture. The wet-
ter soils, therefore, have a higher content of organic
matter in the surface layer.
Relief
Relief is largely determined by the underlying rock
formations, the geologic history of the area, and the
development of the landscape through slope retreat. It
influences soil formation through its effect on soil mois-
ture, erosion, temperature, and plant cover.
In Catawba County slopes range from 0 to about 45
percent. The percentage of slope affects soil formation.
The nearly level to gently sloping upland soils, such as
Cecil, Appling, and Hiwassee soils, have fairly thick,
well-defined profiles. Steep soils like Wilkes and Pacolet,
in contrast, have thinner, less distinct horizons.
Relief also affects the natural drainage of the soils.
Upland soils are mostly well drained, whereas many of
the nearly level soils on flood plains are somewhat
poorly drained or poorly drained.
Time
The formation of a soil profile requires a long time.
Some of the differences among soils reflect differences in
the age of the soil. Mature soils generally have deeper,
better defined profiles than young soils. In Catawba
County the older Cecil, Appling, and Hiwassee soils on
uplands have deep, well-defined profiles. In contrast, the
Congaree, Buncombe, Chewacla, and Wehadkee soils on
flood plains have not been in place long enough for the
formation of well-defined horizons.
Classification of the Soils
The purpose of soil classification is to help us remem-
ber the significant characteristics of soils, assemble our
knowledge about the soils, see their relationships to one
another and to the whole environment, and develop prin-
ciples relating to their behavior and their response to
manipulation. First through classification and then
through the use of soil maps, we can apply our knowl-
edge of soils to specific fields and other tracts of land.

CATAWBA COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA
interpretations —Continued
43
Degree and kind of limitation for —Continued
Recreation
Earthen dams
Light industries
Roads and low
cost streets
Campsites
Picnic areas
Intensive play
Reservoir area
Compacted
areas
embankment
Severe: slope_--
Severe: slope---
Severe: slope---
Severe: slope_--
Severe: slope__-
Moderate:
Severe: high
moderate
compressi-
permeability.
bility.
Slight ----------
Slight -----------
Moderate: slope-
Slight -----------
Moderate:
Moderate:
Severe: high
moderate
moderate
compressi-
shrink-swell
permeability.
bility.
potential.
Slight ----------
Slight -----------
Severe: slope_--
Moderate:
Moderate:
Moderate:
Severe: high
slope.
moderate
moderate
compressi-
shrink-swell
permeability.
bility.
potential.
Severe: slope___
Severe: slope___
Severe: slope__-
Severe: slope---
Severe: slope___
Moderate:
Severe: high
moderate
compressi-
permeability.
bility.
Severe: wet-
Severe: wet-
Severe: wet-
Severe: poorly
Severe: poorly
Moderate:
Moderate:
ness.
ness.
ness.
drained.
drained; very
moderate
medium com-
frequent
permeability.
pressibility.
flooding.
Severe: slope---
Severe: slope---
Severe: slope___
Severe: slope---
Severe: slope---
Moderate:
Severe: high
moderately
compressi-
slow per-
bility.
meability.
Severe: wet-
Severe: wet-
Severe: wet-
Severe: poorly
Severe: poorly
Moderate:
Severe: high
ness.
ness.
ness.
drained.
drained.
moderately
compressi-
slow perinea-
bility.
bility.
The current system of soil classification (6, 9) was
adopted by the Cooperative Soil Survey in 1965. It is a
comprehensive system, designed to accommodate all soils
and is under continued study.' In this system classes of
soils are defined in terms of observable or measurable
properties. The properties chosen are primarily those
that result in the grouping of soils of similar genesis,
or mode of origin. Genesis does not, however, appear in
the definitions of the classes.
The current system of classification has six categories.
Beginning with the most inclusive, the categories are
the order, suborder, the great group, the subgroup, the
family, and the series. Table 8 shows the classification
of the soils of Catawba County according to this system.
Brief descriptions of the six categories follow.
Order. —Ten soil orders are recognized: Entisols,
Vertisols, Inceptisols, Aridisols, Mollisols, Spodosols, Al-
fisols, Ultisols, Oxisols, and Histosols. The properties used
to differentiate orders are those that tend to give broad
climatic groupings of soils. Two exceptions to this gen-
eralization are the Entisols and the Histosols, both of
which occur in many different climates. Four of the ten
orders are represented in Catawba County: Alfisols, En-
tisols, Inceptisols, and Ultisols.
° See the unpublished working document "Selected Chapters from
the Unedited Text of the Soil Taxonomy" available in the SCS
State Office, Raleigh, N.C.
Suborder. —Each order is divided into suborders, main-
ly on the basis of soil characteristics that result in group-
ing soils according to genetic similarity. The climatic
range is narrower than that of the order. The properties
used are mainly those that reflect either the presence or
absence of waterlogging or differences in climate or
vegetation.
Great group. —Each suborder is divided into great
groups on the basis of similarity in the kind and
sequence of the major horizons and in major soil prop-
erties. The horizons considered are those in which clay,
iron, or humus have accumulated and those in which pans
that interfere with the growth of roots and the movement
of water have formed. The properties are soil tempera-
ture, chemical composition (mainly content of calcium,
magnesium, sodium, and potassium), and the like.
Subgroup. —Each great group is divided into sub-
groups, one that represents the central (typic) concept
of the group, and others, called intergrades, that have
one or more properties of another great group, suborder,
or order.
Family. —Families are established within each sub-
group, primarily on the basis of properties important to
the growth of plants or properties significant in engineer-
ing. Texture, mineralogy, reaction, soil temperature, per-
meability, thickness of horizons, and consistence are
among the properties considered.

44 SOIL SURVEY
Series
Altavista, clayey
variant.
APpling------------
Buncombe_-________
Cecil_______________
Chewacla-__________
Congaree________-__
Enon---------------
Hiwasseel__________
Madison ___________-
Pacolet_____________
Wehadkee________--
Wilkes_____________
Worsham_-______-__
TABLE 8.—Soil series classified according to the current system of classification
Family
Subgroup
Order
Clayey, mixed, thermic ----------------------------- I Aquic Hapludults ------------------- I Ultisols.
Clayey, kaolinitic, thermic__________________________
Mixed,thermic------------------------------------
Clayey, kaolinitic, thermic __________________________
Fine -loamy, mixed, thermic_________________________
Fine -loamy, mixed, nonacid, thermic_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Fine, mixed,thermic-------------------------------
Clayey, kaolinitic, thermic __________________________
Clayey, kaolinitic, thermic__________________________
Clayey, kaolinitic, thermic___________________________
Fine -loamy, mixed, nonacid, thermic_________________
Loamy, mixed, thermic, shallow_____________________
Clayey, mixed, thermic _____________________________
Typic Hapludults _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Ultisols.
Typic Udipsamments _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Entisols.
Typic Hapludults _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Ultisols.
Aquic Fulventic Dystrochrepts--------
Inceptisols.
Typic Udifiuvents _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Entisols.
Ultio Hapludalfs _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Alfisols.
Typic Rhodudults-------------------
Ultisols.
Typic Hapludults _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Ultisols.
Typic Hapludults _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Ultisols.
Fluventic Haplaquepts---------------
Inceptisols.
Typic Hapludalfs____________________
Alfisols.
Typic Ochraquults___________________
Ultisols.
1 Some Hiwassee soils in Catawba County are taxadjuncts to the Hiwassee series. In dry soil, the color value in the lower part of the
argillic horizon is higher than is defined in the range for the series.
Series. —A series is a group of soils that have horizons
similar in all important characteristics, except for texture
of the surface layer, and similar in arrangement in the
profile. (See the section "How This Survey Was Made.")
General Nature of the County
Catawba County was settled by the Germans and the
Scotch -Irish. Its name was derived from the Catawba
Indians, a large Siouan tribe that originally inhabited the
area. The county was formed from part of Lincoln
County in 1842 (4). The town of Newton, the county
seat, was incorporated in 1855. Hickory, the largest city
in Catawba County, was incorporated m 1870.
The history and growth of the county are vitally linked
with the development of the railroad. The first railroad
crossed the river near the town of Catawba and ran west
to Hickory through Claremont and Conover. The early
pioneers were mostly farmers.
Physiography, Relief, and Drainage
Catawba County is in the Piedmont physiographic
province. Interstream areas represent a peneplain that
has been dissected by moderately swift streams, most of
which flow eastward and southeastward. A few prominent
peaks rise above the upland plain. Baker Mountain has
an elevation of 1,812 feet, and Anderson Mountain is
1,547 feet above sea level. The relief is gently sloping, ex-
cept in the steeper, mountainous areas, and interstream
areas are fairly broad.
The average elevation in the county is 1,165 feet above
sea level. The highest point is on Baker Mountain, and
the lowest elevation is approximately 760 feet above sea
level, where the Catawba River leaves the county.
Erosion has greatly altered the topography of the
county. In most places a thick layer of soil and soft
weathered rock overlie bedrock. In some parts of the
county, road cuts expose this soft weathered material to a
depth of more than 20 feet. Stone lines in many places,
at varying depths in the soil material, indicate that re-
peated cutting and filling have occurred until the present
landscape of broad, gently sloping ridges and smooth
slopes has become more or less stable.
The county is drained by the Catawba River and its
tributaries, principally Jacob Ford and Clark, Pott, Lyle,
McLin, Ball, and Maiden Creeks. These creeks flow
generally east or southeast into the Catawba River, which
forms the northern and eastern boundaries of the county.
Lake Norman, Lake Hickory, and Lookout Shoals Lake
have been built on the river.
About 95 percent of the county is well drained, ap-
proximately 4 percent is somewhat poorly drained or
moderately well drained, and about 1 percent is poorly
drained.
Water Supply
The municipal and domestic water supply is almost un-
limited in Catawba County. Lake Hickory, Lake Norman,
and Lookout Shoals Lake, on the northern and eastern
boundaries of the county, can provide water for all fore-
seeable future needs. Ground water in the county is ac-
cessible and suitable for most uses. The yield of water
from wells is generally low, but yields of 35 gallons per
minute are not uncommon. The highest yields from wells
are obtained from a wide belt through the center of the
county, where the area is underlain by hornblende -
gneiss (3).
Hickory, Brookford, and Longview obtain water from
Lake Hickory. Newton obtains water from the Catawba
River. The supply for Conover comes from deep wells.
Maiden, Claremont, and Catawba have municipally
owned well -water systems.
Climate a
Catawba County is distinctly rolling. Elevations above
sea level range from less than 100 feet in the lowest
streambed to more than 1,800 feet on the highest peak.
Most of the county, however, is approximately 1,000 to
1,200 feet above sea level. The Catawba River, flowing
east and then south, forms the northern and eastern
boundaries of the county. The river is controlled by a
number of dams that form artificial lakes. The largest,
Lake Norman, is at the southeast corner of the county.
9 Prepared by A. V. HARDY, climatologist, NOAA, North Carolina.

CATAWBA COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA
The average distance from the Atlantic Ocean to the
southeastern part of the county is about 180 miles. The
Blue Ridge Mountains, about 40 miles to the northwest,
form a northeast -southwest barrier that is 3,000 to 5,000
feet higher than most of Catawba County. Temperature
data are from observations in or near Hickory; precipita-
tion data are from Hickory and near Catawba. Some var-
iation is to be expected within the county. Temperature
and precipitation data are shown in table 9.
The average length of the freeze -free growing season
at Hickory is about 205 days. It extends from about
the first week in April until the beginning of November.
Table 10 shows the probability of freezes of various in-
tensities in spring and fall. The temperature falls below
32°F. at Hickory on more than half the days in winter,
but rarely remains that low for a full 24 hours. It drops
as low as 01, on the average, only once in several years,
and rises above 100° only slightly more often. Tempera-
tures of 900 are possible from the end of March until
early in October. On an average, the temperature registers
in the 90's on about 40 days in summer.
Much of the rainfall during the growing season comes
from thunderstorms. The amount varies from place to
place and from season to season. Hail occasionally accom-
panies a thunderstorm, but ordinarily, only a small area
is affected. Periodically, a given area is without sig-
nificant rainfall for 1 to 3 weeks. Rainfall in winter, re-
sulting mainly from low-pressure storms moving through
or near the area, is less variable than in summer. The
county has no distinct wet and dry seasons. On the aver-
age, measurable rainfall occurs on 1 to 3 days per week
at all times of the year.
Some snow falls every winter, but accumulation can
range from 1 inch to 2 feet or more. The average ac-
cumulation in winter is about 8 inches. Usually only a
45
few inches accumulate at one time, and such accumula-
tions melt within a few days. Once in several years 8 to
12 inches fall in a day or so, and about as often, snow
covers the ground for a week or more. In 1960, about 30
inches fell in Catawba County during February and
March. The snow accumulated to a depth of 13 inches at
Catawba, and some remained on the ground continuously
from March 2 through March 22.
The average amount of cloud cover during daylight is
a little more than half. The most cloudiness is in winter,
and the least is in fall. The sun shines about half the
daylight hours in winter and nearly two-thirds in other
seasons. The average relative humidity is around 80 per-
cent at sunrise and drops to about 50 percent at mid-
afternoon.
Tropical storms from the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf
of Mexico are usually much weakened if they move as
far inland as Catawba County. High winds are most
often the result of summer thunderstorms; such winds
affect limited areas and are of short duration. Hail
damage. affecting very small areas, is reported in the
county less than once a year on the average; and tornado
damage, affecting even smaller areas, is reported only
about once in 10 years.
Surface winds are variable at all seasons. The most
persistent winds are from the northeast. northwest, and
southwest. The strongest come mostly from the north-
west. The average wind speed near the earth's surface is
about 8 miles per hour.
Farming
Cotton was the major cash crop for many years. In
the early 1930's, it was reported that 22,000 acres of cot -
TABLE 9.-Temperature and precipitation
[All data from Hickory or Catawba, or estimated as indicated]
Temperature
Precipitation
2 years in 10 will have
at least 4 days with-
One year in 10
will have-
Average
Estimated
soil tem-
Month
Average
Average
daily
daily
Aver-
Days
depth of
perature at
Maximum
Minimum
maximum
minimum
age
total
with snow
cover of
snow on
days with
4-inch
depth
temperature
temperature
Less
More
1 inch
snow
(bare,
equal to or
equal to or
than-
than-
or more
cover
level
higher
lower
ground)
than-
than -
January---------
OF.
51
°F.
31
OF.
64
OF.
15
Inches
4.1
Inches
1.6
Inches
8.3
Number
3
Inches
3
OF.
42
February--------
March----------
53
61
31
37
67
77
19
26
4.1
4 7
1.5
2.8
6.8
8.0
2
1
2
3
42
50
April------------
May------------
71
47
85
34
3.8
1.4
6.3
0
0
59
June------------
79
86
55
64
90
94
44
53
3.6
3.9
1.3
1.4
5.0
6.7
0
0
0
0
70
78
July------------
August----------
88
87
66
65
95
95
60
59
5.0
5.6
2.2
1.9
8.2
11.0
0
0
0
0
79
7R
September-------
October---------
82
73
59
48
91
84
48
35
3.8
3.4
.7
.8
8.2
8.3
0
0
0
0
73
63
November-------
December-------
61
52
37
31
76
64
26
a 1
.9
7.4
(1)
(1)
51
Year--------
70
48
397
15
48
4.1
49.2
1.8
37.3
7.1
62.5
1
7
3
3
43
61
1 Less than one-half day. 3 Average annual maximum temperature.
Less than one-half inch. + Average annual minimum temperature.

46 SOIL SURVEY
TABLE 10.—Probabilities of last freezing temperatures in spring and first in fall
[From temperature observations near Hickory, modified for a rural environment]
Dates for given probability and temperature
Probability
16° F. I 20° F. I 24° F. 28° F.
or lower or lower or lower or lower
Spring:
1 year in 10 later than_________________________ March 6 March 19 March 31 April 11
2 years in 10 later than________________________ February 26 March 12 March 24 April 4
5 years in 10 later than________________________ February 11 February 26 March 10 March 23
32° F.
or lower
April 22
April 17
April 6
Fall:
1 year in 10 earlier than_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ November 28 November 19 November 9 October 29 October 17
2 years in 10 earlier than _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ December 3 November 24 November 15 November 5 October 22
5 years in 10 earlier than _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ December 15 December 5 November 25 November 15 November 2
ton was grown during 1 year. By 1953, the acreage had
dropped to 4,500, and by 1967, the acreage had dropped
to 11. In 1967, crop acreages in the county amounted to
12,848 acres of corn, more than 12,000 acres of small
grain, and 7,423 acres of soybeans.
This county had long been noted for purebred dairy
cattle, particularly Jerseys. Dairies in the county num-
bered 106 in 1953. In the past few years, dairying has
declined and production of beef cattle has increased.
Industry and Transportation
Furniture, hosiery, and textile manufacturing are the
leading industries. Approximately 135 hosiery mills, 80
furniture manufacturers, and 40 textile plants are located
within the county (2). More than 1,850 enterprises and
businesses provide jobs for about 40,000 people.
The county is served by 2 railroads, 37 trucking
terminals, and commercial jet and chartered airlines.
Literature Cited
(1) AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF STATE HIGHWAY OFFICIALS.
1970. STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS FOR HIGHWAY MATERIALS AND
METHODS OF SAMPLING AND TESTING. Ed. 10, 2 v.,
illus.
(2) ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT.
1969. GREATER HICxORY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, HICKORY,
N.C.
(3) LEGRAND, HARVEY E.
1954. GEOLOGY AND GROUND WATER IN THE STATESVILLE AREA,
NORTH CAROLINA. Prepared cooperatively by the
Geol. Survey, U.S. Dept. Int., Bul. 68, p. 31.
(4) PRESLAR, CHARLES J., JR.
1954. A HISTORY OF CATAWBA COUNTY. Rowan Printing CO.,
Salisbury, N.C., p. 18.
(5) SCHUMACHER, F. X., and COILS, T. S.
1960. GROWTH AND YIELDS of NATURAL STANDS OF THE SOUTH-
ERN PINES. T. Coile, Inc., Durham, N.C., 115 pp.
(6) SIMONSON,ROY W.
1962. SOIL CLASSIFICATION IN THE UNITED STATES. Scl. 137:
1027-34, illus.
(7) UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE.
1929. VOLUME, YIELD, AND STAND TABLES FOR SECOND -GROWTH
SOUTHERN PINES. Misc. Pub. No. 50, 202 pp.
(8)
1951. SOIL SURVEY MANUAL. U.S. Dept. Agr. Handbook No.
18, 503 pp., illus.
(9)
1960. SOIL CLASSIFICATION, A COMPREHENSIVE SYSTEM, 7TH
APPROXIMATION. 265 pp., illus. [Supplements is-
sued in March 1967 and September 1968]
(10)
1966. NORTH CAROLINA's TIMBER. Forest Serv., Southeastern
Expt. Sta., Resource Bul. SE-5.
(11) UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE.
1968. UNIFIED SOIL CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM FOR ROADS, AIR-
FIELDS, EMBANKMENTS AND FOUNDATIONS. MIL—
STD-619B, 30 pp., illus.
Glossary
Alluvium. Soil material, such as sand, silt, or clay, that has been
deposited on land by streams.
Available water capacity (also termed available moisture capac-
ity). The capacity of soils to hold water available for use by
most plants. It is commonly defined as the difference between
the amount of soil water at field capacity and the amount at
wilting point. It is commonly expressed as inches of water per
inch of soil.
Clay. As a soil separate, the mineral soil particles less than 0.002
millimeter in diameter. As a soil textural class, soil material
that is 40 percent or more clay, less than 45 percent sand, and
less than 40 percent silt.
Consistence, soil. The feel of the soil and the ease with which a
lump can be crushed by the fingers. Terms commonly used to
describe consistence are—
Loose.—Noncoherent when dry or moist; does not hold together
in a mass.
Friable. —When moist, crushes easily under gentle pressure be-
tween thumb and forefinger and can be pressed together into
a lump.
Firm. —When moist, crushes under moderate pressure between
thumb and forefinger, but resistance is distinctly noticeable.
Plastic. —When wet, readily deformed by moderate pressure but
can be pressed into a lump; will form a "wire" when rolled
between thumb and forefinger.
Sticky. —When wet, adheres to other material, and tends to
stretch somewhat and pull apart, rather than to pull free
from other material.
Hard. —When dry, moderately resistant to pressure; can be
broken with difficulty between thumb and forefinger.
Soft. —When dry, breaks into powder or individual grains under
very slight pressure.
Cemented. —Hard and brittle; little ;affected by moistening.
Drainage class (natural). Refers to the conditions of frequency
and duration of periods of saturation or partial saturation
that existed during the development of the soil, as opposed to
altered drainage, which is commonly the result of artificial
drainage or irrigation but may be caused by the sudden deepen-
ing of channels or the blocking of drainage outlets. Seven dif-
ferent classes of natural soil drainage are recognized.

CATAWBA COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA
Bmcessively drained soils are commonly very porous and rapidly
permeable and have a low water -holding capacity.
Somewhat emcessively drained soils are also very permeable and
are free from mottling throughout their profile.
Well -drained soils are nearly free from mottling and are com-
monly of intermediate texture.
Moderately well drained soils commonly have a slowly permeable
layer in or immediately beneath the solum. They have uni-
form color in the A and upper B horizons and have mottling
in the lower B and the C horizons.
Somewhat poorly drained soils are wet for significant periods
but not all the time, and some soils commonly have mottling
at a depth below 6 to 16 inches.
Poorly drained soils are wet for long periods and are light gray
and generally mottled from the surface downward, although
mottling may be absent or nearly so in some soils.
Very poorly drained soils are wet nearly all the time. They have
a dark -gray or black surface layer and are gray or light
gray, with or without mottling, in the deeper parts of the
profile.
Erosion. The wearing away of the land surface by wind (sand-
blast), running water, and other geological agents.
First bottom. The normal flood plain of a stream, subject to fre-
quent or occasional flooding.
Flood hazard. Water from stream overflow, from runoff or seepage,
standing or flowing on the soil surface.
Frequency: None, less often than once in 50 years; very
infrequent, once in 20 to 50 years; infrequent, once in
5 to 20 years; frequent, once in 1 to 5 years; very frequent,
more often than once every year.
Duration: Extremely brief, shorter than 2 days; very brief,
2 to 7 days; brief, 7 days to 1 month; long, 1 month to 6
months; very long, longer than 6 months.
Flood plain. Nearly level land, consisting of stream sediments, that
borders a stream and is subject to flooding unless protected
artificially.
Forest type. A term used to describe stands that are similar in
composition and development because of ecological factors. A
forest type is temporary if its character has been caused by
logging, fire, or other passing influences; it is permanent if no
appreciable change is expected and its character is the result
of ecological factors alone.
Horizon, soil. A layer of soil, approximately parallel to the surface,
that has distinct characteristics produced by soil -forming proc-
esses. These are the major horizons:
0 horizon. —The layer of organic matter on the surface of a
mineral soil. This layer consists of decaying plant residues.
A horizon. —The mineral horizon at the surface or just below an
O horizon. This horizon is the one in which living organisms
are most active and therefore is marked by the accumulation
of humus. The horizon may have lost one or more of soluble
salts, clay, and sesquioxides (iron and aluminum oxides).
B horizon. —The mineral horizon below an A horizon. The B
horizon is in part a layer of change from the overlying A to
the underlying C horizon. The B horizon also has distinctive
characteristics caused (1) by accumulation of clay, sesqui-
oxides, humus, or some combination of these; (2) by pris-
matic or blocky structure; (3) by redder or stronger colors
than the A horizon; or (4) by some combination of these.
Combined A and B horizons are usually called the solum, or
true soil. If a soil lacks a B horizon, the A horizon alone is
the solum.
C horizon. —The weathered rock material immediately beneath
the solum. In most soils this material is presumed to be like
that from which the overlying horizons were formed. If the
material is known to be different from that in the solum, a
Roman numeral precedes the letter C.
R layer. —Consolidated rock beneath the soil. The rock usually
underlies a C horizon, but may be immediately beneath an
A or B horizon.
Land classification. The classification of units of land for the pur-
pose of showing their relative suitabilities for some specific
use.
Mapping unit. Areas of soil of the same kind outlined on the soil
map and identified by a symbol.
Mottling, soil. Irregularly marked with spots of different colors
that vary in number and size. Mottling in soils usually indi-
cates poor aeration and lack of drainage. Descriptive terms
are as follows: Abundance —few, common, and many; size —
fine, medium, and coarse; and contrast —faint, distinct, and
47
prominent. The size measurements are these: fine, less than
5 millimeters (about 0.2 inch) in diameter along the greatest
dimension; medium, ranging from 5 millimeters to 15 milli-
meters (about 0.2 to 0.6 inch) in diameter along the greatest
dimension; and coarse, more than 15 millimeters (about 0.6
inch) in diameter along the greatest dimension.
Parent material. Disintegrated and partly weathered rock from
which soil has formed.
Permeability. The quality that enables the soil to transmit water
or air. Terms used to describe permeability are as follows:
very slow, slow, moderately slow, moderate, moderately rapid,
rapid, and very rapid.
Phase, soil. A subdivision of a soil series or other unit in the soil
classification system made because of differences in the soil
that affect its management but do not affect its classification
in the natural landscape. A soil series, for example, may be
divided into phases because of differences in slope, stoniness,
thickness, or some other characteristic that affects its manage-
ment but not its behavior in the natural landscape.
Profile, soil. A vertical section of the soil through all its horizons
and extending into the parent material.
Reaction, soil. The degree of acidity or alkalinity of a soil, ex-
pressed in pH values. A soil that tests to pH 7.0 is precisely
neutral in reaction because it is neither acid nor alkaline. An
acid, or "sour," soil is one that gives An acid reaction; an
alkaline soil is one that is alkaline in reaction. In words, the
degrees of acidity or alkalinity are expressed thus:
pH pH
Extremely acid___ Below 4.5 Mildly alkaline______ 7.4 to 7.8
Very strongly acid_ 4.5 to 5.0 Moderately alkaline_ 7.9 to 8.4
Strongly acid ----- 5.1 to 5.5 Strongly alkaline____ 8.5 to 9.0
Medium acid_____ 5.6 to 6.0 Very strongly alka-
Slightly acid____- 6.1 to 6.5 line ______________ 9.1 and
Neutral__________ 6.6 to 7.3 higher
Residual material. Unconsolidated, partly weathered mineral ma-
terial that accumulates over disintegrating solid rock. Residual
material is not soil but is frequently the material in which a
soil has formed.
Sand. Individual rock or mineral fragments in a soil that range in
diameter from 0.05 to 2.0 millimeters. Most sand grains con-
sist of quartz, but they may be of any mineral composition.
The textural class name of any soil that contains 85 percent
or more sand and not more than 10 percent clay.
Series, soil. A group of soils developed from a particular type of
parent material and having genetic horizons that, except for
texture of the surface layer, are similar in differentiating
characteristics and in arrangement in the profile.
Silt. Individual mineral particles in a soil that range in diameter
from the upper limit of clay (0.002 millimeter) to the lower
limit of very fine sand (0.05 millimeter). Soil of the silt tex-
tural class is 80 percent or more silt and less than 12 percent
clay.
Soil. A natural, three-dimensional body on the earth's surface that
supports plants and that has properties resulting from the
integrated effect of climate and living matter acting on earthy
parent material, as conditioned by relief over periods of time.
Solum. The upper part of a soil profile, above the parent material,
in which the processes of soil formation are active. The solum
in mature soil includes the A and B horizons. Generally, the
characteristics of the material in these horizons are unlike
those of the underlying material. The living roots and other
plant and animal life characteristic of the soil are largely
confined to the solum.
Structure, soil. The arrangement of primary soil particles into com-
pound particles or clusters that are separated from adjoining
aggregates and have properties unlike those of an equal mass
of unaggregated primary soil particles. The principal forms
of soil structure are —platy (laminated), prismatic (vertical
axis of ,aggregates longer than horizontal), columnar (prisms
with rounded tops), blocky (angular or subangular), and
granular. Structureles8 soils are either single grain (each grain
by itself, as in dune sand) or massive (the particles adhering
together without any regular cleavage, as in many claypans
and hardpans).
Subsoil. Technically, the B horizon; roughly, the part of the solum
below plow depth.
Substratum. Technically, the part of the soil below the solum.

48 SOIL SURVEY
Texture, soil. The relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay par- plants, especially soil structure. Good tilth refers to the friable
ticles in a mass of soil. The basic textural classes, in order of state and is associated with high noncapillary porosity and
increasing proportion of fine particles, are sand, loamy sand, stable, granular structure. A soil in poor tilth is nonfriable,
sandy loam, loam, stilt loam, stilt, sandy clay loam, clay loam, hard, nonaggregated, and difficult to till.
silty clay loam, sandy clay, silty clay, and clay. The sand, Upland (geology). Land consisting of material unworked by water
loamy sand, and sandy loam classes may be further divided in recent geologic time and lying, in general, at a higher eleva-
by specifying "coarse," "fine," or "very fine." tion than the alluvial plain or stream terrace. Land above the
Tilth, soil. The condition of the soil in relation to the growth of lowlands along rivers.

GUIDE TO MAPPING UNITS
For complete information about a mapping unit, read both the description of the mapping unit and that of the
soil series to which it belongs. For complete information about a capability unit, read both the introduc-
tion "Crops and Pasture" and the description of the capability unit in this section. For information about
the suitability of soils for woodland and wildlife, read the introduction to these sections and refer to the
tables in each section. Woodland groups are described on page 25. Other information is given in tables as
follows:
Acreage and extent, table 1, page 4.
Estimated yields, table 2, page 24.
Engineering uses of soils, tables S, 6,
and 7, pages 34 through 42.
Map
symbol Mapping unit
Described
on
page
Capability
unit
Woodland
group
Symbol Page
Number
Af
Altavista fine sandy loam, clayey variant-------------------
5
IIe-2
18
2w8
AsB
Appling sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes-------------------
S
IIe-1
18
3o7
AsC2
Appling sandy loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes, eroded----------
6
IIIe-1
20
3o7
AsE2
Appling sandy loam, 10 to 2S percent slopes, eroded---------
6
IVe-1
22
3r8
Bn
Buncombe loamy sand-----------------------------------------
6
IIIs-1
22
2s8
CmB2
Cecil sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded-------------
8
IIe-1
18
3o7
CmG2
Cecil sandy loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes, eroded------------
8
IIIe-1
20
3o7
CmD2
Cecil sandy loam, 10 to 1S percent slopes, eroded-----------
8
IVe-1
22
3o7
CnB2
Cecil clay loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded--------------
8
IIIe-2
21
3o7
CnC2
Cecil clay loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes, eroded-------------
8
IVe-2
22
3o7
CnE3
Cecil clay loam, 10 to 25 percent slopes, severely eroded---
9
VIe-2
23
4c2e
Cw
Chewacla loam-----------------------------------------------
9
IIIw-1
21
lw8
Cy
Congaree complex--------------------------------------------
10
IIw-1
19
lo7
EnB
Enon fine sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes-----------------
11
IIe-3
19
4ol
Gu
Gullied land------------------------------------------------
11
VIIe-2
23
---
HsB2
Hiwassee loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded----------------
12
IIe-1
18
3o7
HsC2
Hiwassee loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes, eroded---------------
12
IIIe-2
21
3o7
HsD2
Hiwassee loam, 10 to 1S percent slopes, eroded--------------
13
IVe-2
22
3o7
HsE
Hiwassee loam, 15 to 2S percent slopes----------------------
13
VIe-1
23
3r8
HwB2
Hiwassee clay loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded-----------
13
IIIe-2
21
3o7
HwC2
Hiwassee clay loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes, eroded----------
13
IVe-2
22
3o7
Lc
Leveled clayey land-----------------------------------------
13
-----
--
---
MgB2
Madison gravelly sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded--
14
IIe-1
18
3o7
MgC2
Madison gravelly sandy loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes,
eroded----------------------------------------------------
14
IIIe-1
20
3o7
MgE2
Madison gravelly sandy loam, 10 to 25 percent slopes,
eroded----------------------------------------------------
14
VIe-1
23
3r8
PaF
Pacolet gravelly sandy loam, 25 to 4S percent slopes--------
15
VIIe-1
23
3r8
PCB
Pacolet gravelly fine sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes-----
15
IIe-1
18
3o7
PcC
Pacolet gravelly fine sandy loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes----
15
IIIe-1
20
3o7
PeE
Pacolet soils, 10 to 25 percent slopes----------------------
15
VIe-1
23
3r8
Wd
Wehadkee fine sandy loam------------------------------------
16
IVw-1
22
1W9
WkE
Wilkes loam, 10 to 25 percent slopes------------------------
17
VIe-1
23
4r2
Wo
Worsham fine sandy loam-------------------------------------
17
IVw-1
22
2w8
* U.S. GOVERNMENT P9INIING OFFICE 1975- 592-979/16

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