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SOIL SURVEY OF I,'BBOCK (COUNTY, TEXAS. 31
STEEP BROKEN LANI).
Steep broken land includes the steep bluffs forming the canyon
walls of Double Mountain Fork and the rough, broken land bordering
the numerous short tributary canyons or gulches in the southeastern
part of the county. The upper parts of the bluffs are composed of
whitish, impure lime rock or indurated marl and are nearly or quite
barren of soil. The slopes below the lime rock or "cap rock" are
less precipitous, owing to the softer nature of the strata, but are
broken by gullies and sharp ravines. The land has no value for
farming and affords only scant grazing. There is a scattered growth
of coarse bunch grass, a few mesquite trees, occasional algerita and
chaparral bushes, and a few stunted hackberry trees. Steep broken
land has an area of 5,696 acres, or 1 per cent of the total area of the
county.
SUMMARY.
Lubbock County is situated in central-western Texas. It has an
area of 868 square miles, or 555,520 acres.
The county is situated in the High Plains region of the State.
The general elevation is about 3,100 to 3,300 feet above sea level.
The surface is a nearly level treeless plain, having a gentle eastward
and southward slope. There are only two small streams in the area,
and most of the run-off flows into shallow basins, which contain
small intermittent lakes.
An abundant water supply is obtained from wells at an average
depth of about 100 feet.
The population in 1910 was 3,624. The present population is estimated
at 9,000 to 10,000, about one-half being rural.
Railway lines traverse all parts of the county. The public roads are
generally in good condition for both wagon and automobile traffic.
The climate is semiarid. It is characterized by a low rainfallabout
21 inches-a large percentage of clear days, and a high rate
of evaporation. The greater part of the precipitation falls during
the months of April to October. Prolonged droughts are of frequent
Occurrence. There is an average growing season of about 205 days.
Ranching and general farming are carried on. Cattle raising is
the principal industry on the ranches. The sorghums are the principal
crops grown, and the most dependable crops under the prevailing
climatic conditions. Milo ranks first in acreage, followed
by kafir, sorgo (cane), and Sudan grass. Corn occupies a small
acreage on most farms, but the acreage yields are low. Cotton is the
principal cash crop on most of the farms. The forage and grain
crops are largely consumed on the farms and ranches where grown.
Dairying in conjunction with general farming is carried on to a
small extent.