Reconnoissance soil survey of South Texas Page: 26 of 115
105 p. ; 24 cm.View a full description of this book.
Extracted Text
The following text was automatically extracted from the image on this page using optical character recognition software:
24 FIELD OPERATIONS OF THE BUREAU OF SOILS, 1909.
The subsoil consists of a gray or yellowish-brown to slate-colored
loam to clay loam containing a large percentage of lime. Near the
contact with the surface soil a considerable amount of sand is present,
and although this becomes less with depth it is quite noticeable
throughout the entire soil profile. In northwestern Nueces County,
where the Houston loam adjoins the Duval fine sandy loam, small
areas, where the subsoil is rather red, were included with this type.
Origin.-This soil owes its origin to a mixture of sand and organic
matter with the underlying calcareous clays. The sand may have
been incorporated at the time of deposition or may represent the
remnant of a later and more sandy formation. A considerable proportion
has probably been deposited by the wind, having been blown
from adjacent sandy soils. The areas north of Alice have either
been formed directly from the Reynosa limestone or from a thin
overlapping of Pleistocene material. In some areas where the type
extends up the valleys between the gravelly hills it is probably
partly alluvial, or at least Pleistocene, and these areas grade into the
Brennan loam.
Topography.-The topography varies from very gently rolling to
rolling. The surface usually consists of a series of low hills and
ridges, with small, dry drainage channels between. Practically all
of it is sufficiently level to permit of easy cultivation.
Location.-The largest development of this type is in northeastern
Webb and northwestern Duval counties. Smaller areas occur in
northwestern Webb County and north of Alice, in Nueces County.
It is confined almost entirely to.the Nueces River drainage basin.
Many smaller areas, however, occur throughout the section, mapped
as Houston clay loam, while a similar occurrence of the latter will
be found in areas shown as the loam. The gently rolling hills and
hillsides will have a loam texture, while small level areas or slight
depressions will be occupied by the clay loam.
Native vegetation.-The type occurs both as comparatively open
prairie and as "brush land," the latter having a heavy growth of
mesquite, cactus, and other native vegetation. The growth of
mesquite and cactus is especially heavy on the lower slopes and in the
valleys.
Utilization.-Very little of the Houston loam is under cultivation
at the present time, being located in a region where ranching is the
principal industry. When not too closely grazed it supports a good
growth of grass, making it very desirable for cattle. A few very
small areas have been cleared and planted to crops. It is a productive
soil and should make good yields of cotton, cabbage, and
onions when moisture conditions are favorable. In the areas farthest
east dry farming can be carried on successfully, but on the western
Upcoming Pages
Here’s what’s next.
Search Inside
This book can be searched. Note: Results may vary based on the legibility of text within the document.
Related Items
Other items on this site that are directly related to the current book.
Soil map, reconnoissance survey, South Texas sheet (Map)
Map displays soil types along with arroyos, lakes, rivers, swamps, counties, towns, roads, railroads, and ranches. Includes legend and soil profiles.
Relationship to this item: (Has Part)
Tools / Downloads
Get a copy of this page or view the extracted text.
Citing and Sharing
Basic information for referencing this web page. We also provide extended guidance on usage rights, references, copying or embedding.
Reference the current page of this Book.
Coffey, George Nelson. Reconnoissance soil survey of South Texas, book, June 16, 1910; Washington D.C.. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth19753/m1/26/: accessed May 1, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting UNT Libraries Government Documents Department.