United States In cooperation with Department of United States Department Agriculture of Agriculture, Forest Soil Survey of Service; United States Natural Department of the Interior, Watauga County, Resources National Park Service; Conservation North Carolina Department Service of Environment and Natural North Carolina Resources; North Carolina Agricultural Research Service; North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service; Watauga County Board of County Commissioners; and Watauga Soil and Water Conservation District

3

How To Use This Soil Survey

General Soil Map

The general soil map, which is a color map, shows the survey area divided into groups of associated soils called general soil map units. This map is useful in planning the use and management of large areas.

Detailed Soil Maps

The detailed soil maps can be useful in planning the use and management of small areas.

To find information about your area of interest, locate that area on the Index to Map Sheets. Note the number of the map sheet and turn to that sheet.

Locate your area of interest on the map sheet. Note the map unit symbols that are in that area. Turn to the Contents, which lists the map units by symbol and name and shows the page where each map unit is described.

The Contents shows which table has data on a specific land use for each detailed soil map unit. Also see the Contents for sections of this publication that may address your specific needs. 4

This soil survey is a publication of the National Cooperative Soil Survey, a joint effort of the United States Department of Agriculture and other Federal agencies, State agencies including the Agricultural Experiment Stations, and local agencies. The Natural Resources Conservation Service (formerly the Soil Conservation Service) has leadership for the Federal part of the National Cooperative Soil Survey. Major fieldwork for this soil survey was completed in 1999. Soil names and descriptions were approved in 2001. Unless otherwise indicated, statements in this publication refer to conditions in the survey area in 1999. This survey was made cooperatively by the Natural Resources Conservation Service; the United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service; the United States Department of the Interior, National Park Service; the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources; the North Carolina Agricultural Research Service; the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service; the Watauga County Board of County Commissioners; and the Watauga Soil and Water Conservation District. The survey is part of the technical assistance furnished to the Watauga Soil and Water Conservation District. The Watauga County Board of County Commissioners provided financial assistance for the survey. Soil maps in this survey may be copied without permission. Enlargement of these maps, however, could cause misunderstanding of the detail of mapping. If enlarged, maps do not show the small areas of contrasting soils that could have been shown at a larger scale. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all of its programs on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital or family status. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact the USDA’s TARGET Center at 202-720-2600 (voice or TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326W, Whitten Building, 14th and Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410, or call 202-720-5964 (voice or TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Cover: This view of snow covered Rich Mountain explains why Watauga County is known as “the high country.” Fraser fir Christmas trees are growing on Saunook soils in the foreground. These trees are a significant source of agricultural income in the county.

Additional information about the Nation’s natural resources is available on the Natural Resources Conservation Service home page on the World Wide Web. The address is http://www.nrcs.usda.gov. 5

Contents

Cover ...... 1 BwE—Burton-Wayah complex, windswept, How To Use This Soil Survey ...... 3 30 to 50 percent slopes, stony ...... 46 Contents ...... 5 CaC—Cashiers loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, Foreword ...... 9 stony ...... 47 General Nature of the Survey Area ...... 11 CaD—Cashiers loam, 15 to 30 percent slopes, How This Survey Was Made ...... 14 stony ...... 49 Survey Procedures ...... 15 CaE—Cashiers loam, 30 to 50 percent slopes, General Soil Map Units ...... 17 stony ...... 50 Detailed Soil Map Units ...... 19 CdE—Chandler fine sandy loam, 30 to 50 AcD—Ashe-Chestnut complex, 15 to 30 percent slopes ...... 51 percent slopes, very rocky ...... 20 ChF—Chestnut-Ashe complex, 50 to 95 AcE—Ashe-Chestnut complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes, very stony ...... 53 percent slopes, very rocky ...... 21 CkD—Chestnut-Edneyville complex, 15 to 30 AcF—Ashe-Chestnut complex, 50 to 95 percent slopes, stony ...... 54 percent slopes, very rocky ...... 23 CkE—Chestnut-Edneyville complex, 30 to 50 ArF—Ashe-Cleveland-Rock outcrop complex, percent slopes, stony ...... 56 50 to 95 percent slopes, extremely CmF—Clingman-Craggey-Rock outcrop bouldery ...... 24 complex, windswept, 15 to 95 percent BaC—Balsam very cobbly loam, windswept, slopes, extremely bouldery ...... 57 8 to 15 percent slopes, extremely CoD—Cowee gravelly fine sandy loam, 15 to 30 bouldery ...... 26 percent slopes, stony ...... 59 BaD—Balsam very cobbly loam, windswept, CoE—Cowee gravelly fine sandy loam, 30 to 50 15 to 30 percent slopes, extremely percent slopes, stony ...... 61 bouldery ...... 28 CoF—Cowee gravelly fine sandy loam, 50 to 80 BaE—Balsam very cobbly loam, windswept, percent slopes, stony ...... 62 30 to 50 percent slopes, extremely CrC—Cullasaja cobbly loam, 8 to 15 percent bouldery ...... 30 slopes, extremely bouldery ...... 63 BoD—Brownwood fine sandy loam, 15 to 30 CrD—Cullasaja cobbly loam, 15 to 30 percent percent slopes, stony ...... 31 slopes, extremely bouldery ...... 65 BoE—Brownwood fine sandy loam, 30 to 50 CrE—Cullasaja cobbly loam, 30 to 50 percent percent slopes, stony ...... 33 slopes, extremely bouldery ...... 66 BoF—Brownwood fine sandy loam, 50 to 80 CsC—Cullasaja very cobbly loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, stony ...... 34 percent slopes, very stony ...... 68 BrF—Brownwood fine sandy loam, 50 to 95 CsD—Cullasaja very cobbly loam, 15 to 30 percent slopes, very rocky ...... 35 percent slopes, very stony ...... 69 BuD—Burton-Craggey-Rock outcrop complex, CsE—Cullasaja very cobbly loam, 30 to 50 windswept, 15 to 30 percent slopes ...... 37 percent slopes, very stony ...... 71 BuF—Burton-Craggey-Rock outcrop complex, CtC—Cullasaja very cobbly loam, 8 to 15 windswept, 30 to 95 percent slopes ...... 40 percent slopes, extremely bouldery ...... 72 BwC—Burton-Wayah complex, windswept, CtD—Cullasaja very cobbly loam, 15 to 30 8 to 15 percent slopes, stony ...... 42 percent slopes, extremely bouldery ...... 74 BwD—Burton-Wayah complex, windswept, CtE—Cullasaja very cobbly loam, 30 to 50 15 to 30 percent slopes, stony ...... 43 percent slopes, extremely bouldery ...... 76 6

CuA—Cullowhee loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, PuE—Porters loam, 30 to 50 percent slopes, frequently flooded ...... 77 stony ...... 107 DAM—Dam ...... 79 PuF—Porters loam, 50 to 95 percent slopes, DeB—Dellwood cobbly sandy loam, 1 to 5 stony ...... 108 percent slopes, occasionally flooded ...... 79 RdA—Reddies loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, DuF—Ditney-Unicoi complex, 50 to 95 percent frequently flooded ...... 110 slopes, very rocky ...... 81 RoA—Rosman fine sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent EdC—Edneytown loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, occasionally flooded ...... 111 slopes ...... 82 SkC—Saunook cobbly loam, 8 to 15 percent EdD—Edneytown loam, 15 to 30 percent slopes ...... 112 slopes ...... 84 SkD—Saunook cobbly loam, 15 to 30 percent EdE—Edneytown loam, 30 to 50 percent slopes ...... 114 slopes ...... 85 SnB—Saunook loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes ...... 115 EvC—Evard-Cowee complex, 8 to 15 percent SnC—Saunook loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes .... 116 slopes, stony...... 86 SnD—Saunook loam, 15 to 30 percent EvD—Evard-Cowee complex, 15 to 30 percent slopes ...... 117 slopes, stony...... 88 SoC—Saunook loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, EvE—Evard-Cowee complex, 30 to 50 percent very stony ...... 118 slopes, stony...... 89 SoD—Saunook loam, 15 to 30 percent slopes, FaD—Fannin loam, 15 to 30 percent slopes, very stony ...... 119 stony ...... 90 SoE—Saunook loam, 30 to 50 percent slopes, FaE—Fannin loam, 30 to 50 percent slopes, very stony ...... 121 stony ...... 92 SwC—Saunook-Nikwasi complex, 2 to 15 JfD—Jeffrey cobbly loam, 15 to 30 percent percent slopes ...... 122 slopes, very stony ...... 93 SxD—Soco loam, 15 to 30 percent slopes, JfE—Jeffrey cobbly loam, 30 to 50 percent stony ...... 124 slopes, very stony ...... 94 SxE—Soco loam, 30 to 50 percent slopes, KnC—Keener loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, stony ...... 125 stony ...... 95 TxA—Toxaway loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, KnD—Keener loam, 15 to 30 percent slopes, frequently flooded ...... 126 stony ...... 97 Ud—Udorthents, loamy ...... 127 LoA—Longhope mucky peat, 0 to 3 percent UkC—Unaka-Porters complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes ...... 98 slopes, very rocky ...... 128 NkA—Nikwasi loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, UkD—Unaka-Porters complex, 15 to 30 frequently flooded ...... 100 percent slopes, very rocky ...... 130 NoD—Northcove very cobbly loam, 15 to 30 UkE—Unaka-Porters complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes, very stony ...... 102 percent slopes, very rocky ...... 132 NxE—Northcove very cobbly loam, 30 to 50 UkF—Unaka-Porters complex, 50 to 95 percent slopes, extremely bouldery ...... 103 percent slopes, very rocky ...... 133 Pt—Pits, quarry ...... 104 UnF—Unaka-Rock outcrop complex, 50 to 95 PuC—Porters loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, percent slopes ...... 135 stony ...... 105 Ur—Urban land ...... 137 PuD—Porters loam, 15 to 30 percent slopes, Ux—Urban land, flooded ...... 137 stony ...... 106 W—Water...... 137 7

WaC—Watauga loam, 8 to 15 percent Nikwasi Series ...... 193 slopes ...... 137 Northcove Series ...... 194 WaD—Watauga loam, 15 to 30 percent Porters Series ...... 194 slopes ...... 139 Reddies Series ...... 195 Use and Management of the Soils ...... 141 Rosman Series ...... 196 Crops, Pasture, and Hayland ...... 141 Saunook Series ...... 197 Orchards and Ornamental Crops ...... 144 Soco Series ...... 198 Soil Quality ...... 147 Toxaway Series ...... 199 Yields per Acre ...... 149 Udorthents ...... 199 Land Capability Classification ...... 149 Unaka Series ...... 200 Prime Farmland and Other Farmland of Unicoi Series ...... 201 Statewide Importance ...... 150 Watauga Series ...... 201 Woodland Management and Productivity ...... 150 Wayah Series ...... 202 Recreation ...... 154 Formation of the Soils ...... 205 Wildlife Habitat...... 155 Factors of Soil Formation ...... 205 Engineering ...... 156 Morphology of the Soils ...... 207 Soil Properties ...... 163 Processes of Horizon Differentiation ...... 207 Engineering Index Properties ...... 163 References ...... 209 Physical and Chemical Properties ...... 164 Glossary ...... 211 Soil and Water Features ...... 165 Tables ...... 227 Classification of the Soils...... 169 Table 1A.—Temperature and Precipitation ...... 228 Soil Series and Their Morphology ...... 169 Table 1B.—Temperature and Precipitation ...... 229 Ashe Series ...... 169 Table 2A.—Freeze Dates in Spring and Fall ...... 230 Balsam Series ...... 170 Table 2B.—Freeze Dates in Spring and Fall ...... 230 Brownwood Series ...... 171 Table 3A.—Growing Season ...... 231 Burton Series ...... 172 Table 3B.—Growing Season ...... 231 Cashiers Series ...... 173 Table 4.—Acreage and Proportionate Extent Chandler Series ...... 174 of the Soils ...... 232 Chestnut Series ...... 175 Table 5.—Suitability for Vegetable Production ... 234 Cleveland Series ...... 176 Table 6.—Orchards and Ornamental Crops ...... 239 Clingman Series ...... 176 Table 7.—Suggested Management Solutions Cowee Series ...... 177 to Soil Quality Problems ...... 246 Craggey Series ...... 178 Table 8.—Land Capability and Yields per Acre Cullasaja Series ...... 179 of Crops and Pasture ...... 250 Cullowhee Series ...... 180 Table 9.—Prime Farmland ...... 255 Dellwood Series ...... 181 Table 10.—Other Farmland of Statewide Ditney Series ...... 181 Importance ...... 255 Edneytown Series ...... 182 Table 11.—Woodland Management and Edneyville Series ...... 183 Productivity ...... 256 Evard Series ...... 184 Table 12.—Recreational Development ...... 275 Fannin Series ...... 189 Table 13.—Building Site Development ...... 283 Jeffrey Series ...... 190 Table 14.—Sanitary Facilities...... 291 Keener Series ...... 191 Table 15.—Construction Materials ...... 298 Longhope Series ...... 192 Table 16.—Water Management ...... 307 8

Table 17.—Engineering Index Properties ...... 314 Table 20.—Water Features ...... 342 Table 18.—Physical Properties of the Soils...... 330 Table 21.—Soil Features ...... 348 Table 19.—Chemical Properties of the Soils ...... 336 Table 22.—Classification of the Soils ...... 352

Issued 2005 9

Foreword

This soil survey contains information that affects land use planning in Watauga County. It contains predictions of soil behavior for selected land uses. The survey also highlights soil limitations, improvements needed to overcome the limitations, and the impact of selected land uses on the environment. This soil survey is designed for many different users. Farmers, foresters, and agronomists can use it to evaluate the potential of the soil and the management needed for maximum food and fiber production. Planners, community officials, engineers, developers, builders, and home buyers can use the survey to plan land use, select sites for construction, and identify special practices needed to ensure proper performance. Conservationists, teachers, students, and specialists in recreation, wildlife management, waste disposal, and pollution control can use the survey to help them understand, protect, and enhance the environment. Various land use regulations of Federal, State, and local governments may impose special restrictions on land use or land treatment. The information in this report is intended to identify soil properties that are used in making various land use or land treatment decisions. Statements made in this report are intended to help the land users identify and reduce the effects of soil limitations on various land uses. The landowner or user is responsible for identifying and complying with existing laws and regulations. Great differences in soil properties can occur within short distances. Some soils are seasonally wet or subject to flooding. Some are shallow to bedrock. Some are too unstable to be used as a foundation for buildings or roads. Clayey or wet soils are poorly suited to use as septic tank absorption fields. A high water table makes a soil poorly suited to basements or underground installations. These and many other soil properties that affect land use are described in this soil survey. Broad areas of soils are shown on the general soil map. The location of each soil is shown on the detailed soil maps. Each soil in the survey area is described. Information on specific uses is given for each soil. Help in using this publication and additional information are available at the local office of the Natural Resources Conservation Service or the Cooperative Extension Service.

Mary K. Combs State Conservationist Natural Resources Conservation Service

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Soil Survey of Watauga County, North Carolina

By Roy L. Mathis, Jr., Natural Resources Conservation Service

Soils surveyed by Roy L. Mathis, Jr., Timothy P. Harlan, and John W. Tuttle, Natural Resources Conservation Service, and Brian D. Gardner and Scott LeClerc, North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources

United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service, in cooperation with United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service; United States Department of the Interior, National Park Service; North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources; North Carolina Agricultural Research Service; North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service; Watauga County Board of County Commissioners; and Watauga Soil and Water Conservation District

WATAUGA COUNTY is in the northwestern part of North Carolina (fig. 1). The county has a land area of 200,992 acres, or 314 square miles. In 1998, according to the U.S. Census, the county had a population of about 40,965. Boone, the county seat and largest town, had a population of about 13,600. This soil survey updates the survey of Watauga County published in 1958 (7). It provides additional information and has larger maps, which show the soils in greater detail.

General Nature of the Survey Area Figure 1.—Location of Watauga County in North Carolina. This section gives general information about Watauga County. It discusses the history and to occupy the area, left the region just before the economic development; physiography, relief, and immigration of white settlers. The first Europeans came drainage; water resources; and climate. to the area by following trails made by buffalo and the Indians. Two of the major trails passed through Boone History and Economic Development Gap near Zionville and through Deep Gap. The most noted early explorer was Daniel Boone, who traveled In 1849, the North Carolina General Assembly the area in the early 1760’s. He found the area to be established Watauga County from parts of Ashe, abundant with game such as buffalo, deer, elk, and Wilkes, Caldwell, and Yancey Counties. The county beaver. The town of Boone was named in honor of name was taken from an Indian word meaning Daniel Boone (4). “whispering waters.” In 1849, the town of Boone was The early settlers were of English and Scotch-Irish established as the permanent county seat (4). ancestry and came from Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Native Americans were the first known inhabitants and New England. Settlements were later made by of the survey area. The Cherokee Indians, the last tribe Germans, Dutch, Swedes, and French Huguenots (6). 12 Soil Survey

The settlers depended on agriculture and forest camps were set up in various communities until the products for income. They found very fertile bottom majority of the timber had been harvested. In 1916, the land along the Watauga and New Rivers and many of Tweetsie Railroad was extended from Johnson City, the smaller streams. With few exceptions, every Tennessee, to Boone, North Carolina, so that lumber pioneer was a farmer. Typically, a community had a could be hauled out of the mountains. The Tweetsie farmer-tanner, farmer-blacksmith, farmer-trapper, Railroad served Watauga County until 1940 when it was farmer-hunter, and so on. washed out during a flood. Today, the Tweetsie Railroad Two types of farmers inhabited Watauga County. The is a tourist attraction only (4). bottomland farmer lived on the richest and most For many years, the survey area was isolated desirable farmland along the major streams. The cove because mountain roads were difficult to construct and farmer lived on the hillsides where steeper slopes maintain. Travel was slow and hazardous. Trips from the limited farming opportunities. The cove farmer mountain to adjoining towns were overnight or weekly generally had lower profits and also had a more excursions. Improvement of Watauga County’s roads isolated existence (16). began in the 1920’s and has continued to the present Corn, wheat, rye, oats, buckwheat, apples, due to increasingly heavy traffic. Because of good cabbage, beans, potatoes, and burley tobacco were roads and modern communications, this formerly some of the leading crops. Hogs, cattle, chickens, isolated area is now abreast with progress (4). mules, and draft horses were common farm animals. Manufacturing industries are still poorly developed in Draft horses are still common on many of the farms the county. However, these industries do produce a today. Money was scarce, and meat, eggs, butter, range of products including rock-climbing equipment, apples, potatoes, chestnuts, and cabbage were traded electronic components, ladies’ lingerie, leather goods, for necessities, such as baking soda, salt, sugar, decorative goods, aluminum siding, storm doors, wood coffee, and kerosene. Covered wagons filled with crops furniture, ribbon, and candy (6). for sale were often taken east of the Blue Ridge Today, Watauga County’s economy relies on Mountains to towns in the Piedmont. These trips Appalachian State University, industry, agriculture, usually lasted 2 to 3 weeks. Women and children tourism, and recreation. The university is the county’s gathered herbs and roots to sell or trade. Plants such largest employer. Travel and tourism represent about 40 as ground ivy, alfalfa, wild cherry bark, lady slipper, percent of the county’s economy. Watauga County is wild ginger, purple foxglove, pennyroyal, hops flower, becoming a regional shopping area. In 1990, retail wild onion, mustard, boneset, clover, slippery elm and sales figures totaled 345 million dollars (6). sycamore barks, goldenrod, dandelion, briar hops, The scenic Blue Ridge Mountains have long been a plantain, touch-me-not blooms, jewel weed, wild haven from the heat and unfavorable climate of the rasberry, red oak bark, geranium, mint, elderflowers, lowlands. Many people began building summer homes catnip, galax, holly, and hemlock were in demand and in Blowing Rock as early as 1850. Blowing Rock, traded at the nearest general store. The storekeeper Seven Devils, and Beech Mountain are largely resort sold the herbs and plants to such companies as the communities. Watauga County has become a major Wilcox Drug Company (16). vacation area of the Southeast, offering ski slopes During the 1970’s, the agricultural sector shifted (fig. 2), golf courses, and scenic views (4). from complete reliance on annual crops to an emphasis on the new crops of Christmas trees and Physiography, Relief, and Drainage ornamental crops. Today, agriculture accounts for about 24 million dollars in income each year. Approximately Watauga County is in the Blue Ridge Mountain two-thirds of the agricultural income is from Physiographic Province. The topography resembles a horticultural crops, Christmas trees, and forest high plateau surrounded by and intermingled with products (5). mountains rising up to 2,000 feet above the valleys. Grist mills and sawmills were the earliest industries The southern edge of the county makes up the Blue in the county. Early development and settlement was Ridge Escarpment. This escarpment creates a highly along streams. Water power was used to run grist mills dissected landscape with a repeating pattern of ridges and sawmills. The streams, unfortunately, also caused and valleys that drain into the Piedmont. The mass destruction of life and property during floods, escarpment affects the climate and weather patterns such as those in 1916 and 1940 (16). due to the rising and falling of air currents. Elevation The lumber industry was one of the pioneer ranges from about 5,900 feet on Grandfather Mountain industries in the county. The mountains were rich in to about 1,400 feet where Elk Creek exits the southern hemlock, oak, hickory, and chestnut forests. Logging part of the county near Triplett. With an average Watauga County, North Carolina 13

Figure 2.—Skiing is a popular winter activity and an important part of the tourism industry in Watauga County. Porters, Unaka, Burton, Craggey, and Wayah soils at high elevations and on the cooler north and east aspects are preferred for ski slopes.

elevation of about 3,000 to 3,100 feet, Watauga County Mississippi River system. The southern and has the highest average elevation of any county east southeastern parts of the county are drained by the of the Mississippi River (16). The county is gently headwaters of the Yadkin River, which flow toward the sloping to very steep on the uplands and nearly level Atlantic Ocean. The Blue Ridge Parkway approximates and gently sloping along flood plains. Flood plains the Eastern Continental Divide for Watauga County. widen along the Watauga and New Rivers but remain narrow along the smaller streams. The mountains that Water Resources rise above the plateau generally have sizeable areas of colluvial fans. The tops of many of the higher Watauga County has an abundant supply of water mountains are bald and are remnants of a colder from rivers, streams, and ground water. Most county climate. Native grasses and shrubs are the dominant residents get their household water from wells and vegetation on these tops. springs. During extreme periods of dry weather, some The northeastern and central parts of the county are springs may become deficient as a water supply. drained by the New River and its tributaries. The Boone, Blowing Rock, and Beech Mountain residents western part of the county is drained by the Watauga get water from surface water reservoirs. Most of the River and its tributaries. The New River and the municipal and industrial water is obtained from creeks Watauga River eventually flow north and drain into the in the Watauga River and New River watersheds and 14 Soil Survey

from wells. Drilled and bored wells are the two types of The average seasonal snowfall is 36.7 inches at wells used in the county. Blowing Rock and 55.1 inches at Grandfather The county’s major watersheds are in the New River, Mountain. The greatest snow depth at any one time Watauga River, and Yadkin River basins. The quality of during the period of record was 36 inches at Blowing water in most of these streams is excellent. The Rock, recorded on March 14, 1993, and 29 inches at smaller swift-flowing streams in these watersheds Grandfather Mountain, recorded on January 27, 1977. support good populations of trout. The Watauga River On an average, 30 days per year have at least 1 inch and the New River also support a population of of snow on the ground at Blowing Rock and about 44 smallmouth bass. days per year have at least 1 inch at Grandfather Mountain. The heaviest 1-day snowfall on record was Climate 24.0 inches at Blowing Rock, occurring on March 13, 1993, and 22.5 inches at Grandfather Mountain, Tables 1A and 1B give data on temperature and occurring on January 10, 1996. precipitation for the survey area as recorded at Blowing The average relative humidity in mid-afternoon is Rock and Grandfather Mountain, North Carolina, in the about 58 percent. Humidity is higher at night, and the period 1961 to 1990. Tables 2A and 2B show probable average at dawn is about 90 percent. The sun shines dates of the first freeze in fall and the last freeze in 58 percent of the time possible in summer and 57 spring. Tables 3A and 3B provide data on the length of percent in winter. The prevailing wind is highly the growing season. dependent on location in this mountainous county. In winter, the average temperature is 31.4 degrees F Average windspeed in valley locations is highest, at Blowing Rock and 29.2 degrees F at Grandfather around 12 miles per hour, in winter and early spring. Mountain. The average daily minimum temperature in winter is 22.4 degrees at Blowing Rock and 21.0 How This Survey Was Made degrees at Grandfather Mountain. The lowest temperature on record at these sites was -24 degrees This survey was made to provide information about at Blowing Rock and -32 degrees at Grandfather the soils and miscellaneous areas in the survey area. Mountain, both recorded on January 21, 1985. In The information includes a description of the soils and summer, the average temperature is 65.5 degrees at miscellaneous areas and their location and a Blowing Rock and 61.4 degrees at Grandfather discussion of their suitability, limitations, and Mountain. The average daily maximum temperature in management for specified uses. Soil scientists summer is 74.4 degrees at Blowing Rock and 68.1 observed the steepness, length, and shape of the degrees at Grandfather Mountain. The highest recorded slopes; the general pattern of drainage; the kinds of temperature at Blowing Rock was 92 degrees, recorded crops and native plants; and the kinds of bedrock. They on July 22, 1993, and that at Grandfather Mountain dug many holes to study the soil profile, which is the was 91 degrees, recorded on August 27, 1968. sequence of natural layers, or horizons, in a soil. The Growing degree days are shown in tables 1A and profile extends from the surface down into the 1B. They are equivalent to “heat units”. During the unconsolidated material in which the soil formed. The month, growing degree days accumulate by the unconsolidated material is devoid of roots and other amount that the average temperature each day living organisms and has not been changed by other exceeds a base temperature (40 degrees F). The biological activity. normal monthly accumulation is used to schedule The soils and miscellaneous areas in the survey single or successive plantings of a crop between the area are in an orderly pattern that is related to the last freeze in spring and the first freeze in fall. geology, landforms, relief, climate, and natural The average annual precipitation is 65.15 inches at vegetation of the area. Each kind of soil and Blowing Rock and 62.28 inches at Grandfather miscellaneous area is associated with a particular kind Mountain. Of this, about 45 percent usually falls in May of landform or with a segment of the landform. By through September. The growing season for most crops observing the soils and miscellaneous areas in the falls within this period. The heaviest 1-day precipitation survey area and relating their position to specific event during the period of record was 8.20 inches at segments of the landform, a soil scientist develops a Blowing Rock, on January 15, 1995, and 6.38 inches at concept or model of how they were formed. Thus, Grandfather Mountain, on March 12, 1963. during mapping, this model enables the soil scientist to Thunderstorms occur on about 45 days each year, and predict with a considerable degree of accuracy the kind most occur between May and August. of soil or miscellaneous area at a specific location on the landscape. Watauga County, North Carolina 15

Commonly, individual soils on the landscape merge from field or plot experiments on the same kinds of into one another as their characteristics gradually soil. change. To construct an accurate soil map, however, Predictions about soil behavior are based not only soil scientists must determine the boundaries between on soil properties but also on such variables as climate the soils. They can observe only a limited number of and biological activity. Soil conditions are predictable soil profiles. Nevertheless, these observations, over long periods of time, but they are not predictable supplemented by an understanding of the soil- from year to year. For example, soil scientists can vegetation-landscape relationship, are sufficient to predict with a fairly high degree of accuracy that a verify predictions of the kinds of soil in an area and to given soil will have a high water table within certain determine the boundaries. depths in most years, but they cannot predict that a Soil scientists recorded the characteristics of the high water table will always be at a specific level in the soil profiles that they studied. They noted soil color, soil on a specific date. texture, size and shape of soil aggregates, kind and After soil scientists located and identified the amount of rock fragments, distribution of plant roots, significant natural bodies of soil in the survey area, reaction, and other features that enable them to they drew the boundaries of these bodies on aerial identify soils. After describing the soils in the survey photographs and identified each as a specific map unit. area and determining their properties, the soil Aerial photographs show trees, buildings, fields, roads, scientists assigned the soils to taxonomic classes and rivers, all of which help in locating boundaries (units). Taxonomic classes are concepts. Each accurately. taxonomic class has a set of soil characteristics with The descriptions, names, and delineations of the precisely defined limits. The classes are used as a soils in this survey area do not fully agree with those of basis for comparison to classify soils systematically. the soils in adjacent survey areas. Differences are the Soil taxonomy, the system of taxonomic classification result of a better knowledge of soils, modifications in used in the United States, is based mainly on the kind series concepts, or variations in the intensity of and character of soil properties and the arrangement of mapping or in the extent of the soils in the survey horizons within the profile. After the soil scientists areas. classified and named the soils in the survey area, they compared the individual soils with similar soils in the Survey Procedures same taxonomic class in other areas so that they could confirm data and assemble additional data based The general procedures followed in making his on experience and research. survey are described in the ”National Soil Survey While a soil survey is in progress, samples of some Handbook” of the Natural Resources Conservation of the soils in the area generally are collected for Service and in the “Soil Survey Manual” (9, 14). laboratory analyses and for engineering tests. Soil Before fieldwork began, preliminary boundaries of scientists interpret the data from these analyses and slopes and landforms were plotted stereoscopically on tests as well as the field-observed characteristics and aerial photographs taken in 1984 at a scale of the soil properties to determine the expected behavior 1:12,000. United States Geological Survey geologic of the soils under different uses. Interpretations for all and topographic maps at a scale of 1:24,000 were also of the soils are field tested through observation of the used. Map units were then designed according to the soils in different uses and under different levels of pattern of soils interpreted from photographs, maps, management. Some interpretations are modified to fit and field observations. local conditions, and some new interpretations are After completion of the soil mapping on aerial developed to meet local needs. Data are assembled photographs, map unit delineations were transferred by from other sources, such as research information, hand to orthophotographs at a scale of 1:12,000. production records, and field experience of specialists. Surface drainage and cultural features were transferred For example, data on crop yields under defined levels from 7.5-minute topographic maps of the United States of management are assembled from farm records and Geological Survey.

17

General Soil Map Units

The general soil map shows broad areas that have a suitability of large areas for general land uses. Areas of distinctive pattern of soils, relief, and drainage. Each suitable soils can be identified on the map. Likewise, map unit on the general soil map is a unique natural areas where the soils are not suitable can be identified. landscape. Typically, it consists of one or more major Because of its small scale, the map is not suitable soils or miscellaneous areas and some minor soils or for planning the management of a farm or field or for miscellaneous areas. It is named for the major soils or selecting a site for a road or building or other structure. miscellaneous areas. The components of one map unit The soils in any one map unit differ from place to place can occur in another but in a different pattern. in slope, depth, drainage, and other characteristics that The general soil map can be used to compare the affect management.

19

Detailed Soil Map Units

The map units delineated on the detailed soil maps observations to identify all the soils and miscellaneous represent the soils or miscellaneous areas in the areas on the landscape. survey area. The map unit descriptions in this section, The presence of included areas in a map unit in no along with the maps, can be used to determine the way diminishes the usefulness or accuracy of the data. suitability and potential of a unit for specific uses. They The objective of mapping is not to delineate pure also can be used to plan the management needed for taxonomic classes but rather to separate the those uses. landscape into landforms or landform segments that A map unit delineation on a map represents an area have similar use and management requirements. The dominated by one or more major kinds of soil or delineation of such segments on the map provides miscellaneous areas. A map unit is identified and sufficient information for the development of resource named according to the taxonomic classification of the plans. If intensive use of small areas is planned, dominant soils. Within a taxonomic class there are however, onsite investigation is needed to define and precisely defined limits for the properties of the soils. locate the soils and miscellaneous areas. On the landscape, however, the soils are natural An identifying symbol precedes the map unit name phenomena, and they have the characteristic variability in the map unit descriptions. Each description includes of all natural phenomena. Thus, the range of some general facts about the unit and gives the principal observed properties may extend beyond the limits hazards and limitations to be considered in planning for defined for a taxonomic class. Areas of soils of a specific uses. single taxonomic class rarely, if ever, can be mapped Soils that have profiles that are almost alike make without including areas of other taxonomic classes. up a soil series. Except for differences in texture of the Consequently, every map unit is made up of the soils surface layer, all the soils of a series have major or miscellaneous areas for which it is named and some horizons that are similar in composition, thickness, and “included” areas that belong to other taxonomic arrangement. classes. Soils of one series can differ in texture of the Most included soils have properties similar to those surface layer, slope, stoniness, salinity, degree of of the dominant soil or soils in the map unit, and thus erosion, and other characteristics that affect their use. they do not affect use and management. These are On the basis of such differences, a soil series is called noncontrasting, or similar, inclusions. They may divided into soil phases. Most of the areas shown on or may not be mentioned in the map unit description. the detailed soil maps are phases of soil series. The Other included soils and miscellaneous areas, name of a soil phase commonly indicates a feature however, have properties and behavioral that affects use or management. For example, Porters characteristics divergent enough to affect use or to loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, stony, is a phase of the require different management. These are called Porters series. contrasting, or dissimilar, inclusions. They generally are Some map units are made up of two or more major in small areas and could not be mapped separately soils or miscellaneous areas. These map units are because of the scale used. Some small areas of complexes. A complex consists of two or more soils or strongly contrasting soils or miscellaneous areas are miscellaneous areas in such an intricate pattern or in identified by a special symbol on the maps. The such small areas that they cannot be shown separately included areas of contrasting soils or miscellaneous on the maps. The pattern and proportion of the soils or areas are mentioned in the map unit descriptions. A miscellaneous areas are somewhat similar in all areas. few included areas may not have been observed, and Burton-Wayah complex, windswept, 30 to 50 percent consequently they are not mentioned in the slopes, stony, is an example. descriptions, especially where the pattern was so This survey includes miscellaneous areas. Such complex that it was impractical to make enough areas have little or no soil material and support little or no vegetation. Pits, quarry, is an example. 20 Soil Survey

Table 4 gives the acreage and proportionate extent Bedrock: of each map unit. Other tables give properties of the 29 to 62 inches—soft, weathered granodioritic gneiss soils and the limitations, capabilities, and potentials for many uses. The Glossary defines many of the terms Soil Properties and Qualities used in describing the soils or miscellaneous areas. Depth class: Moderately deep Drainage class: Ashe—somewhat excessively drained; AcD—Ashe-Chestnut complex, 15 to 30 Chestnut—well drained percent slopes, very rocky General texture class: Loamy Permeability: Moderately rapid Depth to seasonal high water table: More than 6.0 feet Setting Hazard of flooding: None Landscape: Low or intermediate mountains and Shrink-swell potential: Low intermountain hills Slope class: Moderately steep Elevation range: 1,700 to 4,200 feet Extent of erosion: Slight, less than 25 percent of the Landform: Mountain slopes and ridges original surface layer has been removed Landform position: Summits, shoulders, and side Hazard of water erosion: Very severe slopes Rock fragments on the surface: Widely scattered Shape of areas: Long and narrow or irregular surface stones and cobbles that average about 10 Size of areas: 2 to about 50 acres to 24 inches in diameter and 3 to 25 feet apart Organic matter content of the surface layer: Moderately Composition low to high Ashe soil and similar inclusions: 45 percent Potential for frost action: Moderate Chestnut soil and similar inclusions: 40 percent Soil reaction: Extremely acid to moderately acid Dissimilar inclusions: 15 percent (including 5 percent throughout the profile, except where surface layers areas of rock outcrop) have been limed Parent material: Residuum affected by soil creep in the Typical Profile upper part, weathered from felsic to mafic, igneous Ashe or high-grade metamorphic rock Depth to bedrock: Ashe—20 to 40 inches to hard Surface layer: bedrock; Chestnut—20 to 40 inches to soft 0 to 7 inches—dark brown and brown gravelly fine bedrock sandy loam Subsoil: Minor Components 7 to 21 inches—dark yellowish brown gravelly fine Dissimilar inclusions: sandy loam • Random areas of soils that have soft bedrock at a Underlying material: depth of 40 to 60 inches 21 to 29 inches—yellowish brown gravelly loamy fine • Random areas of soils that have more than 35 sand saprolite percent rock fragments throughout and have bedrock at a depth of 20 to 40 inches Bedrock: • Cleveland soils that have hard bedrock at a depth of 29 to 34 inches—hard, unweathered granitic gneiss 10 to 20 inches, near rock outcrops Chestnut Similar inclusions: Surface layer: • Random areas of soils that have more mica in the 0 to 5 inches—brown and yellowish brown fine sandy subsoil loam • Random areas of soils that have more clay in the Subsoil: subsoil 5 to 22 inches—light yellowish brown fine sandy loam Land Use Underlying material: 22 to 29 inches—light yellowish brown, brownish Dominant Uses: Woodland yellow, and light gray sandy loam saprolite Other Uses: Pasture and building site development Watauga County, North Carolina 21

Agricultural Development Local roads and streets Suitability: Poorly suited Cropland Management concerns: Slope, depth to bedrock, and Suitability: Unsuited frost action Management concerns: Lawns and landscaping • This map unit is severely limited for crop production because of the equipment limitation, hazard of erosion, Suitability: Poorly suited extent of rock outcrops, surface stones, depth to Management concerns: Slope, hazard of erosion, bedrock, and droughtiness. extent of rock outcrops, surface stones, Management measures and considerations: droughtiness, frost action, and depth to bedrock • A site on better suited soils should be selected. Interpretive Group Pasture and hayland Land capability classification: 6e Suitability for pasture: Poorly suited Suitability for hayland: Unsuited Management concerns: Equipment limitation, hazard of AcE—Ashe-Chestnut complex, 30 to 50 erosion, extent of rock outcrops, surface stones, percent slopes, very rocky and droughtiness Management measures and considerations: Setting • This map unit is severely limited for hayland Landscape: Low or intermediate mountains and production because of the limitations listed above. intermountain hills • A site on better suited soils should be selected. Elevation range: 1,700 to 4,200 feet Orchards and ornamental crops Landform: Mountain slopes Landform position: Side slopes Suitability: Unsuited Shape of areas: Long and narrow or irregular Management concerns: Size of areas: 2 to about 500 acres • This map unit is severely limited for the production of orchards and ornamental crops because of the slope, Composition depth to bedrock, and extent of rock outcrops. Ashe soil and similar inclusions: 55 percent Management measures and considerations: Chestnut soil and similar inclusions: 25 percent • A site on better suited soils should be selected. Dissimilar inclusions: 20 percent (including 5 percent Woodland Management and Productivity areas of rock outcrop) Suitability: Suited Typical Profile Potential for commercial species: Moderate or low for Ashe hardwoods Productivity class: Ashe—low for chestnut oak; Surface layer: Chestnut—moderate for chestnut oak 0 to 7 inches—dark brown and brown gravelly fine Management concerns: Hazard of erosion, equipment sandy loam limitation, seedling mortality, hazard of erosion, Subsoil: and windthrow hazard 7 to 21 inches—dark yellowish brown gravelly fine sandy loam Urban Development Underlying material: Dwellings 21 to 29 inches—yellowish brown gravelly loamy fine sand saprolite Suitability: Poorly suited Management concerns: Ashe—hazard of erosion, Bedrock: corrosivity, and depth to hard bedrock; Chestnut— 29 to 34 inches—hard, unweathered granitic gneiss hazard of erosion and corrosivity Chestnut Septic tank absorption fields Surface layer: Suitability: Poorly suited 0 to 5 inches—brown and yellowish brown fine sandy Management concerns: Slope and depth to bedrock loam 22 Soil Survey

Subsoil: • Random areas of soils that have more clay in the 5 to 22 inches—light yellowish brown fine sandy loam subsoil Underlying material: Land Use 22 to 29 inches—light yellowish brown, brownish Dominant Uses: Woodland yellow, and light gray sandy loam saprolite Other Uses: Pasture and building site development Bedrock: 29 to 62 inches—soft, weathered granodioritic gneiss Agricultural Development Soil Properties and Qualities Cropland Depth class: Moderately deep Suitability: Unsuited Drainage class: Ashe—somewhat excessively drained; Management concerns: Chestnut—well drained • This map unit is severely limited for crop production General texture class: Loamy because of the equipment limitation, hazard of erosion, Permeability: Moderately rapid extent of rock outcrops, surface stones, depth to Depth to seasonal high water table: More than 6.0 feet bedrock, and droughtiness. Hazard of flooding: None Management measures and considerations: Shrink-swell potential: Low • A site on better suited soils should be selected. Slope class: Steep Pasture and hayland Extent of erosion: Slight, less than 25 percent of the original surface layer has been removed Suitability for pasture: Poorly suited Hazard of water erosion: Very severe Suitability for hayland: Unsuited Rock fragments on the surface: Widely scattered Management concerns: Equipment limitation, hazard of surface stones and cobbles that average about 10 erosion, extent of rock outcrops, surface stones, to 24 inches in diameter and 3 to 25 feet apart and droughtiness Organic matter content of the surface layer: Moderately Management measures and considerations: low to high • This map unit is severely limited for hayland Potential for frost action: Moderate production because of the limitations listed above. Soil reaction: Extremely acid to moderately acid • A site on better suited soils should be selected. throughout the profile, except where surface layers Orchards and ornamental crops have been limed Parent material: Residuum affected by soil creep in the Suitability: Unsuited upper part, weathered from felsic to mafic, igneous Management concerns: or high-grade metamorphic rock • This map unit is severely limited for the production of Depth to bedrock: Ashe—20 to 40 inches to hard orchards and ornamental crops because of the slope, bedrock; Chestnut—20 to 40 inches to soft depth to bedrock, and extent of rock outcrops. bedrock Management measures and considerations: • A site on better suited soils should be selected. Minor Components Woodland Management and Productivity Dissimilar inclusions: • Random areas of soils that have soft bedrock at a Suitability: Poorly suited depth of 40 to 60 inches Potential for commercial species: Moderate or low for • Random areas of very deep Edneyville soils hardwoods • Random areas of soils that have more than 35 Productivity class: Ashe—low for chestnut oak; percent rock fragments throughout and have bedrock Chestnut—moderate for chestnut oak at a depth of 20 to 40 inches Management concerns: Equipment limitation, hazard of • Cullasaja soils that have a thick dark surface layer erosion, seedling mortality, and windthrow hazard and more than 35 percent rock fragments throughout, at the heads of drains and along drainageways Urban Development • Cleveland soils that have hard bedrock at a depth of 10 to 20 inches, near rock outcrops Dwellings Similar inclusions: Suitability: Poorly suited • Random areas of soils that have more mica in the Management concerns: Ashe—slope, hazard of subsoil erosion, corrosivity, and depth to hard bedrock; Watauga County, North Carolina 23

Chestnut—slope, hazard of erosion, and Bedrock: corrosivity 29 to 34 inches—hard, unweathered granitic gneiss Septic tank absorption fields Chestnut Suitability: Poorly suited Surface layer: Management concerns: Slope and depth to bedrock 0 to 5 inches—brown and yellowish brown fine sandy loam Local roads and streets Subsoil: Suitability: Poorly suited 5 to 22 inches—light yellowish brown fine sandy loam Management concerns: Slope, depth to bedrock, and frost action Underlying material: 22 to 29 inches—light yellowish brown, brownish Lawns and landscaping yellow, and light gray sandy loam saprolite Suitability: Poorly suited Bedrock: Management concerns: Slope, hazard of erosion, 29 to 62 inches—soft, weathered granodioritic gneiss extent of rock outcrops, surface stones, droughtiness, frost action, and depth to bedrock Soil Properties and Qualities Interpretive Group Depth class: Moderately deep Drainage class: Ashe—somewhat excessively drained; Land capability classification: 7e Chestnut—well drained General texture class: Loamy AcF—Ashe-Chestnut complex, 50 to 95 Permeability: Moderately rapid percent slopes, very rocky Depth to seasonal high water table: More than 6.0 feet Hazard of flooding: None Shrink-swell potential: Low Setting Slope class: Very steep Landscape: Low or intermediate mountains and Extent of erosion: Slight, less than 25 percent of the intermountain hills original surface layer has been removed Elevation range: 1,700 to 4,200 feet Hazard of water erosion: Very severe Landform: Mountain slopes Rock fragments on the surface: Widely scattered Landform position: Side slopes surface stones and cobbles that average about 10 Shape of areas: Long and narrow or irregular to 24 inches in diameter and 3 to 25 feet apart Size of areas: 2 to about 400 acres Organic matter content of the surface layer: Moderately low to high Composition Potential for frost action: Moderate Ashe soil and similar inclusions: 55 percent Soil reaction: Extremely acid to moderately acid Chestnut soil and similar inclusions: 30 percent throughout the profile, except where surface layers Dissimilar inclusions: 15 percent (including 5 percent have been limed areas of rock outcrop) Parent material: Residuum affected by soil creep in the upper part, weathered from felsic to mafic, igneous Typical Profile or high-grade metamorphic rock Depth to bedrock: Ashe—20 to 40 inches to hard Ashe bedrock; Chestnut—20 to 40 inches to soft Surface layer: bedrock 0 to 7 inches—dark brown and brown gravelly fine Minor Components sandy loam Dissimilar inclusions: Subsoil: • Random areas of soils that have soft bedrock at a 7 to 21 inches—dark yellowish brown gravelly fine depth of 40 to 60 inches sandy loam • Random areas of very deep Edneyville soils Underlying material: • Random areas of soils that have more than 35 21 to 29 inches—yellowish brown gravelly loamy fine percent rock fragments throughout and have bedrock sand saprolite at a depth of 20 to 40 inches 24 Soil Survey

• Cullasaja soils that have a thick dark surface layer Management concerns: Equipment limitation, hazard of and more than 35 percent rock fragments throughout, erosion, seedling mortality, and windthrow hazard at the heads of drains and along drainageways • Cleveland soils that have hard bedrock at a depth of Urban Development 10 to 20 inches, near rock outcrops Dwellings Similar inclusions: Suitability: Unsuited • Random areas of soils that have more mica in the Management concerns: subsoil • This map unit is severely limited for dwellings • Random areas of soils that have more clay in the because of the slope, hazard of erosion, corrosivity, subsoil and depth to hard bedrock in the Ashe soil. Management measures and considerations: Land Use • A site on better suited soils should be selected. Dominant Uses: Woodland Septic tank absorption fields Other Uses: Pasture and building site development Suitability: Unsuited Management concerns: Agricultural Development • This map unit is severely limited for septic tank Cropland absorption fields because of the slope and depth to bedrock. Suitability: Unsuited Management measures and considerations: Management concerns: • A site on better suited soils should be selected. • This map unit is severely limited for crop production • The local Health Department should be contacted for because of the equipment limitation, hazard of erosion, guidance on sanitary facilities. extent of rock outcrops, surface stones, depth to bedrock, and droughtiness. Local roads and streets Management measures and considerations: Suitability: Unsuited • A site on better suited soils should be selected. Management concerns: Pasture and hayland • This map unit is severely limited for roads and streets because of the slope, depth to bedrock, and Suitability for pasture: Poorly suited frost action. Suitability for hayland: Unsuited Management measures and considerations: Management concerns: • A site on better suited soils should be selected. • This map unit is severely limited for the production of pasture and hay crops because of the equipment Lawns and landscaping limitation, hazard of erosion, extent of rock outcrops, Suitability: Unsuited surface stones, and droughtiness. Management concerns: Management measures and considerations: • This map unit is severely limited for lawns and • A site on better suited soils should be selected. landscaping because of the slope, hazard of erosion, Orchards and ornamental crops extent of rock outcrops, surface stones, droughtiness, frost action, and depth to bedrock. Suitability: Unsuited Management measures and considerations: Management concerns: • A site on better suited soils should be selected. • This map unit is severely limited for the production of orchards and ornamental crops because of the slope, Interpretive Group depth to bedrock, and extent of rock outcrops. Land capability classification: 7e Management measures and considerations: • A site on better suited soils should be selected. ArF—Ashe-Cleveland-Rock outcrop Woodland Management and Productivity complex, 50 to 95 percent slopes, extremely bouldery Suitability: Poorly suited Potential for commercial species: Moderate or low for Setting hardwoods Productivity class: Ashe—low for chestnut oak; Landscape: Low or intermediate mountains and Chestnut—moderate for chestnut oak intermountain hills Watauga County, North Carolina 25

Elevation range: 1,700 to 4,200 feet Hazard of water erosion: Very severe Landform: Mountain slopes Rock fragments on the surface: About 3 to 15 percent Landform position: Side slopes surface stones and boulders that average about 15 Shape of areas: Irregular to 48 inches in diameter and 3 to 10 feet apart Size of areas: 3 to about 150 acres Organic matter content of the surface layer: Low to high Composition Potential for frost action: Moderate Ashe soil and similar inclusions: 40 percent Soil reaction: Ashe—extremely acid to moderately acid Cleveland soil and similar inclusions: 30 percent throughout, except where surface layers have been Rock outcrop: 25 percent limed; Cleveland—very strongly acid to moderately Dissimilar inclusions: 5 percent acid throughout, except where surface layers have been limed Typical Profile Parent material: Residuum affected by soil creep in the Ashe upper part, weathered from felsic to mafic, igneous or high-grade metamorphic rock Surface layer: Depth to bedrock: Ashe—20 to 40 inches to hard 0 to 7 inches—dark brown and brown gravelly fine bedrock; Cleveland—10 to 20 inches to hard sandy loam bedrock Subsoil: Other distinctive properties: Random areas of seeps 7 to 21 inches—dark yellowish brown gravelly fine and springs; water movement along bedrock sandy loam contacts Underlying material: Minor Components 21 to 29 inches—yellowish brown gravelly loamy fine Dissimilar inclusions: sand saprolite • Cullasaja soils that have more rock fragments in the Bedrock: subsoil than the Ashe and Cleveland soils and have 29 to 34 inches—hard, unweathered granitic gneiss hard bedrock at a depth of more than 60 inches, in drainageways and on benches below rock outcrops Cleveland • Random areas that have hard bedrock at a depth of Surface layer: less than 10 inches 0 to 3 inches—brown cobbly fine sandy loam • Areas covered mostly by stones and boulders, below rock outcrops and in drainageways Subsoil: 3 to 15 inches—yellowish brown cobbly sandy loam Similar inclusions: • Ashe and Cleveland soils that are loam in the fine- Bedrock: earth fraction of the surface layer 15 to 20 inches—hard, unweathered granitic gneiss • Random areas of Chestnut soils that have soft Rock outcrop bedrock at a depth of 20 to 40 inches This part of the map unit predominantly consists of Land Use granitic gneiss bedrock. Dominant Uses: Unmanaged woodland and wildlife Properties and Qualities habitat of the Ashe and Cleveland Soils Other Uses: Recreation Depth class: Ashe—moderately deep; Cleveland— Agricultural Development shallow Drainage class: Somewhat excessively drained Cropland General texture class: Loamy Permeability: Moderately rapid Suitability: Unsuited Depth to seasonal high water table: More than 6.0 feet Management concerns: Hazard of flooding: None • This map unit is severely limited for crop production Shrink-swell potential: Low because of the extent of rock outcrops and the Slope class: Very steep extremely bouldery surface. Extent of erosion: Slight, less than 25 percent of the Management measures and considerations: original surface layer has been removed • A site on better suited soils should be selected. 26 Soil Survey

Pasture and hayland streets because of the slope, depth to bedrock, and extent of rock outcrops. Suitability: Unsuited Management measures and considerations: Management concerns: • A site on better suited soils should be selected. • This map unit is severely limited for the production of pasture and hay crops because of the extent of rock Lawns and landscaping outcrops and the extremely bouldery surface. Suitability: Unsuited Management measures and considerations: Management concerns: • A site on better suited soils should be selected. • This map unit is severely limited for lawns and Orchards and ornamental crops landscaping because of the slope, depth to bedrock, and extent of rock outcrops. Suitability: Unsuited Management measures and considerations: Management concerns: • A site on better suited soils should be selected. • This map unit is severely limited for orchards and ornamental crops because of the slope, depth to Interpretive Group bedrock, extent of rock outcrops, and the extremely Land capability classification: Ashe and Cleveland—7e; bouldery surface. Rock outcrop—8s Management measures and considerations: • A site on better suited soils should be selected. Woodland Management and Productivity BaC—Balsam very cobbly loam, windswept, 8 to 15 percent slopes, Suitability: Unsuited to commercial production extremely bouldery Productivity class: Low or very low Management concerns: Setting • This map unit is severely limited for timber production because of the hazard or erosion, Landscape: High mountains equipment limitation, and windthrow hazard. Elevation range: 4,000 to 5,800 feet Management measures and considerations: Landform: Coves, drainageways, colluvial fans, and • A site on better suited soils should be selected. benches Landform position: Footslopes and toeslopes Urban Development Shape of areas: Irregular or long and narrow Size of areas: 4 to about 30 acres Dwellings Composition Suitability: Unsuited Balsam soil and similar inclusions: 85 percent Management concerns: Dissimilar inclusions: 15 percent • This map unit is severely limited for dwellings because of the slope, depth to bedrock, and extent of Typical Profile rock outcrops. Management measures and considerations: Surface layer: • A site on better suited soils should be selected. 0 to 11 inches—very dark brown very cobbly loam Septic tank absorption fields Subsoil: 11 to 65 inches—dark yellowish brown very cobbly Suitability: Unsuited sandy loam Management concerns: • This map unit is severely limited for septic tanks Soil Properties and Qualities because of the slope, depth to bedrock, and extent of rock outcrops. Depth class: Very deep Management measures and considerations: Drainage class: Well drained • A site on better suited soils should be selected. General texture class: Loamy with many rock fragments Local roads and streets Permeability: Moderately rapid Suitability: Unsuited Depth to seasonal high water table: More than 6.0 feet Management concerns: Hazard of flooding: None • This map unit is severely limited for roads and Shrink-swell potential: Low Watauga County, North Carolina 27

Slope class: Strongly sloping Land Use Extent of erosion: Slight, less than 25 percent of the Dominant Uses: Unmanaged woodland and wildlife original surface layer has been removed habitat Hazard of water erosion: Severe Other Uses: Urban development and recreation Rock fragments on the surface: About 3 to 15 percent surface stones and boulders that average about 15 Agricultural Development to 48 inches in diameter and 3 to 10 feet apart Organic matter content of the surface layer: Very high Cropland Potential for frost action: Moderate Suitability: Unsuited Soil reaction: Extremely acid to moderately acid Management concerns: throughout the profile, except where surface layers • This map unit is severely limited for crop production have been limed because of the rock fragments on and in the soil, the Special climatic conditions: Soil subject to extreme hazard of erosion, and a short growing season. freezing and rime ice in winter; high winds; high Management measures and considerations: amounts of rainfall; and a short growing season • Removing the surface stones would improve Parent material: Colluvium derived from felsic to mafic, usability but would do little to improve soil tillage igneous or high-grade metamorphic rock because the surface layer has a large amount of rock Depth to bedrock: More than 72 inches fragments. Other distinctive properties: Random areas of seeps • A site on better suited soils should be selected. and springs; soil has one-third or higher content of rock fragments; soil may become saturated and Pasture and hayland unstable during abnormally high amounts of rainfall Suitability: Unsuited and have the potential to produce serious Management concerns: landslides and localized mass movement of soil • This map unit is severely limited for the production of material pasture and hay crops because of the rock fragments on and in the soil and extreme climatic conditions. Minor Components Management measures and considerations: Dissimilar inclusions: • Removing the surface stones would improve • Small random areas of rock outcrop usability but would do little to improve soil tillage • Areas that are covered mostly by stones and because the surface layer has a large amount of rock boulders, in drainageways and below rock outcrop fragments. • Random areas of soils that have fewer rock • A site on better suited soils should be selected. fragments throughout than the Balsam soil Orchards and ornamental crops • Random areas of soils that have a water table at a depth of less than 60 inches due to prolonged Suitability: Poorly suited to Fraser fir; unsuited to underground seepage orchards and other ornamental crops • Burton soils that formed in residuum and have hard Management concerns: bedrock at a depth of 20 to 40 inches, adjacent to rock • This map unit is severely limited for the production of outcrops orchards and other ornamental crops because of the • Very deep Wayah soils that formed in residuum and rock fragments on and in the soil and extreme climatic have fewer rock fragments in the subsoil than the conditions. Balsam soil Management measures and considerations: • Random areas of soils that have many rock • Removing the surface stones would improve fragments throughout the soil profile and have hard usability but would do little to improve soil tillage bedrock at a depth of less than 60 inches because the surface layer has a large amount of rock • Areas of very poorly drained Longhope soils in fragments. depressions • A site on better suited soils should be selected. Woodland Management and Productivity Similar inclusions: • Balsam soils that are sandy loam or fine sandy loam Suitability: Unsuited to commercial production in the fine-earth fraction of the surface layer Productivity class: Low • Balsam soils that have fewer rock fragments on the Management concerns: surface • This map unit is severely limited for timber 28 Soil Survey

production because of rock fragments on and in the Shape of areas: Irregular or long and narrow soil, low productivity, and extreme climatic conditions. Size of areas: 4 to about 30 acres Management measures and considerations: Composition • Damaging winds may occur year-round. • Freezing of new plant tissue is a potential problem in Balsam soil and similar inclusions: 85 percent spring and may result in deformed trees with broken Dissimilar inclusions: 15 percent limbs and treetops. Typical Profile • A site on better suited soils should be selected. • Included in this map unit are areas that are protected Surface layer: from windswept conditions due to surrounding higher 0 to 11 inches—very dark brown very cobbly loam mountain ranges. Soils in these areas are marginal for Subsoil: commercial timber production. 11 to 65 inches—dark yellowish brown very cobbly sandy loam Urban Development Soil Properties and Qualities Dwellings Depth class: Very deep Suitability: Poorly suited Drainage class: Well drained Management concerns: Slope, large rock fragments on General texture class: Loamy with many rock and in the soil, hazard of erosion, corrosivity, fragments extreme climatic conditions, overland water, and Permeability: Moderately rapid seeps and springs Depth to seasonal high water table: More than 6.0 feet Septic tank absorption fields Hazard of flooding: None Shrink-swell potential: Low Suitability: Poorly suited Slope class: Moderately steep Management concerns: Slope, large rock fragments on Extent of erosion: Slight, less than 25 percent of the and in the soil, overland water, seeps and springs, original surface layer has been removed and extreme freezing Hazard of water erosion: Very severe Local roads and streets Rock fragments on the surface: About 3 to 15 percent surface stones and boulders that average about 15 Suitability: Poorly suited to 48 inches in diameter and 3 to 10 feet apart Management concerns: Slope, large rock fragments on Organic matter content of the surface layer: Very high and in the soil, frost action, hazard of erosion, Potential for frost action: Moderate differential settling, and seeps and springs Soil reaction: Extremely acid to moderately acid Lawns and landscaping throughout the profile, except where surface layers have been limed Suitability: Poorly suited Special climatic conditions: Soil subject to extreme Management concerns: Slope, large rock fragments on freezing and rime ice in winter; high winds; high and in the soil, hazard of erosion, frost action, and amounts of rainfall; and a short growing season herbicide retention Parent material: Colluvium derived from felsic to mafic, Interpretive Group igneous or high-grade metamorphic rock Depth to bedrock: More than 72 inches Land capability classification: 7s Other distinctive properties: Random areas of seeps and springs; soil has one-third or higher content of BaD—Balsam very cobbly loam, rock fragments; soil may become saturated and windswept, 15 to 30 percent slopes, unstable during abnormally high amounts of rainfall extremely bouldery and have the potential to produce serious landslides and localized mass movement of soil material Setting Minor Components Landscape: High mountains Elevation range: 4,000 to 5,800 feet Dissimilar inclusions: Landform: Coves, drainageways, colluvial fans, and • Small random areas of rock outcrop benches • Areas covered mostly by stones and boulders, in Landform position: Footslopes and toeslopes drainageways and below rock outcrops Watauga County, North Carolina 29

• Random areas of soils that have fewer rock Orchards and ornamental crops fragments throughout than the Balsam soil Suitability: Poorly suited to Fraser fir; unsuited to • Random areas of soils that have a water table at a orchards and other ornamental crops depth of less than 60 inches due to prolonged Management concerns: underground seepage • This map unit is severely limited for the production of • Burton soils that formed in residuum and have hard orchards and other ornamental crops because of the bedrock at a depth of 20 to 40 inches, adjacent to rock rock fragments on and in the soil and extreme climatic outcrops conditions. • Very deep Wayah soils that formed in residuum and Management measures and considerations: have fewer rock fragments in the subsoil than the • Removing the surface stones would improve Balsam soil usability but would do little to improve soil tillage • Random areas of soils that have many rock because the surface layer has a large amount of rock fragments throughout and have hard bedrock at a fragments. depth of less than 60 inches • A site on better suited soils should be selected. Similar inclusions: Woodland Management and Productivity • Balsam soils that are sandy loam or fine sandy loam in the fine-earth fraction of the surface layer Suitability: Unsuited to commercial production • Balsam soils that have fewer rock fragments on the Productivity class: Low surface Management concerns: • This map unit is severely limited for timber Land Use production because of the rock fragments on and in the soil, low productivity, and extreme climatic conditions. Dominant Uses: Unmanaged woodland and wildlife Management measures and considerations: habitat • Damaging winds may occur year-round. Other Uses: Urban development and recreation • Freezing of new plant tissue is a potential problem in spring and may result in deformed trees with broken Agricultural Development limbs and treetops. Cropland • A site on better suited soils should be selected. • Included in this map unit are areas that are protected Suitability: Unsuited from windswept conditions due to surrounding higher Management concerns: mountain ranges. Soils in these areas are marginal for • This map unit is severely limited for crop production commercial timber production. because of the rock fragments on and in the soil, slope, hazard of erosion, and short growing season. Urban Development Management measures and considerations: • Removing the surface stones would improve Dwellings usability but would do little to improve soil tillage Suitability: Poorly suited because the surface layer has a large amount of rock Management concerns: Slope, large rock fragments on fragments. and in the soil, hazard of erosion, corrosivity, • A site on better suited soils should be selected. extreme climatic conditions, overland water, and seeps and springs Pasture and hayland Septic tank absorption fields Suitability: Unsuited Management concerns: Suitability: Poorly suited • This map unit is severely limited for the production of Management concerns: Slope, large rock fragments on pasture and hay crops because of rock fragments on and in the soil, overland water, and seeps and and in the soil and extreme climatic conditions. springs Management measures and considerations: Local roads and streets • Removing the surface stones would improve usability but would do little to improve soil tillage Suitability: Poorly suited because the surface layer has a large amount of rock Management concerns: Slope, large rock fragments on fragments. and in the soil, hazard of erosion, frost action, • A site on better suited soils should be selected. differential settling, and seeps and springs 30 Soil Survey

Lawns and landscaping throughout the profile, except where surface layers have been limed Suitability: Poorly suited Special climatic conditions: Soil subject to extreme Management concerns: Slope, large rock fragments on freezing and rime ice in winter; high winds; high and in the soil, hazard of erosion, frost action, and amounts of rainfall; and a short growing season herbicide retention Parent material: Colluvium derived from felsic to mafic, Interpretive Group igneous or high-grade metamorphic rock Depth to bedrock: More than 72 inches Land capability classification: 7s Other distinctive properties: Random areas of seeps and springs; soil has one-third or higher content of BaE—Balsam very cobbly loam, rock fragments; soil may become saturated and windswept, 30 to 50 percent slopes, unstable during abnormally high amounts of rainfall extremely bouldery and have the potential to produce serious landslides and localized mass movement of soil material Setting Minor Components Landscape: High mountains Elevation range: 4,000 to 5,800 feet Dissimilar inclusions: Landform: Coves, drainageways, colluvial fans, and • Small random areas of rock outcrop benches • Areas covered mostly by stones and boulders, in Landform position: Footslopes and toeslopes drainageways and below rock outcrops Shape of areas: Irregular or long and narrow • Random areas of soils that have fewer rock Size of areas: 4 to 80 acres fragments throughout than the Balsam soil • Random areas of soils that have a water table at a Composition depth of less than 60 inches due to prolonged Balsam soil and similar inclusions: 90 percent underground seepage Dissimilar inclusions: 10 percent • Burton soils that formed in residuum and have hard bedrock at a depth of 20 to 40 inches, adjacent to rock Typical Profile outcrops Surface layer: • Very deep Wayah soils that formed in residuum and 0 to 11 inches—very dark brown very cobbly loam have fewer rock fragments in the subsoil than the Balsam soil Subsoil: • Random areas of soils that have many rock 11 to 65 inches—dark yellowish brown very cobbly fragments throughout and have hard bedrock at a sandy loam depth of less than 60 inches Soil Properties and Qualities Similar inclusions: Depth class: Very deep • Balsam soils that are sandy loam or fine sandy loam Drainage class: Well drained in the fine-earth fraction of the surface layer General texture class: Loamy with many rock • Balsam soils that have fewer rock fragments on the fragments surface Permeability: Moderately rapid Land Use Depth to seasonal high water table: More than 6.0 feet Hazard of flooding: None Dominant Uses: Unmanaged woodland and wildlife Shrink-swell potential: Low habitat Slope class: Steep Other Uses: Urban development and recreation Extent of erosion: Slight, less than 25 percent of the original surface layer has been removed Agricultural Development Hazard of water erosion: Very severe Cropland Rock fragments on the surface: About 3 to 15 percent surface stones and boulders that average about 15 Suitability: Unsuited to 48 inches in diameter and 3 to 10 feet apart Management concerns: Organic matter content of the surface layer: Very high • This map unit is severely limited for crop production Potential for frost action: Moderate because of the rock fragments on and in the soil, Soil reaction: Extremely acid to moderately acid slope, hazard of erosion, and short growing season. Watauga County, North Carolina 31

Management measures and considerations: Urban Development • Removing the surface stones would improve usability but would do little to improve soil tillage Dwellings because the surface layer has a large amount of rock Suitability: Poorly suited fragments. Management concerns: Slope, large rock fragments on • A site on better suited soils should be selected. and in the soil, hazard of erosion, corrosivity, extreme climatic conditions, overland water, and Pasture and hayland seeps and springs Suitability: Unsuited Septic tank absorption fields Management concerns: • This map unit is severely limited for the production of Suitability: Poorly suited pasture and hay crops because of the rock fragments Management concerns: Slope, large rock fragments on on and in the soil, the slope, and the extreme climatic and in the soil, overland water, seeps and springs, conditions. and extreme freezing Management measures and considerations: Local roads and streets • Removing the surface stones would improve usability but would do little to improve soil tillage Suitability: Poorly suited because the surface layer has a large amount of rock Management concerns: Slope, large rock fragments on fragments. and in the soil, hazard of erosion, frost action, • A site on better suited soils should be selected. differential settling, and seeps and springs Lawns and landscaping Orchards and ornamental crops Suitability: Poorly suited Suitability: Poorly suited to Fraser fir; unsuited to Management concerns: Slope, large rock fragments on orchards and other ornamental crops and in the soil, hazard of erosion, frost action, and Management concerns: herbicide retention • This map unit is severely limited for the production of orchards and other ornamental crops because of the Interpretive Group slope, rock fragments on and in the soil, and extreme Land capability classification: 7s climatic conditions. Management measures and considerations: • Removing the surface stones would improve BoD—Brownwood fine sandy loam, 15 to usability but would do little to improve soil tillage 30 percent slopes, stony because the surface layer has a large amount of rock fragments. Setting • A site on better suited soils should be selected. Landscape: Low or intermediate mountains and Woodland Management and Productivity intermountain hills Elevation range: 1,700 to 3,200 feet Suitability: Unsuited to commercial production Landform: Mountain slopes and ridges Productivity class: Low Landform position: Summits, shoulders, and side Management concerns: slopes • This map unit is severely limited for timber Shape of areas: Long and narrow or irregular production because of the rock fragments on and in the Size of areas: 2 to about 50 acres soil, low productivity, and extreme climatic conditions. Management measures and considerations: Composition • Damaging winds may occur year-round. Brownwood soil and similar inclusions: 90 percent • Freezing of new plant tissue is a potential problem in Dissimilar inclusions: 10 percent spring and may result in deformed trees with broken limbs and treetops. Typical Profile • A site on better suited soils should be selected. Surface layer: • Included in this map unit are areas that are protected 0 to 5 inches—dark yellowish brown fine sandy loam from windswept conditions due to surrounding higher mountain ranges. Soils in these areas are marginal for Subsoil: commercial timber production. 5 to 23 inches—yellowish brown loam 32 Soil Survey

Bedrock: Land Use 23 to 62 inches—soft, weathered mica schist Dominant Uses: Woodland and pasture Other Uses: Hayland and building site development Soil Properties and Qualities Depth class: Moderately deep Agricultural Development Drainage class: Well drained General texture class: Loamy Cropland Permeability: Moderately rapid Suitability: Poorly suited Depth to seasonal high water table: More than 6.0 feet Management concerns: Equipment limitation, hazard of Hazard of flooding: None erosion, and surface stones Shrink-swell potential: Low Slope class: Moderately steep Pasture and hayland Extent of erosion: Slight, less than 25 percent of the Suitability for pasture: Suited original surface layer has been removed Suitability for hayland: Poorly suited Hazard of water erosion: Very severe Management concerns: Equipment limitation, hazard of Rock fragments on the surface: Widely scattered erosion, and surface stones surface stones that average about 10 to 24 inches in diameter and 25 to 80 feet apart Orchards and ornamental crops Organic matter content of the surface layer: Moderately Suitability: Poorly suited low to high Management concerns: Mainly slope and depth to Potential for frost action: Moderate bedrock; also warm aspect for Fraser fir production Soil reaction: Very strongly acid or strongly acid and low clay content for ball and burlap harvesting throughout the profile, except where surface layers have been limed Woodland Management and Productivity Parent material: Residuum affected by soil creep in the upper part, weathered from high-grade Suitability: Suited metamorphic rocks that have a high mica content Potential for commercial species: Moderate for Depth to bedrock: 20 to 40 inches to soft bedrock hardwoods Other distinctive properties: High mica content in the Productivity class: Moderate for chestnut oak subsoil; soil subject to downslope movement when Management concerns: Hazard of erosion, equipment lateral support is removed and to differential limitation, and windthrow hazard settling when used as fill material Urban Development Minor Components Dwellings Dissimilar inclusions: Suitability: Poorly suited • Random areas of soils that have soft bedrock at a Management concerns: Slope, hazard of erosion, depth of less than 20 inches corrosivity, and depth to bedrock • Random areas of Chandler soils that have soft bedrock at a depth of more than 60 inches Septic tank absorption fields • Random areas of Watauga soils that have soft Suitability: Poorly suited bedrock at a depth of more than 60 inches and have Management concerns: Slope and depth to bedrock more clay in the subsoil than the Brownwood soil • Saunook soils that have more organic matter in the Local roads and streets surface layer than the Brownwood soil, in concave Suitability: Poorly suited areas at the heads of drains and in saddles Management concerns: Slope, hazard of erosion, Similar inclusions: slippage, frost action, and depth to bedrock • Random areas of soils that have soft bedrock at a Lawns and landscaping depth of 40 to 60 inches • Random areas of soils that have more clay in the Suitability: Poorly suited subsoil Management concerns: Slope, hazard of erosion, • Random areas of Chestnut soils that have less mica surface stones, frost action, depth to bedrock, and in the subsoil droughtiness Watauga County, North Carolina 33

Interpretive Group Depth to bedrock: 20 to 40 inches to soft bedrock Other distinctive properties: High mica content in the Land capability classification: 6e subsoil; soil subject to downslope movement when lateral support is removed and to differential BoE—Brownwood fine sandy loam, 30 to settling when used as fill material 50 percent slopes, stony Minor Components Dissimilar inclusions: Setting • Random areas of soils that have soft bedrock at a Landscape: Low or intermediate mountains and depth of less than 20 inches intermountain hills • Random areas of Chandler soils that have soft Elevation range: 1,700 to 3,200 feet bedrock at a depth of more than 60 inches Landform: Mountain slopes and ridges • Random areas of Watauga soils that have soft Landform position: Shoulders and side slopes bedrock at a depth of more than 60 inches and have Shape of areas: Irregular more clay in the subsoil than the Brownwood soil Size of areas: 4 to about 50 acres • Saunook soils that have more organic matter in the surface layer than the Brownwood soil, in concave Composition areas at the heads of drains and on benches Brownwood soil and similar inclusions: 85 percent • Cullasaja soils that have more than 35 percent rock Dissimilar inclusions: 15 percent fragments throughout and have more organic matter in the surface layer than the Brownwood soil, in concave Typical Profile areas at the heads of drains Surface layer: • Random areas of Ashe soils that have hard bedrock 0 to 5 inches—dark yellowish brown fine sandy loam at a depth of 20 to 40 inches and have less mica in the subsoil than the Brownwood soil Subsoil: • Widely scattered areas of rock outcrop 5 to 23 inches—yellowish brown loam Similar inclusions: Bedrock: • Random areas of soils that have soft bedrock at a 23 to 62 inches—soft, weathered mica schist depth of 40 to 60 inches • Random areas of soils that have more clay in the Soil Properties and Qualities subsoil Depth class: Moderately deep • Random areas of Chestnut soils that have have less Drainage class: Well drained mica in the subsoil General texture class: Loamy Land Use Permeability: Moderately rapid Depth to seasonal high water table: More than 6.0 feet Dominant Uses: Woodland Hazard of flooding: None Other Uses: Pasture and building site development Shrink-swell potential: Low Slope class: Steep Agricultural Development Extent of erosion: Slight, less than 25 percent of the Cropland original surface layer has been removed Hazard of water erosion: Very severe Suitability: Unsuited Rock fragments on the surface: Widely scattered Management concerns: surface stones that average about 10 to 24 inches • This map unit is severely limited for crop production in diameter and 25 to 80 feet apart because of an equipment limitation and a hazard of Organic matter content of the surface layer: Moderately erosion. low to high Management measures and considerations: Potential for frost action: Moderate • A site on better suited soils should be selected. Soil reaction: Very strongly acid or strongly acid Pasture and hayland throughout the profile, except where surface layers have been limed Suitability for pasture: Poorly suited Parent material: Residuum affected by soil creep in the Suitability for hayland: Unsuited upper part, weathered from high-grade Management concerns: Equipment limitation, hazard of metamorphic rocks that have a high mica content erosion, and surface stones 34 Soil Survey

Orchards and ornamental crops Composition Suitability: Poorly suited Brownwood soil and similar inclusions: 85 percent Management concerns: Mainly slope and depth to Dissimilar inclusions: 15 percent bedrock; also warm aspect for Fraser fir production Typical Profile and low clay content for ball and burlap harvesting Surface layer: Woodland Management and Productivity 0 to 5 inches—dark yellowish brown fine sandy loam Suitability: Poorly suited Subsoil: Potential for commercial species: Moderate for 5 to 23 inches—yellowish brown loam hardwoods Bedrock: Productivity class: Moderate for chestnut oak 23 to 62 inches—soft, weathered mica schist Management concerns: Hazard of erosion, equipment limitation, and windthrow hazard Soil Properties and Qualities Depth class: Moderately deep Urban Development Drainage class: Well drained Dwellings General texture class: Loamy Permeability: Moderately rapid Suitability: Poorly suited Depth to seasonal high water table: More than 6.0 feet Management concerns: Slope, hazard of erosion, Hazard of flooding: None corrosivity, and depth to bedrock Shrink-swell potential: Low Slope class: Very steep Septic tank absorption fields Extent of erosion: Slight, less than 25 percent of the Suitability: Poorly suited original surface layer has been removed Management concerns: Slope and depth to bedrock Hazard of water erosion: Very severe Rock fragments on the surface: Widely scattered Local roads and streets surface stones that average about 10 to 24 inches Suitability: Poorly suited in diameter and 25 to 80 feet apart Management concerns: Slope, hazard of erosion, Organic matter content of the surface layer: Moderately slippage, frost action, and depth to bedrock low to high Potential for frost action: Moderate Lawns and landscaping Soil reaction: Very strongly acid or strongly acid Suitability: Poorly suited throughout the profile, except where surface layers Management concerns: Slope, hazard of erosion, have been limed surface stones, frost action, depth to bedrock, and Parent material: Residuum affected by soil creep in the droughtiness upper part, weathered from high-grade metamorphic rocks that have a high mica content Interpretive Group Depth to bedrock: 20 to 40 inches to soft bedrock Land capability classification: 7e Other distinctive properties: High mica content in the subsoil; soil subject to downslope movement when lateral support is removed and to differential BoF—Brownwood fine sandy loam, 50 to settling when used as fill material 80 percent slopes, stony Minor Components Dissimilar inclusions: Setting • Random areas of soils that have soft bedrock at a Landscape: Low or intermediate mountains and depth of less than 20 inches intermountain hills • Random areas of Chandler soils that have soft Elevation range: 1,700 to 3,200 feet bedrock at a depth of more than 60 inches Landform: Mountain slopes and ridges • Colluvial Saunook soils that have more organic Landform position: Shoulders and side slopes matter in the surface layer than the Brownwood soil, in Shape of areas: Irregular concave areas at the heads of drains and on benches Size of areas: 4 to about 50 acres • Cullasaja soils that have more than 35 percent rock Watauga County, North Carolina 35

fragments throughout and that have more organic Management concerns: Hazard of erosion, equipment matter in the surface layer than the Brownwood soil, in limitation, and windthrow hazard concave areas at the heads of drains • Random areas of Fannin and Watauga soils that have Urban Development more clay in the subsoil than the Brownwood soil and Dwellings have bedrock at a depth of more than 60 inches • Random areas of Ashe soils that have hard bedrock Suitability: Unsuited at a depth of 20 to 40 inches and have less mica in the Management concerns: subsoil than the Brownwood soil • This map unit is severely limited for dwellings • Widely scattered areas of rock outcrop because of the slope. Management measures and considerations: Similar inclusions: • A site on better suited soils should be selected. • Random areas of soils that have soft bedrock at a depth of 40 to 60 inches Septic tank absorption fields • Random areas of Chestnut soils that have less mica Suitability: Unsuited in the subsoil Management concerns: • Random areas of soils that have more clay in the • This map unit is severely limited for septic tank subsoil absorption fields because of the slope. Land Use Management measures and considerations: • A site on better suited soils should be selected. Dominant Uses: Woodland • The local Health Department should be contacted for Other Uses: Wildlife habitat guidance on sanitary facilities. Agricultural Development Local roads and streets Suitability: Unsuited Cropland Management concerns: Suitability: Unsuited • This map unit is severely limited for local roads and Management concerns: streets because of the slope. • This map unit is severely limited for crop production Management measures and considerations: because of the equipment limitation and hazard of • A site on better suited soils should be selected. erosion. Lawns and landscaping Management measures and considerations: • A site on better suited soils should be selected. Suitability: Unsuited Management concerns: Pasture and hayland • This map unit is severely limited for lawns and Suitability for pasture: Poorly suited landscaping because of the slope. Suitability for hayland: Unsuited Management measures and considerations: Management concerns: Equipment limitation, hazard of • A site on better suited soils should be selected. erosion, and surface stones Interpretive Group Orchards and ornamental crops Land capability classification: 7e Suitability: Unsuited Management concerns: • This map unit is severely limited for the production of BrF—Brownwood fine sandy loam, 50 to orchards and ornamental crops because of the slope 95 percent slopes, very rocky and depth to bedrock. Management measures and considerations: Setting • A site on better suited soils should be selected. Landscape: Low or intermediate mountains and intermountain hills Woodland Management and Productivity Elevation range: 1,700 to 3,400 feet Suitability: Poorly suited Landform: Mountain slopes and ridges Potential for commercial species: Moderate for Landform position: Shoulders and side slopes hardwoods Shape of areas: Irregular Productivity class: Moderate for chestnut oak Size of areas: 4 to about 50 acres 36 Soil Survey

Composition surface layer than the Brownwood soil, in concave areas at the heads of drains and on benches Brownwood soil and similar inclusions: 85 percent • Cullasaja soils that have more than 35 percent rock Dissimilar inclusions: 15 percent (including 5 percent fragments throughout and have more organic matter in areas of rock outcrop) the surface layer than the Brownwood soil, in concave Typical Profile areas at the heads of drains • Random areas of Ashe soils that have hard bedrock Surface layer: at a depth of 20 to 40 inches and have less mica in the 0 to 5 inches—dark yellowish brown fine sandy loam subsoil than the Brownwood soil Subsoil: Similar inclusions: 5 to 23 inches—yellowish brown loam • Random areas of soils that have soft bedrock at a Bedrock: depth of 40 to 60 inches 23 to 62 inches—soft, weathered mica schist • Random areas of Chestnut soils that have less mica in the subsoil than the Brownwood soil Soil Properties and Qualities • Random areas of soils that have more clay in the Depth class: Moderately deep subsoil Drainage class: Well drained • Random areas of soils that have more organic matter General texture class: Loamy in the surface layer Permeability: Moderately rapid Land Use Depth to seasonal high water table: More than 6.0 feet Hazard of flooding: None Dominant Uses: Woodland Shrink-swell potential: Low Other Uses: Wildlife habitat Slope class: Very steep Extent of erosion: Slight, less than 25 percent of the Agricultural Development original surface layer has been removed Hazard of water erosion: Very severe Cropland Rock fragments on the surface: Widely scattered Suitability: Unsuited surface stones that average about 10 to 24 inches Management concerns: in diameter and 10 to 80 feet apart • This map unit is severely limited for crop production Organic matter content of the surface layer: Moderately because of an equipment limitation, a hazard of low to high erosion, and the extent of rock outcrops. Potential for frost action: Moderate Management measures and considerations: Soil reaction: Very strongly acid or strongly acid • A site on better suited soils should be selected. throughout the profile, except where surface layers have been limed Pasture and hayland Parent material: Residuum affected by soil creep in the Suitability for pasture: Poorly suited upper part, weathered from high-grade Suitability for hayland: Unsuited metamorphic rocks that have a high mica content Management concerns: Equipment limitation, hazard of Depth to bedrock: 20 to 40 inches to soft bedrock erosion, rock outcrops, and surface stones Other distinctive properties: High mica content in the subsoil; soil subject to downslope movement when Orchards and ornamental crops lateral support is removed and to differential Suitability: Unsuited settling when used as fill material Management concerns: • This map unit is severely limited for the production of Minor Components orchards and ornamental crops because of the slope Dissimilar inclusions: and depth to bedrock. • Random areas of soils that have soft bedrock at a Management measures and considerations: depth of less than 20 inches • A site on better suited soils should be selected. • Cleveland soils that have hard bedrock at a depth of Woodland Management and Productivity less than 20 inches, adjacent to rock outcrops • Random areas of Chandler soils that have soft Suitability: Poorly suited bedrock at a depth of more than 60 inches Potential for commercial species: Moderate for • Saunook soils that have more organic matter in the hardwoods Watauga County, North Carolina 37

Productivity class: Moderate for chestnut oak Landform: Mountain ridges Management concerns: Hazard of erosion, equipment Landform position: Summits and shoulders (fig. 3) limitation, windthrow hazard, depth to bedrock, and Shape of areas: Long and narrow droughtiness Size of areas: 5 to 50 acres Composition Urban Development Burton soil and similar inclusions: 40 percent Dwellings Craggey soil and similar inclusions: 30 percent Suitability: Unsuited Rock outcrop: 15 percent Management concerns: Dissimilar inclusions: 15 percent • This map unit is severely limited for dwellings Typical Profile because of the slope and extent of rock outcrops. Management measures and considerations: Burton • A site on better suited soils should be selected. Surface layer: Septic tank absorption fields 0 to 14 inches—very dark brown and dark brown gravelly loam Suitability: Unsuited Management concerns: Subsoil: • This map unit is severely limited for septic tank 14 to 21 inches—dark yellowish brown fine sandy loam absorption fields because of the slope and extent of Underlying material: rock outcrops. 21 to 28 inches—dark yellowish brown and yellowish Management measures and considerations: brown loamy fine sand saprolite • A site on better suited soils should be selected. • The local Health Department should be contacted for Bedrock: guidance on sanitary facilities. 28 to 33 inches—hard, unweathered, fractured amphibolite Local roads and streets Craggey Suitability: Unsuited Management concerns: Surface layer: • This map unit is severely limited for local roads and 0 to 4 inches—black muck streets because of the slope. 4 to 9 inches—very dark brown mucky loam Management measures and considerations: 9 to 11 inches—dark brown gravelly fine sandy loam • A site on better suited soils should be selected. Bedrock: Lawns and landscaping 11 to 25 inches—hard, unweathered, fractured amphibolite Suitability: Unsuited Management concerns: Rock outcrop • This map unit is severely limited for lawns and This part of the map unit consists of amphibolite landscaping because of the slope and extent of rock bedrock. outcrops. Management measures and considerations: Properties and Qualities • A site on better suited soils should be selected. of the Burton and Craggey Soils Interpretive Group Depth class: Burton—moderately deep; Craggey— shallow Land capability classification: 7e Drainage class: Burton—well drained; Craggey— somewhat excessively drained BuD—Burton-Craggey-Rock outcrop General texture class: Loamy complex, windswept, 15 to 30 percent Permeability: Moderately rapid slopes Depth to seasonal high water table: More than 6.0 feet Hazard of flooding: None Shrink-swell potential: Low Setting Slope class: Moderately steep Landscape: High mountains Extent of erosion: Slight, less than 25 percent of the Elevation range: 4,000 to 5,800 feet original surface layer has been removed 38 Soil Survey

Figure 3.—An area of Burton-Craggey-Rock outcrop complex, windswept, 15 to 30 percent slopes. Grass- or shrub-covered summits or balds at high elevations are common in Watauga County.

Hazard of water erosion: Very severe strongly acid in the organic layer and extremely Rock fragments on the surface: About 3 to 15 percent acid to moderately acid in the mineral layers surface stones and boulders that average about 15 Special climatic conditions: Soils subject to extreme to 48 inches in diameter and 3 to 10 feet apart freezing and rime ice in winter; high winds; high Organic matter content of the surface layer: Very high amounts of rainfall; and a short growing season Potential for frost action: Moderate Parent material: Residuum affected by soil creep in the Soil reaction: Burton—extremely acid to moderately upper part, weathered from felsic to mafic, igneous acid throughout, except where surface layers have or high-grade metamorphic rock been limed; Craggey—extremely acid or very Depth to bedrock: Burton—20 to 40 inches to hard Watauga County, North Carolina 39

bedrock; Craggey—10 to 20 inches to hard Management measures and considerations: bedrock • A site on better suited soils should be selected. Minor Components Orchards and ornamental crops Dissimilar inclusions: Suitability: Unsuited • Random areas of Wayah soils that have hard Management concerns: bedrock at a depth of more than 60 inches • This map unit is severely limited for orchards and • Random areas of soils that have hard bedrock at a ornamental crops because of the depth to bedrock, depth of 40 to 60 inches extent of rock outcrops, rock fragments on and in the • Random areas of soils that have hard bedrock at a soil, and extreme climatic conditions. depth of less than 10 inches Management measures and considerations: • Balsam soils that have more rock fragments in the • A site on better suited soils should be selected. subsoil than the Burton and Craggey soils, in concave Woodland Management and Productivity areas at the head of drains and below rock outcrops • Areas that are mostly covered by stones and Suitability: Unsuited to commercial production boulders, below rock outcrops Productivity class: Very low Management concerns: Similar inclusions: • This map unit is severely limited for timber • Burton soils that are sandy loam or fine sandy loam production because of the depth to bedrock, rock in the fine-earth fraction of the surface layer fragments on and in the soil, slope, extent of rock • Craggey soils that are sandy loam or fine sandy outcrops, and extreme climatic conditions. loam in the fine-earth fraction of the surface layer Management measures and considerations: • Clingman soils that are comprised mostly of organic • Damaging winds may occur year-round. material, near rock outcrops • Freezing of new plant tissue is a potential problem in • Burton and Craggey soils that have a thick organic spring and may result in deformed trees with broken surface layer limbs and treetops. • Random areas that have fewer rock outcrops • A site on better suited soils should be selected. Land Use Urban Development Dominant Uses: Unmanaged woodland and wildlife Dwellings habitat Other Uses: Urban development and recreation Suitability: Unsuited Management concerns: Agricultural Development • This map unit is severely limited for dwellings because of the slope, depth to bedrock, rock Cropland fragments on and in the soil, extent of rock outcrops, and extreme climatic conditions. Suitability: Unsuited Management measures and considerations: Management concerns: • A site on better suited soils should be selected. • This map unit is severely limited for crop production because of the depth to bedrock, extent of rock Septic tank absorption fields outcrops, rock fragments on and in the soil, and short Suitability: Unsuited growing season. Management concerns: Management measures and considerations: • This map unit is severely limited for septic tank • A site on better suited soils should be selected. absorption fields because of the slope, depth to bedrock, rock fragments on and in the soil, and extent Pasture and hayland of rock outcrops. Suitability for pasture: Poorly suited Management measures and considerations: Suitability for hayland: Unsuited • A site on better suited soils should be selected. Management concerns: • The local Health Department should be contacted for • This map unit is severely limited for pasture and additional guidance. hayland because of the depth to bedrock, extent of Local roads and streets rock outcrops, rock fragments on and in the soil, and extreme climatic conditions. Suitability: Poorly suited 40 Soil Survey

Management concerns: Slope, depth to bedrock, Craggey hazard of erosion, frost action, and rock fragments Surface layer: on and in the soil 0 to 4 inches—black muck Lawns and landscaping 4 to 9 inches—very dark brown mucky loam 9 to 11 inches—dark brown gravelly fine sandy loam Suitability: Unsuited Management concerns: Bedrock: • This map unit is severely limited for lawns and 11 to 25 inches—hard, unweathered, fractured landscaping because of the slope, extent of rock amphibolite outcrops, and extreme climatic conditions. Rock outcrop Management measures and considerations: • A site on better suited soils should be selected. This part of the map unit consists of amphibolite bedrock. Interpretive Group Properties and Qualities Land capability classification: Burton—6e; Craggey— of the Burton and Craggey Soils 7s; Rock outcrop—8s Depth class: Burton—moderately deep; Craggey— shallow Drainage class: Burton—well drained; Craggey— BuF—Burton-Craggey-Rock outcrop somewhat excessively drained complex, windswept, 30 to 95 percent General texture class: Loamy slopes Permeability: Moderately rapid Depth to seasonal high water table: More than 6.0 feet Setting Hazard of flooding: None Shrink-swell potential: Low Landscape: High mountains Slope class: Steep or very steep Elevation range: 4,000 to 5,800 feet Extent of erosion: Slight, less than 25 percent of the Landform: Mountain slopes original surface layer has been removed Landform position: Side slopes Hazard of water erosion: Very severe Shape of areas: Irregular Rock fragments on the surface: About 3 to 15 percent Size of areas: 5 to about 50 acres surface stones and boulders that average about 15 Composition to 48 inches in diameter and 3 to 10 feet apart Organic matter content of the surface layer: Very high Burton soil and similar inclusions: 50 percent Potential for frost action: Moderate Craggey soil and similar inclusions: 25 percent Soil reaction: Burton—extremely acid to moderately Rock outcrop: 15 percent acid throughout, except where surface layers have Dissimilar inclusions: 10 percent been limed; Craggey—extremely acid or very strongly acid in the organic layer and extremely Typical Profile acid to moderately acid in the mineral layers Burton Special climatic conditions: Soils subject to extreme freezing and rime ice in winter; high winds; high Surface layer: amounts of rainfall; and a short growing season 0 to 14 inches—very dark brown and dark brown Parent material: Residuum affected by soil creep in the gravelly loam upper part, weathered from felsic to mafic, igneous Subsoil: or high-grade metamorphic rock 14 to 21 inches—dark yellowish brown fine sandy loam Depth to bedrock: Burton—20 to 40 inches to hard bedrock; Craggey—10 to 20 inches to hard Underlying material: bedrock 21 to 28 inches—dark yellowish brown and yellowish brown loamy fine sand saprolite Minor Components Bedrock: Dissimilar inclusions: 28 to 33 inches—hard, unweathered, fractured • Random areas of Wayah soils that have hard amphibolite bedrock at a depth of more than 60 inches Watauga County, North Carolina 41

• Random areas of soils that have hard bedrock at a Management concerns: depth of 40 to 60 inches • This map unit is severely limited for orchards and • Random areas of soils that have hard bedrock at a ornamental crops because of the slope, depth to depth of less than 10 inches bedrock, extent of rock outcrops, rock fragments on • Balsam soils that have more rock fragments in the and in the soil, and extreme climatic conditions. subsoil than the Burton and Craggey soils, in concave Management measures and considerations: areas at the head of drains, in drains, and on benches • A site on better suited soils should be selected. below rock outcrops Woodland Management and Productivity • Areas that are covered mostly by stones and boulders, below rock outcrops Suitability: Unsuited to commercial production Productivity class: Very low Similar inclusions: Management concerns: • Random areas of Burton soils that are sandy loam or • This map unit is severely limited for timber fine sandy loam in the fine-earth fraction of the surface production because of the depth to bedrock, rock layer fragments on and in the soil, slope, extent of rock • Random areas of Craggey soils that are sandy loam outcrops, and extreme climatic conditions. or fine sandy loam in the fine-earth fraction of the Management measures and considerations: surface layer • Damaging winds may occur year-round. • Clingman soils that are comprised mostly of organic • Freezing of new plant tissue is a potential problem in material, near rock outcrops spring and may result in deformed trees with broken • Random areas of Burton and Craggey soils that have limbs and treetops. a thick organic surface layer • A site on better suited soils should be selected. • Random areas that have fewer rock outcrops • Random areas of seeps and springs Urban Development Land Use Dwellings Dominant Uses: Unmanaged woodland and wildlife habitat Suitability: Unsuited Other Uses: Urban development and recreation Management concerns: • This map unit is severely limited for dwellings Agricultural Development because of the slope, depth to bedrock, rock fragments on the soil, extent of rock outcrops, and Cropland extreme climatic conditions. Suitability: Unsuited Management measures and considerations: Management concerns: • A site on better suited soils should be selected. • This map unit is severely limited for crop production Septic tank absorption fields because of the depth to bedrock, extent of rock outcrops, rock fragments on the soil, and short growing Suitability: Unsuited season. Management concerns: Management measures and considerations: • This map unit is severely limited for septic tank • A site on better suited soils should be selected. absorption fields because of the slope, depth to bedrock, extent of rock outcrops, and rock fragments Pasture and hayland on and in the soil. Suitability: Unsuited Management measures and considerations: Management concerns: • A site on better suited soils should be selected. • This map unit is severely limited for the production of • The local Health Department should be contacted for pasture and hay crops because of the depth to additional guidance. bedrock, extent of rock outcrops, rock fragments on Local roads and streets and in the soil, and extreme climatic conditions. Management measures and considerations: Suitability: Unsuited • A site on better suited soils should be selected. Management concerns: • This map unit is severely limited for roads and Orchards and ornamental crops streets because of the slope, depth to bedrock, extent Suitability: Unsuited of rock outcrops, rock fragments on and in the soil, and frost action. 42 Soil Survey

Management measures and considerations: Subsoil: • A site on better suited soils should be selected. 12 to 24 inches—dark yellowish brown sandy loam Lawns and landscaping Underlying material: 24 to 62 inches—yellowish brown loamy sand saprolite Suitability: Unsuited Management concerns: Soil Properties and Qualities • This map unit is severely limited for lawns and Depth class: Burton—moderately deep; Wayah—very landscaping because of the slope, extent of rock deep outcrops, and extreme climatic conditions. Drainage class: Well drained Management measures and considerations: General texture class: Loamy • A site on better suited soils should be selected. Permeability: Moderately rapid Interpretive Group Depth to seasonal high water table: More than 6.0 feet Hazard of flooding: None Land capability classification: Burton—7e; Craggey— Shrink-swell potential: Low 7s; Rock outcrop—8s Slope class: Strongly sloping Extent of erosion: Slight, less than 25 percent of the BwC—Burton-Wayah complex, original surface layer has been removed windswept, 8 to 15 percent slopes, Hazard of water erosion: Severe stony Rock fragments on the surface: Widely scattered surface stones and boulders that average about 10 to 24 inches in diameter and 25 to 80 feet apart Setting Organic matter content of the surface layer: Very high Landscape: High mountains Potential for frost action: Moderate Elevation range: 4,200 to 5,800 feet Soil reaction: Extremely acid to moderately acid Landform: Mountain ridges throughout the profile, except where surface layers Landform position: Summits have been limed Shape of areas: Long and narrow or irregular Special climatic conditions: Soils subject to high Size of areas: 2 to about 30 acres winds, extreme freezing, and rime ice in winter; high amounts of rainfall; and a short growing Composition season Burton soil and similar inclusions: 60 percent Parent material: Residuum affected by soil creep in the Wayah soil and similar inclusions: 35 percent upper part, weathered from felsic to mafic, igneous Dissimilar inclusions: 5 percent or high-grade metamorphic rock Depth to bedrock: Burton—20 to 40 inches to hard Typical Profile bedrock; Wayah—more than 60 inches to hard bedrock Burton Other distinctive properties: Random areas of seeps Surface layer: and springs; water movement along bedrock 0 to 14 inches—very dark brown and dark brown contacts in areas of the Burton soil gravelly loam Minor Components Subsoil: Dissimilar inclusions: 14 to 21 inches—dark yellowish brown fine sandy loam • Craggey soils that have hard bedrock at a depth of Underlying material: 10 to 20 inches, adjacent to rock outcrops 21 to 28 inches—dark yellowish brown and yellowish • Widely scattered areas of rock outcrop brown loamy fine sand saprolite • Balsam soils that have more rock fragments in the subsoil than the Burton and Wayah soils, in concave Bedrock: areas at the head of drains and in saddles 28 to 33 inches—hard, unweathered, fractured amphibolite Similar inclusions: • Wayah soils that are fine sandy loam or sandy loam Wayah in the fine-earth fraction of the surface layer Surface layer: • Burton soils that are sandy loam or fine sandy loam 0 to 12 inches—very dark brown and dark brown loam in the fine-earth fraction of the surface layer Watauga County, North Carolina 43

• Soils that formed in colluvium, have loamy subsoils, Urban Development and have bedrock at a depth of more than 60 inches, in concave areas at the heads of drains and in saddles Dwellings • Soils that have bedrock at a depth of 40 to 60 inches Suitability: Poorly suited • Burton and Wayah soils that have a thick organic Management concerns: Burton—slope, hazard of surface layer erosion, extreme climatic conditions, corrosivity, Land Use seeps and springs, and depth to bedrock; Wayah— slope, hazard of erosion, extreme climatic Dominant Uses: Unmanaged woodland, wildlife conditions, corrosivity, and seeps and springs habitat, and recreation Other Uses: Pasture, Fraser fir production, and urban Septic tank absorption fields development Suitability: Poorly suited Agricultural Development Management concerns: Burton—slope, seeps and springs, and depth to bedrock; Wayah—slope and Cropland seeps and springs Suitability: Unsuited Management concerns: Local roads and streets • This map unit is severely limited for crop production Suitability: Suited because of a short growing season and extreme Management concerns: Burton—slope, frost action, climatic conditions. hazard of erosion, and depth to bedrock; Wayah— Management measures and considerations: slope, frost action, and hazard of erosion • A site on better suited soils should be selected. Pasture and hayland Lawns and landscaping Suitability: Suited Suitability: Poorly suited Management concerns: Extreme climatic conditions, Management concerns: Burton—slope, large stones, hazard of erosion, equipment limitation, and extreme climatic conditions, and depth to bedrock; productivity Wayah—slope, large stones, and extreme climatic conditions Orchards and ornamental crops Suitability: Suited to Fraser fir; unsuited to orchards Interpretive Group and other ornamental crops Land capability classification: 4e Commonly grown crops: Fraser fir Management concerns: • Except for the production of Fraser fir, these soils are severely limited for the production of orchards and BwD—Burton-Wayah complex, most ornamental crops because of the extreme windswept, 15 to 30 percent slopes, climatic conditions. stony Management measures and considerations: • A site on better suited soils should be selected. Setting Woodland Management and Productivity Landscape: High mountains Elevation range: 4,200 to 5,800 feet Suitability: Unsuited to commercial production Landform: Mountain slopes and ridges Productivity class: Very low Landform position: Summits, shoulders, and side Management concerns: slopes • This map unit is severely limited for timber Shape of areas: Long and narrow or irregular production because of the climate. Size of areas: 3 to about 100 acres Management measures and considerations: • Damaging winds may occur year-round. Composition • Freezing of new plant tissue is a potential problem in spring and may result in deformed trees with broken Burton soil and similar inclusions: 65 percent limbs and treetops. Wayah soil and similar inclusions: 30 percent • A site on better suited soils should be selected. Dissimilar inclusions: 5 percent 44 Soil Survey

Typical Profile Depth to bedrock: Burton—20 to 40 inches to hard bedrock; Wayah—more than 60 inches to hard Burton bedrock Surface layer: Other distinctive properties: Random areas of seeps 0 to 14 inches—very dark brown and dark brown and springs; water movement along bedrock gravelly loam contacts in areas of the Burton soil Subsoil: Minor Components 14 to 21 inches—dark yellowish brown fine sandy loam Dissimilar inclusions: Underlying material: • Craggey soils that have hard bedrock at a depth of 21 to 28 inches—dark yellowish brown and yellowish 10 to 20 inches, adjacent to rock outcrops brown loamy fine sand saprolite • Widely scattered areas of rock outcrop • Balsam soils that have more rock fragments in the Bedrock: subsoil than the Burton and Wayah soils, in concave 28 to 33 inches—hard, unweathered, fractured areas at the head of drains and in saddles amphibolite • Colluvial soils that have loamy subsoils and have bedrock at a depth of more than 60 inches, in concave Wayah areas at the head of drains and in saddles Surface layer: Similar inclusions: 0 to 12 inches—very dark brown and dark brown loam • Wayah soils that are fine sandy loam or sandy loam Subsoil: in the fine-earth fraction of the surface layer 12 to 24 inches—dark yellowish brown sandy loam • Burton soils that are sandy loam or fine sandy loam in the fine-earth fraction of the surface layer Underlying material: • Soils that have bedrock at a depth of 40 to 60 inches 24 to 62 inches—yellowish brown loamy sand saprolite • Burton and Wayah soils that have a thick organic surface layer Soil Properties and Qualities Land Use Depth class: Burton—moderately deep; Wayah—very deep Dominant Uses: Unmanaged woodland, wildlife Drainage class: Well drained habitat, and recreation General texture class: Loamy Other Uses: Pasture, Fraser fir production (fig. 4), and Permeability: Moderately rapid urban development Depth to seasonal high water table: More than 6.0 feet Hazard of flooding: None Agricultural Development Shrink-swell potential: Low Cropland Slope class: Moderately steep Extent of erosion: Slight, less than 25 percent of the Suitability: Unsuited original surface layer has been removed Management concerns: Hazard of water erosion: Very severe • This map unit is severely limited for crop production Rock fragments on the surface: Widely scattered because of the short growing season and extreme surface stones and boulders that average about 10 climatic conditions. to 24 inches in diameter and 25 to 80 feet apart Management measures and considerations: Organic matter content of the surface layer: Very high • A site on better suited soils should be selected. Potential for frost action: Moderate Pasture and hayland Soil reaction: Extremely acid to moderately acid throughout the profile, except where surface layers Suitability for pasture: Suited have been limed Suitability for hayland: Poorly suited Special climatic conditions: Soils subject to high Management concerns: Extreme climatic conditions, winds, extreme freezing, and rime ice in winter; hazard of erosion, herbicide retention, and high amounts of rainfall; and a short growing productivity season Orchards and ornamental crops Parent material: Residuum affected by soil creep in the upper part, weathered from felsic to mafic, igneous Suitability: Suited to Fraser fir; unsuited to orchards or high-grade metamorphic rock and other ornamental crops Watauga County, North Carolina 45

Figure 4.—The production of Fraser fir Christmas trees is a leading source of agricultural income in Watauga County. These trees grow well on well drained high mountain soils, such as Burton and Wayah.

Commonly grown crops: Fraser fir spring and may result in deformed trees with broken Management concerns: limbs and treetops. • Except for the production of Fraser fir, these soils are • A site on better suited soils should be selected. severely limited for the production of orchards and most ornamental crops because of the extreme Urban Development climatic conditions. Management measures and considerations: Dwellings • A site on better suited soils should be selected. Suitability: Poorly suited Woodland Management and Productivity Management concerns: Burton—slope, hazard of erosion, extreme climatic conditions, corrosivity, Suitability: Unsuited to commercial production seeps and springs, and depth to bedrock; Wayah— Productivity class: Very low or low slope, hazard of erosion, extreme climatic Management concerns: conditions, corrosivity, and seeps and springs • This map unit is severely limited for timber production because of the climate. Septic tank absorption fields Management measures and considerations: • Damaging winds may occur year-round. Suitability: Poorly suited • Freezing of new plant tissue is a potential problem in Management concerns: Burton—slope, seeps and 46 Soil Survey

springs, and depth to bedrock; Wayah—slope and Wayah seeps and springs Surface layer: Local roads and streets 0 to 12 inches—very dark brown and dark brown loam Suitability: Poorly suited Subsoil: Management concerns: Burton—slope, frost action, 12 to 24 inches—dark yellowish brown sandy loam hazard of erosion, and depth to bedrock; Wayah— Underlying material: slope, frost action, and hazard of erosion 24 to 62 inches—yellowish brown loamy sand saprolite Lawns and landscaping Soil Properties and Qualities Suitability: Poorly suited Management concerns: Burton—slope, large stones, Depth class: Burton—moderately deep; Wayah—very extreme climatic conditions, and depth to bedrock; deep Wayah—slope, large stones, and extreme climatic Drainage class: Well drained conditions General texture class: Loamy Permeability: Moderately rapid Interpretive Group Depth to seasonal high water table: More than 6.0 feet Hazard of flooding: None Land capability classification: 6e Shrink-swell potential: Low Slope class: Steep Extent of erosion: Slight, less than 25 percent of the BwE—Burton-Wayah complex, windswept, original surface layer has been removed 30 to 50 percent slopes, stony Hazard of water erosion: Very severe Rock fragments on the surface: Widely scattered Setting surface stones and boulders that average about 10 to 24 inches in diameter and 25 to 80 feet apart Landscape: High mountains Organic matter content of the surface layer: Very high Elevation range: 4,200 to 5,800 feet Potential for frost action: Moderate Landform: Mountain slopes Soil reaction: Extremely acid to moderately acid Landform position: Side slopes, head slopes, and nose throughout the profile, except where surface layers slopes have been limed Shape of areas: Long and narrow or irregular Special climatic conditions: Soils subject to high Size of areas: 3 to about 100 acres winds, extreme freezing, and rime ice in winter; high amounts of rainfall; and a short growing Composition season Burton soil and similar inclusions: 60 percent Parent material: Residuum affected by soil creep in the Wayah soil and similar inclusions: 35 percent upper part, weathered from felsic to mafic, igneous Dissimilar inclusions: 5 percent or high-grade metamorphic rock Depth to bedrock: Burton—20 to 40 inches to hard Typical Profile bedrock; Wayah—more than 60 inches to hard bedrock Burton Other distinctive properties: Random areas of seeps Surface layer: and springs; water movement along bedrock 0 to 14 inches—very dark brown and dark brown contacts in areas of the Burton soil gravelly loam Minor Components Subsoil: 14 to 21 inches—dark yellowish brown fine sandy loam Dissimilar inclusions: • Craggey soils that have hard bedrock at a depth of Underlying material: 10 to 20 inches, adjacent to rock outcrops 21 to 28 inches—dark yellowish brown and yellowish • Widely scattered areas of rock outcrop brown loamy fine sand saprolite • Balsam soils that have more rock fragments in the Bedrock: subsoil than the Burton and Wayah soils, in concave 28 to 33 inches—hard, unweathered, fractured areas at the head of drains amphibolite • Colluvial soils that have loamy subsoils and have Watauga County, North Carolina 47

bedrock at a depth of more than 60 inches, in concave Management measures and considerations: areas at the head of drains • Damaging winds may occur year-round. • Random areas that are protected from high winds • Freezing of new plant tissue is a potential problem in spring and may result in deformed trees with broken Similar inclusions: limbs and treetops. • Wayah soils that are fine sandy loam or sandy loam • A site on better suited soils should be selected. in the fine-earth fraction of the surface layer • Burton soils that are sandy loam or fine sandy loam Urban Development in the fine-earth fraction of the surface layer • Soils that have bedrock at a depth of 40 to 60 inches Dwellings • Burton and Wayah soils that have a thick organic surface layer Suitability: Poorly suited Management concerns: Burton—slope, hazard of Land Use erosion, extreme climatic conditions, corrosivity, Dominant Uses: Unmanaged woodland, wildlife seeps and springs, and depth to bedrock; Wayah— habitat, and recreation slope, hazard of erosion, extreme climatic Other Uses: Pasture, Fraser fir production, and urban conditions, corrosivity, and seeps and springs development Septic tank absorption fields Agricultural Development Suitability: Poorly suited Management concerns: Burton—slope, seeps and Cropland springs, and depth to bedrock; Wayah—slope and Suitability: Unsuited seeps and springs Management concerns: Local roads and streets • This map unit is severely limited for crop production because of the slope, a short growing season, and Suitability: Poorly suited extreme climatic conditions. Management concerns: Burton—slope, frost action, Management measures and considerations: hazard of erosion, and depth to bedrock; Wayah— • A site on better suited soils should be selected. slope, frost action, and hazard of erosion Pasture and hayland Lawns and landscaping Suitability for pasture: Poorly suited Suitability: Poorly suited Suitability for hayland: Unsuited Management concerns: Slope, large stones, and Management concerns: Extreme climatic conditions, extreme climatic conditions hazard of erosion, slope, herbicide retention, and Interpretive Group productivity Land capability classification: 7e Orchards and ornamental crops Suitability: Poorly suited to Fraser fir; unsuited to orchards and other ornamental crops CaC—Cashiers loam, 8 to 15 percent Commonly grown crops: Fraser fir slopes, stony Management concerns: • Except for the production of Fraser fir, these soils are Setting severely limited for the production of orchards and most ornamental crops because of the extreme Landscape: Intermediate mountains and intermountain climatic conditions. hills Management measures and considerations: Elevation range: 3,200 to 4,200 feet • A site on better suited soils should be selected. Landform: Mountain ridges Landform position: Summits Woodland Management and Productivity Shape of areas: Irregular Suitability: Unsuited to commercial production Size of areas: 2 to about 30 acres Productivity class: Very low or low Composition Management concerns: • This map unit is severely limited for timber Cashiers soil and similar inclusions: 95 percent production because of the climate. Dissimilar inclusions: 5 percent 48 Soil Survey

Typical Profile • Random areas of soils that have less mica in the profile Surface layer: 0 to 7 inches—dark brown loam Land Use Subsoil: Dominant Uses: Woodland 7 to 36 inches—dark yellowish brown loam Other Uses: Pasture, Fraser fir production, and building site development Underlying material: 36 to 62 inches—dark yellowish brown loamy sand Agricultural Development saprolite Soil Properties and Qualities Cropland Depth class: Very deep Suitability: Suited Drainage class: Well drained Management concerns: Hazard of erosion, herbicide General texture class: Loamy retention, large stones, climate, and frost action Permeability: Moderately rapid Pasture and hayland Depth to seasonal high water table: More than 6.0 feet Hazard of flooding: None Suitability: Well suited Shrink-swell potential: Low Management concerns: Hazard of erosion, herbicide Slope class: Strongly sloping retention, and large stones Extent of erosion: Slight, less than 25 percent of the Orchards and ornamental crops original surface layer has been removed Hazard of water erosion: Severe Suitability: Well suited Rock fragments on the surface: Widely scattered Management concerns: Slope and surface clay in surface stones that average about 10 to 24 inches conifer line-out beds in diameter and 25 to 80 feet apart Organic matter content of the surface layer: High or Woodland Management and Productivity very high Suitability: Well suited Potential for frost action: Moderate Potential for commercial species: Moderate for Soil reaction: Very strongly acid to moderately acid hardwoods throughout the profile, except where surface layers Productivity class: Moderate for northern red oak have been limed Management concerns: Plant competition and Parent material: Residuum affected by soil creep in the herbicide retention upper part, weathered from high-grade metamorphic rocks that have a high mica content Urban Development Depth to bedrock: More than 60 inches Other distinctive properties: High mica content in the Dwellings subsoil and underlying material; soil subject to Suitability: Suited downslope movement when lateral support is Management concerns: Slope, hazard of erosion, removed and to differential settling when used as corrosivity, slippage, and differential settling fill material Septic tank absorption fields Minor Components Suitability: Suited Dissimilar inclusions: Management concerns: Slope • Random areas of Porter soils that have less mica than the Cashiers soil and have bedrock at a depth of Local roads and streets 40 to 60 inches Suitability: Suited • Random areas of soils that have soft or hard bedrock Management concerns: Low soil strength, hazard of at a depth of 20 to 40 inches erosion, slippage, differential settling, and frost Similar inclusions: action • Random areas of Chandler soils that have have Lawns and landscaping lighter-colored surface layers • Random areas of soils that have soft bedrock at a Suitability: Suited depth of 40 to 60 inches Management concerns: Slope and large stones Watauga County, North Carolina 49

Interpretive Group upper part, weathered from high-grade metamorphic rocks that have a high mica content Land capability classification: 4e Depth to bedrock: More than 60 inches Other distinctive properties: High mica content in the CaD—Cashiers loam, 15 to 30 percent subsoil and underlying material; soil subject to slopes, stony downslope movement when lateral support is removed and to differential settling when used as fill material Setting Minor Components Landscape: Intermediate mountains and intermountain hills Dissimilar inclusions: Elevation range: 3,200 to 4,200 feet • Random areas of Porter soils that have less mica Landform: Mountain slopes and ridges than the Cashiers soil and have bedrock at a depth of Landform position: Summits, shoulders, and side 40 to 60 inches slopes • Random areas of soils that have soft bedrock at a Shape of areas: Long and narrow or irregular depth of 20 to 40 inches Size of areas: 2 to about 30 acres Similar inclusions: Composition • Random areas of Chandler soils that have lighter- colored surface layers Cashiers soil and similar inclusions: 95 percent • Saunook soils that have less mica, at the heads of Dissimilar inclusions: 5 percent drainageways or along drains Typical Profile • Random areas of soils that have soft bedrock at a depth of 40 to 60 inches Surface layer: • Random areas of soils that have less mica in the soil 0 to 7 inches—dark brown loam profile Subsoil: Land Use 7 to 36 inches—dark yellowish brown loam Dominant Uses: Woodland Underlying material: Other Uses: Pasture, Fraser fir production, ornamental 36 to 62 inches—dark yellowish brown loamy sand crops, and building site development saprolite Agricultural Development Soil Properties and Qualities Cropland Depth class: Very deep Drainage class: Well drained Suitability: Poorly suited General texture class: Loamy Management concerns: Equipment limitation, hazard of Permeability: Moderately rapid erosion, herbicide retention, large stones, climate, Depth to seasonal high water table: More than 6.0 feet and frost action Hazard of flooding: None Pasture and hayland Shrink-swell potential: Low Slope class: Moderately steep Suitability: Suited Extent of erosion: Slight, less than 25 percent of the Management concerns: Equipment limitation, hazard of original surface layer has been removed erosion, large stones, and herbicide retention Hazard of water erosion: Very severe Orchards and ornamental crops Rock fragments on the surface: Widely scattered surface stones that average about 10 to 24 inches Suitability: Suited in diameter and 25 to 80 feet apart Management concerns: Slope and surface clay in Organic matter content of the surface layer: High or conifer line-out beds very high Woodland Management and Productivity Potential for frost action: Moderate Soil reaction: Very strongly acid to moderately acid Suitability: Suited throughout the profile, except where surface layers Potential for commercial species: Moderate for have been limed hardwoods Parent material: Residuum affected by soil creep in the Productivity class: Moderate for northern red oak 50 Soil Survey

Management concerns: Hazard of erosion, equipment Soil Properties and Qualities limitation, plant competition, and herbicide Depth class: Very deep retention Drainage class: Well drained Urban Development General texture class: Loamy Permeability: Moderately rapid Dwellings Depth to seasonal high water table: More than 6.0 feet Hazard of flooding: None Suitability: Poorly suited Shrink-swell potential: Low Management concerns: Slope, hazard of erosion, Slope class: Steep corrosivity, slippage, and differential settling Extent of erosion: Slight, less than 25 percent of the Septic tank absorption fields original surface layer has been removed Hazard of water erosion: Very severe Suitability: Poorly suited Rock fragments on the surface: Widely scattered Management concerns: Slope surface stones that average about 10 to 24 inches Local roads and streets in diameter and 25 to 80 feet apart Organic matter content of the surface layer: High or Suitability: Poorly suited very high Management concerns: Slope, low soil strength, Potential for frost action: Moderate slippage, and frost action Soil reaction: Very strongly acid to moderately acid Lawns and landscaping throughout the profile, except where surface layers have been limed Suitability: Poorly suited Parent material: Residuum affected by soil creep in Management concerns: Slope and large stones the upper part, weathered from high-grade Interpretive Group metamorphic rocks that have a high mica content Land capability classification: 6e Depth to bedrock: More than 60 inches Other distinctive properties: High mica content in the CaE—Cashiers loam, 30 to 50 percent subsoil and underlying material; soil subject to slopes, stony downslope movement when lateral support is removed and to differential settling when used as fill material Setting Landscape: Intermediate mountains and intermountain Minor Components hills Dissimilar inclusions: Elevation range: 3,200 to 4,200 feet • Random areas of Porter soils that have less mica Landform: Mountain slopes and ridges than the Cashiers soil and have bedrock at a depth of Landform position: Side slopes 40 to 60 inches Shape of areas: Long and narrow or irregular • Random areas of soils that have soft bedrock at a Size of areas: 2 to about 500 acres depth of 20 to 40 inches Composition • Cullasaja soils that have more than 35 percent rock fragments throughout, at the heads of drains or along Cashiers soil and similar inclusions: 80 percent drainageways Dissimilar inclusions: 20 percent • Colluvial Saunook soils that have less mica than the Typical Profile Cashiers soil, at the heads of drainageways or along drains Surface layer: 0 to 7 inches—dark brown loam Similar inclusions: • Random areas of Chandler soils that have lighter- Subsoil: colored surface layers 7 to 36 inches—dark yellowish brown loam • Random areas of soils that have soft bedrock at a Underlying material: depth of 40 to 60 inches 36 to 62 inches—dark yellowish brown loamy sand • Random areas of soils that have less mica in the saprolite profile Watauga County, North Carolina 51

Land Use Local roads and streets Dominant Uses: Woodland Suitability: Poorly suited Other Uses: Pasture, Fraser fir production, ornamental Management concerns: Slope, low soil strength, crops, and building site development slippage, and frost action Lawns and landscaping Agricultural Development Suitability: Poorly suited Cropland Management concerns: Slope and large stones Suitability: Unsuited Interpretive Group Management concerns: Land capability classification: 7e • This map unit is severely limited for crop production because of the hazard of erosion and equipment limitation. CdE—Chandler fine sandy loam, 30 to 50 Management measures and considerations: percent slopes • A site on better suited soils should be selected. Pasture and hayland Setting Suitability for pasture: Poorly suited Landscape: Low or intermediate mountains and Suitability for hayland: Unsuited intermountain hills Management concerns: Equipment limitation, hazard of Elevation range: 1,700 to 3,200 feet erosion, large stones, and herbicide retention Landform: Mountain slopes Management measures and considerations: Landform position: Side slopes • This map unit is severely limited for hayland Shape of areas: Long and narrow or irregular production because of the slope. Size of areas: 2 to about 500 acres • A site on better suited soils should be selected. Composition Orchards and ornamental crops Chandler soil and similar inclusions: 85 percent Suitability: Suited to Fraser fir; poorly suited to Dissimilar inclusions: 15 percent orchards and other ornamental crops Typical Profile Management concerns: Slope and surface clay in conifer line-out beds Surface layer: 0 to 5 inches—dark yellowish brown fine sandy loam Woodland Management and Productivity Subsoil: Suitability: Poorly suited 5 to 38 inches—strong brown and yellowish brown fine Potential for commercial species: Moderate for sandy loam hardwoods Underlying material: Productivity class: Moderate for northern red oak 38 to 62 inches—light yellowish brown, light brownish Management concerns: Hazard of erosion, equipment gray, and dark grayish brown loamy fine sand limitation, herbicide retention, and plant saprolite competition Soil Properties and Qualities Urban Development Depth class: Very deep Drainage class: Somewhat excessively drained Dwellings General texture class: Loamy Suitability: Poorly suited Permeability: Moderately rapid Management concerns: Slope, hazard of erosion, low Depth to seasonal high water table: More than 6.0 feet soil strength, slippage, differential settling, and Hazard of flooding: None corrosivity Shrink-swell potential: Low Slope class: Steep Septic tank absorption fields Extent of erosion: Slight, less than 25 percent of the Suitability: Poorly suited original surface layer has been removed Management concerns: Slope Hazard of water erosion: Very severe 52 Soil Survey

Organic matter content of the surface layer: Moderately Management measures and considerations: low to high • A site on better suited soils should be selected. Potential for frost action: Moderate Soil reaction: Very strongly acid to moderately acid Pasture and hayland throughout the profile, except where surface layers Suitability for pasture: Poorly suited have been limed Suitability for hayland: Unsuited Parent material: Residuum affected by soil creep in the Management concerns: Equipment limitation and upper part, weathered from high-grade hazard of erosion metamorphic rocks that have a high mica content Management measures and considerations: Depth to bedrock: More than 60 inches • This map unit is severely limited for hayland Other distinctive properties: High mica content in the production because of the slope. subsoil and underlying material; soil subject to • A site on better suited soils should be selected. downslope movement when lateral support is removed and to differential settling when used as Orchards and ornamental crops fill material Suitability: Suited to Fraser fir; poorly suited to Minor Components orchards and other ornamental crops Dissimilar inclusions: Management concerns: Slope, low clay content for ball • Random areas of Fannin and Watauga soils that have and burlap harvesting, and surface clay in conifer more clay in the subsoil than the Chandler soil line-out beds • Random areas of Chestnut soils that have less mica in the subsoil than the Chandler soil and have soft Woodland Management and Productivity bedrock at a depth of 20 to 40 inches Suitability: Poorly suited • Saunook soils that have a thick dark surface layer Potential for commercial species: High for eastern and more clay in the subsoil than the Chandler soil, in white pine drainageways Productivity class: High for eastern white pine • Widely scattered areas of rock outcrop Management concerns: Equipment limitation and Similar inclusions: hazard of erosion • Random areas of Chandler soils that have a loam surface layer Urban Development • Random areas of soils that have soft bedrock at a depth of 40 to 60 inches Dwellings • Random areas of Cashiers soils that have a thicker Suitability: Poorly suited dark surface layer Management concerns: Slope, hazard of • Random areas of Edneyville soils that have less erosion, slippage, differential settling, and mica in the subsoil corrosivity • Random areas of soils that have less mica in the subsoil and have soft bedrock at a depth of 40 to 60 Septic tank absorption fields inches Suitability: Poorly suited Land Use Management concerns: Slope Dominant Uses: Woodland Local roads and streets Other Uses: Pasture, ornamental crops, and building Suitability: Poorly suited site development Management concerns: Slope, low soil strength, slippage, and frost action Agricultural Development Lawns and landscaping Cropland Suitability: Poorly suited Suitability: Unsuited Management concerns: Slope and droughtiness Management concerns: Interpretive Group • This map unit is severely limited for crop production because of the equipment limitation and hazard of Land capability classification: 7e erosion. Watauga County, North Carolina 53

ChF—Chestnut-Ashe complex, 50 to 95 Shrink-swell potential: Low percent slopes, very stony Slope class: Very steep Extent of erosion: Slight, less than 25 percent of the original surface layer has been removed Setting Hazard of water erosion: Very severe Landscape: Low or intermediate mountains Rock fragments on the surface: Widely scattered Elevation range: 1,700 to 4,200 feet surface stones and cobbles that average about 10 Landform: Mountain slopes to 24 inches in diameter and 3 to 25 feet apart Landform position: Side slopes Organic matter content of the surface layer: Moderately Shape of areas: Long and narrow or irregular low to high Size of areas: 2 to about 100 acres Potential for frost action: Moderate Soil reaction: Extremely acid to moderately acid Composition throughout the profile, except where surface layers Chestnut soil and similar inclusions: 65 percent have been limed Ashe soil and similar inclusions: 25 percent Parent material: Residuum affected by soil creep in the Dissimilar inclusions: 10 percent upper part, weathered from felsic to mafic, igneous or high-grade metamorphic rock Typical Profile Depth to bedrock: Chestnut—20 to 40 inches to soft Chestnut bedrock; Ashe—20 to 40 inches to hard bedrock Surface layer: Minor Components 0 to 5 inches—brown and yellowish brown fine sandy Dissimilar inclusions: loam • Random areas of soils that have soft bedrock at a Subsoil: depth of 40 to 60 inches 5 to 22 inches—light yellowish brown fine sandy loam • Random areas of very deep Edneyville soils • Random areas of soils that have more than 35 Underlying material: percent rock fragments throughout and have bedrock 22 to 29 inches—light yellowish brown, brownish at a depth of 20 to 40 inches yellow, and light gray sandy loam saprolite • Cullasaja soils that have a thick dark surface layer Bedrock: and more than 35 percent rock fragments throughout, 29 to 62 inches—soft, weathered granodioritic gneiss at the heads of drains and along drainageways • Cleveland soils that have hard bedrock at a depth of Ashe 10 to 20 inches, near rock outcrops Surface layer: • Widely scattered areas of rock outcrop 0 to 7 inches—dark brown and brown gravelly fine Similar inclusions: sandy loam • Random areas of soils that have more mica in the Subsoil: subsoil 7 to 21 inches—dark yellowish brown gravelly fine • Random areas of soils that have more clay in the sandy loam subsoil Underlying material: Land Use 21 to 29 inches—yellowish brown gravelly loamy fine sand saprolite Dominant Uses: Woodland Other Uses: Pasture and building site development Bedrock: 29 to 34 inches—hard, unweathered granitic gneiss Agricultural Development Soil Properties and Qualities Cropland Depth class: Moderately deep Drainage class: Chestnut—well drained; Ashe— Suitability: Unsuited somewhat excessively drained Management concerns: General texture class: Loamy • This map unit is severely limited for crop production Permeability: Moderately rapid because of an equipment limitation, a hazard of Depth to seasonal high water table: More than 6.0 feet erosion, surface stones, depth to bedrock, and Hazard of flooding: None droughtiness. 54 Soil Survey

Management measures and considerations: Local roads and streets • A site on better suited soils should be selected. Suitability: Unsuited Pasture and hayland Management concerns: • This map unit is severely limited for roads and Suitability for pasture: Unsuited streets because of the slope, depth to bedrock, and Suitability for hayland: Poorly suited frost action. Management concerns: Management measures and considerations: • This map unit is severely limited for the production of • A site on better suited soils should be selected. pasture and hay crops because of an equipment limitation, a hazard of erosion, surface stones, and Lawns and landscaping droughtiness. Suitability: Unsuited Management measures and considerations: Management concerns: • A site on better suited soils should be selected. • This map unit is severely limited for lawns and Orchards and ornamental crops landscaping because of the slope, surface stones, droughtiness, frost action, and depth to bedrock. Suitability: Unsuited Management measures and considerations: Management concerns: • A site on better suited soils should be selected. • This map unit is severely limited for the production of orchards and ornamental crops because of the slope Interpretive Group and depth to bedrock. Land capability classification: 7e Management measures and considerations: • A site on better suited soils should be selected. Woodland Management and Productivity CkD—Chestnut-Edneyville complex, 15 to Suitability: Poorly suited 30 percent slopes, stony Potential for commercial species: Moderate or low for hardwoods Setting Productivity class: Ashe—low for chestnut oak; Landscape: Low or intermediate mountains and Chestnut—moderate for chestnut oak intermountain hills Management concerns: Equipment limitation, hazard of Elevation range: 1,700 to 4,200 feet erosion, seedling mortality, and windthrow hazard Landform: Mountain slopes and ridges Landform position: Summits, shoulders, and side Urban Development slopes Shape of areas: Long and narrow or irregular Dwellings Size of areas: 2 to about 100 acres Suitability: Unsuited Management concerns: Composition • This map unit is severely limited for dwellings Chestnut soil and similar inclusions: 50 percent because of the slope, hazard of erosion, corrosivity, Edneyville soil and similar inclusions: 40 percent and the depth to hard bedrock in the Ashe soil. Dissimilar inclusions: 10 percent Management measures and considerations: • A site on better suited soils should be selected. Typical Profile Septic tank absorption fields Chestnut Suitability: Unsuited Surface layer: Management concerns: 0 to 5 inches—brown and yellowish brown fine sandy • This map unit is severely limited for septic tank loam absorption fields because of the slope and depth to Subsoil: bedrock. 5 to 22 inches—light yellowish brown fine sandy loam Management measures and considerations: • A site on better suited soils should be selected. Underlying material: • The local Health Department should be contacted for 22 to 29 inches—light yellowish brown, brownish guidance on sanitary facilities. yellow, and light gray sandy loam saprolite Watauga County, North Carolina 55

Bedrock: organic matter in the surface layer, in concave areas at 29 to 62 inches—soft, weathered granodioritic gneiss the heads of drains and on footslopes • Widely scattered areas of rock outcrop Edneyville Similar inclusions: Surface layer: • Random areas of soils that have soft bedrock at a 0 to 5 inches—very dark gray fine sandy loam depth of 40 to 60 inches Subsoil: • Random areas of soils that have more mica in the 5 to 25 inches—yellowish brown loam subsoil • Random areas of soils that have more clay in the Underlying material: subsoil 25 to 62 inches—yellowish brown, brownish yellow, and multicolored gravelly sandy loam saprolite Land Use Dominant Uses: Woodland and pasture Soil Properties and Qualities Other Uses: Hayland and building site development Depth class: Chestnut—moderately deep; Edneyville— very deep Agricultural Development Drainage class: Well drained Cropland General texture class: Loamy Permeability: Moderately rapid Suitability: Poorly suited Depth to seasonal high water table: More than 6.0 feet Management concerns: Equipment limitation, hazard of Hazard of flooding: None erosion, surface stones, climate, and frost action Shrink-swell potential: Low Pasture and hayland Slope class: Moderately steep Extent of erosion: Slight, less than 25 percent of the Suitability for pasture: Suited original surface layer has been removed Suitability for hayland: Poorly suited Hazard of water erosion: Very severe Management concerns: Equipment limitation, hazard of Rock fragments on the surface: Widely scattered erosion, and surface stones surface stones and cobbles that average about 10 Orchards and ornamental crops to 24 inches in diameter and 25 to 80 feet apart Organic matter content of the surface layer: Moderately Suitability: Suited to orchard and Fraser fir production; low to high poorly suited to ornamental crops Potential for frost action: Moderate Management concerns: Chestnut—slope, depth to Soil reaction: Chestnut—extremely acid to moderately bedrock, low clay content for ball and burlap acid throughout, except where surface layers have harvesting, and surface clay in conifer line-out been limed; Edneyville—very strongly acid to beds; Edneyville—slope, low clay content for ball moderately acid throughout, except where surface and burlap harvesting, and surface clay in conifer layers have been limed line-out beds Parent material: Residuum affected by soil creep in the Woodland Management and Productivity upper part, weathered from felsic to mafic, igneous or high-grade metamorphic rock Suitability: Suited Depth to bedrock: Chestnut—20 to 40 inches to soft Potential for commercial species: Moderate for bedrock; Edneyville—more than 60 inches hardwoods Productivity class: Moderate for hardwoods Minor Components Management concerns: Chestnut—hazard of erosion, Dissimilar inclusions: equipment limitation, and windthrow hazard; • Random areas of Ashe soils that have hard bedrock Edneyville—hazard of erosion and equipment at a depth of 20 to 40 inches limitation • Cullasaja soils that have more than 35 percent rock Urban Development fragments throughout and have more organic matter in the surface layer than the Chestnut and Edneyville Dwellings soils, in concave areas at the heads of drains and on footslopes Suitability: Poorly suited • Saunook soils that have more clay in the subsoil Management concerns: Chestnut—slope, hazard of than the Chestnut and Edneyville soils and have more erosion, corrosivity, and depth to bedrock; 56 Soil Survey

Edneyville—slope, hazard of erosion, and Bedrock: corrosivity 29 to 62 inches—soft, weathered granodioritic gneiss Septic tank absorption fields Edneyville Suitability: Poorly suited Surface layer: Management concerns: Chestnut—slope and depth to 0 to 5 inches—very dark gray fine sandy loam bedrock; Edneyville—slope Subsoil: Local roads and streets 5 to 25 inches—yellowish brown loam Suitability: Poorly suited Underlying material: Management concerns: Chestnut—slope, hazard of 25 to 62 inches—yellowish brown, brownish yellow, and erosion, frost action, and depth to bedrock; multicolored gravelly sandy loam saprolite Edneyville—slope, hazard of erosion, and frost Soil Properties and Qualities action Depth class: Chestnut—moderately deep; Edneyville— Lawns and landscaping very deep Suitability: Poorly suited Drainage class: Well drained Management concerns: Chestnut—slope, hazard of General texture class: Loamy erosion, surface stones, droughtiness, and depth Permeability: Moderately rapid to bedrock; Edneyville—slope, hazard of erosion, Depth to seasonal high water table: More than 6.0 feet surface stones, and droughtiness Hazard of flooding: None Shrink-swell potential: Low Interpretive Group Slope class: Steep Land capability classification: 6e Extent of erosion: Slight, less than 25 percent of the original surface layer has been removed Hazard of water erosion: Very severe CkE—Chestnut-Edneyville complex, 30 to Rock fragments on the surface: Widely scattered 50 percent slopes, stony surface stones and cobbles that average about 10 to 24 inches in diameter and 25 to 80 feet apart Setting Organic matter content of the surface layer: Moderately low to high Landscape: Low or intermediate mountains and Potential for frost action: Moderate intermountain hills Soil reaction: Chestnut—extremely acid to moderately Elevation range: 1,700 to 4,200 feet acid throughout, except where surface layers have Landform: Mountain slopes been limed; Edneyville—very strongly acid to Landform position: Side slopes moderately acid throughout, except where surface Shape of areas: Long and narrow or irregular layers have been limed Size of areas: 2 to about 500 acres Parent material: Residuum affected by soil creep in the Composition upper part, weathered from felsic to mafic, igneous or high-grade metamorphic rock Chestnut soil and similar inclusions: 70 percent Depth to bedrock: Chestnut—20 to 40 inches to soft Edneyville soil and similar inclusions: 20 percent bedrock; Edneyville—more than 60 inches Dissimilar inclusions: 10 percent Typical Profile Minor Components Chestnut Dissimilar inclusions: Surface layer: • Random areas of Ashe soils that have hard bedrock 0 to 5 inches—brown and yellowish brown fine sandy at a depth of 20 to 40 inches loam • Cullasaja soils that have more than 35 percent rock fragments throughout and have more organic matter in Subsoil: the surface layer than the Chestnut and Edneyville 5 to 22 inches—light yellowish brown fine sandy loam soils, in concave areas at the heads of drains and on Underlying material: footslopes 22 to 29 inches—light yellowish brown, brownish • Saunook soils that have more clay in the subsoil yellow, and light gray sandy loam saprolite than the Chestnut and Edneyville soils and have more Watauga County, North Carolina 57

organic matter in the surface layer, in concave areas at Urban Development the heads of drains and on footslopes • Widely scattered areas of rock outcrop Dwellings Similar inclusions: Suitability: Poorly suited • Random areas of soils that have soft bedrock at a Management concerns: Chestnut—slope, hazard of depth of 40 to 60 inches erosion, corrosivity, and depth to bedrock; • Random areas of soils that have more mica in the Edneyville—slope, hazard of erosion, and subsoil corrosivity • Random areas of soils that have more clay in the Septic tank absorption fields subsoil Suitability: Poorly suited Land Use Management concerns: Chestnut—slope and depth to bedrock; Edneyville—slope Dominant Uses: Woodland Other Uses: Pasture, Fraser fir production, and building Local roads and streets site development Suitability: Poorly suited Management concerns: Chestnut—slope, hazard of Agricultural Development erosion, frost action, and depth to bedrock; Cropland Edneyville—slope, hazard of erosion, and frost action Suitability: Unsuited Management concerns: Lawns and landscaping • This map unit is severely limited for crop production Suitability: Poorly suited because of the equipment limitation and hazard of Management concerns: Chestnut—slope, hazard of erosion. erosion, surface stones, droughtiness, and depth Management measures and considerations: to bedrock; Edneyville—slope, hazard of erosion, • A site on better suited soils should be selected. surface stones, and droughtiness Pasture and hayland Interpretive Group Suitability for pasture: Poorly suited Suitability for hayland: Unsuited Land capability classification: 7e Management concerns: Equipment limitation and hazard of erosion Orchards and ornamental crops CmF—Clingman-Craggey-Rock outcrop complex, windswept, 15 to 95 percent Suitability: Suited to Fraser fir production; poorly suited slopes, extremely bouldery to orchards and other ornamental crops Management concerns: Chestnut—slope, depth to Setting bedrock, low clay content for ball and burlap harvesting, and surface clay in conifer line-out Landscape: High mountains beds; Edneyville—slope, low clay content for ball Elevation range: 4,200 to 5,800 feet and burlap harvesting, and surface clay in conifer Landform: Mountain slopes and ridges line-out beds Landform position: Summits, shoulders, and side slopes Woodland Management and Productivity Shape of areas: Long and narrow on summits and irregular on side slopes Suitability: Poorly suited Size of areas: 2 to about 100 acres Potential for commercial species: Moderate for hardwoods Composition Productivity class: Moderate for hardwoods Management concerns: Chestnut—hazard of erosion, Clingman soil and similar inclusions: 50 percent equipment limitation, and windthrow hazard; Craggey soil and similar inclusions: 25 percent Edneyville—hazard of erosion and equipment Rock outcrop: 20 percent limitation Dissimilar inclusions: 5 percent 58 Soil Survey

Typical Profile acid or very strongly acid in the organic material and extremely acid to moderately acid in the Clingman mineral layers Surface layer: Special climatic conditions: Soils subject to high 0 to 6 inches—black peat winds, extreme freezing, and rime ice in winter and high amounts of rainfall Subsurface layer: Parent material: Clingman—organic deposits commonly 6 to 14 inches—very dark brown mucky peat underlain by mineral layers weathered from felsic Mineral layer: to mafic, igneous or high-grade metamorphic rock; 14 to 18 inches—dark grayish brown loamy sand Craggey—residuum affected by soil creep, weathered from felsic to mafic, igneous or high- Bedrock: grade metamorphic rock 18 to 24 inches—hard, unweathered, slightly fractured Depth to bedrock: Clingman—3 to 20 inches to hard arkose bedrock; Craggey—10 to 20 inches to hard Craggey bedrock Other distinctive properties: Water movement along Surface layer: bedrock contacts in areas of the Clingman and 0 to 4 inches—black muck Craggey soils; water saturation for short periods 4 to 9 inches—very dark brown mucky loam during heavy rainfall or snow melt in areas of the Subsurface layer: Clingman soil 9 to 11 inches—dark brown gravelly fine sandy loam Minor Components Bedrock: 11 to 25 inches—hard, unweathered, fractured Dissimilar inclusions: amphibolite • Random areas of Burton soils that have bedrock at a depth of 20 to 40 inches Rock outcrop • Balsam soils that have more than 35 percent rock This part of the map unit consists of amphibolite fragments in the subsoil, at the heads of drains and bedrock. below rock outcrops • Random areas of soils that are mostly covered by Properties and Qualities stones and boulders of the Clingman and Craggey Soils Similar inclusions: Depth class: Clingman—very shallow or shallow; • Random areas of Craggey soils that are loam, sandy Craggey—shallow loam, or fine sandy loam in the fine-earth fraction of Drainage class: Somewhat excessively drained the surface layer General texture class: Clingman—organic; Craggey— • Random areas of soils that have bedrock at a depth loamy of less than 10 inches Permeability: Clingman—moderately rapid in the organic layers and moderate or moderately rapid in Land Use the mineral horizon; Craggey—moderately rapid Depth to seasonal high water table: More than 6.0 feet Dominant Uses: Unmanaged woodland and wildlife Hazard of flooding: None habitat Shrink-swell potential: Low Other Uses: Recreation Slope class: Moderately steep to very steep Extent of erosion: Slight, less than 25 percent of the Agricultural Development original surface layer has been removed Cropland Hazard of water erosion: Very severe Rock fragments on the surface: About 3 to 15 percent Suitability: Unsuited surface stones and boulders that average about 15 Management concerns: to 48 inches in diameter and 3 to 10 feet apart • This map unit is severely limited for crop production Organic matter content of the surface layer: Very high because of the slope, depth to bedrock, extent of rock Potential for frost action: Moderate outcrops, rock fragments on the soil, and extreme Soil reaction: Clingman—ultra acid or extremely acid in climatic conditions. the organic layers and extremely acid to strongly Management measures and considerations: acid in the mineral layers; Craggey—extremely • A site on better suited soils should be selected. Watauga County, North Carolina 59

Pasture and hayland Management measures and considerations: • A site on better suited soils should be selected. Suitability: Unsuited • The local Health Department should be contacted for Management concerns: additional guidance. • This map unit is severely limited for the production of pasture and hay crops because of the depth to Local roads and streets bedrock, rock fragments on the soil, extent of rock Suitability: Unsuited outcrops, and extreme climatic conditions. Management concerns: Management measures and considerations: • This map unit is severely limited for roads and • A site on better suited soils should be selected. streets because of the slope, depth to bedrock, extent Orchards and ornamental crops of rock outcrops, rock fragments on the soil, and frost action. Suitability: Unsuited Management measures and considerations: Management concerns: • A site on better suited soils should be selected. • This map unit is severely limited for orchards and ornamental crops because of the slope, depth to Lawns and landscaping bedrock, and extreme climatic conditions. Suitability: Unsuited Management measures and considerations: • This map unit is severely limited for lawns and • A site on better suited soils should be selected. landscaping because of the slope, depth to bedrock, Woodland Management and Productivity extent of rock outcrops, and extreme climatic conditions. Suitability: Unsuited to commercial production Management measures and considerations: Productivity class: Very low • A site on better suited soils should be selected. Management concerns: • This map unit is severely limited for timber Interpretive Group production because of the depth to bedrock, extent of rock outcrops, rock fragments on the soil, slope, and Land capability classification: Clingman and Craggey— extreme climatic conditions. 7e; Rock outcrop—8s Management measures and considerations: • Damaging winds may occur year-round. • Freezing of new plant tissue is a potential problem in CoD—Cowee gravelly fine sandy loam, 15 spring and may result in deformed trees with broken to 30 percent slopes, stony limbs and treetops. • A site on better suited soils should be selected. Setting Urban Development Landscape: Low or intermediate mountains and intermountain hills Dwellings Elevation range: 1,700 to 3,200 feet Landform: Mountain slopes and ridges Suitability: Unsuited Landform position: Summits and shoulders Management concerns: Shape of areas: Long and narrow or irregular • This map unit is severely limited for dwellings Size of areas: 2 to about 100 acres because of the slope, depth to bedrock, low soil strength, extent of rock outcrops, rock fragments on Composition the soil, corrosivity, and extreme climatic conditions. Management measures and considerations: Cowee soil and similar inclusions: 90 percent • A site on better suited soils should be selected. Dissimilar inclusions: 10 percent Septic tank absorption fields Typical Profile Suitability: Unsuited Surface layer: Management concerns: 0 to 6 inches—brown gravelly fine sandy loam • This map unit is severely limited for septic tank absorption fields because of the slope, depth to Subsoil: bedrock, extent of rock outcrops, and rock fragments 6 to 14 inches—yellowish red gravelly loam on the soil. 14 to 30 inches—yellowish red sandy clay loam 60 Soil Survey

Bedrock: Land Use 30 to 62 inches—soft, weathered phyllonitic and Dominant Uses: Woodland and pasture mylonitic gneiss Other Uses: Hayland, orchards, and building site development Soil Properties and Qualities Depth class: Moderately deep Agricultural Development Drainage class: Well drained Cropland General texture class: Loamy Permeability: Moderate Suitability: Poorly suited Depth to seasonal high water table: More than 6.0 feet Management concerns: Equipment limitation, hazard of Hazard of flooding: None erosion, surface stones, climate, and frost action Shrink-swell potential: Low Pasture and hayland Slope class: Moderately steep Extent of erosion: Slight, less than 25 percent of the Suitability: Suited original surface layer has been removed Management concerns: Equipment limitation, hazard of Hazard of water erosion: Very severe erosion, and surface stones Rock fragments on the surface: Widely scattered Orchards and ornamental crops surface stones that average about 10 to 24 inches in diameter and 25 to 80 feet apart Suitability: Poorly suited Organic matter content of the surface layer: Moderately Management concerns: Slope and depth to bedrock low to high Woodland Management and Productivity Potential for frost action: Moderate Soil reaction: Extremely acid to moderately acid Suitability: Suited throughout the profile, except where surface layers Potential for commercial species: Moderate for have been limed hardwoods Parent material: Residuum affected by soil creep in the Productivity class: Moderate for chestnut oak upper part, weathered from felsic to mafic, igneous Management concerns: Hazard of erosion, equipment or high-grade metamorphic rock limitation, and windthrow hazard Depth to bedrock: 20 to 40 inches to soft bedrock Urban Development Minor Components Dwellings Dissimilar inclusions: Suitability: Poorly suited • Random areas of soils that have soft bedrock at a Management concerns: Slope, hazard of erosion, depth of less than 20 inches corrosivity, and depth to bedrock • Random areas of Evard soils that have soft bedrock at a depth of more than 60 inches Septic tank absorption fields • Random areas of Ashe soils that have hard bedrock Suitability: Poorly suited at a depth of 20 to 40 inches and have less clay in the Management concerns: Slope and depth to bedrock subsoil than the Cowee soil • Saunook soils that have more organic matter in the Local roads and streets surface layer than the Cowee soil, in concave areas at Suitability: Poorly suited the heads of drains and in saddles Management concerns: Slope, hazard of erosion, frost • Widely scattered areas of rock outcrop action, and depth to bedrock • Random areas that have more concentrated amounts of surface stones or boulders than the Cowee soil Lawns and landscaping Similar inclusions: Suitability: Poorly suited • Random areas of soils that have soft bedrock at a Management concerns: Slope, hazard of erosion, depth of 40 to 60 inches surface stones, droughtiness, and depth to • Random areas of soils that have more mica in the bedrock subsoil Interpretive Group • Random areas of Chestnut soils that have less clay in the subsoil Land capability classification: 6e Watauga County, North Carolina 61

CoE—Cowee gravelly fine sandy loam, 30 Minor Components to 50 percent slopes, stony Dissimilar inclusions: • Random areas of soils that have soft bedrock at a Setting depth of less than 20 inches • Random areas of Evard soils that have soft bedrock Landscape: Low or intermediate mountains and at a depth of more than 60 inches intermountain hills • Saunook soils that have more organic matter in the Elevation range: 1,700 to 3,200 feet surface layer than the Cowee soil, in concave areas at Landform: Mountain slopes and ridges the heads of drains and on benches Landform position: Shoulders • Cullasaja soils that have more than 35 percent rock Shape of areas: Irregular fragments throughout and have more organic matter in Size of areas: 4 to about 250 acres the surface layer than the Cowee soil, in concave Composition areas at the heads of drains • Random areas of Ashe soils that have hard bedrock Cowee soil and similar inclusions: 95 percent at a depth of 20 to 40 inches and have less clay in the Dissimilar inclusions: 5 percent subsoil than the Cowee soil Typical Profile • Widely scattered areas of rock outcrop • Random areas that have more concentrated amounts Surface layer: of surface stones or boulders than the Cowee soil 0 to 6 inches—brown gravelly fine sandy loam Similar inclusions: Subsoil: • Random areas of soils that have soft bedrock at a 6 to 14 inches—yellowish red gravelly loam depth of 40 to 60 inches 14 to 30 inches—yellowish red sandy clay loam • Random areas of soils that have more mica in the Bedrock: subsoil 30 to 62 inches—soft, weathered phyllonitic and • Random areas of Chestnut soils that have less clay mylonitic gneiss in the subsoil

Soil Properties and Qualities Land Use Depth class: Moderately deep Dominant Uses: Woodland and pasture Drainage class: Well drained Other Uses: Orchards and building site development General texture class: Loamy Permeability: Moderate Agricultural Development Depth to seasonal high water table: More than 6.0 feet Hazard of flooding: None Cropland Shrink-swell potential: Low Suitability: Unsuited Slope class: Steep Management concerns: Extent of erosion: Slight, less than 25 percent of the • This map unit is severely limited for crop production original surface layer has been removed because of the slope, equipment limitation, and hazard Hazard of water erosion: Very severe of erosion. Rock fragments on the surface: Widely scattered Management measures and considerations: surface stones that average about 10 to 24 inches • A site on better suited soils should be selected. in diameter and 25 to 80 feet apart Organic matter content of the surface layer: Moderately Pasture and hayland low to high Suitability for pasture: Poorly suited Potential for frost action: Moderate Suitability for hayland: Unsuited Soil reaction: Extremely acid to moderately acid Management concerns: Equipment limitation, hazard of throughout the profile, except where surface layers erosion, and surface stones have been limed Parent material: Residuum affected by soil creep in the Orchards and ornamental crops upper part, weathered from felsic to mafic, igneous or high-grade metamorphic rock Suitability: Poorly suited Depth to bedrock: 20 to 40 inches to soft bedrock Management concerns: Slope and depth to bedrock 62 Soil Survey

Woodland Management and Productivity Subsoil: 6 to 14 inches—yellowish red gravelly loam Suitability: Poorly suited 14 to 30 inches—yellowish red sandy clay loam Potential for commercial species: Moderate for hardwoods Bedrock: Productivity class: Moderate for chestnut oak 30 to 62 inches—soft, weathered phyllonitic and Management concerns: Hazard of erosion, equipment mylonitic gneiss limitation, and windthrow hazard Soil Properties and Qualities Urban Development Depth class: Moderately deep Drainage class: Well drained Dwellings General texture class: Loamy Suitability: Poorly suited Permeability: Moderate Management concerns: Slope, hazard of erosion, Depth to seasonal high water table: More than 6.0 feet corrosivity, and depth to bedrock Hazard of flooding: None Shrink-swell potential: Low Septic tank absorption fields Slope class: Very steep Suitability: Poorly suited Extent of erosion: Slight, less than 25 percent of the Management concerns: Slope and depth to bedrock original surface layer has been removed Hazard of water erosion: Very severe Local roads and streets Rock fragments on the surface: Widely scattered Suitability: Poorly suited surface stones that average about 10 to 24 inches Management concerns: Slope, hazard of erosion, frost in diameter and 25 to 80 feet apart action, and depth to bedrock Organic matter content of the surface layer: Moderately low to high Lawns and landscaping Potential for frost action: Moderate Suitability: Poorly suited Soil reaction: Extremely acid to moderately acid Management concerns: Slope, hazard of erosion, throughout the profile, except where surface layers surface stones, droughtiness, and depth to have been limed bedrock Parent material: Residuum affected by soil creep in the upper part, weathered from felsic to mafic, igneous Interpretive Group or high-grade metamorphic rock Land capability classification: 7e Depth to bedrock: 20 to 40 inches to soft bedrock

Minor Components CoF—Cowee gravelly fine sandy loam, 50 to 80 percent slopes, stony Dissimilar inclusions: • Random areas of soils that have soft bedrock at a depth of less than 20 inches Setting • Random areas of Evard soils that have soft bedrock Landscape: Low or intermediate mountains and at a depth of more than 60 inches intermountain hills • Saunook soils that have more organic matter in the Elevation range: 1,700 to 3,200 feet surface layer than the Cowee soil, in concave areas at Landform: Mountain slopes and ridges the heads of drains and on benches Landform position: Shoulders • Cullasaja soils that have more than 35 percent rock Shape of areas: Irregular fragments throughout and that have more organic Size of areas: 4 to about 100 acres matter in the surface layer than the Cowee soil, in concave areas at the heads of drains Composition • Random areas of Ashe soils that have hard bedrock Cowee soil and similar inclusions: 95 percent at a depth of 20 to 40 inches and have less clay in the Dissimilar inclusions: 5 percent subsoil than the Cowee soil • Widely scattered areas of rock outcrop Typical Profile • Random areas that have more concentrated Surface layer: amounts of surface stones or boulders than the Cowee 0 to 6 inches—brown gravelly fine sandy loam soil Watauga County, North Carolina 63

Similar inclusions: Septic tank absorption fields • Random areas of soils that have soft bedrock at a Suitability: Unsuited depth of 40 to 60 inches Management concerns: • Random areas of soils that have more mica in the • This map unit is severely limited for septic tank subsoil absorption fields because of the slope and depth to • Random areas of Chestnut soils that have less clay bedrock. in the subsoil Management measures and considerations: Land Use • A site on better suited soils should be selected. • The local Health Department should be contacted for Dominant Uses: Woodland guidance on sanitary facilities. Other Uses: Wildlife habitat Local roads and streets Agricultural Development Suitability: Unsuited Cropland Management concerns: Suitability: Unsuited • This map unit is severely limited for local roads and Management concerns: streets because of the slope. • This map unit is severely limited for crop production Management measures and considerations: because of the slope, equipment limitation, and hazard • A site on better suited soils should be selected. of erosion. Lawns and landscaping Management measures and considerations: • A site on better suited soils should be selected. Suitability: Unsuited Management concerns: Pasture and hayland • This map unit is severely limited for lawns and Suitability for pasture: Poorly suited landscaping because of the slope, hazard of erosion, Suitability for hayland: Unsuited surface stones, droughtiness, and depth to bedrock. Management concerns: Equipment limitation, hazard of Management measures and considerations: erosion, and surface stones • A site on better suited soils should be selected. Orchards and ornamental crops Interpretive Group Suitability: Unsuited Land capability classification: 7e Management concerns: • This map unit is severely limited for orchards and ornamental crops because of the slope and depth to bedrock. CrC—Cullasaja cobbly loam, 8 to 15 Management measures and considerations: percent slopes, extremely bouldery • A site on better suited soils should be selected. Setting Woodland Management and Productivity Landscape: Low or intermediate mountains and Suitability: Poorly suited intermountain hills along the Avery County line Potential for commercial species: Moderate for Elevation range: 2,700 to 4,200 feet hardwoods Landform: Coves, colluvial fans, drainageways, and Productivity class: Moderate for chestnut oak benches Management concerns: Hazard of erosion, equipment Landform position: Footslopes and toeslopes limitation, and windthrow hazard Shape of areas: Long and narrow or irregular Size of areas: 2 to about 10 acres Urban Development Composition Dwellings Cullasaja soil and similar inclusions: 85 percent Suitability: Unsuited Dissimilar inclusions: 15 percent Management concerns: • This map unit is severely limited for dwellings Typical Profile because of the slope. Management measures and considerations: Surface layer: • A site on better suited soils should be selected. 0 to 11 inches—black cobbly loam 64 Soil Survey

Subsoil: • Random areas of soils that have dark surface layers 11 to 65 inches—dark yellowish brown, yellowish less than 10 inches thick brown, and brownish yellow very cobbly loam • Areas of soils that are rarely flooded for very brief periods, along stream channels Soil Properties and Qualities Land Use Depth class: Very deep Drainage class: Well drained Dominant Uses: Woodland General texture class: Loamy with many rock Other Uses: Pasture, Fraser fir production, and building fragments site development Permeability: Moderately rapid Depth to seasonal high water table: More than 6.0 feet Agricultural Development Hazard of flooding: None Shrink-swell potential: Low Cropland Slope class: Strongly sloping Suitability: Unsuited Extent of erosion: Slight, less than 25 percent of the Management concerns: original surface layer has been removed • This map unit is severely limited for crop production Hazard of water erosion: Severe because of the rock fragments on and in the soil, the Rock fragments on the surface: About 3 to 15 percent slope, and the hazard of erosion. surface stones and boulders that average about 15 Management measures and considerations: to 48 inches in diameter and 3 to 10 feet apart • Removing the surface stones would improve Organic matter content of the surface layer: High or usability but would do little to improve soil tillage very high because the surface layer has a large amount of rock Potential for frost action: Moderate fragments. Special climatic conditions: Soil subject to slow air • A site on better suited soils should be selected. drainage, which allows late spring and early fall frosts Pasture and hayland Soil reaction: Extremely acid to slightly acid in the Suitability for pasture: Poorly suited surface layer, except where limed, and very Suitability for hayland: Unsuited strongly acid to moderately acid in the subsoil Management concerns: Hazard of erosion, rock Parent material: Colluvium derived from felsic to mafic, fragments on and in the soil, equipment limitation, igneous or high-grade metamorphic rock and herbicide retention Depth to bedrock: More than 72 inches Management measures and considerations: Other distinctive properties: Random areas of seeps • This map unit is severely limited for hayland and springs; subsoil that has more than 35 percent production because of the limitations listed above. rock fragments; soil may become saturated and • Removing the surface stones would improve unstable during abnormally high rainfall and have usability but would do little to improve soil tillage the potential to produce serious landslides and because the surface layer has a large amount of rock localized mass movement of soil material fragments. Minor Components • A site on better suited soils should be selected. Dissimilar inclusions: Orchards and ornamental crops • Random areas that are mostly covered by stones Suitability: Poorly suited to Fraser fir; unsuited to and boulders orchards and other ornamental crops • Random areas of Saunook soils that have less than Management concerns: 35 percent rock fragments throughout • This map unit is severely limited for the production of • Poorly drained Nikwasi soils on narrow flood plains orchards and other ornamental crops because of the adjacent to streams surface boulders and stones and other rock fragments • Sandy Dellwood soils on narrow flood plains adjacent on and in the soil. to streams Management measures and considerations: • Somewhat poorly drained and poorly drained soils • Removing the surface boulders and stones would that are in seepage areas in and around drainageways improve usability but would do little to improve soil Similar inclusions: tillage because the surface layer has a large amount of • Cullasaja soils that are fine sandy loam or sandy rock fragments. loam in the fine-earth fraction of the surface layer • A site on better suited soils should be selected. Watauga County, North Carolina 65

Woodland Management and Productivity Typical Profile Suitability: Suited Surface layer: Potential for commercial species: High for cove 0 to 11 inches—black cobbly loam hardwoods Subsoil: Productivity class: Very high for yellow-poplar 11 to 65 inches—dark yellowish brown, yellowish Management concerns: Equipment limitation, plant brown, and brownish yellow very cobbly loam competition, and herbicide retention Soil Properties and Qualities Urban Development Depth class: Very deep Dwellings Drainage class: Well drained General texture class: Loamy with many rock Suitability: Poorly suited fragments Management concerns: Slope, rock fragments on and Permeability: Moderately rapid in the soil, corrosivity, overland water, and seeps Depth to seasonal high water table: More than 6.0 feet and springs Hazard of flooding: None Septic tank absorption fields Shrink-swell potential: Low Slope class: Moderately steep Suitability: Poorly suited Extent of erosion: Slight, less than 25 percent of the Management concerns: Slope, rock fragments on and original surface layer has been removed in the soil, overland water, and seeps and springs Hazard of water erosion: Very severe Local roads and streets Rock fragments on the surface: About 3 to 15 percent surface stones and boulders that average about 15 Suitability: Poorly suited to 48 inches in diameter and 3 to 10 feet apart Management concerns: Slope, rock fragments on and Organic matter content of the surface layer: High or in the soil, frost action, seeps and springs, and very high differential settling Potential for frost action: Moderate Lawns and landscaping Special climatic conditions: Soil subject to slow air drainage, which allows late spring and early fall Suitability: Poorly suited frosts Management concerns: Slope and rock fragments on Soil reaction: Extremely acid to slightly acid in the and in the soil surface layer, except where limed, and very Interpretive Group strongly acid to moderately acid in the subsoil Parent material: Colluvium derived from felsic to mafic, Land capability classification: 7s igneous or high-grade metamorphic rock Depth to bedrock: More than 72 inches Other distinctive properties: Random areas of seeps CrD—Cullasaja cobbly loam, 15 to 30 and springs; subsoil that has more than 35 percent percent slopes, extremely bouldery rock fragments; soil may become saturated and unstable during abnormally high rainfall and have Setting the potential to produce serious landslides and localized mass movement of soil material Landscape: Low or intermediate mountains and intermountain hills along the Avery County line Minor Components Elevation range: 2,700 to 4,200 feet Landform: Coves, colluvial fans, drainageways, and Dissimilar inclusions: benches • Random areas that are mostly covered by stones Landform position: Footslopes and toeslopes and boulders Shape of areas: Long and narrow or irregular • Random areas of Saunook soils that have less than Size of areas: 2 to about 20 acres 35 percent rock fragments throughout • Poorly drained Nikwasi soils on narrow flood plains Composition adjacent to streams Cullasaja soil and similar inclusions: 85 percent • Sandy Dellwood soils on narrow flood plains adjacent Dissimilar inclusions: 15 percent to streams 66 Soil Survey

• Somewhat poorly drained and poorly drained soils surface boulders and stones and other rock fragments that are in seepage areas in and around drainageways on and in the soil. Management measures and considerations: Similar inclusions: • Removing the surface boulders and stones would • Cullasaja soils that are fine sandy loam or sandy improve usability but would do little to improve soil loam in the fine-earth fraction of the surface layer tillage because the surface layer has a large amount of • Random areas of soils that have dark surface layers rock fragments. less than 10 inches thick • A site on better suited soils should be selected. • Areas of soils that are rarely flooded for very brief periods, along stream channels Woodland Management and Productivity • Random areas of Cullasaja soils that have slopes of Suitability: Suited less than 15 percent Potential for commercial species: High for cove Land Use hardwoods Productivity class: Very high for yellow-poplar Dominant Uses: Woodland Management concerns: Hazard of erosion, equipment Other Uses: Pasture, Fraser fir production, and building limitation, plant competition, and herbicide site development retention Agricultural Development Urban Development Cropland Dwellings Suitability: Unsuited Suitability: Poorly suited Management concerns: Management concerns: Slope, rock fragments on and • This map unit is severely limited for crop production in the soil, hazard of erosion, corrosivity, overland because of the rock fragments on and in the soil, the water, and seeps and springs slope, and the hazard of erosion. Management measures and considerations: Septic tank absorption fields • Removing the surface stones would improve Suitability: Poorly suited usability but would do little to improve soil tillage Management concerns: Slope, rock fragments on and because the surface layer has a large amount of rock in the soil, overland water, and seeps and springs fragments. • A site on better suited soils should be selected. Local roads and streets Pasture and hayland Suitability: Poorly suited Management concerns: Slope, rock fragments on and Suitability for pasture: Poorly suited in the soil, frost action, hazard of erosion, seeps Suitability for hayland: Unsuited and springs, and differential settling Management concerns: Hazard of erosion, rock fragments on and in the soil, equipment limitation, Lawns and landscaping and herbicide retention Suitability: Poorly suited Management measures and considerations: Management concerns: Slope and rock fragments on • This map unit is severely limited for hayland and in the soil production because of the limitations listed above. • Removing the surface stones would improve Interpretive Group usability but would do little to improve soil tillage Land capability classification: 7s because the surface layer has a large amount of rock fragments. • A site on better suited soils should be selected. CrE—Cullasaja cobbly loam, 30 to 50 Orchards and ornamental crops percent slopes, extremely bouldery Suitability: Poorly suited to Fraser fir; unsuited to Setting orchards and other ornamental crops Management concerns: Landscape: Low or intermediate mountains and • This map unit is severely limited for the production of intermountain hills along the Avery County line orchards and other ornamental crops because of the Elevation range: 2,700 to 4,200 feet Watauga County, North Carolina 67

Landform: Coves, colluvial fans, drainageways, and Minor Components benches Dissimilar inclusions: Landform position: Footslopes and toeslopes • Random areas that are mostly covered by stones Shape of areas: Long and narrow or irregular and boulders Size of areas: 2 to about 20 acres • Random areas of Saunook soils that have less than 35 percent rock fragments throughout Composition • Poorly drained Nikwasi soils on narrow flood plains Cullasaja soil and similar inclusions: 90 percent adjacent to streams Dissimilar inclusions: 10 percent • Sandy Dellwood soils on narrow flood plains adjacent to streams Typical Profile • Somewhat poorly drained and poorly drained soils that are in seepage areas in and around drainageways Surface layer: 0 to 11 inches—black cobbly loam Similar inclusions: • Cullasaja soils that are fine sandy loam or sandy Subsoil: loam in the fine-earth fraction of the surface layer 11 to 65 inches—dark yellowish brown, yellowish • Random areas of soils that have dark surface layers brown, and brownish yellow very cobbly loam less than 10 inches thick • Areas of soils that are rarely flooded for very brief Soil Properties and Qualities periods, along stream channels Depth class: Very deep • Random areas of Cullasaja soils that have slopes of Drainage class: Well drained less than 30 percent General texture class: Loamy with many rock Land Use fragments Permeability: Moderately rapid Dominant Uses: Woodland Depth to seasonal high water table: More than 6.0 feet Other Uses: Pasture, Fraser fir production, and building Hazard of flooding: None site development Shrink-swell potential: Low Slope class: Steep Agricultural Development Extent of erosion: Slight, less than 25 percent of the original surface layer has been removed Cropland Hazard of water erosion: Very severe Suitability: Unsuited Rock fragments on the surface: About 3 to 15 percent Management concerns: surface stones and boulders that average about 15 • This map unit is severely limited for crop production to 48 inches in diameter and 3 to 10 feet apart because of the rock fragments on and in the soil, the Organic matter content of the surface layer: High or slope, and the hazard of erosion. very high Management measures and considerations: Potential for frost action: Moderate • A site on better suited soils should be selected. Special climatic conditions: Soil subject to slow air drainage, which allows late spring and early fall Pasture and hayland frosts Soil reaction: Extremely acid to slightly acid in the Suitability for pasture: Poorly suited surface layer, except where limed, and very Suitability for hayland: Unsuited strongly acid to moderately acid in the subsoil Management concerns: Hazard of erosion, rock Parent material: Colluvium derived from felsic to mafic, fragments on and in the soil, equipment limitation, igneous or high-grade metamorphic rock and herbicide retention Depth to bedrock: More than 72 inches Management measures and considerations: Other distinctive properties: Random areas of seeps • This map unit is severely limited for hayland and springs; subsoil that has more than 35 production because of the limitations listed above. percent rock fragments; soil may become • Removing the surface stones would improve saturated and unstable during abnormally high usability but would do little to improve soil tillage rainfall and have the potential to produce serious because the surface layer has a large amount of rock landslides and localized mass movement of soil fragments. material • A site on better suited soils should be selected. 68 Soil Survey

Orchards and ornamental crops CsC—Cullasaja very cobbly loam, 8 to 15 Suitability: Poorly suited to Fraser fir; unsuited to percent slopes, very stony orchards and other ornamental crops Management concerns: Setting • This map unit is severely limited for the production of Landscape: Low or intermediate mountains and orchards and other ornamental crops because of the intermountain hills surface boulders and stones and other rock fragments Elevation range: 1,400 to 4,200 feet on and in the soil. Landform: Coves, colluvial fans, drainageways, and Management measures and considerations: benches • Removing the surface boulders and stones would Landform position: Footslopes and toeslopes improve usability but would do little to improve soil Shape of areas: Long and narrow or irregular tillage because the surface layer has a large amount of Size of areas: 2 to about 50 acres rock fragments. • A site on better suited soils should be selected. Composition Cullasaja soil and similar inclusions: 85 percent Woodland Management and Productivity Dissimilar inclusions: 15 percent Suitability: Poorly suited Typical Profile Potential for commercial species: High for cove hardwoods Surface layer: Productivity class: Very high for yellow-poplar 0 to 11 inches—black very cobbly loam Management concerns: Hazard of erosion, equipment Subsoil: limitation, plant competition, and herbicide 11 to 65 inches—dark yellowish brown, yellowish retention brown, and brownish yellow very cobbly loam Urban Development Soil Properties and Qualities Dwellings Depth class: Very deep Drainage class: Well drained Suitability: Poorly suited General texture class: Loamy with many rock Management concerns: Slope, rock fragments on and fragments in the soil, caving or sloughing of excavated walls, Permeability: Moderately rapid hazard of erosion, corrosivity, overland water, and Depth to seasonal high water table: More than 6.0 feet seeps and springs Hazard of flooding: None Septic tank absorption fields Shrink-swell potential: Low Slope class: Strongly sloping Suitability: Poorly suited Extent of erosion: Slight, less than 25 percent of the Management concerns: Slope, rock fragments on original surface layer has been removed and in the soil, overland water, and seeps and Hazard of water erosion: Severe springs Rock fragments on the surface: About 0.1 to 3.0 Local roads and streets percent surface stones that average about 10 to 24 inches in diameter and 3 to 25 feet apart Suitability: Poorly suited Organic matter content of the surface layer: High or Management concerns: Slope, rock fragments on and very high in the soil, frost action, hazard of erosion, Potential for frost action: Moderate differential settling, and seeps and springs Special climatic conditions: Soil subject to slow air Lawns and landscaping drainage, which allows late spring and early fall frosts Suitability: Poorly suited Soil reaction: Extremely acid to slightly acid in the Management concerns: Slope and rock fragments on surface layer, except where limed, and very and in the soil strongly acid to moderately acid in the subsoil Parent material: Colluvium derived from felsic to mafic, Interpretive Group igneous or high-grade metamorphic rock Land capability classification: 7s Depth to bedrock: More than 72 inches Watauga County, North Carolina 69

Other distinctive properties: Random areas of seeps Orchards and ornamental crops and springs; subsoil that has more than 35 Suitability: Poorly suited to orchards and Fraser fir; percent rock fragments; soil may become unsuited to other ornamental crops saturated and unstable during abnormally high Management concerns: Stones and other rock rainfall and have the potential to produce serious fragments on and in the soil landslides and localized mass movement of soil Management measures and considerations: material • Removing the surface stones would improve Minor Components usability but would do little to improve soil tillage because the surface layer has a large amount of rock Dissimilar inclusions: fragments. • Areas that are mostly covered by stones and boulders, in and around drains Woodland Management and Productivity • Random areas of Saunook soils that have less than Suitability: Well suited 35 percent rock fragments throughout Potential for commercial species: High for cove • Poorly drained Nikwasi soils on narrow flood plains hardwoods adjacent to streams Productivity class: Very high for yellow-poplar • Sandy Dellwood soils on narrow flood plains adjacent Management concerns: Equipment limitation, plant to streams competition, and herbicide retention • Somewhat poorly drained and poorly drained soils that are in seepage areas in and around drainageways Urban Development Similar inclusions: • Cullasaja soils that are fine sandy loam or sandy Dwellings loam in the fine-earth fraction of the surface layer Suitability: Poorly suited • Random areas of soils that have dark surface layers Management concerns: Slope, rock fragments on and less than 10 inches thick in the soil, caving or sloughing of excavated walls, • Areas of soils that are rarely flooded for very brief corrosivity, overland water, and seeps and springs periods, along stream channels Septic tank absorption fields Land Use Suitability: Poorly suited Dominant Uses: Woodland Management concerns: Slope, rock fragments on and Other Uses: Pasture, hayland, Fraser fir production, in the soil, overland water, and seeps and springs and building site development Local roads and streets Agricultural Development Suitability: Poorly suited Management concerns: Slope, rock fragments on and Cropland in the soil, frost action, seeps and springs, and differential settling Suitability: Unsuited Management concerns: Lawns and landscaping • This map unit is severely limited for crop production Suitability: Poorly suited because of the rock fragments on and in the soil and Management concerns: Slope and rock fragments on the hazard of erosion. and in the soil Management measures and considerations: • Removing the surface stones would improve Interpretive Group usability but would do little to improve soil tillage Land capability classification: 7s because the surface layer has a large amount of rock fragments. • A site on better suited soils should be selected. CsD—Cullasaja very cobbly loam, 15 to 30 Pasture and hayland percent slopes, very stony Suitability: Poorly suited Setting Management concerns: Hazard of erosion, rock fragments on and in the soil, equipment limitation, Landscape: Low or intermediate mountains and and herbicide retention intermountain hills 70 Soil Survey

Elevation range: 1,400 to 4,200 feet Minor Components Landform: Coves, colluvial fans, drainageways, and Dissimilar inclusions: benches • Random areas that are mostly covered by stones Landform position: Footslopes and toeslopes and boulders Shape of areas: Long and narrow or irregular • Random areas of Saunook soils that have less than Size of areas: 2 to about 50 acres 35 percent rock fragments throughout Composition • Poorly drained Nikwasi soils on narrow flood plains adjacent to streams Cullasaja soil and similar inclusions: 95 percent • Sandy Dellwood soils on narrow flood plains adjacent Dissimilar inclusions: 5 percent to streams • Somewhat poorly drained and poorly drained soils Typical Profile that are in seepage areas in and around drainageways Surface layer: Similar inclusions: 0 to 11 inches—black very cobbly loam • Cullasaja soils that are fine sandy loam or sandy Subsoil: loam in the fine-earth fraction of the surface layer 11 to 65 inches—dark yellowish brown, yellowish • Random areas of soils that have dark surface layers brown, and brownish yellow very cobbly loam less than 10 inches thick • Areas of soils that are rarely flooded for very brief Soil Properties and Qualities periods, along stream channels • Random areas of Cullasaja soils that have slopes of Depth class: Very deep less than 15 percent Drainage class: Well drained General texture class: Loamy with many rock Land Use fragments Dominant Uses: Woodland Permeability: Moderately rapid Other Uses: Pasture, Fraser fir production, and building Depth to seasonal high water table: More than 6.0 feet site development Hazard of flooding: None Shrink-swell potential: Low Agricultural Development Slope class: Moderately steep Extent of erosion: Slight, less than 25 percent of the Cropland original surface layer has been removed Hazard of water erosion: Very severe Suitability: Unsuited Rock fragments on the surface: About 0.1 to 3.0 Management concerns: percent surface stones that average about 10 to 24 • This map unit is severely limited for crop production inches in diameter and 3 to 25 feet apart because of the rock fragments on and in the soil and Organic matter content of the surface layer: High or the hazard of erosion. very high Management measures and considerations: Potential for frost action: Moderate • Removing the surface stones would improve Special climatic conditions: Soil subject to slow air usability but would do little to improve soil tillage drainage, which allows late spring and early fall because the surface layer has a large amount of rock frosts fragments. Soil reaction: Extremely acid to slightly acid in the • A site on better suited soils should be selected. surface layer, except where limed, and very Pasture and hayland strongly acid to moderately acid in the subsoil Parent material: Colluvium derived from felsic to mafic, Suitability: Poorly suited igneous or high-grade metamorphic rock Management concerns: Hazard of erosion, rock Depth to bedrock: More than 72 inches fragments on and in the soil, equipment limitation, Other distinctive properties: Random areas of seeps and herbicide retention and springs; subsoil that has more than 35 Orchards and ornamental crops percent rock fragments; soil may become saturated and unstable during abnormally high Suitability: Poorly suited to orchards and Fraser fir; rainfall and have the potential to produce serious unsuited to other ornamental crops landslides and localized mass movement of soil Management concerns: Stones and other rock material fragments on and in the soil Watauga County, North Carolina 71

Management measures and considerations: Shape of areas: Long and narrow or irregular • Removing the surface stones would improve Size of areas: 2 to about 100 acres usability but would do little to improve soil tillage Composition because the surface layer has a large amount of rock fragments. Cullasaja soil and similar inclusions: 95 percent Dissimilar inclusions: 5 percent Woodland Management and Productivity Typical Profile Suitability: Suited Potential for commercial species: High for cove Surface layer: hardwoods 0 to 11 inches—black very cobbly loam Productivity class: Very high for yellow-poplar Subsoil: Management concerns: Hazard of erosion, equipment 11 to 65 inches—dark yellowish brown, yellowish limitation, plant competition, and herbicide brown, and brownish yellow very cobbly loam retention Soil Properties and Qualities Urban Development Depth class: Very deep Dwellings Drainage class: Well drained Suitability: Poorly suited General texture class: Loamy with many rock Management concerns: Slope, rock fragments on and fragments in the soil, hazard of erosion, corrosivity, overland Permeability: Moderately rapid water, caving or sloughing of excavated walls, and Depth to seasonal high water table: More than 6.0 feet seeps and springs Hazard of flooding: None Shrink-swell potential: Low Septic tank absorption fields Slope class: Steep Suitability: Poorly suited Extent of erosion: Slight, less than 25 percent of the Management concerns: Slope, rock fragments on and original surface layer has been removed in the soil, overland water, and seeps and springs Hazard of water erosion: Very severe Rock fragments on the surface: About 0.1 to 3.0 Local roads and streets percent surface stones that average about 10 to 24 Suitability: Poorly suited inches in diameter and 3 to 25 feet apart Management concerns: Slope, rock fragments on and Organic matter content of the surface layer: High or in the soil, frost action, hazard of erosion, seeps very high and springs, and differential settling Potential for frost action: Moderate Special climatic conditions: Soil subject to slow air Lawns and landscaping drainage, which allows late spring and early fall Suitability: Poorly suited frosts Management concerns: Slope and rock fragments on Soil reaction: Extremely acid to slightly acid in the and in the soil surface layer, except where limed, and very strongly acid to moderately acid in the subsoil Interpretive Group Parent material: Colluvium derived from felsic to mafic, Land capability classification: 7s igneous or high-grade metamorphic rock Depth to bedrock: More than 72 inches Other distinctive properties: Random areas of seeps CsE—Cullasaja very cobbly loam, 30 to 50 and springs; subsoil that has more than 35 percent percent slopes, very stony rock fragments; soil may become saturated and unstable during abnormally high rainfall and have Setting the potential to produce serious landslides and localized mass movement of soil material Landscape: Low or intermediate mountains and intermountain hills Minor Components Elevation range: 1,400 to 4,200 feet Landform: Coves, colluvial fans, drainageways, and Dissimilar inclusions: benches • Random areas that are mostly covered by stones Landform position: Footslopes and toeslopes and boulders 72 Soil Survey

• Random areas of Saunook soils that have less than orchards and other ornamental crops because of the 35 percent rock fragments throughout slope and surface stones and other rock fragments on • Poorly drained Nikwasi soils on narrow flood plains and in the soil. adjacent to streams Management measures and considerations: • Sandy Dellwood soils on narrow flood plains adjacent • Removing the surface boulders and stones would to streams improve usability but would do little to improve soil • Somewhat poorly drained and poorly drained soils tillage because the surface layer has a large amount of that are in seepage areas in and around drainageways rock fragments. • A site on better suited soils should be selected. Similar inclusions: • Cullasaja soils that are fine sandy loam or sandy Woodland Management and Productivity loam in the fine-earth fraction of the surface layer Suitability: Poorly suited • Random areas of soils that have dark surface layers Potential for commercial species: High for cove less than 10 inches thick hardwoods • Areas of soils that are rarely flooded for very brief Productivity class: Very high for yellow-poplar periods, along stream channels Management concerns: Hazard of erosion, equipment • Random areas of Cullasaja soils that have slopes of limitation, plant competition, and herbicide less than 30 percent retention Land Use Urban Development Dominant Uses: Woodland Other Uses: Pasture, Fraser fir production, and building Dwellings site development Suitability: Poorly suited Management concerns: Slope, rock fragments on and Agricultural Development in the soil, caving or sloughing of excavated walls, Cropland hazard of erosion, corrosivity, overland water, and seeps and springs Suitability: Unsuited Management concerns: Septic tank absorption fields • This map unit is severely limited for crop production Suitability: Poorly suited because of the rock fragments on and in the soil and Management concerns: Slope, rock fragments on and the hazard of erosion. in the soil, overland water, and seeps and springs Management measures and considerations: • A site on better suited soils should be selected. Local roads and streets Pasture and hayland Suitability: Poorly suited Management concerns: Slope, rock fragments on and Suitability for pasture: Poorly suited in the soil, frost action, hazard of erosion, Suitability for hayland: Unsuited differential settling, and seeps and springs Management concerns: Hazard of erosion, rock fragments on and in the soil, equipment limitation, Lawns and landscaping and herbicide retention Suitability: Poorly suited Management measures and considerations: Management concerns: Slope and rock fragments on • This map unit is severely limited for hayland and in the soil production because of the limitations listed above. • Removing the surface stones would improve Interpretive Group usability but would do little to improve soil tillage Land capability classification: 7s because the surface layer has a large amount of rock fragments. • A site on better suited soils should be selected. CtC—Cullasaja very cobbly loam, 8 to 15 Orchards and ornamental crops percent slopes, extremely bouldery Suitability: Poorly suited to Fraser fir; unsuited to Setting orchards and other ornamental crops Management concerns: Landscape: Low or intermediate mountains and • This map unit is severely limited for the production of intermountain hills Watauga County, North Carolina 73

Elevation range: 1,700 to 4,200 feet Minor Components Landform: Coves, colluvial fans, drainageways, and Dissimilar inclusions: benches • Areas that are mostly covered by stones and Landform position: Footslopes and toeslopes boulders in and around drains Shape of areas: Long and narrow or irregular • Random areas of Saunook soils that have less than Size of areas: 2 to about 30 acres 35 percent rock fragments throughout Composition • Poorly drained Nikwasi soils on narrow flood plains adjacent to streams Cullasaja soil and similar inclusions: 85 percent • Sandy Dellwood soils on narrow flood plains adjacent Dissimilar inclusions: 15 percent to streams • Somewhat poorly drained and poorly drained soils Typical Profile that are in seepage areas in and around drainageways Surface layer: Similar inclusions: 0 to 11 inches—black very cobbly loam • Cullasaja soils that are fine sandy loam or sandy Subsoil: loam in the fine-earth fraction of the surface layer 11 to 65 inches—dark yellowish brown, yellowish • Random areas of soils that have dark surface layers brown, and brownish yellow very cobbly loam less than 10 inches thick • Areas of soils that are rarely flooded for very brief Soil Properties and Qualities periods, along stream channels Depth class: Very deep Land Use Drainage class: Well drained Dominant Uses: Woodland General texture class: Loamy with many rock Other Uses: Pasture, Fraser fir production, and building fragments site development Permeability: Moderately rapid Depth to seasonal high water table: More than 6.0 feet Agricultural Development Hazard of flooding: None Cropland Shrink-swell potential: Low Slope class: Strongly sloping Suitability: Unsuited Extent of erosion: Slight, less than 25 percent of the Management concerns: original surface layer has been removed • This map unit is severely limited for crop production Hazard of water erosion: Severe because of the rock fragments on and in the soil and Rock fragments on the surface: About 3 to 15 percent the hazard of erosion. surface stones and boulders that average about 15 Management measures and considerations: to 48 inches in diameter and 3 to 10 feet apart • Removing the surface stones would improve Organic matter content of the surface layer: High or usability but would do little to improve soil tillage very high because the surface layer has a large amount of rock Potential for frost action: Moderate fragments. Special climatic conditions: Soil subject to slow air • A site on better suited soils should be selected. drainage, which allows late spring and early fall Pasture and hayland frosts Soil reaction: Extremely acid to slightly acid in the Suitability for pasture: Poorly suited surface layer, except where limed, and very Suitability for hayland: Unsuited strongly acid to moderately acid in the subsoil Management concerns: Hazard of erosion, rock Parent material: Colluvium derived from felsic to mafic, fragments on and in the soil, equipment limitation, igneous or high-grade metamorphic rock and herbicide retention Depth to bedrock: More than 72 inches Management measures and considerations: Other distinctive properties: Random areas of seeps • This map unit is severely limited for hayland and springs; subsoil that has more than 35 production because of the limitations listed above. percent rock fragments; soil may become • Removing the surface stones would improve saturated and unstable during abnormally high usability but would do little to improve soil tillage rainfall and have the potential to produce serious because the surface layer has a large amount of rock landslides and localized mass movement of soil fragments. material • A site on better suited soils should be selected. 74 Soil Survey

Orchards and ornamental crops CtD—Cullasaja very cobbly loam, 15 to 30 Suitability: Poorly suited to Fraser fir; unsuited to percent slopes, extremely bouldery orchards and other ornamental crops Management concerns: Setting • This map unit is severely limited for the production of Landscape: Low or intermediate mountains and orchards and ornamental crops because of the surface intermountain hills boulders and stones and other rock fragments on and Elevation range: 1,700 to 4,200 feet in the soil. Landform: Coves, colluvial fans, drainageways, and Management measures and considerations: benches • Removing the surface boulders and stones would Landform position: Footslopes and toeslopes improve usability but would do little to improve soil Shape of areas: Long and narrow or irregular tillage because the surface layer has a large amount of Size of areas: 2 to about 30 acres rock fragments. • A site on better suited soils should be selected. Composition Cullasaja soil and similar inclusions: 95 percent Woodland Management and Productivity Dissimilar inclusions: 5 percent Suitability: Suited Typical Profile Potential for commercial species: High for cove hardwoods Surface layer: Productivity class: Very high for yellow-poplar 0 to 11 inches—black very cobbly loam Management concerns: Equipment limitation, plant Subsoil: competition, and herbicide retention 11 to 65 inches—dark yellowish brown, yellowish brown, and brownish yellow very cobbly loam Urban Development Soil Properties and Qualities Dwellings Depth class: Very deep Suitability: Poorly suited Drainage class: Well drained Management concerns: Slope, rock fragments on General texture class: Loamy with many rock and in the soil, caving or sloughing of excavated fragments walls, corrosivity, overland water, and seeps and Permeability: Moderately rapid springs Depth to seasonal high water table: More than 6.0 feet Hazard of flooding: None Septic tank absorption fields Shrink-swell potential: Low Suitability: Poorly suited Slope class: Moderately steep Management concerns: Slope, rock fragments on Extent of erosion: Slight, less than 25 percent of the and in the soil, overland water, and seeps and original surface layer has been removed springs Hazard of water erosion: Very severe Rock fragments on the surface: About 3 to 15 percent Local roads and streets surface stones and boulders that average about 15 to 48 inches in diameter and 3 to 10 feet apart Suitability: Poorly suited Organic matter content of the surface layer: High or Management concerns: Slope, rock fragments on and very high in the soil, frost action, seeps and springs, and Potential for frost action: Moderate differential settling Special climatic conditions: Soil subject to slow air Lawns and landscaping drainage, which allows late spring and early fall frosts Suitability: Poorly suited Soil reaction: Extremely acid to slightly acid in the Management concerns: Slope and rock fragments on surface layer, except where limed, and very and in the soil strongly acid to moderately acid in the subsoil Parent material: Colluvium derived from felsic to mafic, Interpretive Group igneous or high-grade metamorphic rock Land capability classification: 7s Depth to bedrock: More than 72 inches Watauga County, North Carolina 75

Other distinctive properties: Random areas of seeps fragments on and in the soil, equipment limitation, and springs; subsoil that has more than 35 percent and herbicide retention rock fragments; soil may become saturated and Management measures and considerations: unstable during abnormally high rainfall and have • This map unit is severely limited for hayland the potential to produce serious landslides and production because of the limitations listed above. localized mass movement of soil material • Removing the surface stones would improve usability but would do little to improve soil tillage Minor Components because the surface layer has a large amount of rock Dissimilar inclusions: fragments. • Random areas that are mostly covered by stones • A site on better suited soils should be selected. and boulders Orchards and ornamental crops • Random areas of Saunook soils that have less than 35 percent rock fragments throughout Suitability: Poorly suited to Fraser fir; unsuited to • Poorly drained Nikwasi soils on narrow flood plains orchards and other ornamental crops adjacent to streams Management concerns: • Sandy Dellwood soils on narrow flood plains adjacent • This map unit is severely limited for the production of to streams orchards and other ornamental crops because of the • Somewhat poorly drained and poorly drained soils surface boulders and stones and other rock fragments that are in seepage areas in and around drainageways on and in the soil. Management measures and considerations: Similar inclusions: • Removing the surface boulders and stones would • Cullasaja soils that are fine sandy loam or sandy improve usability but would do little to improve soil loam in the fine-earth fraction of the surface layer tillage because the surface layer has a large amount of • Random areas of soils that have dark surface layers rock fragments. less than 10 inches thick • A site on better suited soils should be selected. • Areas of soils that are rarely flooded for very brief periods, along stream channels Woodland Management and Productivity • Random areas of Cullasaja soils that have slopes of Suitability: Suited less than 15 percent Potential for commercial species: High for cove Land Use hardwoods Productivity class: Very high for yellow-poplar Dominant Uses: Woodland Management concerns: Hazard of erosion, equipment Other Uses: Pasture, Fraser fir production, and building limitation, plant competition, and herbicide site development retention Agricultural Development Urban Development

Cropland Dwellings Suitability: Unsuited Suitability: Poorly suited Management concerns: Management concerns: Slope, rock fragments on and • This map unit is severely limited for crop production in the soil, caving or sloughing of excavated walls, because of the rock fragments on and in the soil and hazard of erosion, corrosivity, overland water, and the hazard of erosion. seeps and springs Management measures and considerations: Septic tank absorption fields • Removing the surface stones would improve usability but would do little to improve soil tillage Suitability: Poorly suited because the surface layer has a large amount of rock Management concerns: Slope, rock fragments on and fragments. in the soil, overland water, and seeps and springs • A site on better suited soils should be selected. Local roads and streets Pasture and hayland Suitability: Poorly suited Suitability for pasture: Poorly suited Management concerns: Slope, rock fragments on and Suitability for hayland: Unsuited in the soil, frost action, hazard of erosion, seeps Management concerns: Hazard of erosion, rock and springs, and differential settling 76 Soil Survey

Lawns and landscaping Special climatic conditions: Soil subject to slow air drainage, which allows late spring and early fall Suitability: Poorly suited frosts Management concerns: Slope and rock fragments on Soil reaction: Extremely acid to slightly acid in the and in the soil surface layer, except where limed, and very Interpretive Group strongly acid to moderately acid in the subsoil Parent material: Colluvium derived from felsic to mafic, Land capability classification: 7s igneous or high-grade metamorphic rock Depth to bedrock: More than 72 inches CtE—Cullasaja very cobbly loam, 30 to 50 Other distinctive properties: Random areas of seeps percent slopes, extremely bouldery and springs; subsoil that has more than 35 percent rock fragments; soil may become saturated and unstable during abnormally high rainfall and have Setting the potential to produce serious landslides and Landscape: Low or intermediate mountains and localized mass movement of soil material intermountain hills Minor Components Elevation range: 1,700 to 4,200 feet Landform: Coves, colluvial fans, drainageways, and Dissimilar inclusions: benches • Random areas that are mostly covered by stones Landform position: Footslopes and toeslopes and boulders Shape of areas: Long and narrow or irregular • Random areas of Saunook soils that have less than Size of areas: 2 to about 30 acres 35 percent rock fragments throughout • Poorly drained Nikwasi soils on narrow flood plains Composition adjacent to streams Cullasaja soil and similar inclusions: 95 percent • Sandy Dellwood soils on narrow flood plains adjacent Dissimilar inclusions: 5 percent to streams • Somewhat poorly drained and poorly drained soils Typical Profile that are in seepage areas in and around drainageways Surface layer: Similar inclusions: 0 to 11 inches—black very cobbly loam • Cullasaja soils that are fine sandy loam or sandy Subsoil: loam in the fine-earth fraction of the surface layer 11 to 65 inches—dark yellowish brown, yellowish • Random areas of soils that have dark surface layers brown, and brownish yellow very cobbly loam less than 10 inches thick • Areas of soils that are rarely flooded for very brief Soil Properties and Qualities periods, along stream channels Depth class: Very deep • Random areas of Cullasaja soils that have slopes of Drainage class: Well drained less than 30 percent General texture class: Loamy with many rock Land Use fragments Permeability: Moderately rapid Dominant Uses: Woodland Depth to seasonal high water table: More than 6.0 feet Other Uses: Pasture, Fraser fir production, and building Hazard of flooding: None site development Shrink-swell potential: Low Slope class: Steep Agricultural Development Extent of erosion: Slight, less than 25 percent of the Cropland original surface layer has been removed Hazard of water erosion: Very severe Suitability: Unsuited Rock fragments on the surface: About 3 to 15 percent Management concerns: surface stones and boulders that average about 15 • This map unit is severely limited for crop production to 48 inches in diameter and 3 to 10 feet apart because of the rock fragments on and in the soil and Organic matter content of the surface layer: High or the hazard of erosion. very high Management measures and considerations: Potential for frost action: Moderate • A site on better suited soils should be selected. Watauga County, North Carolina 77

Pasture and hayland Local roads and streets Suitability for pasture: Poorly suited Suitability: Poorly suited Suitability for hayland: Unsuited Management concerns: Slope, rock fragments on and Management concerns: Hazard of erosion, rock in the soil, frost action, hazard of erosion, fragments on and in the soil, equipment limitation, differential settling, and seeps and springs and herbicide retention Lawns and landscaping Management measures and considerations: • This map unit is severely limited for hayland Suitability: Poorly suited production because of the limitations listed above. Management concerns: Slope and rock fragments on • Removing the surface stones would improve and in the soil usability but would do little to improve soil tillage Interpretive Group because the surface layer has a large amount of rock fragments. Land capability classification: 7s • A site on better suited soils should be selected. Orchards and ornamental crops CuA—Cullowhee loam, 0 to 3 percent Suitability: Poorly suited to Fraser fir; unsuited to slopes, frequently flooded orchards and other ornamental crops Management concerns: Setting • This map unit is severely limited for the production of Landscape: Stream valleys of mountains and orchards and other ornamental crops because of the intermountain hills slope, surface boulders and stones, and other rock Elevation range: 2,500 to 3,800 feet fragments on and in the soil. Landform: Flood plains Management measures and considerations: Landform position: Linear to slightly concave slopes • Removing the surface boulders and stones would Shape of areas: Long and narrow improve usability but would do little to improve soil Size of areas: 2 to about 25 acres tillage because the surface layer has a large amount of rock fragments. Composition • A site on better suited soils should be selected. Cullowhee soil and similar inclusions: 80 percent Dissimilar inclusions: 20 percent Woodland Management and Productivity Typical Profile Suitability: Poorly suited Potential for commercial species: High for cove Surface layer: hardwoods 0 to 8 inches—dark brown loam Productivity class: Very high for yellow-poplar 8 to 14 inches—dark brown loam that has dark Management concerns: Hazard of erosion, equipment yellowish brown iron depletions limitation, plant competition, and herbicide Underlying material: retention 14 to 24 inches—olive brown gravelly loamy sand that has dark grayish brown iron depletions Urban Development 24 to 62 inches—dark yellowish brown very cobbly sand that has dark grayish brown iron depletions Dwellings Soil Properties and Qualities Suitability: Poorly suited Management concerns: Slope, rock fragments on and Depth class: Very deep in the soil, caving or sloughing of excavated walls, Drainage class: Somewhat poorly drained hazard of erosion, corrosivity, overland water, and General texture class: Loamy in the upper part and seeps and springs sandy-skeletal in the lower part Permeability: Moderately rapid in the upper part and Septic tank absorption fields rapid in the lower part Suitability: Poorly suited Depth to seasonal high water table: 1.5 to 2.0 feet from Management concerns: Slope, rock fragments on and November through May in the soil, overland water, and seeps and springs Hazard of flooding: Frequent 78 Soil Survey

Shrink-swell potential: Low Orchards and ornamental crops Slope class: Nearly level Suitability: Unsuited to orchards and Fraser fir; poorly Extent of erosion: Slight, less than 25 percent of the suited to ornamental crops original surface layer has been removed Management concerns: Hazard of water erosion: None or slight • This map unit is severely limited for orchards and Organic matter content of the surface layer: Moderate Fraser fir production because of the frequent flooding, to very high wetness, and frost hazard. Potential for frost action: Low Management measures and considerations: Special climatic conditions: Soil subject to slow air • A site on better suited soils should be selected. drainage, which allows late spring and early fall frosts Woodland Management and Productivity Soil reaction: Very strongly acid to slightly acid throughout the profile, except where surface layers Suitability: Well suited have been limed Potential for commercial species: Moderately high for Parent material: Alluvium cove hardwoods Depth to bedrock: More than 60 inches Productivity class: Moderately high or high for yellow- Depth to contrasting materials: 20 to 40 inches to poplar strata containing 35 percent or more, by volume, Management concerns: Equipment limitation, plant gravel, cobbles, and stones competition, and herbicide retention Minor Components Urban Development Dissimilar inclusions: • Moderately well drained Reddies soils, adjacent to Dwellings streams Suitability: Unsuited • Poorly drained Nikwasi soils, in depressions and at Management concerns: the base of uplands • This map unit is severely limited for dwellings • Poorly drained soils that have very gravelly or cobbly because of the flooding and wetness. strata throughout the profile, in depressions, old stream Management measures and considerations: channels, and backwater areas • A site on better suited soils should be selected. • Well drained Saunook soils that have more clay in the subsoil than the Cullowhee soil, on toeslopes Septic tank absorption fields Similar inclusions: Suitability: Unsuited • Cullowhee soils that are fine sandy loam or sandy Management concerns: loam in the fine-earth fraction of the surface layer • This map unit is severely limited for septic tank • Cullowhee soils that have a thin layer of recent absorption fields because of the flooding, wetness, and sandy overwash poor filtering capacity. • Random areas of soils that have a thinner surface Management measures and considerations: layer • A site on better suited soils should be selected. • The local Health Department should be contacted for Land Use additional guidance. Dominant Uses: Pasture, hayland, and cropland (fig. 5) Other Uses: Ornamental crops and woodland Local roads and streets Suitability: Poorly suited Agricultural Development Management concerns: Flooding, wetness, and frost Cropland action Suitability: Suited Lawns and landscaping Management concerns: Flooding, wetness, and Suitability: Unsuited herbicide retention Management concerns: Flooding Pasture and hayland Interpretive Group Suitability: Suited Management concerns: Flooding, wetness, and Land capability classification: 3w herbicide retention Watauga County, North Carolina 79

Figure 5.—Much of the corn produced in Watauga County is grown on bottomland soils, such as Cullowhee loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded.

DAM—Dam Landform position: Linear to slightly convex slopes Shape of areas: Long and narrow These areas typically are water impoundment Size of areas: 2 to about 80 acres structures which commonly consist of disturbed, Composition compacted, earthen soil material and in some areas also include concrete and/or rip-rap rock. These areas Dellwood soil and similar inclusions: 90 percent are about 1 to 5 acres in size. Paved access roads or Dissimilar inclusions: 10 percent graveled roads are common across the tops of these Typical Profile dams. This map unit is not assigned a land capability Surface layer: classification. 0 to 12 inches—dark brown cobbly sandy loam Underlying material: DeB—Dellwood cobbly sandy loam, 1 to 5 12 to 65 inches—dark yellowish brown extremely percent slopes, occasionally flooded cobbly coarse sand Soil Properties and Qualities Setting Depth class: Very deep Landscape: Stream valleys of mountains and Drainage class: Moderately well drained intermountain hills General texture class: Loamy to sandy in the upper Elevation range: 1,400 to 4,200 feet part and sandy with many rock fragments in the Landform: Flood plains lower part 80 Soil Survey

Permeability: Moderately rapid in the surface layer and Land Use rapid in the underlying material Dominant Uses: Woodland and pasture Depth to seasonal high water table: 2.0 to 4.0 feet from Other Uses: Cropland, hayland, and recreation January through April Hazard of flooding: Occasional Agricultural Development Shrink-swell potential: Low Slope class: Nearly level or gently sloping Cropland Extent of erosion: Slight, less than 25 percent of the original surface layer has been removed Suitability: Poorly suited Hazard of water erosion: None or slight Management concerns: Flooding, rock fragments in the Organic matter content of the surface layer: Moderate soil, equipment limitation, droughtiness, nutrient or high leaching, and herbicide retention Potential for frost action: Low Pasture and hayland Special climatic conditions: Soil subject to slow air drainage, which allows late spring and early fall Suitability: Suited frosts Management concerns: Flooding, droughtiness, Soil reaction: Very strongly acid to neutral throughout nutrient leaching, rock fragments in the soil, and the profile herbicide retention Parent material: Coarse textured alluvium containing Orchards and ornamental crops large amounts of gravel, cobbles, and stones Depth to bedrock: More than 60 inches Suitability: Unsuited to orchards; poorly suited to Fraser Depth to contrasting materials: 8 to 20 inches to strata fir production and other ornamental crops containing 35 percent or more, by volume, gravel, Management concerns: Flooding, rock fragments in the cobbles, and stones surface layer, droughtiness, low clay content for Other distinctive properties: Soil subject to scouring ball and burlap harvesting, and frost hazard and deposition during flooding; mapped Management measures and considerations: delineations commonly have multiple stream • This map unit is severely limited for orchards channels; this soil is the first flood plain soil because of the flooding, wetness, and frost hazard. mapped coming out of the mountains; streams in • A site on better suited soils should be selected. this map unit are fast-moving and flooding is often Woodland Management and Productivity violent Suitability: Well suited Minor Components Potential for commercial species: Moderately high for bottomland hardwoods Dissimilar inclusions: Productivity class: Moderately high for yellow-poplar • Poorly drained Nikwasi soils in depressions, old Management concerns: Seedling mortality, plant stream channels, and backwater areas competition, and herbicide retention • Poorly drained soils that have very gravelly or cobbly strata throughout, in depressions, old stream channels, Urban Development and backwater areas • Reddies soils that have loamy subsoils and are Dwellings deeper to very gravelly or cobbly strata than the Suitability: Unsuited Dellwood soil, in areas away from stream channels Management concerns: • Random areas of sandy soils that have fewer rock • This map unit is severely limited for dwellings fragments throughout than the Dellwood soil because of the flooding. Similar inclusions: Management measures and considerations: • Dellwood soils that have a surface layer of loamy • A site on better suited soils should be selected. sand or loamy fine sand Septic tank absorption fields • Dellwood soils that have sandy overwash • Dellwood soils that are frequently flooded Suitability: Unsuited • Dellwood soils that are rarely flooded Management concerns: • Dellwood soils that have a high content of rock • This map unit is severely limited for septic tank fragments on the surface absorption fields because of the flooding, wetness, and poor filtering capacity. Watauga County, North Carolina 81

Management measures and considerations: Bedrock: • A site on better suited soils should be selected. 11 to 16 inches—hard, unweathered quartzite • The local Health Department should be contacted for additional guidance. Soil Properties and Qualities Local roads and streets Depth class: Ditney—moderately deep; Unicoi— shallow Suitability: Poorly suited Drainage class: Ditney—well drained; Unicoi— Management concerns: Flooding excessively drained Lawns and landscaping General texture class: Ditney—loamy; Unicoi—loamy with many rock fragments Suitability: Poorly suited Permeability: Moderately rapid Management concerns: Droughtiness and flooding Depth to seasonal high water table: More than 6.0 Interpretive Group feet Hazard of flooding: None Land capability classification: 4s Shrink-swell potential: Low Slope class: Very steep DuF—Ditney-Unicoi complex, 50 to 95 Extent of erosion: Slight, less than 25 percent of the percent slopes, very rocky original surface layer has been removed Hazard of water erosion: Very severe Rock fragments on the surface: Widely scattered Setting surface stones that average about 10 to 24 inches Landscape: Low or intermediate mountains and in diameter and 10 to 25 feet apart intermountain hills Organic matter content of the surface layer: Ditney— Elevation range: 3,000 to 4,200 feet low to moderate; Unicoi—low or moderately low Landform: Mountain slopes and ridges Potential for frost action: Moderate Landform position: Shoulders Soil reaction: Extremely acid to strongly acid Shape of areas: Irregular throughout the profile, except where surface layers Size of areas: 4 to about 250 acres have been limed Parent material: Residuum affected by soil creep in Composition the upper part, weathered from metasedimetary Ditney soil and similar inclusions: 65 percent rock Unicoi soil and similar inclusions: 25 percent Depth to bedrock: Ditney—20 to 40 inches to hard Dissimilar inclusions: 10 percent (including 5 percent bedrock; Unicoi—7 to 20 inches to hard bedrock areas of rock outcrop) Minor Components Typical Profile Dissimilar inclusions: Ditney • Very deep Northcove soils that have more than 35 percent rock fragments throughout, at the heads of Surface layer: drains and on benches 0 to 7 inches—very dark grayish brown and brown cobbly sandy loam Similar inclusions: • Ditney soils that are loam or fine sandy loam in the Subsoil: fine-earth fraction of the surface layer 7 to 28 inches—yellowish brown cobbly sandy loam • Unicoi soils that are sandy loam or fine sandy loam Bedrock: in the fine-earth fraction of the surface layer 28 to 33 inches—hard, unweathered quartzite • Jeffrey soils that have more organic matter in the surface layer and have hard bedrock at a depth of Unicoi 20 to 40 inches, at the highest elevations in the map Surface layer: unit 0 to 5 inches—dark brown and dark yellowish brown very cobbly loam Land Use Subsoil: Dominant Uses: Woodland 5 to 11 inches—light yellowish brown very cobbly loam Other Uses: Wildlife habitat 82 Soil Survey

Agricultural Development Management measures and considerations: • The local Health Department should be contacted for Cropland additional guidance. Suitability: Unsuited Local roads and streets Management concerns: Suitability: Unsuited • This map unit is severely limited for crop production Management concerns: because of the slope, hazard of erosion, and rock • This map unit is severely limited for roads and outcrops. streets because of the slope, depth to bedrock, and Management measures and considerations: rock outcrops. • A site on better suited soils should be selected. Management measures and considerations: Pasture and hayland • A site on better suited soils should be selected. Suitability: Unsuited Lawns and landscaping Management concerns: Suitability: Unsuited • This map unit is severely limited for the production of Management concerns: pasture and hay crops because of the slope, hazard of • This map unit is severely limited for lawns and erosion, and rock outcrops. landscaping because of the slope, depth to bedrock, Management measures and considerations: and rock outcrops. • A site on better suited soils should be selected. Management measures and considerations: Orchards and ornamental crops • A site on better suited soils should be selected. Suitability: Unsuited Interpretive Group Management concerns: Land capability classification: 7s • This map unit is severely limited for orchards and ornamental crops because of the slope, depth to bedrock, and extent of rock outcrops. EdC—Edneytown loam, 8 to 15 percent Management measures and considerations: slopes • A site on better suited soils should be selected. Setting Woodland Management and Productivity Landscape: Low or intermediate mountains and Suitability: Poorly suited intermountain hills Potential for commercial species: Low for hardwoods Elevation range: 1,700 to 4,200 feet Productivity class: Low for hardwoods Landform: Mountain ridges Management concerns: Hazard of erosion, equipment Landform position: Summits limitation, seedling mortality, and windthrow hazard Shape of areas: Oblong or irregular Size of areas: 2 to about 20 acres Urban Development Composition Dwellings Edneytown soil and similar inclusions: 85 percent Suitability: Unsuited Dissimilar inclusions: 15 percent Management concerns: Typical Profile • This map unit is severely limited for dwellings because of the slope and depth to bedrock. Surface layer: Management measures and considerations: 0 to 5 inches—very dark grayish brown and brown • A site on better suited soils should be selected. loam Septic tank absorption fields Subsoil: 5 to 21 inches—strong brown clay loam Suitability: Unsuited 21 to 29 inches—strong brown fine sandy loam Management concerns: • This map unit is severely limited for septic tank Underlying material: absorption fields because of the slope, depth to 29 to 62 inches—brownish yellow and very pale brown bedrock, and rock outcrops. sandy loam saprolite Watauga County, North Carolina 83

Soil Properties and Qualities Other Uses: Cropland, woodland, ornamental crops, Fraser fir production, and building site development Depth class: Very deep Drainage class: Well drained Agricultural Development General texture class: Loamy Permeability: Moderate in the subsoil and moderately Cropland rapid in the underlying material Suitability: Suited Depth to seasonal high water table: More than 6.0 feet Management concerns: Hazard of erosion and Hazard of flooding: None equipment limitation Shrink-swell potential: Low Slope class: Strongly sloping Pasture and hayland Extent of erosion: Slight, less than 25 percent of the Suitability for pasture: Well suited original surface layer has been removed Suitability for hayland: Suited Hazard of water erosion: Severe Management concerns: Hazard of erosion and Organic matter content of the surface layer: Moderately equipment limitation low or moderate Potential for frost action: Moderate Orchards and ornamental crops Soil reaction: Very strongly acid to moderately acid in Suitability: Well suited the surface layer, except where limed, and very Management concerns: Slope and surface clay in strongly acid or strongly acid in the subsoil and conifer line-out beds underlying material Parent material: Residuum affected by soil creep in the Woodland Management and Productivity upper part, weathered from felsic to mafic, igneous or high-grade metamorphic rock Suitability: Well suited Depth to bedrock: More than 60 inches Potential for commercial species: Moderate for hardwoods Minor Components Productivity class: Moderate for northern red oak Management concerns: Dissimilar inclusions: • This map unit has no significant limitations affecting • Random areas of soils that have soft bedrock at a woodland management. depth of 20 to 40 inches • Random areas of Chestnut soils that have soft Urban Development bedrock at a depth of 20 to 40 inches and have less clay in the subsoil than the Edneytown soil Dwellings • Random areas of Cowee soils that have soft bedrock Suitability: Suited at a depth of 20 to 40 inches and have redder subsoils Management concerns: Slope, caving or sloughing of than the Edneytown soil excavated walls, and corrosivity • Widely scattered areas of rock outcrop Septic tank absorption fields Similar inclusions: • Random areas of Edneytown soils that have a Suitability: Suited surface layer of sandy loam or fine sandy loam or that Management concerns: Slope and restricted have a gravelly surface layer permeability • Random areas of soils that have more mica in the Local roads and streets subsoil • Random areas of Evard soils that have redder Suitability: Suited subsoils Management concerns: Slope and frost action • Random areas of Edneyville soils that have less clay Lawns and landscaping in the subsoil • Random areas of soils that have soft bedrock at a Suitability: Suited depth of 40 to 60 inches Management concerns: Slope

Land Use Interpretive Group Dominant Uses: Pasture and hayland Land capability classification: 4e 84 Soil Survey

EdD—Edneytown loam, 15 to 30 percent Minor Components slopes Dissimilar inclusions: • Random areas of soils that have soft bedrock at a Setting depth of 20 to 40 inches • Random areas of Chestnut soils that have soft Landscape: Low or intermediate mountains and bedrock at a depth of 20 to 40 inches and have less intermountain hills clay in the subsoil than the Edneytown soil Elevation range: 1,700 to 4,200 feet • Random areas of Cowee soils that have soft bedrock Landform: Mountain slopes and ridges at a depth of 20 to 40 inches and have redder subsoils Landform position: Summits, shoulders, and side than the Edneytown soil slopes • Saunook soils that have more organic matter in the Shape of areas: Long and narrow or irregular surface layer than the Edneytown soil, in concave Size of areas: 2 to about 20 acres areas at the head of drains and on footslopes Composition • Widely scattered areas of rock outcrop Edneytown soil and similar inclusions: 85 percent Similar inclusions: Dissimilar inclusions: 15 percent • Random areas of Edneytown soils that have a surface layer of sandy loam or fine sandy loam or that Typical Profile have a gravelly surface layer Surface layer: • Random areas of soils that have more mica in the 0 to 5 inches—very dark grayish brown and brown subsoil loam • Random areas of Evard soils that have redder subsoils Subsoil: • Random areas of Edneyville soils that have less clay 5 to 21 inches—strong brown clay loam in the subsoil 21 to 29 inches—strong brown fine sandy loam • Random areas of soils that have soft bedrock at a Underlying material: depth of 40 to 60 inches 29 to 62 inches—brownish yellow and very pale brown Land Use sandy loam saprolite Dominant Uses: Pasture, hayland, and woodland Soil Properties and Qualities Other Uses: Ornamental crops, Fraser fir production, Depth class: Very deep and building site development Drainage class: Well drained General texture class: Loamy Agricultural Development Permeability: Moderate in the subsoil and moderately Cropland rapid in the underlying material Depth to seasonal high water table: More than 6.0 feet Suitability: Poorly suited Hazard of flooding: None Management concerns: Equipment limitation and Shrink-swell potential: Low hazard of erosion Slope class: Moderately steep Pasture and hayland Extent of erosion: Slight, less than 25 percent of the original surface layer has been removed Suitability: Suited Hazard of water erosion: Very severe Management concerns: Equipment limitation and Organic matter content of the surface layer: Moderately hazard of erosion low or moderate Orchards and ornamental crops Potential for frost action: Moderate Soil reaction: Very strongly acid to moderately acid in Suitability: Suited the surface layer, except where limed, and very Management concerns: Slope and surface clay in strongly acid or strongly acid in the subsoil and conifer line-out beds underlying material Woodland Management and Productivity Parent material: Residuum affected by soil creep in the upper part, weathered from felsic to mafic, igneous Suitability: Suited or high-grade metamorphic rock Potential for commercial species: Moderate for Depth to bedrock: More than 60 inches hardwoods Watauga County, North Carolina 85

Productivity class: Moderate for northern red oak Underlying material: Management concerns: Hazard of erosion, equipment 29 to 62 inches—brownish yellow and very pale brown use, and seedling mortality sandy loam saprolite

Urban Development Soil Properties and Qualities Dwellings Depth class: Very deep Drainage class: Well drained Suitability: Poorly suited General texture class: Loamy Management concerns: Slope, caving or sloughing of Permeability: Moderate in the subsoil and moderately excavated walls, hazard of erosion, and corrosivity rapid in the underlying material Septic tank absorption fields Depth to seasonal high water table: More than 6.0 feet Hazard of flooding: None Suitability: Poorly suited Shrink-swell potential: Low Management concerns: Slope Slope class: Steep Local roads and streets Extent of erosion: Slight, less than 25 percent of the original surface layer has been removed Suitability: Suited Hazard of water erosion: Very severe Management concerns: Slope, frost action, and hazard Organic matter content of the surface layer: Moderately of erosion low or moderate Lawns and landscaping Potential for frost action: Moderate Soil reaction: Very strongly acid to moderately acid in Suitability: Poorly suited the surface layer, except where limed, and very Management concerns: Slope and hazard of erosion strongly acid or strongly acid in the subsoil and Interpretive Group underlying material Parent material: Residuum affected by soil creep in the Land capability classification: 6e upper part, weathered from felsic to mafic, igneous or high-grade metamorphic rock Depth to bedrock: More than 60 inches EdE—Edneytown loam, 30 to 50 percent slopes Minor Components Dissimilar inclusions: Setting • Random areas of soils that have soft bedrock at a Landscape: Low or intermediate mountains and depth of 20 to 40 inches intermountain hills • Random areas of Chestnut soils that have soft Elevation range: 1,700 to 4,200 feet bedrock at a depth of 20 to 40 inches and have less Landform: Mountain slopes clay in the subsoil than the Edneytown soil Landform position: Side slopes • Random areas of Cowee soils that have soft bedrock Shape of areas: Irregular or long and narrow at a depth of 20 to 40 inches and have redder subsoils Size of areas: 2 to about 20 acres than the Edneytown soil • Saunook soils that have more organic matter in the Composition surface layer than the Edneytown soil, in concave areas at the head of drains and on footslopes Edneytown soil and similar inclusions: 85 percent • Cullasaja soils that have more organic matter in the Dissimilar inclusions: 15 percent surface layer than the Edneytown soil and have more than 35 percent rock fragments throughout, in concave Typical Profile areas at the heads of drains and on footslopes Surface layer: Similar inclusions: 0 to 5 inches—very dark grayish brown and brown • Random areas of Edneytown soils that have a loam surface layer of sandy loam or fine sandy loam or that Subsoil: have a gravelly surface layer 5 to 21 inches—strong brown clay loam • Random areas of soils that have more mica in the 21 to 29 inches—strong brown fine sandy loam subsoil 86 Soil Survey

• Random areas of Evard soils that have redder Septic tank absorption fields subsoils Suitability: Poorly suited • Random areas of Edneyville soils that have less clay Management concerns: Slope in the subsoil • Random areas of soils that have soft bedrock at a Local roads and streets depth of 40 to 60 inches Suitability: Poorly suited Management concerns: Slope, frost action, and hazard Land Use of erosion Dominant Uses: Pasture and woodland Lawns and landscaping Other Uses: Fraser fir production and building site development Suitability: Poorly suited Management concerns: Slope and hazard of erosion Agricultural Development Interpretive Group Cropland Land capability classification: 7e Suitability: Unsuited Management concerns: • This map unit is severely limited for crop production EvC—Evard-Cowee complex, 8 to 15 because of the equipment limitation and the hazard of percent slopes, stony erosion. Management measures and considerations: Setting • A site on better suited soils should be selected. Landscape: Low or intermediate mountains and Pasture and hayland intermountain hills Elevation range: 1,700 to 3,200 feet Suitability for pasture: Poorly suited Landform: Mountain ridges Suitability for hayland: Unsuited Landform position: Summits Management concerns: Equipment limitation and Shape of areas: Long and narrow or irregular hazard of erosion Size of areas: 2 to about 100 acres Management measures and considerations: • This map unit is severely limited for hayland Composition production because of the slope. Evard soil and similar inclusions: 70 percent • A site on better suited soils should be selected. Cowee soil and similar inclusions: 25 percent Orchards and ornamental crops Dissimilar inclusions: 5 percent Suitability: Suited to Fraser fir production; poorly suited Typical Profile to orchards and other ornamental crops Evard Management concerns: Slope and surface clay in conifer line-out beds Surface layer: 0 to 5 inches—reddish brown loam Woodland Management and Productivity Subsoil: Suitability: Poorly suited 5 to 8 inches—yellowish red loam Potential for commercial species: Moderate for 8 to 25 inches—red clay loam hardwoods 25 to 40 inches—red loam Productivity class: Moderate for northern red oak Underlying material: Management concerns: Hazard of erosion, equipment 40 to 62 inches—yellowish red loam saprolite use, and seedling mortality Cowee Urban Development Surface layer: Dwellings 0 to 6 inches—brown gravelly fine sandy loam Suitability: Poorly suited Subsoil: Management concerns: Slope, caving or sloughing of 6 to 14 inches—yellowish red gravelly loam excavated walls, hazard of erosion, and corrosivity 14 to 30 inches—yellowish red sandy clay loam Watauga County, North Carolina 87

Bedrock: Other Uses: Hayland, cropland, orchards, and building 30 to 62 inches—soft, weathered phyllonitic and site development mylonitic gneiss Agricultural Development Soil Properties and Qualities Cropland Depth class: Evard—very deep; Cowee—moderately deep Suitability: Suited Drainage class: Well drained Management concerns: Evard—hazard of erosion, General texture class: Loamy equipment limitation, and surface stones; Cowee— Permeability: Moderate hazard of erosion, equipment limitation, surface Depth to seasonal high water table: More than 6.0 feet stones, and rooting depth Hazard of flooding: None Pasture and hayland Shrink-swell potential: Low Slope class: Strongly sloping Suitability for pasture: Well suited Extent of erosion: Slight, less than 25 percent of the Suitability for hayland: Suited original surface layer has been removed Management concerns: Equipment limitation, hazard of Hazard of water erosion: Severe erosion, and surface stones Rock fragments on the surface: Widely scattered Orchards and ornamental crops surface stones that average about 10 to 24 inches in diameter and 25 to 80 feet apart Suitability: Evard—well suited; Cowee—suited Organic matter content of the surface layer: Moderately Management concerns: Evard—surface clay in conifer low to high line-out beds and slope; Cowee—depth to bedrock, Potential for frost action: Moderate surface clay in conifer line-out beds, and slope Soil reaction: Evard—very strongly acid to moderately Woodland Management and Productivity acid throughout, except where surface layers have been limed; Cowee—extremely acid to moderately Suitability: Well suited acid throughout, except where surface layers have Potential for commercial species: Moderate for been limed hardwoods Parent material: Residuum affected by soil creep in the Productivity class: Moderate for yellow-poplar upper part, weathered from felsic to mafic, igneous Management concerns: Windthrow hazard in areas of or high-grade metamorphic rock the Cowee soil Depth to bedrock: Evard—more than 60 inches; Cowee—20 to 40 inches to soft bedrock Urban Development Dwellings Minor Components Suitability: Suited Dissimilar inclusions: Management concerns: Evard—slope, hazard of • Random areas of soils that have soft bedrock at a erosion, and corrosivity; Cowee—slope, hazard of depth of less than 20 inches erosion, corrosivity, and depth to bedrock • Widely scattered areas of rock outcrop • Random areas of Evard and Cowee soils that have Septic tank absorption fields an extremely stony or extremely bouldery surface Suitability: Evard—suited; Cowee—poorly suited Similar inclusions: Management concerns: Evard—slope; Cowee—slope • Random areas of Fannin soils that have more mica and depth to bedrock in the subsoil Local roads and streets • Random areas of soils that have soft bedrock at a depth of 40 to 60 inches Suitability: Suited • Random areas of soils that have more mica in the Management concerns: Slope and frost action subsoil Lawns and landscaping • Random areas of soils that have more clay in the subsoil Suitability: Suited Management concerns: Evard—slope and hazard of Land Use erosion; Cowee—slope, hazard of erosion, depth to Dominant Uses: Woodland and pasture bedrock, and gravel content 88 Soil Survey

Interpretive Group Slope class: Moderately steep Extent of erosion: Slight, less than 25 percent of the Land capability classification: 4e original surface layer has been removed Hazard of water erosion: Very severe EvD—Evard-Cowee complex, 15 to 30 Rock fragments on the surface: Widely scattered percent slopes, stony surface stones that average about 10 to 24 inches in diameter and 25 to 80 feet apart Organic matter content of the surface layer: Moderately Setting low to high Landscape: Low or intermediate mountains and Potential for frost action: Moderate intermountain hills Soil reaction: Evard—very strongly acid to moderately Elevation range: 1,700 to 3,200 feet acid throughout, except where surface layers have Landform: Mountain slopes and ridges been limed; Cowee—extremely acid to moderately Landform position: Summits and shoulders acid throughout, except where surface layers have Shape of areas: Long and narrow or irregular been limed Size of areas: 2 to about 100 acres Parent material: Residuum affected by soil creep in the upper part, weathered from felsic to mafic, igneous Composition or high-grade metamorphic rock Evard soil and similar inclusions: 75 percent Depth to bedrock: Evard—more than 60 inches; Cowee soil and similar inclusions: 20 percent Cowee—20 to 40 inches to soft bedrock Dissimilar inclusions: 5 percent Minor Components Typical Profile Dissimilar inclusions: Evard • Random areas of soils that have soft bedrock at a Surface layer: depth of less than 20 inches 0 to 5 inches—reddish brown loam • Saunook soils that have more organic matter in the surface layer than the Evard and Cowee soils, in Subsoil: concave areas at the heads of drains and in saddles 5 to 8 inches—yellowish red loam • Widely scattered areas of rock outcrop 8 to 25 inches—red clay loam • Random areas of Evard and Cowee soils that have 25 to 40 inches—red loam more concentrated amounts of surface stones or Underlying material: boulders 40 to 62 inches—yellowish red loam saprolite Similar inclusions: Cowee • Random areas of Fannin soils that have more mica in the subsoil Surface layer: • Random areas of soils that have soft bedrock at a 0 to 6 inches—brown gravelly fine sandy loam depth of 40 to 60 inches Subsoil: • Random areas of soils that have more mica in the 6 to 14 inches—yellowish red gravelly loam subsoil 14 to 30 inches—yellowish red sandy clay loam • Random areas of soils that have more clay in the subsoil Bedrock: 30 to 62 inches—soft, weathered phyllonitic and Land Use mylonitic gneiss Dominant Uses: Woodland and pasture Soil Properties and Qualities Other Uses: Hayland, orchards, and building site development Depth class: Evard—very deep; Cowee—moderately deep Agricultural Development Drainage class: Well drained General texture class: Loamy Cropland Permeability: Moderate Depth to seasonal high water table: More than 6.0 feet Suitability: Poorly suited Hazard of flooding: None Management concerns: Evard—equipment limitation, Shrink-swell potential: Low hazard of erosion, and surface stones; Cowee— Watauga County, North Carolina 89

equipment limitation, hazard of erosion, surface EvE—Evard-Cowee complex, 30 to 50 stones, and rooting depth percent slopes, stony Pasture and hayland Setting Suitability: Suited Landscape: Low or intermediate mountains and Management concerns: Slope, equipment limitation, intermountain hills hazard of erosion, and surface stones Elevation range: 1,700 to 3,200 feet Landform: Mountain slopes and ridges Orchards and ornamental crops Landform position: Shoulders Suitability: Suited Shape of areas: Irregular Management concerns: Evard—slope and surface Size of areas: 4 to about 500 acres clay in conifer line-out beds; Cowee—slope, depth Composition to bedrock, and surface clay in conifer line-out beds Evard soil and similar inclusions: 70 percent Cowee soil and similar inclusions: 25 percent Woodland Management and Productivity Dissimilar inclusions: 5 percent Suitability: Suited Typical Profile Potential for commercial species: Moderate for Evard hardwoods Surface layer: Productivity class: Moderate for yellow-poplar 0 to 5 inches—reddish brown loam Management concerns: Evard—hazard of erosion and equipment limitation; Cowee—hazard of Subsoil: erosion, equipment limitation, and windthrow 5 to 8 inches—yellowish red loam hazard 8 to 25 inches—red clay loam 25 to 40 inches—red loam Urban Development Underlying material: 40 to 62 inches—yellowish red loam saprolite Dwellings Cowee Suitability: Poorly suited Management concerns: Evard—slope, hazard of Surface layer: erosion, and corrosivity; Cowee—slope, hazard of 0 to 6 inches—brown gravelly fine sandy loam erosion, corrosivity, and depth to bedrock Subsoil: Septic tank absorption fields 6 to 14 inches—yellowish red gravelly loam 14 to 30 inches—yellowish red sandy clay loam Suitability: Poorly suited Management concerns: Evard—slope; Cowee—slope Bedrock: and depth to bedrock 30 to 62 inches—soft, weathered phyllonitic and mylonitic gneiss Local roads and streets Soil Properties and Qualities Suitability: Poorly suited Depth class: Evard—very deep; Cowee—moderately Management concerns: Slope, frost action, and hazard deep of erosion Drainage class: Well drained Lawns and landscaping General texture class: Loamy Permeability: Moderate Suitability: Poorly suited Depth to seasonal high water table: More than 6.0 feet Management concerns: Evard—slope and hazard of Hazard of flooding: None erosion; Cowee—slope, hazard of erosion, and Shrink-swell potential: Low depth to bedrock Slope class: Steep Extent of erosion: Slight, less than 25 percent of the Interpretive Group original surface layer has been removed Land capability classification: 6e Hazard of water erosion: Very severe Rock fragments on the surface: Widely scattered 90 Soil Survey

surface stones that average about 10 to 24 inches Suitability for hayland: Unsuited in diameter and 25 to 80 feet apart Management concerns: Equipment limitation, hazard of Organic matter content of the surface layer: Moderately erosion, and surface stones low to high Orchards and ornamental crops Potential for frost action: Moderate Soil reaction: Evard—very strongly acid to moderately Suitability: Poorly suited acid throughout, except where surface layers have Management concerns: Evard—slope and surface clay been limed; Cowee—extremely acid to moderately in conifer line-out beds; Cowee—slope, depth to acid throughout, except where surface layers have rock, and surface clay in conifer line-out beds been limed Woodland Management and Productivity Parent material: Residuum affected by soil creep in the upper part, weathered from felsic to mafic, igneous Suitability: Poorly suited or high-grade metamorphic rock Potential for commercial species: Moderate for Depth to bedrock: Evard—more than 60 inches; hardwoods Cowee—20 to 40 inches to soft bedrock Productivity class: Moderate for yellow-poplar Management concerns: Evard—hazard of erosion and Minor Components equipment limitation; Cowee—hazard of erosion, Dissimilar inclusions: equipment limitation, and windthrow hazard • Random areas of soils that have soft bedrock at a depth of less than 20 inches Urban Development • Saunook soils that have more organic matter in the Dwellings surface layer than the Evard and Cowee soils, in concave areas at the heads of drains and on benches Suitability: Poorly suited • Widely scattered areas of rock outcrop Management concerns: Evard—slope, hazard of • Random areas of Evard and Cowee soils that have erosion, and corrosivity; Cowee—slope, hazard of more concentrated amounts of surface stones or erosion, corrosivity, and depth to bedrock boulders Septic tank absorption fields Similar inclusions: Suitability: Poorly suited • Random areas of soils that have soft bedrock at a Management concerns: Evard—slope; Cowee—slope depth of 40 to 60 inches and depth to bedrock • Random areas of Fannin soils that have more mica in the subsoil Local roads and streets • Random areas of soils that have more mica in the Suitability: Poorly suited subsoil Management concerns: Slope, frost action, and hazard • Random areas of soils that have more clay in the of erosion subsoil Lawns and landscaping Land Use Suitability: Poorly suited Dominant Uses: Woodland and pasture Management concerns: Evard—slope and hazard of Other Uses: Orchards and building site development erosion; Cowee—slope, hazard of erosion, and depth to bedrock Agricultural Development Interpretive Group Cropland Land capability classification: 7e Suitability: Unsuited Management concerns: • This map unit is severely limited for crop production FaD—Fannin loam, 15 to 30 percent because of the slope, equipment limitation, and hazard slopes, stony of erosion. Management measures and considerations: Setting • A site on better suited soils should be selected. Landscape: Low or intermediate mountains and Pasture and hayland intermountain hills Suitability for pasture: Poorly suited Elevation range: 1,700 to 3,200 feet Watauga County, North Carolina 91

Landform: Mountain slopes and ridges • Random areas of Cowee soils that have soft bedrock Landform position: Summits, shoulders, and side at a depth of 20 to 40 inches and have less mica in the slopes subsoil than the Fannin soil Shape of areas: Long and narrow or irregular • Saunook soils that have more organic matter in the Size of areas: 2 to about 100 acres surface layer than the Fannin soil, in concave areas at the head of drains and on footslopes Composition Similar inclusions: Fannin soil and similar inclusions: 90 percent • Random areas of Fannin soils that have a surface Dissimilar inclusions: 10 percent layer of fine sandy loam or sandy loam or that have a Typical Profile gravelly surface layer • Random areas of Watauga soils that have brown Surface layer: subsoils 0 to 6 inches—dark yellowish brown loam • Random areas of Chandler soils that have less clay Subsoil: and have brown subsoils 6 to 27 inches—yellowish red sandy clay loam • Random areas of soils that have soft bedrock at a depth of 40 to 60 inches Underlying material: 27 to 62 inches—yellowish red loamy fine sand Land Use saprolite Dominant Uses: Woodland, pasture, and hayland Soil Properties and Qualities Other Uses: Ornamental crops, Fraser fir production, and building site development Depth class: Very deep Drainage class: Well drained Agricultural Development General texture class: Loamy Permeability: Moderate Cropland Depth to seasonal high water table: More than 6.0 feet Suitability: Poorly suited Hazard of flooding: None Management concerns: Equipment limitation, hazard of Shrink-swell potential: Low erosion, and surface stones Slope class: Moderately steep Extent of erosion: Slight, less than 25 percent of the Pasture and hayland original surface layer has been removed Suitability: Suited Hazard of water erosion: Very severe Management concerns: Equipment limitation and Organic matter content of the surface layer: Moderately hazard of erosion low to high Potential for frost action: Moderate Orchards and ornamental crops Soil reaction: Very strongly acid to moderately acid Suitability: Suited throughout the profile, except where surface layers Management concerns: Slope and surface clay in have been limed conifer line-out beds Parent material: Residuum affected by soil creep in the upper part, weathered from high-grade Woodland Management and Productivity metamorphic rocks that have a high mica content Suitability: Suited Depth to bedrock: More than 60 inches Potential for commercial species: Moderate for Other distinctive properties: High mica content in the hardwoods subsoil; soil subject to downslope movement when Productivity class: High for eastern white pine lateral support is removed and to differential Management concerns: Hazard of erosion and settling when used as fill material equipment limitation Minor Components Urban Development Dissimilar inclusions: • Random areas of Brownwood soils that have soft Dwellings bedrock at a depth of 20 to 40 inches and have less clay in the subsoil than the Fannin soil Suitability: Poorly suited • Random areas of soils that have soft bedrock at a Management concerns: Slope, low soil strength, caving depth of 20 to 40 inches and sloughing of excavated walls, hazard of 92 Soil Survey

erosion, corrosivity, slippage, and differential Hazard of flooding: None settling Shrink-swell potential: Low Slope class: Steep Septic tank absorption fields Extent of erosion: Slight, less than 25 percent of the Suitability: Poorly suited original surface layer has been removed Management concerns: Slope and restricted Hazard of water erosion: Very severe permeability Organic matter content of the surface layer: Moderately low to high Local roads and streets Potential for frost action: Moderate Suitability: Suited Soil reaction: Very strongly acid to moderately acid Management concerns: Slope, low soil strength, frost throughout the profile, except where surface layers action, hazard of erosion, slippage, and differential have been limed settling Parent material: Residuum affected by soil creep in the upper part, weathered from high-grade Lawns and landscaping metamorphic rocks that have a high mica content Suitability: Poorly suited Depth to bedrock: More than 60 inches Management concerns: Slope and hazard of erosion Other distinctive properties: High mica content in the subsoil; soil subject to downslope movement when Interpretive Group lateral support is removed and to differential Land capability classification: 7e settling when used as fill material Minor Components FaE—Fannin loam, 30 to 50 percent Dissimilar inclusions: slopes, stony • Random areas of Brownwood soils that have soft bedrock at a depth of 20 to 40 inches and have less Setting clay in the subsoil than the Fannin soil • Random areas of soils that have soft bedrock at a Landscape: Low or intermediate mountains and depth of 20 to 40 inches intermountain hills • Random areas of Cowee soils that have soft bedrock Elevation range: 1,700 to 3,200 feet at a depth of 20 to 40 inches and have less mica in the Landform: Mountain slopes subsoil than the Fannin soil Landform position: Side slopes • Saunook soils that have more organic matter in the Shape of areas: Long and narrow or irregular surface layer than the Fannin soil, in concave areas at Size of areas: 2 to about 100 acres the head of drains and on footslopes Composition Similar inclusions: Fannin soil and similar inclusions: 85 percent • Random areas of Fannin soils that have a surface Dissimilar inclusions: 15 percent layer of fine sandy loam or sandy loam or that have a gravelly surface layer Typical Profile • Random areas of Watauga soils that have brown Surface layer: subsoils 0 to 6 inches—dark yellowish brown loam • Random areas of Chandler soils that have less clay and have brown subsoils Subsoil: • Random areas of soils that have soft bedrock at a 6 to 27 inches—yellowish red sandy clay loam depth of 40 to 60 inches Underlying material: Land Use 27 to 62 inches—yellowish red loamy fine sand saprolite Dominant Uses: Woodland Other Uses: Pasture, hayland, ornamental crops, Soil Properties and Qualities Fraser fir production, and building site development Depth class: Very deep Drainage class: Well drained Agricultural Development General texture class: Loamy Cropland Permeability: Moderate Depth to seasonal high water table: More than 6.0 feet Suitability: Unsuited Watauga County, North Carolina 93

Management concerns: JfD—Jeffrey cobbly loam, 15 to 30 percent • This map unit is severely limited for crop production slopes, very stony because of the slope. Management measures and considerations: Setting • A site on better suited soils should be selected. Landscape: Intermediate mountains Pasture and hayland Elevation range: 3,200 to 4,400 feet Suitability for pasture: Poorly suited Landform: Mountain slopes and ridges Suitability for hayland: Unsuited Landform position: Summits, shoulders, and side Management concerns: Equipment limitation and slopes hazard of erosion Shape of areas: Long and narrow or irregular Management measures and considerations: Size of areas: 4 to about 30 acres • This map unit is severely limited for hayland production because of the slope. Composition • A site on better suited soils should be selected. Jeffrey soil and similar inclusions: 80 percent Orchards and ornamental crops Dissimilar inclusions: 20 percent Suitability: Suited to Fraser fir production; poorly suited Typical Profile to orchards and other ornamental crops Management concerns: Slope and surface clay in Surface layer: conifer line-out beds 0 to 9 inches—dark brown and dark yellowish brown cobbly loam Woodland Management and Productivity Subsoil: Suitability: Poorly suited 9 to 25 inches—dark yellowish brown cobbly sandy Potential for commercial species: Moderate for loam hardwoods Productivity class: High for eastern white pine Bedrock: Management concerns: Hazard of erosion and 25 to 30 inches—hard, unweathered quartzite equipment limitation Soil Properties and Qualities Urban Development Depth class: Moderately deep Dwellings Drainage class: Well drained Suitability: Poorly suited General texture class: Loamy Management concerns: Slope, low soil strength, caving Permeability: Moderate or moderately rapid and sloughing of excavated walls, hazard of Depth to seasonal high water table: More than 6.0 feet erosion, corrosivity, slippage, and differential Hazard of flooding: None settling Shrink-swell potential: Low Slope class: Moderately steep Septic tank absorption fields Extent of erosion: Slight, less than 25 percent of the Suitability: Poorly suited original surface layer has been removed Management concerns: Slope Hazard of water erosion: Severe Rock fragments on the surface: Widely scattered Local roads and streets surface stones that average about 10 to 24 inches Suitability: Poorly suited in diameter and 3 to 25 feet apart Management concerns: Slope, low soil strength, Organic matter content of the surface layer: Moderate hazard of erosion, frost action, slippage, and or high differential settling Potential for frost action: Moderate Soil reaction: Extremely acid to strongly acid Lawns and landscaping throughout the profile, except where surface layers Suitability: Poorly suited have been limed Management concerns: Slope and hazard of erosion Parent material: Residuum affected by soil creep in the upper part, weathered from metasedimentary Interpretive Group rock Land capability classification: 7e Depth to bedrock: 20 to 40 inches to hard bedrock 94 Soil Survey

Minor Components Local roads and streets Dissimilar inclusions: Suitability: Poorly suited • Random areas of soils that have bedrock at a depth Management concerns: Slope, depth to bedrock, frost of 40 to 60 inches action, and hazard of erosion • Widely scattered areas of rock outcrop Lawns and landscaping Similar inclusions: Suitability: Poorly suited • Random areas of soils that have soft bedrock at a Management concerns: Slope, depth to bedrock, and depth of 20 to 40 inches hazard of erosion Land Use Interpretive Group Dominant Uses: Woodland Land capability classification: 6e Other Uses: Pasture and building site development

Agricultural Development JfE—Jeffrey cobbly loam, 30 to 50 percent Cropland slopes, very stony Suitability: Unsuited Setting Management concerns: • This map unit is severely limited for crop production Landscape: Intermediate mountains because of an equipment limitation, a hazard of Elevation range: 3,200 to 4,400 feet erosion, rock fragments on and in the soil, and depth to Landform: Mountain slopes bedrock. Landform position: Side slopes Management measures and considerations: Shape of areas: Long and narrow or irregular • A site on better suited soils should be selected. Size of areas: 4 to about 30 acres Pasture and hayland Composition Suitability: Poorly suited Jeffrey soil and similar inclusions: 95 percent Management concerns: Equipment limitation, hazard of Dissimilar inclusions: 5 percent erosion, and rock fragments on and in the soil Typical Profile Orchards and ornamental crops Surface layer: Suitability: Suited 0 to 9 inches—dark brown and dark yellowish brown Management concerns: Slope, depth to bedrock, and cobbly loam surface stones and other rock fragments on and in Subsoil: the soil 9 to 25 inches—dark yellowish brown cobbly sandy Woodland Management and Productivity loam Suitability: Suited Bedrock: Potential for commercial species: Low for hardwoods 25 to 30 inches—hard, unweathered quartzite Productivity class: Low for northern red oak Management concerns: Hazard of erosion, equipment Soil Properties and Qualities limitation, and windthrow hazard Depth class: Moderately deep Urban Development Drainage class: Well drained General texture class: Loamy Dwellings Permeability: Moderate or moderately rapid Suitability: Poorly suited Depth to seasonal high water table: More than 6.0 feet Management concerns: Slope, depth to bedrock, Hazard of flooding: None hazard of erosion, and corrosivity Shrink-swell potential: Low Slope class: Steep Septic tank absorption fields Extent of erosion: Slight, less than 25 percent of the Suitability: Poorly suited original surface layer has been removed Management concerns: Slope, depth to bedrock, and Hazard of water erosion: Very severe rock fragments on and in the soil Rock fragments on the surface: Widely scattered Watauga County, North Carolina 95

surface stones that average about 10 to 24 inches Management concerns: Slope, depth to bedrock, and in diameter and 3 to 25 feet apart surface stones and other rock fragments on and in Organic matter content of the surface layer: Moderate the soil or high Woodland Management and Productivity Potential for frost action: Moderate Soil reaction: Extremely acid to strongly acid Suitability: Poorly suited throughout the profile, except where surface layers Potential for commercial species: Low for hardwoods have been limed Productivity class: Low for northern red oak Parent material: Residuum affected by soil creep in the Management concerns: Hazard of erosion, equipment upper part, weathered from metasedimentary rock limitation, and windthrow hazard Depth to bedrock: 20 to 40 inches to hard bedrock Urban Development Minor Components Dissimilar inclusions: Dwellings • Very deep Northcove soils that have more than 35 Suitability: Poorly suited percent rock fragments throughout, at the heads of or Management concerns: Slope, depth to bedrock, along drainageways hazard of erosion, and corrosivity • Very deep Keener soils at the heads of or along drainageways Septic tank absorption fields • Random areas of soils that have bedrock at a depth Suitability: Poorly suited of 40 to 60 inches Management concerns: Slope, depth to bedrock, and • Widely scattered areas of rock outcrop rock fragments on and in the soil Similar inclusions: Local roads and streets • Random areas of soils that have soft bedrock at a depth of 20 to 40 inches Suitability: Poorly suited Management concerns: Slope, depth to bedrock, frost Land Use action, and hazard of erosion Dominant Uses: Woodland Lawns and landscaping Other Uses: Pasture Suitability: Poorly suited Agricultural Development Management concerns: Slope, depth to bedrock, and Cropland hazard of erosion Suitability: Unsuited Interpretive Group Management concerns: Land capability classification: 7e • This map unit is severely limited for crop production because of an equipment limitation, a hazard of erosion, and rock fragments on and in the soil. KnC—Keener loam, 8 to 15 percent Management measures and considerations: slopes, stony • A site on better suited soils should be selected. Pasture and hayland Setting Suitability for pasture: Poorly suited Landscape: Low or intermediate mountains and Suitability for hayland: Unsuited intermountain hills Management concerns: Slope, equipment limitation, Elevation range: 2,500 to 4,200 feet hazard of erosion, and rock fragments on and in Landform: Coves, drainageways, colluvial fans, and the soil benches Management measures and considerations: Landform position: Footslopes and toeslopes • This map unit is severely limited for hayland Shape of areas: Long and narrow or irregular production because of the slope. Size of areas: 2 to about 25 acres Orchards and ornamental crops Composition Suitability: Suited to Fraser fir; poorly suited to Keener soil and similar inclusions: 95 percent orchards and other ornamental crops Dissimilar inclusions: 5 percent 96 Soil Survey

Typical Profile layer of fine sandy loam or sandy loam or that have a gravelly surface layer Surface layer: • Random areas of soils that have surface layers that 0 to 7 inches—brown loam are darker due to higher amounts of organic matter Subsoil: Land Use 7 to 12 inches—yellowish brown loam 12 to 30 inches—yellowish brown clay loam Dominant Uses: Woodland 30 to 38 inches—strong brown loam Other Uses: Pasture, hayland, cropland, Fraser fir production, ornamental crops, and building site Underlying material: development 38 to 62 inches—strong brown gravelly loam Agricultural Development Soil Properties and Qualities Depth class: Very deep Cropland Drainage class: Well drained Suitability: Suited General texture class: Loamy Management concerns: Hazard of erosion, equipment Permeability: Moderate in the subsoil and moderately limitation, and surface stones rapid in the underlying material Depth to seasonal high water table: More than 6.0 feet Pasture and hayland Hazard of flooding: None Suitability: Suited Shrink-swell potential: Low Management concerns: Hazard of erosion, equipment Slope class: Strongly sloping limitation, and surface stones Extent of erosion: Slight, less than 25 percent of the original surface layer has been removed Orchards and ornamental crops Hazard of water erosion: Severe Suitability: Well suited Rock fragments on the surface: Widely scattered Management concerns: Slope and surface clay in surface stones that average about 10 to 24 inches conifer line-out beds in diameter and 25 to 80 feet apart Organic matter content of the surface layer: Moderately Woodland Management and Productivity low Suitability: Well suited Potential for frost action: Moderate Potential for commercial species: Moderately high for Soil reaction: Extremely acid to moderately acid cove hardwoods throughout the profile, except where surface layers Productivity class: Moderately high for yellow-poplar have been limed Management concerns: Special climatic conditions: Soil subject to slow air • This map unit has no significant limitations affecting drainage, which allows late spring and early fall woodland management. frosts Parent material: Colluvium derived from Urban Development metasedimentary rock Depth to bedrock: More than 60 inches Dwellings Other distinctive properties: Random areas of seeps and springs Suitability: Suited Management concerns: Slope, hazard of erosion, Minor Components corrosivity, overland water, and seeps and springs Dissimilar inclusions: Septic tank absorption fields • Northcove soils that have more than 35 percent rock Suitability: Suited fragments throughout, in drainageways that cross Management concerns: Slope, restricted permeability, mapped areas and seeps and springs • Somewhat poorly drained Cullowhee soils, along perennial streams Local roads and streets • Poorly drained Nikwasi soils, along perennial streams Suitability: Suited Similar inclusions: Management concerns: Slope, low soil strength, frost • Random areas of Keener soils that have a surface action, and seeps and springs Watauga County, North Carolina 97

Lawns and landscaping Organic matter content of the surface layer: Moderately low Suitability: Suited Potential for frost action: Moderate Management concerns: Slope and hazard of erosion Soil reaction: Extremely acid to moderately acid Interpretive Group throughout the profile, except where surface layers have been limed Land capability classification: 3e Special climatic conditions: Soil subject to slow air drainage, which allows late spring and early fall frosts KnD—Keener loam, 15 to 30 percent Parent material: Colluvium derived from slopes, stony metasedimentary rock Depth to bedrock: More than 60 inches Setting Other distinctive properties: Random areas of seeps and springs Landscape: Low or intermediate mountains and intermountain hills Minor Components Elevation range: 2,500 to 4,200 feet Landform: Coves, drainageways, colluvial fans, and Dissimilar inclusions: benches • Northcove soils that have more than 35 percent rock Landform position: Footslopes and toeslopes fragments throughout, in drainageways that cross Shape of areas: Long and narrow or irregular mapped areas Size of areas: 2 to about 25 acres • Somewhat poorly drained Cullowhee soils, along perennial streams Composition • Poorly drained Nikwasi soils, along perennial streams Keener soil and similar inclusions: 95 percent Similar inclusions: Dissimilar inclusions: 5 percent • Random areas of Keener soils that have a surface layer of fine sandy loam or sandy loam or that have a Typical Profile gravelly surface layer Surface layer: • Random areas of soils that have surface layers that 0 to 7 inches—brown loam are darker due to higher amounts of organic matter Subsoil: Land Use 7 to 12 inches—yellowish brown loam 12 to 30 inches—yellowish brown clay loam Dominant Uses: Woodland 30 to 38 inches—strong brown loam Other Uses: Pasture, hayland, Fraser fir production, ornamental crops, and building site development Underlying material: 38 to 62 inches—strong brown gravelly loam Agricultural Development Soil Properties and Qualities Cropland Depth class: Very deep Drainage class: Well drained Suitability: Poorly suited General texture class: Loamy Management concerns: Equipment limitation, hazard of Permeability: Moderate in the subsoil and moderately erosion, and surface stones rapid in the underlying material Pasture and hayland Depth to seasonal high water table: More than 6.0 feet Hazard of flooding: None Suitability for pasture: Suited Shrink-swell potential: Low Suitability for hayland: Poorly suited Slope class: Moderately steep Management concerns: Hazard of erosion, equipment Extent of erosion: Slight, less than 25 percent of the limitation, and surface stones original surface layer has been removed Orchards and ornamental crops Hazard of water erosion: Very severe Rock fragments on the surface: Widely scattered Suitability: Suited surface stones that average about 10 to 24 inches Management concerns: Slope and surface clay in in diameter and 25 to 80 feet apart conifer line-out beds 98 Soil Survey

Woodland Management and Productivity 6 to 12 inches—very dark brown mucky peat 12 to 20 inches—very dark brown muck Suitability: Suited Potential for commercial species: Moderately high for Underlying material: cove hardwoods 20 to 32 inches—olive gray loamy sand that has light Productivity class: Moderately high for yellow-poplar olive brown masses of iron accumulation Management concerns: Hazard of erosion and 32 to 48 inches—yellowish brown sandy loam that has equipment limitation light olive brown iron depletions 48 to 65 inches—dark yellowish brown gravelly loamy Urban Development coarse sand that has light olive brown iron depletions Dwellings Suitability: Poorly suited Soil Properties and Qualities Management concerns: Slope, hazard of erosion, Depth class: Very deep corrosivity, overland water, and seeps and springs Drainage class: Very poorly drained Septic tank absorption fields General texture class: Organic in the upper part and sandy in the lower part Suitability: Poorly suited Permeability: Moderate or moderately rapid in the Management concerns: Slope, restricted permeability, organic layers and moderately slow to moderately and seeps and springs rapid in the mineral layers Local roads and streets Seasonal high water table: 0.5 foot above the soil surface to 0.5 foot below from October through Suitability: Suited June Management concerns: Slope, low soil strength, frost Hazard of flooding: None action, hazard of erosion, and seeps and springs Shrink-swell potential: Low Lawns and landscaping Slope class: Nearly level Extent of erosion: Slight, less than 25 percent of the Suitability: Suited original surface layer has been removed Management concerns: Slope and hazard of erosion Hazard of water erosion: None or slight Interpretive Group Organic matter content of the surface layer: Very high Potential for frost action: Moderate Land capability classification: 6e Soil reaction: Extremely acid to strongly acid in the organic layers and very strongly acid to slightly LoA—Longhope mucky peat, 0 to 3 acid in the mineral horizons percent slopes Special climatic conditions: Soil subject to slow air drainage, which allows late spring and early fall frosts Setting Parent material: Plant residue and local alluvium Landscape: High mountains Depth to bedrock: More than 60 inches Elevation range: 4,000 to 4,600 feet Other distinctive properties: Soil subject to frequent Landform: Upland drainageways and depressions, ponding for long duration during wet periods including bogs and fens (fig. 6) throughout the year Landform position: Toeslopes and linear to slightly concave slopes Minor Components Shape of areas: Long and narrow Dissimilar inclusions: Size of areas: 2 to about 50 acres • Well drained loamy soils at the base of uplands Composition • Balsam soils that have loamy subsoils and more than 35 percent rock fragments throughout, at the base Longhope soil and similar inclusions: 95 percent of uplands Dissimilar inclusions: 5 percent Similar inclusions: Typical Profile • Random areas of soils that have an organic surface Surface layer: layer less than 16 inches thick or have less organic 0 to 6 inches—dark brown mucky peat matter in the surface layer Watauga County, North Carolina 99

Figure 6.—An area of Longhope mucky peat, 0 to 3 percent slopes. Mountain bogs are home to many unique plants, such as cranberries and sundew, and animals, such as bog turtles.

• Random areas of Longhope soils that have been Management concerns: drained or that flood • This map unit is severely limited for crop production • Soils that have mineral soil material throughout, at because of the wetness, equipment limitation, and the base of uplands extreme climatic conditions. • Poorly drained soils that have strata with a high Management measures and considerations: content of rock fragments at a depth of 10 to 20 • Longhope soils are hydric and areas of them are inches, derived from spoil material next to drainage considered wetlands. Wetlands provide valuable habitat ditches and stream channels that have been for wetland wildlife and serve as a filter for water. straightened and deepened Draining these soils is not recommended. • A site on better suited soils should be selected. Land Use Pasture and hayland Dominant Uses: Unmanaged woodland and herbaceous meadows for wildlife habitat Suitability: Unsuited Other Uses: None Management concerns: • This map unit is severely limited for pasture and Agricultural Development hayland because of the wetness, equipment limitation, and extreme climatic conditions. Cropland Management measures and considerations: Suitability: Unsuited • A site on better suited soils should be selected. 100 Soil Survey

Orchards and ornamental crops Management concerns: Wetness, ponding, and excessive organic matter Suitability: Unsuited Management concerns: Interpretive Group • This map unit is severely limited for orchards and Land capability classification: 7w ornamental crops because of the wetness and extreme climatic conditions. Management measures and considerations: • A site on better suited soils should be selected. NkA—Nikwasi loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded Woodland Management and Productivity Suitability: Unsuited to commercial production Setting Potential for commercial species: None Landscape: Stream valleys of mountains and Productivity class: Very low intermountain hills Management concerns: Elevation range: 2,000 to 4,200 feet • This map unit is severely limited for woodland Landform: Flood plains production because of the wetness, equipment Landform position: Linear to slightly concave slopes limitation, seedling mortality, windthrow hazard, and Shape of areas: Long and narrow climate. Size of areas: 2 to about 50 acres Management measures and considerations: • A site on better suited soils should be selected. Composition Nikwasi soil and similar inclusions: 95 percent Urban Development Dissimilar inclusions: 5 percent Dwellings Typical Profile Suitability: Unsuited Management concerns: Surface layer: • This map unit is severely limited for dwellings 0 to 28 inches—dark brown, very dark grayish brown, because of the wetness, ponding, and subsidence. and very dark gray loam Management measures and considerations: Underlying material: • A site on better suited soils should be selected. 28 to 62 inches—dark gray very gravelly sand Septic tank absorption fields Soil Properties and Qualities Suitability: Unsuited Management concerns: Depth class: Very deep • This map unit is severely limited for septic tank Drainage class: Poorly drained or very poorly drained absorption fields because of the wetness, ponding, and General texture class: Loamy in the upper part and poor filtering capacity. sandy with many rock fragments in the lower part Management measures and considerations: Permeability: Moderately rapid in the surface layer and • A site on better suited soils should be selected. rapid in the underlying material • The local Health Department should be contacted for Depth to seasonal high water table: 0 to 1.0 foot from additional guidance. November through May Hazard of flooding: Frequent Local roads and streets Shrink-swell potential: Low Suitability: Unsuited Slope class: Nearly level Management concerns: Extent of erosion: Slight, less than 25 percent of the • This map unit is severely limited for roads and original surface layer has been removed streets because of the wetness, ponding, and Hazard of water erosion: None or slight subsidence. Organic matter content of the surface layer: High or Management measures and considerations: very high • This soil is rare and environmentally sensitive. Potential for frost action: Moderate • A site on better suited soils should be selected. Soil reaction: Very strongly acid to slightly acid throughout the profile, except where surface layers Lawns and landscaping have been limed Suitability: Unsuited Special climatic conditions: Soil subject to slow air Watauga County, North Carolina 101

drainage, which allows late spring and early fall Management concerns: Flooding, wetness, equipment frosts limitation, and nutrient leaching Parent material: Alluvium Orchards and ornamental crops Depth to bedrock: More than 60 inches Other distinctive properties: Soil subject to frequent Suitability: Unsuited ponding for brief duration during wet periods Management concerns: throughout the year • This map unit is severely limited for orchards and ornamental crops because of the wetness and flooding. Minor Components Management measures and considerations: • A site on better suited soils should be selected. Dissimilar inclusions: • Somewhat poorly drained Cullowhee soils, at the Woodland Management and Productivity base of uplands Suitability: Poorly suited • Moderately well drained Reddies soils, at the base of Potential for commercial species: Moderately high for uplands bottomland hardwoods Similar inclusions: Productivity class: Moderately high for yellow-poplar • Random areas of Nikwasi soils that have a Management concerns: Equipment limitation, seedling surface layer of fine sandy loam, sandy loam, or mortality, and plant competition mucky loam • Poorly drained soils that have strata with a high Urban Development content of rock fragments at depths of 10 to 20 inches, derived from spoil material next to stream channels Dwellings that have been straightened and deepened Suitability: Unsuited • Random areas of soils that have surface layers less Management concerns: than 24 inches thick • This map unit is severely limited for dwellings • Random areas of Nikwasi soils that have recent because of the flooding and wetness. sandy overwash Management measures and considerations: • Random areas of Toxaway soils that have more clay • A site on better suited soils should be selected. in the subsoil Septic tank absorption fields Land Use Suitability: Unsuited Dominant Uses: Pasture and woodland Management concerns: Other Uses: Cropland and hayland • This map unit is severely limited for septic tank absorption fields because of the flooding, wetness, and Agricultural Development poor filtering capacity. Management measures and considerations: Cropland • A site on better suited soils should be selected. • The local Health Department should be contacted for Suitability: Unsuited in undrained areas; poorly suited in additional guidance. drained areas Management concerns: Local roads and streets • This map unit is severely limited for crop production Suitability: Poorly suited because of the wetness and flooding. Management concerns: Management measures and considerations: • This map unit is severely limited for roads and • Nikwasi soils are hydric and areas of them are streets because of the wetness and flooding. considered wetlands. Wetlands provide valuable habitat for wetland wildlife and serve as a filter for water. Lawns and landscaping Draining these soils is not recommended. Suitability: Poorly suited • A site on better suited soils should be selected. Management concerns: Flooding and wetness Pasture and hayland Interpretive Group Suitability: Unsuited in undrained areas; poorly suited in drained areas Land capability classification: 6w 102 Soil Survey

NoD—Northcove very cobbly loam, 15 to Depth to bedrock: More than 60 inches 30 percent slopes, very stony Other distinctive properties: Random areas of seeps and springs; subsoil that has more than 35 percent rock fragments; soil may become saturated and Setting unstable during abnormally high rainfall and have Landscape: Low or intermediate mountains along the the potential to produce landslides and localized Tennessee State line mass movement of soil material Elevation range: 2,500 to 4,200 feet Minor Components Landform: Coves, drainageways, colluvial fans, and benches Dissimilar inclusions: Landform position: Footslopes and toeslopes • Random areas of Keener soils that have less than 35 Shape of areas: Long and narrow or irregular percent rock fragments throughout Size of areas: 4 to about 25 acres • Random areas that are mostly covered by stones and boulders Composition • Somewhat poorly drained and poorly drained soils in Northcove soil and similar inclusions: 85 percent and around seeps and springs Dissimilar inclusions: 15 percent Similar inclusions: Typical Profile • Northcove soils that are fine sandy loam or sandy loam in the fine-earth fraction of the surface layer Surface layer: • Random areas of soils that have more organic matter 0 to 8 inches—very dark grayish brown and dark in the surface layer yellowish brown very cobbly loam • Random areas of Northcove soils that have fewer Subsoil: surface stones 8 to 62 inches—light yellowish brown and dark Land Use yellowish brown very cobbly loam Dominant Uses: Woodland Soil Properties and Qualities Other Uses: Pasture Depth class: Very deep Agricultural Development Drainage class: Well drained General texture class: Loamy with many rock Cropland fragments Permeability: Moderately rapid Suitability: Unsuited Depth to seasonal high water table: More than 6.0 feet Management concerns: Hazard of flooding: None • This map unit is severely limited for crop production Shrink-swell potential: Low because of the hazard of erosion and rock fragments Slope class: Moderately steep on and in the soil. Extent of erosion: Slight, less than 25 percent of the Management measures and considerations: original surface layer has been removed • Removing the surface stones would improve Hazard of water erosion: Very severe usability but would do little to improve soil tillage Rock fragments on the surface: About 0.1 to 3.0 because the surface layer has a large amount of rock percent surface stones that average about 10 to 24 fragments. inches in diameter and 3 to 25 feet apart • A site on better suited soils should be selected. Organic matter content of the surface layer: Low or Pasture and hayland moderately low Potential for frost action: Low Suitability: Poorly suited Soil reaction: Extremely acid to moderately acid Management concerns: Hazard of erosion, rock throughout the profile, except where surface layers fragments on and in the soil, and equipment have been limed limitation Special climatic conditions: Soil subject to slow air Orchards and ornamental crops drainage, which allows late spring and early fall frosts Suitability: Poorly suited Parent material: Colluvium derived from Management concerns: Surface stones and other rock metasedimentary rock fragments in the soil Watauga County, North Carolina 103

Management measures and considerations: Composition • Removing the surface stones would improve Northcove soil and similar inclusions: 95 percent usability but would do little to improve soil tillage Dissimilar inclusions: 5 percent because the surface layer has a large amount of rock fragments. Typical Profile Woodland Management and Productivity Surface layer: 0 to 8 inches—very dark grayish brown and dark Suitability: Suited yellowish brown very cobbly loam Potential for commercial species: Moderate for hardwoods Subsoil: Productivity class: Moderate for yellow-poplar 8 to 62 inches—light yellowish brown and dark Management concerns: Hazard of erosion, equipment yellowish brown very cobbly loam limitation, and seedling mortality Soil Properties and Qualities Urban Development Depth class: Very deep Drainage class: Well drained Dwellings General texture class: Loamy with many rock fragments Suitability: Poorly suited Permeability: Moderately rapid Management concerns: Slope, rock fragments on and Depth to seasonal high water table: More than 6.0 feet in the soil, hazard of erosion, corrosivity, overland Hazard of flooding: None water, and seeps and springs Shrink-swell potential: Low Septic tank absorption fields Slope class: Steep Extent of erosion: Slight, less than 25 percent of the Suitability: Poorly suited original surface layer has been removed Management concerns: Slope, rock fragments on and Hazard of water erosion: Very severe in the soil, overland water, and seeps and springs Rock fragments on the surface: About 3 to 15 percent Local roads and streets surface stones and boulders that average about 15 to 48 inches in diameter and 3 to 10 feet apart Suitability: Poorly suited Organic matter content of the surface layer: Low or Management concerns: Slope, rock fragments on and moderately low in the soil, frost action, hazard of erosion, Potential for frost action: Low differential settling, and seeps and springs Soil reaction: Extremely acid to moderately acid Lawns and landscaping throughout the profile, except where surface layers have been limed Suitability: Poorly suited Special climatic conditions: Soil subject to slow air Management concerns: Slope and hazard of erosion drainage, which allows late spring and early fall Interpretive Group frosts Parent material: Colluvium derived from Land capability classification: 7s metasedimentary rock Depth to bedrock: More than 60 inches NxE—Northcove very cobbly loam, 30 to Other distinctive properties: Random areas of seeps 50 percent slopes, extremely bouldery and springs; subsoil that has more than 35 percent rock fragments; soil may become saturated and unstable during abnormally high rainfall and have Setting the potential to produce landslides and localized Landscape: Low or intermediate mountains along the mass movement of soil material Tennessee State line Minor Components Elevation range: 2,500 to 4,200 feet Landform: Coves, drainageways, colluvial fans, and Dissimilar inclusions: benches • Random areas of Keener soils that have less than 35 Landform position: Footslopes and toeslopes percent rock fragments throughout Shape of areas: Long and narrow or irregular • Random areas that are covered mostly by stones Size of areas: 4 to about 15 acres and boulders 104 Soil Survey

• Somewhat poorly drained and poorly drained soils in Management concerns: Hazard of erosion, equipment and around seeps and springs limitation, and seedling mortality Similar inclusions: Urban Development • Northcove soils that are fine sandy loam or sandy loam in the fine-earth fraction of the surface layer Dwellings • Random areas of soils that have more organic matter in the surface layer Suitability: Poorly suited • Random areas of Northcove soils that have fewer Management concerns: Slope, rock fragments on and surface stones in the soil, hazard of erosion, corrosivity, overland water, and seeps and springs Land Use Septic tank absorption fields Dominant Uses: Woodland Other Uses: Pasture Suitability: Poorly suited Management concerns: Slope, rock fragments on Agricultural Development and in the soil, overland water, and seeps and springs Cropland Local roads and streets Suitability: Unsuited Suitability: Poorly suited Management concerns: Management concerns: Slope, rock fragments on and • This map unit is severely limited for crop production in the soil, frost action, hazard of erosion, because of the hazard of erosion and rock fragments differential settling, and seeps and springs on and in the soil. Management measures and considerations: Lawns and landscaping • A site on better suited soils should be selected. Suitability: Poorly suited Pasture and hayland Management concerns: Slope and hazard of erosion Suitability for pasture: Poorly suited Interpretive Group Suitability for hayland: Unsuited Management concerns: Hazard of erosion, rock Land capability classification: 7s fragments on and in the soil, and equipment limitation Management measures and considerations: Pt—Pits, quarry • A site on better suited soils should be selected. This map unit consists of areas where all the soil Orchards and ornamental crops material has been removed and the underlying rock has been taken out and crushed for gravel. The largest Suitability: Unsuited quarry is near Boone, off of North Carolina Highway Management concerns: 105 West. Several small pits are scattered throughout • This map unit is severely limited for orchards and the county. These areas range in size from 2 to about ornamental crops because of the surface boulders and 45 acres. stones and other rock fragments on and in the soil. Included with this map unit are a few small areas Management measures and considerations: that have not been excavated. Also included are areas • Removing the surface boulders and stones would of spoil where soil material and rock have been improve usability but would do little to improve soil dumped. The included areas make up about 20 percent tillage because the surface layer has a large amount of of the map unit. rock fragments. This map unit is not used for crops, pasture, • A site on better suited soils should be selected. building site development, recreational facilities, or woodland. The spoil areas have very little vegetation Woodland Management and Productivity and are a source of sediment. The slope on the cut or Suitability: Poorly suited filled areas is a major limitation, and erosion is a Potential for commercial species: Moderate for hazard. hardwoods This map unit is not assigned a land capability Productivity class: Moderate for yellow-poplar classification. Watauga County, North Carolina 105

PuC—Porters loam, 8 to 15 percent upper part, weathered from felsic to mafic, igneous slopes, stony or high-grade metamorphic rock Depth to bedrock: 40 to 60 inches to hard bedrock Setting Minor Components Landscape: Intermediate mountains and intermountain Dissimilar inclusions: hills • Random areas of Unaka soils that have hard bedrock Elevation range: 3,200 to 4,200 feet at a depth of 20 to 40 inches Landform: Mountain ridges • Random areas of soils that have bedrock at a depth Landform position: Summits of more than 60 inches Shape of areas: Irregular • Random areas of Cashiers soils that have a high Size of areas: 2 to about 100 acres mica content and have bedrock at a depth of more than 60 inches Composition • Widely scattered areas of rock outcrop Porters soil and similar inclusions: 80 percent Similar inclusions: Dissimilar inclusions: 20 percent • Random areas of Porters soils that have a surface Typical Profile layer of sandy loam or fine sandy loam or that have a gravelly surface layer Surface layer: • Random areas of soils that have a lighter-colored 0 to 10 inches—very dark grayish brown and dark surface layer with less organic matter or have a thinner yellowish brown loam dark surface layer Subsoil: • Random areas of soils that have soft bedrock at a 10 to 38 inches—dark yellowish brown loam depth of 40 to 60 inches 38 to 45 inches—dark yellowish brown, yellowish Land Use brown, and olive brown gravelly loam Dominant Uses: Pasture, hayland, and Fraser fir Bedrock: production 45 to 54 inches—soft, weathered amphibolite Other Uses: Woodland, ornamental crops, and building 54 to 65 inches—hard, unweathered amphibolite site development Soil Properties and Qualities Agricultural Development Depth class: Deep Cropland Drainage class: Well drained General texture class: Loamy Suitability: Suited Permeability: Moderately rapid Management concerns: Hazard of erosion and surface Depth to seasonal high water table: More than 6.0 feet stones Hazard of flooding: None Pasture and hayland Shrink-swell potential: Low Slope class: Strongly sloping Suitability: Well suited Extent of erosion: Slight, less than 25 percent of the Management concerns: Hazard of erosion, equipment original surface layer has been removed limitation, and surface stones Hazard of water erosion: Severe Orchards and ornamental crops Rock fragments on the surface: Widely scattered surface stones and cobbles that average about Suitability: Well suited 10 to 24 inches in diameter and 25 to 80 feet Management concerns: Slope and surface clay in apart conifer line-out beds Organic matter content of the surface layer: High or Woodland Management and Productivity very high Soil reaction: Very strongly acid to slightly acid Suitability: Well suited throughout the profile, except where surface layers Potential for commercial species: Moderately high for have been limed hardwoods Potential for frost action: Moderate Productivity class: Moderately high for northern red Parent material: Residuum affected by soil creep in the oak 106 Soil Survey

Management concerns: Bedrock: • This map unit has no significant limitations affecting 45 to 54 inches—soft, weathered amphibolite woodland management. 54 to 65 inches—hard, unweathered amphibolite

Urban Development Soil Properties and Qualities Depth class: Deep Dwellings Drainage class: Well drained Suitability: Suited General texture class: Loamy Management concerns: Slope, depth to bedrock, Permeability: Moderately rapid hazard of erosion, and corrosivity Depth to seasonal high water table: More than 6.0 feet Hazard of flooding: None Septic tank absorption fields Shrink-swell potential: Low Suitability: Suited Slope class: Moderately steep Management concerns: Slope and depth to bedrock Extent of erosion: Slight, less than 25 percent of the original surface layer has been removed Local roads and streets Hazard of water erosion: Very severe Suitability: Suited Rock fragments on the surface: Widely scattered Management concerns: Slope, frost action, and hazard surface stones and cobbles that average about 10 of erosion to 24 inches in diameter and 25 to 80 feet apart Organic matter content of the surface layer: High or Lawns and landscaping very high Suitability: Suited Soil reaction: Very strongly acid to slightly acid Management concerns: Slope and hazard of erosion throughout the profile, except where surface layers have been limed Interpretive Group Potential for frost action: Moderate Land capability classification: 4e Special climatic conditions: Soil subject to rime ice in winter Parent material: Residuum affected by soil creep in the PuD—Porters loam, 15 to 30 percent upper part, weathered from felsic to mafic, slopes, stony metamorphic or high-grade igneous rock Depth to bedrock: 40 to 60 inches to hard bedrock Setting Minor Components Landscape: Intermediate mountains and intermountain hills Dissimilar inclusions: Elevation range: 3,200 to 4,200 feet • Random areas of Unaka soils that have hard bedrock Landform: Mountain slopes and ridges at a depth of 20 to 40 inches Landform position: Summits, shoulders, and side • Random areas of soils that have bedrock at a depth slopes of more than 60 inches Shape of areas: Long and narrow or irregular • Random areas of Cashiers soils that have a high Size of areas: 2 to about 100 acres mica content and have bedrock at a depth of more than 60 inches Composition • Saunook soils that have bedrock at a depth of more Porters soil and similar inclusions: 80 percent than 60 inches, in concave areas at the head of drains Dissimilar inclusions: 20 percent • Cullasaja soils that have more than 35 percent rock fragments throughout and have bedrock at a depth of Typical Profile more than 60 inches, in concave areas at the head of Surface layer: drains 0 to 10 inches—very dark grayish brown and dark • Widely scattered areas of rock outcrop yellowish brown loam Similar inclusions: Subsoil: • Random areas of Porters soils that have a surface 10 to 38 inches—dark yellowish brown loam layer of sandy loam or fine sandy loam or that have a 38 to 45 inches—dark yellowish brown, yellowish gravelly surface layer brown, and olive brown gravelly loam • Random areas of soils that have a lighter-colored Watauga County, North Carolina 107

surface layer with less organic matter or have a thinner Interpretive Group dark surface layer Land capability classification: 6e • Random areas of soils that have soft bedrock at a depth of 40 to 60 inches Land Use PuE—Porters loam, 30 to 50 percent slopes, stony Dominant Uses: Pasture, hayland, and Fraser fir production Setting Other Uses: Woodland, ornamental crops, and building site development Landscape: Intermediate mountains and intermountain hills Agricultural Development Elevation range: 3,200 to 4,200 feet Landform: Mountain slopes and ridges Cropland Landform position: Shoulders and side slopes Suitability: Poorly suited Shape of areas: Long and narrow or irregular Management concerns: Equipment limitation, hazard of Size of areas: 2 to about 500 acres erosion, and surface stones Composition Pasture and hayland Porters soil and similar inclusions: 80 percent Suitability: Suited Dissimilar inclusions: 20 percent Management concerns: Equipment limitation, hazard of Typical Profile erosion, and surface stones Surface layer: Orchards and ornamental crops 0 to 10 inches—very dark grayish brown and dark Suitability: Suited yellowish brown loam Management concerns: Slope Subsoil: Woodland Management and Productivity 10 to 38 inches—dark yellowish brown loam 38 to 45 inches—dark yellowish brown, yellowish Suitability: Suited brown, and olive brown gravelly loam Potential for commercial species: Moderate for hardwoods Bedrock: Productivity class: Moderate for northern red oak 45 to 54 inches—soft, weathered amphibolite Management concerns: Hazard of erosion and 54 to 65 inches—hard, unweathered amphibolite equipment limitation Soil Properties and Qualities Urban Development Depth class: Deep Drainage class: Well drained Dwellings General texture class: Loamy Suitability: Poorly suited Permeability: Moderately rapid Management concerns: Slope, depth to bedrock, Depth to seasonal high water table: More than 6.0 feet hazard of erosion, and corrosivity Hazard of flooding: None Shrink-swell potential: Low Septic tank absorption fields Slope class: Steep Suitability: Poorly suited Extent of erosion: Slight, less than 25 percent of the Management concerns: Slope and depth to bedrock original surface layer has been removed Hazard of water erosion: Very severe Local roads and streets Rock fragments on the surface: Widely scattered Suitability: Poorly suited surface stones and cobbles that average about 10 Management concerns: Slope, frost action, and hazard to 24 inches in diameter and 25 to 80 feet apart of erosion Organic matter content of the surface layer: High or very high Lawns and landscaping Soil reaction: Very strongly acid to slightly acid Suitability: Poorly suited throughout the profile, except where surface layers Management concerns: Slope and hazard of erosion have been limed 108 Soil Survey

Potential for frost action: Moderate Management measures and considerations: Parent material: Residuum affected by soil creep in the • This map unit is severely limited for hayland upper part, weathered from felsic to mafic, igneous production because of the slope. or high-grade metamorphic rock • A site on better suited soils should be selected. Depth to bedrock: 40 to 60 inches to hard bedrock Orchards and ornamental crops Minor Components Suitability: Suited to Fraser fir; poorly suited to Dissimilar inclusions: orchards and other ornamental crops • Random areas of Unaka soils that have hard bedrock Management concerns: Slope at a depth of 20 to 40 inches Woodland Management and Productivity • Random areas of soils that have bedrock at a depth of more than 60 inches Suitability: Poorly suited • Random areas of Cashiers soils that have a high Potential for commercial species: Moderate for mica content and have bedrock at a depth of more hardwoods than 60 inches Productivity class: Moderate for northern red oak • Saunook soils that have bedrock at a depth of more Management concerns: Hazard of erosion and than 60 inches, in concave areas at the head of drains equipment limitation • Cullasaja soils that have more than 35 percent rock fragments throughout and have bedrock at a depth of Urban Development more than 60 inches, in concave areas at the head of Dwellings drains • Widely scattered areas of rock outcrop Suitability: Poorly suited Management concerns: Slope, depth to bedrock, Similar inclusions: hazard of erosion, and corrosivity • Random areas of Porters soils that have a surface layer of sandy loam or fine sandy loam or that have a Septic tank absorption fields gravelly surface layer Suitability: Poorly suited • Random areas of soils that have a lighter-colored Management concerns: Slope and depth to bedrock surface layer with less organic matter or have a thinner dark surface layer Local roads and streets • Random areas of soils that have soft bedrock at a Suitability: Poorly suited depth of 40 to 60 inches Management concerns: Slope, frost action, and hazard Land Use of erosion Dominant Uses: Woodland and pasture Lawns and landscaping Other Uses: Fraser fir production, ornamental crops, Suitability: Poorly suited and building site development Management concerns: Slope and hazard of erosion Agricultural Development Interpretive Group Land capability classification: 7e Cropland Suitability: Unsuited Management concerns: PuF—Porters loam, 50 to 95 percent • This map unit is severely limited for crop production slopes, stony because of the hazard of erosion and equipment limitation. Setting Management measures and considerations: • A site on better suited soils should be selected. Landscape: Intermediate mountains and intermountain hills Pasture and hayland Elevation range: 3,200 to 4,200 feet Suitability for pasture: Poorly suited Landform: Mountain slopes Suitability for hayland: Unsuited Landform position: Side slopes Management concerns: Equipment limitation, hazard of Shape of areas: Long and narrow or irregular erosion, and surface stones Size of areas: 2 to about 50 acres Watauga County, North Carolina 109

Composition • Cullasaja soils that have more than 35 percent rock fragments throughout and have bedrock at a depth of Porters soil and similar inclusions: 85 percent more than 60 inches, in concave areas at the head of Dissimilar inclusions: 15 percent drains Typical Profile • Widely scattered areas of rock outcrop Surface layer: Similar inclusions: 0 to 10 inches—very dark grayish brown and dark • Random areas of Porters soils that have a surface yellowish brown loam layer of sandy loam or fine sandy loam or that have a gravelly surface layer Subsoil: • Random areas of soils that have a lighter-colored 10 to 38 inches—dark yellowish brown loam surface layer with less organic matter or have a thinner 38 to 45 inches—dark yellowish brown, yellowish dark surface layer brown, and olive brown gravelly loam • Random areas of soils that have soft bedrock at a Bedrock: depth of 40 to 60 inches 45 to 54 inches—soft, weathered amphibolite Land Use 54 to 65 inches—hard, unweathered amphibolite Dominant Uses: Woodland Soil Properties and Qualities Other Uses: Pasture and building site development Depth class: Deep Drainage class: Well drained Agricultural Development General texture class: Loamy Permeability: Moderately rapid Cropland Depth to seasonal high water table: More than 6.0 feet Suitability: Unsuited Hazard of flooding: None Management concerns: Shrink-swell potential: Low • This map unit is severely limited for crop production Slope class: Very steep because of an equipment limitation and the hazard of Extent of erosion: Slight, less than 25 percent of the erosion. original surface layer has been removed Management measures and considerations: Hazard of water erosion: Very severe • A site on better suited soils should be selected. Rock fragments on the surface: Widely scattered surface stones and cobbles that average about 10 Pasture and hayland to 24 inches in diameter and 25 to 80 feet apart Suitability for pasture: Poorly suited Organic matter content of the surface layer: High or Suitability for hayland: Unsuited very high Management concerns: Soil reaction: Very strongly acid to slightly acid • This map unit is severely limited for the production of throughout the profile, except where surface layers pasture and hay crops because of an equipment have been limed limitation and the hazard of erosion. Potential for frost action: Moderate Management measures and considerations: Parent material: Residuum affected by soil creep in the • A site on better suited soils should be selected. upper part, weathered from felsic to mafic, igneous or high-grade metamorphic rock Orchards and ornamental crops Depth to bedrock: 40 to 60 inches to hard bedrock Suitability: Unsuited Minor Components Management concerns: • This map unit is severely limited for orchards and Dissimilar inclusions: ornamental crops because of the slope. • Random areas of Unaka soils that have hard bedrock Management measures and considerations: at a depth of 20 to 40 inches • A site on better suited soils should be selected. • Random areas of soils that have bedrock at a depth of more than 60 inches Woodland Management and Productivity • Random areas of Cashiers soils that have a high mica content and have bedrock at a depth of more Suitability: Poorly suited than 60 inches Potential for commercial species: Moderate for • Saunook soils that have bedrock at a depth of more hardwoods than 60 inches, in concave areas at the head of drains Productivity class: Moderate for northern red oak 110 Soil Survey

Management concerns: Hazard of erosion and Typical Profile equipment limitation Surface layer: 0 to 11 inches—dark brown loam Urban Development Subsoil: Dwellings 11 to 29 inches—dark yellowish brown fine sandy loam Suitability: Unsuited 29 to 35 inches—brown fine sandy loam that has dark Management concerns: grayish brown iron depletions • This map unit is severely limited for dwellings Underlying material: because of the slope. 35 to 62 inches—dark grayish brown and yellowish Management measures and considerations: brown very cobbly sand • A site on better suited soils should be selected. Soil Properties and Qualities Septic tank absorption fields Depth class: Very deep Suitability: Unsuited Drainage class: Moderately well drained Management concerns: General texture class: Loamy in the upper part and • This map unit is severely limited for septic tank sandy or sandy-skeletal in the lower part absorption fields because of the slope. Permeability: Moderately rapid in the surface layer and Management measures and considerations: subsoil and rapid in the underlying material • A site on better suited soils should be selected. Depth to seasonal high water table: 2.0 to 3.5 feet from • The local Health Department should be contacted for December through April guidance on sanitary facilities. Hazard of flooding: Frequent Local roads and streets Shrink-swell potential: Low Slope class: Nearly level Suitability: Unsuited Extent of erosion: Slight, less than 25 percent of the Management concerns: original surface layer has been removed • This map unit is severely limited for local roads and Hazard of water erosion: None or slight streets because of the slope. Organic matter content of the surface layer: Moderate Management measures and considerations: or high • A site on better suited soils should be selected. Potential for frost action: Moderate Lawns and landscaping Soil reaction: Very strongly acid to neutral throughout the profile Suitability: Unsuited Special climatic conditions: Soil subject to slow air Management concerns: Slope and hazard of erosion drainage, which allows late spring and early fall Interpretive Group frosts Parent material: Alluvium Land capability classification: 7e Depth to bedrock: More than 60 inches Depth to contrasting materials: 20 to 40 inches to RdA—Reddies loam, 0 to 3 percent strata containing 35 percent or more, by volume, slopes, frequently flooded gravel, cobbles, and stones Other distinctive properties: Soil subject to scouring and deposition during flooding Setting Landscape: Stream valleys of mountains and Minor Components intermountain hills Dissimilar inclusions: Elevation range: 1,600 to 4,000 feet • Somewhat poorly drained Cullowhee soils in Landform: Flood plains depressions Landform position: Linear to slightly convex slopes • Poorly drained Nikwasi soils in depressions Shape of areas: Long and narrow or oblong • Dellwood soils that are less than 20 inches deep to Size of areas: 2 to about 50 acres strata with a high content of rock fragments, commonly Composition next to the stream channel or in old stream channels Reddies soil and similar inclusions: 90 percent Similar inclusions: Dissimilar inclusions: 10 percent • Random areas of Rosman soils that do not have Watauga County, North Carolina 111

strata with a high content of rock fragments at a depth Management concerns: of 20 to 40 inches • This map unit is severely limited for septic tank • Random areas of Reddies soils that have a surface absorption fields because of the flooding, wetness, and layer of sandy loam or fine sandy loam poor filtering capacity. • Random areas of soils that have less organic matter Management measures and considerations: in the surface layer or that have a thin dark surface • A site on better suited soils should be selected. layer • The local Health Department should be contacted for • Reddies soils that have sandy overwash, on the additional guidance. inside turns of streams or stream levees Local roads and streets • Well drained soils along the deeper stream channels Suitability: Poorly suited Land Use Management concerns: Flooding Dominant Uses: Pasture and hayland Lawns and landscaping Other Uses: Ornamental crops, cropland, and woodland Suitability: Suited Management concerns: Flooding Agricultural Development Interpretive Group Cropland Land capability classification: 3w Suitability: Suited Management concerns: Flooding RoA—Rosman fine sandy loam, 0 to 3 Pasture and hayland percent slopes, occasionally flooded Suitability: Well suited Setting Management concerns: Flooding Landscape: Stream valleys of mountains and Orchards and ornamental crops intermountain hills Suitability: Poorly suited to Fraser fir; unsuited to Elevation range: 2,300 to 3,200 feet orchards; suited to other ornamental crops Landform: Flood plains Management concerns: Flooding, frost hazard, and low Landform position: Linear to slightly convex slopes clay content for ball and burlap harvesting Shape of areas: Long and narrow or oblong Size of areas: 2 to about 50 acres Woodland Management and Productivity Composition Suitability: Well suited Rosman soil and similar inclusions: 95 percent Potential for commercial species: Moderately high for Dissimilar inclusions: 5 percent bottomland hardwoods Productivity class: Moderately high for yellow-poplar Typical Profile Management concerns: Surface layer: • This map unit has no significant limitations affecting 0 to 16 inches—dark brown and dark yellowish brown woodland management. fine sandy loam Urban Development Subsoil: 16 to 48 inches—dark yellowish brown fine sandy loam Dwellings Underlying material: Suitability: Unsuited 48 to 62 inches—yellowish brown fine sandy loam Management concerns: Soil Properties and Qualities • This map unit is severely limited for dwellings because of the flooding and wetness. Depth class: Very deep Management measures and considerations: Drainage class: Well drained • A site on better suited soils should be selected. General texture class: Loamy Permeability: Moderately rapid Septic tank absorption fields Depth to seasonal high water table: 2.5 to 5.0 feet from Suitability: Unsuited December through April 112 Soil Survey

Hazard of flooding: Occasional Management concerns: Flooding, frost hazard, and low Shrink-swell potential: Low clay content for ball and burlap harvesting Slope class: Nearly level Woodland Management and Productivity Extent of erosion: Slight, less than 25 percent of the original surface layer has been removed Suitability: Well suited Hazard of water erosion: None or slight Potential for commercial species: Moderately high for Organic matter content of the surface layer: Moderate bottomland hardwoods or high Productivity class: Moderately high for yellow-poplar Potential for frost action: Moderate Management concerns: Soil reaction: Strongly acid to neutral in the surface • This map unit has no significant limitations affecting layer and subsoil and strongly acid to slightly acid woodland management. in the underlying material Special climatic conditions: Soil subject to slow air Urban Development drainage, which allows late spring and early fall frosts Dwellings Parent material: Alluvium Suitability: Unsuited Depth to bedrock: More than 60 inches Management concerns: Other distinctive properties: Soil subject to deposition • This map unit is severely limited for dwellings during flooding because of the flooding. Minor Components Management measures and considerations: • A site on better suited soils should be selected. Dissimilar inclusions: • Somewhat poorly drained Cullowhee soils in Septic tank absorption fields depressions Suitability: Unsuited • Poorly drained Toxaway soils in depressions Management concerns: Similar inclusions: • This map unit is severely limited for septic tank • Random areas of Reddies soils that have strata with absorption fields because of the flooding and wetness. a high content of rock fragments at a depth of 20 to 40 Management measures and considerations: inches • A site on better suited soils should be selected. • Random areas of Rosman soils that have a surface • The local Health Department should be contacted for layer of loam or sandy loam additional guidance. • Random areas of soils that have less organic matter Local roads and streets in the surface layer or that have a thin dark surface layer Suitability: Poorly suited • Rosman soils that have sandy overwash, on the Management concerns: Flooding inside turns of streams or stream levees Lawns and landscaping Land Use Suitability: Suited Dominant Uses: Pasture and hayland Management concerns: Flooding Other Uses: Ornamental crops and cropland Interpretive Group Agricultural Development Land capability classification: 2w Cropland Suitability: Well suited SkC—Saunook cobbly loam, 8 to 15 Management concerns: Flooding percent slopes Pasture and hayland Setting Suitability: Well suited Management concerns: Flooding Landscape: Intermediate mountains and intermountain hills Orchards and ornamental crops Elevation range: 2,800 to 4,200 feet Suitability: Poorly suited to Fraser fir; unsuited to Landform: Coves, colluvial fans, and benches orchards; suited to other ornamental crops Landform position: Footslopes and toeslopes Watauga County, North Carolina 113

Shape of areas: Long and wide or irregular fragments throughout, in drainageways that cross Size of areas: 2 to about 60 acres mapped areas • Random areas of soils that have clayey subsoils Composition Similar inclusions: Saunook soil and similar inclusions: 85 percent • Random areas of Saunook soils that have a surface Dissimilar inclusions: 15 percent layer of fine sandy loam or sandy loam or that have a gravelly surface layer Typical Profile • Random areas of soils that have less organic matter in the surface layer or that have a thin dark surface Surface layer: layer 0 to 9 inches—dark brown cobbly loam Land Use Subsoil: 9 to 35 inches—brown cobbly loam Dominant Uses: Cropland, pasture, and hayland 35 to 65 inches—brown very cobbly loam Other Uses: Fraser fir production, ornamental crops, and building site development Soil Properties and Qualities Agricultural Development Depth class: Very deep Cropland Drainage class: Well drained General texture class: Loamy Suitability: Poorly suited Permeability: Generally moderate; moderately rapid in Management concerns: Hazard of erosion, equipment the lower part of the subsoil limitation, and rock fragments in the soil Depth to seasonal high water table: More than 6.0 feet Pasture and hayland Hazard of flooding: None Shrink-swell potential: Low Suitability: Suited Slope class: Strongly sloping Management concerns: Hazard of erosion, equipment Extent of erosion: Slight, less than 25 percent of the limitation, and rock fragments in the soil original surface layer has been removed Orchards and ornamental crops Hazard of water erosion: Severe Rock fragments on the surface: Widely scattered Suitability: Suited surface stones and cobbles that average about 10 Management concerns: Rock fragments in the soil, to 24 inches in diameter and more than 80 feet frost hazard, slope, and surface clay for conifer apart; many of the original surfaces stones have line-out beds been picked up during farming operations and have Woodland Management and Productivity been piled at the edge of fields or used as rock fences Suitability: Well suited Organic matter content of the surface layer: Moderate Potential for commercial species: Moderately high for or high cove hardwoods Potential for frost action: Moderate to very high Productivity class: Moderately high for yellow-poplar Soil reaction: Extremely acid to moderately acid in the Management concerns: surface layer, except where limed, and very • This map unit has no significant limitations affecting strongly acid to slightly acid in the subsoil woodland management. Special climatic conditions: Soil subject to slow air Urban Development drainage, which allows late spring and early fall frosts Dwellings Parent material: Colluvium derived from felsic to mafic, Suitability: Suited igneous or high-grade metamorphic rock Management concerns: Slope, overland water, rock Depth to bedrock: More than 60 inches fragments in the soil, hazard of erosion, Other distinctive properties: Random areas of seeps corrosivity, and seeps and springs and springs Septic tank absorption fields Minor Components Suitability: Suited Dissimilar inclusions: Management concerns: Slope, restricted permeability, • Cullasaja soils that have more than 35 percent rock rock fragments in the soil, and seeps and springs 114 Soil Survey

Local roads and streets to 24 inches in diameter and more than 80 feet apart; many of the original surface stones have Suitability: Suited been picked up during farming operations and have Management concerns: Slope, low soil strength, frost been piled at the edges of fields or used as rock action, rock fragments in the soil, and seeps and fences springs Organic matter content of the surface layer: Moderate Lawns and landscaping to very high Potential for frost action: Moderate Suitability: Suited Soil reaction: Extremely acid to moderately acid in the Management concerns: Slope and rock fragments in surface layer, except where limed, and very the soil strongly acid to slightly acid in the subsoil Interpretive Group Special climatic conditions: Soil subject to slow air drainage, which allows late spring and early fall Land capability classification: 4s frosts Parent material: Colluvium derived from felsic to mafic, SkD—Saunook cobbly loam, 15 to 30 igneous or high-grade metamorphic rock percent slopes Depth to bedrock: More than 60 inches Other distinctive properties: Random areas of seeps and springs Setting Landscape: Intermediate mountains and intermountain Minor Components hills Dissimilar inclusions: Elevation range: 2,800 to 4,200 feet • Cullasaja soils that have more than 35 percent rock Landform: Coves, colluvial fans, and benches fragments throughout, in drainageways that cross Landform position: Footslopes and toeslopes mapped areas Shape of areas: Long and wide or irregular Size of areas: 2 to about 60 acres Similar inclusions: • Random areas of Saunook soils that have a surface Composition layer of fine sandy loam or sandy loam or that have a Saunook soil and similar inclusions: 85 percent gravelly surface layer Dissimilar inclusions: 15 percent • Random areas of soils that have less organic matter in the surface layer or that have a thin dark surface Typical Profile layer Surface layer: 0 to 9 inches—dark brown cobbly loam Land Use Subsoil: Dominant Uses: Pasture and hayland 9 to 35 inches—brown cobbly loam Other Uses: Woodland, Fraser fir production, 35 to 65 inches—brown very cobbly loam ornamental crops, and building site development Soil Properties and Qualities Agricultural Development Depth class: Very deep Cropland Drainage class: Well drained General texture class: Loamy Suitability: Poorly suited Permeability: Generally moderate; moderately rapid in Management concerns: Equipment limitation, hazard of the lower part of the subsoil erosion, and rock fragments in the soil Depth to seasonal high water table: More than 6.0 feet Pasture and hayland Hazard of flooding: None Shrink-swell potential: Low Suitability: Suited Slope class: Moderately steep Management concerns: Hazard of erosion, equipment Extent of erosion: Slight, less than 25 percent of the limitation, and rock fragments in the surface layer original surface layer has been removed Orchards and ornamental crops Hazard of water erosion: Very severe Rock fragments on the surface: Widely scattered Suitability: Suited surface stones and cobbles that average about 10 Management concerns: Slope, rock fragments in the Watauga County, North Carolina 115

soil, frost hazard, and surface clay for conifer line- Typical Profile out beds Surface layer: Woodland Management and Productivity 0 to 9 inches—dark brown loam Suitability: Suited Subsoil: Potential for commercial species: Moderately high for 9 to 35 inches—brown loam cove hardwoods 35 to 65 inches—brown cobbly loam Productivity class: Moderately high for yellow-poplar Soil Properties and Qualities Management concerns: Hazard of erosion and equipment limitation Depth class: Very deep Drainage class: Well drained Urban Development General texture class: Loamy Permeability: Moderate Dwellings Depth to seasonal high water table: More than 6.0 feet Suitability: Poorly suited Hazard of flooding: None Management concerns: Slope, overland water, rock Shrink-swell potential: Low fragments in the soil, hazard of erosion, Slope class: Gently sloping corrosivity, and seeps and springs Extent of erosion: Slight, less than 25 percent of the original surface layer has been removed Septic tank absorption fields Hazard of water erosion: Moderate Suitability: Poorly suited Organic matter content of the surface layer: Moderate Management concerns: Slope, restricted permeability, to very high rock fragments in the soil, and seeps and springs Potential for frost action: Moderate Soil reaction: Extremely acid to moderately acid in the Local roads and streets surface layer, except where limed, and very Suitability: Suited strongly acid to slightly acid in the subsoil Management concerns: Slope, low soil strength, frost Special climatic conditions: Soil subject to slow air action, rock fragments in the soil, hazard of drainage, which allows late spring and early fall erosion, and seeps and springs frosts Parent material: Colluvium derived from felsic to mafic, Lawns and landscaping igneous or high-grade metamorphic rock Suitability: Suited Depth to bedrock: More than 60 inches Management concerns: Slope and rock fragments in Other distinctive properties: Random areas of seeps the soil and springs Interpretive Group Minor Components Land capability classification: 6s Dissimilar inclusions: • Somewhat poorly drained Cullowhee soils along perennial streams SnB—Saunook loam, 2 to 8 percent • Poorly drained Nikwasi soils along perennial streams slopes Similar inclusions: • Random areas of Saunook soils that have a surface Setting layer of fine sandy loam or sandy loam or that have a Landscape: Low or intermediate mountains and gravelly surface layer intermountain hills • Random areas of soils that have less organic matter Elevation range: 1,400 to 4,200 feet in the surface layer or that have a thin dark surface Landform: Coves, colluvial fans, and drainageways layer Landform position: Footslopes and toeslopes • Saunook soils that are rarely flooded, along perennial Shape of areas: Long and narrow or irregular streams Size of areas: 2 to about 10 acres Land Use Composition Dominant Uses: Pasture, hayland, Fraser fir Saunook soil and similar inclusions: 95 percent production, and ornamental crops Dissimilar inclusions: 5 percent Other Uses: Cropland and woodland 116 Soil Survey

Agricultural Development Elevation range: 1,400 to 4,200 feet Landform: Coves, drainageways, colluvial fans, and Cropland benches Suitability: Well suited Landform position: Footslopes and toeslopes Management concerns: Hazard of erosion Shape of areas: Long and narrow or irregular Size of areas: 2 to about 40 acres Pasture and hayland Composition Suitability: Well suited Management concerns: Hazard of erosion Saunook soil and similar inclusions: 95 percent Dissimilar inclusions: 5 percent Orchards and ornamental crops Suitability: Well suited Typical Profile Management concerns: Frost hazard and surface clay Surface layer: for conifer line-out beds 0 to 9 inches—dark brown loam Woodland Management and Productivity Subsoil: Suitability: Well suited 9 to 35 inches—brown loam Potential for commercial species: Moderately high for 35 to 65 inches—brown cobbly loam cove hardwoods Soil Properties and Qualities Productivity class: Moderately high for yellow-poplar Management concerns: Depth class: Very deep • This map unit has no significant limitations affecting Drainage class: Well drained woodland management. General texture class: Loamy Permeability: Moderate Urban Development Depth to seasonal high water table: More than 6.0 feet Dwellings Hazard of flooding: None Shrink-swell potential: Low Suitability: Well suited Slope class: Strongly sloping Management concerns: Hazard of erosion, overland Extent of erosion: Slight, less than 25 percent of the water, corrosivity, and seeps and springs original surface layer has been removed Septic tank absorption fields Hazard of water erosion: Severe Organic matter content of the surface layer: Moderate Suitability: Well suited to very high Management concerns: Restricted permeability and Potential for frost action: Moderate seeps and springs Soil reaction: Extremely acid to moderately acid in the Local roads and streets surface layer, except where limed, and very strongly acid to slightly acid in the subsoil Suitability: Well suited Special climatic conditions: Soil subject to slow air Management concerns: Low soil strength, frost action, drainage, which allows late spring and early fall hazard of erosion, and seeps and springs frosts Lawns and landscaping Parent material: Colluvium derived from felsic to mafic, igneous or high-grade metamorphic rock Suitability: Well suited Depth to bedrock: More than 60 inches Management concerns: Hazard of erosion Other distinctive properties: Random areas of seeps Interpretive Group and springs Land capability classification: 2e Minor Components Dissimilar inclusions: SnC—Saunook loam, 8 to 15 percent • Cullasaja soils that have more than 35 percent rock slopes fragments throughout, in drainageways that cross mapped areas Setting • Somewhat poorly drained Cullowhee soils along Landscape: Low or intermediate mountains and perennial streams intermountain hills • Poorly drained Nikwasi soils along perennial streams Watauga County, North Carolina 117

Similar inclusions: Lawns and landscaping • Random areas of Saunook soils that have a surface Suitability: Suited layer of fine sandy loam or sandy loam or that have a Management concerns: Slope and hazard of erosion gravelly surface layer • Random areas of soils that have less organic matter Interpretive Group in the surface layer or that have a thin dark surface Land capability classification: 4e layer Land Use SnD—Saunook loam, 15 to 30 percent Dominant Uses: Pasture, hayland, Fraser fir slopes production, and ornamental crops Other Uses: Cropland and woodland Setting Agricultural Development Landscape: Low or intermediate mountains and intermountain hills Cropland Elevation range: 1,400 to 4,200 feet Suitability: Suited Landform: Coves, drainageways, colluvial fans, and Management concerns: Equipment limitation and benches hazard of erosion Landform position: Footslopes and toeslopes Shape of areas: Long and narrow or irregular Pasture and hayland Size of areas: 2 to about 40 acres Suitability: Well suited Composition Management concerns: Equipment limitation and hazard of erosion Saunook soil and similar inclusions: 95 percent Dissimilar inclusions: 5 percent Orchards and ornamental crops Typical Profile Suitability: Well suited Management concerns: Frost hazard, surface clay for Surface layer: conifer line-out beds, and slope 0 to 9 inches—dark brown loam Woodland Management and Productivity Subsoil: 9 to 35 inches—brown loam Suitability: Well suited 35 to 65 inches—brown cobbly loam Potential for commercial species: Moderately high for cove hardwoods Soil Properties and Qualities Productivity class: Moderately high for yellow-poplar Depth class: Very deep Management concerns: Drainage class: Well drained • This map unit has no significant limitations affecting General texture class: Loamy woodland management. Permeability: Moderate Urban Development Depth to seasonal high water table: More than 6.0 feet Hazard of flooding: None Dwellings Shrink-swell potential: Low Suitability: Suited Slope class: Moderately steep Management concerns: Slope, overland water, hazard Extent of erosion: Slight, less than 25 percent of the of erosion, corrosivity, and seeps and springs original surface layer has been removed Hazard of water erosion: Very severe Septic tank absorption fields Organic matter content of the surface layer: Moderate Suitability: Suited to very high Management concerns: Slope, restricted permeability, Potential for frost action: Moderate and seeps and springs Soil reaction: Extremely acid to moderately acid in the surface layer, except where limed, and very Local roads and streets strongly acid to slightly acid in the subsoil Suitability: Suited Special climatic conditions: Soil subject to slow air Management concerns: Slope, low soil strength, frost drainage, which allows late spring and early fall action, hazard of erosion, and seeps and springs frosts 118 Soil Survey

Parent material: Colluvium derived from felsic to mafic, Management concerns: Slope, overland water, hazard igneous or high-grade metamorphic rock of erosion, corrosivity, and seeps and springs Depth to bedrock: More than 60 inches Septic tank absorption fields Other distinctive properties: Random areas of seeps and springs Suitability: Poorly suited Management concerns: Slope, restricted permeability, Minor Components and seeps and springs Dissimilar inclusions: Local roads and streets • Cullasaja soils that have more than 35 percent rock fragments throughout, in drainageways that cross Suitability: Suited mapped areas Management concerns: Slope, low soil strength, frost • Somewhat poorly drained Cullowhee soils along action, hazard of erosion, and seeps and springs perennial streams Lawns and landscaping Similar inclusions: Suitability: Poorly suited • Random areas of Saunook soils that have a surface Management concerns: Slope and hazard of erosion layer of fine sandy loam or sandy loam or that have a gravelly or cobbly surface layer Interpretive Group • Random areas of soils that have less organic matter Land capability classification: 6e in the surface layer or that have a thin dark surface layer Land Use SoC—Saunook loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, very stony Dominant Uses: Pasture, hayland, Fraser fir production, and ornamental crops Setting Other Uses: Woodland and building site development Landscape: Low or intermediate mountains and Agricultural Development intermountain hills Elevation range: 1,400 to 4,200 feet Cropland Landform: Coves, drainageways, colluvial fans, and Suitability: Poorly suited benches Management concerns: Equipment limitation and Landform position: Footslopes and toeslopes hazard of erosion Shape of areas: Long and narrow or irregular Size of areas: 2 to about 40 acres Pasture and hayland Composition Suitability: Suited Management concerns: Equipment limitation and Saunook soil and similar inclusions: 95 percent hazard of erosion Dissimilar inclusions: 5 percent Orchards and ornamental crops Typical Profile Suitability: Suited Surface layer: Management concerns: Slope 0 to 9 inches—dark brown loam Woodland Management and Productivity Subsoil: 9 to 35 inches—brown loam Suitability: Suited 35 to 65 inches—brown cobbly loam Potential for commercial species: Moderately high for cove hardwoods Soil Properties and Qualities Productivity class: Moderately high for yellow-poplar Management concerns: Hazard of erosion and Depth class: Very deep equipment limitation Drainage class: Well drained General texture class: Loamy Urban Development Permeability: Moderate Depth to seasonal high water table: More than 6.0 feet Dwellings Hazard of flooding: None Suitability: Poorly suited Shrink-swell potential: Low Watauga County, North Carolina 119

Slope class: Strongly sloping Management concerns: Equipment limitation, hazard of Extent of erosion: Slight, less than 25 percent of the erosion, and surface stones original surface layer has been removed Orchards and ornamental crops Hazard of water erosion: Severe Rock fragments on the surface: Widely scattered Suitability: Suited surface stones and cobbles that average about 10 Management concerns: Surface stones, frost hazard, to 24 inches in diameter and 10 to 25 feet apart slope, and surface clay for conifer line-out beds Organic matter content of the surface layer: Moderate Woodland Management and Productivity to very high Potential for frost action: Moderate Suitability: Well suited Soil reaction: Extremely acid to moderately acid in the Potential for commercial species: Moderately high for surface layer, except where limed, and very cove hardwoods strongly acid to slightly acid in the subsoil Productivity class: Moderately high for yellow-poplar Special climatic conditions: Soil subject to slow air Management concerns: drainage, which allows late spring and early fall • This map unit has no significant limitations affecting frosts woodland management. Parent material: Colluvium derived from felsic to mafic, igneous or high-grade metamorphic rock Urban Development Depth to bedrock: More than 60 inches Dwellings Other distinctive properties: Random areas of seeps and springs Suitability: Suited Management concerns: Slope, overland water, large Minor Components stones, hazard of erosion, corrosivity, and seeps Dissimilar inclusions: and springs • Cullasaja soils that have more than 35 percent rock Septic tank absorption fields fragments throughout, in drainageways that cross mapped areas Suitability: Suited • Somewhat poorly drained Cullowhee soils along Management concerns: Slope, restricted permeability, perennial streams and seeps and springs • Poorly drained Nikwasi soils along perennial streams Local roads and streets Similar inclusions: Suitability: Suited • Random areas of Saunook soils that have a surface Management concerns: Slope, low soil strength, frost layer of fine sandy loam or sandy loam or that have a action, hazard of erosion, large stones, and seeps gravelly surface layer and springs • Random areas of soils that have less organic matter in the surface layer or that have a thin dark surface Lawns and landscaping layer Suitability: Suited Land Use Management concerns: Slope and hazard of erosion Dominant Uses: Woodland Interpretive Group Other Uses: Pasture, hayland, Fraser fir production, Land capability classification: 4e ornamental crops, and building site development

Agricultural Development SoD—Saunook loam, 15 to 30 percent Cropland slopes, very stony Suitability: Poorly suited Setting Management concerns: Equipment limitation, hazard of erosion, and surface stones Landscape: Low or intermediate mountains and intermountain hills Pasture and hayland Elevation range: 1,400 to 4,200 feet Suitability for pasture: Suited Landform: Coves, drainageways, colluvial fans, and Suitability for hayland: Poorly suited benches 120 Soil Survey

Landform position: Footslopes and toeslopes Similar inclusions: Shape of areas: Long and narrow or irregular • Random areas of Saunook soils that have a surface Size of areas: 2 to about 40 acres layer of fine sandy loam or sandy loam or that have a gravelly or cobbly surface layer Composition • Random areas of soils that have less organic matter in the surface layer or that have a thin dark surface Saunook soil and similar inclusions: 85 percent layer Dissimilar inclusions: 15 percent Land Use Typical Profile Dominant Uses: Woodland Surface layer: Other Uses: Pasture, hayland, Fraser fir production, 0 to 9 inches—dark brown loam ornamental crops, and building site development Subsoil: 9 to 35 inches—brown loam Agricultural Development 35 to 65 inches—brown cobbly loam Cropland Soil Properties and Qualities Suitability: Poorly suited Management concerns: Equipment limitation, hazard of Depth class: Very deep erosion, and surface stones Drainage class: Well drained General texture class: Loamy Pasture and hayland Permeability: Moderate Suitability for pasture: Suited Depth to seasonal high water table: More than 6.0 feet Suitability for hayland: Poorly suited Hazard of flooding: None Management concerns: Equipment limitation, hazard of Shrink-swell potential: Low erosion, and surface stones Slope class: Moderately steep Extent of erosion: Slight, less than 25 percent of the Orchards and ornamental crops original surface layer has been removed Suitability: Suited Hazard of water erosion: Very severe Management concerns: Slope, surface stones, frost Rock fragments on the surface: Widely scattered hazard, and surface clay for conifer line-out beds surface stones and cobbles that average about 10 to 24 inches in diameter and 10 to 25 feet apart Woodland Management and Productivity Organic matter content of the surface layer: Moderate Suitability: Suited to very high Potential for commercial species: Moderately high for Potential for frost action: Moderate cove hardwoods Soil reaction: Extremely acid to moderately acid in the Productivity class: Moderately high for yellow-poplar surface layer, except where limed, and very Management concerns: Hazard of erosion and strongly acid to slightly acid in the subsoil equipment limitation Special climatic conditions: Soil subject to slow air drainage, which allows late spring and early fall Urban Development frosts Dwellings Parent material: Colluvium derived from felsic to mafic, igneous or high-grade metamorphic rock Suitability: Poorly suited Depth to bedrock: More than 60 inches Management concerns: Slope, hazard of erosion, Other distinctive properties: Random areas of seeps overland water, large stones, corrosivity, and and springs seeps and springs Minor Components Septic tank absorption fields Dissimilar inclusions: Suitability: Poorly suited • Cullasaja soils that have more than 35 percent rock Management concerns: Slope, restricted permeability, fragments throughout, in drainageways that cross and seeps and springs mapped areas Local roads and streets • Somewhat poorly drained Cullowhee soils along perennial streams Suitability: Suited Watauga County, North Carolina 121

Management concerns: Slope, low soil strength, frost Soil reaction: Extremely acid to moderately acid in the action, large stones, and seeps and springs surface layer, except where limed, and very strongly acid to slightly acid in the subsoil Lawns and landscaping Special climatic conditions: Soil subject to slow air Suitability: Poorly suited drainage, which allows late spring and early fall Management concerns: Slope and hazard of erosion frosts Parent material: Colluvium derived from felsic to mafic, Interpretive Group igneous or high-grade metamorphic rock Land capability classification: 6e Depth to bedrock: More than 60 inches Other distinctive properties: Random areas of seeps and springs SoE—Saunook loam, 30 to 50 percent slopes, very stony Minor Components Dissimilar inclusions: Setting • Cullasaja soils that have more than 35 percent rock fragments throughout, in drainageways that cross Landscape: Low or intermediate mountains and mapped areas intermountain hills • Porters soils that have bedrock at a depth of 40 to Elevation range: 1,400 to 4,200 feet 60 inches, along the edges of mapped areas or on the Landform: Coves, heads of drainageways, colluvial more resistant convex parts of mapped areas fans, and benches Landform position: Footslopes and toeslopes Similar inclusions: Shape of areas: Long and narrow or irregular • Random areas of Saunook soils that have a surface Size of areas: 2 to about 20 acres layer of fine sandy loam or sandy loam or that have a gravelly or cobbly surface layer Composition • Random areas of soils that have less organic matter Saunook soil and similar inclusions: 85 percent in the surface layer or that have a thin dark surface Dissimilar inclusions: 15 percent layer Typical Profile Land Use Surface layer: Dominant Uses: Woodland 0 to 9 inches—dark brown loam Other Uses: Pasture, hayland, Fraser fir production, Subsoil: ornamental crops, and building site development 9 to 35 inches—brown loam 35 to 65 inches—brown cobbly loam Agricultural Development Soil Properties and Qualities Cropland Depth class: Very deep Suitability: Unsuited Drainage class: Well drained Management concerns: General texture class: Loamy • This map unit is severely limited for crop production Permeability: Moderate because of the equipment limitation, hazard of erosion, Depth to seasonal high water table: More than 6.0 feet and surface stones. Hazard of flooding: None Management measures and considerations: Shrink-swell potential: Low • A site on better suited soils should be selected. Slope class: Moderately steep Pasture and hayland Extent of erosion: Slight, less than 25 percent of the original surface layer has been removed Suitability for pasture: Poorly suited Hazard of water erosion: Very severe Suitability for hayland: Unsuited Rock fragments on the surface: Widely scattered Management concerns: Equipment limitation, hazard of surface stones and cobbles that average about 10 erosion, and surface stones to 24 inches in diameter and 10 to 25 feet apart Orchards and ornamental crops Organic matter content of the surface layer: Moderate to very high Suitability: Suited to Fraser fir; poorly suited to Potential for frost action: Moderate orchards and other ornamental crops 122 Soil Survey

Management concerns: Slope, surface stones, and Nikwasi soil and similar inclusions: 25 percent surface clay for conifer line-out beds Dissimilar inclusions: 5 percent Woodland Management and Productivity Typical Profile Suitability: Poorly suited Saunook Potential for commercial species: Moderately high for cove hardwoods Surface layer: Productivity class: Moderately high for yellow-poplar 0 to 9 inches—dark brown loam Management concerns: Hazard of erosion and Subsoil: equipment limitation 9 to 35 inches—brown loam 35 to 65 inches—brown cobbly loam Urban Development Nikwasi Dwellings Surface layer: Suitability: Poorly suited 0 to 28 inches—dark brown, very dark grayish brown, Management concerns: Slope, hazard of erosion, and very dark gray loam overland water, large stones, corrosivity, and seeps and springs Underlying material: 28 to 62 inches—dark gray very gravelly sand Septic tank absorption fields Suitability: Poorly suited Soil Properties and Qualities Management concerns: Slope, restricted permeability, Depth class: Very deep and seeps and springs Drainage class: Saunook—well drained; Nikwasi— Local roads and streets poorly drained or very poorly drained General texture class: Saunook—loamy; Nikwasi— Suitability: Poorly suited loamy in the upper part and sandy-skeletal in the Management concerns: Slope, low soil strength, frost lower part action, hazard of erosion, large stones, and seeps Permeability: Saunook—moderate; Nikwasi— and springs moderately rapid in the surface layer and rapid in Lawns and landscaping the underlying material Depth to seasonal high water table: Saunook—more Suitability: Poorly suited than 6.0 feet; Nikwasi—0 to 1.0 foot from Management concerns: Slope and hazard of erosion November through May Interpretive Group Hazard of flooding: Saunook—none; Nikwasi—frequent Shrink-swell potential: Low Land capability classification: 7e Slope class: Saunook—gently sloping to strongly sloping; Nikwasi—nearly level SwC—Saunook-Nikwasi complex, 2 to 15 Extent of erosion: Slight, less than 25 percent of the percent slopes original surface layer has been removed Hazard of water erosion: Saunook—moderate or severe; Nikwasi—none or slight Setting Organic matter content of the surface layer: Saunook— Landscape: Intermountain hills and low or intermediate moderate to very high; Nikwasi—high or very high mountains Potential for frost action: Moderate Elevation range: 2,000 to 4,200 feet Soil reaction: Saunook—extremely acid to moderately Landform: Coves, heads of drainageways, and flood acid in the surface layer, except where limed, and plains very strongly acid to slightly acid in the subsoil; Landform position: Footslopes, toeslopes, and linear to Nikwasi—very strongly acid to slightly acid slightly concave slopes throughout the profile, except where surface layers Shape of areas: Long and narrow or irregular have been limed Size of areas: 2 to about 10 acres Special climatic conditions: Soils subject to slow air drainage, which allows late spring and early fall Composition frosts Saunook soil and similar inclusions: 70 percent Parent material: Saunook—colluvium derived from Watauga County, North Carolina 123

felsic to mafic, igneous or high-grade metamorphic Management measures and considerations: rock; Nikwasi—alluvium • The use and management of this map unit for Depth to bedrock: More than 60 inches orchards and ornamental crops is recommended only Other distinctive properties: Random areas of seeps in areas of the Saunook soil. and springs; the Nikwasi soil is subject to frequent ponding for brief duration during wet periods Woodland Management and Productivity throughout the year Suitability: Suited Minor Components Potential for commercial species: Saunook— moderately high for cove hardwoods; Nikwasi— Dissimilar inclusions: moderately high for bottomland hardwoods • Cullasaja soils that have more than 35 percent rock Productivity class: Moderately high for yellow-poplar fragments throughout, in drainageways Management concerns: Saunook—no significant • Moderately well drained Dellwood and Reddies soils limitations; Nikwasi—equipment limitation, seedling along stream channels mortality, and plant competition Similar inclusions: • Random areas of Saunook soils that have a surface Urban Development layer of fine sandy loam or sandy loam or that have a gravelly surface layer Dwellings • Random areas of soils that have less organic matter Suitability: Saunook—well suited or suited; Nikwasi— in the surface layer or that have a thin dark surface unsuited layer Management concerns: Saunook—slope, hazard of • Soils that have a surface layer less than 24 inches erosion, overland water, corrosivity, and seeps and thick, on flood plains springs; Nikwasi—severely limited because of Land Use flooding and wetness Management measures and considerations: Dominant Uses: Woodland or pasture • A site should not be selected in areas of the Nikwasi Other Uses: Cropland, hayland, and building site soil. development Septic tank absorption fields Agricultural Development Suitability: Saunook—well suited or suited; Nikwasi— unsuited Cropland Management concerns: Saunook—slope, restricted Suitability: Poorly suited permeability, and seeps and springs; Nikwasi— Management concerns: Saunook—equipment limitation severely limited because of flooding, wetness, and and hazard of erosion; Nikwasi—wetness, flooding, poor filtering capacity nutrient leaching, and equipment limitation Management measures and considerations: Management measures and considerations: • A site should not be selected in areas of the Nikwasi • Because of the small size of the mapped areas and soil. the wetness and flooding in areas of the Nikwasi soil, Local roads and streets this map unit is difficult to manage for cropland. Suitability: Saunook—well suited or suited; Nikwasi— Pasture and hayland poorly suited Suitability: Saunook—well suited; Nikwasi—poorly Management concerns: Saunook—slope, low soil suited strength, frost action, hazard of erosion, and seeps Management concerns: Saunook—equipment limitation and springs; Nikwasi—severely limited because of and hazard of erosion; Nikwasi—flooding, wetness, flooding and wetness nutrient leaching, and equipment limitation Management measures and considerations: • A site should not be selected in areas of the Nikwasi Orchards and ornamental crops soil. Suitability: Saunook—well suited; Nikwasi—unsuited Lawns and landscaping Management concerns: Saunook—frost hazard, slope, and surface clay for conifer line-out beds; Suitability: Saunook—well suited or suited; Nikwasi— Nikwasi—wetness and flooding poorly suited 124 Soil Survey

Management concerns: Saunook—slope and hazard of Potential for frost action: Moderate erosion; Nikwasi—flooding and wetness Soil reaction: Extremely acid to strongly acid throughout the profile, except where surface layers Interpretive Group have been limed Land capability classification: Saunook—3e; Nikwasi— Parent material: Residuum affected by soil creep, 6w weathered from metasedimentary rock Depth to bedrock: 20 to 40 inches to soft bedrock; 40 to 60 inches or more to hard bedrock SxD—Soco loam, 15 to 30 percent slopes, stony Minor Components Dissimilar inclusions: Setting • Random areas of soils that have soft bedrock at a Landscape: Intermediate mountains and intermountain depth of 40 to 60 inches or more hills • Ditney soils that have hard bedrock at a depth of 20 Elevation range: 3,000 to 4,000 feet to 40 inches, on resistant knobs Landform: Mountain slopes and ridges Similar inclusions: Landform position: Summits and shoulders • Random areas of Soco soils that have a surface Shape of areas: Long and narrow or irregular layer of sandy loam or fine sandy loam or that have a Size of areas: 2 to 20 acres channery or gravelly surface layer Composition Land Use Soco soil and similar inclusions: 85 percent Dissimilar inclusions: 15 percent Dominant Uses: Woodland Other Uses: Pasture and hayland Typical Profile Surface layer: Agricultural Development 0 to 6 inches—dark yellowish brown loam Cropland Subsoil: 6 to 20 inches—brownish yellow loam Suitability: Poorly suited 20 to 25 inches—brownish yellow channery loam Management concerns: Equipment limitation, hazard of erosion, rooting depth, droughtiness, and surface Underlying material: stones 25 to 30 inches—strong brown channery loam saprolite Pasture and hayland Bedrock: 30 to 62 inches—soft, weathered metasandstone Suitability: Suited Management concerns: Equipment limitation and Soil Properties and Qualities hazard of erosion Depth class: Moderately deep Drainage class: Well drained Orchards and ornamental crops General texture class: Loamy Suitability: Suited for orchards and Fraser fir; poorly Permeability: Moderately rapid suited to other ornamental crops Depth to seasonal high water table: More than 6.0 feet Management concerns: Slope, depth to bedrock, low Hazard of flooding: None clay content for ball and burlap harvesting, and Shrink-swell potential: Low surface clay for conifer line-out beds Slope class: Moderately steep Extent of erosion: Slight, less than 25 percent of the Woodland Management and Productivity original surface layer has been removed Hazard of water erosion: Very severe Suitability: Suited Rock fragments on the surface: Widely scattered Potential for commercial species: Moderate for surface stones and cobbles that average about 10 hardwoods to 24 inches in diameter and 25 to 80 feet apart Productivity class: Moderate for hardwoods Organic matter content of the surface layer: Moderately Management concerns: Hazard of erosion, equipment low to high limitation, and windthrow hazard Watauga County, North Carolina 125

Urban Development Soil Properties and Qualities Depth class: Moderately deep Dwellings Drainage class: Well drained Suitability: Poorly suited General texture class: Loamy Management concerns: Slope, hazard of erosion, Permeability: Moderately rapid corrosivity, and depth to bedrock Depth to seasonal high water table: More than 6.0 feet Hazard of flooding: None Septic tank absorption fields Shrink-swell potential: Low Suitability: Poorly suited Slope class: Steep Management concerns: Slope and depth to bedrock Extent of erosion: Slight, less than 25 percent of the original surface layer has been removed Local roads and streets Hazard of water erosion: Very severe Suitability: Suited Rock fragments on the surface: Widely scattered Management concerns: Slope, frost action, depth to surface stones that average about 10 to 24 inches bedrock, and hazard of erosion in diameter and 25 to 80 feet apart Organic matter content of the surface layer: Moderately Lawns and landscaping low to high Suitability: Poorly suited Potential for frost action: Moderate Management concerns: Slope, hazard of erosion, and Soil reaction: Extremely acid to strongly acid depth to bedrock throughout the profile, except where surface layers have been limed Interpretive Group Parent material: Residuum affected by soil creep, Land capability classification: 6e weathered from metasedimentary rock Depth to bedrock: 20 to 40 inches to soft bedrock; 40 to 60 inches or more to hard bedrock SxE—Soco loam, 30 to 50 percent slopes, stony Minor Components Dissimilar inclusions: Setting • Random areas of soils that have soft bedrock at a depth of 40 to 60 inches or more Landscape: Intermediate mountains and intermountain • Random areas of Ditney soils that have hard bedrock hills at a depth of 20 to 40 inches Elevation range: 3,000 to 4,000 feet • Unicoi soils that have hard bedrock at a depth of 10 Landform: Mountain slopes and ridges to 20 inches, on nose slopes and near rock outcrops Landform position: Summits and shoulders • Very deep Keener soils in concave areas at the Shape of areas: Irregular heads of drains and on footslopes Size of areas: 4 to about 60 acres • Random areas of Jeffrey soils that have more Composition organic matter in the surface layer than the Soco soil and have hard bedrock at a depth of 20 to 40 inches Soco soil and similar inclusions: 85 percent Dissimilar inclusions: 15 percent Similar inclusions: • Random areas of Soco soils that have a surface Typical Profile layer of sandy loam or fine sandy loam or that have a Surface layer: channery or gravelly surface layer 0 to 6 inches—dark yellowish brown loam Land Use Subsoil: Dominant Uses: Woodland 6 to 20 inches—brownish yellow loam Other Uses: Pasture 20 to 25 inches—brownish yellow channery loam Underlying material: Agricultural Development 25 to 30 inches—strong brown channery loam saprolite Cropland Bedrock: 30 to 62 inches—soft, weathered metasandstone Suitability: Unsuited 126 Soil Survey

Management concerns: TxA—Toxaway loam, 0 to 2 percent • This map unit is severely limited for crop production slopes, frequently flooded because of an equipment limitation and a hazard of erosion. Setting Management measures and considerations: • A site on better suited soils should be selected. Landscape: Stream valleys of mountains and intermountain hills Pasture and hayland Elevation range: 2,000 to 4,200 feet Suitability for pasture: Poorly suited Landform: Flood plains Suitability for hayland: Unsuited Landform position: Linear to slightly concave slopes Management concerns: Equipment limitation and Shape of areas: Long and narrow hazard of erosion Size of areas: 2 to about 20 acres Orchards and ornamental crops Composition Suitability: Poorly suited Toxaway soil and similar inclusions: 95 percent Management concerns: Slope, depth to bedrock, low Dissimilar inclusions: 5 percent clay content for ball and burlap harvesting, and Typical Profile surface clay for conifer line-out beds Surface layer: Woodland Management and Productivity 0 to 27 inches—very dark grayish brown and very dark gray loam Suitability: Poorly suited Potential for commercial species: Moderate for Underlying material: hardwoods 27 to 37 inches—dark gray loam Productivity class: Moderate for hardwoods 37 to 50 inches—dark gray fine sandy loam Management concerns: Hazard of erosion, equipment 50 to 62 inches—gray very gravelly sand limitation, and windthrow hazard Soil Properties and Qualities Urban Development Depth class: Very deep Drainage class: Poorly drained or very poorly drained Dwellings General texture class: Loamy in the upper part and Suitability: Poorly suited sandy with many rock fragments in the lower part Management concerns: Slope, hazard of erosion, Permeability: Moderate in the surface layer and corrosivity, and depth to bedrock moderately rapid or rapid in the underlying material Depth to seasonal high water table: 0 to 1.0 foot from Septic tank absorption fields November through April Hazard of flooding: Frequent Suitability: Poorly suited Shrink-swell potential: Low Management concerns: Slope and depth to bedrock Slope class: Nearly level Extent of erosion: Slight, less than 25 percent of the Local roads and streets original surface layer has been removed Suitability: Poorly suited Hazard of water erosion: None or slight Management concerns: Slope, frost action, slippage, Organic matter content of the surface layer: High or depth to bedrock, and hazard of erosion very high Potential for frost action: Moderate Lawns and landscaping Soil reaction: Strongly acid to slightly acid throughout the profile, except where surface layers have been Suitability: Poorly suited limed Management concerns: Slope, hazard of erosion, and Special climatic conditions: Soil subject to slow air depth to bedrock drainage, which allows late spring and early fall frosts Interpretive Group Parent material: Alluvium Land capability classification: 7e Depth to bedrock: More than 60 inches Other distinctive properties: Soil subject to frequent Watauga County, North Carolina 127

ponding for brief duration during wet periods Productivity class: Moderately high for yellow-poplar throughout the year Management concerns: Equipment limitation, seedling mortality, and plant competition Minor Components Dissimilar inclusions: Urban Development • Somewhat poorly drained Cullowhee soils at the base of uplands Dwellings Similar inclusions: Suitability: Unsuited • Random areas of Toxaway soils that have a surface Management concerns: layer of fine sandy loam, sandy loam, or mucky loam • This map unit is severely limited for dwellings • Random areas of soils that have surface layers less because of the flooding and wetness. than 24 inches thick Management measures and considerations: • Random areas of Nikwasi soils that have less clay in • A site on better suited soils should be selected. the subsoil and have sandy layers at a depth of 20 to Septic tank absorption fields 40 inches Suitability: Unsuited Land Use Management concerns: Dominant Uses: Pasture and woodland • This map unit is severely limited for septic tank Other Uses: Cropland and hayland absorption fields because of the flooding and wetness. Management measures and considerations: Agricultural Development • A site on better suited soils should be selected. Local roads and streets Cropland Suitability: Poorly suited Suitability: Unsuited in undrained areas; poorly suited in Management concerns: drained areas • This map unit is severely limited for roads and Management concerns: streets because of the wetness and flooding. • This map unit is severely limited for crop production because of the wetness and flooding. Lawns and landscaping Management measures and considerations: Suitability: Poorly suited • Toxaway soils are hydric soils, and areas of them are Management concerns: Flooding and wetness considered wetlands. Wetlands provide valuable habitat for wetland wildlife and serve as a filter for water. Interpretive Group Draining these soils is not recommended. • A site on better suited soils should be selected. Land capability classification: 4w Pasture and hayland Suitability: Unsuited in undrained areas; poorly suited in Ud—Udorthents, loamy drained areas Management concerns: Flooding, wetness, and Setting equipment limitation Udorthents consists of areas where the natural soil Orchards and ornamental crops has been altered by excavation or covered by earthy Suitability: Unsuited fill material. These areas are usually well drained. The Management concerns: excavated areas are mainly borrow areas from which • This map unit is severely limited for orchards and soil material has been removed and used as foundation ornamental crops because of the wetness and flooding. material for roads or buildings. In excavated areas the Management measures and considerations: texture of the exposed underlying material ranges from • A site on better suited soils should be selected. loamy sand to clay loam. The fill areas are sites where at least 20 inches of earthy fill material covers the Woodland Management and Productivity natural soil or where borrow pits, dumps, natural Suitability: Poorly suited drainageways, or low-lying areas have been filled. Potential for commercial species: Moderately high for Slopes range from nearly level to very steep. bottomland hardwoods 128 Soil Survey

Properties and Qualities Pasture and hayland Suitability: Poorly suited Because of the variability of Udorthents, a typical Management concerns: pedon is not described. The soil characteristics are so • This map unit is severely limited for pasture and highly variable that an onsite examination of individual hayland because of the highly variable soil properties. areas is needed to make interpretations. Management measures and considerations: The borrow areas may have nearly vertical cuts in • A site on better suited soils should be selected. the side slopes. Borrow areas are sometimes temporarily seeded and usually have poor soil physical Orchards and ornamental crops properties, which adversely affect plant growth. The Suitability: Unsuited soil fertility and content of organic matter in the Management concerns: surface layer are low. • This map unit is severely limited for ornamental The fill areas are commonly more than 20 inches crops because of the highly variable soil properties. deep and can be as much as 20 to 30 feet deep in Management measures and considerations: places. Some fill areas contain nonsoil material, such • A site on better suited soils should be selected. as concrete, wood, glass, and asphalt. The soil material in fill areas is stratified and variable in color Woodland Management and Productivity and texture. Suitability: Unsuited Permeability in the map unit is variable. Surface Management concerns: runoff is medium or rapid in bare and unprotected • This map unit is severely limited for woodland areas. Depth to bedrock is variable. The seasonal high because of the highly variable soil properties. water table is generally below 6 feet. Cut and fill areas Management measures and considerations: in upland positions are not subject to flooding. Fill • A site on better suited soils should be selected. areas on flood plains may be subject to rare or occasional flooding. Soil reaction is extremely acid to Urban Development neutral. Dwellings Included with this map unit are small areas of natural soil that have not been disturbed and areas that Suitability: Unsuited have been cut down to bedrock. In a few places, small Management concerns: Highly variable soil properties areas of fill consist of nonsoil materials, such as Septic tank absorption fields building rubbish, cinders, industrial wastes, incinerator ash, and miscellaneous solid garbage wastes. Also Suitability: Unsuited included are a few areas of urban land. Included areas Management concerns: Highly variable soil properties make up about 20 percent of the map unit. Local roads and streets Land Use Suitability: Unsuited Management concerns: Highly variable soil properties Note: Onsite investigation is needed before the use and management of specific areas are planned. Lawns and landscaping Dominant Uses: Future areas for parking lots, Suitability: Poorly suited buildings, schools, and highway right-of-way Management concerns: Highly variable soil properties corridors and hazard of erosion Other Uses: Golf courses and abandoned or active Interpretive Group mines and borrow areas Land capability classification: None assigned Agricultural Development

Cropland UkC—Unaka-Porters complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes, very rocky Suitability: Unsuited Management concerns: Setting • This map unit is severely limited for crop production because of the highly variable soil properties. Landscape: Intermediate mountains and intermountain Management measures and considerations: hills • A site on better suited soils should be selected. Elevation range: 3,200 to 4,400 feet Watauga County, North Carolina 129

Landform: Mountain ridges Soil reaction: Unaka—extremely acid to slightly acid Landform position: Summits throughout, except where surface layers have been Shape of areas: Long and narrow or irregular limed; Porters—very strongly acid to slightly acid Size of areas: 4 to about 100 acres throughout, except where surface layers have been limed Composition Special climatic conditions: Prominent ridges are Unaka soil and similar inclusions: 75 percent subject to rime ice in winter Porters soil and similar inclusions: 15 percent Parent material: Residuum affected by soil creep in the Dissimilar inclusions: 10 percent (including 5 percent upper part, weathered from felsic to mafic, igneous areas of rock outcrop) or high-grade metamorphic rock Depth to bedrock: Unaka—20 to 40 inches to hard Typical Profile bedrock; Porters—40 to 60 inches to hard bedrock Unaka Minor Components Surface layer: Dissimilar inclusions: 0 to 8 inches—dark brown cobbly loam • Random areas of soils that have bedrock at a depth of more than 60 inches Subsoil: • Soils that have hard bedrock at a depth of less than 8 to 25 inches—brown and strong brown cobbly loam 20 inches, adjacent to rock outcrops Bedrock: Similar inclusions: 25 to 35 inches—soft, weathered amphibolite • Random areas of Unaka and Porters soils that are 35 to 42 inches—hard, unweathered amphibolite sandy loam or fine sandy loam in the fine-earth fraction Porters of the surface layer • Random areas of soils that have thin surface layers Surface layer: or that have less organic matter in the surface layer 0 to 10 inches—very dark grayish brown and dark • Random areas of soils that have more clay in the yellowish brown loam subsoil Subsoil: • Random areas of soils that have soft bedrock at a 10 to 38 inches—dark yellowish brown loam depth of 40 to 60 inches and that do not have hard 38 to 45 inches—dark yellowish brown, yellowish bedrock within a depth of 60 inches brown, and olive brown gravelly loam Land Use Bedrock: Dominant Uses: Woodland 45 to 54 inches—soft, weathered amphibolite Other Uses: Pasture, Fraser fir production, and building 54 to 65 inches—hard, unweathered amphibolite site development Soil Properties and Qualities Agricultural Development Depth class: Unaka—moderately deep; Porters—deep Cropland Drainage class: Well drained General texture class: Loamy Suitability: Unsuited Permeability: Moderately rapid Management concerns: Depth to seasonal high water table: More than 6.0 feet • This map unit is severely limited for crop production Hazard of flooding: None because of the slope, equipment limitation, hazard of Shrink-swell potential: Low erosion, extent of rock outcrops, and large stones and Slope class: Strongly sloping the depth to bedrock, rooting depth, and droughtiness Extent of erosion: Slight, less than 25 percent of the in areas of the Unaka soil. original surface layer has been removed Management measures and considerations: Hazard of water erosion: Severe • A site on better suited soils should be selected. Rock fragments on the surface: Widely scattered Pasture and hayland surface stones that average about 10 to 24 inches in diameter and 10 to 25 feet apart Suitability for pasture: Suited Organic matter content of the surface layer: High or Suitability for hayland: Poorly suited very high Management concerns: Unaka—equipment limitation, Potential for frost action: Moderate hazard of erosion, extent of rock outcrops, depth 130 Soil Survey

to bedrock, rooting depth, and droughtiness; Elevation range: 3,200 to 4,400 feet Porters—equipment limitation, hazard of erosion, Landform: Mountain slopes and ridges and extent of rock outcrops Landform position: Summits and shoulders Shape of areas: Long and narrow or irregular Orchards and ornamental crops Size of areas: 4 to about 100 acres Suitability: Poorly suited Composition Management concerns: Unaka—extent of rock outcrops, slope, and depth to bedrock; Porters— Unaka soil and similar inclusions: 70 percent extent of rock outcrops and slope Porters soil and similar inclusions: 20 percent Dissimilar inclusions: 10 percent (including 5 percent Woodland Management and Productivity areas of rock outcrop) Suitability: Suited Potential for commercial species: Unaka—low for Typical Profile hardwoods; Porters—moderate for hardwoods Unaka Productivity class: Moderate for northern red oak Management concerns: Unaka—equipment use and Surface layer: windthrow hazard; Porters—equipment use 0 to 8 inches—dark brown cobbly loam Subsoil: Urban Development 8 to 25 inches—brown and strong brown cobbly loam Dwellings Bedrock: Suitability: Poorly suited 25 to 35 inches—soft, weathered amphibolite Management concerns: Slope, depth to bedrock, 35 to 42 inches—hard, unweathered amphibolite extent of rock outcrops, hazard of erosion, and Porters corrosivity Surface layer: Septic tank absorption fields 0 to 10 inches—very dark grayish brown and dark Suitability: Poorly suited yellowish brown loam Management concerns: Slope, depth to bedrock, Subsoil: extent of rock outcrops, and large stones 10 to 38 inches—dark yellowish brown loam Local roads and streets 38 to 45 inches—dark yellowish brown, yellowish brown, and olive brown gravelly loam Suitability: Poorly suited Management concerns: Slope, depth to bedrock, Bedrock: extent of rock outcrops, large stones, hazard of 45 to 54 inches—soft, weathered amphibolite erosion, and frost action 54 to 65 inches—hard, unweathered amphibolite Lawns and landscaping Soil Properties and Qualities Suitability: Suited Depth class: Unaka—moderately deep; Porters—deep Management concerns: Unaka—slope, hazard of Drainage class: Well drained erosion, extent of rock outcrops, and rock General texture class: Loamy fragments; Porters—slope, hazard of erosion, and Permeability: Moderately rapid extent of rock outcrops Depth to seasonal high water table: More than 6.0 feet Interpretive Group Hazard of flooding: None Shrink-swell potential: Low Land capability classification: 4e Slope class: Moderately steep Extent of erosion: Slight, less than 25 percent of the UkD—Unaka-Porters complex, 15 to 30 original surface layer has been removed percent slopes, very rocky Hazard of water erosion: Very severe Rock fragments on the surface: Widely scattered surface stones that average about 10 to 24 inches Setting in diameter and 10 to 25 feet apart Landscape: Intermediate mountains and intermountain Organic matter content of the surface layer: High or hills very high Watauga County, North Carolina 131

Potential for frost action: Moderate Pasture and hayland Soil reaction: Unaka—extremely acid to slightly acid Suitability for pasture: Suited throughout, except where surface layers have been Suitability for hayland: Poorly suited limed; Porters—very strongly acid to slightly acid Management concerns: Unaka—equipment limitation, throughout, except where surface layers have been hazard of erosion, extent of rock outcrops, large limed stones, depth to bedrock, rooting depth, and Special climatic conditions: Prominent ridges are droughtiness; Porters—equipment limitation, subject to rime ice in winter hazard of erosion, extent of rock outcrops, and Parent material: Residuum affected by soil creep in the large stones upper part, weathered from felsic to mafic, igneous or high-grade metamorphic rock Orchards and ornamental crops Depth to bedrock: Unaka—20 to 40 inches to hard Suitability: Poorly suited bedrock; Porters—40 to 60 inches to hard bedrock Management concerns: Unaka—extent of rock Minor Components outcrops, slope, and depth to bedrock; Porters— extent of rock outcrops and slope Dissimilar inclusions: • Random areas of soils that have bedrock at a depth Woodland Management and Productivity of more than 60 inches Suitability: Suited • Soils that have hard bedrock at a depth of less than Potential for commercial species: Unaka—low for 20 inches, adjacent to rock outcrops hardwoods; Porters—moderate for hardwoods • Saunook soils that have more clay in the subsoil Productivity class: Moderate for northern red oak than the Unaka and Porters soils and have bedrock at Management concerns: Unaka—hazard of erosion, a depth of more than 60 inches, in saddles and in equipment limitation, and windthrow hazard; concave areas at the head of drains Porters—hazard of erosion and equipment Similar inclusions: limitation • Random areas of Unaka and Porters soils that are sandy loam or fine sandy loam in the fine-earth fraction Urban Development of the surface layer • Random areas of soils that have thin surface layers Dwellings or that have less organic matter in the surface layer Suitability: Poorly suited • Random areas of soils that have more clay in the Management concerns: Slope, depth to bedrock, subsoil extent of rock outcrops, hazard of erosion, and • Random areas of soils that have soft bedrock at a corrosivity depth of 40 to 60 inches and that do not have hard bedrock within a depth of 60 inches Septic tank absorption fields Land Use Suitability: Poorly suited Management concerns: Slope, depth to bedrock, Dominant Uses: Woodland extent of rock outcrops, and large stones Other Uses: Pasture, Fraser fir production, and building site development Local roads and streets Suitability: Poorly suited Agricultural Development Management concerns: Slope, depth to bedrock, Cropland extent of rock outcrops, large stones, hazard of erosion, and frost action Suitability: Unsuited Management concerns: Lawns and landscaping • This map unit is severely limited for crop production Suitability: Poorly suited because of the equipment limitation, hazard of erosion, Management concerns: Slope, hazard of erosion, and extent of rock outcrops, and large stones and the extent of rock outcrops depth to bedrock, rooting depth, and droughtiness in areas of the Unaka soil. Interpretive Group Management measures and considerations: • A site on better suited soils should be selected. Land capability classification: 6e 132 Soil Survey

UkE—Unaka-Porters complex, 30 to 50 Extent of erosion: Slight, less than 25 percent of the percent slopes, very rocky original surface layer has been removed Hazard of water erosion: Very severe Rock fragments on the surface: Widely scattered Setting surface stones that average about 10 to 24 inches Landscape: Intermediate mountains and intermountain in diameter and 10 to 25 feet apart hills Organic matter content of the surface layer: High or Elevation range: 3,200 to 4,400 feet very high Landform: Mountain slopes and ridges Potential for frost action: Moderate Landform position: Summits and shoulders Soil reaction: Unaka—extremely acid to slightly Shape of areas: Irregular throughout, except where surface layers have been Size of areas: 4 to about 250 acres limed; Porters—very strongly acid to slightly acid throughout, except where surface layers have been Composition limed Unaka soil and similar inclusions: 70 percent Special climatic conditions: Soils subject to rime ice in Porters soil and similar inclusions: 20 percent winter Dissimilar inclusions: 10 percent (including 5 percent Parent material: Residuum affected by soil creep in the areas of rock outcrop) upper part, weathered from felsic to mafic, igneous or high-grade metamorphic rock Typical Profile Depth to bedrock: Unaka—20 to 40 inches to hard bedrock; Porters—40 to 60 inches to hard bedrock Unaka Surface layer: Minor Components 0 to 8 inches—dark brown cobbly loam Dissimilar inclusions: Subsoil: • Random areas of soils that have bedrock at a depth 8 to 25 inches—brown and strong brown cobbly loam of more than 60 inches • Soils that have hard bedrock at a depth of less than Bedrock: 20 inches, adjacent to rock outcrops 25 to 35 inches—soft, weathered amphibolite • Saunook soils that have more clay in the subsoil 35 to 42 inches—hard, unweathered amphibolite than the Unaka and Porters soils and have bedrock at Porters a depth of more than 60 inches, in saddles and in concave areas at the head of drains Surface layer: • Cullasaja soils that have more than 35 percent rock 0 to 10 inches—very dark grayish brown and dark fragments throughout and have bedrock at a depth of yellowish brown loam more than 60 inches, in concave areas at the heads of Subsoil: drains 10 to 38 inches—dark yellowish brown loam Similar inclusions: 38 to 45 inches—dark yellowish brown, yellowish • Random areas of Unaka and Porters soils that are brown, and olive brown gravelly loam sandy loam or fine sandy loam in the fine-earth fraction Bedrock: of the surface layer 45 to 54 inches—soft, weathered amphibolite • Random areas of soils that have thin surface layers 54 to 65 inches—hard, unweathered amphibolite or that have less organic matter in the surface layer • Random areas of soils that have more clay in the Soil Properties and Qualities subsoil • Random areas of soils that have soft bedrock at a Depth class: Unaka—moderately deep; Porters—deep depth of 40 to 60 inches and that do not have hard Drainage class: Well drained bedrock within a depth of 60 inches General texture class: Loamy Permeability: Moderately rapid Land Use Depth to seasonal high water table: More than 6.0 feet Hazard of flooding: None Dominant Uses: Woodland Shrink-swell potential: Low Other Uses: Pasture, Fraser fir production, and building Slope class: Steep site development Watauga County, North Carolina 133

Agricultural Development Management measures and considerations: • This map unit is severely limited for septic tank Cropland absortion fields, and only carefully selected sites may Suitability: Unsuited be used. Management concerns: • A site on better suited soils should be selected. • This map unit is severely limited for crop production Local roads and streets because of the equipment limitation, hazard of erosion, extent of rock outcrops, and large stones and the Suitability: Poorly suited depth to bedrock, rooting depth, and droughtiness in Management concerns: Slope, depth to bedrock, areas of the Unaka soil. extent of rock outcrops, large stones, hazard of Management measures and considerations: erosion, and frost action • A site on better suited soils should be selected. Lawns and landscaping Pasture and hayland Suitability: Poorly suited Suitability for pasture: Poorly suited Management concerns: Slope, hazard of erosion, and Suitability for hayland: Unsuited extent of rock outcrops Management concerns: Unaka—equipment limitation, Interpretive Group hazard of erosion, extent of rock outcrops, large stones, depth to bedrock, rooting depth, and Land capability classification: 7e droughtiness; Porters—equipment limitation, hazard of erosion, extent of rock outcrops, and large stones UkF—Unaka-Porters complex, 50 to 95 Management measures and considerations: percent slopes, very rocky • A site on better suited soils should be selected. Setting Orchards and ornamental crops Landscape: Intermediate mountains and intermountain Suitability: Poorly suited hills Management concerns: Unaka—extent of rock Elevation range: 3,200 to 4,400 feet outcrops, slope, and depth to bedrock; Porters— Landform: Mountain slopes extent of rock outcrops and slope Landform position: Shoulders Shape of areas: Irregular Woodland Management and Productivity Size of areas: 4 to about 50 acres Suitability: Poorly suited Composition Potential for commercial species: Unaka—low for Unaka soil and similar inclusions: 50 percent hardwoods; Porters—moderate for hardwoods Porters soil and similar inclusions: 40 percent Productivity class: Moderate for northern red oak Dissimilar inclusions: 10 percent (including 5 percent Management concerns: Unaka—hazard of erosion, areas of rock outcrop) equipment limitation, and windthrow hazard; Porters—hazard of erosion and equipment Typical Profile limitation Unaka Surface layer: Urban Development 0 to 8 inches—dark brown cobbly loam Dwellings Subsoil: Suitability: Poorly suited 8 to 25 inches—brown and strong brown cobbly loam Management concerns: Slope, depth to bedrock, Bedrock: extent of rock outcrops, hazard of erosion, and 25 to 35 inches—soft, weathered amphibolite corrosivity 35 to 42 inches—hard, unweathered amphibolite Septic tank absorption fields Porters Suitability: Poorly suited or unsuited Surface layer: Management concerns: Slope, depth to bedrock, 0 to 10 inches—very dark grayish brown and dark extent of rock outcrops, and large stones yellowish brown loam 134 Soil Survey

Subsoil: Similar inclusions: 10 to 38 inches—dark yellowish brown loam • Random areas of Unaka and Porters soils that are 38 to 45 inches—dark yellowish brown, yellowish sandy loam or fine sandy loam in the fine-earth fraction brown, and olive brown gravelly loam of the surface layer • Random areas of soils that have thin surface layers Bedrock: or that have less organic matter in the surface layer 45 to 54 inches—soft, weathered amphibolite • Random areas of soils that have more clay in the 54 to 65 inches—hard, unweathered amphibolite subsoil Soil Properties and Qualities • Random areas of soils that have soft bedrock at a depth of 40 to 60 inches and that do not have hard Depth class: Unaka—moderately deep; Porters—deep bedrock within a depth of 60 inches Drainage class: Well drained General texture class: Loamy Land Use Permeability: Moderately rapid Dominant Uses: Woodland Depth to seasonal high water table: More than 6.0 feet Other Uses: Wildlife habitat Hazard of flooding: None Shrink-swell potential: Low Agricultural Development Slope class: Very steep Extent of erosion: Slight, less than 25 percent of the Cropland original surface layer has been removed Hazard of water erosion: Very severe Suitability: Unsuited Rock fragments on the surface: Widely scattered Management concerns: surface stones that average about 10 to 24 inches • This map unit is severely limited for crop production in diameter and 10 to 25 feet apart because of the equipment limitation, hazard of erosion, Organic matter content of the surface layer: High or extent of rock outcrops, and large stones and the very high depth to bedrock, rooting depth, and droughtiness in Potential for frost action: Moderate areas of the Unaka soil. Soil reaction: Unaka—extremely acid to slightly Management measures and considerations: throughout, except where surface layers have been • A site on better suited soils should be selected. limed; Porters—very strongly acid to slightly acid Pasture and hayland throughout, except where surface layers have been limed Suitability for pasture: Poorly suited Special climatic conditions: Soils subject to rime ice in Suitability for hayland: Unsuited winter Management concerns: Parent material: Residuum affected by soil creep in the • This map unit is severely limited for the production of upper part, weathered from felsic to mafic, igneous pasture and hay crops because of the equipment or high-grade metamorphic rock limitation, hazard of erosion, extent of rock outcrops, Depth to bedrock: Unaka—20 to 40 inches to hard and large stones and the depth to bedrock, rooting bedrock; Porters—40 to 60 inches to hard bedrock depth, and droughtiness in areas of the Unaka soil. Management measures and considerations: Minor Components • A site on better suited soils should be selected. Dissimilar inclusions: Orchards and ornamental crops • Random areas of soils that have bedrock at a depth of more than 60 inches Suitability: Unsuited • Soils that have hard bedrock at a depth of less than Management concerns: 20 inches, adjacent to rock outcrops • This map unit is severely limited for orchards and • Saunook soils that have more clay in the subsoil ornamental crops because of the slope. than the Unaka and Porters soils and have bedrock at Management measures and considerations: a depth of more than 60 inches, in saddles and in • A site on better suited soils should be selected. concave areas at the head of drains Woodland Management and Productivity • Cullasaja soils that have more than 35 percent rock fragments throughout and have bedrock at a depth of Suitability: Poorly suited more than 60 inches, in concave areas at the heads of Potential for commercial species: Unaka—low for drains hardwoods; Porters—moderate for hardwoods Watauga County, North Carolina 135

Productivity class: Moderate for northern red oak Landform: Mountain slopes Management concerns: Unaka—hazard of erosion, Landform position: Shoulders equipment limitation, and windthrow hazard; Shape of areas: Irregular Porters—hazard of erosion and equipment Size of areas: 4 to about 100 acres limitation Composition Urban Development Unaka soil and similar inclusions: 50 percent Rock outcrop: 30 percent Dwellings Dissimilar inclusions: 20 percent Suitability: Unsuited Management concerns: Typical Profile • This map unit is severely limited for dwellings Unaka because of the slope, hazard of erosion, depth to bedrock, extent of rock outcrops, and corrosivity. Surface layer: Management measures and considerations: 0 to 8 inches—dark brown cobbly loam • A site on better suited soils should be selected. Subsoil: Septic tank absorption fields 8 to 25 inches—brown and strong brown cobbly loam Suitability: Unsuited Bedrock: Management concerns: 25 to 35 inches—soft, weathered amphibolite • This map unit is severely limited for septic tank 35 to 42 inches—hard, unweathered amphibolite absorption fields because of the slope, depth to Rock outcrop bedrock, extent of rock outcrops, and large stones. This part of the map unit predominantly consists of Local roads and streets felsic to mafic, igneous or high-grade metamorphic Suitability: Unsuited rock, such as granitic gneiss and amphibolite. Management concerns: • This map unit is severely limited for roads and Properties and Qualities of the Unaka Soil streets because of the slope, depth to bedrock, extent Depth class: Moderately deep of rock outcrops, large stones, hazard of erosion, and Drainage class: Well drained frost action. General texture class: Loamy Management measures and considerations: Permeability: Moderately rapid • A site on better suited soils should be selected. Depth to seasonal high water table: More than 6.0 feet Lawns and landscaping Hazard of flooding: None Shrink-swell potential: Low Suitability: Unsuited Slope class: Very steep Management concerns: Extent of erosion: Slight, less than 25 percent of the • This map unit is severely limited for lawns and original surface layer has been removed landscaping because of the slope, hazard of erosion, Hazard of water erosion: Very severe and extent of rock outcrops. Rock fragments on the surface: Widely scattered Management measures and considerations: surface stones that average about 10 to 24 inches • A site on better suited soils should be selected. in diameter and 3 to 25 feet apart Interpretive Group Organic matter content of the surface layer: High or very high Land capability classification: 7e Potential for frost action: Moderate Soil reaction: Extremely acid to slightly acid throughout UnF—Unaka-Rock outcrop complex, 50 to the profile, except where surface layers have been 95 percent slopes limed Special climatic conditions: Soil subject to rime ice in winter Setting Parent material: Residuum affected by soil creep in the Landscape: Intermediate mountains and intermountain upper part, weathered from felsic to mafic, igneous hills or high-grade metamorphic rock Elevation range: 3,200 to 4,400 feet Depth to bedrock: 20 to 40 inches to hard bedrock 136 Soil Survey

Minor Components ornamental crops because of the slope and extent of rock outcrops. Dissimilar inclusions: Management measures and considerations: • Random areas of Porters soils that have bedrock at • A site on better suited soils should be selected. a depth of 40 to 60 inches • Soils that have hard bedrock at a depth of less than Woodland Management and Productivity 20 inches, adjacent to rock outcrops Suitability: Poorly suited • Cullasaja soils that have more than 35 percent rock Potential for commercial species: Low for hardwoods fragments throughout and have bedrock at a depth of (in areas of the Unaka soil) more than 60 inches, in concave areas at the heads of Productivity class: Moderate for northern red oak drains Management concerns: Hazard of erosion, equipment • Soils that have hard bedrock at a depth of less than limitation, and windthrow hazard 20 inches, adjacent to rock outcrops Similar inclusions: Urban Development • Random areas of Unaka soils that are sandy loam or fine sandy loam in the fine-earth fraction of the surface Dwellings layer Suitability: Unsuited • Random areas of soils that have thin surface layers Management concerns: or that have less organic matter in the surface layer • This map unit is severely limited for dwellings • Random areas of soils that have more clay in the because of the slope, depth to bedrock, extent of rock subsoil outcrops, hazard of erosion, and corrosivity. Management measures and considerations: Land Use • A site on better suited soils should be selected. Dominant Uses: Woodland Septic tank absorption fields Other Uses: Wildlife habitat Suitability: Unsuited Agricultural Development Management concerns: • This map unit is severely limited for septic tank Cropland absorption fields because of the slope, depth to Suitability: Unsuited bedrock, extent of rock outcrops, and large stones. Management concerns: Local roads and streets • This map unit is severely limited for crop production because of the equipment limitation, hazard of erosion, Suitability: Unsuited extent of rock outcrops, large stones, depth to Management concerns: bedrock, rooting depth, and droughtiness. • This map unit is severely limited for roads and Management measures and considerations: streets because of the slope, depth to bedrock, extent • A site on better suited soils should be selected. of rock outcrops, large stones, hazard of erosion, and frost action. Pasture and hayland Management measures and considerations: Suitability: Unsuited • A site on better suited soils should be selected. Management concerns: Lawns and landscaping • This map unit is severely limited for the production of pasture and hay crops because of the equipment Suitability: Unsuited limitation, hazard of erosion, extent of rock outcrops, Management concerns: large stones, depth to bedrock, rooting depth, and • This map unit is severely limited for lawns and droughtiness. landscaping because of the slope, hazard of erosion, Management measures and considerations: and extent of rock outcrops. • A site on better suited soils should be selected. Management measures and considerations: • A site on better suited soils should be selected. Orchards and ornamental crops Interpretive Group Suitability: Unsuited Management concerns: Land capability classification: Unaka—7e; Rock • This map unit is severely limited for orchards and outcrop—8s Watauga County, North Carolina 137

Ur—Urban land streams that are wide enough to be shown within double lines on the detailed soil maps. This map unit consists of areas where more than 85 This map unit is not assigned a land capability percent of the surface is covered by asphalt, concrete, classification. buildings, or other impervious surfaces. Examples are parking lots, shopping and business centers, and industrial sites. The areas generally range from 5 to WaC—Watauga loam, 8 to 15 percent about 50 acres in size and are nearly level to slopes moderately sloping. Included in mapping are small areas of Udorthents. Setting Udorthents, which consists primarily of loamy cut and Landscape: Low mountains and intermountain hills fill material, are not covered with impervious surfaces Elevation range: 2,800 to 3,400 feet and are used in lawns and landscaping. Also included Landform: Mountain ridges are a few areas of natural soils that have not been Landform position: Summits disturbed. The included areas make up less than 15 Shape of areas: Oblong or irregular percent of the map unit. Size of areas: 2 to about 25 acres Examination of the soil or soil-like materials in this map unit is impractical. Careful onsite investigation is Composition needed to determine the suitability or limitations for Watauga soil and similar inclusions: 95 percent any proposed use. Dissimilar inclusions: 5 percent This map unit is not assigned a land capability classification. Typical Profile Surface layer: Ux—Urban land, flooded 0 to 8 inches—dark yellowish brown loam Subsoil: This map unit consists of areas of flood plains 8 to 28 inches—strong brown sandy clay loam where more than 85 percent of the surface is covered 28 to 34 inches—strong brown fine sandy loam by asphalt, concrete, buildings, or other impervious surfaces. Examples are parking lots, shopping and Underlying material: business centers, and industrial sites. The areas 34 to 62 inches—yellowish brown sandy loam saprolite generally range from 5 to about 50 acres in size and are nearly level to moderately sloping. Soil Properties and Qualities Included in mapping are small areas of Rosman, Depth class: Very deep Reddies, and Nikwasi soils and Udorthents. Rosman Drainage class: Well drained and Reddies soils are well drained. Nikwasi soils are General texture class: Loamy poorly drained or very poorly drained. Udorthents, Permeability: Moderate which consists primarily of loamy fill material, are not Depth to seasonal high water table: More than 6.0 feet covered with impervious surfaces and are used in Hazard of flooding: None lawns and landscaping. The included areas make up Shrink-swell potential: Low less than 15 percent of the map unit. Slope class: Strongly sloping Examination of the soil or soil-like materials in this Extent of erosion: Slight, less than 25 percent of the map unit is impractical. Careful onsite investigation is original surface layer has been removed needed to determine the suitability or limitations for Hazard of water erosion: Severe any proposed use. As more impervious cover is Organic matter content of the surface layer: Moderately created in built-up areas, runoff increases and the low to high likelihood of flooding increases. Potential for frost action: Moderate This map unit is not assigned a land capability Soil reaction: Very strongly acid to moderately acid classification. throughout the profile, except where surface layers have been limed W—Water Parent material: Residuum affected by soil creep in the upper part, weathered from high-grade This map unit consists of bodies of water such as metamorphic rocks that have a high mica content lakes and ponds. It also includes areas of perennial Depth to bedrock: More than 60 inches 138 Soil Survey

Figure 7.—Burley tobacco (no-till), sweet corn, and Irish potatoes are important cash crops grown on Watauga loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes.

Other distinctive properties: High mica content in the • Random areas of Chandler soils that have less clay subsoil; soil subject to downslope movement when in the subsoil lateral support is removed and to differential • Random areas of Edneytown soils that have less settling when used as fill material mica in the subsoil • Random areas of soils that have soft bedrock at a Minor Components depth of 40 to 60 inches Dissimilar inclusions: Land Use • Random areas of Brownwood soils that have soft Dominant Uses: Pasture, hayland, and woodland bedrock at a depth of 20 to 40 inches and have less Other Uses: Cropland (fig. 7), ornamental crops, clay in the subsoil than the Watauga soil Fraser fir production, and building site • Random areas of Udorthents and areas associated development with small, hand-dug mica mines Similar inclusions: Agricultural Development • Random areas of Watauga soils that have a surface Cropland layer of sandy loam or fine sandy loam • Random areas of Watauga soils that have a Suitability: Suited moderately eroded surface layer Management concerns: Equipment limitation and • Random areas of Fannin soils that have red subsoils hazard of erosion Watauga County, North Carolina 139

Pasture and hayland Landform position: Summits and shoulders Shape of areas: Long and narrow or irregular Suitability: Well suited Size of areas: 2 to about 100 acres Management concerns: Equipment limitation and hazard of erosion Composition Orchards and ornamental crops Watauga soil and similar inclusions: 95 percent Dissimilar inclusions: 5 percent Suitability: Well suited Management concerns: Slope and surface clay for Typical Profile conifer line-out beds Surface layer: Woodland Management and Productivity 0 to 8 inches—dark yellowish brown loam Suitability: Well suited Subsoil: Potential for commercial species: Moderately high for hardwoods 8 to 28 inches—strong brown sandy clay loam Productivity class: High for eastern white pine 28 to 34 inches—strong brown fine sandy loam Management concerns: Underlying material: • This map unit has no significant limitations affecting 34 to 62 inches—yellowish brown sandy loam saprolite woodland management. Soil Properties and Qualities Urban Development Depth class: Very deep Dwellings Drainage class: Well drained Suitability: Suited General texture class: Loamy Management concerns: Slope, hazard of erosion, Permeability: Moderate corrosivity, caving or sloughing of excavated walls, Depth to seasonal high water table: More than 6.0 feet low soil strength, slippage, and differential settling Hazard of flooding: None Shrink-swell potential: Low Septic tank absorption fields Slope class: Moderately steep Suitability: Suited Extent of erosion: Slight, less than 25 percent of the Management concerns: Slope and restricted original surface layer has been removed permeability Hazard of water erosion: Very severe Organic matter content of the surface layer: Moderately Local roads and streets low to high Suitability: Suited Potential for frost action: Moderate Management concerns: Slope, low soil strength, Soil reaction: Very strongly acid to moderately acid slippage, differential settling, hazard of erosion, throughout the profile, except where surface layers and frost action have been limed Parent material: Residuum affected by soil creep in the Lawns and landscaping upper part, weathered from high-grade Suitability: Suited metamorphic rocks that have a high mica content Management concerns: Slope and hazard of erosion Depth to bedrock: More than 60 inches Other distinctive properties: High mica content in the Interpretive Group subsoil; soil subject to downslope movement when Land capability classification: 4e lateral support is removed and to differential settling when used as fill material

WaD—Watauga loam, 15 to 30 percent Minor Components slopes Dissimilar inclusions: • Random areas of Brownwood soils that have soft Setting bedrock at a depth of 20 to 40 inches and have less Landscape: Low mountains and intermountain hills clay in the subsoil than the Watauga soil Elevation range: 2,800 to 3,400 feet • Random areas of Udorthents and areas associated Landform: Mountain slopes and ridges with small, hand-dug mica mines 140

• Saunook soils in concave areas at the heads of Management concerns: Slope and surface clay for drains conifer line-out beds Similar inclusions: Woodland Management and Productivity • Random areas of Watauga soils that have a surface Suitability: Suited layer of sandy loam or fine sandy loam Potential for commercial species: Moderate for • Random areas of Watauga soils that have a hardwoods moderately eroded surface layer Productivity class: High for eastern white pine • Random areas of Fannin soils that have red Management concerns: Hazard of erosion and subsoils equipment limitation • Random areas of Chandler soils that have less clay in the subsoil Urban Development • Random areas of Edneytown soils that have less mica in the subsoil Dwellings • Random areas of soils that have soft bedrock at a Suitability: Poorly suited depth of 40 to 60 inches Management concerns: Slope, hazard of erosion, corrosivity, caving or sloughing of excavated walls, Land Use low soil strength, slippage, and differential settling Dominant Uses: Pasture, hayland, and woodland Septic tank absorption fields Other Uses: Ornamental crops, Fraser fir production, and building site development Suitability: Poorly suited Management concerns: Slope and restricted Agricultural Development permeability Cropland Local roads and streets Suitability: Poorly suited Suitability: Suited Management concerns: Equipment limitation and Management concerns: Slope, low soil strength, hazard of erosion hazard of erosion, slippage, differential settling, and frost action Pasture and hayland Lawns and landscaping Suitability: Suited Management concerns: Equipment limitation and Suitability: Poorly suited hazard of erosion Management concerns: Slope and hazard of erosion Orchards and ornamental crops Interpretive Group Suitability: Suited Land capability classification: 6e 141

Use and Management of the Soils

This soil survey is an inventory and evaluation of Crops, Pasture, and Hayland the soils in the survey area. It can be used to adjust land uses to the limitations and potentials of natural Frank Bolick, Agricultural Extension Agent, and Dale Roark, resources and the environment. Also, it can help to Agriculture and Natural Resources Technician, Cooperative Extension Service, and Allen Childers, District Conservationist, prevent soil-related failures in land uses. Natural Resources Conservation Service, helped prepare this In preparing a soil survey, soil scientists, section. conservationists, engineers, and others collect extensive field data about the nature and behavioral General management needed for crops, pasture, characteristics of the soils. They collect data on and hayland is suggested in this section. The erosion, droughtiness, flooding, and other factors that estimated yields of the main crops and pasture plants affect various soil uses and management. Field are listed. experience and collected data on soil properties and Planners of management systems for individual performance are used as a basis in predicting soil fields or farms should consider the detailed information behavior. given in the description of each soil under the heading Information in this section can be used to plan the “Detailed Soil Map Units.” Specific information can be use and management of soils for crops and pasture; for obtained from the local office of the Natural Resources orchards and ornamental crops; as woodland; as sites Conservation Service or the Cooperative Extension for buildings, sanitary facilities, highways and other Service. transportation systems, and parks and other Federal and State regulations require that any area recreational facilities; and for wildlife habitat. It can be designated as wetlands cannot be altered without prior used to identify the potentials and limitations of each approval. Contact the local office of the Natural soil for specific land uses and to help prevent Resources Conservation Service for identification of construction failures caused by unfavorable soil hydric soils and potential wetlands. properties. There has been a slight increase in cropland Generally, the soils in Watauga County that are well acreage in Watauga County during the past 10 years. suited to crops are also well suited to urban uses. The Due to the growing market for Christmas trees, data concerning specific soils in the county can be cropland has been converted from pasture and hayland used in planning future land use patterns. The potential to predominantly Fraser fir production. Timberland has for farming should be considered relative to any soil also been converted to the production of Christmas limitations and the potential for nonfarm development. trees and other ornamentals. As steeper land is Planners and others using soil survey information converted to cropland, the potential for soil erosion has can evaluate the effect of specific land uses on increased. productivity and on the environment in all or part of the In 1999, according to the North Carolina Agricultural survey area. The survey can help planners to maintain Extension Service, Watauga County had approximately or create a land use pattern in harmony with the natural 6,585 acres of harvested cropland, excluding soil. Christmas trees. It was estimated that burley tobacco Contractors can use this survey to locate sources of was grown on 750 acres and hay was harvested from sand and gravel, roadfill, and topsoil. They can use it to 5,300 acres (5). The remaining acreage of cropland identify areas where bedrock, wetness, or very firm soil consisted of corn, ornamentals, Irish potatoes, layers can cause difficulty in excavation. pumpkins, cabbage, and beans. Truck crops were also Health officials, highway officials, engineers, and planted on numerous small plots. There were a few others may also find this survey useful. The survey small apple orchards and a small acreage of can help them plan the safe disposal of wastes and blueberries in the county. Pasture made up locate sites for pavements, sidewalks, campgrounds, approximately 40,000 acres. The majority of the playgrounds, lawns, and trees and shrubs. pasture and hayland was in tall fescue grass or 142 Soil Survey

orchardgrass mixed with legumes. Small acreages of severe limitations affect production. A rating of suited timothy, alfalfa, and red clover were also planted. indicates that no more than one severe limitation Watauga County is the number four producer of affects production. A rating of poorly suited indicates Christmas trees in North Carolina. Fraser fir is the that two or more severe limitations affect production. dominant species grown. Approximately 1,500 acres of The limitations can be overcome by increased Christmas trees are grown. About 400,000 trees were management, which increases the cost of production. harvested in 1999. The cash amount for these A rating of unsuited indicates that vegetables should harvested trees was estimated at nearly 8 million not be grown on the soil. dollars. Ornamentals also produced revenues of nearly Cropland 4 million dollars. The North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service estimates that there were Management considerations on cropland in the approximately 3 million Christmas trees growing in county include controlling erosion, installing a Watauga County in 1999. drainage system, improving soil fertility, applying Row crops such as burley tobacco and corn are a system of chemical weed control, and improving grown mainly in the western and northern parts of the tilth. county. These crops are grown on upland soils, Erosion control.—Water erosion is a major concern colluvial soils, and flood plain soils. Burley tobacco on most of the soils used for cropland in Watauga grows best on very deep, well drained, loamy soils. County. It is a hazard on soils that have slopes of more Watauga, Cashiers, Edneytown, Edneyville, Saunook, than 2 percent. Watauga and Saunook soils are Rosman, and Reddies soils are used for burley examples. As the slopes increases, the hazard of tobacco. erosion and the difficulty in controlling erosion also The latest information on growing specialty crops, increase. such as site selection, fertilization, liming, and Loss of the surface layer through erosion is selection of plant varieties, can be obtained from local damaging. Soil productivity is reduced as the surface office of the North Carolina Cooperative Extension layer is lost and part of the subsoil is incorporated into Service or the Natural Resources Conservation the plow layer. Loss of the surface layer is especially Service. damaging on soils that have more clay in the subsoil, Deep and very deep soils that are characterized by such as Edneytown and Watauga soils, and on soils good natural drainage and that warm up early in spring that have bedrock that limits the depth of the root are suited to many vegetables and small fruits. These zone, such as Ashe and Unaka soils. Erosion on soils include Saunook, Edneytown, and Watauga soils farmland results in the sedimentation of streams. that have slopes of less than 15 percent. Crops Controlling erosion minimizes the pollution of water by generally can be planted and harvested earlier on these runoff carrying plant nutrients, soil particles, and plant soils than on other soils in the survey area. residue. It improves the quality of water for municipal Most of the well drained soils in the survey area are use, for recreation, and for fish and wildlife. suitable for orchard crops and nursery plants. Soils in Erosion-control practices provide a protective low areas where frost is frequent and air drainage is surface cover, reduce runoff, and increase the rate of poor generally are poorly suited to early vegetables, water infiltration. A cropping system that keeps a small fruits, and orchard crops. vegetative cover on the soil for extended periods helps The latest information about specialty crops can be to minimize soil loss and maintain the productive obtained at the local office of the Cooperative capacity of the soil. In sloping areas, including forage Extension Service or the Natural Resources crops of grasses and legumes in the cropping system Conservation Service. helps to control erosion. The forage crops also add Some areas that are idle, wooded, or pastured have nitrogen to the soil and improve tilth. good potential for use as cropland. Food production Minimizing tillage and leaving crop residue on the could be increased considerably by applying the latest surface increase the rate of water infiltration, reduce technology to all of the cropland in the survey area. runoff, and help to control erosion. These practices can The information in this soil survey can facilitate the be effective on most of the soils in the survey area. In application of such technology. the more sloping areas that are used for corn, no-till Table 5 rates the soils according to their ability to farming may be effective in controlling erosion. produce vegetables. Well suited, suited, poorly suited, Contour farming and contour stripcropping help to and unsuited are used to indicate the degree of the control erosion on many of the soils in the survey area. major limitations that affect the production of They are best suited to soils that have smooth, vegetables. A rating of well suited indicates that no uniform slopes. Watauga County, North Carolina 143

Information about erosion-control measures for each established. A reliable soil test is not available for kind of soil is available at the local office of the Natural predicting nitrogen requirements. Resources Conservation Service. Soil tests can indicate the need for phosphorus and Drainage.—Excessive wetness is a management potassium fertilizer. Phosphorus and potassium tend to concern on about 1 percent of the cropland in Watauga build up in the soil. County. Some soils are so wet that production of the Chemical weed control.—The use of herbicides for crops commonly grown in the survey area is difficult weed control is a common practice on the cropland in unless a drainage system is installed. Areas of Watauga County. It decreases the need for tillage and Toxaway, Nikwasi, and Cullowhee soils have a high is an integral part of modern farming. Selected soil water table and are subject to flooding. Where properties, such as organic matter content and texture permitted, installing surface and subsurface drains can of the surface layer, affect the rate of herbicide lower the water table in these soils and thus improve application. Soils that have a high content of organic drainage and increase yields. matter may require additional herbicide, and herbicide Small areas of wetter soils along drainageways are retention may be a problem for future crops. Estimates commonly included in mapping with other soils. A of both of these properties were determined for the drainage system generally is not installed in these soils in this survey area. Table 18 shows a general included soils. range of organic matter content in the surface layer of The design of both surface and subsurface drainage the soils. The texture of the surface layer is shown in systems varies according to the kind of soil. A the USDA texture column in table 17. combination of surface drains and tile drains is needed In some areas the organic matter content projected in most intensively row-cropped areas of the somewhat for the different soils is outside the range shown in the poorly drained Cullowhee soils. Drains should be table. The content can be higher in soils that have installed at closer intervals in poorly drained soils, received large amounts of animal or manmade waste. such as Nikwasi and Toxaway soils. Soils that have recently been brought into cultivation Managing drainage in conformance with regulations may have a higher content of organic matter in the concerning wetlands may require special permits and surface layer than similar soils that have been extra planning. The local office of the Natural cultivated for a long time. Conservation tillage can Resources Conservation Service should be contacted increase the content of organic matter in the surface for identification of hydric soils and potential wetlands. layer. A lower content of organic matter is common Soils along the river bottoms in Watauga County are where the surface layer has been partly or completely occasionally flooded for brief periods, generally removed by erosion or land smoothing. Current soil between December and June. Flash flooding as a tests should be used for specific organic matter result of intensive rainfall can occur on the upper determinations. reaches of stream bottoms at any time of the year. Tilth.—Soil tilth is an important factor in the Soil fertility.—The soils in Watauga County generally germination of seeds and the infiltration of water into are low in natural fertility and are naturally acid. the soil. Soils that have good tilth are granular and Additions of lime and fertilizer are needed for the porous. production of most kinds of crops. Fall plowing is generally not recommended. The Liming requirements are a major concern on majority of the cropland in the survey area consists of cropland. The acidity level in the soil affects the sloping soils that are subject to erosion if they are availability of many nutrients to plants and the activity plowed in fall. of beneficial bacteria. Lime neutralizes exchangeable Some soils in the survey area have poor tilth aluminum in the soil and thus counteracts the adverse because of gravel and cobbles in the surface layer. The effects of high levels of aluminum on many crops. content and size of the rock fragments affect the use Liming adds calcium (from calcitic lime) or calcium and of tillage implements. magnesium (from dolomitic lime) to the soil. Stones and boulders are common in many of the A soil test is a guide to what amount and kind of colluvial soils in the survey area. In some places the lime should be used. The desired pH levels may differ, rock fragments prevent tillage. In other places they can depending on the soil properties and the crop to be be removed. grown. Pasture and Hayland Nitrogen fertilizer is required for most crops. It is generally not required, however, for clover, in some In 1999, Watauga County had more than 6,000 beef rotations of soybeans, and for alfalfa that is cattle (5). Most of the pasture and hayland supports a 144 Soil Survey

mixture of grasses and legumes. Most of the hay is season grasses have been planted for erosion-control grown in rotation with pasture. The harvested hay purposes but not for forage. Contact the local office of commonly is in traditional rectangular bales or is rolled the Natural Resources Conservation Service for more into large, round bales. information. Selection of forage species.—In recent years, Maintenance of pasture and hayland.—Renovation estimated gross sales of livestock (cattle, sheep, and can increase forage yields in areas that have a good horses) have exceeded 3.71 million dollars annually. A stand of grass. It includes partially destroying the sod, successful livestock enterprise depends on a forage applying lime and fertilizer, and seeding desirable program that provides large quantities of good-quality forage species. Adding legumes to the stand of grass feed. In most areas of hayland and pasture in Watauga provides high-quality feed. Legumes increase summer County, renovation, brush control, and measures that production and transfer nitrogen from the air into the prevent overgrazing are needed. soil. Under growing conditions, alfalfa can fix 200 to The soils in the survey area vary widely in their 300 pounds of nitrogen per acre per year, red clover ability to produce grasses and legumes because of can fix 100 to 200 pounds, and ladino clover can fix differences in such properties as depth to bedrock or 100 to 150 pounds. An acre of annual forage legumes, to other limiting layers, internal drainage, and available such as vetch, can fix 75 to 100 pounds of nitrogen per water capacity. The forage species selected for year. planting should be appropriate for the soil. Additional information about managing pasture and The nearly level and gently sloping, deep and very hayland can be obtained from the local office of the deep, well drained soils should be planted to the Natural Resources Conservation Service or the highest producing crops, such as corn silage, alfalfa, Cooperative Extension Service. or a mixture of alfalfa and orchardgrass or alfalfa and timothy. Sod-forming grasses, such as tall fescue and Orchards and Ornamental Crops orchardgrass, minimize erosion in the steeper areas. Alfalfa should be seeded with cool-season grasses in Table 6 rates the soils according to their suitability areas where the soil is at least 2 feet deep and is well for orchards, Fraser fir, ball and burlap harvesting, and drained. The more poorly drained soils and the soils line-out beds. Well suited, suited, poorly suited, and that are less than 2 feet deep are suited to clover- unsuited are used to indicate the degree of the major grass mixtures or to pure stands of clover or grasses. soil limitations that affect the production of orchards Legumes can be established through renovation in and ornamentals. A rating of well suited indicates that areas that support sod-forming grasses. no severe limitations affect production. A rating of The intended use should be considered when forage suited indicates that no more than one severe species are selected. Selected species should provide limitation affects production. A rating of poorly suited maximum quality and versatility in the forage program. indicates that two or more severe limitations affect Legumes generally produce higher quality feed than production. The limitations can be overcome by grasses. They should be grown to the maximum extent increased management, which increases the cost of possible. The taller legumes, such as alfalfa and red production. A rating of unsuited indicates that the soil clover, are more versatile than legumes that are used should not be used for orchards or ornamentals. primarily for grazing, such as white clover. Orchards Orchardgrass, timothy, and tall fescue are best suited to use as hay. In Watauga County, orchards produce Golden Tall fescue, orchardgrass, and timothy are important Delicious, Red Delicious, Granny Smith, Rome, cool-season grasses. When mixed with clover, they are Jonathan, and other varieties of apples. The fruit is suited to a wide range of soil conditions and are grown grown for the fresh market and the juice market. All for both pasture and hay. They grow throughout the varieties require intensive management and high spring, summer, and fall. The growth that occurs from maintenance. The acreage is limited in Watauga August through November commonly accumulates in County. the field and is used for grazing in late fall and in Site selection.—A uniform and sloping topography winter. For maximum production, nitrogen fertilizer allows for good air drainage. Sites that are gullied or should be applied during the period when the grass is have ravines or abrupt changes in slope should not be accumulating. The rate of application should be based selected. Trees planted in soils that are wet, subject to on the desired level of production. flooding, affected by seeps, or in natural drainageways Warm-season grasses are generally not planted in produce low yields and are more susceptible to Watauga County. Small localized areas of warm- disease. Orchards should be established near an Watauga County, North Carolina 145

adequate supply of water, which can be used for fir, white pine, blue spruce, and Norway spruce. Fraser spraying or irrigation. Good sites are in areas of very fir is the most important species grown as Christmas deep, well drained soils. trees. Fraser fir is well adapted to cool areas at high Layout and erosion control.—The layout of an elevations and to loamy soils at elevations generally orchard should include outlets for water flowing into the above 3,000 feet (but preferably above 3,500 feet). It orchard from higher areas and for water flowing out of grows marginally below an elevation of 2,500 feet, on the orchard. Field borders and diversions that empty south- or west-facing slopes below an elevation of into grassed waterways dispose of water without 3,000 feet, and on soils that have a subsoil with more causing erosion. Sod should be used between rows of than 35 percent clay. These areas are generally trees and on all roads and erosion-control structures. It eliminated as potential sites for the production of should be established as soon as possible after Fraser fir. Fraser fir does not grow well on soils that construction. Rows of trees should be planted on the have slow permeability or a high water table because contour and as nearly parallel to each other as these conditions encourage phytophthora root disease. possible. This arrangement helps to control erosion and Conditions in Nikwasi, Toxaway, Longhope, and allows easy access. Access roads are very important. Cullowhee soils and in areas with seeps and springs at Short or dead-end roads, which make access with the surface encourage this disease. In Watauga equipment difficult, and roads with sharp turns or County, Porters and Cashiers soils produce the highest grades above 10 percent should not be constructed. quality trees under the best management practices. Wet areas or natural drainageways should be avoided Other productive soils for Christmas trees include as sites for roads. If these areas are unavoidable, Edneytown, Edneyville, Saunook, Wayah, Burton, water bars and culverts should be installed. Unaka, Chestnut, and Rosman. Fraser fir seedlings are Lime, fertilizer, and herbicides.—The soils in commonly grown on upland soils as well as on flood Watauga County have insufficient natural fertility to plain soils, such as Rosman and Reddies, but flooding sustain orchards. They are too acid, are typically low in and wetness increases the chance of contamination nitrogen and phosphorus, and are high in potassium. from phytophthora root disease. Seedlings are grown Application rates for lime and fertilizer should be throughout the county on many different soil types. determined by tissue analysis of the trees and by soil Seedlings grow better on sandier, coarser textured analysis. Lime and fertilizer should be applied to soils. The coarser textured soils allow better aeration access roads and erosion-control structures to and drainage. maintain the sod. Fraser fir is subject to phytophthora root disease. It The content of organic matter, the texture of the has no resistance to this disease. This disease can surface layer, and the depth to a water table affect the affect the plant at any stage of growth. It spreads in amount of herbicide used and the frequency of areas where the plant roots do not receive sufficient application. Such soils as Porters and Cashiers have aeration. These areas may include soils with wetness sufficient organic matter in the surface layer to inhibit limitations; areas that have a concentrated flow of the activity of herbicides. Water from seeps and water, such as drainageways; concave and springs in a soil may reduce the effectiveness of depressional areas; toeslopes and footslopes; soils herbicides. These soil limitations are described under that have a high clay content in the subsoil, generally the heading “Detailed Soil Map Units.” more than 30 percent; soils that are shallow and moderately deep to bedrock; and soils that are Ornamental Crops compacted due to heavy machinery. Plant stress is Ornamental crops that are grown in Watauga County another important factor. Healthy trees appear to have include Christmas trees, Christmas tree seedlings, slightly better tolerance to the disease, while stressed native ornamentals, hybrid ornamentals, and other plants are more susceptible. The best management woody ornamentals. These crops have the potential to practices almost always reduce susceptibility to the provide high levels of income, but they are relatively disease. Periods of drought create stress for the plants long-term investments that require intensive and result in increased physical manifestations of the management. Ornamental crops are grown intensively disease. Keeping seedlings clean and free from throughout the county. In 1999, according to the North disease is most important. Once introduced, the Carolina Cooperative Extension Service, Watauga disease moves freely in the fields or beds and has County had more than 1,500 acres of ornamental detrimental effects. The outcome is almost always tree crops. mortality and loss of production. The next rotation of Important species of Christmas trees include Fraser 146 Soil Survey

planted Fraser fir trees in the same field usually moisture cannot be taken up by the plant because the experiences additional tree mortality. upper soil layer, which contains the majority of feeder Site selection is one of the most important factors roots, is in frozen soil while high winds continue to dry preventing phytophthora root disease. Selecting soils out the plants. As a result, needles and foliage drop with good internal drainage and avoiding depressional off. areas and areas of high water concentration help to White pine, blue spruce, and Norway spruce are control the disease. These precautions do not eliminate adapted to the drier and warmer soils as well as the phytophthora root disease, but they do decrease the wetter soils. White pine should not be grown above an number of incidences of the disease. Soils which seem elevation of 4,400 feet because of its poor adaptability to produce the highest quality trees, such as Porters and its susceptibility to white pine blister rust. and Cashiers, still have incidences of phytophthora Site selection.—Soils that have a clay content of but the occurrences are fewer. Proper fertilization less than 15 percent should not be used for ornamental and insect control also are important. Contact the species that are ball and burlap harvested. These soils local office of the North Carolina Cooperative do not cling together and thus ball poorly. Soils that Extension Service for additional information on site have a clay content of more than 30 percent can only selection. be dug within a narrow range of water content. Soils Scouting, which involves experienced individuals that are wet, are in natural drainageways, or have a identifying potential problems in tree fields, is needed. clay content of more than 30 percent also should not Whole field inspections to identify insects and other be used for ornamental species. They hold excess pests play an important role in reducing plant stress. moisture around roots, which results in poor growth and Scouting allows potential problems to be identified encourages phytophthora root disease. Soils that have early, thereby reducing negative effects on the growth slopes of more than 30 percent should not be used of the plants. Nutritional deficiencies can also be because the slope limits the use of equipment for observed during scouting, and needed measures can mowing, spraying, and harvesting. Steep and very be taken to correct the problems observed. The steep slopes increase labor costs and the amount of implementation of an Integrated Pest Management time needed for harvesting and detrimentally affect Program (IPM) is recommended. Contact the local plant shape. Sites should be selected in areas that office of the North Carolina Cooperative Extension have an adequate supply of clear water that can be Service for additional information. used for spraying or irrigation. Disturbing as little of the Christmas trees are very labor intensive and require planting area as possible helps to prevent excessive a high level of management. The marketable full-bodied erosion. Areas between plants and areas between rows Christmas trees with attractive shapes do not occur should remain in permanent sod. Planting in a grid naturally and need intensive cutting and trimming, arrangement allows easy access to equipment used for which is called shearing. This is even more evident at mowing and spraying. the higher elevations. Trimming trees and manipulating Line-out beds.—Conifer line-out bed are areas in them to become what the buyer wants is very which the soil is raised as much as 8 to 12 inches important. Fraser fir naturally regenerates at elevations above the surrounding soil surface. This provides the of 4,200 to 4,500 feet and higher. This is the tree’s tree roots a good growing environment in which to natural habitat. Climatic factors play an important role develop. The small trees are planted in these beds and in tree growth, especially in areas of extremes. Severe allowed to grow for approximately 2 years so that they winds, in addition to the freezing of plant tissue, can develop roots. The plants are usually spaced 6 normally create a tree that is not pleasing to the inches by 4 inches. This allows the plants space for buyer’s eye and does not meet the public demand. growth and eliminates competition between neighboring Naturally occurring trees are relatively unmarketable plants. The beds need to be approximately 4 feet wide without intense shaping. The native Fraser firs at these to allow the grower access to the plants and to allow higher elevations survive better with less surface area the grower the ability to pull the plant by hand before and less resistance to the winds. These trees are more replanting. Wider beds increase difficulty in reaching spindly as a result of high winds and the freezing of the plants by hand. The sides of the beds need to plant tissue. Fraser firs planted and managed at these slope outward towards the surrounding soil so that the elevations experience twisting and bending of plant sides of the raised beds remain stable. tissue. This results in a stiffer tree trunk, which can Conifer line-out beds prefer soils that have less than result in reduced quality. This stiffer tree trunk tissue is 10 percent clay in the upper 12 inches. Soils that are called reaction wood. Another result of high winds and more than 10 percent clay hold seedling roots so frozen ground is known as winter injury. Needed tightly that tearing and breaking of roots result during Watauga County, North Carolina 147

harvesting. Root damage reduces the vigor of the animal productivity, maintain or enhance water and air seedlings when they are transplanted to a field. Soils quality, and support human health and habitation. Many that have a sandy surface layer are suited to line-out people also refer to this as soil health. beds. Soils that have a dark, rich organic layer are also The quality of a soil can be viewed in two ways. The suited to line-out beds. These soils may occur in low first view recognizes that, depending on the areas and should be evaluated for flooding and the environmental function of interest, some soils are potential for infection by phytophthora root disease. simply better suited than others to effectively perform Access roads should be carefully planned and that function. For example, soils that are shallow to constructed. If possible, they should not be bedrock have inherently poor quality for supporting constructed in natural drainageways, in wet areas, or deep-rooted trees or for use as sites for dwellings with where, because of the slope, the roadbed grade would basements. Sandy soils that have a high content of be more than 10 percent. They should be surfaced or gravel may have inherently poor quality for filtering seeded with perennial vegetation as soon as possible household wastes applied through an onsite septic after construction. Lime and fertilizer should be applied system. Alternately, these same soils may have good regularly to maintain the sod. Cut and fill slopes should quality for use in the construction of local roads and be stabilized with vegetation as soon as possible. streets. This view of soil quality is useful for comparing Lime, fertilizer, and herbicides.—Because of the abilities of one soil to those of another and is often insufficient natural fertility, the soils in Watauga County used to evaluate the worth or suitability of soils for cannot quickly produce ornamentals. They are typically specific uses. low in nitrogen, phosphorus, calcium, and magnesium The second view of soil quality relates to the and high in potassium. Some soils are too acid for dynamic nature of soils, which is influenced by human ornamental crops, especially for hybrid ornamentals use and management. A given soil may have a certain and some tree species. Application rates for lime and level of quality for fulfilling a given environmental fertilizer should be determined by soil tests and by function, but it may be functioning at a level below its tissue analysis of the crop. in inherent capability due to a past disturbance or Herbicides should only be applied by banding or current management systems. For example, a farming spot treatment. It is recommended that an area no system that does not protect the surface layer from larger than 1 foot around the base of the tree be kept erosion results in the loss of clay and other finer sized bare of vegetation from chemical spraying. Vegetation soil mineral particles, organic matter, nutrients, and needs to remain in the row middles. For purposes of other beneficial properties. In most cases, the eroded this section, sod maintained in the row middles should soil functions at less than its original potential for be defined as naturally occurring weeds and grasses production and its condition or health is considered which need to be suppressed by spraying herbicides at impaired or lower in quality. A soil in a wetland, if reduced rates. Post-emergent herbicides are drained or covered with sediment from nearby uplands, recommended to suppress row middles. In the fall, may not serve as effectively as a filter as it would in killing rates of herbicides are used to kill problem its natural condition. weeds. The chemical label needs to be checked for recommendations. As organic matter increases, some Functions of Soil herbicides are tied up and are not as effective. The Soil is a living, dynamic resource. It has biological, content of organic matter, the texture of the surface chemical, and physical properties which are continually layer, and the depth to a water table affect the amount changing. It performs several important functions of herbicide used and the frequency of application. within the natural environment. Soils with a thick, dark surface layer have enough Soil provides a physical matrix, chemical organic matter in the surface layer to inhibit the activity environment, and biological setting for the exchange of of herbicides. Water in Nikwasi and Toxaway soils and water, air, nutrients, and heat necessary for living in areas with seeps and springs can reduce the organisms. effectiveness of herbicides. These soil limitations are Soil controls the movement of rainfall or irrigation described under the heading “Detailed Soil Map Units.” water in the environment. It partitions the water into several components. Some of the applied water runs Soil Quality off of the soil and enters waterways directly. The remaining water infiltrates the soil and is either stored Definition of Soil Quality in the soil and used for plant growth or percolates Soil quality is the fitness of a specific kind of soil to through the soil and into the ground water. This function within its surroundings, support plant and regulation of water flow affects the movement of 148 Soil Survey

soluble materials, such as nitrate nitrogen and • Reduced biological activity and poor breakdown of pesticides, through the environment. residue Soil regulates biological activity and molecular Soil Quality Indicators exchanges among solid, liquid, and gaseous phases. This affects nutrient cycling, plant growth, and the The quality of a given soil can be improved over decomposition of organic materials. time if it is managed properly. Key indicators of soil Soil acts as a filter to protect the quality of water, quality can be observed and monitored over time to air, and other resources. Soils in wetlands are ensure that the quality of the soil is maintained or particularly important as natural filters of chemicals enhanced. applied to farmlands, golf courses, lawns, and other Soil quality indicators are physical, chemical, and managed areas. biological properties, processes, and characteristics Soil provides mechanical support for living that can be measured in order to monitor changes in organisms and their structures. People and wildlife the soil. Indicators can be categorized into four general depend on this function. groups—visual, physical, chemical, and biological. Visual indicators may be obtained from observation Importance of Soil Quality to Landowners or photographic interpretation. Exposure of the subsoil, Soil quality has a direct affect on plant growth and change in soil color, ephemeral gullies, ponding, runoff, the productivity of cropland, pasture, hayland, and plant response, weed species, surface crusting, and woodland. It also affects the movement of water over, soil deposition are a few examples. Visual evidence into, and through the soil. Maintaining or enhancing the can be a clear indication that soil quality is changing in quality of the soil can help to reduce the onsite and either a negative or a positive way. offsite effects of soil erosion. It can help to increase Physical indicators are usually obtained by yields and reduce the offsite movement of nitrates and observation or laboratory analysis. They include topsoil other chemicals to adjacent water bodies and to ground thickness, bulk density, porosity, aggregate stability, water by ensuring the efficient use of nutrients by the texture, crusting, and compaction. These indicators crop and soil organisms within the soil biological primarily reflect factors affecting root growth, biological system. Maintaining a high level of soil quality ensures activity of soil, seedling emergence, and infiltration or that the resource is sustained for the future. movement of water and air within the soil. The inherent quality of many soils has been Chemical indicators usually require sampling and degraded through past management practices. laboratory analysis. They include measurements of pH, However, modern improved management practices, salinity, organic matter, phosphorus concentrations, such as no-till cropping systems, tree planting, and the cation-exchange capacity, nutrient cycling, establishment of riparian buffers, can improve soil concentrations of elements that may be potential quality and enhance the environmental functioning of contaminants, and concentrations of elements that are the soil. Generally, management practices that needed for plant growth and development. The maintain a vegetative cover on the soil, return the chemical condition of soil affects soil-plant maximum practical amount of crop residue to the soil, relationships, water quality, buffering capacities, and minimize soil-disturbing activities, such as tillage, availability of nutrients and water to plants and other result in higher levels of soil quality. organisms, mobility of contaminants, and some physical conditions, such as the tendency for a crust Concerns Related to Soil Quality to form. Examples illustrating the degradation of soil quality Biological indicators may be obtained by include: observation and measurement. They include • Loss of soil material through erosion measurements of micro- and macro-organisms, their • Deposition of sediment by floodwaters activity, and their by-products. Populations of bacteria, • Compaction of soil layers near the surface fungi, earthworms, nematodes, and mites have been • Loss of granular soil structure at the surface suggested as indicators in some parts of the country. • Reduction of infiltration rates Respiration rate can be used to detect microbial • Formation of a soil crust decomposition of organic matter in the soil. Ergosterol, • Nutrient loss or imbalance a fungal by-product, has been used to measure the • Pesticide carryover activity of organisms that play an important role in the • Buildup of salts formation and stability of soil aggregates. • Unfavorable change in pH range Measurements of decomposition rates of plant residue • Loss of organic matter in bags or measurements of weed seed numbers or Watauga County, North Carolina 149

pathogen populations can also be used as biological agents. Available yield data from nearby counties and indicators of soil quality. results of field trials and demonstrations also are considered. Selecting Indicators The management needed to obtain the indicated Soil quality can be monitored through the yields of the various crops depends on the kind of soil observation or measurement of key soil quality and the crop. Management can include drainage, indicators. A monitoring program should include several erosion control, and protection from flooding; the proper indicators, depending on the original condition of the planting and seeding rates; suitable high-yielding crop soil and the desired goals for soil quality. In planning varieties; appropriate and timely tillage; control of monitoring strategies, one should consider the time of weeds, plant diseases, and harmful insects; favorable year that sites are monitored, the stage of crop growth, soil reaction and optimum levels of nitrogen, and the location within the field where observations are phosphorus, potassium, and trace elements for each made. crop; effective use of crop residue, barnyard manure, The selection of indicators should be based on: and green manure crops; and harvesting that ensures • The land use the smallest possible loss. • The relationship between an indicator and the soil The estimated yields reflect the productive capacity function being assessed of each soil for each of the principal crops. Yields are • The ease and reliability of the measurement likely to increase as new production technology is • The variation between sampling times and the developed. The productivity of a given soil compared variation across the sampling area with that of other soils, however, is not likely to • The sensitivity of the measurement to changes in change. soil management Crops other than those shown in table 8 are grown in • The compatibility of the soil indicator to routine the survey area, but estimated yields are not listed sampling and monitoring because the acreage of such crops is small. The local • The skills required for use and interpretation of the office of the Natural Resources Conservation Service indicator or of the Cooperative Extension Service can provide Monitoring soil quality should primarily be used to information about the management and productivity of detect trend changes that are measurable over a 1- to the soils for those crops. 10-year period. By monitoring trends over time, one can determine if the soil is improving, degrading, or Land Capability Classification remaining stable under the current management system. If the detected changes indicate that Land capability classification shows, in a general degradation is rapidly occurring, land managers can way, the suitability of soils for most kinds of field crops correct problems before undesired and possibly (12). Crops that require special management are irreversible loss of soil quality occurs. excluded. The soils are grouped according to their Table 7 can be used to determine soil quality limitations for field crops, the risk of damage if they are problems and possible management solutions. used for crops, and the way they respond to Contact the local office of the Natural Resources management. The criteria used in grouping the soils do Conservation Service, the Soil and Water Conservation not include major and generally expensive landforming District, or the Cooperative Extension Service for that would change slope, depth, or other assistance in developing a plan for monitoring soil characteristics of the soils, nor do they include quality over time. possible but unlikely major reclamation projects. Capability classification is not a substitute for Yields per Acre interpretations designed to show suitability and limitations of groups of soils for woodland or for The average yields per acre that can be expected of engineering purposes. the principal crops under a high level of management In the capability system, soils are generally grouped are shown in table 8. In any given year, yields may be at three levels—capability class, subclass, and unit. higher or lower than those indicated in the table Only class and subclass are used in this survey. because of variations in rainfall and other climatic Capability classes, the broadest groups, are factors. The land capability classification of map units designated by numerals 1 through 8. The numerals in the survey area also is shown in the table. indicate progressively greater limitations and narrower The yields are based mainly on the experience and choices for practical use. The classes are defined as records of farmers, conservationists, and extension follows: 150 Soil Survey

Class 1 soils have few limitations that restrict their Prime farmland, as defined by the U.S. Department use. of Agriculture, is land that has the best combination of Class 2 soils have moderate limitations that reduce physical and chemical characteristics for producing the choice of plants or that require moderate food, feed, forage, fiber, and oilseed crops and is conservation practices. available for these uses. It could be cultivated land, Class 3 soils have severe limitations that reduce the pastureland, forestland, or other land, but it is not choice of plants or that require special conservation urban or built-up land or water areas. The soil qualities, practices, or both. growing season, and moisture supply are those needed Class 4 soils have very severe limitations that for the soil to economically produce sustained high reduce the choice of plants or that require very careful yields of crops when proper management, including management, or both. water management, and acceptable farming methods Class 5 soils are not likely to erode but have other are applied. In general, prime farmland has an limitations, impractical to remove, that limit their use. adequate and dependable supply of moisture from Class 6 soils have severe limitations that make precipitation or irrigation, a favorable temperature and them generally unsuitable for cultivation. growing season, acceptable acidity or alkalinity, an Class 7 soils have very severe limitations that make acceptable salt and sodium content, and few or no them unsuitable for cultivation. rocks. It is permeable to water and air. It is not Class 8 soils and miscellaneous areas have excessively erodible or saturated with water for long limitations that nearly preclude their use for periods, and it either is not frequently flooded during commercial crop production. the growing season or is protected from flooding. Slope Capability subclasses are soil groups within one ranges mainly from 0 to 8 percent. More detailed class. They are designated by adding a small letter, e, information about the criteria for prime farmland is w, s, or c, to the class numeral, for example, 2e. The available at the local office of the Natural Resources letter e shows that the main hazard is the risk of Conservation Service. erosion unless close-growing plant cover is maintained; About 3,600 acres, or nearly 2 percent of the w shows that water in or on the soil interferes with survey area, would meet the requirement for prime plant growth or cultivation (in some soils the wetness farmland. can be partly corrected by artificial drainage); s shows The loss of prime farmland to other uses puts that the soil is limited mainly because it is shallow, pressure on marginal lands, which generally are more droughty, or stony; and c, used in only some parts of erodible, droughty, and less productive and cannot be the United States, shows that the chief limitation is easily cultivated. climate that is very cold or very dry. The map units in the survey area that are In class 1 there are no subclasses because the considered prime farmland are listed in table 9. This list soils of this class have few limitations. Class 5 does not constitute a recommendation for a particular contains only the subclasses indicated by w, s, or c land use. On some soils included in the list, measures because the soils in class 5 are subject to little or no that overcome a hazard or limitation, such as flooding, erosion. They have other limitations that restrict their wetness, and droughtiness, are needed. Onsite use to pasture, woodland, wildlife habitat, or recreation. evaluation is needed to determine whether or not the The capability classification of map units in this hazard or limitation has been overcome by corrective survey area is given in the section “Detailed Soil Map measures. The map units in the survey area that make Units” and in the yields table. up other farmland of statewide importance are listed in table 10. The extent of each listed map unit is shown in Prime Farmland and Other Farmland of table 4. The location is shown on the detailed soil Statewide Importance maps. The soil qualities that affect use and management are described under the heading “Detailed Prime farmland is one of several kinds of important Soil Map Units.” farmland defined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. It is of major importance in meeting the Nation’s short- Woodland Management and Productivity and long-range needs for food and fiber. Because the supply of high-quality farmland is limited, the U.S. Albert Coffey, Forester, Natural Resources Conservation Department of Agriculture recognizes that responsible Service, helped prepare this section. levels of government, as well as individuals, should encourage and facilitate the wise use of our Nation’s Owners of woodland in Watauga County have many prime farmland. objectives. These objectives include producing timber; Watauga County, North Carolina 151

conserving wildlife, soil, and water; preserving esthetic Commonly included trees are maple, hickory, and values; and providing opportunities for recreational yellow-poplar. activities, such as commercial hunting. Public demand Oak-hickory. This forest type covers 101,320 acres. for clean water and recreational areas creates It is predominantly upland oaks or hickory, or both. pressures and opportunities for owners of forestland. Commonly included trees are yellow-poplar, magnolia, The landowner interested in timber production is birch, black locust, and maple. faced with the challenge of producing greater yields Maple-beech-birch. This forest type covers 14,421 from smaller areas. Meeting this challenge requires acres. It is predominantly maple, beech, sweet birch, intensive management and silvicultural practices. yellow birch, or a combination of these species. Many modern silvicultural techniques resemble those Commonly included trees are hemlock, magnolia, long practiced in agriculture. They include establishing, basswood, and buckeye. weeding, and thinning a desirable young stand; One of the first steps in planning intensive forest propagating the more productive species or genetic management is to determine the potential productivity varieties; providing short rotations and complete fiber of the soil for several alternative tree species. The utilization; controlling insects, diseases, and weeds; most productive and/or valued trees are then selected and improving tree growth by applications of lime and for each soil type. Site and yield information enables a fertilizer. Even though timber crops require decades to forest manager to estimate future wood supplies. grow, the goal of intensive management is similar to These estimates are the basis of realistic decisions that of intensive agriculture. This goal is to produce a concerning short- and long-term timber management sustainable yield of the most valued crop while goals, expenses and profits associated with intensive maintaining the integrity of the ecosystem. forest management, land acquisition, or industrial Forestland covers about 135,652 acres, or 67 investments. percent of the land area of Watauga County (8). The productive capacity of forestland in Watauga Commercial forest is land that is producing or is County depends on physiography, soil properties, capable of producing crops of industrial wood and that climate, and the effects of past management. Specific has not been withdrawn from timber production. soil properties and site characteristics, including soil Northern red oak, yellow-polar, and eastern white pine depth, texture, structure, and depth to the water table, are the most important timber species in the county affect forest productivity primarily by influencing the because they are adapted to the soil and climate and available water-holding capacity, aeration, and root bring the highest average sale value per acre. development. The net effects of the interaction of these For purposes of forest inventory, the predominant soil properties and site characteristics determine the forest types identified in Watauga County are as potential site productivity. described in the following paragraphs (8): Other site factors are also important. The gradient White pine-hemlock. This forest type covers 4,807 and length of slopes affect water movement and acres. It is predominantly eastern white pine and availability. In mountainous areas, elevation, aspect, eastern hemlock. Commonly included trees are birch and landform position affect the amount of sunlight a and maple. site receives and the rate of evaporation. Sites on Spruce-fir. This forest type covers 4,807 acres. It is south-facing slopes are warmer and drier than those on predominantly red spruce or Fraser fir, or both. north-facing slopes. The best sites are generally on Commonly included trees are maple, birch, and north- and east-facing slopes in the lower areas, in hemlock. This forest type occurs in the high mountains sheltered coves, and in concave areas. The amount of at elevations of more than 4,200 feet. It does not occur rainfall and length of the growing season influence site everywhere that the elevations are higher than this, but productivity. these elevations are required for the natural In Watauga County, the amount of rainfall increases regeneration of this forest type. Most of this type is as elevation increases and the length of the growing noncommercial timber and is declining in acreage due season decreases. Trees are commonly damaged by to infestations of balsam woolly adelgid and various ice, high winds, and freezing temperatures at environmental factors. Seedlings are still very elevations above 4,200 feet. abundant on the forest floor. Soils that commonly Thinning is important to ensure that the best trees support this forest type are Wayah, Burton, Clingman, have room to grow. Diseased, poorly formed, and slow- Craggey, and Balsam. growing trees can be harvested. Pine plantations and Oak-pine. This forest type covers 1,512 acres. It is yellow-poplar stands in coves are occasionally thinned predominantly hardwoods, usually upland oaks. Pine in the county. Stands of hardwoods are not commonly species make up 25 to 50 percent of the stand. thinned, but they could be if markets for firewood 152 Soil Survey

further develop. Harvesting firewood on cutover sites such as Cleveland, Unicoi, Craggey, Ashe, Jeffrey, may reduce reforestation costs. Cowee, Burton, and Chestnut soils. Erosion-control measures are important during and In the survey area all of the soils, except for the after logging. Cutting trees does not cause erosion, but shallowest, provide an adequate anchor for tree roots. erosion occurs on access roads and skid trails and in The susceptibility to windthrow, or the uprooting of loading areas and other areas where the surface litter trees by the wind, is a management concern on has been removed. Establishing filter strips or shallow and moderately deep soils as well as on some vegetated areas between the logged areas and flood plain soils that have a high water table, such as streams helps to filter sediments from the site. Road Cullowhee, Nikwasi, and Toxaway soils. and skid paths should not be laid out across a stream. The available supply of nutrients for tree growth is If crossing a stream is unavoidable, culverts or log affected by several soil properties, including organic bridges should be installed. Roads and trails should be matter content of the surface layer. The decomposition laid out on the contour. Water bars, culverts, broad- of organic matter to humus and the mineralization of based dips, and out-sloping roads reduce the hazard of humus release nitrogen and other nutrients, such as erosion. Road grades should be less than 10 percent. calcium, magnesium, and potassium, to plants. Very In exposed areas, applying fertilizer and seeding small amounts of calcium, magnesium, and potassium help to control erosion. Specialized logging practices, are made available by the weathering of clay and silt such as cable logging or helicopter logging, reduce the particles. Most of the upland soils have been leached hazard of erosion and eliminate the need for skid trails and contain only small amounts of nutrients below the and for many logging roads. The Forest Service uses surface layer. Soils that have a thin surface layer must cable logging in areas where the slope is more than be carefully managed during logging and site about 40 to 50 percent. preparation so that the surface layer is not removed or Operating logging equipment only during dry periods degraded. reduces the hazard of soil compaction and the extent The living plant community is also part of the of damage to tree roots. Controlling plant competition is nutrient reservoir. The decomposition of leaves, stems, important. Properly preparing a site, prescribed and other organic material recycles the nutrients that burning, spraying, cutting, and girdling help to control have accumulated in the forest ecosystem. Wildfire, competing vegetation. excessive trampling by livestock, and erosion result in A knowledge of soils helps to provide a basic the loss of these nutrients. Forest management should understanding of the distribution and growth of tree include prevention of wildfires and protection from species on the landscape. For example, yellow-poplar overgrazing. grows well on deep or very deep, moist soils and Soils on the lower slopes may receive additional chesnut oak or pine is common in areas where the water because of internal waterflow. In soils on the very rooting depth is restricted or the moisture supply is steep uplands, much of the water movement during limited. periods of saturation occurs as lateral flow within the Availability of water and nutrients, parent material, subsoil. and landform position largely determine which tree Soil and air temperatures are lower at the higher species grow on a particular soil. elevations. The temperature decreases by about 1 Soil serves as a reservoir for moisture, provides an degree F per 550 feet of increase in elevation. anchor for roots, and supplies most of the available This soil survey can be used in planning ways to nutrients. These three qualities are directly or indirectly increase and sustain the productivity of forestland. affected by organic matter content, soil reaction (pH), Some soils are more susceptible to erosion after roads fertility, drainage, texture, structure, depth, parent are built and timber is harvested. Some soils require material, and landform position. Elevation and aspect special reforestation efforts. In the section “Detailed are of particular importance in mountainous areas. Soil Map Units,” the description of each map unit in the The ability of a soil to serve as a reservoir for survey area and its suitability for timber includes moisture, as measured by the available water-holding information about productivity, limitations in harvesting capacity, is primarily influenced by texture, organic timber, and management concerns in producing timber. matter content, rooting depth, and content of rock Table 11 summarizes this forestry information and fragments or mica. Because of the fairly even and rates the soils for a number of factors to be considered abundant summer rainfall in the survey area, available in management. Slight, moderate, and severe are used water-holding capacity is a limitation affecting tree to indicate the degree of the major soil limitations to be growth only on shallow and moderately deep soils, considered in management. Watauga County, North Carolina 153

Ratings of erosion hazard indicate the probability expected mortality is between 25 and 50 percent; and that damage will occur when site preparation or severe if expected mortality exceeds 50 percent. harvesting activities expose the soil. Forests that have Ratings of moderate or severe indicate that it may be been burned or overgrazed are also subject to erosion. necessary to use containerized or larger than usual Ratings are based on the percent slope. The risk is planting stock or to make special site preparations. slight if no particular preventive measures are needed Reinforcement planting is often needed if the risk is under ordinary conditions; moderate if erosion-control moderate or severe. measures are needed for particular silvicultural Ratings of windthrow hazard indicate the likelihood activities; and severe if special precautions are needed that trees will be uprooted by the wind. A restricted to control erosion for most silvicultural activities. rooting depth is the main reason for windthrow. The Ratings of moderate or severe indicate the need for rooting depth can be restricted by a high water table, construction of higher standard roads, additional by bedrock, or by a combination of such factors as soil maintenance of roads, additional care in planning wetness, texture, structure, and depth. The risk is harvesting and reforestation activities, or the use of slight if strong winds break trees but do not uproot special equipment. them; moderate if strong winds blow a few trees over Ratings of equipment limitation indicate limits on the and break many trees; and severe if strong winds use of forest management equipment, year-round or commonly blow trees over. Ratings of moderate or seasonal, because of such soil characteristics as severe indicate that care is needed in thinning or that slope, wetness, stoniness, and susceptibility of the the stand should not be thinned at all. Special surface layer to compaction. As slope gradient and equipment may be needed to prevent damage to length increase, the use of wheeled equipment shallow root systems in partial cutting operations. A becomes more difficult. On the steeper slopes, tracked plan for the periodic removal of windthrown trees and equipment is needed. On slopes steeper than 40 the maintenance of a road and trail system may be percent, cable logging systems are needed. The rating needed. is slight if equipment use is restricted by wetness for Ratings of plant competition indicate the likelihood less than 3 months and if special equipment is not of the growth or invasion of undesirable plants. Plant needed. The rating is moderate if slopes are so steep competition is more severe on the more productive that wheeled equipment cannot be operated safely soils, on poorly drained soils, and on soils having a across the slope, if wetness restricts equipment use restricted root zone that holds moisture. The risk is from 3 to 6 months per year, if stoniness restricts the slight if competition from undesirable plants hinders use of ground-based equipment, or if special adequate natural or artificial reforestation but does not equipment is needed to prevent or minimize necessitate intensive site preparation and compaction. The rating is severe if slopes are so steep maintenance. The risk is moderate if competition from that tracked equipment cannot be operated safely undesirable plants hinders natural or artificial across the slope, if wetness restricts equipment use reforestation to the extent that intensive site for more than 6 months per year, if stoniness restricts preparation and maintenance are needed. The risk is the use of ground-based equipment, or if special severe if competition from undesirable plants prevents equipment is needed to prevent or minimize adequate natural or artificial reforestation unless the compaction. Ratings of moderate or severe indicate a site is intensively prepared and maintained. A need to choose the best suited equipment and to moderate or severe rating indicates the need for site carefully plan the timing of harvesting and other preparation to ensure the development of an management activities. adequately stocked stand of the selected species. Ratings of seedling mortality refer to the probability Managers should plan site preparation and of the death of the naturally occurring or properly maintenance measures to ensure timely reforestation. planted seedlings of good stock in periods of normal The potential productivity of common trees on a soil rainfall, as influenced by kinds of soil or topographic is expressed as a site index and a volume number. The features. Seedling mortality is caused primarily by too predominant common trees are listed in table 11. much or too little water. The factors used in rating a soil Generally, only two or three tree species dominate. The for seedling mortality are texture of the surface layer, first tree listed for each soil is the indicator species for depth to a seasonal high water table and the length of that soil. An indicator species is a tree that is common the period when the water table is high, rock fragments in the area and that is generally the most dominant in the surface layer, rooting depth, and the aspect of and/or productive on a given soil. the slope. The risk is slight if, after site preparation, For soils that are commonly used for timber expected mortality is less than 25 percent; moderate if production, the yield is predicted in cubic feet per acre 154 Soil Survey

per year. It is predicted at the point where mean annual area is a popular vacation spot. There are several ski increment culminates. The estimates of the resorts in the county. These areas also may include productivity of the soils in this survey are based mainly summer activities, such as golf. “Horn in the West,” an on northern red oak, yellow-poplar, and eastern white outdoor historical drama, is performed during the pine. summer months in Boone. The site index is determined by taking height National Park Service land includes about 9,800 measurements and determining the age of selected acres of Watauga County. This includes Julian Price trees within stands of a given species. This index is and Moses Cone Parks. These parks provide such the average height, in feet, that the trees attain in a activities as horseback riding, fishing, camping, hiking, specified number of years (50 years in this survey). picnicking, and sightseeing. The Blue Ridge Parkway, a This index applies to fully stocked, even-aged, part of the National Park system, cuts across the unmanaged stands. Site index may vary considerably southern part of the county. Spectacular scenery can among sites with the same soil because of the be viewed by those who wish to travel by motor influence of past management, climate, relief, landform vehicle. Overlooks are numerous, and the unmatched position, aspect, drainage, parent material, and beauty attracts many thousand tourists each year. elevation. Nature enthusiasts enjoy the rough ruggedness and The volume of wood fiber is the yield likely to be pristine beauty of the privately owned Grandfather produced by the most important trees, expressed in Mountain. Wildlife, both natural and managed, is cubic feet per acre per year. Cubic feet per acre can be abundant in this area, and the mountain has one of the converted to cubic meters per hectare by dividing by most diverse plant communities in the world. This area 14.3. It can be converted to board feet by multiplying is included in the World Biosphere. by a factor of about 5. For example, a productivity As the desire for public and private recreational class of 8 means that a soil can be expected to resources increases, a knowledge of soils and soil produce about 114 cubic feet per acre per year at the properties is needed to plan and develop new point where mean annual increment culminates, or resources and maintain the existing resources. about 570 board feet per acre per year. The soils of the survey area are rated in table 12 Trees to manage are those that are used for planting according to limitations that affect their suitability for or, if suitable conditions exist, natural regeneration. recreation. The ratings are based on restrictive soil They are suited to the soils and can produce a features, such as wetness, slope, and texture of the commercial wood crop. The desired product, surface layer. Susceptibility to flooding is considered. topographic position (such as high mountain Not considered in the ratings, but important in elevations), and personal preference are three factors evaluating a site, are the location and accessibility of among many that can influence the choice of trees for the area, the size and shape of the area and its scenic use in reforestation. quality, vegetation, access to water, potential water impoundment sites, and access to public sewer lines. Recreation The capacity of the soil to absorb septic tank effluent and the ability of the soil to support vegetation also are Watauga County offers a variety of recreational important. Soils that are subject to flooding are limited opportunities. Local governments organize several for recreational uses by the duration and intensity of recreational activities and sports leagues throughout flooding and the season when flooding occurs. In the county at the numerous fields, parks, and planning recreational facilities, onsite assessment of community schools and in other places. There are the height, duration, intensity, and frequency of several 18-hole golf courses in the county. The New flooding is essential to ensure the safety of users. River and the Watauga River provide opportunities for In table 12, the degree of soil limitation is expressed fresh-water fishing and canoeing. Many of the small as slight, moderate, or severe. Slight means that soil streams in the county offer excellent trout fishing. properties are generally favorable and that limitations Watauga County has several privately owned are minor and easily overcome. Moderate means that campgrounds that have facilities for camping, hiking, limitations can be overcome or alleviated by planning, fishing, and swimming and playgrounds. design, or special maintenance. Severe means that Tourism draws many people into the county soil properties are unfavorable and that limitations can annually. The diverse climate of Watauga County be offset only by costly soil reclamation, special provides a wide variety of activities. The relatively cool design, intensive maintenance, limited use, or a summer days and nights provide a refreshing get-away combination of these. for tourists from throughout the Southeast. The survey The information in table 12 can be supplemented by Watauga County, North Carolina 155

other information in this survey, for example, primarily due to growth of the resort and tourism interpretations for septic tank absorption fields in table industry, have increased urban development and the 14 and interpretations for dwellings without basements construction of retirement and second homes across and for local roads and streets in table 13. the rural landscape. Traditional small farms have Camp areas require site preparation, such as declined in number, and their habitats have changed. shaping and leveling the tent and parking areas, Many are no longer farmed, some have become stabilizing roads and intensively used areas, and subdivisions, and many have converted to the installing sanitary facilities and utility lines. Camp production of Christmas trees. Large blocks of forested areas are subject to heavy foot traffic and some land have become more broken and fragmented as the vehicular traffic. The best soils have mild slopes and county has developed. These changes are positive for are not wet or subject to flooding during the period of some wildlife species (for those that can live in use. The surface has few or no stones or boulders, landscaped and woodlot settings where there is absorbs rainfall readily but remains firm, and is not increased human activity) and negative for others. dusty when dry. Steep slopes and stones or boulders Three big game species—black bear, white-tailed can greatly increase the cost of constructing deer, and wild turkey—are found throughout the county. campsites. Both the black bear’s range and population have been Picnic areas are subject to heavy foot traffic. Most recovering in western North Carolina, and Watauga vehicular traffic is confined to access roads and County is no exception. In recent years, bear sightings parking areas. The best soils for picnic areas are firm and complaints about bears raiding garbage bins and when wet, are not dusty when dry, are not subject to bird feeders have frequently occurred, even adjacent to flooding during the period of use, and do not have the city of Boone. Black bears can exist in areas with slopes or stones or boulders that increase the cost of relatively high human populations, but the ability of shaping sites or of building access roads and parking humans to tolerate their presence (the cultural carrying areas. capacity) will ultimately determine whether the bears Playgrounds require soils that can withstand will continue to exist in such places. White-tailed deer intensive foot traffic. The best soils are almost level have also increased. The greatest numbers are and are not wet or subject to flooding during the currently in the eastern and southern sections of the season of use. The surface is free of stones and county, nearest to Ashe and Wilkes Counties. The boulders, is firm after rains, and is not dusty when dry. fragmentation of forestland and the establishment of If grading is needed, the depth of the soil over bedrock new openings resulting from increased human or a hardpan should be considered. development will likely result in continued growth of the Paths and trails for hiking and horseback riding deer population in the county. The number of wild should require little or no cutting and filling. The best turkeys has increased dramatically and should soils are not wet, are firm after rains, are not dusty continue to increase in the rural portions of the county. when dry, and are not subject to flooding more than Small game species found in the county include once a year during the period of use. They have bobwhite quail, cottontail rabbit, mourning dove, gray moderate slopes and few or no stones or boulders on squirrel, red squirrel, raccoon, groundhog, ruffed the surface. grouse, bobcat, and opossum. Changes in farming, Golf fairways are subject to heavy foot traffic and forestry practices, and development have resulted in some light vehicular traffic. Cutting or filling may be the reduction of the amount and quality of early required. The best soils for use as golf fairways are successional habitats in the county, a trend common firm when wet, are not dusty when dry, and are not throughout the entire Southeast. As a result, quail, subject to prolonged flooding during the period of use. rabbits, grouse, small mammals, and songbirds that They have moderate slopes and no stones or boulders use these habitats have declined in numbers. Forest on the surface. The suitability of the soil for tees or management plays the greatest role in the abundance greens is not considered in rating the soils. of grouse, squirrels, and many migratory songbirds. Factors such as tree species, forest age, tree density, Wildlife Habitat and size of and/or fragmentation of a forest are all important in determining each forest habitat. Ultimately, David Sawyer, Wildlife Biologist, North Carolina Wildlife soil type, topography, and climate determine which Resources Commission, helped prepare this section. forest species may grow on a particular site. Furbearers, including mink, muskrat, beaver, red The wildlife habitat of Watauga County has changed fox, gray fox, and skunks, also inhabit Watauga considerably in recent years. Changes in land use, County. Beaver populations have expanded and may 156 Soil Survey

now be found in all watersheds. Beavers are especially habitat or combination of habitats, commonly on a important because they create ponds and wetland landscape scale, the future of wildlife resources in habitats that are used by many species of fish, Watauga County rests in the hands of the county’s reptiles, amphibians, mammals, and birds. Increased private landowners. beaver populations have contributed to the recovery of Soils affect the kind and amount of vegetation that the wood duck in the Southeast. Beavers are often is available to wildlife as food and cover. They also considered a problem to farmers, landowners, and affect the construction of water impoundments. The property managers because their dams may cause the kind and abundance of wildlife depend largely on the flooding of fields, trees, and roads and the animals amount and distribution of food, cover, and water. frequently cut or girdle valuable timber or landscape Wildlife habitat can be created or improved by planting plantings. As with bears, the existence of beavers in the appropriate vegetation, by maintaining the existing many areas will likely be determined more by the plant cover, or by promoting the natural establishment cultural carrying capacity than by the availability of of desirable plants. suitable habitat. Coyotes are newcomers to Watauga County. Although at the present time they do not exist Engineering in noticeable numbers, they are present in relatively large numbers in Virginia, Tennessee, and some nearby This section provides information for planning land North Carolina counties. Coyotes, which have migrated uses related to urban development and to water eastward from the Midwest and have escaped or been management. Soils are rated for various uses, and the released after they were illegally imported, have most limiting features are identified. Ratings are given adapted well in the Southeast and appear to now be for building site development, sanitary facilities, permanent residents. The number of coyotes is construction materials, and water management. The expected to increase in Watauga County in the future. ratings are based on observed performance of the soils The county’s nongame species include a long list of and on the estimated data and test data in the “Soil invertebrates, fish, reptiles (snakes, lizards, and Properties” section. turtles), amphibians (frogs, toads, and salamanders), Information in this section is intended for land use many small mammals (mice, voles, moles, shrews, planning, for evaluating land use alternatives, and for bats, and chipmunks), and numerous birds, most of planning site investigations prior to design and which are neotropical migratory songbirds. As with construction. The information, however, has limitations. game species and furbearers, the type of habitat For example, estimates and other data generally apply determines which species will be present at a given only to that part of the soil within a depth of 5 or 6 feet. location. Habitats and habitat quality are determined by Because of the map scale, small areas of different plant communities, aspect, microclimate, amount of soils may be included within the mapped areas of a water, and topography (such as rock outcrops and specific soil. cliffs). Most threatened or endangered species are The information is not site specific and does not categorized as such due to a shortage of the unique eliminate the need for onsite investigation of the soils habitat that they require. Watauga County currently has or for testing and analysis by personnel experienced in two federally listed species. The bog turtle, which is the design and construction of engineering works. found only in mountain bog habitats, is listed as Government ordinances and regulations that restrict threatened, and the northern flying squirrel, found only certain land uses or impose specific design criteria in spruce-fir forests and in mixed forests of conifers were not considered in preparing the information in this and northern hardwoods above 4,500 feet in elevation, section. Local ordinances and regulations should be is currently listed as endangered. A population of the considered in planning, in site selection, and in design. federally endangered Virginia big-eared bat hibernates Soil properties, site features, and observed in a cave on Grandfather Mountain, and individuals of performance were considered in determining the ratings this species may forage throughout other portions of in this section. During the fieldwork for this soil survey, Watauga County. determinations were made about grain-size distribution, Besides one small section of the Pisgah National liquid limit, plasticity index, soil reaction, depth to Forest, located just west of Blowing Rock, most of the bedrock, hardness of bedrock within 5 or 6 feet of the land within Watauga County is privately owned. The Elk surface, soil wetness, depth to a seasonal high water Knob Game Land (approximately 1,000 acres in size) table, slope, likelihood of flooding, natural soil structure is a privately owned property that is annually leased by aggregation, and soil density. Data were collected the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. about kinds of clay minerals, mineralogy of the sand Because each wildlife species depends on a specific and silt fractions, and the kinds of adsorbed cations. Watauga County, North Carolina 157

Estimates were made for erodibility, permeability, the depth to a seasonal high water table and the corrosivity, shrink-swell potential, available water susceptibility of the soil to flooding. The resistance of capacity, and other behavioral characteristics affecting the excavation walls or banks to sloughing or caving is engineering uses. affected by soil texture and depth to the water table. This information can be used to evaluate the Dwellings and small commercial buildings are potential of areas for residential, commercial, structures built on shallow foundations on undisturbed industrial, and recreational uses; make preliminary soil. The load limit is the same as that for single-family estimates of construction conditions; evaluate dwellings no higher than three stories. Ratings are alternative routes for roads, streets, highways, made for small commercial buildings without pipelines, and underground cables; evaluate alternative basements, for dwellings with basements, and for sites for sanitary landfills, septic tank absorption fields, dwellings without basements. The ratings are based on and sewage lagoons; plan detailed onsite soil properties, site features, and observed investigations of soils and geology; locate potential performance of the soils. A high water table, flooding, sources of gravel, sand, earthfill, and topsoil; plan shrinking and swelling, and organic layers can cause drainage systems, irrigation systems, ponds, terraces, the movement of footings. A high water table, depth to and other structures for soil and water conservation; bedrock or to a cemented pan, large stones, slope, and and predict performance of proposed small structures flooding affect the ease of excavation and and pavements by comparing the performance of construction. Landscaping and grading that require cuts existing similar structures on the same or similar soils. and fills of more than 5 or 6 feet are not considered. The information in the tables, along with the soil Local roads and streets have an all-weather surface maps, the soil descriptions, and other data provided in and carry automobile and light truck traffic all year. this survey, can be used to make additional They have a subgrade of cut or fill soil material; a base interpretations. of gravel, crushed rock, or stabilized soil material; and Some of the terms used in this soil survey have a a flexible or rigid surface. Cuts and fills are generally special meaning in soil science and are defined in the limited to less than 6 feet. The ratings are based on Glossary. soil properties, site features, and observed performance of the soils. Depth to bedrock or to a Building Site Development cemented pan, a high water table, flooding, large Table 13 shows the degree and kind of soil stones, and slope affect the ease of excavating and limitations that affect shallow excavations, dwellings grading. Soil strength (as inferred from the engineering with and without basements, small commercial classification of the soil), shrink-swell potential, frost buildings, local roads and streets, and lawns and action potential, and depth to a high water table affect landscaping. The limitations are considered slight if soil the traffic-supporting capacity. properties and site features are generally favorable for Lawns and landscaping require soils on which turf the indicated use and limitations are minor and easily and ornamental trees and shrubs can be established overcome; moderate if soil properties or site features and maintained. The ratings are based on soil are not favorable for the indicated use and special properties, site features, and observed performance of planning, design, or maintenance is needed to the soils. Soil reaction, a high water table, depth to overcome or minimize the limitations; and severe if soil bedrock or to a cemented pan, the available water properties or site features are so unfavorable or so capacity in the upper 40 inches, and the content of difficult to overcome that special design, significant salts, sodium, and sulfidic materials affect plant increases in construction costs, and possibly growth. Flooding, wetness, slope, stoniness, and the increased maintenance are required. Special feasibility amount of sand, clay, or organic matter in the surface studies may be required where the soil limitations are layer affect trafficability after vegetation is established. severe. Sanitary Facilities Shallow excavations are trenches or holes dug to a maximum depth of 5 or 6 feet for basements, graves, Table 14 shows the degree and kind of soil utility lines, open ditches, or other purposes. The limitations that affect septic tank absorption fields, ratings are based on soil properties, site features, and sewage lagoons, and sanitary landfills. The limitations observed performance of the soils. The ease of are considered slight if soil properties and site features digging, filling, and compacting is affected by the depth are generally favorable for the indicated use and to bedrock, a cemented pan, or a very firm dense limitations are minor and easily overcome; moderate if layer; stone content; soil texture; and slope. The time of soil properties or site features are not favorable for the the year that excavations can be made is affected by indicated use and special planning, design, or 158 Soil Survey

maintenance is needed to overcome or minimize the the soils. Considered in the ratings are slope, limitations; and severe if soil properties or site features permeability, a high water table, depth to bedrock or to are so unfavorable or so difficult to overcome that a cemented pan, flooding, large stones, and content of special design, significant increases in construction organic matter. costs, and possibly increased maintenance are Excessive seepage resulting from rapid permeability required. in the soil or a water table that is high enough to raise The table also shows the suitability of the soils for the level of sewage in the lagoon causes a lagoon to use as daily cover for landfill. A rating of good function unsatisfactorily. Pollution results if seepage is indicates that soil properties and site features are excessive or if floodwater overtops the lagoon. A high favorable for the use and good performance and low content of organic matter is detrimental to proper maintenance can be expected; fair indicates that soil functioning of the lagoon because it inhibits aerobic properties and site features are moderately favorable activity. Slope, bedrock, and cemented pans can for the use and one or more soil properties or site cause construction problems, and large stones can features make the soil less desirable than the soils hinder compaction of the lagoon floor. rated good; and poor indicates that one or more soil Sanitary landfills are areas where solid waste is properties or site features are unfavorable for the use disposed of by burying it in soil. There are two types of and overcoming the unfavorable properties requires landfill—trench and area. In a trench landfill, the waste special design, extra maintenance, or costly alteration. is placed in a trench. It is spread, compacted, and Septic tank absorption fields are areas in which covered daily with a thin layer of soil excavated at the effluent from a septic tank is distributed into the soil site. In an area landfill, the waste is placed in through subsurface tiles or perforated pipe. Only that successive layers on the surface of the soil. The waste part of the soil between depths of 24 and 72 inches is is spread, compacted, and covered daily with a thin evaluated. The ratings are based on soil properties, layer of soil from a source away from the site. site features, and observed performance of the soils. Both types of landfill must be able to bear heavy Permeability, a high water table, depth to bedrock or to vehicular traffic. Both types involve a risk of ground- a cemented pan, and flooding affect absorption of the water pollution. Ease of excavation and revegetation effluent. Large stones and bedrock or a cemented pan should be considered. interfere with installation. The ratings in the table are based on soil properties, Unsatisfactory performance of septic tank site features, and observed performance of the soils. absorption fields, including excessively slow Permeability, depth to bedrock or to a cemented pan, a absorption of effluent, surfacing of effluent, and hillside high water table, slope, and flooding affect both types seepage, can affect public health. Ground water can be of landfill. Texture, stones and boulders, highly organic polluted if highly permeable sand and gravel or layers, soil reaction, and content of salts and sodium fractured bedrock is less than 4 feet below the base of affect trench landfills. Unless otherwise stated, the the absorption field, if slope is excessive, or if the ratings apply only to that part of the soil within a depth water table is near the surface. There must be of about 6 feet. For deeper trenches, a limitation rated unsaturated soil material beneath the absorption field slight or moderate may not be valid. Onsite to filter the effluent effectively. Many local ordinances investigation is needed. require that this material be of a certain thickness. Daily cover for landfill is the soil material that is Sewage lagoons are shallow ponds constructed to used to cover compacted solid waste in an area hold sewage while aerobic bacteria decompose the sanitary landfill. The soil material is obtained offsite, solid and liquid wastes. Lagoons should have a nearly transported to the landfill, and spread over the waste. level floor surrounded by cut slopes or embankments Soil texture, wetness, coarse fragments, and slope of compacted soil. Lagoons generally are designed to affect the ease of removing and spreading the material hold the sewage within a depth of 2 to 5 feet. Nearly during wet and dry periods. Loamy or silty soils that are impervious soil material for the lagoon floor and sides free of large stones or excess gravel are the best is required to minimize seepage and contamination of cover for a landfill. Clayey soils are sticky or cloddy ground water. and are difficult to spread; sandy soils are subject to The table gives ratings for the natural soil that wind erosion. makes up the lagoon floor. The surface layer and, After soil material has been removed, the soil generally, 1 or 2 feet of soil material below the surface material remaining in the borrow area must be thick layer are excavated to provide material for the enough over bedrock, a cemented pan, or the water embankments. The ratings are based on soil table to permit revegetation. The soil material used as properties, site features, and observed performance of the final cover for a landfill should be suitable for Watauga County, North Carolina 159

plants. The surface layer generally has the best foot. They may have layers of suitable material, but the workability, more organic matter, and the best potential material is less than 3 feet thick. for plants. Material from the surface layer should be Sand and gravel are natural aggregates suitable for stockpiled for use as the final cover. commercial use with a minimum of processing. They are used in many kinds of construction. Specifications Construction Materials for each use vary widely. In table 15, only the Table 15 gives information about the soils as a probability of finding material in suitable quantity is source of roadfill, sand, gravel, and topsoil. The soils evaluated. The suitability of the material for specific are rated good, fair, or poor as a source of roadfill and purposes is not evaluated, nor are factors that affect topsoil. They are rated as a probable or improbable excavation of the material. source of sand and gravel. The ratings are based on The properties used to evaluate the soil as a source soil properties and site features that affect the removal of sand or gravel are gradation of grain sizes (as of the soil and its use as construction material. Normal indicated by the engineering classification of the soil), compaction, minor processing, and other standard the thickness of suitable material, and the content of construction practices are assumed. Each soil is rock fragments. Kinds of rock, acidity, and stratification evaluated to a depth of 5 or 6 feet. are given in the soil series descriptions. Gradation of Roadfill is soil material that is excavated in one grain sizes is given in the table on engineering index place and used in road embankments in another place. properties. In this table, the soils are rated as a source of roadfill A soil rated as a probable source has a layer of for low embankments, generally less than 6 feet high clean sand or gravel or a layer of sand or gravel that is and less exacting in design than higher embankments. up to 12 percent silty fines. This material must be at The ratings are for the soil material below the least 3 feet thick and less than 50 percent, by weight, surface layer to a depth of 5 or 6 feet. It is assumed large stones. All other soils are rated as an improbable that soil layers will be mixed during excavating and source. Coarse fragments of soft bedrock, such as spreading. Many soils have layers of contrasting shale and siltstone, are not considered to be sand and suitability within their profile. The table showing gravel. engineering index properties provides detailed Topsoil is used to cover an area so that vegetation information about each soil layer. This information can can be established and maintained. The upper 40 help to determine the suitability of each layer for use inches of a soil is evaluated for use as topsoil. Also as roadfill. The performance of soil after it is stabilized evaluated is the reclamation potential of the borrow with lime or cement is not considered in the ratings. area. The ratings are based on soil properties, site Plant growth is affected by toxic material and by features, and observed performance of the soils. The such properties as soil reaction, available water thickness of suitable material is a major consideration. capacity, and fertility. The ease of excavating, loading, The ease of excavation is affected by large stones, a and spreading is affected by rock fragments, slope, a high water table, and slope. How well the soil performs water table, soil texture, and thickness of suitable in place after it has been compacted and drained is material. Reclamation of the borrow area is affected by determined by its strength (as inferred from the slope, a water table, rock fragments, bedrock, and engineering classification of the soil) and shrink-swell toxic material. potential. Soils rated good have friable, loamy material to a Soils rated good contain significant amounts of sand depth of at least 40 inches. They are free of stones and or gravel or both. They have at least 5 feet of suitable cobbles, have little or no gravel, and have slopes of material, a low shrink-swell potential, few cobbles and less than 8 percent. They are low in content of soluble stones, and slopes of 15 percent or less. Depth to the salts, are naturally fertile or respond well to fertilizer, water table is more than 3 feet. Soils rated fair are and are not so wet that excavation is difficult. more than 35 percent silt- and clay-sized particles and Soils rated fair are sandy soils, loamy soils that have a plasticity index of less than 10. They have a have a relatively high content of clay, soils that have moderate shrink-swell potential, slopes of 15 to 25 only 20 to 40 inches of suitable material, soils that percent, or many stones. Depth to the water table is 1 have an appreciable amount of gravel, stones, or to 3 feet. Soils rated poor have a plasticity index of soluble salts, or soils that have slopes of 8 to 15 more than 10, a high shrink-swell potential, many percent. The soils are not so wet that excavation is stones, or slopes of more than 25 percent. They are difficult. wet and have a water table at a depth of less than 1 Soils rated poor are very sandy or clayey, have less 160 Soil Survey

than 20 inches of suitable material, have a large seepage, piping, and erosion and have favorable amount of gravel, stones, or soluble salts, have slopes compaction characteristics. Unfavorable features of more than 15 percent, or have a seasonal high water include less than 5 feet of suitable material and a high table at or near the surface. content of stones or boulders, organic matter, or salts The surface layer of most soils is generally or sodium. A high water table affects the amount of preferred for topsoil because of its organic matter usable material. It also affects trafficability. content. Organic matter greatly increases the Soils that have a high content of mica, such as absorption and retention of moisture and nutrients for Brownwood, Fannin, Watauga, Chandler, and Cashiers plant growth. soils, are poorly suited to use in the construction of embankments. The problems resulting from the high Water Management content of mica include difficulty in compaction, poor Table 16 gives information on the soil properties and trafficability, susceptibility to erosion, and low shear site features that affect water management. The degree strength. Also, piping commonly is a problem if the soil and kind of soil limitations are given for pond reservoir material is used to impound water. areas; embankments, dikes, and levees; and aquifer- Aquifer-fed excavated ponds are pits or dugouts that fed excavated ponds. The limitations are considered extend to a ground-water aquifer or to a depth below a slight if soil properties and site features are generally permanent water table. Excluded are ponds that are fed favorable for the indicated use and limitations are only by surface runoff and embankment ponds that minor and are easily overcome; moderate if soil impound water 3 feet or more above the original properties or site features are not favorable for the surface. Excavated ponds are affected by depth to a indicated use and special planning, design, or permanent water table, permeability of the aquifer, and maintenance is needed to overcome or minimize the quality of the water as inferred from the salinity of the limitations; and severe if soil properties or site features soil. Depth to bedrock and the content of large stones are so unfavorable or so difficult to overcome that affect the ease of excavation. special design, significant increase in construction Drainage is the removal of excess surface and costs, and possibly increased maintenance are subsurface water from the soil. How easily and required. effectively the soil is drained depends on the depth to This table also gives for each soil the restrictive bedrock, to a cemented pan, or to other layers that features that affect drainage, irrigation, terraces and affect the rate of water movement; permeability; depth diversions, and grassed waterways. to a high water table or depth of standing water if the Pond reservoir areas hold water behind a dam or soil is subject to ponding; slope; susceptibility to embankment. Soils best suited to this use have low flooding; subsidence of organic layers; and the seepage potential in the upper 60 inches. The seepage potential for frost action. Excavating and grading and potential is determined by the permeability of the soil the stability of ditchbanks are affected by depth to and the depth to fractured bedrock or other permeable bedrock or to a cemented pan, large stones, slope, and material. Excessive slope can affect the storage the hazard of cutbanks caving. The productivity of the capacity of the reservoir area. soil after drainage is adversely affected by extreme Embankments, dikes, and levees are raised acidity or by toxic substances in the root zone, such structures of soil material, generally less than 20 feet as salts, sodium, and sulfur. Availability of drainage high, constructed to impound water or to protect land outlets is not considered in the ratings. against overflow. In this table, the soils are rated as a Drainage may be a major management source of material for embankment fill. The ratings consideration in some areas. Management of drainage apply to the soil material below the surface layer to a in conformance with regulations concerning wetlands depth of about 5 feet. It is assumed that soil layers will may require special permits and extra planning. The be uniformly mixed and compacted during local office of the Natural Resources Conservation construction. Service should be contacted for identification of hydric The ratings do not indicate the ability of the natural soils and potential wetlands. soil to support an embankment. Soil properties to a Irrigation is the controlled application of water to depth even greater than the height of the embankment supplement rainfall and support plant growth. The can affect performance and safety of the embankment. design and management of an irrigation system are Generally, deeper onsite investigation is needed to affected by depth to the water table, the need for determine these properties. drainage, flooding, available water capacity, intake Soil material in embankments must be resistant to rate, permeability, erosion hazard, and slope. The Watauga County, North Carolina 161

construction of a system is affected by large stones erosion, an excessively coarse texture, and restricted and depth to bedrock or to a cemented pan. The permeability adversely affect maintenance. performance of a system is affected by the depth of Grassed waterways are natural or constructed the root zone, the amount of salts or sodium, and soil channels, generally broad and shallow, that conduct reaction. surface water to outlets at a nonerosive velocity. Large Terraces and diversions are embankments or a stones, wetness, slope, and depth to bedrock or to a combination of channels and ridges constructed across cemented pan affect the construction of grassed a slope to control erosion and conserve moisture by waterways. A hazard of wind erosion, low available intercepting runoff. Slope, wetness, large stones, and water capacity, restricted rooting depth, and restricted depth to bedrock or to a cemented pan affect the permeability adversely affect the growth and construction of terraces and diversions. A restricted maintenance of the grass after construction. rooting depth, a severe hazard of wind erosion or water

163

Soil Properties

Data relating to soil properties are collected during than 52 percent sand. If the content of particles the course of the soil survey. The data and the coarser than sand is as much as about 15 percent, an estimates of soil and water features, listed in tables, appropriate modifier is added, for example, “gravelly.” are explained on the following pages. Textural terms are defined in the Glossary. Soil properties are determined by field examination Classification of the soils is determined according to of the soils and by laboratory index testing of some the Unified soil classification system (2) and the benchmark soils. Established standard procedures are system adopted by the American Association of State followed (10). During the survey, many shallow borings Highway and Transportation Officials (1). are made and examined to identify and classify the The Unified system classifies soils according to soils and to delineate them on the soil maps. Samples properties that affect their use as construction are taken from some typical profiles and tested in the material. Soils are classified according to grain-size laboratory to determine grain-size distribution, distribution of the fraction less than 3 inches in plasticity, and compaction characteristics. diameter and according to plasticity index, liquid limit, Estimates of soil properties are based on field and organic matter content. Sandy and gravelly soils examinations, on laboratory tests of samples from the are identified as GW, GP, GM, GC, SW, SP, SM, and survey area, and on laboratory tests of samples of SC; silty and clayey soils as ML, CL, OL, MH, CH, and similar soils in nearby areas. Tests verify field OH; and highly organic soils as PT. Soils exhibiting observations, verify properties that cannot be engineering properties of two groups can have a dual estimated accurately by field observation, and help to classification, for example, CL-ML. characterize key soils. The AASHTO system classifies soils according to The estimates of soil properties shown in the tables those properties that affect roadway construction and include the range of grain-size distribution and maintenance. In this system, the fraction of a mineral Atterberg limits, the engineering classification, and the soil that is less than 3 inches in diameter is classified physical and chemical properties of the major layers of in one of seven groups from A-1 through A-7 on the each soil. Pertinent soil and water features also are basis of grain-size distribution, liquid limit, and given. plasticity index. Soils in group A-1 are coarse grained and low in content of fines (silt and clay). At the other Engineering Index Properties extreme, soils in group A-7 are fine grained. Highly organic soils are classified in group A-8 on the basis of Table 17 gives estimates of the engineering visual inspection. classification and of the range of index properties for If laboratory data are available, the A-1, A-2, and the major layers of each soil in the survey area. Most A-7 groups are further classified as A-1-a, A-1-b, A-2-4, soils have layers of contrasting properties within the A-2-5, A-2-6, A-2-7, A-7-5, or A-7-6. As an additional upper 5 or 6 feet. refinement, the suitability of a soil as subgrade Depth to the upper and lower boundaries of each material can be indicated by a group index number. layer is indicated. The range in depth and information Group index numbers range from 0 for the best on other properties of each layer are given for each soil subgrade material to 20 or higher for the poorest. series under the heading “Soil Series and Their Rock fragments larger than 10 inches in diameter Morphology.” and 3 to 10 inches in diameter are indicated as a Texture is given in the standard terms used by the percentage of the total soil on a dry-weight basis. The U.S. Department of Agriculture. These terms are percentages are estimates determined mainly by defined according to percentages of sand, silt, and converting volume percentage in the field to weight clay in the fraction of the soil that is less than 2 percentage. millimeters in diameter. “Loam,” for example, is soil that Percentage (of soil particles) passing designated is 7 to 27 percent clay, 28 to 50 percent silt, and less sieves is the percentage of the soil fraction less than 3 164 Soil Survey

inches in diameter based on an ovendry weight. The is expressed in grams per cubic centimeter of soil sieves, numbers 4, 10, 40, and 200 (USA Standard material that is less than 2 millimeters in diameter. Series), have openings of 4.76, 2.00, 0.420, and 0.074 Bulk density data are used to compute shrink-swell millimeters, respectively. Estimates are based on potential, available water capacity, total pore space, laboratory tests of soils sampled in the survey area and other soil properties. The moist bulk density of a and in nearby areas and on estimates made in the soil indicates the pore space available for water and field. roots. A bulk density of more than 1.6 can restrict Liquid limit and plasticity index (Atterberg limits) water storage and root penetration. Moist bulk density indicate the plasticity characteristics of a soil. The is influenced by texture, kind of clay, content of estimates are based on test data from the survey area organic matter, and soil structure. or from nearby areas and on field examination. Permeability (Ksat ) refers to the ability of a soil to transmit water or air. The term “permeability,” as used in Physical and Chemical Properties soil surveys, indicates saturated hydraulic conductivity

(Ksat ). The estimates in the table indicate the rate of Tables 18 and 19 show estimates of some water movement, in inches per hour, when the soil is characteristics and features that affect soil behavior. saturated. They are based on soil characteristics These estimates are given for the major layers of each observed in the field, particularly structure, porosity, soil in the survey area. The estimates are based on and texture. Permeability is considered in the design of field observations and on test data for these and soil drainage systems and septic tank absorption similar soils. fields. Depth to the upper and lower boundaries of each Available water capacity refers to the quantity of layer is indicated. water that the soil is capable of storing for use by Particle size is the effective diameter of a soil plants. The capacity for water storage is given in particle as measured by sedimentation, sieving, or inches of water per inch of soil for each major soil micrometric methods. Particle sizes are expressed as layer. The capacity varies, depending on soil properties classes with specific effective diameter class limits. that affect retention of water and depth of the root The broad classes are clay, silt, and sand, ranging zone. The most important properties are the content of from the smaller to the larger. organic matter, soil texture, bulk density, and soil The content of sand, silt, and clay affects the structure. Available water capacity is an important physical behavior of a soil. Particle size is important factor in the choice of plants or crops to be grown and for engineering and agronomic interpretations, for in the design and management of irrigation systems. determination of soil hydrologic qualities, and for soil Available water capacity is not an estimate of the classification. quantity of water actually available to plants at any Clay as a soil separate consists of mineral soil given time. particles that are less than 0.002 millimeter in Linear extensibility refers to the change in length of diameter. In the table, the estimated clay content of an unconfined clod as moisture content is decreased each major soil layer is given as a percentage, by from a moist to a dry state. It is an expression of the weight, of the soil material that is less than 2 volume change between the water content of the clod 1 1 millimeters in diameter. at /3- or /10-bar tension (33kPa or 10kPa tension) and The amount and kind of clay greatly affect the oven dryness. The volume change is reported in the fertility and physical condition of the soil. They table as percent change for the whole soil. Volume determine the ability of the soil to adsorb cations and change is influenced by the amount and type of clay to retain moisture. They influence shrink-swell minerals in the soil. potential, permeability, plasticity, the ease of soil Linear extensibility is used to determine the shrink- dispersion, and other soil properties. The amount and swell potential of soils. The shrink-swell potential is low kind of clay in a soil also affect tillage and earthmoving if the soil has a linear extensibility of less than 3 operations. percent; moderate if 3 to 6 percent; high if 6 to 9 Moist bulk density is the weight of soil (ovendry) per percent; and very high if more than 9 percent. If the unit volume. Volume is measured when the soil is at linear extensibility is more than 3, shrinking and field moisture capacity, that is, the moisture content at swelling can cause damage to buildings, roads, and 1 /3-bar moisture tension. Weight is determined after the other structures and to plant roots. Special design soil is dried at 105 degrees C. In table 18, the commonly is needed. estimated moist bulk density of each major soil horizon Organic matter is the plant and animal residue in the Watauga County, North Carolina 165

soil at various stages of decomposition. In table 18, analyses. Soil reaction is important in selecting crops the estimated content of organic matter is expressed and other plants, in evaluating soil amendments for as a percentage, by weight, of the soil material that is fertility and stabilization, and in determining the risk of less than 2 millimeters in diameter. corrosion. The content of organic matter in a soil can be maintained or increased by returning crop residue to Soil and Water Features the soil. Organic matter affects the available water capacity, infiltration rate, and tilth. It is a source of Tables 20 and 21 give estimates of various soil and nitrogen and other nutrients for crops. water features. The estimates are used in land use Erosion factors are shown in table 18 as the K planning that involves engineering considerations. factor (Kw and Kf) and the T factor. Erosion factor K In table 20, hydrologic soil groups are based on indicates the susceptibility of a soil to sheet and rill estimates of runoff potential. Soils are assigned to one erosion by water. Factor K is one of several factors of four groups according to the rate of water infiltration used in the Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE) and when the soils are not protected by vegetation, are the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) to thoroughly wet, and receive precipitation from long- predict the average annual rate of soil loss by sheet duration storms. and rill erosion in tons per acre per year. The estimates The four hydrologic soil groups are: are based primarily on percentage of silt, sand, and Group A. Soils having a high infiltration rate (low organic matter and on soil structure and permeability. runoff potential) when thoroughly wet. These consist Values of K range from 0.02 to 0.69. Other factors mainly of deep, well drained to excessively drained being equal, the higher the value, the more susceptible sands or gravelly sands. These soils have a high rate the soil is to sheet and rill erosion by water. of water transmission. Erosion factor Kw indicates the erodibility of the Group B. Soils having a moderate infiltration rate whole soil. The estimates are modified by the presence when thoroughly wet. These consist chiefly of of rock fragments. moderately deep or deep, moderately well drained or Erosion factor Kf indicates the erodibility of the fine- well drained soils that have moderately fine texture to earth fraction, or the material less than 2 millimeters in moderately coarse texture. These soils have a size. moderate rate of water transmission. Erosion factor T is an estimate of the maximum Group C. Soils having a slow infiltration rate when average annual rate of soil erosion by wind or water thoroughly wet. These consist chiefly of soils having a that can occur without affecting crop productivity over layer that impedes the downward movement of water or a sustained period. The rate is in tons per acre per soils of moderately fine texture or fine texture. These year. soils have a slow rate of water transmission. In table 19, cation-exchange capacity is the total Group D. Soils having a very slow infiltration rate amount of exchangeable cations that can be held by (high runoff potential) when thoroughly wet. These the soil, expressed in terms of milliequivalents per 100 consist chiefly of clays that have a high shrink-swell grams of soil at neutrality (pH 7.0) or at some other potential, soils that have a high water table, soils that stated pH value. Soils having a low cation-exchange have a claypan or clay layer at or near the surface, and capacity hold fewer cations and may require more soils that are shallow over nearly impervious material. frequent applications of fertilizer than soils having a These soils have a very slow rate of water high cation-exchange capacity. Soils having a high transmission. cation-exchange capacity can retain cations. The If a soil is assigned to two hydrologic groups in the ability to retain cations helps to prevent the pollution of table, the first letter is for drained areas and the ground water. second is for undrained areas. Effective cation-exchange capacity refers to the The months in the table indicate the portion of the sum of extractable bases plus aluminum expressed in year in which the feature is most likely to be a terms of milliequivalents per 100 grams of soil. It concern. applies to soils that have pH of less than 5.5 or are low Water table refers to a saturated zone in the soil. in soluble salts. Table 20 indicates, by month, depth to the top (upper Soil reaction is a measure of acidity or alkalinity and limit) and base (lower limit) of the saturated zone in is expressed as a range in pH values. The range in pH most years. Estimates of the upper and lower limits are of each major horizon is based on many field tests. For based mainly on observations of the water table at many soils, values have been verified by laboratory selected sites and on evidence of a saturated zone, 166 Soil Survey

namely grayish colors or mottles (redoximorphic (the chance of flooding is more than 50 percent in all features) in the soil. A saturated zone that lasts for months of any year). less than a month is not considered a water table. The information is based on evidence in the soil Two numbers in the column showing the upper limit profile, namely thin strata of gravel, sand, silt, or clay of the high water table indicate the normal range in deposited by floodwater; irregular decrease in organic depth to a saturated zone. Numbers in the column matter content with increasing depth; and little or no showing the lower limit indicate the depth to the base horizon development. of the water table. Depth is given to the nearest half Also considered are local information about the foot. The first numeral in the range in the column extent and levels of flooding and the relation of each showing the upper limit indicates the highest water soil on the landscape to historic floods. Information on level. the extent of flooding based on soil data is less Ponding is standing water in a closed depression. specific than that provided by detailed engineering Unless a drainage system is installed, the water is surveys that delineate flood-prone areas at specific removed only by percolation, transpiration, or flood frequency levels. evaporation. Table 20 indicates surface water depth and In table 21, a restrictive layer is described if it the duration and frequency of ponding. Duration is occurs within a depth of 5 feet. The depth of the layer expressed as very brief if less than 2 days, brief if 2 to is based on many soil borings and on observations 7 days, long if 7 to 30 days, and very long if more than during soil mapping. A restrictive layer is a nearly 30 days. Frequency is expressed as none, rare, continuous layer that has one or more physical, occasional, and frequent. None means that ponding is chemical, or thermal properties that significantly not probable; rare that it is unlikely but possible under impede the movement of water and air through the soil unusual weather conditions (the chance of ponding is or that otherwise provide an unfavorable root nearly 0 percent to 5 percent in any year); occasional environment. An example is bedrock. The table that it occurs, on the average, once or less in 2 years indicates the hardness and thickness of the restrictive (the chance of ponding is 5 to 50 percent in any year); layer, both of which significantly affect the ease of and frequent that it occurs, on the average, more than excavation. Depth to top is the vertical distance from once in 2 years (the chance of ponding is more than 50 the soil surface to the upper boundary of the restrictive percent in any year). layer. Flooding is the temporary inundation of an area Potential for frost action is the likelihood of upward caused by overflowing streams, by runoff from or lateral expansion of the soil caused by the formation adjacent slopes, or by tides. Water standing for short of segregated ice lenses (frost heave) and the periods after rainfall or snowmelt is not considered subsequent collapse of the soil and loss of strength on flooding, and water standing in swamps and marshes thawing. Frost action occurs when moisture moves into is considered ponding rather than flooding. the freezing zone of the soil. Temperature, texture, Duration and frequency are estimated. Duration is density, permeability, content of organic matter, and expressed as extremely brief if 0.1 hour to 4 hours, depth to the water table are the most important factors very brief if 4 hours to 2 days, brief if 2 to 7 days, long considered in evaluating the potential for frost action. It if 7 to 30 days, and very long if more than 30 days. is assumed that the soil is not insulated by vegetation Frequency is expressed as none, very rare, rare, or snow and is not artificially drained. Silty and highly occasional, frequent, and very frequent. None means structured, clayey soils that have a high water table in that flooding is not probable; very rare that it is very winter are the most susceptible to frost action. Well unlikely but possible under extremely unusual weather drained, very gravelly, or very sandy soils are the least conditions (the chance of flooding is less than 1 susceptible. Frost heave and low soil strength during percent in any year); rare that it is unlikely but possible thawing cause damage to pavements and other rigid under unusual weather conditions (the chance of structures. flooding is 1 to 5 percent in any year); occasional that Risk of corrosion pertains to potential soil-induced it occurs infrequently under normal weather conditions electrochemical or chemical action that corrodes or (the chance of flooding is 5 to 50 percent in any year); weakens uncoated steel or concrete. The rate of frequent that it is likely to occur often under normal corrosion of uncoated steel is related to such factors weather conditions (the chance of flooding is more than as soil moisture, particle-size distribution, acidity, and 50 percent in any year but is less than 50 percent in all electrical conductivity of the soil. The rate of corrosion months in any year); and very frequent that it is likely of concrete is based mainly on the sulfate and sodium to occur very often under normal weather conditions content, texture, moisture content, and acidity of the Watauga County, North Carolina 167

soil. Special site examination and design may be as low, moderate, or high, is based on soil drainage needed if the combination of factors results in a severe class, total acidity, electrical resistivity near field hazard of corrosion. The steel or concrete in capacity, and electrical conductivity of the saturation installations that intersect soil boundaries or soil layers extract. is more susceptible to corrosion than the steel or For concrete, the risk of corrosion also is expressed concrete in installations that are entirely within one as low, moderate, or high. It is based on soil texture, kind of soil or within one soil layer. acidity, and amount of sulfates in the saturation For uncoated steel, the risk of corrosion, expressed extract.

169

Classification of the Soils

The system of soil classification used by the subgroup on the basis of physical and chemical National Cooperative Soil Survey has six categories properties and other characteristics that affect (13). Beginning with the broadest, these categories are management. Generally, the properties are those of the order, suborder, great group, subgroup, family, and horizons below plow depth where there is much series. Classification is based on soil properties biological activity. Among the properties and observed in the field or inferred from those characteristics considered are particle size, mineral observations or from laboratory measurements. Table content, soil temperature regime, soil depth, and 22 shows the classification of the soils in the survey reaction. A family name consists of the name of a area. The categories are defined in the following subgroup preceded by terms that indicate soil paragraphs. properties. An example is fine-loamy, mixed, active, ORDER. Twelve soil orders are recognized. The mesic Typic Hapludults. differences among orders reflect the dominant soil- SERIES. The series consists of soils within a forming processes and the degree of soil formation. family that have horizons similar in color, texture, Each order is identified by a word ending in sol. An structure, reaction, consistence, mineral and chemical example is Ultisol. composition, and arrangement in the profile. SUBORDER. Each order is divided into suborders primarily on the basis of properties that influence soil Soil Series and Their Morphology genesis and are important to plant growth or properties that reflect the most important variables within the In this section, each soil series recognized in the orders. The last syllable in the name of a suborder survey area is described. Characteristics of the soil indicates the order. An example is Udult (Ud, meaning and the material in which it formed are identified for humid climate, plus ult, from Ultisol). each series. A pedon, a small three-dimensional area GREAT GROUP. Each suborder is divided into of soil, that is typical of the series in the survey area is great groups on the basis of close similarities in kind, described. The detailed description of each soil horizon arrangement, and degree of development of pedogenic follows standards in the “Soil Survey Manual” (14). horizons; soil moisture and temperature regimes; type Many of the technical terms used in the descriptions of saturation; and base status. Each great group is are defined in “Soil Taxonomy” (13) and in “Keys to Soil identified by the name of a suborder and by a prefix Taxonomy” (11). Unless otherwise indicated, colors in that indicates a property of the soil. An example is the descriptions are for moist soil. Following the pedon Hapludults (Hapl, meaning minimal horizonation, plus description is the range of important characteristics of udult, the suborder of the Ultisols that occurs in a the soils in the series. humid climate). The map units of each soil series are described in SUBGROUP. Each great group has a typic the section “Detailed Soil Map Units.” subgroup. Other subgroups are intergrades or extragrades. The typic subgroup is the central concept of the great group; it is not necessarily the most Ashe Series extensive. Intergrades are transitions to other orders, suborders, or great groups. Extragrades have some Depth class: Moderately deep properties that are not representative of the great group Drainage class: Somewhat excessively drained but do not indicate transitions to any other taxonomic Permeability: Moderately rapid class. Each subgroup is identified by one or more Landscape: Low or intermediate mountains and adjectives preceding the name of the great group. The intermountain hills adjective Typic identifies the subgroup that typifies the Landform: Mountain slopes and ridges great group. An example is Typic Hapludults. Landform position: Summits, shoulders, and side FAMILY. Families are established within a slopes 170 Soil Survey

Parent material: Residuum affected by soil creep in the Content of flakes of mica: Few or common throughout upper part, weathered from felsic to mafic, igneous the profile or high-grade metamorphic rock A horizon: Slope range: 15 to 95 percent Hue—10YR to 2.5Y Taxonomic class: Coarse-loamy, mixed, active, mesic Value—3 or 4; value of 3 is limited to thin upper A Typic Dystrudepts horizons; soil materials have value of 4 when Typical Pedon mixed to a depth of 7 inches Chroma—2 to 6 Ashe gravelly fine sandy loam in an area of Chestnut- Texture—gravelly fine sandy loam Ashe complex, 50 to 95 percent slopes, very stony (fig. 8); 5.6 miles northwest of Boone on U.S. Highway Bw horizon: 321, about 0.3 mile north on Secondary Road 1233, Hue—7.5YR to 2.5Y about 2.3 miles northwest on Secondary Road 1213, Value—4 to 6 about 800 feet northeast on a private road, 10 feet Chroma—4 to 8 north of the road, in a forest; Sherwood USGS Texture (fine-earth fraction)—sandy loam, fine topographic quadrangle; lat. 36 degrees 16 minutes 43 sandy loam, or loam seconds N. and long. 81 degrees 47 minutes 58 C horizon: seconds W. Color—horizon has hue of 7.5YR to 2.5Y, value of Oi—2 to 0 inches; slightly decomposed organic matter. 4 to 6, and chroma of 4 to 8, or it may be A1—0 to 3 inches; dark brown (10YR 3/3) gravelly fine multicolored sandy loam; weak medium granular structure; Texture (fine-earth fraction)—sandy loam, fine friable; common fine and medium roots; common sandy loam, loam, loamy sand, or loamy fine fine flakes of mica; 15 percent, by volume, gravel; sand very strongly acid; clear wavy boundary. Cr horizon (if it occurs): A2—3 to 7 inches; brown (10YR 4/3) gravelly fine Type of bedrock—weathered metamorphic or sandy loam; weak medium granular structure; igneous rock that is partly consolidated but can friable; common fine and medium roots; common be dug with difficulty with hand tools fine flakes of mica; 15 percent, by volume, gravel and cobbles; very strongly acid; clear wavy R horizon: boundary. Type of bedrock—unweathered metamorphic or Bw—7 to 21 inches; dark yellowish brown (10YR 4/6) igneous rock gravelly fine sandy loam; weak medium subangular blocky structure; friable; common fine roots; common fine flakes of mica; 15 percent, by Balsam Series volume, gravel and cobbles; very strongly acid; gradual wavy boundary. Depth class: Very deep C—21 to 29 inches; yellowish brown (10YR 5/6) Drainage class: Well drained saprolite that has a gravelly loamy fine sand Permeability: Moderately rapid texture; massive; very friable; few fine roots; Landscape: High mountains common fine flakes of mica; 15 percent, by Landform: Coves, drainageways, colluvial fans, and volume, gravel; very strongly acid; abrupt wavy benches boundary. Landform position: Footslopes and toeslopes R—29 to 34 inches; unweathered granitic gneiss. Parent material: Colluvium derived from felsic to mafic, igneous or high-grade metamorphic rock Range in Characteristics Slope range: 8 to 50 percent Thickness of the solum: 14 to 39 inches Taxonomic class: Loamy-skeletal, isotic, frigid Humic Depth to bedrock: 20 to 40 inches to hard bedrock Dystrudepts Reaction: Extremely acid to moderately acid Typical Pedon throughout the profile, except where surface layers have been limed Balsam very cobbly loam, windswept, 15 to 30 percent Content of rock fragments: 15 to 35 percent, by slopes, extremely bouldery; 1.3 miles north of Beech volume, in the A horizon and 5 to 35 percent in the Mountain on North Carolina Highway 184 to the end of Bw and C horizons state maintenance, 0.95 mile northwest on Beech Watauga County, North Carolina 171

Mountain Parkway, 0.1 mile northwest on Pinnacle BA horizon (if it occurs): Ridge Road, 0.25 mile south on Whippowill Way Road Hue—7.5YR to 2.5Y to a dead end, 100 feet south of the road, in a forest; Value—3 to 6 Elk Park USGS topographic quadrangle; lat. 36 degrees Chroma—4 to 8 12 minutes 11 seconds N. and long. 81 degrees 53 Texture (fine-earth fraction)—fine sandy loam, minutes 30 seconds W. sandy loam, or loam Oi—2 inches to 1 inch; slightly decomposed organic Bw horizon: matter. Hue—7.5YR to 2.5Y Oe—1 inch to 0; moderately decomposed organic Value—4 to 6 matter. Chroma—3 to 8 A—0 to 11 inches; very dark brown (10YR 2/2) very Texture (fine-earth fraction)—fine sandy loam, cobbly loam; weak medium granular structure; sandy loam, or loam; some pedons have of thin friable; many fine and medium and common coarse subhorizons of sandy clay loam roots; few fine flakes of mica; 10 percent, by BC horizon (if it occurs): volume, gravel, 15 percent stones, and 25 percent Hue—7.5YR to 2.5Y cobbles; very strongly acid; clear wavy boundary. Value—4 to 6 BA—11 to 15 inches; dark yellowish brown (10YR 4/4) Chroma—4 to 8 very cobbly sandy loam; weak medium subangular Texture (fine-earth fraction)—loam, fine sandy blocky structure; friable; many fine and medium loam, sandy loam, or coarse sandy loam roots; common fine flakes of mica; 15 percent, by volume, gravel, 5 percent stones, and 25 percent C horizon (if it occurs): cobbles; moderately acid; gradual wavy boundary. Color—horizon has hue of 7.5YR to 2.5Y, value of Bw—15 to 65 inches; dark yellowish brown (10YR 4/6) 4 to 6, and chroma of 4 to 8, or it is multicolored very cobbly sandy loam; weak medium subangular Texture (fine-earth fraction)—loam, fine sandy blocky structure; friable; common fine and medium loam, sandy loam, coarse sandy loam, loamy roots; common fine flakes of mica; 20 percent, by sand, loamy fine sand, or loamy coarse sand volume, gravel, 5 percent stones, and 25 percent cobbles; moderately acid. Brownwood Series Range in Characteristics Depth class: Moderately deep Thickness of the solum: 40 to 72 inches Drainage class: Well drained Depth to bedrock: More than 72 inches Permeability: Moderately rapid Reaction: Extremely acid to moderately acid Landscape: Low or intermediate mountains and throughout the profile, except where surface layers intermountain hills have been limed Landform: Mountain slopes and ridges Content of rock fragments: 35 to 60 percent, by Landform position: Summits, shoulders, and side volume, in the A horizon and 35 to 90 percent in slopes the B and C horizons Parent material: Residuum affected by soil creep in the Content of flakes of mica: Few or common throughout upper part, weathered from high-grade the profile metamorphic rocks that have a high mica content Slope range: 15 to 95 percent A horizon: Taxonomic class: Coarse-loamy, paramicaceous, Hue—7.5YR to 2.5Y mesic Typic Dystrudepts Value—2 or 3 Chroma—0 to 3 Typical Pedon Texture—very cobbly loam Brownwood fine sandy loam, 50 to 80 percent slopes, AB horizon (if it occurs): stony; 6.6 miles east of Boone on U.S. Highway 421, Hue—7.5YR to 2.5Y about 4.3 miles southeast on Secondary Road 1505, Value—3 or 4 about 0.2 mile southwest on Signal Tree Road, about Chroma—2 to 4 0.05 mile southwest on Wild Turkey Crossing Road, 0.8 Texture (fine-earth fraction)—fine sandy loam, mile west on a logging road, in a road cut in a forest; sandy loam, or loam Deep Gap USGS topographic quadrangle; lat. 36 172 Soil Survey

degrees 11 minutes 41 seconds N. and long. 81 BC horizon (if it occurs): degrees 30 minutes 50 seconds W. Hue—7.5YR or 10YR Value—4 to 6 Oi—2 inches to 1 inch; slightly decomposed organic Chroma—4 to 8 matter. Texture (fine-earth fraction)—sandy loam, fine Oe—1 inch to 0; moderately decomposed organic sandy loam, or loam matter. C horizon (if it occurs): A—0 to 5 inches; dark yellowish brown (10YR 4/4) fine Color—horizon has hue of 7.5YR or 10YR, value of sandy loam; weak medium granular structure; 4 to 6, and chroma of 2 to 8, or it may be friable; many fine, medium, and coarse roots; multicolored many fine flakes of mica; 5 percent, by volume, Texture (fine-earth fraction)—sandy loam, fine gravel and cobbles; strongly acid; clear wavy sandy loam, loam, loamy sand, or loamy fine boundary. sand Bw—5 to 23 inches; yellowish brown (10YR 5/8) loam; weak medium subangular blocky structure; friable; Cr horizon: common fine and medium roots; many fine flakes Type of bedrock—weathered, moderately fractured of mica; 5 percent, by volume, gravel; strongly mica schist that is partly consolidated but can acid; abrupt wavy boundary. be dug with difficulty with hand tools Cr—23 to 62 inches; weathered, moderately fractured mica schist that is partly consolidated but can be dug with difficulty with hand tools. Burton Series Depth class: Moderately deep Range in Characteristics Drainage class: Well drained Thickness of the solum: 20 to 39 inches Permeability: Moderately rapid Depth to bedrock: 20 to 40 inches to soft bedrock Landscape: High mountains Reaction: Very strongly acid or strongly acid throughout Landform: Mountain slopes and ridges the profile, except where surface layers have been Landform position: Summits, shoulders, side slopes, limed head slopes, and nose slopes Content of rock fragments: 0 to 15 percent, by volume, Parent material: Residuum affected by soil creep in the in the A horizon and 0 to 35 percent in the Bw and upper part, weathered from felsic to mafic, igneous C horizons or high-grade metamorphic rock Content of flakes of mica: Common or many in the A Slope range: 8 to 95 percent horizon and many in the Bw and C horizons Taxonomic class: Fine-loamy, isotic, frigid Humic Dystrudepts A horizon: Hue—7.5YR or 10YR Typical Pedon Value—3 to 5; value of 3 is limited to thin upper A Burton gravelly loam in an area of Burton-Wayah horizons; soil materials have value of 4 or 5 complex, windswept, 15 to 30 percent slopes, stony; when mixed to a depth of 7 inches 10.7 miles northeast of Boone on North Carolina Chroma—2 to 4 Highway 194, about 1.0 mile northwest on Secondary Texture—fine sandy loam Road 1346, about 2.5 miles northwest on a farm road, BA horizon (if it occurs): 400 feet northwest of the road, in a wooded area of Hue—7.5YR or 10YR pasture; Zionville USGS topographic quadrangle; lat. 36 Value—4 to 6 degrees 20 minutes 35 seconds N. and long. 81 Chroma—4 to 8 degrees 38 minutes 33 seconds W. Texture (fine-earth fraction)—sandy loam, fine A1—0 to 9 inches; very dark brown (10YR 2/2) gravelly sandy loam, or loam loam; weak medium granular structure; friable; Bw horizon: common fine and medium roots; few fine flakes of Hue—7.5YR or 10YR mica; 15 percent, by volume, gravel and cobbles; Value—4 to 6 very strongly acid; clear wavy boundary. Chroma—4 to 8 A2—9 to 14 inches; dark brown (10YR 3/3) gravelly Texture (fine-earth fraction)—sandy loam, fine loam; weak medium granular structure; friable; sandy loam, or loam common fine and medium roots; few fine flakes of Watauga County, North Carolina 173

mica; 15 percent, by volume, gravel and cobbles; R horizon: strongly acid; abrupt wavy boundary. Type of bedrock—unweathered felsic to mafic, Bw—14 to 21 inches; dark yellowish brown (10YR 4/6) metamorphic or igneous rock fine sandy loam; weak medium subangular blocky structure; friable; few fine roots; common fine flakes of mica; 10 percent, by volume, gravel and Cashiers Series cobbles; strongly acid; clear wavy boundary. Depth class: Very deep C—21 to 28 inches; dark yellowish brown (10YR 4/6) Drainage class: Well drained and yellowish brown (10YR 5/8) saprolite that has Permeability: Moderately rapid a loamy fine sand texture; massive; friable; Landscape: Intermediate mountains and intermountain common fine flakes of mica; 10 percent, by hills volume, gravel and cobbles; strongly acid; abrupt Landform: Mountain slopes and ridges wavy boundary. Landform position: Summits, shoulders, and side R—28 to 33 inches; unweathered, fractured slopes amphibolite. Parent material: Residuum affected by soil creep in the upper part, weathered from high-grade Range in Characteristics metamorphic rocks that have a high mica content Thickness of the solum: 20 to 39 inches Slope range: 8 to 50 percent Depth to bedrock: 20 to 40 inches to hard bedrock Taxonomic class: Fine-loamy, micaceous, mesic Typic Reaction: Extremely acid to moderately acid Dystrudepts throughout the profile, except where surface layers Typical Pedon have been limed Content of rock fragments: 15 to 35 percent in the A Cashiers loam, 30 to 50 percent slopes, stony; 10.7 horizon, less than 35 percent in the B horizon, and miles northeast of Boone on North Carolina Highway less than 50 percent in the C horizon 194, about 0.7 mile northwest on Secondary Road Content of flakes of mica: Few or common in the A and 1346, about 700 feet northeast of the road, in a forest; B horizons and few to many in the C horizon Todd USGS topographic quadrangle; lat. 36 degrees 19 minutes 25 seconds N. and long. 81 degrees 36 A horizon: minutes 59 seconds W. Hue—10YR Oi—1 inch to 0; slightly decomposed organic matter. Value—2 or 3 A—0 to 7 inches; dark brown (10YR 3/3) loam; weak Chroma—1 to 3 medium and coarse granular structure; friable; Texture—gravelly loam abundant fine and medium roots; common fine AB horizon (if it occurs): flakes of mica; strongly acid; abrupt wavy Hue—10YR boundary. Value—3 or 4 Bw—7 to 36 inches; dark yellowish brown (10YR 4/6) Chroma—3 loam; weak medium subangular blocky structure; Texture (fine-earth fraction)—loam, fine sandy friable; few fine and medium roots; common loam, or sandy loam streaks of black and white minerals; many fine flakes of mica; strongly acid; gradual wavy Bw horizon: boundary. Hue—7.5YR to 2.5Y C—36 to 62 inches; dark yellowish brown (10YR 4/6) Value—4 to 6 saprolite that has a loamy sand texture; massive; Chroma—3 to 8 very friable; few fine roots; common streaks of Texture (fine-earth fraction)—loam, fine sandy black and white minerals; many fine flakes of mica; loam, or sandy loam; some pedons have thin strongly acid. subhorizons of sandy clay loam Range in Characteristics C horizon: Color—horizon has hue of 7.5YR to 2.5Y, value of Thickness of the solum: 30 to more than 60 inches 4 to 6, and chroma of 3 to 8, or it is multicolored Depth to bedrock: More than 60 inches Texture (fine-earth fraction)—loam, fine sandy Reaction: Very strongly acid to moderately acid loam, sandy loam, loamy sand, or loamy fine throughout the profile, except where surface layers sand have been limed 174 Soil Survey

Content of rock fragments: 0 to 15 percent, by volume, A1—0 to 2 inches; dark yellowish brown (10YR 3/4) in the A horizon and 0 to 35 percent in the B and C fine sandy loam; weak medium granular structure; horizons friable; common fine and medium roots; many fine Content of flakes of mica: Common or many in the A flakes of mica; very strongly acid; clear wavy horizon and many in the Bw and C horizons boundary. A2—2 to 5 inches; dark yellowish brown (10YR 4/4) A horizon: fine sandy loam; weak medium granular structure; Hue—7.5YR or 10YR friable; common fine and medium roots; many fine Value—2 or 3 flakes of mica; very strongly acid; abrupt wavy Chroma—2 to 4 boundary. Texture—loam Bw1—5 to 20 inches; strong brown (7.5YR 5/8) fine Bw horizon: sandy loam; weak medium subangular blocky Hue—7.5YR to 2.5Y structure; friable; few fine and medium roots; many Value—4 to 6 fine flakes of mica; very strongly acid; gradual Chroma—4 to 8 wavy boundary. Texture (fine-earth fraction)—fine sandy loam, Bw2—20 to 38 inches; yellowish brown (10YR 5/8) fine sandy loam, or loam; some pedons have thin sandy loam; weak medium subangular blocky subhorizons of sandy clay loam structure; friable; few fine roots; many fine flakes of mica; very strongly acid; gradual wavy boundary. C horizon: C—38 to 62 inches; light yellowish brown (2.5Y 6/4), Hue—7.5YR to 2.5Y light brownish gray (2.5Y 6/2), and dark grayish Value—4 to 6 brown (2.5Y 4/2) saprolite that has a loamy fine Chroma—3 to 8 sand texture; massive; very friable; few fine roots; Texture (fine-earth fraction)—sandy loam, fine many fine flakes of mica; strongly acid. sandy loam, loam, loamy sand, or loamy fine sand Range in Characteristics Thickness of the solum: 20 to 40 inches Chandler Series Depth to bedrock: More than 60 inches Reaction: Very strongly acid to moderately acid Depth class: Very deep throughout the profile, except where surface layers Drainage class: Somewhat excessively drained have been limed Permeability: Moderately rapid Content of rock fragments: 0 to 15 percent, by volume, Landscape: Low or intermediate mountains and in the A horizon and 0 to 25 percent in the Bw and intermountain hills C horizons Landform: Mountain slopes Content of flakes of mica: Few to many in the A Landform position: Side slopes horizon and many in the Bw and C horizons Parent material: Residuum affected by soil creep in the A horizon: upper part, weathered from high-grade Hue—7.5YR or 10YR metamorphic rocks that have a high mica content Value—3 to 5; value of 3 is limited to thin upper A Slope range: 30 to 50 percent horizons; soil materials have value of 4 or 5 Taxonomic class: Coarse-loamy, micaceous, mesic when mixed to a depth of 7 inches Typic Dystrudepts Chroma—2 to 4 Typical Pedon Texture—fine sandy loam Chandler fine sandy loam, 30 to 50 percent slopes; 5.1 Bw horizon: miles east of Boone on U.S. Highway 421, about 1.8 Hue—7.5YR to 2.5Y miles northeast on Secondary Road 1357, about 2.1 Value—4 to 6 miles north on Secondary Road 1353, about 1,200 feet Chroma—4 to 8 east on a farm road, 100 feet northeast of the road, in Texture (fine-earth fraction)—fine sandy loam, a forest; Todd USGS topographic quadrangle; lat. 36 sandy loam, or loam degrees 15 minutes 49 seconds N. and long. 81 C horizon: degrees 34 minutes 14 seconds W. Hue—7.5YR to 2.5Y Oi—1 inch to 0; slightly decomposed organic matter. Value—4 to 6 Watauga County, North Carolina 175

Chroma—2 to 8 C—22 to 29 inches; light yellowish brown (10YR 6/4), Texture (fine-earth fraction)—sandy loam, fine brownish yellow (10YR 6/6), and light gray (10YR sandy loam, loam, loamy sand, or loamy fine 7/2) saprolite that has a sandy loam texture; sand massive; friable; few fine roots; common fine flakes of mica; very strongly acid; abrupt wavy boundary. Chestnut Series Cr—29 to 62 inches; weathered granodioritic gneiss that is partly consolidated but can be dug with Depth class: Moderately deep difficulty with hand tools. Drainage class: Well drained Permeability: Moderately rapid Range in Characteristics Landscape: Low or intermediate mountains and intermountain hills Thickness of the solum: 15 to 39 inches Landform: Mountain slopes and ridges Depth to bedrock: 20 to 40 inches to soft bedrock and Landform position: Summits, shoulders, and side 40 to 60 inches or more to hard bedrock slopes Reaction: Extremely acid to moderately acid Parent material: Residuum affected by soil creep in the throughout the profile, except where surface layers upper part, weathered from felsic to mafic, igneous have been limed or high-grade metamorphic rock Content and size of rock fragments: 5 to less than 35 Slope range: 15 to 95 percent percent in the A, Bw, and C horizons; mostly Taxonomic class: Coarse-loamy, mixed, active, mesic gravel and cobbles Typic Dystrudepts Content of flakes of mica: Few or common throughout the profile Typical Pedon A horizon: Chestnut fine sandy loam in an area of Chestnut- Hue—7.5YR to 2.5Y Edneyville complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes, stony Value—2 to 6; value of 2 or 3 is limited to thin (fig. 9); 11.2 miles northwest of Boone on U.S. Highway upper A horizons; soil materials have value of 4 321, about 1.5 miles north on Secondary Road 1202, to 6 when mixed to a depth of 7 inches about 3.8 miles northeast on Secondary Road 1201, Chroma—1 to 6 about 0.8 mile north on Secondary Road 1221, about Texture—fine sandy loam 200 feet north of the road, in a forest; Sherwood USGS topographic quadrangle; lat. 36 degrees 18 minutes 08 Bw horizon: seconds N. and long. 81 degrees 49 minutes 45 Hue—5YR to 2.5Y seconds W. Value—4 to 6 Chroma—4 to 8 Oi—2 inches to 1 inch; slightly decomposed organic Texture (fine-earth fraction)—sandy loam, fine matter. sandy loam, or loam; some pedons have thin Oe—1 inch to 0; moderately decomposed organic subhorizons of sandy clay loam matter. A1—0 to 2 inches; brown (10YR 4/3) fine sandy loam; C horizon: weak medium granular structure; friable; many fine Color—horizon has hue of 5YR to 2.5Y, value of 4 roots; common fine flakes of mica; 10 percent, by to 6, and chroma of 4 to 8, or it may be volume, gravel; very strongly acid; abrupt wavy multicolored boundary. Texture (fine-earth fraction)—sandy loam, fine A2—2 to 5 inches; yellowish brown (10YR 5/4) fine sandy loam, loam, loamy sand, or loamy fine sandy loam; weak medium granular structure; sand friable; many fine and few coarse roots; common Cr horizon: fine flakes of mica; 10 percent, by volume, gravel; Type of bedrock—weathered felsic to mafic, very strongly acid; clear wavy boundary. metamorphic or igneous rock that is partly Bw—5 to 22 inches; light yellowish brown (10YR 6/4) consolidated but can be dug with difficulty with fine sandy loam; weak medium subangular blocky hand tools structure; friable; common fine and medium roots; common fine flakes of mica; 10 percent, by R horizon (if it occurs): volume, gravel; very strongly acid; clear wavy Type of bedrock—hard, unweathered felsic to boundary. mafic, metamorphic or igneous rock 176 Soil Survey

Cleveland Series Chroma—1 to 3 Texture—cobbly fine sandy loam Depth class: Shallow Bw horizon: Drainage class: Somewhat excessively drained Hue—7.5YR or 10YR Permeability: Moderately rapid Value—4 to 6 Landscape: Intermountain hills and low or intermediate Chroma—3 to 8 mountains Texture (fine-earth fraction)—sandy loam, fine Landform: Mountain slopes sandy loam, or loam Landform position: Side slopes Parent material: Residuum affected by soil creep in the C horizon (if it occurs): upper part, weathered from felsic to mafic, igneous Hue—7.5YR or 10YR or high-grade metamorphic rock Value—4 to 6 Slope range: 50 to 95 percent Chroma—3 or 4 Taxonomic class: Loamy, mixed, active, mesic Lithic Texture (fine-earth fraction)—sandy loam, fine Dystrudepts sandy loam, or loam R horizon: Typical Pedon Type of bedrock—unweathered felsic to mafic, Cleveland cobbly fine sandy loam in an area of Ashe- metamorphic or igneous rock Cleveland-Rock outcrop complex, 50 to 95 percent slopes, extremely bouldery; 1.3 miles south of Vilas on North Carolina Highway 194, about 0.8 mile southeast Clingman Series on Secondary Road 1113, about 400 feet east of the Depth class: Very shallow and shallow road, in a forest; Valle Crucis USGS topographic Drainage class: Somewhat excessively drained quadrangle; lat. 36 degrees 13 minutes 25 seconds N. Permeability: Moderately rapid in the organic layers and and long. 81 degrees 45 minutes 57 seconds W. moderate or moderately rapid in the mineral horizon Oi—1 inch to 0; slightly decomposed organic matter. Landscape: High mountains A—0 to 3 inches; brown (10YR 4/3) cobbly fine sandy Landform: Mountain slopes and ridges loam; weak medium granular structure; friable; Landform position: Summits, shoulders, and side many fine roots; few fine flakes of mica; 10 slopes percent, by volume, gravel and 15 percent cobbles; Parent material: Organic deposits and underlying very strongly acid; clear wavy boundary. residuum weathered from felsic to mafic, igneous Bw—3 to 15 inches; yellowish brown (10YR 5/6) cobbly or high-grade metamorphic rock sandy loam; weak medium subangular blocky Slope range: 15 to 95 percent structure; friable; common fine and medium roots; Taxonomic class: Dysic, frigid Lithic Udifolists common fine flakes of mica; 10 percent, by volume, gravel and 15 percent cobbles; very Typical Pedon strongly acid; abrupt wavy boundary. Clingman peat in an area of Clingman-Craggey-Rock R—15 to 20 inches; hard granitic gneiss. outcrop complex, windswept, 15 to 95 percent slopes, extremely bouldery (fig. 10); 2.4 miles east of Linville Range in Characteristics on U.S. Highway 221 to the Blue Ridge Parkway, 5.2 Thickness of the solum: 10 to 20 inches miles northeast on the Blue Ridge Parkway to mile Depth to bedrock: 10 to 20 inches to hard bedrock post 299.9 (Boone Fork parking lot), 0.4 mile Reaction: Very strongly acid to moderately acid southwest on Tanawha Trail, 0.7 mile west on throughout the profile Grandfather Trail Extension, 0.5 mile south on the Content of rock fragments: 15 to 35 percent, by Cragway Trail to Top Crag, 25 feet west of Top Crag volume, in the A horizon and 5 to 35 percent in the Rock, in a heath bald; Grandfather Mountain USGS Bw and C horizons topographic quadrangle; lat. 36 degrees 06 minutes 58 Content of flakes of mica: Few or common throughout seconds N. and long. 81 degrees 47 minutes 28 the profile seconds W. A horizon: Oi—0 to 6 inches; black (N 2.5/0) broken face peat, Hue—7.5YR or 10YR very dark brown (7.5YR 2/2) crushed and rubbed Value—2 to 4 (fibric material); about 80 percent fiber, 50 percent Watauga County, North Carolina 177

rubbed; massive; loose; many very fine to medium Cowee Series roots; 5 percent twigs; extremely acid; clear smooth boundary. Depth class: Moderately deep Oe—6 to 14 inches; very dark brown (10YR 2/2) broken Drainage class: Well drained face mucky peat, dark grayish brown (7.5YR 3/2) Permeability: Moderate crushed and rubbed (hemic material); about 60 Landscape: Low or intermediate mountains and percent fiber, 20 percent rubbed; massive; friable; intermountain hills many very fine to medium roots; extremely acid; Landform: Mountain slopes and ridges clear smooth boundary. Landform position: Summits and shoulders A—14 to 18 inches; dark grayish brown (10YR 4/2) Parent material: Residuum affected by soil creep in the loamy sand; weak fine granular structure; very upper part, weathered from felsic to mafic, igneous friable; common fine roots; 5 percent, by volume, or high-grade metamorphic rock gravel; extremely acid; abrupt smooth boundary. Slope range: 8 to 80 percent R—18 to 24 inches; unweathered, slightly fractured Taxonomic class: Fine-loamy, parasesquic, mesic arkose. Typic Hapludults Range in Characteristics Typical Pedon Thickness of organic tiers: 3 to 18 inches Cowee gravelly fine sandy loam, 50 to 80 percent Depth to bedrock: 3 to 20 inches to hard bedrock slopes, stony (fig. 11); 4.4 miles southeast of Aho on Reaction: Ultra acid or extremely acid in the organic Secondary Road 1526, about 0.4 mile southwest on horizons and extremely acid to strongly acid in the Penley Road, 10 feet north of the road, in a forest; mineral horizons Deep Gap USGS topographic quadrangle; lat. 36 Content and size of rock fragments: 0 to 15 percent, by degrees 08 minutes 13 seconds N. and long. 81 volume, in the mineral horizons; gravel, cobbles, degrees 34 minutes 12 seconds W. and stones Oi—1 inch to 0; slightly decomposed organic matter. Content of flakes of mica: None to many throughout A—0 to 6 inches; brown (7.5YR 4/4) gravelly fine the profile sandy loam; weak medium granular structure; Oi horizon: friable; many fine, medium, and coarse roots; few Hue—2.5YR to 10YR or neutral fine flakes of mica; 20 percent, by volume, gravel; Value—2 or 3 very strongly acid; clear wavy boundary. Chroma—1 to 3 Bt1—6 to 14 inches; yellowish red (5YR 5/6) gravelly Texture—peat loam; weak medium subangular blocky structure; friable; common fine and medium roots; few fine Oe horizon: faint patchy clay films on faces of peds; common Hue—2.5YR to 10YR or neutral fine flakes of mica; 20 percent, by volume, gravel; Value—2 or 3 very strongly acid; clear wavy boundary. Chroma—1 to 3 Bt2—14 to 30 inches; yellowish red (5YR 5/8) sandy Texture—mucky peat clay loam; weak medium subangular blocky Oa horizon (if it occurs): structure; friable; common fine and medium roots; Hue—2.5YR to 10YR or neutral few fine faint patchy clay films on faces of peds; Value—2 to 4 common fine flakes of mica; 10 percent, by Chroma—1 to 3 volume, gravel; very strongly acid; abrupt wavy Texture—muck boundary. Cr—30 to 62 inches; weathered phyllonitic and A, AE, E, EB, Bw, Bs, Bhs, or C horizon (if it occurs): mylonitic gneiss that is partly consolidated but can Color—horizon has hue of 5YR to 5B, value of 2 to be dug with difficulty with hand tools. 7, and chroma of 1 to 6, ot it is neutral in hue and has value of 2 to 8 Range in Characteristics Texture (fine-earth fraction)—loamy sand, loamy Thickness of the solum: 15 to 39 inches fine sand, sandy loam, fine sandy loam, very Depth to bedrock: 20 to 40 inches to soft bedrock fine sandy loam, or loam Reaction: Extremely acid to moderately acid in the A R horizon: horizon, except where surface layers have been Type of bedrock—unweathered felsic to mafic, limed, and very strongly acid or strongly acid in the metamorphic or igneous rock B and C horizons 178 Soil Survey

Content of rock fragments: 15 to 35 percent, by Typical Pedon volume, in the A horizon and 5 to 35 percent in the Craggey muck in an area of Burton-Craggey-Rock Bt and C horizons outcrop complex, windswept, 15 to 30 percent slopes; Content of flakes of mica: Few or common throughout 8.7 miles northwest of Boone on U.S. Highway 421, the profile about 2.3 miles east on Secondary Road 1306, about A horizon: 2.2 miles north on a farm road to Potato Hill, 100 feet Hue—5YR to 10YR west of the road near an old transmitter tower, in a Value—3 to 5; value of 3 is limited to thin upper A bald; Zionville USGS topographic quadrangle; lat. 36 horizons; soil materials have value of 4 or 5 degrees 18 minutes 09 seconds N. and long. 81 when mixed to a depth of 7 inches degrees 43 minutes 20 seconds W. Chroma—2 to 8 Oa—0 to 4 inches; black (10YR 2/1) broken, crushed, Texture—gravelly fine sandy loam and rubbed muck (sapric material); about 30 Bt horizon: percent fiber, 15 percent rubbed; many fine and Hue—2.5YR or 5YR medium roots; very strongly acid; clear wavy Value—4 to 6 boundary. Chroma—4 to 8 A—4 to 9 inches; very dark brown (10YR 2/2) mucky Texture (fine-earth fraction)—sandy clay loam, clay loam; weak fine granular structure; friable; many loam, or loam fine and medium roots; few fine flakes of mica; 20 percent, by volume, gravel; very strongly acid; BC horizon (if it occurs): clear wavy boundary. Hue—2.5YR to 7.5YR AB—9 to 11 inches; dark brown (10YR 3/3) gravelly Value—4 to 6 fine sandy loam; weak medium subangular blocky Chroma—4 to 8 structure; friable; common fine and medium roots; Texture (fine-earth fraction)—sandy loam, fine few fine flakes of mica; 20 percent, by volume, sandy loam, loam, or sandy clay loam gravel; moderately acid; abrupt wavy boundary. C horizon (if it occurs): R—11 to 25 inches; unweathered, fractured amphibolite Color—horizon has hue of 2.5YR to 7.5YR, value bedrock. of 4 to 6, and chroma of 4 to 8, or it may be Range in Characteristics multicolored Texture (fine-earth fraction)—sandy loam, fine Thickness of the solum: 10 to 20 inches sandy loam, or loam Depth to bedrock: 10 to 20 inches to hard bedrock Reaction: Extremely acid or very strongly acid in the Cr horizon: organic horizons and extremely acid to moderately Type of bedrock—weathered felsic to mafic, acid in the mineral horizons igneous or metamorphic rock that is partly Content of rock fragments: 5 to 35 percent, by volume, consolidated but can be dug with difficulty with throughout the profile hand tools Content of flakes of mica: None to common throughout the profile Craggey Series Oa horizon: Hue—10YR Depth class: Shallow Value—2 Drainage class: Somewhat excessively drained Chroma—1 or 2 Permeability: Moderately rapid Texture—muck Landscape: High mountains A horizon: Landform: Mountain slopes and ridges Hue—10YR Landform position: Summits, shoulders, and side Value—2 or 3 slopes Chroma—1 to 3 Parent material: Residuum affected by soil creep in the Texture (fine-earth fraction)—mucky loam, loam, upper part, weathered from felsic to mafic, igneous fine sandy loam, or sandy loam or high-grade metamorphic rock Slope range: 15 to 95 percent AB horizon (if it occurs): Taxonomic class: Loamy, isotic, frigid Humic Lithic Hue—10YR Dystrudepts Value—3 Watauga County, North Carolina 179

Chroma—3 or 4 structure; friable; many fine and medium roots; few Texture (fine-earth fraction)—loam, fine sandy fine flakes of mica; 10 percent gravel, by volume, loam, or sandy loam 25 percent cobbles, and 10 percent stones; strongly acid; abrupt wavy boundary. Bw horizon (if it occurs): Bw1—14 to 45 inches; yellowish brown (10YR 5/6) very Hue—7.5YR or 10YR cobbly loam; weak medium subangular blocky Value—3 to 6 structure; friable; many fine and medium roots; Chroma—3 to 6 common fine flakes of mica; 15 percent gravel, by Texture (fine-earth fraction)—loam, fine sandy volume, 35 percent cobbles, and 5 percent stones; loam, or sandy loam; some pedons have thin strongly acid; clear wavy boundary. subhorizons of sandy clay loam Bw2—45 to 65 inches; brownish yellow (10YR 6/6) very R horizon: cobbly loam; weak medium subangular blocky Type of bedrock—unweathered felsic to mafic, structure; friable; common fine and medium roots; metamorphic or igneous rock common fine flakes of mica; 15 percent, by volume, gravel, 35 percent cobbles, and 5 percent stones; very strongly acid. Cullasaja Series Range in Characteristics Depth class: Very deep Drainage class: Well drained Thickness of the solum: 30 to more than 60 inches Permeability: Moderately rapid Depth to bedrock: More than 72 inches Landscape: Low or intermediate mountains and Reaction: Extremely acid to slightly acid in the A intermountain hills horizon, except where limed, and very strongly Landform: Coves, colluvial fans, drainageways, and acid to moderately acid in the B and C horizons benches Content of rock fragments: 15 to 60 percent, by Landform position: Footslopes and toeslopes volume, in the A horizon and 35 to 80 percent in Parent material: Colluvium derived from felsic to mafic, the B and C horizons igneous or high-grade metamorphic rock Content of flakes of mica: Few or common throughout Slope range: 8 to 50 percent the profile Taxonomic class: Loamy-skeletal, isotic, mesic Humic Dystrudepts A horizon: Hue—7.5YR or 10YR Typical Pedon Value—2 or 3 Cullasaja very cobbly loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, Chroma—1 to 3 extremely bouldery; 1.3 miles northwest of Beech Texture—very cobbly loam Mountain on North Carolina Highway 184 to the end of BA horizon: state maintenance, 0.95 mile northwest on Beech Hue—7.5YR or 10YR Mountain Parkway, 1.6 miles northwest on Pinnacle Value—3 Ridge Road, 20 feet northeast of the road, in a forest; Chroma—4 Elk Park USGS topographic quadrangle; lat. 36 degrees Texture (fine-earth fraction)—loam, fine sandy 12 minutes 44 seconds N. and long. 81 degrees 54 loam, or sandy loam minutes 18 seconds W. Bw horizon: Oi—2 inches to 1 inch; slightly decomposed organic Hue—5YR to 10YR matter. Value—3 to 6 Oe—1 inch to 0; moderately decomposed organic Chroma—4 to 8 matter. Texture (fine-earth fraction)—fine sandy loam, A—0 to 11 inches; black (10YR 2/1) very cobbly loam; sandy loam, or loam; some pedons have thin weak medium granular structure; friable; many fine subhorizons of sandy clay loam and medium roots; few fine flakes of mica; 10 percent, by volume, gravel, 25 percent cobbles, BC horizon (if it occurs): and 10 percent stones; extremely acid; clear wavy Hue—5YR to 10YR boundary. Value—3 to 6 BA—11 to 14 inches; dark yellowish brown (10YR 3/4) Chroma—4 to 8 very cobbly loam; weak medium subangular blocky Texture (fine-earth fraction)—loam, sandy loam, 180 Soil Survey

coarse sandy loam, loamy fine sand, or loamy volume, gravel and 5 percent cobbles; moderately sand acid; clear smooth boundary. C2—24 to 62 inches; dark yellowish brown (10YR 4/4) C horizon (if it occurs): very cobbly sand; single grained; loose; common Color—horizon has hue of 5YR to 10YR, value of 3 fine distinct dark grayish brown (10YR 4/2) iron to 6, and chroma of 4 to 8, or it may be depletions with clear boundaries in the matrix; few multicolored fine roots; common fine flakes of mica; 20 percent Texture (fine-earth fraction)—loam, fine sandy gravel, by volume, and 25 percent cobbles; loam, sandy loam, coarse sandy loam, loamy moderately acid. sand, loamy fine sand, or loamy coarse sand Range in Characteristics Cullowhee Series Thickness of the solum: 12 to 35 inches Depth to bedrock: More than 60 inches Depth class: Very deep Depth to contrasting materials: 20 to 40 inches to Drainage class: Somewhat poorly drained strata containing 35 percent or more, by volume, Permeability: Moderately rapid in the A, AC, and Bw gravel, cobbles, and stones horizons and rapid in the C horizon Reaction: Very strongly acid to slightly acid throughout Landscape: Stream valleys of mountains and the profile, except where surface layers have been intermountain hills limed Landform: Flood plains Content of rock fragments: 0 to 15 percent, by volume, Landform position: Linear to slightly concave slopes in the A horizon, 0 to 35 percent in the AC and B Parent material: Alluvium horizons and the upper part of the C horizon, and Slope range: 0 to 3 percent more than 35 percent in the lower part of the C Taxonomic class: Coarse-loamy over sandy or sandy- horizon within a depth of 20 to 40 inches skeletal, mixed, mesic Fluvaquentic Dystrudepts Content of flakes of mica: Few or common throughout Typical Pedon the profile Cullowhee loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently Ap or A horizon: flooded (fig. 12); 0.4 mile west of Zionville on Hue—7.5YR or 10YR Secondary Road 1233, about 0.8 mile north on U.S. Value—2 or 3 Highway 421 to Trade, Tennessee, 1.5 miles northeast Chroma—1 to 3 on Tennessee Highway 67 to the North Carolina State Texture—loam line, 1.5 miles northeast on North Carolina Highway 88, AC horizon (if it occurs): about 300 feet southeast of the road and 100 feet Hue—10YR or 2.5Y southeast of Hoskin Fork Creek, in a pasture; Zionville Value—2 or 3 USGS topographic quadrangle; lat. 36 degrees 22 Chroma—1 to 4 minutes 24 seconds N. and long. 81 degrees 42 Texture (fine-earth fraction)—loamy sand, loamy minutes 22 seconds W. fine sand, sand, or coarse sand Ap—0 to 8 inches; dark brown (10YR 3/3) loam; weak Bw horizon (if it occurs): medium granular structure; friable; many fine and Hue—10YR or 2.5Y medium roots; common fine flakes of mica; Value—4 to 6 strongly acid; clear wavy boundary. Chroma—3 to 6 A—8 to 14 inches; dark brown (10YR 3/3) loam; weak Texture (fine-earth fraction)—sandy loam, fine medium granular structure; friable; common sandy loam, or loam medium distinct dark yellowish brown (10YR 4/6) Other characteristics—iron depletions with chroma iron depletions with gradual boundaries in the of 2 or less within a depth of 20 inches matrix; common fine and medium roots; common fine flakes of mica; strongly acid; abrupt smooth C horizon: boundary. Hue—10YR or 2.5Y C1—14 to 24 inches; olive brown (2.5Y 4/4) gravelly Value—4 to 6 loamy sand; massive; very friable; few fine faint Chroma—1 to 6 dark grayish brown (2.5Y 4/2) iron depletions with Texture (fine-earth fraction)—sand, coarse sand, clear boundaries in the matrix; few fine roots; loamy sand, or loamy fine sand common fine flakes of mica; 20 percent, by Other characteristics—where chroma is 3 or more, Watauga County, North Carolina 181

iron depletions with chroma of 2 or less are Reaction: Very strongly acid to neutral throughout the within a depth of 20 inches profile Content of rock fragments: 15 to 35 percent, by volume, in the A horizon and 35 to 75 percent or Dellwood Series more in the AC and C horizons Content of flakes of mica: Few or common throughout Depth class: Very deep the profile Drainage class: Moderately well drained Permeability: Moderately rapid in the A horizon and A or Ap horizon: rapid in the C horizon Hue—10YR Landscape: Stream valleys of mountains and Value—2 or 3 intermountain hills Chroma—1 to 3 Landform: Flood plains Texture—cobbly sandy loam Landform position: Linear to slightly convex slopes AC horizon (if it occurs): Parent material: Coarse textured alluvium containing Hue—10YR or 7.5YR large amounts of gravel, cobbles, and stones Value—3 Slope range: 1 to 5 percent Chroma—2 to 4 Taxonomic class: Sandy-skeletal, mixed, mesic Texture (fine-earth fraction)—loamy sand, loamy Oxyaquic Dystrudepts coarse sand, sand, or coarse sand Typical Pedon C horizon: Dellwood cobbly sandy loam, 1 to 5 percent slopes, Color—hue of 10YR or 2.5Y, value of 3 to 6, and occasionally flooded; 0.4 mile northeast of Foscoe on chroma of 3 to 8; individual sand grains and North Carolina Highway 105 from its intersection with coarse fragments may be multicolored Secondary Road 1136, about 100 feet southeast on a Texture (fine-earth fraction)—loamy sand, loamy private road across the Watauga River, 100 feet coarse sand, sand, or coarse sand southwest of the road and 30 feet southeast of the river, in a forest; Valle Crucis USGS topographic quadrangle; lat. 36 degrees 09 minutes 49 seconds N. Ditney Series and long. 81 degrees 45 minutes 36 seconds W. Depth class: Moderately deep A—0 to 12 inches; dark brown (10YR 3/3) cobbly Drainage class: Well drained sandy loam; weak fine granular structure; friable; Permeability: Moderately rapid many fine and medium roots; few fine flakes of Landscape: Low or intermediate mountains and mica; 5 percent, by volume, gravel and 15 percent intermountain hills cobbles; moderately acid; clear smooth boundary. Landform: Mountain slopes and ridges C1—12 to 20 inches; dark yellowish brown (10YR 4/4) Landform position: Shoulders extremely cobbly coarse sand; single grained; Parent material: Residuum affected by soil creep in the loose; common fine and medium roots; few fine upper part, weathered from metasedimentary rock flakes of mica; 25 percent, by volume, gravel and Slope range: 50 to 95 percent 40 percent cobbles; moderately acid; gradual wavy Taxonomic class: Coarse-loamy, siliceous, semiactive, boundary. mesic Typic Dystrudepts C2—20 to 65 inches; dark yellowish brown (10YR 4/4) extremely cobbly coarse sand; single grained; Typical Pedon loose; few fine and medium roots; few fine flakes Ditney cobbly sandy loam in an area of Ditney-Unicoi of mica; 25 percent, by volume, gravel, 40 percent complex, 50 to 95 percent slopes, very rocky (fig. 13); cobbles, and 10 percent stones; moderately acid. 13.7 miles northwest of Boone on U.S. Highway 321, about 0.6 mile north on Secondary Road 1200, about Range in Characteristics 2.1 miles northwest on Secondary Road 1201, about Thickness of the solum: 8 to 20 inches 0.9 mile north on Secondary Road 1206, about 0.6 mile Depth to bedrock: More than 60 inches northwest on a private road, in a road cut; Elk Mills Depth to contrasting materials: 8 to 20 inches to strata USGS topographic quadrangle; lat. 36 degrees 18 containing 35 percent or more, by volume, gravel, minutes 15 seconds N. and long. 81 degrees 53 cobbles, and stones minutes 52 seconds W. 182 Soil Survey

Oe—1 inch to 0; moderately decomposed organic C horizon (if it occurs): matter. Hue—7.5YR or 10YR A1—0 to 3 inches; very dark grayish brown (10YR 3/2) Value—4 to 6 cobbly sandy loam; weak medium granular Chroma—3 to 8 structure; friable; many fine, medium, and coarse Texture (fine-earth fraction)—sandy loam, fine roots; few fine flakes of mica; 10 percent, by sandy loam, loam, or loamy sand volume, gravel and 15 percent cobbles; extremely R horizon: acid; abrupt wavy boundary. Type of bedrock—unweathered quartzite A2—3 to 7 inches; brown (10YR 4/3) cobbly sandy loam; weak medium granular structure; friable; Ditney soils in Watauga County are considered many fine, medium, and coarse roots; few fine taxadjuncts to the series because the sand fraction flakes of mica; 10 percent, by volume, gravel and contains more than 90 percent resistant materials and 15 percent cobbles; very strongly acid; abrupt this indicates a siliceous mineralogy. This difference, wavy boundary. however, does not significantly affect the use and Bw—7 to 28 inches; yellowish brown (10YR 5/4) cobbly management of the soils. The Ditney series is officially sandy loam; weak medium subangular blocky classified as coarse-loamy, mixed, semiactive, mesic structure; friable; common fine and medium roots; Typic Dystrudepts. few fine flakes of mica; 10 percent, by volume, gravel and 10 percent cobbles; very strongly acid; abrupt smooth boundary. Edneytown Series R—28 to 33 inches; unweathered quartzite. Depth class: Very deep Drainage class: Well drained Range in Characteristics Permeability: Moderate in the Bt and BC horizons and Thickness of the solum: 20 to 39 inches moderately rapid in the C horizon Depth to bedrock: 20 to 40 inches to hard bedrock Landscape: Low or intermediate mountains and Reaction: Extremely acid to strongly acid throughout intermountain hills the profile, except where surface layers have been Landform: Mountain slopes and ridges limed Landform position: Summits, shoulders, and side Content of rock fragments: 15 to 35 percent, by slopes volume, in the A horizon and 5 to 35 percent in the Parent material: Residuum affected by soil creep in the Bw and C horizons upper part, weathered from felsic to mafic, igneous Content of flakes of mica: None or few throughout the or high-grade metamorphic rock profile Slope range: 8 to 50 percent Taxonomic class: Fine-loamy, mixed, active, mesic A horizon: Typic Hapludults Hue—10YR Value—3 to 5; value of 3 is limited to thin upper A Typical Pedon horizons; soil materials have value of 4 or 5 Edneytown loam, 15 to 30 percent slopes (fig. 14); 11.2 when mixed to a depth of 7 inches miles northwest of Boone on U.S. Highway 321, about Chroma—1 to 4 1.5 miles north on Secondary Road 1202, about 2.1 Texture—cobbly sandy loam miles northeast on Secondary Road 1201, about 1.2 Bw horizon: miles north on Secondary Road 1222, about 1.0 mile Hue—7.5YR or 10YR northwest on Secondary Road 1207, about 200 feet Value—4 to 6 northeast of the road, in a forest; USGS Sherwood Chroma—3 to 8 topographic quadrangle; lat. 36 degrees 19 minutes 11 Texture (fine-earth fraction)—sandy loam, fine seconds N. and long. 81 degrees 51 minutes 42 sandy loam, or loam seconds W. BC horizon (if it occurs): Oi—3 inches to 1 inch; slightly decomposed organic Hue—7.5YR or 10YR matter. Value—4 to 6 Oe—1 inch to 0; moderately decomposed organic Chroma—3 to 8 matter. Texture (fine-earth fraction)—sandy loam, fine A1—0 to 1 inch; very dark grayish brown (10YR 3/2) sandy loam, or loam loam; weak medium granular structure; friable; Watauga County, North Carolina 183

many fine and medium roots; few fine flakes of Texture—fine sandy loam, sandy clay loam, clay mica; 5 percent, by volume, gravel; very strongly loam, or loam acid; abrupt wavy boundary. BC horizon: A2—1 to 5 inches; brown (10YR 4/3) loam; weak Hue—7.5YR to 10YR medium granular structure; friable; many fine and Value—4 to 7 medium roots; common fine flakes of mica; 5 Chroma—6 to 8 percent, by volume, gravel; very strongly acid; Texture—sandy loam, fine sandy loam, or sandy clear wavy boundary. clay loam Bt—5 to 21 inches; strong brown (7.5YR 5/6) clay loam; moderate medium subangular blocky C horizon: structure; friable; common fine and medium roots; Hue—7.5YR or 10YR few fine faint discontinuous clay films on faces of Value—5 to 8 peds; common fine flakes of mica; 5 percent, by Chroma—3 to 8 volume, gravel; very strongly acid; clear wavy Texture—sandy loam, fine sandy loam, loamy boundary. sand, or loamy fine sand BC—21 to 29 inches; strong brown (7.5YR 5/6) fine sandy loam; weak medium subangular blocky structure; friable; few fine roots; common fine Edneyville Series flakes of mica; 5 percent, by volume, gravel; very strongly acid; clear wavy boundary. Depth class: Very deep C—29 to 62 inches; brownish yellow (10YR 6/8) and Drainage class: Well drained very pale brown (10YR 7/3) saprolite that has a Permeability: Moderate rapid sandy loam texture; massive; friable; few fine Landscape: Low or intermediate mountains and roots; common fine flakes of mica; very strongly intermountain hills acid. Landform: Mountain slopes and ridges Landform position: Summits, shoulders, and side Range in Characteristics slopes Parent material: Residuum affected by soil creep in the Thickness of the solum: 20 to 40 inches upper part, weathered from felsic to mafic, igneous Depth to bedrock: More than 60 inches or high-grade metamorphic rock Reaction: Very strongly acid to moderately acid in the Slope range: 15 to 50 percent A horizon, except where limed, and very strongly Taxonomic class: Coarse-loamy, mixed, active, mesic acid or strongly acid in the Bt, BC, and C horizons Typic Dystrudepts Content of rock fragments: 0 to 15 percent, by volume, throughout the profile Typical Pedon Content of flakes of mica: Few or common throughout the profile Edneyville fine sandy loam in an area of Chestnut- Edneyville complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes, stony; A horizon: 7.1 miles north of Newland, North Carolina, on North Hue—7.5YR to 10YR Carolina Highway 194, about 8.2 miles north on Value—3 to 6; value of 3 is limited to thin upper A Secondary Road 1316, about 0.25 mile east on horizons; soil materials have value of 4 to 6 Secondary Road 1312, about 1.5 miles southeast on when mixed to a depth of 7 inches Beech Mountain Road, 0.4 mile northwest on a side Chroma—1 to 4 road, 0.15 mile north on the side road, east of the road Texture—loam in a road cut; Grandfather Mountain USGS topographic E horizon (if it occurs): quadrangle; lat. 36 degrees 14 minutes 00 seconds N. Hue—10YR and long. 81 degrees 55 minutes 02 seconds W. Value—4 to 7 Oi—1 inch to 0; slightly decomposed organic matter. Chroma—3 to 6 A—0 to 5 inches; very dark gray (10YR 3/1) fine sandy Texture—fine sandy loam, sandy loam, or loam loam; weak fine granular structure; very friable; Bt horizon: common fine and medium roots; few fine flakes of Hue—7.5YR to 10YR mica; 10 percent, by volume, gravel; strongly acid; Value—4 to 7 clear wavy boundary. Chroma—4 to 8 Bw1—5 to 10 inches; yellowish brown (10YR 5/8) loam; 184 Soil Survey

weak fine subangular blocky structure; friable; Chroma—3 to 8 common fine and medium roots; few fine flakes of Texture (fine-earth fraction)—fine sandy loam, mica; 10 percent, by volume, gravel; strongly acid; sandy loam, or loam gradual wavy boundary. BC horizon (if it occurs): Bw2—10 to 17 inches; yellowish brown (10YR 5/6) Hue—7.5YR to 2.5Y loam; weak medium subangular blocky structure; Value—4 to 7 friable; few fine roots; few fine flakes of mica; 10 Chroma—3 to 8 percent, by volume, gravel; very strongly acid; Texture (fine-earth fraction)—sandy loam, fine gradual wavy boundary. sandy loam, or loam Bw3—17 to 25 inches; yellowish brown (10YR 5/8) loam; weak medium subangular blocky structure; C horizon: friable; few fine roots; few fine flakes of mica; 10 Hue—7.5YR to 2.5Y percent, by volume, gravel; very strongly acid; Value—4 to 7 gradual wavy boundary. Chroma—3 to 8 C1—25 to 40 inches; yellowish brown (10YR 5/6 and Texture (fine-earth fraction)—sandy loam, fine 5/8) and brownish yellow (10YR 6/6) saprolite that sandy loam, loam, loamy sand, or loamy fine has a gravelly sandy loam texture; massive; sand friable; few fine roots; few fine flakes of mica; 25 percent, by volume, gravel; very strongly acid; gradual wavy boundary. Evard Series C2—40 to 62 inches; saprolite that is multicolored in Depth class: Very deep shades of brown and yellow and that has a gravelly Drainage class: Well drained sandy loam texture; massive; friable; few fine Permeability: Moderate roots; few fine flakes of mica; 25 percent, by Landscape: Low or intermediate mountains and volume, gravel; strongly acid. intermountain hills Range in Characteristics Landform: Mountain slopes and ridges Landform position: Summits and shoulders Thickness of the solum: 20 to 55 inches Parent material: Residuum affected by soil creep in the Depth to bedrock: More than 60 inches upper part, weathered from felsic to mafic, igneous Reaction: Very strongly acid to moderately acid or high-grade metamorphic rock throughout the profile, except where surface layers Slope range: 8 to 50 percent have been limed Taxonomic class: Fine-loamy, parasesquic, mesic Content of rock fragments: 0 to 15 percent, by volume, Typic Hapludults in the A horizon and 0 to 35 percent in the B and C horizons Typical Pedon Content of flakes of mica: Few or common throughout the profile Evard loam in an area of Evard-Cowee complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes, stony; 3.6 miles southeast of Deep A horizon: Gap on U.S. Highway 421, about 0.1 mile south on Hue—7.5YR to 2.5Y Secondary Road 1500, about 400 feet west of the road, Value—2 to 5; value of 3 is limited to thin upper A in a forest; Maple Springs USGS topographic horizons; soil materials have value of 4 or 5 quadrangle; lat. 36 degrees 12 minutes 28 seconds N. when mixed to a depth of 7 inches and long. 81 degrees 27 minutes 59 seconds W. Chroma—1 to 4 Texture—fine sandy loam Oi—1 inch to 0; slightly decomposed organic matter. A—0 to 5 inches; reddish brown (5YR 4/4) loam; weak AB horizon (if it occurs): medium granular structure; friable; many fine and Hue—7.5YR to 2.5Y medium roots; common fine flakes of mica; 5 Value—4 to 6 percent, by volume, gravel; very strongly acid; Chroma—2 to 4 abrupt wavy boundary. Texture (fine-earth fraction)—loam, fine sandy BA—5 to 8 inches; yellowish red (5YR 5/6) loam; weak loam, or sandy loam medium subangular blocky structure; friable; many Bw horizon: fine and medium roots; common fine flakes of Hue—7.5YR to 2.5Y mica; 5 percent, by volume, gravel; very strongly Value—4 to 7 acid; clear wavy boundary. Watauga County, North Carolina 185

Figure 8.—A profile of Ashe gravelly fine sandy loam. Ashe soils have thin, light colored surface layers and are 20 to 40 inches deep to hard bedrock. The scale is in feet.

Figure 9.—A profile of Chestnut fine sandy loam. Chestnut soils are 20 to 40 inches deep to soft, weathered bedrock. The scale is in feet. 186 Soil Survey

Figure 10.—A profile of Clingman peat. Clingman soils consist mostly of dark organic soil material that is less than 20 inches to hard bedrock. These soils are common on the high elevation summits of Grandfather Mountain.

Figure 11.—A profile of Cowee gravelly fine sandy loam. Cowee soils occur on low mountains and are 20 to 40 inches deep to soft, weathered bedrock. The scale is in inches. Watauga County, North Carolina 187

Figure 12.—A profile of Cullowhee loam. Cullowhee soils are along flood plains of low-lying streams. They contain contrasting strata of sandy, gravelly, or cobbly soil material. The scale is in feet.

Figure 13.—A profile of Ditney cobbly sandy loam. Ditney soils are 20 to 40 inches deep to hard quartzite bedrock. The scale is in feet. 188 Soil Survey

Figure 14.—A profile of Edneytown loam. Edneytown soils Figure 15.—A profile of Unicoi very cobbly loam. Unicoi have thin, light colored surface layers and are more soils are less than 20 inches deep to hard quartzite than 60 inches deep to bedrock. They are suited to the bedrock. The content of rock fragments, by volume, is production of burley tobacco. The scale is in feet. more than 35 percent. The scale is in feet. Watauga County, North Carolina 189

Bt—8 to 25 inches; red (2.5YR 4/8) clay loam; Chroma—6 to 8 moderate medium subangular blocky structure; Texture—loam, fine sandy loam, sandy loam, friable; common fine roots; few fine faint sandy clay loam, or clay loam discontinuous clay films on faces of peds; C horizon: common fine flakes of mica; strongly acid; gradual Color—horizon has hue of 2.5YR to 10YR, value of wavy boundary. 4 to 6, and chroma of 4 to 8, or it may be BC—25 to 40 inches; red (2.5YR 5/8) loam; weak multicolored medium subangular blocky structure; friable; few Texture—sandy loam, fine sandy loam, loam, fine roots; common fine flakes of mica; strongly loamy sand, or loamy fine sand acid; gradual wavy boundary. C—40 to 62 inches; yellowish red (5YR 5/8) saprolite that has a loam texture; massive; friable; few fine roots; common fine flakes of mica; strongly acid. Fannin Series Range in Characteristics Depth class: Very deep Drainage class: Well drained Thickness of the solum: 20 to more than 40 inches Permeability: Moderate Depth to bedrock: More than 60 inches Landscape: Low or intermediate mountains and Reaction: Very strongly acid to moderately acid in the intermountain hills A horizon, except where limed, and very strongly Landform: Mountain slopes and ridges acid or strongly acid in the B and C horizons Landform position: Summits, shoulders, and side Content of rock fragments: 0 to 15 percent, by volume, slopes in the A horizon and 0 to 15 percent in the B and C Parent material: Residuum affected by soil creep in the horizons upper part, weathered from high-grade Content of flakes of mica: Few or common throughout metamorphic rocks that have a high mica content the profile Slope range: 15 to 50 percent A horizon: Taxonomic class: Fine-loamy, paramicaceous, mesic Hue—5YR to 10YR Typic Hapludults Value—3 to 5; value of 3 is limited to thin upper A horizons; soil materials have value of 4 or 5 Typical Pedon when mixed to a depth of 7 inches Fannin loam, 30 to 50 percent slopes, stony; 6.6 miles Chroma—3 to 6 east of Boone on U.S. Highway 421, about 4.3 miles Texture—loam southeast on Secondary Road 1505, about 0.2 mile E horizon (if it occurs): southwest on Signal Tree Road, 0.15 mile southwest on Hue—7.5YR or 10YR Wild Turkey Crossing Road, in a road cut in a forest; Value—4 to 6 Deep Gap USGS topographic quadrangle; lat. 36 Chroma—3 to 8 degrees 11 minutes 40 seconds N. and long. 81 Texture—loam, sandy loam, or fine sandy loam degrees 30 minutes 20 seconds W. BA or BE horizon (if it occurs): Oi—1 inch to 0; slightly decomposed organic matter. Hue—2.5YR to 10YR A—0 to 6 inches; dark yellowish brown (10YR 4/4) Value—4 to 8 loam; weak medium granular structure; friable; Chroma—4 to 8 common fine and medium roots; many fine flakes Texture—loam, fine sandy loam, sandy loam, or of mica; very strongly acid; clear wavy boundary. sandy clay loam Bt—6 to 27 inches; yellowish red (5YR 5/6) sandy clay loam; weak medium subangular blocky structure; Bt horizon: friable; common fine and medium roots; few fine Hue—2.5YR or 5YR faint patchy clay films on faces of peds; many fine Value—4 or 5 flakes of mica; very strongly acid; clear wavy Chroma—4 to 8 boundary. Texture—loam, clay loam, or sandy clay loam C—27 to 62 inches; yellowish red (5YR 4/6) saprolite BC horizon (if it occurs): that has a loamy fine sand texture; massive; very Hue—2.5YR to 7.5YR friable; few fine roots; many fine flakes of mica; Value—4 to 6 very strongly acid. 190 Soil Survey

Range in Characteristics Jeffrey Series Thickness of the solum: 20 to 45 inches Depth class: Moderately deep Depth to bedrock: More than 60 inches Drainage class: Well drained Reaction: Very strongly acid to moderately acid Permeability: Moderate and moderately rapid throughout the profile, except where surface layers Landscape: Intermediate mountains have been limed Landform: Mountain slopes and ridges Content of rock fragments: 0 to 15 percent, by volume, Landform position: Summits, shoulders, and side in the A horizon and 0 to 25 percent in the B and C slopes horizons Parent material: Residuum affected by soil creep in the Content of flakes of mica: Common or many in the A upper part, weathered from metasedimentary rock horizon and the upper part of the B horizon and Slope range: 15 to 50 percent many in the lower part of the B horizon and in the Taxonomic class: Fine-loamy, isotic, mesic Typic C horizon Dystrudepts A horizon: Typical Pedon Hue—7.5YR or 10YR Value—3 to 5; value of 3 is limited to thin upper A Jeffrey cobbly loam, 15 to 30 percent slopes, very horizons; soil materials have value of 4 or 5 stony; 7.6 miles northeast of Vilas on U.S. Highway when mixed to a depth of 7 inches 421, about 2.5 miles southwest on Secondary Road Chroma—2 to 4 1233 to Mabel, 3.6 miles northwest on Secondary Texture—loam Road 1227, about 100 feet west on Secondary Road 1225, about 2,100 feet north on a private road to E horizon (if it occurs): Vaught Gap on the Tennessee State line, 1,900 feet Hue—7.5YR or 10YR west along the State line, in a forest; Sherwood USGS Value—5 or 6 topographic quadrangle; lat. 36 degrees 21 minutes 22 Chroma—4 to 8 seconds N. and long. 81 degrees 48 minutes 08 Texture—loam, silt loam, or fine sandy loam seconds W. BA or BE horizon (if it occurs): Oi—4 to 2 inches; slightly decomposed organic matter. Hue—5YR Oe—2 inches to 0; moderately decomposed organic Value—4 or 5 matter. Chroma—4 to 6 A1—0 to 5 inches; dark brown (10YR 3/3) cobbly loam; Texture (fine-earth fraction)—loam, fine sandy weak medium granular structure; friable; many fine loam, or silt loam and medium roots; few fine flakes of mica; 10 Bt horizon: percent, by volume, gravel and 20 percent cobbles; Hue—2.5YR or 5YR extremely acid; clear wavy boundary. Value—4 or 5 A2—5 to 9 inches; dark yellowish brown (10YR 3/4) Chroma—4 to 8 cobbly loam; weak medium granular structure; Texture (fine-earth fraction)—loam, silty clay loam, friable; many fine and medium roots; few fine clay loam, or sandy clay loam flakes of mica; 10 percent gravel, by volume, and 10 percent cobbles; very strongly acid; abrupt BC horizon (if it occurs): wavy boundary. Hue—2.5YR or 5YR Bw—9 to 25 inches; dark yellowish brown (10YR 4/6) Value—4 or 5 cobbly sandy loam; weak medium subangular Chroma—4 to 8 blocky structure; friable; common fine roots; few Texture (fine-earth fraction)—loam, fine sandy fine flakes of mica; 10 percent, by volume, gravel loam, sandy loam, or sandy clay loam and 20 percent cobbles; very strongly acid; abrupt C horizon: wavy boundary. Color—horizon has hue of 2.5YR or 5YR, value of R—25 to 30 inches; unweathered quartzite bedrock. 4 or 5, and chroma of 4 to 8, or it may be Range in Characteristics multicolored Texture (fine-earth fraction)—sandy loam, fine Thickness of the solum: 18 to 35 inches sandy loam, loam, loamy sand, or loamy fine Depth to bedrock: 20 to 40 inches to hard bedrock sand Reaction: Extremely acid to strongly acid throughout Watauga County, North Carolina 191

the profile, except where surface layers have been miles northwest of Boone on U.S. Highway 321, about limed 1.5 miles north on Secondary Road 1202, about 2.1 Content of rock fragments: 15 to 35 percent, by miles northeast on Secondary Road 1201, about 1.2 volume, in the A horizon and 5 to 35 percent in the miles north on Secondary Road 1222, about 1.2 mile Bw and C horizons northwest on Secondary Road 1207, about 500 feet Content of flakes of mica: None or few throughout the south of the road, in a forest; Sherwood USGS profile topographic quadrangle; lat. 36 degrees 19 minutes 08 seconds N. and long. 81 degrees 52 minutes 04 A horizon: seconds W. Hue—10YR Value—2 or 3 Oi—2 inches to 1 inch; slightly decomposed organic Chroma—2 to 4 matter. Texture—cobbly loam Oe—1 inch to 0; moderately decomposed organic matter. Bw horizon: A—0 to 7 inches; brown (10YR 4/3) loam; weak Hue—10YR medium granular structure; friable; many fine roots; Value—4 or 5 5 percent, by volume, gravel; very strongly acid; Chroma—3 to 6 clear wavy boundary. Texture (fine-earth fraction)—sandy loam, fine BA—7 to 12 inches; yellowish brown (10YR 5/4) loam; sandy loam, or loam; some pedons have thin weak medium subangular blocky structure; friable; subhorizons of sandy clay loam common fine roots; 5 percent, by volume, gravel; C horizon (if it occurs): very strongly acid; gradual wavy boundary. Hue—10YR Bt—12 to 30 inches; yellowish brown (10YR 5/6) clay Value—4 or 5 loam; moderate medium subangular blocky Chroma—4 to 6 structure; friable; common fine and medium roots; Texture (fine-earth fraction)—sandy loam, fine few fine faint discontinuous clay films on faces of sandy loam, loam, or loamy fine sand peds; 10 percent, by volume, gravel; very strongly acid; clear wavy boundary. Cr horizon (if it occurs): BC—30 to 38 inches; strong brown (7.5YR 5/6) loam; Type of bedrock—soft quartzite bedrock that is weak medium subangular blocky structure; friable; partly consolidated but can be dug with difficulty few fine roots; 10 percent, by volume, gravel; very with hand tools strongly acid; clear wavy boundary. R horizon: C—38 to 62 inches; strong brown (7.5YR 5/6) gravelly Type of bedrock—unweathered quartzite loam; massive; friable; 30 percent, by volume, gravel; very strongly acid.

Keener Series Range in Characteristics Depth class: Very deep Thickness of the solum: 30 to more than 40 inches Drainage class: Well drained Depth to bedrock: More than 60 inches Permeability: Moderate in the BA, Bt, and BC horizons Reaction: Extremely acid to moderately acid and moderately rapid in the C horizon throughout the profile, except where surface layers Landscape: Low or intermediate mountains and have been limed intermountain hills Content of rock fragments: 0 to 15 percent, by volume, Landform: Coves, drainageways, colluvial fans, and in the A horizon, 0 to 30 percent in the BA and Bt benches horizons, and 10 to 50 percent in the BC and C Landform position: Footslopes and toeslopes horizons Parent material: Colluvium derived from Content of flakes of mica: None or few throughout the metasedimentary rock profile Slope range: 8 to 30 percent Taxonomic class: Fine-loamy, siliceous, semiactive, A horizon: mesic Typic Hapludults Hue—10YR Value—3 or 4; value of 3 is limited to thin upper A Typical Pedon horizons; soil materials have value of 4 when Keener loam, 15 to 30 percent slopes, stony; 11.2 mixed to a depth of 7 inches 192 Soil Survey

Chroma—2 to 4 quadrangle; lat. 36 degrees 20 minutes 16 seconds N. Texture—loam and long. 81 degrees 38 minutes 46 seconds W. BA horizon: Oe1—0 to 6 inches; dark brown (7.5YR 3/2) broken Hue—7.5YR or 10YR face mucky peat, dark reddish brown (5YR 3/2) Value—4 or 5 crushed and rubbed (hemic material); about 60 Chroma—3 to 6 percent fiber, 30 percent rubbed; massive; loose; Texture (fine-earth fraction)—loam or fine sandy primarily sphagnum moss fibers; many very fine to loam medium roots; very strongly acid; clear smooth boundary. Bt horizon: Oe2—6 to 12 inches; very dark brown (10YR 2/2) Hue—7.5YR or 10YR broken face mucky peat, very dark grayish brown Value—5 or 6 (10YR 3/2) rubbed (hemic material); about 70 Chroma—6 or 8 percent fiber, 40 percent rubbed; massive; loose; Texture (fine-earth fraction)—loam, clay loam, or many very fine to medium roots; very strongly sandy clay loam acid; clear smooth boundary. BC horizon: Oa—12 to 20 inches; very dark brown (10YR 2/2) Hue—7.5YR or 10YR broken face muck, very dark grayish brown (10YR Value—5 or 6 3/2) rubbed (sapric material); about 50 percent Chroma—6 or 8 fiber, 15 percent rubbed; massive; loose; many Texture (fine-earth fraction)—loam, clay loam, or very fine to medium roots; very strongly acid; clear sandy clay loam smooth boundary. Cg—20 to 32 inches; olive gray (5Y 5/2) loamy sand; C horizon: massive; friable; common medium prominent light Hue—7.5YR or 10YR olive brown (2.5Y 5/6) masses of iron Value—5 or 6 accumulation with clear boundaries in the matrix; Chroma—6 or 8 many fine and medium flakes of mica; 5 percent, Texture (fine-earth fraction)—fine sandy loam, by volume, gravel; moderately acid; clear smooth sandy loam, or loam boundary. C1—32 to 48 inches; yellowish brown (10YR 5/6) sandy loam; massive; friable; few fine faint light Longhope Series olive brown (2.5Y 5/6) iron depletions with gradual boundaries in the matrix; many fine and medium Depth class: Very deep flakes of mica; common fine hornblende minerals; Drainage class: Very poorly drained 10 percent, by volume, gravel; slightly acid; clear Permeability: Moderate and moderately rapid in the smooth boundary. organic horizons and moderately slow to C2—48 to 65 inches; dark yellowish brown (10YR 4/6) moderately rapid in the mineral horizons gravelly loamy coarse sand; massive; loose; few Landscape: High mountains fine distinct light olive brown (2.5Y 5/6) iron Landform: Upland drainageways and depressions (bogs depletions with clear boundaries in the matrix; and fens) many fine and medium flakes of mica; many fine Landform position: Toeslopes and linear to slightly hornblende minerals; 15 percent, by volume, gravel concave slopes and 5 percent cobbles; slightly acid. Parent material: Plant residue and local alluvium Slope range: 0 to 3 percent Range in Characteristics Taxonomic class: Sandy or sandy-skeletal, isotic, euic, Thickness of organic tiers: 16 to 30 inches frigid Terric Haplohemists Depth to bedrock: More than 60 inches Depth to contrasting materials: 16 to 30 inches Typical Pedon Reaction: Extremely acid to strongly acid in the organic Longhope mucky peat, 0 to 3 percent slopes; 10.7 horizons and very strongly acid to slightly acid in miles northeast of Boone on North Carolina Highway the mineral horizons 194, about 1.0 mile northwest on Secondary Road Content of rock fragments: 0 to 50 percent, by volume, 1346, about 3.1 miles northwest on a private road, 0.24 in individual horizons of the mineral layers mile southeast on a farm road, 500 feet northeast of Content of flakes of mica: Few to many in the organic the road, in a bog; Zionville USGS topographic layers and many in the mineral layers Watauga County, North Carolina 193

Surface tier (Oi or Oe horizon): quadrangle; lat. 36 degrees 16 minutes 02 seconds N. Color—tier has hue of 5YR to 2.5Y, value of 2 to 4, and long. 81 degrees 33 minutes 07 seconds W. and chroma of 1 to 4, or it is neutral in hue and Ap—0 to 11 inches; dark brown (10YR 3/3) loam; weak has value of 2 to 4 medium granular structure; friable; many fine roots; Texture—peat or mucky peat many fine flakes of mica; strongly acid; clear wavy Subsurface tier (Oa horizon): boundary. Color—tier has hue of 10YR to 5Y, value of 2 to 4, A1—11 to 16 inches; very dark grayish brown (10YR and chroma of 1 to 3, or it is neutral in hue and 3/2) loam; weak medium granular structure; friable; has value of 2 to 4 common fine roots; common medium prominent Texture—muck yellowish red (5YR 4/6) masses of iron accumulation in the matrix; many fine flakes of A horizon (if it occurs): mica; strongly acid; clear wavy boundary. Color—horizon has hue of 7.5YR to 2.5Y, value of A2—16 to 28 inches; very dark gray (10YR 3/1) loam; 3 or 4, and chroma of 1 to 3, or it is neutral in massive; friable; few fine roots; many fine flakes of hue and has value of 2 to 4 mica; moderately acid; clear wavy boundary. Texture (fine-earth fraction)—loamy sand, loamy Cg—28 to 62 inches; dark gray (10YR 4/1) very coarse sand, sandy loam, or coarse sandy loam gravelly sand; single grained; loose; many fine flakes of mica; 35 percent, by volume, gravel and Cg horizon: 10 percent cobbles; moderately acid. Color—horizon has hue of 7.5YR to 5G, value of 4 to 8, and chroma of 1 or 2, or it is neutral in hue Range in Characteristics and has value of 4 to 8 Thickness of the solum: 24 to 35 inches Texture (fine-earth fraction)—loamy sand, loamy Depth to bedrock: More than 60 inches coarse sand, sandy loam, or coarse sandy loam Depth to contrasting materials: 24 to 40 inches to C horizon: materials that contain more than 35 percent, by Hue—7.5YR to 5Y volume, gravel, cobbles, and stones Value—4 to 8 Reaction: Very strongly acid to slightly acid throughout Chroma—3 to 8 the profile, except where surface layers have been Texture (fine-earth fraction)—loamy sand, loamy limed coarse sand, sandy loam, or coarse sandy loam Content of rock fragments: 0 to 15 percent, by volume, in the A horizon, 0 to 35 percent in the AC horizon, and more than 35 percent in the Cg horizon Nikwasi Series Content of flakes of mica: Few to many throughout the profile Depth class: Very deep A or Ap horizon: Drainage class: Poorly drained and very poorly drained Hue—10YR Permeability: Moderately rapid in the A horizon and Value—2 or 3 rapid in the Cg horizon Chroma—1 to 3 Landscape: Stream valleys of mountains and Texture—loam intermountain hills Landform: Flood plains AC horizon (if it occurs): Landform position: Linear to slightly concave slopes Hue—10YR Parent material: Alluvium Value—2 or 3 Slope range: 0 to 3 percent Chroma—1 to 3 Taxonomic class: Coarse-loamy over sandy or sandy- Texture (fine-earth fraction)—loamy sand, loamy skeletal, mixed, acid, mesic Cumulic Humaquepts fine sand, loamy coarse sand, sand, or coarse sand Typical Pedon Cg horizon: Nikwasi loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently Color—hue of 10YR, 2.5Y, or neutral, value of 4 to flooded; 6.9 miles east of Boone on U.S. Highway 421, 6, and chroma of 1 or 2; individual sand grains about 2.2 miles north on Secondary Road 1359, about and coarse fragments may be multicolored 100 feet southeast of the road, 50 feet northwest of Texture (fine-earth fraction)—loamy sand, loamy Meadow Creek, in a pasture; Todd USGS topographic coarse sand, sand, or coarse sand 194 Soil Survey

Northcove Series Reaction: Extremely acid to moderately acid throughout the profile, except where surface layers Depth class: Very deep have been limed Drainage class: Well drained Content of rock fragments: 35 to 60 percent, by Permeability: Moderately rapid volume, in the A and Bw horizons and 35 to 80 Landscape: Low or intermediate mountains percent in the C horizon Landform: Coves, drainageways, colluvial fans, and Content of flakes of mica: None or few throughout the benches profile Landform position: Footslopes and toeslopes Parent material: Colluvium derived from A horizon: metasedimentary rock Hue—7.5YR or 10YR Slope range: 15 to 50 percent Value—2 to 5; value of 2 or 3 is limited to thin Taxonomic class: Loamy-skeletal, mixed, semiactive, upper A horizons; soil materials have value of 4 mesic Typic Dystrudepts or 5 when mixed to a depth of 7 inches Chroma—2 to 4 Typical Pedon Texture—very cobbly loam Northcove very cobbly loam, 30 to 50 percent slopes, BA horizon (if it occurs): extremely bouldery; 13.7 miles northwest of Boone on Hue—7.5YR or 10YR U.S. Highway 321, about 0.6 mile north on Secondary Value—4 or 5 Road 1200, about 2.1 miles northwest on Secondary Chroma—3 to 6 Road 1201, about 0.9 mile north on Secondary Road Texture (fine-earth fraction)—fine sandy loam, 1206, about 0.3 mile northwest on a private road, in a sandy loam, or loam road cut; Elk Mills USGS topographic quadrangle; lat. 36 degrees 18 minutes 10 seconds N. and long. 81 Bw horizon: degrees 53 minutes 45 seconds W. Hue—7.5YR or 10YR Value—4 to 6 Oi—2 inches to 0; slightly decomposed organic matter. Chroma—3 to 8 A1—0 to 4 inches; very dark grayish brown (10YR 3/2) Texture (fine-earth fraction)—fine sandy loam, very cobbly loam; weak medium granular structure; sandy loam, or loam friable; many fine, medium, and coarse roots; few fine flakes of mica; 15 percent, by volume, gravel, C horizon (if it occurs): 30 percent cobbles, and 10 percent stones; Hue—7.5YR or 10YR strongly acid; abrupt wavy boundary. Value—4 to 6 A2—4 to 8 inches; dark yellowish brown (10YR 4/4) Chroma—3 to 8 very cobbly loam; weak medium granular structure; Texture (fine-earth fraction)—sandy loam, fine friable; many fine, medium, and coarse roots; few sandy loam, or loamy sand fine flakes of mica; 15 percent, by volume, gravel, 30 percent cobbles, and 5 percent stones; very strongly acid; clear wavy boundary. Porters Series Bw1—8 to 48 inches; light yellowish brown (10YR 6/4) very cobbly loam; weak medium subangular blocky Depth class: Deep structure; friable; common fine and medium roots; Drainage class: Well drained few fine flakes of mica; 15 percent, by volume, Permeability: Moderately rapid gravel, 30 percent cobbles, and 5 percent stones; Landscape: Intermediate mountains and intermountain very strongly acid; clear wavy boundary. hills Bw2—48 to 62 inches; dark yellowish brown (10YR 4/6) Landform: Mountain slopes and ridges very cobbly loam; weak medium subangular blocky Landform position: Summits, shoulders, and side structure; friable; common fine roots; few fine slopes flakes of mica; 15 percent, by volume, gravel, 30 Parent material: Residuum affected by soil creep in the percent cobbles, and 5 percent stones; very upper part, weathered from felsic to mafic, igneous strongly acid. or high-grade metamorphic rock Slope range: 8 to 95 percent Range in Characteristics Taxonomic class: Fine-loamy, isotic, mesic Typic Thickness of the solum: 35 to more than 60 inches Dystrudepts Depth to bedrock: More than 60 inches Watauga County, North Carolina 195

Typical Pedon Chroma—1 to 4 Texture—loam Porters loam, 50 to 95 percent slopes, stony; 0.4 mile northeast of Zionville on Secondary Road 1233, about AB horizon (if it occurs): 1.4 miles south on U.S. Highway 421 to its intersection Hue—7.5YR or 10YR with Secondary Road 1388, about 1.3 miles southeast Value—3 or 4 on a private road in the Silverleaf Subdivision, 50 feet Chroma—2 to 4 southwest of the road, in a forest; Zionville USGS Texture (fine-earth fraction)—fine sandy loam, topographic quadrangle; lat. 36 degrees 18 minutes 58 sandy loam, or loam seconds N. and long. 81 degrees 43 minutes 36 BA horizon (if it occurs): seconds W. Hue—7.5YR or 10YR Oi—1 inch to 0; slightly decomposed organic matter. Value—4 or 5 A—0 to 7 inches; very dark grayish brown (10YR 3/2) Chroma—3 to 6 loam; weak fine granular structure; friable; many Texture (fine-earth fraction)—fine sandy loam, fine and medium roots; common fine flakes of sandy loam, or loam mica; 5 percent, by volume, gravel and cobbles; Bw horizon: strongly acid; clear wavy boundary. Hue—7.5YR or 10YR AB—7 to 10 inches; dark yellowish brown (10YR 3/4) Value—4 to 6 loam; weak fine subangular blocky structure; Chroma—3 to 8 friable; many fine and medium roots; common fine Texture (fine-earth fraction)—fine sandy loam, flakes of mica; 5 percent, by volume, gravel and sandy loam, or loam; some pedons have thin cobbles; moderately acid; abrupt wavy boundary. subhorizons of sandy clay loam Bw—10 to 38 inches; dark yellowish brown (10YR 4/6) loam; weak medium subangular blocky structure; BC horizon: friable; common fine and medium roots; common Color—horizon has hue of 7.5YR to 2.5Y, value of fine flakes of mica; 5 percent, by volume, gravel 4 to 6, and chroma of 3 to 8, or it may be and cobbles; moderately acid; gradual wavy multicolored boundary. Texture (fine-earth fraction)—fine sandy loam, BC—38 to 45 inches; dark yellowish brown (10YR 4/6), sandy loam, or loam yellowish brown (10YR 5/8), and olive brown (2.5Y C horizon (if it occurs): 4/3) gravelly loam; weak medium subangular Color—horizon has hue of 7.5YR to 2.5Y, value of blocky structure; friable; few fine roots; common 3 to 6, and chroma of 2 to 8, or it may be fine flakes of mica; 15 percent, by volume, gravel multicolored and 5 percent cobbles; very strongly acid; abrupt Texture (fine-earth fraction)—sandy loam, fine wavy boundary. sandy loam, loam, loamy sand, or loamy fine Cr—45 to 54 inches; soft, weathered amphibolite sand bedrock that is partly consolidated but can be dug with difficulty with hand tools; gradual wavy Cr horizon (if it occurs): boundary. Type of bedrock—weathered felsic to mafic, R—54 to 65 inches; unweathered amphibolite. igneous or metamorphic rock that can be dug with difficulty with hand tools Range in Characteristics R horizon: Thickness of the solum: 20 to 50 inches Type of bedrock—unweathered felsic to mafic, Depth to bedrock: 40 to 60 inches to hard bedrock igneous or metamorphic rock Reaction: Very strongly acid to slightly acid throughout the profile, except where surface layers have been limed Content of rock fragments: 0 to 35 percent, by volume, Reddies Series throughout the profile Depth class: Very deep Content of flakes of mica: Few or common throughout Drainage class: Moderately well drained the profile Permeability: Moderately rapid in the A and Bw A or Ap horizon: horizons and rapid in the C horizon Hue—7.5YR or 10YR Landscape: Stream valleys of mountains and Value—2 or 3 intermountain hills 196 Soil Survey

Landform: Flood plains Chroma—2 or 3 Landform position: Linear to slightly convex slopes Texture—loam Parent material: Alluvium Bw horizon: Slope range: 0 to 3 percent Hue—7.5YR or 10YR Taxonomic class: Coarse-loamy over sandy or sandy- Value—4 to 6 skeletal, mixed, mesic Oxyaquic Dystrudepts Chroma—4 to 8 Texture (fine-earth fraction)—sandy loam, fine Typical Pedon sandy loam, or loam Reddies loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently Other characteristics—iron depletions with chroma flooded; 5.9 miles west of Boone on U.S. Highway 321, of 2 or less at a depth of 20 to 40 inches about 4.1 miles north on Secondary Road 1233, about C horizon: 200 feet east of the road, in a pasture; Sherwood Color—horizon has hue of 7.5YR to 2.5Y, value of USGS topographic quadrangle; lat. 36 degrees 18 2 to 6, and chroma of 2 to 8, or it is multicolored minutes 11 seconds N. and long. 81 degrees 46 Texture (fine-earth fraction)—sand, coarse sand, minutes 03 seconds W. loamy sand, or loamy fine sand Ap—0 to 11 inches; dark brown (10YR 3/3) loam; weak medium granular structure; friable; common fine roots; many fine flakes of mica; strongly acid; clear Rosman Series wavy boundary. Bw1—11 to 29 inches; dark yellowish brown (10YR 4/6) Depth class: Very deep fine sandy loam; weak medium subangular blocky Drainage class: Well drained structure; friable; common fine roots; many fine Permeability: Moderately rapid flakes of mica; slightly acid; clear wavy boundary. Landscape: Stream valleys of mountains and Bw2—29 to 35 inches; brown (10YR 4/3) fine sandy intermountain hills loam; massive; friable; common medium faint dark Landform: Flood plains grayish brown (10YR 4/2) iron depletions with Landform position: Linear to slightly convex slopes gradual boundaries in the matrix; few fine roots; Parent material: Alluvium many fine flakes of mica; moderately acid; abrupt Slope range: 0 to 3 percent wavy boundary. Taxonomic class: Coarse-loamy, mixed, superactive, C—35 to 62 inches; dark grayish brown (10YR 4/2) and mesic Fluventic Humic Dystrudepts yellowish brown (10YR 5/6) very cobbly sand; single grained; loose; few fine roots; many fine Typical Pedon flakes of mica; 15 percent, by volume, gravel, 35 Rosman fine sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, percent cobbles, and 5 percent stones; moderately occasionally flooded; 4.2 miles east of Boone on U.S. acid. Highway 421, about 3.6 miles north on Secondary Road 1355, about 0.7 mile east on Secondary Road Range in Characteristics 1392, about 0.5 mile north on Secondary Road 1354, Thickness of the solum: 20 to 39 inches about 400 feet northwest on a farm road across the Depth to bedrock: More than 60 inches New River, 200 feet west of the road, 100 feet north of Depth to contrasting materials: 20 to 40 inches to the river, in a field; Todd USGS topographic quadrangle; materials containing more than 35 percent, by lat. 36 degrees 15 minutes 23 seconds N. and long. 81 volume, gravel, cobbles, and stones degrees 35 minutes 30 seconds W. Reaction: Very strongly acid to neutral throughout the Ap—0 to 12 inches; dark brown (10YR 3/3) fine sandy profile loam; weak fine and medium granular structure; Content of rock fragments: 0 to 15 percent, by volume, friable; abundant fine roots; many fine flakes of in the A horizon, 0 to 35 percent in the B horizon, mica; neutral; gradual wavy boundary. and more than 35 percent in the C horizon AB—12 to 16 inches; dark yellowish brown (10YR 3/4) Content of flakes of mica: Few to many throughout the fine sandy loam; weak fine and medium granular profile structure; friable; abundant fine roots; many fine A or Ap horizon: flakes of mica; neutral; abrupt wavy boundary. Hue—7.5YR or 10YR Bw—16 to 48 inches; dark yellowish brown (10YR 4/6) Value—2 or 3 fine sandy loam; weak fine subangular blocky Watauga County, North Carolina 197

structure; friable; few fine roots; many fine flakes of Landscape: Low or intermediate mountains and mica; neutral; clear wavy boundary. intermountain hills C—48 to 62 inches; yellowish brown (10YR 5/8) fine Landform: Coves, drainageways, colluvial fans, and sandy loam; massive; friable; many fine flakes of benches mica; slightly acid. Landform position: Footslopes and toeslopes Parent material: Colluvium derived from felsic to mafic, Range in Characteristics igneous or high-grade metamorphic rock Thickness of the solum: 35 to 60 inches or more Slope range: 2 to 50 percent Depth to bedrock: More than 60 inches Taxonomic class: Fine-loamy, mixed, superactive, Reaction: Strongly acid to neutral in the A and Bw mesic Humic Hapludults horizons and strongly acid to slightly acid in the C Typical Pedon horizon Content of rock fragments: 0 to less than 15 percent, Saunook loam, 15 to 30 percent slopes; 2.4 miles by volume, in the upper 40 inches of the profile southeast of Deep Gap on U.S. Highway 421, about and possibly ranging to 50 percent in horizons 1,400 feet northwest on a private road, 100 feet north below a depth of 40 inches of the road, in a pasture; Maple Springs USGS Content of flakes of mica: Few to many throughout the topographic quadrangle; lat. 36 degrees 13 minutes 04 profile seconds N. and long. 81 degrees 29 minutes 00 seconds W. Ap, A, or AB horizon: Hue—7.5YR or 10YR Ap—0 to 9 inches; dark brown (10YR 3/3) loam; weak Value—2 or 3 medium granular structure; friable; many fine and Chroma—1 to 4; soil materials have value and medium roots; common fine flakes of mica; 10 chroma of 3 or less when mixed; chroma of 4 is percent, by volume, gravel and cobbles; limited to thin lower AB horizons moderately acid; abrupt wavy boundary. Texture—fine sandy loam Bt1—9 to 35 inches; brown (7.5YR 4/4) loam; moderate medium subangular blocky structure; friable; few Bw horizon: fine roots; few fine faint patchy clay films on faces Hue—7.5YR or 10YR of peds; common fine flakes of mica; 10 percent, Value—4 to 6 by volume, gravel and cobbles; strongly acid; Chroma—3 to 8 gradual wavy boundary. Texture (fine-earth fraction)—sandy loam, fine Bt2—35 to 65 inches; brown (7.5YR 4/4) cobbly loam; sandy loam, or loam moderate medium subangular blocky structure; Other characteristics—iron depletions with chroma friable; few fine roots; few fine patchy clay films on of 2 or less, if they occur, are below a depth of faces of peds; common fine flakes of mica; 10 40 inches percent, by volume, gravel and 15 percent cobbles; C horizon: strongly acid. Hue—7.5YR to 2.5Y Range in Characteristics Value—3 to 6 Chroma—2 to 8 Thickness of the solum: 40 to more than 60 inches Texture (fine-earth fraction)—fine sandy loam, Depth to bedrock: More than 60 inches sandy loam, loam, loamy sand, loamy fine Reaction: Extremely acid to moderately acid in the A sand, sand, or coarse sand horizon, except where limed, and very strongly Other characteristics—horizon may have iron acid to slightly acid in the Bt, BC, and C horizons depletions with chroma of 2 or less and mottles Content of rock fragments: 0 to 35 percent, by volume, in shades of red, brown, yellow, olive, and gray in the A and Bt horizons and as much as 60 percent in the BC and C horizons Content of flakes of mica: Few or common throughout Saunook Series the profile Depth class: Very deep A or Ap horizon: Drainage class: Well drained Hue—7.5YR or 10YR Permeability: Generally moderate; moderately rapid in Value—2 or 3 the BC or C horizon (if it occurs) that contains 35 Chroma—2 to 4 to 60 percent rock fragments Texture—loam 198 Soil Survey

BA or BE horizon (if it occurs): loam; weak medium granular structure; friable; Hue—7.5YR or 10YR many fine and medium roots; 10 percent, by Value—4 to 6 volume, channers; very strongly acid; abrupt wavy Chroma—4 to 8 boundary. Texture (fine-earth fraction)—fine sandy loam, Bw—6 to 20 inches; brownish yellow (10YR 6/6) loam; loam, sandy loam, or sandy clay loam weak medium subangular blocky structure; friable; common fine and medium roots; 10 percent, by Bt horizon: volume, channers; very strongly acid; gradual wavy Hue—7.5YR or 10YR boundary. Value—4 to 6 BC—20 to 25 inches; brownish yellow (10YR 6/6) Chroma—4 to 8 channery loam; weak medium subangular blocky Texture (fine-earth fraction)—loam, clay loam, or structure; friable; common fine roots; 25 percent, sandy clay loam by volume, channers; very strongly acid; clear BC horizon (if it occurs): wavy boundary. Hue—7.5YR or 10YR C—25 to 30 inches; strong brown (7.5YR 5/8) saprolite Value—4 to 6 that has a channery loam texture; massive; friable; Chroma—4 to 8 few fine roots; 30 percent, by volume, channers; Texture (fine-earth fraction)—fine sandy loam, very strongly acid; gradual wavy boundary. sandy loam, loam, or sandy clay loam Cr—30 to 62 inches; weathered metasandstone that is partly consolidated but can be dug with difficulty C horizon (if it occurs): with hand tools. Color—horizon has hue of 7.5YR or 10YR, value of 4 to 6, and chroma of 4 to 8, or it is multicolored Range in Characteristics Texture (fine-earth fraction)—fine sandy loam, Thickness of the solum: 15 to 39 inches sandy loam, loam, loamy fine sand, or loamy Depth to bedrock: 20 to 40 inches to soft bedrock and sand 40 to 60 inches or more to hard bedrock Reaction: Extremely acid to strongly acid throughout Soco Series the profile, except where surface layers have been limed Depth class: Moderately deep Content of rock fragments: 0 to 15 percent, by volume, Drainage class: Well drained in the A horizon and 0 to 35 percent in the Bw, BC, Permeability: Moderately rapid and C horizons Landscape: Intermediate mountains and intermountain Content of flakes of mica: None to common throughout hills the profile Landform: Mountain slopes and ridges A horizon: Landform position: Summits and shoulders Hue—7.5YR to 2.5Y Parent material: Residuum affected by soil creep in the Value—2 to 5; value of 2 or 3 is limited to thin upper part, weathered from metasedimentary rock upper A horizons; soil materials have value of 4 Slope range: 15 to 50 percent or 5 when mixed to a depth of 7 inches Taxonomic class: Coarse-loamy, mixed, active, mesic Chroma—1 to 6 Typic Dystrudepts Texture—loam Typical Pedon Bw horizon: Soco loam, 30 to 50 percent slopes, stony; 7.6 miles Hue—5YR to 2.5Y northeast of Vilas on U.S. Highway 421, about 2.5 Value—4 to 6 miles southwest on Secondary Road 1233 to Mabel, Chroma—3 to 8 3.6 miles northwest on Secondary Road 1227, about Texture (fine-earth fraction)—sandy loam, fine 100 feet west on Secondary Road 1225, about 600 feet sandy loam, loam, or silt loam northwest on a private road, 600 feet northwest of the BC horizon: road, in a forest; Sherwood USGS topographic Hue—5YR to 2.5Y quadrangle; lat. 36 degrees 21 minutes 14 seconds N. Value—4 to 6 and long. 81 degrees 47 minutes 39 seconds W. Chroma—3 to 8 Oi—1 inch to 0; slightly decomposed organic matter. Texture (fine-earth fraction)—sandy loam, fine A—0 to 6 inches; dark yellowish brown (10YR 4/4) sandy loam, loam, or silt loam Watauga County, North Carolina 199

C horizon (if it occurs): Cg3—50 to 62 inches; gray (10YR 5/1) very gravelly Color—horizon has hue of 5YR to 2.5Y, value of 4 sand; single grained; loose; many fine flakes of to 6, and chroma of 4 to 8, or it may be mica; 35 percent, by volume, gravel and 10 multicolored percent cobbles; slightly acid. Texture (fine-earth fraction)—sandy loam, fine Range in Characteristics sandy loam, loam, loamy sand, loamy fine sand, or silt loam Thickness of the solum: 24 to 50 inches Depth to bedrock: More than 60 inches Cr horizon: Depth to contrasting materials: More than 40 inches to Type of bedrock—weathered metasedimentary materials containing more than 35 percent, by rock that is partly consolidated but can be dug volume, gravel, cobbles, and stones with difficulty with hand tools Reaction: Strongly acid to slightly acid throughout the R horizon (if it occurs): profile, except where surface layers have been Type of bedrock—unweathered metasedimentary limed rock Content of rock fragments: 0 to 5 percent, by volume, in the A horizon, 0 to 15 percent in the Cg horizon to a depth of 40 inches, and 0 to 50 percent in the Toxaway Series Cg horizon below a depth of 40 inches Content of flakes of mica: Few to many throughout the Depth class: Very deep profile Drainage class: Poorly drained and very poorly drained Permeability: Moderate in the A horizon and moderately A or Ap horizon: rapid and rapid in the Cg horizon Hue—10YR Landscape: Stream valleys of mountains and Value—2 or 3 intermountain hills Chroma—0 to 3 Landform: Flood plains Texture—loam Landform position: Linear to slightly concave slopes AB horizon (if it occurs): Parent material: Alluvium Hue—10YR Slope range: 0 to 2 percent Value—2 or 3 Taxonomic class: Fine-loamy, mixed, nonacid, mesic Chroma—0 to 3 Cumulic Humaquepts Texture—silt loam or loam Typical Pedon Cg horizon: Toxaway loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently Hue—10YR or 2.5Y flooded; 0.8 mile east of Boone on U.S. Highway 421, Value—3 to 6 about 0.7 mile north on Secondary Road 1328, about Chroma—0 to 2 500 feet east of the road, 300 feet north of the New Texture (fine-earth fraction)—clay loam, sandy clay River, in a pasture; Boone USGS topographic loam, silt loam, loam, sandy loam, or fine sandy quadrangle; lat. 36 degrees 13 minutes 44 seconds N. loam to a depth of 40 inches; loamy sand, and long. 81 degrees 38 minutes 33 seconds W. loamy coarse sand, sand, or coarse sand may occur below a depth of 40 inches Ap—0 to 10 inches; very dark grayish brown (10YR 3/2) loam; weak medium granular structure; friable; abundant fine roots; few fine flakes of mica; Udorthents moderately acid; clear wavy boundary. A—10 to 27 inches; very dark gray (10YR 3/1) loam; Udorthents consist of areas where natural soil has weak medium granular structure; friable; few fine been altered by excavation or covered by earthy fill roots; few fine flakes of mica; moderately acid; material. The areas are typically well drained. The clear wavy boundary. excavated areas are mainly borrow areas from which Cg1—27 to 37 inches; dark gray (10YR 4/1) loam; soil material has been removed and used as foundation massive; friable; few fine roots; many fine flakes of material for roads or buildings. In excavated areas the mica; slightly acid; clear wavy boundary. texture of the exposed underlying material ranges from Cg2—37 to 50 inches; dark gray (10YR 4/1) fine sandy loamy sand to clay loam. The fill areas are sites where loam; massive; friable; many fine flakes of mica; at least 20 inches of earthy fill material covers the strongly acid; clear wavy boundary. natural soil or where borrow pits, dumps, natural 200 Soil Survey

drainageways, or low-lying areas have been filled. loam; common medium faint (7.5YR 4/8) mottles; Slope ranges from nearly level to steep. weak medium subangular blocky structure; friable; A typical pedon is not given for these soils because common fine roots; few fine flakes of mica; 10 of their variability. The fill areas are mainly more than percent, by volume, gravel and 15 percent cobbles; 20 inches deep and are as much as 20 to 30 feet deep strongly acid; abrupt wavy boundary. in places. Some areas have inclusions of nonsoil Cr—25 to 35 inches; soft, weathered amphibolite material, such as concrete, wood, glass, and asphalt. bedrock that is partly consolidated but can be dug The soils are stratified and are variable in color and with difficulty with hand tools. texture. R—35 to 42 inches; unweathered amphibolite bedrock. Areas of Udorthents, loamy, have hue of 2.5YR to 10YR, value of 3 to 7, and chroma of 3 to 8. Texture is Range in Characteristics variable and ranges from sandy loam to clay loam. Thickness of the solum: 18 to 36 inches Reaction ranges from extremely acid to slightly acid, Depth to bedrock: 20 to 40 inches to hard bedrock except where surface layers have been limed. Reaction: Extremely acid to slightly acid throughout the profile, except where surface layers have been Unaka Series limed Content of rock fragments: 15 to 35 percent, by Depth class: Moderately deep volume, in the A, Bw, and C horizons Drainage class: Well drained Content of flakes of mica: Few or common throughout Permeability: Moderately rapid the profile Landscape: Intermediate mountains and intermountain hills A horizon: Landform: Mountain slopes and ridges Hue—10YR Landform position: Summits and shoulders Value—2 or 3 Parent material: Residuum affected by soil creep in the Chroma—2 or 3 upper part, weathered from felsic to mafic, igneous Texture—cobbly loam or high-grade metamorphic rock BA horizon (if it occurs): Slope range: 8 to 95 percent Hue—7.5YR or 10YR Taxonomic class: Fine-loamy, isotic, mesic Typic Value—3 to 5 Dystrudepts Chroma—4 to 6 Typical Pedon Texture (fine-earth fraction)—sandy loam, fine sandy loam, or loam Unaka cobbly loam in an area of Unaka-Porters complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes, very rocky; 8.7 Bw horizon: miles northwest of Boone on U.S. Highway 421, about Hue—7.5YR or 10YR 1.9 miles east on Secondary Road 1306, about 0.9 Value—4 or 5 mile south on Secondary Road 1102, about 0.7 mile Chroma—4 to 6 southwest on a farm road, 400 feet northwest of the Texture (fine-earth fraction)—sandy loam, fine road, in a forest; Zionville USGS topographic sandy loam, or loam; some pedons have thin quadrangle; lat. 36 degrees 15 minutes 53 seconds N. subhorizons of sandy clay loam or clay loam and long. 81 degrees 44 minutes 08 seconds W. C horizon (if it occurs): Oi—2 inches to 0; slightly decomposed organic matter. Color—horizon has hue of 10YR, value of 4 or 5, A—0 to 8 inches; dark brown (10YR 3/3) cobbly loam; and chroma of 4 to 6, or it may be multicolored weak medium granular structure; friable; many fine Texture (fine-earth fraction)—sandy loam, fine and medium roots; few fine flakes of mica; 10 sandy loam, or loam percent, by volume, gravel and 15 percent cobbles; Cr horizon (if it occurs): strongly acid; abrupt wavy boundary. Type of bedrock—weathered felsic, igneous or BA—8 to 12 inches; brown (7.5YR 4/4) cobbly loam; metamorphic rock that is partly consolidated but weak medium subangular structure; friable; many can be dug with difficulty with hand tools fine and medium roots; few fine flakes of mica; 10 percent, by volume, gravel and 15 percent cobbles; R horizon: strongly acid; clear wavy boundary. Type of bedrock—unweathered felsic, igneous or Bw—12 to 25 inches; strong brown (7.5YR 5/6) cobbly metamorphic rock Watauga County, North Carolina 201

Unicoi Series Content of rock fragments: 35 to 60 percent, by volume, throughout the profile Depth class: Shallow Content of flakes of mica: None or few throughout the Drainage class: Excessively drained profile Permeability: Moderately rapid A horizon: Landscape: Low or intermediate mountains and Hue—10YR intermountain hills Value—3 to 6; value of 3 is limited to thin upper A Landform: Mountain slopes and ridges horizons; soil materials have value of 4 to 6 Landform position: Shoulders when mixed to a depth of 7 inches Parent material: Residuum affected by soil creep in the Chroma—1 to 4 upper part, weathered from metasedimentary rock Texture—very cobbly loam Slope range: 50 to 95 percent Taxonomic class: Loamy-skeletal, mixed, semiactive, Bw horizon: mesic Lithic Dystrudepts Hue—7.5YR to 2.5Y Value—4 to 6 Typical Pedon Chroma—3 to 8 Unicoi very cobbly loam in an area of Ditney-Unicoi Texture (fine-earth fraction)—sandy loam, fine complex, 50 to 95 percent slopes, very rocky (fig. 15); sandy loam, or loam 13.7 miles northwest of Boone on U.S. Highway 321, C horizon (if it occurs): about 0.6 mile north on Secondary Road 1200, about Hue—7.5YR to 2.5Y 2.1 miles northwest on Secondary Road 1201, about Value—4 to 6 0.9 mile north on Secondary Road 1206, about 0.5 mile Chroma—3 to 8 northwest on a private road, in a road cut; Elk Mills Texture (fine-earth fraction)—sandy loam, fine USGS topographic quadrangle; lat. 36 degrees 18 sandy loam, or loam minutes 12 seconds N. and long. 81 degrees 53 minutes 52 seconds W. R horizon: Type of bedrock—unweathered metasedimentary Oe—1 inch to 0; moderately decomposed organic rock matter. A1—0 to 1 inch; dark brown (10YR 3/3) very cobbly loam; weak medium granular structure; friable; many fine, medium, and coarse roots; few fine Watauga Series flakes of mica; 15 percent, by volume, gravel and Depth class: Very deep 25 percent cobbles; extremely acid; abrupt wavy Drainage class: Well drained boundary. Permeability: Moderate A2—1 to 5 inches; dark yellowish brown (10YR 4/4) Landscape: Low mountains and intermountain hills very cobbly loam; weak medium granular structure; Landform: Mountain slopes and ridges friable; many fine, medium, and coarse roots; few Landform position: Summits and shoulders fine flakes of mica; 15 percent, by volume, gravel Parent material: Residuum affected by soil creep in the and 25 percent cobbles; extremely acid; abrupt upper part, weathered from high-grade wavy boundary. metamorphic rocks that have a high mica content Bw—5 to 11 inches; light yellowish brown (10YR 6/4) Slope range: 8 to 30 percent very cobbly loam; weak medium subangular blocky Taxonomic class: Fine-loamy, paramicaceous, mesic structure; friable; common fine and medium roots; Typic Hapludults few fine flakes of mica; 20 percent gravel, by volume, and 30 percent cobbles; very strongly Typical Pedon acid; abrupt smooth boundary. R—11 to 16 inches; unweathered quartzite. Watauga loam, 15 to 30 percent slopes; 5.1 miles east of Boone on U.S. Highway 421, about 1.8 miles Range in Characteristics northeast on Secondary Road 1357, about 2.1 miles Thickness of the solum: 7 to 19 inches north on Secondary Road 1353, about 2,300 feet east Depth to bedrock: 7 to 20 inches to hard bedrock on a farm road, 500 feet northeast of the road, in a Reaction: Extremely acid to strongly acid throughout forest; Todd USGS topographic quadrangle; lat. 36 the profile, except where surface layers have been degrees 15 minutes 48 seconds N. and long. 81 limed degrees 34 minutes 00 seconds W. 202 Soil Survey

Oi—1 inch to 0; slightly decomposed organic matter. Chroma—4 to 8 A—0 to 8 inches; dark yellowish brown (10YR 4/6) Texture—fine sandy loam or loam loam; weak medium granular structure; friable; C horizon: abundant fine and medium roots; many fine flakes Color—horizon has hue of 7.5YR to 2.5Y, value of of mica; strongly acid; clear smooth boundary. 4 to 8, and chroma of 2 to 8, or it is multicolored Bt—8 to 28 inches; strong brown (7.5YR 5/8) sandy Texture—sandy loam, fine sandy loam, loam, clay loam; weak medium subangular blocky loamy sand, or loamy fine sand structure; friable; common fine and medium roots; few fine faint patchy clay films on faces of peds; many fine flakes of mica; very strongly acid; Wayah Series gradual wavy boundary. BC—28 to 34 inches; strong brown (7.5YR 5/8) fine Depth class: Very deep sandy loam; weak medium subangular blocky Drainage class: Well drained structure; friable; few fine and medium roots; many Permeability: Moderately rapid fine flakes of mica; very strongly acid; gradual Landscape: High mountains wavy boundary. Landform: Mountain slopes and ridges C—34 to 62 inches; yellowish brown (10YR 5/8) Landform position: Summits, shoulders, side slopes, saprolite that has a sandy loam texture; massive; head slopes, and nose slopes friable; few fine roots; common streaks of black Parent material: Residuum affected by soil creep in the minerals; many fine flakes of mica; strongly acid. upper part, weathered from felsic to mafic, igneous or high-grade metamorphic rock Range in Characteristics Slope range: 8 to 50 percent Taxonomic class: Fine-loamy, isotic, frigid Humic Thickness of the solum: 20 to 40 inches Dystrudepts Depth to bedrock: More than 60 inches Reaction: Very strongly acid to moderately acid Typical Pedon throughout the profile, except where surface layers Wayah loam in an area of Burton-Wayah complex, have been limed windswept, 30 to 50 percent slopes, stony; 10.7 miles Content of rock fragments: 0 to 15 percent, by volume, northeast of Boone on North Carolina Highway 194, throughout the profile about 1.0 mile northwest on Secondary Road 1346, Content of flakes of mica: Common or many in the A about 2.3 miles northwest on a farm road, 1,400 feet horizon and many in the Bw and C horizons northwest on an another farm road, 100 feet northeast of the road, in a wooded area of pasture; Zionville A or Ap horizon: USGS topographic quadrangle; lat. 36 degrees 20 Hue—7.5YR or 10YR minutes 51 seconds N. and long. 81 degrees 38 Value—3 to 5; value of 3 is limited to thin upper A minutes 28 seconds W. horizons; soil materials have value of 4 or 5 when mixed to a depth of 7 inches A1—0 to 6 inches; very dark brown (10YR 2/2) loam; Chroma—2 to 6 weak medium granular structure; friable; common Texture—loam fine roots; few fine flakes of mica; very strongly acid; clear wavy boundary. BA horizon (if it occurs): A2—6 to 12 inches; dark brown (10YR 3/3) loam; weak Hue—7.5YR or 10YR medium granular structure; friable; common fine Value—4 to 6 roots; common fine flakes of mica; very strongly Chroma—4 to 8 acid; abrupt wavy boundary. Texture—sandy loam, loam, or sandy clay loam Bw—12 to 24 inches; dark yellowish brown (10YR 4/6) sandy loam; weak medium subangular blocky Bt horizon: structure; friable; few fine roots; common fine Hue—7.5YR or 10YR flakes of mica; 5 percent, by volume, gravel and Value—4 to 6 cobbles; very strongly acid; clear wavy boundary. Chroma—4 to 8 C—24 to 62 inches; yellowish brown (10YR 5/6) Texture—sandy clay loam, clay loam, or loam saprolite that has a loamy sand texture; massive; BC horizon (if it occurs): friable; common streaks of black and white Hue—7.5YR to 2.5Y minerals; common fine flakes of mica; 5 percent, Value—4 to 6 by volume, gravel and cobbles; strongly acid. Watauga County, North Carolina 203

Range in Characteristics Value—4 or 5 Chroma—3 or 4 Thickness of the solum: 20 to more than 60 inches Texture (fine-earth fraction)—loam, fine sandy Depth to bedrock: More than 60 inches loam, or sandy loam Reaction: Extremely acid to moderately acid, except where surface layers have been limed Bw horizon: Content of rock fragments: Less than 15 percent in the Hue—7.5YR to 2.5Y A horizon, less than 35 percent in the B horizon, Value—4 to 6 and less than 50 percent in the C horizon Chroma—3 to 8 Content of flakes of mica: Few or common in the A and Texture (fine-earth fraction)—loam, fine sandy B horizons and few to many in the C horizon loam, or sandy loam; some pedons have thin subhorizons of sandy clay loam A horizon: Hue—7.5YR or 10YR BC horizon (if it occurs): Value—2 or 3 Hue—7.5YR to 2.5Y Chroma—1 to 3 Value—4 to 6 Texture—loam Chroma—3 to 8 AB horizon (if it occurs): Texture (fine-earth fraction)—loam, fine sandy Hue—10YR loam, sandy loam, or coarse sandy loam Value—3 or 4 C horizon: Chroma—4 Color—horizon has hue of 7.5YR to 2.5Y, value of Texture (fine-earth fraction)—loam, fine sandy 4 to 6, and chroma of 3 to 8, or it is multicolored loam, or sandy loam Texture (fine-earth fraction)—loam, fine sandy BA horizon (if it occurs): loam, sandy loam, coarse sandy loam, loamy Hue—7.5YR to 2.5Y sand, or loamy fine sand

205

Formation of the Soils

This section describes the factors of soil formation others only a few inches thick. Gneiss, schist, and relates them to the soils in the survey area. It also quartzite, metasandstone, and metasiltstone are the discusses the morphology of the soils and the five major rock types in the county. processes of horizon differentiation. Alluvial sediment consists of material that has been eroded from upland soils by water and deposited on Factors of Soil Formation flood plains along streams. Recent deposits are composed of sand, silt, clay, and, in some places, Soils are formed by processes of the environment gravel and cobbles. These deposits are generally acting upon geologic agents, such as metamorphic, thicker than 5 feet. In some places, the alluvial igneous, and sedimentary rocks, and fluvial stream sediment is much older and is now on high stream sediments. The characteristics of a soil are determined terraces that were once flood plains. by the combined influence of parent material, climate, Colluvium consists of soil material or rock plant and animal life, relief, and time. These five fragments, or both, moved by creep, slide, or local factors are responsible for the profile development and wash and deposited at the base of steep slopes. chemical properties that differentiate soils (3). Colluvial material varies in thickness from a few feet to more than 100 feet. Colluvium may may consist of Parent Material recently deposited material, which may contain many large rock fragments, or of older deposited material, Parent material is the unconsolidated mass in which which has a more developed soil profile. Some of the a soil forms. In Watauga County, parent material is a older deposits are associated with colluvial fans, which major factor in determining what kind of soil forms and are broad areas of colluvium with a more planar can be correlated to some degree to geologic landform. Colluvial material may be deposited by one formations. The general soil map can be used as an catastrophic event or over a long period of time by approximate guide to the geology of the county. subsequent smaller events. The accumulation of Parent material is largely responsible for the material from erosion and the wearing away of soil chemical and mineralogical composition of soils and material from upper slopes is a continual process. for the major differences among the soils of the county. It also influences the rate of soil formation. Major Climate differences in parent material, such as differences in texture, can be observed in the field. Less distinct Climate, particularly precipitation and temperature, differences, such as differences in mineralogical affects the physical, chemical, and biological composition, can be determined only by careful relationships in the soil. It influences the rate at which laboratory analysis. rocks weather and organic matter decomposes. The There are three types of parent material in Watauga amount of leaching in a soil is related to the amount of County—residual parent material, alluvial sediment, rainfall and the movement of water through the soil. and colluvium. The effects of climate also control the kinds of plants Residual parent material is the earthy material and animals living in and on the soil. Temperature derived from the weathering of rocks and is often influences the kind and growth of organisms and the referred to as saprolite or residuum. Saprolite underlies speed of chemical and physical reactions in the soil. the soils in upland positions, which accounts for most The generally cool, humid climate of Watauga of the land area in the county. Soils that formed in County has caused some weathering and leaching of residuum are also influenced by soil creep (the the soils. In many places, the soil materials have movement of soil downslope by gravity). Soil creep is weathered to a considerable depth because of more pronounced on the steeper slopes. In some exposure to climatic forces for a long period of time. places the saprolite may be several feet thick, and in Soil materials not deeply or strongly weathered are 206 Soil Survey

either highly resistant to weathering or have been faster, and little of the organic matter accumulates in exposed to weathering for only a short time (for the soil. example, the material on some steep slopes). The very Animals convert complex compounds into simpler cool, humid climate of a few high mountains in the forms and add their own bodies to the organic matter. county has also resulted in weakly developed soils. In addition to adding organic matter, organisms modify Because most of the bases have been leached from certain chemical and physical properties. In Watauga the soils, the soils are naturally acid. Weathering and County, most of the organic material accumulates on leaching have left the natural supply of plant nutrients the surface where it is acted upon by micro-organisms, low in most of the soils. Because of the downward fungi, earthworms, and other forms of life and by direct movement of clay from surface horizons, the subsoil of chemical reaction. The material is then mixed with the some of the upland soils in the low mountains and uppermost mineral part of the soil by the activities of intermountain areas is enriched in clay. The subsoil of earthworms and other small invertebrates. This mixing most of the intermediate to high mountain soils has not generally affects soil structure, making the soil more been in place long enough to be enriched with clay. open and porous. Alternating periods of wetting and drying and freezing Humans also affect soil structure. In some places, and thawing are responsible for the blocky structure in they make soils more porous by tillage and a clay-enriched subsoil. management practices. In other places, however, they For more detailed information on climate, see the compact the soils and make them more dense by foot section “General Nature of the Area.” and vehicle traffic and by tillage equipment. Because of intensive use and disturbance of some soils, soil Plant and Animal Life erosion losses have accelerated and commonly led to deposition on flood plains and in depressions. In other Plant and animal life influences soil formation and instances, humans have used practices that have differentiation of soil horizons. The type and number of slowed the rate of erosion. They have also chemically organisms in and on the soil are determined in part by altered many soils through the use of lime and fertilizer climate and in part by the nature of the soil material, and thus made the soils more suitable for plants the relief, and the age of the soil. Bacteria, fungi, and desired for production. other micro-organisms aid in the weathering of rocks and in the decomposition of organic matter. The plants Relief and animals that live on a soil are the primary source of organic material. In soil formation, relief controls surface runoff and Vegetation generally supplies the majority of the affects the percolation of water through the soil. organic material that decomposes and gives a dark Increased surface runoff reduces the amount of water color to soil surface horizons, and the vegetation in the soil available for plant growth. Water movement supplies nutrients to these horizons. Plants also are through the profile is important in soil development important in the change of base status and in the because it aids chemical reactions and is necessary leaching process of a soil through the nutrient cycle. for leaching. In Watauga County, the relief is largely Under the native forest of Watauga County, not enough determined by the kind of underlying bedrock, the bases are brought to the surface by plants to geology of the area, and the extent that the landscape counteract the effects of leaching. is dissected by streams. In general, the soils of the county developed under a Slopes in the county range from 0 to 95 percent. On hardwood forest. The trees took up elements from the uplands where slopes are less than 30 percent, the subsoil and added organic matter by depositing leaves, soils generally have deeper, better defined profiles than roots, twigs, and eventually whole plants on the the steeper soils. An example is the well developed surface. The deposited material was then acted upon Evard and Watauga soils. Relief is also important in by organisms and underwent chemical reaction. soil formation because it can affect the depth of soils. Organic materials decompose moderately to slowly On slopes greater than 30 percent, geologic erosion in Watauga County because of the moderate to cool removes soil material almost as fast as it forms. As a temperatures, the abundant moisture supply, and the result, most of the steep and very steep soils have a character of the organic material. At the higher thinner solum. Examples are Ashe and Chestnut soils, elevations, organic matter decays at a slower rate due which are not as deep nor so well developed as the to the cooler temperatures and organic matter is able less sloping soils. to accumulate in the soil. At the lower elevations, Drainage also can be affected by relief. Runoff from temperatures are warmer, organic matter decomposes upland areas tends to accumulate on the nearly level Watauga County, North Carolina 207

flood plains and cause a high water table in soils. An The B horizon normally underlies the A horizon and example is the poorly drained Toxaway soils. is commonly called the subsoil. It is the horizon of maximum accumulation, or illuviation, of clay, iron, Time aluminum, or other compounds leached from the surface layer. The length of time that soil parent material has been The B horizon commonly has blocky structure. It in place and exposed to the active forces of climate generally is firmer and lighter in color than the A and plant and animal life strongly influences the nature horizon, but it is darker than the C or E horizon. of the soil. The length of time that a soil has been The C horizon is below the A or B horizon. It forming is reflected in the degree of soil profile consists of materials that are little altered by the soil- development. forming processes, but it may be modified by Soils in the more level upland positions are old and weathering. have soil profile features that reflect this age. These In young soils, such as those that formed in recent soils have B horizons that have been enriched with alluvium or in man-deposited fill materials, the C clay that has moved down from surface layers. horizon may extend nearly to the soil surface and a B Examples are Evard and Watauga soils, which are horizon may not occur. classified as Ultisols. Young soils, such as those formed in cut and fill Processes of Horizon material, have not been in place long enough to develop distinct horizons. The C horizon in these soils Differentiation extends essentially to the soil surface. Most of these One or more soil-forming processes are involved in soils are classified as Entisols. the formation of soil horizons. These processes are the On steeper slopes, upland soils such as Ashe and accumulation of organic matter; the leaching of Cleveland are less developed and have only the carbonates and other soluble material; the chemical structure and color of a B horizon and little clay weathering, mainly by hydrolysis, of primary minerals enrichment. Such soils are classified as Inceptisols. into silicate clay minerals; the translocation of silicate clay and some silt-sized particles from one horizon to Morphology of the Soils another; and the reduction and transfer of iron. These processes have been active in the formation The results of the soil-forming factors are evidenced of most of the soils in Watauga County. The interaction by the different layers, or soil horizons, in a profile. The of the first four processes is indicated by the strongly soil profile extends from the surface down to materials expressed horizons in Evard and Watauga soils. that are little altered by the soil-forming processes. All five processes have probably been active in the Most soils contain three major horizons—the A, B, formation of the moderately well drained Reddies and C horizons. Some soils, particularly those in soils. forests, also have an O (organic) horizon at the Some organic matter has accumulated in all of the surface. This horizon is an accumulation of organic soils in the survey area. Most of the soils contain material, such as twigs and leaves, or of humified moderate amounts of organic matter in the surface organic material that has little admixture of mineral layer. The content of organic matter ranges from low, material. The major horizons can be subdivided by the as in Ashe soils, to high, as in Clingman soils. use of letters to indicate differences within the horizon. Most of the soils in the survey area are acid in the The Bt horizon, for example, represents the most upper layers, unless the surface layer has been limed, developed part of a B horizon that has an because the bases released during weathering of soil accumulation of clay from overlying horizons. Evard and saprolite have been leached. soils, for example, have a Bt horizon. The translocation of clay minerals is an important The A horizon is a mineral surface layer. An A1 process in the development of many soils in the horizon is darkened by humified organic matter. An Ap survey area. As clay minerals are removed from the A horizon is a plow layer, commonly also darkened with horizon, they accumulate as clay films on the faces of organic matter. The A horizon is the layer of maximum peds, in pores, and in root channels in the B horizon. leaching or eluviation of clay and iron. If considerable As silicate clay forms from primary minerals, some leaching has taken place and organic matter has not iron is commonly released as hydrated oxides. These darkened the material, the horizon is called an E oxides are generally red. Even if they occur in small horizon. Where it occurs, the E horizon is normally the amounts, they give the soil a brownish color. They are lightest colored horizon in the profile. largely responsible for the strong brown, yellowish 208

brown, or reddish brown colors that are dominant in the and thus form yellow, brown, red, or other brightly subsoil of many soils in the survey area. colored masses of iron accumulation in an essentially The reduction and transfer of iron has occurred in all gray matrix in the subsoil. Nodules or concretions of of the soils that are not characterized by good natural iron or manganese also commonly form as a result of drainage. This process, known as gleying, is evidenced this process. Soil features associated with chemically by a gray matrix color and by iron or clay depletions. reduced iron are referred to as redoximorphic features Some of the iron may be reoxidized and segregated (15). 209

References

(1) American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. 1986. Standard specifications for highway materials and methods of sampling and testing. Ed. 14, 2 vols.

(2) American Society for Testing and Materials. 1993. Standard classification of soils for engineering purposes. ASTM Standard D 2487.

(3) Buol, S.W., F.D. Hole, and R.J. McCracken. 1980. Soil genesis and classification. 3d ed.

(4) League of Women Voters of Watauga County. 1993. Watauga county handbook. pp. 5-6.

(5) North Carolina Agricultural Statistics. 1999. North Carolina agricultural statistics. N.C. Dep. Agric. and U.S. Dep. Agric., no. 192, p. 86.

(6) North Carolina Association of Extension 4-H Agents. 1993. North Carolina natural resources from the mountains to the sea. pp. 95-96.

(7) United States Department of Agriculture. 1958. Soil survey of Watauga County, North Carolina.

(8) United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service. 1991. Forest statistics for North Carolina, 1990. Southeast. Forest Exp. Stn. Res. Bull. SE-120.

(9) United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. 1996. National soil survey handbook. Soil Surv. Staff, title 430-VI. (Available in the State Office of the Natural Resources Conservation Service at Raleigh, North Carolina)

(10) United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. 1996. Soil survey laboratory methods manual. Soil Surv. Invest. Rep. 42.

(11) United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. 1998. Keys to soil taxonomy. 8th ed. Soil Surv. Staff, Soil Manage. Support Serv. Tech. Monogr. 19.

(12) United States Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service. 1961. Land capability classification. U.S. Dep. Agric. Handb. 210.

(13) United States Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service. 1975. Soil taxonomy: A basic system of soil classification for making and interpreting soil surveys. U.S. Dep. Agric. Handb. 436. 210

(14) United States Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service. 1993. Soil survey manual. Soil Surv. Staff, U.S. Dep. Agric. Handb. 18.

(15) Vepraskas, Michael J. 1992. Redoximorphic features for identifying aquic conditions. N.C. State Univ., N.C. Agric. Res. Serv. Bull. 301.

(16) Whitener, D. 1949. History of Watauga County, North Carolina. 211

Glossary

Access road. A road constructed to facilitate the use the liquid limit (LL), which is the moisture content and management of the land. Access roads are at which the soil passes from a plastic to a liquid designed for limited traffic and typically consist of state, and the plasticity index (PI), which is the a cut slope, a roadbed, and a fill outslope. water content corresponding to an arbitrary limit Aeration, soil. The exchange of air in soil with air from between the plasticity and semisolid states of the atmosphere. The air in a well aerated soil is consistency of a soil. similar to that in the atmosphere; the air in a poorly Available water capacity (available moisture aerated soil is considerably higher in carbon capacity). The capacity of soils to hold water dioxide and lower in oxygen. available for use by most plants. It is commonly Aggregate, soil. Many fine particles held in a single defined as the difference between the amount of mass or cluster. Natural soil aggregates, such as soil water at field moisture capacity and the granules, blocks, or prisms, are called peds. Clods amount at wilting point. It is commonly expressed are aggregates produced by tillage or logging. as inches of water per inch of soil. The capacity, in Alluvium. Material, such as sand, silt, or clay, inches, in a 60-inch profile or to a limiting layer is deposited on land by streams. expressed as: Alpha,alpha-dipyridyl. A dye that when dissolved in Very low ...... 0 to 3 1N ammonium acetate is used to detect the Low ...... 3 to 6 presence of reduced iron (Fe II) in the soil. A Moderate ...... 6 to 9 positive reaction indicates a type of redoximorphic High ...... 9 to 12 feature. Very high ...... more than 12 Amphibolite. A metamorphic rock consisting mainly of amphibole and plagioclase with little or no quartz. Backslope. The position that forms the steepest and As the content of quartz increases, the rock generally linear, middle portion of a hillslope. In grades into hornblende plagioclase gneiss. profile, backslopes are commonly bounded by a Animal unit month (AUM). The amount of forage convex shoulder above and a concave footslope required by one mature cow of approximately 1,000 below. pounds weight, with or without a calf, for 1 month. Bald. A summit or other elevated area that is covered Aquic conditions. Current soil wetness characterized by grass and/or shrubs and that is naturally bare of by saturation, reduction, and redoximorphic forests. features. Ball and burlap harvest. A method of harvesting Aquifer. A water-bearing bed or stratum of permeable nursery plants in which burlap is wrapped around a rock, sand, or gravel capable of fielding ball of soil that is attached to the root system. considerable quantities of water to wells or springs. Bare-root harvest. A method of harvesting in which Area reclaim (in tables). An area difficult to reclaim nursery plants are removed from the soil with their after the removal of soil for construction and other roots bare and are packed in moist shipping uses. Revegetation and erosion control are material. extremely difficult. Basal area. The area of a cross section of a tree, Argillic horizon. A subsoil horizon characterized by generally referring to the section at breast height an accumulation of illuvial clay. and measured outside the bark. It is a measure of Arkose. A sandstone containing 25 percent or more stand density, commonly expressed in square feet. feldspar generally derived from the disintegration of Basalt. A fine-grained igneous rock dominated by dark felsic igneous rock. minerals, consisting of more than 50 percent Aspect. The direction in which a slope faces. plagioclase feldspars with the balance being Atterberg limits. Atterberg limits are measured for soil ferromagnesian silicates. Basalts and andesites materials passing the No. 40 sieve. They include represent about 98 percent of all extrusive rocks. 212 Soil Survey

Base saturation. The degree to which material having hazard of erosion. It can improve the habitat for cation-exchange properties is saturated with some species of wildlife. exchangeable bases (sum of Ca, Mg, Na, and K), Cable yarding. A method of moving felled trees to a expressed as a percentage of the total cation- nearby central area for transport to a processing exchange capacity. facility. Most cable yarding systems involve use of Basic rock. An igneous rock composed dominantly of a drum, a pole, and wire cables in an arrangement dark minerals. The minerals of this rock are similar to that of a rod and reel used for fishing. To comparatively low in silica and rich in bases, such reduce friction and soil disturbance, felled trees as amphiboles, pyroxenes, biotite, and olivine. generally are reeled in while one end is lifted or the Bedding planes. Fine strata, less than 5 millimeters entire log is suspended. thick, in unconsolidated alluvial, eolian, lacustrine, Canopy. The leafy crown of trees or shrubs. (See or marine sediment. Crown.) Bedrock. The solid rock that underlies the soil and Capillary water. Water held as a film around soil other unconsolidated material or that is exposed at particles and in tiny spaces between particles. the surface. Surface tension is the adhesive force that holds Bedrock-controlled topography. A landscape where capillary water in the soil. the configuration and relief of the landforms are Cation. An ion carrying a positive charge of electricity. determined or strongly influenced by the underlying The common soil cations are calcium, potassium, bedrock. magnesium, sodium, and hydrogen. Bench escarpment. An intermittent to continuous Cation-exchange capacity. The total amount of band of rock outcrop usually more than 50 feet in exchangeable cations that can be held by the soil, length and 5 feet wide. Commonly associated with expressed in terms of milliequivalents per 100 moderately steep to very steep soils. grams of soil at neutrality (pH 7.0) or at some other Biotite. A common rock-forming mineral consisting stated pH value. The term, as applied to soils, is primarily of ferromagnesian silicate minerals. Color synonymous with base-exchange capacity but is ranges from dark brown to green in thin section. more precise in meaning. Biotite is commonly referred to as “black mica” Catsteps. Very small, irregular terraces on steep because of the natural black color. hillsides, especially in pasture, formed by the Borrow pit. An open excavation from which the soil trampling of cattle or the slippage of saturated soil. and underlying material have been removed, Channery soil material. Soil material that has, by generally for use in road construction. Borrow pits volume, 15 to 35 percent thin, flat fragments of support few or no plants without major reclamation. sandstone, shale, slate, limestone, or schist as Areas identified on the detailed soil maps by a much as 6 inches (15 centimeters) along the special symbol typically are less than 2 acres in longest axis. A single piece is called a channer. size. Chemical treatment. Control of unwanted vegetation Bottom land. The normal flood plain of a stream, through the use of chemicals. subject to flooding. Chiseling. Tillage with an implement having one or Boulders. Rock fragments larger than 2 feet (60 more soil-penetrating points that shatter or loosen centimeters) in diameter. hard, compacted layers to a depth below normal Breast height. An average height of 4.5 feet above the plow depth. ground surface; the point on a tree where diameter Clay. As a soil separate, the mineral soil particles less measurements are ordinarily taken. than 0.002 millimeter in diameter. As a soil textural Broad-based dips. Short sections of access road class, soil material that is 40 percent or more clay, having a reverse grade that intercept storm water. less than 45 percent sand, and less than 40 The dips are spaced about 200 feet apart and are percent silt. designed to divert water away from stream Clay depletions. Low-chroma zones having a low crossings or steep grades. content of iron, manganese, and clay because of Brush management. Use of mechanical, chemical, or the chemical reduction of iron and manganese and biological methods to make conditions favorable the removal of iron, manganese, and clay. A type for reseeding or to reduce or eliminate competition of redoximorphic depletion. from woody vegetation and thus allow understory Clayey. A general textural term that includes sandy grasses and forbs to recover. Brush management clay, silty clay, and clay. According to family level increases forage production and thus reduces the criteria in the soil taxonomic system, a specific Watauga County, North Carolina 213

textural name referring to fine earth (particles less Conglomerate. A coarse-grained, clastic rock than 2 millimeters in size) containing 35 percent or composed of rounded or subangular rock more clay, by weight, within the control section. fragments more than 2 millimeters in diameter. It The content of rock fragments is less than 35 commonly has a matrix of sand and finer textured percent, by volume. material. Conglomerate is the consolidated Clay film. A thin coating of oriented clay on the equivalent of gravel. surface of a soil aggregate or lining pores or root Conservation cropping system. Growing crops in channels. Synonyms: clay coating, clay skin. combination with needed cultural and management Climax plant community. The stabilized plant practices. In a good conservation cropping system, community on a particular site. The plant cover the soil-improving crops and practices more than reproduces itself and does not change so long as offset the effects of the soil-depleting crops and the environment remains the same. practices. Cropping systems are needed on all Coarse fragments. If round, mineral or rock particles 2 tilled soils. Soil-improving practices in a millimeters to 25 centimeters (10 inches) in conservation cropping system include the use of diameter; if flat, mineral or rock particles rotations that contain grasses and legumes and (flagstone) 15 to 38 centimeters (6 to 15 inches) the return of crop residue to the soil. Other long. practices include the use of green manure crops of Coarse textured soil. Sand or loamy sand. grasses and legumes, proper tillage, adequate Cobble (or cobblestone). A rounded or partly rounded fertilization, and weed and pest control. fragment of rock 3 to 10 inches (7.6 to 25 Conservation tillage. A tillage system that does not centimeters) in diameter. invert the soil and that leaves a protective amount Cobbly soil material. Material that has 15 to 35 of crop residue on the surface throughout the year. percent, by volume, rounded or partially rounded Consistence, soil. Refers to the degree of cohesion rock fragments 3 to 10 inches (7.6 to 25 and adhesion of soil material and its resistance to centimeters) in diameter. Very cobbly soil material deformation when ruptured. Consistence includes has 35 to 60 percent of these rock fragments, and resistance of soil material to rupture and to extremely cobbly soil material has more than 60 penetration; plasticity, toughness, and stickiness percent. of puddled soil material; and the manner in which Colluvial fan. A fan-shaped area of soils deposited by the soil material behaves when subject to mass-wasting (direct gravitational action) and local compression. Terms describing consistence are unconcentrated runoff on and at the base of defined in the “Soil Survey Manual.” steeper side slopes. Contour stripcropping. Growing crops in strips that Colluvium. Soil material or rock fragments, or both, follow the contour. Strips of grass or close-growing moved by creep, slide, or local wash and crops are alternated with strips of clean-tilled crops deposited at the base of steep slopes. or summer fallow. Complex slope. Irregular or variable slope. Planning or Control section. The part of the soil on which establishing terraces, diversions, and other water- classification is based. The thickness varies control structures on a complex slope is difficult. among different kinds of soil, but for many it is that Complex, soil. A map unit of two or more kinds of soil part of the soil profile between depths of 10 inches or miscellaneous areas in such an intricate pattern and 40 or 80 inches. or so small in area that it is not practical to map Corrosion. Soil-induced electrochemical or chemical them separately at the selected scale of mapping. action that dissolves or weakens concrete or The pattern and proportion of the soils or uncoated steel. miscellaneous areas are somewhat similar in all Cove. The steep or very steep, concave colluvial area areas. at the head of drainageways in mountainous areas. Concretions. Cemented bodies with crude internal Coves commonly have higher tree site indices symmetry organized around a point, a line, or a than surrounding slopes. plane. They typically take the form of concentric Cover crop. A close-growing crop grown primarily to layers visible to the naked eye. Calcium carbonate, improve and protect the soil between periods of iron oxide, and manganese oxide are common regular crop production, or a crop grown between compounds making up concretions. If formed in trees and vines in orchards and vineyards. place, concretions of iron oxide or manganese Cropping system. Growing crops according to a oxide are generally considered a type of planned system of rotation and management redoximorphic concentration. practices. 214 Soil Survey

Crop residue management. Returning crop residue to rock that extends to or crops out on the land the soil, which helps to maintain soil structure, surface. organic matter content, and fertility and helps to Diorite. A coarse-grained igneous rock with the control erosion. composition of andesite (no quartz or orthoclase). Crown. The upper part of a tree or shrub, including the It is composed of about 75 percent plagioclase living branches and their foliage. feldspars with the balance being ferromagnesian Culmination of the mean annual increment (CMAI). silicates. The average annual increase per acre in the Diversion (or diversion terrace). A ridge of earth, volume of a stand. Computed by dividing the total generally a terrace, built to protect downslope volume of the stand by its age. As the stand areas by diverting runoff from its natural course. increases in age, the mean annual increment Drainage class (natural). Refers to the frequency and continues to increase until mortality begins to duration of wet periods under conditions similar to reduce the rate of increase. The point where the those under which the soil formed. Alterations of stand reaches its maximum annual rate of growth the water regime by human activities, either is called the culmination of the mean annual through drainage or irrigation, are not a increment. consideration unless they have significantly Cutbanks cave (in tables). The walls of excavations changed the morphology of the soil. Seven classes tend to cave in or slough. of natural soil drainage are recognized— Dbh (diameter at breast height). The diameter of a excessively drained, somewhat excessively tree at 4.5 feet above the ground level on the uphill drained, well drained, moderately well drained, side. somewhat poorly drained, poorly drained, and very Deferred grazing. Postponing grazing or resting poorly drained. These classes are defined in the grazing land for a prescribed period. “Soil Survey Manual.” Delineation. The process of drawing or plotting Drainage, surface. Runoff, or surface flow of water, features on a map with lines and symbols. from an area. Denitrification. The biochemical reduction of nitrate or Draw. A small stream valley that generally is more nitrite to gaseous nitrogen either as molecular open and has broader bottom land than a ravine or nitrogen or as an oxide of nitrogen. gulch. Depression (depressional area). A portion of land Eluviation. The movement of material in true solution surrounded on all sides by higher land. These or colloidal suspension from one place to another areas generally do not have outlets for drainage. within the soil. Soil horizons that have lost material Depth class. Refers to the depth to a root-restricting through eluviation are eluvial; those that have layer. Unless otherwise stated, this layer is received material are illuvial. understood to be consolidated bedrock. The depth Engineering index test data. Laboratory test and classes in this survey are: mechanical analysis of selected soils in the Very shallow ...... less than 10 inches county. Shallow ...... 10 to 20 inches Ephemeral stream. A stream, or reach of a stream, Moderately deep ...... 20 to 40 inches that flows only in direct response to precipitation. It Deep ...... 40 to 60 inches receives no long-continued supply from melting Very deep ...... more than 60 inches snow or other source, and its channel is above the water table at all times. Depth, soil. Generally, the thickness of the soil over Eroded (soil phase). Because of erosion, the soil has bedrock. Very deep soils are more than 60 inches lost an average of 25 to 75 percent of the original deep over bedrock; deep soils, 40 to 60 inches; A horizon or the uppermost 2 to 6 inches if the moderately deep soils, 20 to 40 inches; shallow original A horizon was less than 8 inches thick. soils, 10 to 20 inches; and very shallow soils, less Erosion. The wearing away of the land surface by than 10 inches. water, wind, ice, or other geologic agents and by Depth to rock (in tables). Bedrock is too near the such processes as gravitational creep. surface for the specified use. Erosion (geologic). Erosion caused by geologic Diabase. A rock of basaltic composition consisting processes acting over long geologic periods and primarily of labradorite and pyroxene and resulting in the wearing away of mountains and the characterized by ophitic texture. building up of such landscape features as flood Dike. A long, narrow cross-cutting mass of igneous plains and coastal plains. Synonym: natural erosion. Watauga County, North Carolina 215

Erosion (accelerated). Erosion much more rapid Escarpment. A relatively continuous and steep slope than geologic erosion, mainly as a result of human or cliff breaking the general continuity of more or animal activities or of a catastrophe in nature, gently sloping land surfaces and resulting from such as a fire, that exposes the surface. erosion or faulting. Synonym: scarp. Erosion classes. Classes based on estimates of past Evapotranspiration. The combined loss of water from erosion. The classes are as follows: a given area through surface evaporation and Class 1.—Soils that have lost some of the original through transpiration by plants during a specified A horizon but on the average less than 25 percent period. of the original A horizon or of the uppermost 8 Excess fines (in tables). Excess silt and clay in the inches (if the original A horizon was less than 8 soil. The soil does not provide a source of gravel or inches thick). Throughout most areas, the sand for construction purposes. thickness of the surface layer is within the normal Fallow. Cropland left idle in order to restore range of variability of the uneroded soil. Class 1 productivity through accumulation of moisture. erosion typically is not designated in the name of Summer fallow is common in regions of limited the map unit or in the map symbol. rainfall where cereal grain is grown. The soil is tilled Class 2.—Soils that have lost an average of 25 to for at least one growing season for weed control 75 percent of the original A horizon or of the and decomposition of plant residue. uppermost 8 inches (if the original A horizon was Fault. A surface of rock rupture along which there has less than 8 inches thick). Throughout most been differential movement. cultivated areas of class 2 erosion, the surface Felsic rock. A general term for light-colored igneous layer consists of a mixture of the original A horizon rock and some metamorphic crystalline rock that and material from below. Some areas may have have an abundance of quartz, feldspars, intricate patterns ranging from uneroded spots to feldspathoids, and muscovite mica. spots where all of the original A horizon has been Fen (bog). An area of very poorly drained, organic removed. soils that are saturated throughout most of the Class 3.—Soils that have lost an average of 75 year. Areas identified on the detailed soil maps by percent or more of the original A horizon or of the a special symbol typically are less than 2 acres in uppermost 8 inches (if the original A horizon was size. less than 8 inches thick). In most cultivated areas Fertility, soil. The quality that enables a soil to provide of class 3 erosion, material that was below the plant nutrients, in adequate amounts and in proper original surface layer is exposed. The plow layer balance, for the growth of specified plants when consists entirely or largely of this material. light, moisture, temperature, tilth, and other growth Class 4.—Soils that have lost all of the original A factors are favorable. horizon or of the uppermost 8 inches (if the original Fibric soil material (peat). The least decomposed of A horizon was less than 8 inches thick) plus some all organic soil material. Peat contains a large or all of the deeper horizons throughout most of the amount of well preserved fiber that is readily area. The original soil can be identified only in identifiable according to botanical origin. Peat has spots. Some areas may be smooth, but most have the lowest bulk density and the highest water an intricate pattern of gullies. content at saturation of all organic soil material. Erosion hazard. A term describing the potential for Field border. A strip of perennial vegetation (trees, future erosion, inherent in the soil itself, in shrubs, or herbaceous plants) established on the inadequately protected areas. The following edge of a field to control erosion, provide travel definitions are based on estimated annual soil loss lanes for farm machinery, control competition from in metric tons per hectare (values determined by adjacent woodland, or provide food and cover for the Universal Soil Loss Equation assuming bare wildlife. soil conditions and using rainfall and climate Field moisture capacity. The moisture content of a factors for North Carolina): soil, expressed as a percentage of the ovendry weight, after the gravitational, or free, water has 0 tons per hectare ...... none drained away; the field moisture content 2 or 3 Less than 2.5 tons per hectare ...... slight days after a soaking rain; also called normal field 2.5 to 10 tons per hectare ...... moderate capacity, normal moisture capacity, or capillary 10 to 25 tons per hectare ...... severe capacity. More than 25 tons per hectare ...... very severe Fill slope. A sloping surface consisting of excavated 216 Soil Survey

soil material from a road cut. It commonly is on the Forest cover. All trees and other woody plants downhill side of the road. (underbrush) covering the ground in a forest. Fine textured soil. Sandy clay, silty clay, or clay. Forest type. A stand of trees similar in composition Firebreak. Area cleared of flammable material to stop and development because of given physical and or help control creeping or running fires. It also biological factors by which it may be differentiated serves as a line from which to work and to from other stands. facilitate the movement of firefighters and Fragile (in tables). A soil that is easily damaged by equipment. Designated roads also serve as use or disturbance. firebreaks. Frost action (in tables). Freezing and thawing of soil First bottom. The normal flood plain of a stream, moisture. Frost action can damage roads, buildings subject to frequent or occasional flooding. and other structures, and plant roots. Flaggy soil material. Material that has, by volume, 15 Gap. A concave, lower area between ridge crests that to 35 percent flagstones. Very flaggy soil material generally has lesser slope. has 35 to 60 percent flagstones, and extremely Genesis, soil. The mode of origin of the soil. Refers flaggy soil material has more than 60 percent especially to the processes or soil-forming factors flagstones. responsible for the formation of the solum, or true Flagstone. A thin fragment of sandstone, limestone, soil, from the unconsolidated parent material. slate, shale, or (rarely) schist 6 to 15 inches (15 to Geomorphic surface. A part of the surface of the land 38 centimeters) long. that represents an episode of landscape Flat. A general term for a level or nearly level surface development and consists of one or more or small area of land marked by little or no relief. landforms. It is a mappable part of the land surface Flooding. The temporary covering of the soil surface that is defined in terms of morphology (relief, by flowing water from any source, such as slope, aspect, etc.); origin (erosional, overflowing streams, runoff from adjacent or constructional, etc.); age (absolute or relative); and surrounding slopes, and inflow from high tides. The stability of component landforms. frequency of flooding generally is expressed as Gleyed soil. Soil that formed under poor drainage, none, rare, occasional, or frequent. None means resulting in the reduction of iron and other that flooding is not probable. Rare means that elements in the profile and in gray colors. flooding is unlikely but possible under unusual Gneiss. A coarse-grained metamorphic rock in which weather conditions (the chance of flooding is bands rich in granular minerals alternate with nearly 0 percent to 5 percent in any year). bands that are predominantly schistose minerals. It Occasional means that flooding occurs is commonly formed by the metamorphism of infrequently under normal weather conditions (the granite. chance of flooding is 5 to 50 percent in any year). Granite. A coarse-grained igneous rock dominated by Frequent means that flooding occurs often under light-colored minerals, consisting of about 50 normal weather conditions (the chance of flooding percent orthoclase and 25 percent quartz with the is more than 50 percent in any year). The duration balance being plagioclase feldspars and of flooding is expressed as very brief (less than 2 ferromagnesian silicates. Granites and days), brief (2 to 7 days), long (7 days to 1 month), granodiorites comprise 95 percent of all intrusive and very long (more than 1 month). rocks. Flood plain. A nearly level alluvial plain that borders a Granodiorite. A plutonic rock roughly intermediate in stream and is subject to flooding unless protected composition between granite and diorite. artificially. Grassed waterway. A natural or constructed waterway, Fluvial. Of or pertaining to rivers; produced by river typically broad and shallow, seeded to grass as action, as a fluvial plain. protection against erosion. Conducts surface water Footslope. The position that forms the inner, gently away from cropland. inclined surface at the base of a hillslope. In Gravel. Rounded or angular fragments of rock as much profile, footslopes are commonly concave. A as 3 inches (2 millimeters to 7.6 centimeters) in footslope is a transition zone between upslope diameter. An individual piece is a pebble. sites of erosion and transport (shoulders and Gravelly soil material. Material that has 15 to 35 backslopes) and downslope sites of deposition percent, by volume, rounded or angular rock (toeslopes). fragments, not prominently flattened, as much as 3 Forb. Any herbaceous plant not a grass or a sedge. inches (7.6 centimeters) in diameter. Watauga County, North Carolina 217

Gravel pit. An open excavation in which the soil and of the major horizons. An explanation of the underlying material are used as a source of sand subdivisions is given in the “Soil Survey Manual.” and gravel. The excavated material is not crushed The major horizons of mineral soil are as follows: for use. Areas identified on the detailed soil maps O horizon.—An organic layer of fresh and decaying by a special symbol typically are less than 2 acres plant residue. in size. A horizon.—The mineral horizon at or near the Green manure crop (agronomy). A soil-improving crop surface in which an accumulation of humified grown to be plowed under in an early stage of organic matter is mixed with the mineral material. maturity or soon after maturity. Also, a plowed surface horizon, most of which was Ground water. Water filling all the unblocked pores of originally part of a B horizon. the material below the water table. E horizon.—The mineral horizon in which the main Gully. A miniature valley with steep sides cut by feature is loss of silicate clay, iron, aluminum, or running water and through which water ordinarily some combination of these. runs only after rainfall. The distinction between a B horizon.—The mineral horizon below an A gully and a rill is one of depth. A gully generally is horizon. The B horizon is in part a layer of an obstacle to farm machinery and is too deep to transition from the overlying A to the underlying C be obliterated by ordinary tillage; a rill is of lesser horizon. The B horizon also has distinctive depth and can be smoothed over by ordinary characteristics, such as (1) accumulation of clay, tillage. sesquioxides, humus, or a combination of these; Hard bedrock. Bedrock that cannot be excavated (2) prismatic or blocky structure; (3) redder or except by blasting or by the use of special browner colors than those in the A horizon; or (4) a equipment that is not commonly used in combination of these. construction. C horizon.—The mineral horizon or layer, excluding Head slope. A geomorphic component of hills indurated bedrock, that is little affected by soil- consisting of a laterally concave area of a hillside, forming processes and does not have the especially at the head of a drainageway. The properties typical of the overlying soil material. The overland waterflow is converging. material of a C horizon may be either like or unlike Hemic soil material (mucky peat). Organic soil that in which the solum formed. If the material is material intermediate in degree of decomposition known to differ from that in the solum, an Arabic between the less decomposed fibric material and numeral, commonly a 2, precedes the letter C. the more decomposed sapric material. Cr horizon.—Soft, consolidated bedrock beneath High-grade metamorphic rocks. Highly the soil. metamorphosed rocks, such as gneiss and schist. R layer.—Consolidated bedrock beneath the soil. High mountains. The part of the landscape that is The bedrock commonly underlies a C horizon, but above an elevation of about 4,200 feet. It is it can be directly below an A or a B horizon. dominated by frigid soil temperatures. Hornblende. A rock-forming ferromagnesian silicate High water table (seasonal). The highest level of a mineral of the amphibole group. saturated zone in the soil (the apparent or perched Humus. The well decomposed, more or less stable water table) over a continuous period of more than part of the organic matter in mineral soils. 2 weeks in most years, but not a permanent water Hydrologic soil groups. Refers to soils grouped table. according to their runoff potential. The soil Hill. A natural elevation of the land surface, rising as properties that influence this potential are those much as 1,000 feet above surrounding lowlands, that affect the minimum rate of water infiltration on commonly of limited summit area and having a a bare soil during periods after prolonged wetting well defined outline; hillsides generally have slopes when the soil is not frozen. These properties are of more than 15 percent. The distinction between a depth to a seasonal high water table, the infiltration hill and a mountain is arbitrary and is dependent on rate and permeability after prolonged wetting, and local usage. depth to a very slowly permeable layer. The slope Horizon, soil. A layer of soil, approximately parallel to and the kind of plant cover are not considered but the surface, having distinct characteristics are separate factors in predicting runoff. produced by soil-forming processes. In the Hydroseeding. Applying seed, fertilizer, and mulch to identification of soil horizons, an uppercase letter steep areas by spraying a mixture of those represents the major horizons. Numbers or ingredients and water under pressure from a truck. lowercase letters that follow represent subdivisions Igneous rock. Rock formed by solidification from a 218 Soil Survey

molten or partially molten state. Major varieties Irrigation. Application of water to soils to assist in include plutonic and volcanic rock. Examples are production of crops. Methods of irrigation are: andesite, basalt, and granite. Drip (or trickle).—Water is applied slowly and under Illuviation. The movement of soil material from one low pressure to the surface of the soil or into the horizon to another in the soil profile. Generally, soil through such applicators as emitters, porous material is removed from an upper horizon and tubing, or perforated pipe. deposited in a lower horizon. Sprinkler.—Water is sprayed over the soil surface Infiltration. The downward entry of water into the through pipes or nozzles from a pressure system. immediate surface of soil or other material, as Kaolinite. An aluminosilicate clay mineral with a 1:1 contrasted with percolation, which is movement of layer structure; that is, a silicon tetrahedral sheet water through soil layers or material. alternating with an aluminum octahedral sheet. Infiltration capacity. The maximum rate at which water Little or no expansion occurs when water mixes can infiltrate into a soil under a given set of with the clay. conditions. Knoll. A small, low, rounded hill rising above adjacent Infiltration rate. The rate at which water penetrates the landforms. surface of the soil at any given instant, usually Landfill. An area of accumulated wastes produced by expressed in inches per hour. The rate can be human activities. These areas can be above or limited by the infiltration capacity of the soil or the below the natural ground level. Areas identified on rate at which water is applied at the surface. the detailed soil maps by a special symbol Intake rate. The average rate of water entering the soil typically are less than 2 acres in size. under irrigation. Most soils have a fast initial rate; Landslide. The rapid downhill movement of a mass of the rate decreases with application time. Therefore, soil and loose rock, generally when wet or intake rate for design purposes is not a constant saturated. The speed and distance of movement, but is a variable depending on the net irrigation as well as the amount of soil and rock material, application. The rate of water intake, in inches per vary greatly. hour, is expressed as follows: Large stones (in tables). Rock fragments 3 inches (7.6 Less than 0.2 ...... very low centimeters) or more across. Large stones 0.2 to 0.4 ...... low adversely affect the specified use of the soil. 0.4 to 0.75 ...... moderately low Leaching. The removal of soluble material from soil or 0.75 to 1.25 ...... moderate other material by percolating water. 1.25 to 1.75 ...... moderately high Linear extensibility. Refers to the change in length of 1.75 to 2.5 ...... high an unconfined clod as moisture content is More than 2.5 ...... very high decreased from a moist to a dry state. Linear extensibility is used to determine the shrink-swell Intermediate mountains. The part of the landscape potential of soils. It is an expression of the volume that ranges from about 3,000 to 4,200 feet in change between the water content of the clod at 1 1 elevation. It is dominated by mesic soil /3- or /10-bar tension (33kPa or 10kPa tension) and temperatures. oven dryness. Volume change is influenced by the Intermediate rock. Igneous or metamorphic crystalline amount and type of clay minerals in the soil. The rock that is intermediate in composition between volume change is the percent change for the whole mafic and felsic rock. soil. If it is expressed as a fraction, the resulting Intermittent stream. A stream, or reach of a stream, value is COLE, coefficient of linear extensibility. that flows for prolonged periods only when it Liquid limit. The moisture content at which the soil receives ground-water discharge or long, continued passes from a plastic to a liquid state. contributions from melting snow or other surface Loam. Soil material that is 7 to 27 percent clay and shallow subsurface sources. particles, 28 to 50 percent silt particles, and less Intermountain hills. Low hills that are in valleys than 52 percent sand particles. between mountain ranges. They are dominated by Loamy. A general textural term that includes coarse mesic soil temperatures. sandy clay, sandy loam, fine sandy loam, very fine Iron depletions. Low-chroma zones having a low sandy loam, loam, silt loam, silt, clay, clay loam, content of iron and manganese oxide because of sandy clay loam, and silty clay loam. According to chemical reduction and removal, but having a clay family level criteria in the soil taxonomic system, a content similar to that of the adjacent matrix. A specific textural name referring to fine earth type of redoximorphic depletion. (particles less than 2 millimeters in size) of loamy Watauga County, North Carolina 219

very fine sand or finer textured material that Minimum tillage. Only the tillage essential to crop contains less than 35 percent clay, by weight, production and prevention of soil damage. within the control section. The content of rock Miscellaneous area. An area that has little or no fragments is less than 35 percent, by volume. natural soil and supports little or no vegetation. Low mountains. The part of the landscape that ranges Montmorillonite. An aluminosilicate clay mineral with from about 1,500 to 3,000 feet in elevation. It is 2:1 layer structure; that is, two silicon tetrahedral dominated by mesic soil temperatures. sheets enclosing an aluminum octahedral sheet. Low stream terrace. A terrace in an area that floods, Considerable expansion may occur when water commonly 3 to 10 feet higher in elevation than the mixes with the clay. adjacent flood plain. Morphology, soil. The physical makeup of the soil, Low strength. The soil is not strong enough to support including the texture, structure, porosity, loads. consistence, color, and other physical, mineral, Mafic rock. A dark rock composed predominantly of and biological properties of the various horizons, magnesium silicates. It can contain small amounts and the thickness and arrangement of those of quartz, feldspar, or muscovite mica. horizons in the soil profile. Masses. Concentrations of substances in the soil Mottling, soil. Irregular spots of different colors that matrix that do not have a clearly defined boundary vary in number and size. Descriptive terms are as with the surrounding soil material and cannot be follows: abundance—few, common, and many; removed as a discrete unit. Common compounds size—fine, medium, and coarse; and contrast— making up masses are calcium carbonate, gypsum faint, distinct, and prominent. The size or other soluble salts, iron oxide, and manganese measurements are of the diameter along the oxide. Masses consisting of iron oxide or greatest dimension. Fine indicates less than 5 manganese oxide generally are considered a type millimeters (about 0.2 inch); medium, from 5 to 15 of redoximorphic concentration. millimeters (about 0.2 to 0.6 inch); and coarse, Mean annual increment. The average annual volume more than 15 millimeters (about 0.6 inch). of a stand of trees from the year of origin to the Mountain. A natural elevation of the land surface, age under consideration. rising more than 1,000 feet above surrounding Medium textured soil. Very fine sandy loam, loam, silt lowlands, commonly of restricted summit area loam, or silt. (relative to a plateau) and generally having steep Meta-arkose. An arkose that has undergone some sides. A mountain can occur as a single, isolated degree of metamorphism. mass or in a group forming a chain or range. Metamorphic rock. Rock of any origin altered in Muck. Dark, finely divided, well decomposed organic mineralogical composition, chemical composition, soil material. (See Sapric soil material.) or structure by heat, pressure, and movement. Munsell notation. A designation of color by degrees of Nearly all such rocks are crystalline. three simple variables—hue, value, and chroma. Metasedimentary rock. Metamorphosed sedimentary For example, a notation of 10YR 6/4 is a color with rocks, such as phyllite, metasandstone, and hue of 10YR, value of 6, and chroma of 4. conglomerate. Muscovite. A nonferromagnesian rock-forming silicate Micas. A group of silicate minerals characterized by mineral that has tetrahedral arranged in sheets. sheet or scale cleavage. Biotite is the Commonly called “white mica” and sometimes ferromagnesian black mica. Muscovite is the called potassic mica. potassic white mica. Native pasture. Pasture that has seeded naturally in Microrelief. The concave to convex changes in the native grasses. It is on slopes too steep to land surface occurring over a relatively short manage with modern machinery. distance or within a small area, such as 1 acre. Neutral soil. A soil having a pH value of 6.6 to 7.3. Mine or quarry (map symbol). An open excavation (See Reaction, soil.) from which the soil and underlying material have Nodules. Cemented bodies lacking visible internal been removed, exposing bedrock; or the surface structure. Calcium carbonate, iron oxide, and opening to underground mines. Areas identified on manganese oxide are common compounds making the detailed soil maps by a special symbol up nodules. If formed in place, nodules of iron typically are less than 2 acres in size. oxide or manganese oxide are considered types of Mineral soil. Soil that is mainly mineral material and redoximorphic concentrations. low in organic material. Its bulk density is more Nose slope. A geomorphic component of hills than that of organic soil. consisting of the projecting end (laterally convex 220 Soil Survey

area) of a hillside. The overland waterflow is Perennial stream. A stream, or reach of a stream, that predominantly divergent. flows continually throughout the year. No-till planting. A method of planting crops in which Perennial water. An area that generally provides water there is virtually no seedbed preparation. A thin for human or livestock consumption; commonly a slice of the soil is opened, and the seed is planted lake, pond, river, or stream. Areas identified on the at the desired depth. detailed soil maps by a special symbol typically Nutrient, plant. Any element taken in by a plant are less than 2 acres in size. essential to its growth. Plant nutrients are mainly Permeability. The quality of the soil that enables water nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, or air to move downward through the profile. The magnesium, sulfur, iron, manganese, copper, rate at which a saturated soil transmits water is boron, and zinc obtained from the soil and carbon, accepted as a measure of this quality. In soil hydrogen, and oxygen obtained from the air and physics, the rate is referred to as “saturated water. hydraulic conductivity,” which is defined in the “Soil Organic matter. Plant and animal residue in the soil in Survey Manual.” In line with conventional usage in various stages of decomposition. The content of the engineering profession and with traditional organic matter in the surface layer is described as usage in published soil surveys, this rate of flow follows: continues to be expressed as “permeability.” Terms Very low ...... less than 0.5 percent describing permeability, measured in inches per Low ...... 0.5 to 1.0 percent hour, are as follows: Moderately low ...... 1.0 to 2.0 percent Extremely slow ...... 0.0 to 0.01 inch Moderate ...... 2.0 to 4.0 percent Very slow ...... 0.01 to 0.06 inch High ...... 4.0 to 8.0 percent Slow ...... 0.06 to 0.2 inch Very high ...... more than 8.0 percent Moderately slow ...... 0.2 to 0.6 inch Moderate ...... 0.6 inch to 2.0 inches Overstory. The portion of the trees in a forest stand Moderately rapid ...... 2.0 to 6.0 inches forming the upper crown cover. Rapid ...... 6.0 to 20 inches Pan. A compact, dense layer in a soil that impedes the Very rapid ...... more than 20 inches movement of water and the growth of roots. For example, hardpan, fragipan, claypan, plowpan, and Phase, soil. A subdivision of a soil series based on traffic pan. features that affect its use and management, such Parent material. The unconsolidated organic and as slope, stoniness, and flooding. mineral material in which soil forms. pH value. A numerical designation of acidity and Peat. Unconsolidated material, largely undecomposed alkalinity in soil. (See Reaction, soil.) organic matter, that has accumulated under Piedmont. The physiographic region of North Carolina excess moisture. (See Fibric soil material.) characterized by rolling landscapes formed from Ped. An individual natural soil aggregate, such as a the weathering of residual rock material. granule, a prism, or a block. Piping (in tables). Formation of subsurface tunnels or Pedon. The smallest volume that can be called “a soil.” pipelike cavities by water moving through the soil. A pedon is three dimensional and large enough to Plasticity index. The numerical difference between the permit study of all horizons. Its area ranges from liquid limit and the plastic limit; the range of about 10 to 100 square feet (1 square meter to 10 moisture content within which the soil remains square meters), depending on the variability of the plastic. soil. Plastic limit. The moisture content at which a soil Pegmatite. A small pluton of exceptionally coarse changes from semisolid to plastic. texture, commonly formed at the margin of a Plateau. An extensive upland mass with relatively flat batholith characterized by graphic structure. Nearly summit area that is considerably elevated (more 90 percent of all pegmatites are simple pegmatites than 100 meters) above adjacent lowlands and consisting of quartz, orthoclase, and minor separated from them on one or more sides by percentages of micas. escarpments. Percolation. The movement of water through the soil. Plowpan. A compacted layer formed in the soil directly Percs slowly (in tables). The slow movement of water below the plowed layer. through the soil adversely affects the specified Ponding. Standing water on soils in closed use. depressions. Unless the soils are artificially Watauga County, North Carolina 221

drained, the water can be removed only by Moderately acid ...... 5.6 to 6.0 percolation or evapotranspiration. Slightly acid ...... 6.1 to 6.5 Poor filter (in tables). Because of rapid or very rapid Neutral ...... 6.6 to 7.3 permeability, the soil may not adequately filter Slightly alkaline ...... 7.4 to 7.8 effluent from a waste disposal system. Moderately alkaline ...... 7.9 to 8.4 Poorly graded. Refers to a coarse-grained soil or soil Strongly alkaline ...... 8.5 to 9.0 material consisting mainly of particles of nearly the Very strongly alkaline ...... 9.1 and higher same size. Because there is little difference in size Redoximorphic concentrations. Nodules, of the particles, density can be increased only concretions, soft masses, pore linings, and other slightly by compaction. features resulting from the accumulation of iron or Poor outlets (in tables). Refers to areas where surface manganese oxide. An indication of chemical or subsurface drainage outlets are difficult or reduction and oxidation resulting from saturation. expensive to install. Redoximorphic depletions. Low-chroma zones from Potential native plant community. See Climax plant which iron and manganese oxide or a combination community. of iron and manganese oxide and clay has been Potential rooting depth (effective rooting depth). removed. These zones are indications of the Depth to which roots could penetrate if the content chemical reduction of iron resulting from of moisture in the soil were adequate. The soil has saturation. no properties restricting the penetration of roots to Redoximorphic features. Redoximorphic this depth. concentrations, redoximorphic depletions, reduced Prescribed burning. Deliberately burning an area for matrices, a positive reaction to alpha,alpha- specific management purposes, under the dipyridyl, and other features indicating the appropriate conditions of weather and soil moisture chemical reduction and oxidation of iron and and at the proper time of day. manganese compounds resulting from saturation. Productivity, soil. The capability of a soil for producing Descriptive terms are as follows: abundance—few, a specified plant or sequence of plants under common, and many; size—fine, medium, and specific management. coarse; and contrast—faint, distinct, and Profile, soil. A vertical section of the soil extending prominent. The size measurements are of the through all its horizons and into the parent diameter along the greatest dimension. Fine material. indicates less than 5 millimeters (about 0.2 inch); Prominent hill (peak). A prominent landform, such as medium, from 5 to 15 millimeters (about 0.2 to 0.6 a sharp-crested rocky peak or an isolated hill, in an inch); and coarse, more than 15 millimeters (about area of a less sloping landform. Generally, it 0.6 inch). contrasts strongly with the surrounding landscape. Reduced matrix. A soil matrix that has low chroma in Areas identified on the detailed soil maps by a situ because of chemically reduced iron (Fe II). special symbol typically are less than 5 acres in The chemical reduction results from nearly size. continuous wetness. The matrix undergoes a Proper grazing use. Grazing at an intensity that change in hue or chroma within 30 minutes after maintains enough cover to protect the soil and exposure to air as the iron is oxidized (Fe III). A maintain or improve the quantity and quality of the type of redoximorphic feature. desirable vegetation. This practice increases the Reforestation. The process in which tree seedlings are vigor and reproduction capacity of the key plants planted or become naturally established in an area and promotes the accumulation of litter and mulch that was once forested. necessary to conserve soil and water. Regolith. The unconsolidated mantle of weathered Reaction, soil. A measure of acidity or alkalinity of a rock and soil material on the earth’s surface; the soil, expressed in pH values. A soil that tests to loose earth material above the solid rock. pH 7.0 is described as precisely neutral in reaction Relief. The elevations or inequalities of a land surface, because it is neither acid nor alkaline. The degrees considered collectively. of acidity or alkalinity, expressed as pH values, Residuum (residual soil material). Unconsolidated, are: weathered or partly weathered mineral material that Ultra acid ...... less than 3.5 accumulated as consolidated rock disintegrated in Extremely acid ...... 3.5 to 4.4 place. Very strongly acid ...... 4.5 to 5.0 Ridge. A long, narrow elevation of the land surface, Strongly acid ...... 5.1 to 5.5 usually having a sharp crest and steep sides. 222 Soil Survey

Rill. A steep-sided channel resulting from accelerated gently sloping, or they are steeper but absorb erosion. A rill generally is a few inches deep and precipitation very rapidly. not wide enough to be an obstacle to farm Medium.—Surface water flows away so rapidly machinery. that free water stands on the surface for only short Rippable. Rippable bedrock or hardpan can be periods. Part of the precipitation enters the soil and excavated using a single-tooth ripping attachment is used by plants, is lost by evaporation, or moves mounted on a tractor with a 200-300 drawbar into underground channels. The soils are nearly horsepower rating. level to gently sloping and absorb precipitation at a Road cut. A sloping surface produced by mechanical moderate rate, or they are steeper but absorb means during road construction. It is commonly on water rapidly. the uphill side of the road. Rapid.—Surface water flows away so rapidly that Rock fragments. Rock or mineral fragments having a the period of concentration is brief and free water diameter of 2 millimeters or more; for example, does not stand on the surface. Only a small part of pebbles, cobbles, stones, and boulders. the water enters the soil. The soils are mainly Rock outcrop. An area of exposed bedrock in a map moderately steep or steep and have moderate or unit that has less than 0.1 percent exposed slow rates of absorption. bedrock. Areas identified on the detailed soil maps Very rapid.—Surface water flows away so rapidly by a special symbol typically are less than 2 acres that the period of concentration is very brief and in size. free water does not stand on the surface. Only a Rooting depth (in tables). Shallow root zone. The soil small part of the water enters the soil. The soils is shallow over a layer that greatly restricts roots. are mainly steep or very steep and absorb Root zone. The part of the soil that can be penetrated precipitation slowly. by plant roots. Saddle. A localized concave dip in a main ridge where Runoff. The precipitation discharged into stream intermittent drainage commences on the adjacent channels from an area. The water that flows off the side slope. surface of the land without sinking into the soil is Sand. As a soil separate, individual rock or mineral called surface runoff. Water that enters the soil fragments ranging from 0.05 millimeter to 2.0 before reaching surface streams is called ground- millimeters in diameter. Most sand grains consist water runoff or seepage flow from ground water. of quartz. As a soil textural class, a soil that is 85 Runoff class (surface). Refers to the rate at which percent or more sand and not more than 10 water flows away from the soil over the surface percent clay. without infiltrating. Six classes of rate of runoff are Sandstone. Sedimentary rock containing dominantly recognized: sand-sized particles. Ponded.—Little of the precipitation and water that Sandy. A general textural term that includes coarse runs onto the soil escapes as runoff, and free sand, sand, fine sand, very fine sand, loamy water stands on the surface for significant periods. coarse sand, loamy sand, loamy fine sand, and The amount of water that is removed from ponded loamy very fine sand. According to family level areas by movement through the soil, by plants, or criteria in the soil taxonomic system, a specific by evaporation is usually greater than the total textural name referring to fine earth (particles less rainfall. Ponding normally occurs on level and than 2 millimeters in size) of sand or loamy sand nearly level soils in depressions. The water depth that contains less than 50 percent very fine sand, may fluctuate greatly. by weight, within the control section. The content Very slow.—Surface water flows away slowly, and of rock fragments is less than 35 percent, by free water stands on the surface for long periods or volume. immediately enters the soil. Most of the water Sapric soil material (muck). The most highly passes through the soil, is used by plants, or decomposed of all organic soil material. Muck has evaporates. The soils are commonly level or nearly the least amount of plant fiber, the highest bulk level or are very porous. density, and the lowest water content at saturation Slow.—Surface water flows away so slowly that of all organic soil material. free water stands on the surface for moderate Saprolite. Unconsolidated residual material underlying periods or enters the soil rapidly. Most of the water the soil and grading to hard bedrock below. passes through the soil, is used by plants, or Saturation. Wetness characterized by zero or positive evaporates. The soils are nearly level or very pressure of the soil water. Under conditions of Watauga County, North Carolina 223

saturation, the water will flow from the soil matrix Silica. A combination of silicon and oxygen. The into an unlined auger hole. mineral form is called quartz. Schist. A metamorphic rock that is dominantly fibrous Silt. As a soil separate, individual mineral particles or platy minerals. It has schistose cleavage and is that range in diameter from the upper limit of clay a product of regional metamorphism. (0.002 millimeter) to the lower limit of very fine Second bottom. The first terrace above the normal sand (0.05 millimeter). As a soil textural class, soil flood plain (or first bottom) of a river. that is 80 percent or more silt and less than 12 Sedimentary rock. Rock made up of particles percent clay. deposited from suspension in water. The chief Siltstone. Sedimentary rock made up of dominantly kinds of sedimentary rock are conglomerate, silt-sized particles. formed from gravel; sandstone, formed from sand; Similar soils. Soils that share limits of diagnostic shale, formed from clay; and limestone, formed criteria, behave and perform in a similar manner, from soft masses of calcium carbonate. There are and have similar conservation needs or many intermediate types. Some wind-deposited management requirements for the major land uses sand is consolidated into sandstone. in the survey area. Seepage (in tables). The movement of water through Site index. A designation of the quality of a forest site the soil. Seepage adversely affects the specified based on the height of the dominant stand at an use. arbitrarily chosen age. For example, if the average Series, soil. A group of soils that have profiles that are height attained by dominant and codominant trees almost alike, except for differences in texture of in a fully stocked stand at the age of 50 years is the surface layer. All the soils of a series have 75 feet, the site index is 75. horizons that are similar in composition, thickness, Skidding. A method of moving felled trees to a nearby and arrangement. central area for transport to a processing facility. Sheet erosion. The removal of a fairly uniform layer of Most systems involve pulling the trees with wire soil material from the land surface by the action of cables attached to a bulldozer or a rubber-tired rainfall and surface runoff. tractor. Generally, felled trees are skidded or pulled Short, steep slope. An area of soils that are at least with one end lifted to reduce friction and soil two slope classes steeper than the named soils in disturbance. the surrounding map unit. Areas identified on the Skid trails. The paths left by skidding logs and the detailed soil maps by a special symbol typically bulldozer or tractor used to pull them. are long, narrow bands that are less than 2 acres Slide or slip. A prominent landform scar or ridge in size. (See Slope.) caused by fairly recent mass movement, which is Shoulder. The position that forms the uppermost the descent of earthy material resulting from failure inclined surface near the top of a hillslope. It is a of earth or rock under shear stress, along one or transition from backslope to summit. The surface several surfaces. is dominantly convex in profile and erosional in Slippage (in tables). Soil mass susceptible to origin. movement downslope when loaded, excavated, or Shrink-swell (in tables). The shrinking of soil when dry wet. and the swelling when wet. Shrinking and swelling Slope. The inclination of the land surface from the can damage roads, dams, building foundations, horizontal. Percentage of slope is the vertical and other structures. It can also damage plant distance divided by horizontal distance, then roots. multiplied by 100. Thus, a slope of 20 percent is a Shrink-swell potential. The potential for volume drop of 20 feet in 100 feet of horizontal distance. In change in a soil with a loss or gain in moisture. this survey, classes for simple slopes are as Shrink-swell potential classes are based on the follows: linear extensibility of the soil. If the soil has a linear extensibility of less than 3 percent, the Nearly level ...... 0 to 3 percent shrink-swell potential is low; 3 to 6 percent, the Gently sloping ...... 2 to 8 percent shrink-swell potential is moderate; 6 to 9 percent, Strongly sloping ...... 8 to 15 percent the shrink-swell potential is high; and more than 9 Moderately steep ...... 15 to 30 percent percent, the shrink-swell potential is very high. Steep ...... 30 to 50 percent Side slope. A geomorphic component of hills Very steep ...... 50 percent and higher consisting of a laterally planar area of a hillside. The overland waterflow is predominantly parallel. Slope (in tables). Slope is great enough that special 224 Soil Survey

practices are required to ensure satisfactory Solum. The upper part of a soil profile, above the C performance of the soil for a specific use. horizon, in which the processes of soil formation Small stones (in tables). Rock fragments less than 3 are active. The solum in soil consists of the A, E, inches (7.6 centimeters) in diameter. Small stones and B horizons. Generally, the characteristics of adversely affect the specified use of the soil. the material in these horizons are unlike those of Soft bedrock. Bedrock that can be excavated with the material below the solum. The living roots and trenching machines, backhoes, small rippers, and plant and animal activities are largely confined to other equipment commonly used in construction. the solum. Soil. A natural, three-dimensional body at the earth’s Spoil area. An area where earthy material has been surface. It is capable of supporting plants and has piled and either smoothed or left uneven. Areas properties resulting from the integrated effect of identified on the detailed soil maps by a special climate and living matter acting on earthy parent symbol typically are less than 2 acres in size. material, as conditioned by relief over periods of Spur ridge. A sharply convex portion of a mountain time. side slope extending from the main ridge to some Soil compaction. An alteration of soil structure that point at a lower elevation. ultimately can affect the biological and chemical Stand density. The degree to which an area is covered properties of the soil. Compaction decreases the with living trees. It is usually expressed in units of extent of voids and increases bulk density. basal areas per acre, number of trees per acre, or Soil creep. The slow movement of soil and soil the percentage of ground covered by the tree materials downslope, primarily under the influence canopy as viewed from above. of gravity, facilitated by water saturation and by Stone line. A concentration of coarse fragments in a alternating periods of freezing and thawing. soil. Generally, it is indicative of an old weathered Soil map unit. A kind of soil or miscellaneous area or surface. In a cross section, the line may be one a combination of two or more soils or one or more fragment or more thick. It generally overlies soils and one or more miscellaneous areas that material that weathered in place and is overlain by can be shown at the scale of mapping for the recent sediment of variable thickness. defined purposes and objectives of the soil survey. Stones. Rock fragments 10 to 24 inches (25 to 60 Soil map units generally are designed to reflect centimeters) in diameter if rounded or 15 to 24 significant differences in use and management inches (38 to 60 centimeters) in length if flat. among the soils of a survey area. Stony. Refers to a soil containing stones in numbers Soil puddling. This condition occurs in certain soils if that interfere with or prevent tillage. they are driven on when they are wet. Exertion of Stripcropping. Growing crops in a systematic mechanical force destroys the soil structure by arrangement of strips or bands that provide compressing and shearing and results in the vegetative barriers to wind erosion and water rearrangement of the soil particles to a massive or erosion. nonstructural state. Structure, soil. The arrangement of primary soil Soil sample site (map symbol). The location of a particles into compound particles or aggregates. typifying pedon in the survey area. The principal forms of soil structure are—platy Soil separates. Mineral particles less than 2 (laminated), prismatic (vertical axis of aggregates millimeters in equivalent diameter and ranging longer than horizontal), columnar (prisms with between specified size limits. The names and rounded tops), blocky (angular or subangular), and sizes, in millimeters, of separates recognized in granular. Structureless soils are either single the United States are as follows: grained (each grain by itself, as in dune sand) or Very coarse sand ...... 2.0 to 1.0 massive (the particles adhering without any regular Coarse sand ...... 1.0 to 0.5 cleavage, as in many hardpans). Medium sand ...... 0.5 to 0.25 Stubble mulch. Stubble or other crop residue left on Fine sand ...... 0.25 to 0.10 the soil or partly worked into the soil. It protects Very fine sand ...... 0.10 to 0.05 the soil from wind erosion and water erosion after Silt ...... 0.05 to 0.002 harvest, during preparation of a seedbed for the Clay ...... less than 0.002 next crop, and during the early growing period of the new crop. Soil strength. The load-supporting capacity of a soil at Subsidence. A pronounced reduction in volume in specific moisture and density conditions. some drained soils because of the removal of Watauga County, North Carolina 225

water, shrinkage of organic material, and the so that water soaks into the soil or flows slowly to oxidation of organic compounds. Generally a prepared outlet. A terrace in a field generally is associated with soils that have a high content of built so that the field can be farmed. A terrace organic matter. intended mainly for drainage has a deep channel Subsoil. Technically, the B horizon; roughly, the part of that is maintained in permanent sod. the solum below plow depth. Terrace (geologic). An old alluvial plain, ordinarily flat Subsoiling. Tilling a soil below normal plow depth, or undulating, bordering a river, a lake, or the sea. ordinarily to shatter a hardpan or claypan. Texture, soil. The relative proportions of sand, silt, and Substratum. The part of the soil below the solum. clay particles in a mass of soil. The basic textural Subsurface layer. Any surface soil horizon (A, E, AB, classes, in order of increasing proportion of fine or EB) below the surface layer. particles, are sand, loamy sand, sandy loam, Suitability ratings. Ratings for the degree of suitability loam, silt loam, silt, sandy clay loam, clay loam, of soils for pasture, crops, woodland, and silty clay loam, sandy clay, silty clay, and clay. engineering uses. The ratings and the general The sand, loamy sand, and sandy loam classes criteria used for their selection are as follows: may be further divided by specifying “coarse,” Well suited.—The intended use may be initiated “fine,” or “very fine.” The textural classes are and maintained by using only the standard defined as follows: materials and methods typically required for that Sands (coarse sand, sand, fine sand, and very fine use. Good results can be expected. sand).—Soil material in which the content of sand Suited.—The limitations affecting the intended use is 85 percent or more and the percentage of silt 1 make special planning, design, or maintenance plus 1 /2 times the percentage of clay does not necessary. exceed 15. Poorly suited.—The intended use is difficult or Loamy sands (loamy coarse sand, loamy sand, costly to initiate and maintain because of certain loamy fine sand, and loamy very fine sand).—Soil soil properties, such as steep slopes, a severe material in which, at the upper limit, the content of hazard of erosion, a high water table, low fertility, sand is 85 to 95 percent and the percentage of silt 1 and a hazard of flooding. Major soil reclamation, plus 1 /2 times the percentage of clay is not less special design, or intensive management practices than 15; at the lower limit, the content of sand is are needed. 70 to 85 percent and the percentage of silt plus Unsuited.—The intended use is very difficult or twice the percentage of clay does not exceed 30. costly to initiate and maintain, and thus it generally Sandy loams (coarse sandy loam, sandy loam, should not be undertaken. fine sandy loam, and very fine sandy loam).—Soil Surface layer. The soil ordinarily moved in tillage, or its material in which the content of clay is 20 percent equivalent in uncultivated soil, ranging in depth or less, the percentage of silt plus twice the from 4 to 10 inches (10 to 25 centimeters). percentage of clay exceeds 30, and the content of Frequently designated as the “plow layer,” or the sand is 52 percent or more or soil material in which “Ap horizon.” the content of clay is less than 7 percent, the Surface soil. The A, E, AB, and EB horizons, content of silt is less than 50 percent, and the considered collectively. It includes all subdivisions content of sand is 43 to 52 percent. of these horizons. Loam.—Soil material that contains 7 to 27 percent Taxadjuncts. Soils that cannot be classified in a series clay, 28 to 50 percent silt, and less than 52 recognized in the classification system. Such soils percent sand. are named for a series they strongly resemble and Silt loam.—Soil material that contains 50 percent are designated as taxadjuncts to that series or more silt and 12 to 27 percent clay or 50 to 80 because they differ in ways too small to be of percent silt and less than 12 percent clay. consequence in interpreting their use and behavior. Silt.—Soil material that contains 80 percent or Soils are recognized as taxadjuncts only when one more silt and less than 12 percent clay. or more of their characteristics are slightly outside Sandy clay loam.—Soil material that contains 20 the range defined for the family of the series for to 35 percent clay, less than 28 percent silt, and which the soils are named. 45 percent or more sand. Terrace. An embankment, or ridge, constructed across Clay loam.—Soil material that contains 27 to 40 sloping soils on the contour or at a slight angle to percent clay and 20 to 45 percent sand. the contour. The terrace intercepts surface runoff Silty clay loam.—Soil material that contains 27 to 40 percent clay and less than 20 percent sand. 226

Sandy clay.—Soil material that contains 35 detailed soil maps by a special symbol typically percent or more clay and 45 percent or more sand. are less than 2 acres in size. Silty clay.—Soil material that contains 40 percent Water bars. Smooth, shallow ditches or depressional or more clay and 40 percent or more silt. areas that are excavated at an angle across a Clay.—Soil material that contains 40 percent or sloping road. They are used to reduce the more clay, less than 45 percent sand, and less downward velocity of water and divert it off and than 40 percent silt. away from the road surface. Water bars can easily Thin layer (in tables). Otherwise suitable soil material be driven over if constructed properly. that is too thin for the specified use. Water table (apparent). A thick zone of free water in Tilth, soil. The physical condition of the soil as related the soil. The apparent water table is indicated by to tillage, seedbed preparation, seedling the level at which water stands in an uncased emergence, and root penetration. borehole after adequate time is allowed for Toeslope. The position that forms the gently inclined adjustment in the surrounding soil. surface at the base of a hillslope. Toeslopes in Weathering. All physical and chemical changes profile are commonly gentle and linear and are produced in rocks or other deposits at or near the constructional surfaces forming the lower part of a earth’s surface by atmospheric agents. These hillslope continuum that grades to valley or closed- changes result in disintegration and decomposition depression floors. of the material. Topography. The relative positions and elevations of Well graded. Refers to soil material consisting of the natural or manmade features of an area that coarse-grained particles that are well distributed describe the configuration of its surface. over a wide range in size or diameter. Such soil Topsoil. The upper part of the soil, which is the most normally can be easily increased in density and favorable material for plant growth. It is ordinarily bearing properties by compaction. Contrasts with rich in organic matter and is used to topdress poorly graded soil. roadbanks, lawns, and land affected by mining. Wetness. A general term applied to soils that hold Toxicity (in tables). Excess amounts of toxic water at or near the surface long enough to be a substances, such as sodium or sulfur, that common management problem. severely hinder establishment of vegetation or Wet spot. An area of somewhat poorly drained to very severely restrict plant growth. poorly drained soils that are at least two drainage Trace elements. Chemical elements, for example, classes wetter than the named soils in the zinc, cobalt, manganese, copper, and iron, in soils surrounding map unit. Areas identified on the in extremely small amounts. They are essential to detailed soil map units by a special symbol plant growth. typically are less than 2 acres in size. (See Underlying material. Technically the C horizon; the Drainage class.) part of the soil below the biologically altered A and Wilting point (or permanent wilting point). The B horizons. moisture content of soil, on an ovendry basis, at Understory. The trees and other woody species which a plant (specifically a sunflower) wilts so growing under a more or less continuous cover of much that it does not recover when placed in a branches and foliage formed collectively by the humid, dark chamber. upper portions of adjacent trees and other woody Windswept. A phase of soil map unit where hardwood growth. trees have been stunted, twisted, and gnarled due Unstable fill (in tables). Risk of caving or sloughing on to exposure to high winter winds and frequent ice banks of fill material. storms. Upland. Land at a higher elevation, in general, than the Windthrow. The uprooting and tipping over of trees by alluvial plain or stream terrace; land above the the wind. lowlands along streams. Yield (forestland). The volume of wood fiber from Very stony spot. An area where 0.1 to 3.0 percent of trees harvested in a certain unit of area. Yield is the surface is covered by rock fragments larger usually measured in board feet or cubic feet per than 10 inches in diameter. Areas identified on the acre. 227

Tables 228 Soil Survey

Table 1A.—Temperature and Precipitation

(Recorded in the period 1961-1990 at Blowing Rock, North Carolina)

______|______Temperature | Precipitation | | | | 2 years in | | |2 years in 10| |Aver- | | | |10 ______will have—- | Average | | ______will have-- | Average | age Month |Average|Average|Average|Maximum|Minimum|number of|Average| | |number of|snow- | daily | daily | |temp. |temp. | growing | | Less | More |days with|fall |maximum|minimum| |higher |lower | degree | |than--|than--|0.10 inch| ______| | | |than-- |than-- | days* | | | | or more | | __oF | __oF | o__F | __oF | __oF | _____Units | __In | __In | __In | | __In | | | | | | | | | | | January--| 38.2 | 20.3 | 29.3 | 60 | -12 | 1 | 4.51 | 2.87 | 5.99 | 8 |11.0 | | | | | | | | | | | February-| 41.1 | 22.2 | 31.7 | 65 | -4 | 3 | 4.82 | 2.43 | 6.90 | 7 |11.2 | | | | | | | | | | | March----| 49.7 | 30.3 | 40.0 | 72 | 7 | 25 | 6.12 | 3.52 | 8.44 | 9 | 5.0 | | | | | | | | | | | April----| 58.4 | 38.6 | 48.5 | 79 | 18 | 94 | 5.44 | 2.98 | 7.62 | 8 | 1.0 | | | | | | | | | | | May------| 66.3 | 47.3 | 56.8 | 82 | 29 | 231 | 6.14 | 4.05 | 8.05 | 10 | 0.0 | | | | | | | | | | | June-----| 72.5 | 54.3 | 63.4 | 84 | 38 | 403 | 5.75 | 2.83 | 8.27 | 8 | 0.0 | | | | | | | | | | | July-----| 75.8 | 58.2 | 67.0 | 87 | 46 | 524 | 5.81 | 3.67 | 7.75 | 9 | 0.0 | | | | | | | | | | | August---| 74.8 | 57.4 | 66.1 | 86 | 44 | 499 | 5.67 | 2.89 | 8.09 | 9 | 0.0 | | | | | | | | | | | September| 68.9 | 51.6 | 60.2 | 82 | 35 | 311 | 5.79 | 2.34 | 8.70 | 7 | 0.0 | | | | | | | | | | | October--| 59.9 | 41.0 | 50.5 | 75 | 22 | 106 | 5.31 | 2.41 | 7.81 | 6 | 0.2 | | | | | | | | | | | November-| 51.2 | 33.3 | 42.2 | 70 | 10 | 27 | 5.25 | 3.15 | 7.14 | 7 | 2.0 | | | | | | | | | | | December-| 42.0 | 24.6 | 33.3 | 63 | -3 | 5 | 4.53 | 2.23 | 6.53 | 8 | 6.2 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Yearly: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Average-| 58.2 | 39.9 | 49.1 | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | | | | | | Extreme-| 91 | -24 | --- | 88 | -13 | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | | | | | | Total---| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | 2,229 | 65.15 |53.85 |74.65 | 96 |36.7 ______| | | | | | | | | | |

* A growing degree day is a unit of heat available for plant growth. It can be calculated by adding the maximum and minimum daily temperatures, dividing the sum by 2, and subtracting the temperature below which growth is minimal for the principal crops in the area (40 degrees F). Watauga County, North Carolina 229

Table 1B.—Temperature and Precipitation

(Recorded in the period 1961-1990 at Grandfather Mountain, North Carolina)

______|______Temperature | Precipitation | | | | 2 years in | | |2 years in 10| |Aver- | | | |10 ______will have—- | Average | | ______will have-- | Average | age Month |Average|Average|Average|Maximum|Minimum|number of|Average| | |number of|snow- | daily | daily | |temp. |temp. | growing | | Less | More |days with|fall |maximum|minimum| |higher |lower | degree | |than--|than--|0.10 inch| ______| | | |than-- |than-- | days* | | | | or more | | o__F | o__F | o__F | o__F | o__F | Units_____ | In__ | In__ | In__ | | In__ | | | | | | | | | | | January--| 35.7 | 18.9 | 27.3 | 55 | -18 | 0 | 4.03 | 2.94 | 5.04 | 9 |14.9 | | | | | | | | | | | February-| 37.7 | 20.8 | 29.2 | 58 | -10 | 1 | 4.64 | 2.73 | 6.35 | 9 |15.0 | | | | | | | | | | | March----| 45.4 | 28.5 | 36.9 | 67 | 1 | 11 | 5.43 | 3.14 | 7.47 | 10 | 8.9 | | | | | | | | | | | April----| 54.1 | 36.3 | 45.2 | 72 | 11 | 55 | 4.85 | 2.71 | 6.75 | 8 | 3.4 | | | | | | | | | | | May------| 61.3 | 45.4 | 53.4 | 73 | 24 | 150 | 5.91 | 4.04 | 7.62 | 10 | 0.1 | | | | | | | | | | | June-----| 66.6 | 52.4 | 59.5 | 77 | 36 | 289 | 6.20 | 3.44 | 8.64 | 9 | 0.0 | | | | | | | | | | | July-----| 69.3 | 56.0 | 62.6 | 78 | 45 | 391 | 5.52 | 3.67 | 7.21 | 10 | 0.0 | | | | | | | | | | | August---| 68.5 | 55.7 | 62.1 | 79 | 43 | 375 | 5.88 | 3.09 | 8.32 | 9 | 0.0 | | | | | | | | | | | September| 63.1 | 50.3 | 56.7 | 74 | 31 | 217 | 5.94 | 2.93 | 8.55 | 7 | 0.0 | | | | | | | | | | | October--| 55.0 | 40.1 | 47.5 | 69 | 18 | 59 | 5.40 | 2.25 | 8.06 | 6 | 0.5 | | | | | | | | | | | November-| 46.5 | 31.5 | 39.0 | 63 | 3 | 10 | 4.59 | 2.53 | 6.42 | 7 | 3.2 | | | | | | | | | | | December-| 39.1 | 23.4 | 31.2 | 57 | -9 | 1 | 3.89 | 2.08 | 5.48 | 8 | 9.1 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Yearly: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Average-| 53.5 | 38.3 | 45.9 | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | | | | | | Extreme-| 91 | -32 | --- | 81 | -19 | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | | | | | | Total---| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | 1,558 | 62.28 |53.30 |70.91 | 102 |55.1 ______| | | | | | | | | | |

* A growing degree day is a unit of heat available for plant growth. It can be calculated by adding the maximum and minimum daily temperatures, dividing the sum by 2, and subtracting the temperature below which growth is minimal for the principal crops in the area (40 degrees F). 230 Soil Survey

Table 2A.—Freeze Dates in Spring and Fall

(Recorded in the period 1961-1990 at Blowing Rock, North Carolina)

______|______Temperature Probability | 24 oF | 28 oF | 32 oF ______| or lower | or lower | or lower | | | Last freezing temperature in | | | spring: | | | | | | 1 year in 10 later than-- |Apr. 20 |May 10 |May 18 | | | 2 years in 10 later than-- |Apr. 15 |May 3 |May 12 | | | 5 years in 10 later than-- |Apr. 6 |Apr. 19 |Apr. 30 | | | First freezing temperature in | | | fall: | | | | | | 1 year in 10 earlier than-- |Oct. 19 |Oct. 6 |Sept. 27 | | | 2 years in 10 earlier than--|Oct. 25 |Oct. 12 |Oct. 2 | | | 5 years in 10 earlier than--|Nov. 6 |Oct. 22 |Oct. 10 ______| | |

Table 2B.—Freeze Dates in Spring and Fall

(Recorded in the period 1961-1990 at Grandfather Mountain, North Carolina)

______|______Temperature Probability | 24 oF | 28 oF | 32 oF ______| or lower | or lower | or lower | | | Last freezing temperature in | | | spring: | | | | | | 1 year in 10 later than-- |May 10 |May 17 |May 28 | | | 2 years in 10 later than-- |May 4 |May 11 |May 22 | | | 5 years in 10 later than-- |Apr. 23 |May 1 |May 10 | | | First freezing temperature in | | | fall: | | | | | | 1 year in 10 earlier than-- |Oct. 8 |Sept. 29 |Sept. 23 | | | 2 years in 10 earlier than--|Oct. 13 |Oct. 4 |Sept. 26 | | | 5 years in 10 earlier than--|Oct. 23 |Oct. 14 |Oct. 3 ______| | | Watauga County, North Carolina 231

Table 3A.—Growing Season

(Recorded in the period 1961-1990 at Blowing Rock, North Carolina)

______| Daily minimum temperature |______during growing season Probability | Higher | Higher | Higher | than | than | than ______| 24 oF | 28 oF | 32 oF | ____Days | ____Days | ____Days | | | 9 years in 10 | 188 | 162 | 140 | | | 8 years in 10 | 197 | 170 | 148 | | | 5 years in 10 | 213 | 185 | 162 | | | 2 years in 10 | 229 | 200 | 177 | | | 1 year in 10 | 238 | 207 | 185 ______| | |

Table 3B.—Growing Season

(Recorded in the period 1961-1990 at Grandfather Mountain, North Carolina)

______| Daily minimum temperature |______during growing season Probability | Higher | Higher | Higher | than | than | than ______| 24 oF | 28 oF | 32 oF | ____Days | ____Days | ____Days | | | 9 years in 10 | 160 | 143 | 124 | | | 8 years in 10 | 167 | 151 | 131 | | | 5 years in 10 | 181 | 166 | 145 | | | 2 years in 10 | 196 | 181 | 158 | | | 1 year in 10 | 203 | 188 | 165 ______| | | 232 Soil Survey

Table 4.—Acreage and Proportionate Extent of the Soils ______| | | Map | Soil name | Acres |Percent symbol | | | ______| | | | | | AcD |Ashe-Chestnut complex, 15 to 30 percent slopes, very rocky------| 2,145 | 1.1 AcE |Ashe-Chestnut complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes, very rocky------| 6,461 | 3.2 AcF |Ashe-Chestnut complex, 50 to 95 percent slopes, very rocky------| 9,734 | 4.8 ArF |Ashe-Cleveland-Rock outcrop complex, 50 to 95 percent slopes, extremely| | | bouldery------| 1,252 | 0.6 BaC |Balsam very cobbly loam, windswept, 8 to 15 percent slopes, extremely | | | bouldery------| 209 | 0.1 BaD |Balsam very cobbly loam, windswept, 15 to 30 percent slopes, extremely | | | bouldery------| 529 | 0.3 BaE |Balsam very cobbly loam, windswept, 30 to 50 percent slopes, extremely | | | bouldery------| 1,648 | 0.8 BoD |Brownwood fine sandy loam, 15 to 30 percent slopes, stony------| 162 | * BoE |Brownwood fine sandy loam, 30 to 50 percent slopes, stony------| 1,941 | 1.0 BoF |Brownwood fine sandy loam, 50 to 80 percent slopes, stony------| 465 | 0.2 BrF |Brownwood fine sandy loam, 50 to 95 percent slopes, very rocky------| 2,569 | 1.3 BuD |Burton-Craggey-Rock outcrop complex, windswept, 15 to 30 percent slopes| 393 | 0.2 BuF |Burton-Craggey-Rock outcrop complex, windswept, 30 to 95 percent slopes| 2,060 | 1.0 BwC |Burton-Wayah complex, windswept, 8 to 15 percent slopes, stony------| 514 | 0.3 BwD |Burton-Wayah complex, windswept, 15 to 30 percent slopes, stony------| 1,797 | 0.9 BwE |Burton-Wayah complex, windswept, 30 to 50 percent slopes, stony------| 3,239 | 1.6 CaC |Cashiers loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, stony------| 237 | 0.1 CaD |Cashiers loam, 15 to 30 percent slopes, stony------| 819 | 0.4 CaE |Cashiers loam, 30 to 50 percent slopes, stony------| 3,490 | 1.7 CdE |Chandler fine sandy loam, 30 to 50 percent slopes------| 9,957 | 5.0 ChF |Chestnut-Ashe complex, 50 to 95 percent slopes, very stony------| 5,956 | 3.0 CkD |Chestnut-Edneyville complex, 15 to 30 percent slopes, stony------| 6,174 | 3.1 CkE |Chestnut-Edneyville complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes, stony------| 24,859 | 12.4 CmF |Clingman-Craggey-Rock outcrop complex, windswept, 15 to 95 percent | | | slopes, extremely bouldery------| 343 | 0.2 CoD |Cowee gravelly fine sandy loam, 15 to 30 percent slopes, stony------| 981 | 0.5 CoE |Cowee gravelly fine sandy loam, 30 to 50 percent slopes, stony------| 1,155 | 0.6 CoF |Cowee gravelly fine sandy loam, 50 to 80 percent slopes, stony------| 451 | 0.2 CrC |Cullasaja cobbly loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, extremely bouldery------| 30 | * CrD |Cullasaja cobbly loam, 15 to 30 percent slopes, extremely bouldery-----| 30 | * CrE |Cullasaja cobbly loam, 30 to 50 percent slopes, extremely bouldery-----| 30 | * CsC |Cullasaja very cobbly loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, very stony------| 3,875 | 1.9 CsD |Cullasaja very cobbly loam, 15 to 30 percent slopes, very stony------| 8,608 | 4.3 CsE |Cullasaja very cobbly loam, 30 to 50 percent slopes, very stony------| 7,331 | 3.6 CtC |Cullasaja very cobbly loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, extremely bouldery-| 459 | 0.2 CtD |Cullasaja very cobbly loam, 15 to 30 percent slopes, extremely bouldery| 2,590 | 1.3 CtE |Cullasaja very cobbly loam, 30 to 50 percent slopes, extremely bouldery| 4,049 | 2.0 CuA |Cullowhee loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded------| 451 | 0.2 DAM |Dam------| 8 | * DeB |Dellwood cobbly sandy loam, 1 to 5 percent slopes, occasionally flooded| 2,249 | 1.1 DuF |Ditney-Unicoi complex, 50 to 95 percent slopes, very rocky------| 820 | 0.4 EdC |Edneytown loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes------| 1,076 | 0.5 EdD |Edneytown loam, 15 to 30 percent slopes------| 2,394 | 1.2 EdE |Edneytown loam, 30 to 50 percent slopes------| 412 | 0.2 EvC |Evard-Cowee complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes, stony------| 138 | * EvD |Evard-Cowee complex, 15 to 30 percent slopes, stony------| 1,284 | 0.6 EvE |Evard-Cowee complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes, stony------| 1,804 | 0.9 FaD |Fannin loam, 15 to 30 percent slopes, stony------| 420 | 0.2 FaE |Fannin loam, 30 to 50 percent slopes, stony------| 501 | 0.2 JfD |Jeffrey cobbly loam, 15 to 30 percent slopes, very stony------| 149 | * JfE |Jeffrey cobbly loam, 30 to 50 percent slopes, very stony------| 61 | * KnC |Keener loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, stony------| 264 | 0.1 KnD |Keener loam, 15 to 30 percent slopes, stony------| 182 | * LoA |Longhope mucky peat, 0 to 3 percent slopes------| 350 | 0.2 NkA |Nikwasi loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded------| 2,173 | 1.1 NoD |Northcove very cobbly loam, 15 to 30 percent slopes, very stony------| 407 | 0.2 | | |

See footnote at end of table. Watauga County, North Carolina 233

Table 4.—Acreage and Proportionate Extent of the Soils—Continued ______| | | Map | Soil name | Acres |Percent symbol | | | ______| | | | | | NxE |Northcove very cobbly loam, 30 to 50 percent slopes, extremely bouldery| 210 | 0.1 Pt |Pits, quarry------| 49 | * PuC |Porters loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, stony------| 1,014 | 0.5 PuD |Porters loam, 15 to 30 percent slopes, stony------| 4,618 | 2.3 PuE |Porters loam, 30 to 50 percent slopes, stony------| 12,926 | 6.4 PuF |Porters loam, 50 to 95 percent slopes, stony------| 1,128 | 0.6 RdA |Reddies loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded------| 946 | 0.5 RoA |Rosman fine sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, occasionally flooded----| 1,241 | 0.6 SkC |Saunook cobbly loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes------| 583 | 0.3 SkD |Saunook cobbly loam, 15 to 30 percent slopes------| 532 | 0.3 SnB |Saunook loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes------| 804 | 0.4 SnC |Saunook loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes------| 4,474 | 2.2 SnD |Saunook loam, 15 to 30 percent slopes------| 3,082 | 1.5 SoC |Saunook loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, very stony------| 923 | 0.5 SoD |Saunook loam, 15 to 30 percent slopes, very stony------| 2,352 | 1.2 SoE |Saunook loam, 30 to 50 percent slopes, very stony------| 1,359 | 0.7 SwC |Saunook-Nikwasi complex, 2 to 15 percent slopes------| 1,465 | 0.7 SxD |Soco loam, 15 to 30 percent slopes, stony------| 107 | * SxE |Soco loam, 30 to 50 percent slopes, stony------| 426 | 0.2 TxA |Toxaway loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded------| 190 | * Ud |Udorthents, loamy------| 645 | 0.3 UkC |Unaka-Porters complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes, very rocky------| 486 | 0.2 UkD |Unaka-Porters complex, 15 to 30 percent slopes, very rocky------| 4,352 | 2.2 UkE |Unaka-Porters complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes, very rocky------| 12,802 | 6.4 UkF |Unaka-Porters complex, 50 to 95 percent slopes, very rocky------| 3,276 | 1.6 UnF |Unaka-Rock outcrop complex, 50 to 95 percent slopes------| 698 | 0.3 Ur |Urban land------| 1,207 | 0.6 Ux |Urban land, flooded------| 156 | * W |Water------| 544 | 0.3 WaC |Watauga loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes------| 1,142 | 0.6 WaD |Watauga loam, 15 to 30 percent slopes------| 5,570 | 2.8 | |______|_____ | Total------| 200,992 |100.0 ______| | |

* Less than 0.1 percent. 234 Soil Survey

Table 5.—Suitability for Vegetable Production

(See text for definitions of “well suited,” “suited,” “poorly suited,” and “unsuited.” Absence of an entry indicates that the soil was not rated)

______| Map symbol | Suitability ______and soil name | | AcD, AcE, AcF: | Ashe------|Unsuited: | slope | depth to rock | rock outcrop | Chestnut------|Unsuited: | slope | depth to rock | rock outcrop | ArF: | Ashe------|Unsuited: | slope | depth to rock | Cleveland------|Unsuited: | slope | depth to rock | Rock outcrop. | | BaC, BaD------|Unsuited: Balsam | large stones | climate | BaE------|Unsuited: Balsam | slope | large stones | climate | BoD, BoE------|Poorly suited: Brownwood | slope | depth to rock | BoF, BrF------|Unsuited: Brownwood | slope | depth to rock | BuD: | Burton------|Unsuited: | depth to rock | large stones | climate | Craggey------|Unsuited: | depth to rock | large stones | climate | Rock outcrop. | | BuF: | Burton------|Unsuited: | depth to rock | large stones | slope | climate | Watauga County, North Carolina 235

Table 5.—Suitability for Vegetable Production—Continued ______| Map symbol | Suitability ______and soil name | | BuF: | Craggey------|Unsuited: | depth to rock | large stones | slope | Rock outcrop. | | BwC, BwD, BwE: | Burton------|Unsuited: | slope | depth to rock | climate | Wayah------|Unsuited: | slope | climate | CaC------|Suited: Cashiers | slope | CaD, CaE------|Poorly suited: Cashiers | slope | CdE------|Poorly suited: Chandler | slope | ChF: | Chestnut------|Unsuited: | slope | depth to rock | Ashe------|Unsuited: | slope | depth to rock | CkD, CkE: | Chestnut------|Poorly suited: | slope | depth to rock | Edneyville------|Poorly suited: | slope | CmF: | Clingman------|Unsuited: | slope | depth to rock | climate | Craggey------|Unsuited: | slope | depth to rock | climate | Rock outcrop. | | CoD, CoE------|Poorly suited: Cowee | slope | depth to rock | 236 Soil Survey

Table 5.—Suitability for Vegetable Production—Continued ______| Map symbol | Suitability ______and soil name | | CoF------|Unsuited: Cowee | slope | depth to rock | CrC, CrD, CrE, CsC, CsD, | CsE, CtC, CtD, CtE------|Unsuited: Cullasaja | large stones | CuA------|Poorly suited: Cullowhee | flooding | wetness | climate--frost | DAM. | Dam | | DeB------|Poorly suited: Dellwood | flooding | large stones | droughty | climate--frost | DuF: | Ditney------|Unsuited: | slope | depth to rock | rock outcrop | Unicoi------|Unsuited: | slope | depth to rock | rock outcrop | EdC------|Suited: Edneytown | slope | EdD, EdE------|Poorly suited: Edneytown | slope | EvC: | Evard------|Suited: | slope | Cowee------|Suited: | depth to rock | slope | EvD, EvE: | Evard------|Poorly suited: | slope | Cowee------|Poorly suited: | slope | depth to rock | FaD, FaE------|Poorly suited: Fannin | slope | JfD, JfE------|Poorly suited: Jeffrey | slope | depth to rock | large stones | Watauga County, North Carolina 237

Table 5.—Suitability for Vegetable Production—Continued ______| Map symbol | Suitability ______and soil name | | KnC------|Suited: Keener | slope | KnD------|Poorly suited: Keener | slope | LoA------|Unsuited: Longhope | wetness | NkA------|Unsuited: Nikwasi | flooding | wetness | NoD------|Unsuited: Northcove | large stones | NxE------|Unsuited: Northcove | large stones | Pt. | Pits | | PuC------|Suited: Porters | slope | PuD, PuE------|Poorly suited: Porters | slope | PuF------|Unsuited: Porters | slope | RdA------|Well suited: Reddies | flooding | RoA------|Well suited: Rosman | flooding | SkC------|Suited: Saunook | slope | large stones | SkD------|Poorly suited: Saunook | slope | large stones | SnB------|Well suited Saunook | | SnC------|Suited: Saunook | slope | SnD------|Poorly suited: Saunook | slope | SoC------|Suited: Saunook | slope | large stones | SoD, SoE------|Poorly suited: Saunook | slope | large stones | 238 Soil Survey

Table 5.—Suitability for Vegetable Production—Continued ______| Map symbol | Suitability ______and soil name | | SwC: | Saunook------|Suited: | slope | Nikwasi------|Unsuited: | flooding | wetness | SxD, SxE------|Poorly suited: Soco | slope | depth to rock | TxA------|Unsuited: Toxaway | flooding | wetness | Ud------|Unsuited: Udorthents | variable properties | UkC, UkD, UkE: | Unaka------|Poorly suited: | rock outcrop | slope | depth to rock | Porters------|Poorly suited: | rock outcrop | slope | UkF: | Unaka------|Unsuited: | slope | Porters------|Unsuited: | slope | UnF: | Unaka------|Unsuited: | slope | Rock outcrop. | | Ur, Ux. | Urban land | | W. | Water | | WaC------|Suited: Watauga | slope | WaD------|Poorly suited: Watauga | slope ______| Watauga County, North Carolina 239

Table 6.—Orchards and Ornamental Crops

(See text for definitions of “well suited,” “suited,” “poorly suited,” and “unsuited.” Absence of an entry indicates that the soil was not rated)

______| | | | Map symbol | Orchards | Fraser fir | Ball and | Line-out and soil name | | | burlap | beds ______| | | harvesting | | | | | AcD, AcE, AcF: | | | | Ashe------|Unsuited: |Unsuited: |Unsuited: |Unsuited: | slope | slope | slope | slope | depth to rock | depth to rock | depth to rock | depth to rock | rock outcrop | rock outcrop | rock outcrop | rock outcrop | | | | Chestnut------|Unsuited: |Unsuited: |Unsuited: |Unsuited: | slope | slope | slope | slope | depth to rock | depth to rock | depth to rock | depth to rock | rock outcrop | rock outcrop | rock outcrop | rock outcrop | | | | ArF: | | | | Ashe------|Unsuited: |Unsuited: |Unsuited: |Unsuited: | slope | slope | slope | slope | depth to rock | depth to rock | depth to rock | depth to rock | | | | Cleveland------|Unsuited: |Unsuited: |Unsuited: |Unsuited: | slope | slope | slope | slope | depth to rock | depth to rock | depth to rock | depth to rock | | | | Rock outcrop. | | | | | | | | BaC, BaD------|Unsuited: |Poorly suited: |Unsuited: |Unsuited: Balsam | large stones | large stones | large stones | large stones | climate | climate | climate | climate | | | | BaE------|Unsuited: |Poorly suited: |Unsuited: |Unsuited: Balsam | slope | slope | slope | slope | large stones | large stones | large stones | large stones | climate | climate | climate | climate | | | | BoD, BoE------|Poorly suited: |Poorly suited: |Poorly suited: |Poorly suited: Brownwood | slope | slope | slope | slope | depth to rock | depth to rock | low clay | depth to rock | | warm aspect | depth to rock | | | | | BoF, BrF------|Unsuited: |Unsuited: |Unsuited: |Unsuited: Brownwood | slope | slope | slope | slope | depth to rock | depth to rock | low clay | depth to rock | | | | BuD: | | | | Burton------|Unsuited: |Unsuited: |Unsuited: |Unsuited: | depth to rock | depth to rock | depth to rock | depth to rock | large stones | large stones | large stones | large stones | climate | | climate | climate | | | | Craggey------|Unsuited: |Unsuited: |Unsuited: |Unsuited: | depth to rock | depth to rock | depth to rock | depth to rock | large stones | large stones | large stones | large stones | climate | | climate | climate | | | | Rock outcrop. | | | | | | | | 240 Soil Survey

Table 6.—Orchards and Ornamental Crops—Continued ______| | | | Map symbol | Orchards | Fraser fir | Ball and | Line-out and soil name | | | burlap | beds ______| | | harvesting | | | | | BuF: | | | | Burton------|Unsuited: |Unsuited: |Unsuited: |Unsuited: | depth to rock | depth to rock | depth to rock | depth to rock | large stones | large stones | large stones | large stones | slope | slope | slope | slope | climate | | climate | climate | | | | Craggey------|Unsuited: |Unsuited: |Unsuited: |Unsuited: | depth to rock | depth to rock | depth to rock | depth to rock | large stones | large stones | large stones | large stones | slope | slope | slope | slope | | | | Rock outcrop. | | | | | | | | BwC: | | | | Burton------|Unsuited: |Suited: |Unsuited: |Unsuited: | climate | slope | slope | slope | depth to rock | depth to rock | depth to rock | depth to rock | | | climate | climate | | | | Wayah------|Unsuited: |Suited: |Unsuited: |Unsuited: | climate | slope | slope | slope | | | climate | climate | | | | BwD: | | | | Burton------|Unsuited: |Suited: |Unsuited: |Unsuited: | slope | slope | slope | slope | depth to rock | depth to rock | depth to rock | depth to rock | climate | | climate | climate | | | | Wayah------|Unsuited: |Suited: |Unsuited: |Unsuited: | slope | slope | slope | slope | climate | | climate | climate | | | | BwE: | | | | Burton------|Unsuited: |Poorly suited: |Unsuited: |Unsuited: | slope | slope | slope | slope | depth to rock | depth to rock | depth to rock | depth to rock | climate | | climate | climate | | | | Wayah------|Unsuited: |Poorly suited: |Unsuited: |Unsuited: | slope | slope | slope | slope | climate | climate | climate | climate | | | | CaC------|Well suited |Well suited |Well suited |Suited: Cashiers | | | | slope | | | | surface clay | | | | CaD------|Suited: |Suited: |Suited: |Poorly suited: Cashiers | slope | slope | slope | slope | | | | surface clay | | | | CaE------|Poorly suited: |Suited: |Poorly suited: |Poorly suited: Cashiers | slope | slope | slope | slope | | | | surface clay | | | | CdE------|Poorly suited: |Suited: |Poorly suited: |Poorly suited: Chandler | slope | slope | slope | slope | | | low clay | surface clay | | | | Watauga County, North Carolina 241

Table 6.—Orchards and Ornamental Crops—Continued ______| | | | Map symbol | Orchards | Fraser fir | Ball and | Line-out and soil name | | | burlap | beds ______| | | harvesting | | | | | ChF: | | | | Chestnut------|Unsuited: |Unsuited: |Unsuited: |Unsuited: | slope | slope | slope | slope | depth to rock | depth to rock | depth to rock | depth to rock | | | | Ashe------|Unsuited: |Unsuited: |Unsuited: |Unsuited: | slope | slope | slope | slope | depth to rock | depth to rock | depth to rock | depth to rock | | | | CkD: | | | | Chestnut------|Suited: |Suited: |Poorly suited: |Poorly suited: | slope | slope | slope | slope | depth to rock | depth to rock | depth to rock | depth to rock | | | low clay | surface clay | | | | Edneyville------|Suited: |Suited: |Poorly suited: |Poorly suited: | slope | slope | slope | slope | | | low clay | surface clay | | | | CkE: | | | | Chestnut------|Poorly suited: |Suited: |Poorly suited: |Poorly suited: | slope | slope | slope | slope | depth to rock | depth to rock | low clay | surface clay | | | | Edneyville------|Poorly suited: |Suited: |Poorly suited: |Poorly suited: | slope | slope | slope | slope | | | low clay | surface clay | | | | CmF: | | | | Clingman------|Unsuited: |Unsuited: |Unsuited: |Unsuited: | slope | slope | slope | slope | depth to rock | depth to rock | depth to rock | depth to rock | climate | | climate | climate | | | | Craggey------|Unsuited: |Unsuited: |Unsuited: |Unsuited: | slope | slope | slope | slope | depth to rock | depth to rock | depth to rock | depth to rock | climate | | climate | climate | | | | Rock outcrop. | | | | | | | | CoD, CoE------|Poorly suited: |Poorly suited: |Poorly suited: |Poorly suited: Cowee | slope | slope | slope | slope | depth to rock | depth to rock | depth to rock | depth to rock | | | | CoF------|Unsuited: |Unsuited: |Unsuited: |Unsuited: Cowee | slope | slope | slope | slope | depth to rock | depth to rock | depth to rock | depth to rock | | | | CrC, CrD, CrE------|Unsuited: |Poorly suited: |Unsuited: |Unsuited: Cullasaja | large stones | large stones | large stones | large stones | | | | CsC, CsD------|Poorly suited: |Poorly suited: |Unsuited: |Unsuited: Cullasaja | large stones | large stones | large stones | large stones | | | | CsE, CtC, CtD, CtE------|Unsuited: |Poorly suited: |Unsuited: |Unsuited: Cullasaja | large stones | large stones | large stones | large stones | | | | CuA------|Unsuited: |Unsuited: |Poorly suited: |Poorly suited: Cullowhee | flooding | flooding | flooding | flooding | wetness | wetness | wetness | wetness | climate--frost| | | | | | | 242 Soil Survey

Table 6.—Orchards and Ornamental Crops—Continued ______| | | | Map symbol | Orchards | Fraser fir | Ball and | Line-out and soil name | | | burlap | beds ______| | | harvesting | | | | | DAM. | | | | Dam | | | | | | | | DeB------|Unsuited: |Poorly suited: |Poorly suited: |Poorly suited: Dellwood | flooding | flooding | flooding | flooding | climate--frost| large stones | large stones | large stones | | | low clay | droughty | | | | DuF: | | | | Ditney------|Unsuited: |Unsuited: |Unsuited: |Unsuited: | slope | slope | slope | slope | depth to rock | depth to rock | depth to rock | depth to rock | rock outcrop | rock outcrop | rock outcrop | rock outcrop | | | | Unicoi------|Unsuited: |Unsuited: |Unsuited: |Unsuited: | slope | slope | slope | slope | depth to rock | depth to rock | depth to rock | depth to rock | rock outcrop | rock outcrop | rock outcrop | rock outcrop | | | | EdC------|Well suited: |Well suited: |Well suited: |Suited: Edneytown | slope | slope | slope | slope | | | | surface clay | | | | EdD------|Suited: |Suited: |Suited: |Poorly suited: Edneytown | slope | slope | slope | slope | | | | surface clay | | | | EdE------|Poorly suited: |Suited: |Poorly suited: |Poorly suited: Edneytown | slope | slope | slope | slope | | | | surface clay | | | | EvC: | | | | Evard------|Well suited |Well suited |Well suited |Suited: | | | | surface clay | | | | Cowee------|Suited: |Suited: |Suited: |Poorly suited: | depth to rock | depth to rock | depth to rock | depth to rock | | | | surface clay | | | | EvD: | | | | Evard------|Suited: |Suited: |Suited: |Poorly suited: | slope | slope | slope | slope | | | | surface clay | | | | Cowee------|Suited: |Suited: |Suited: |Poorly suited: | slope | slope | slope | slope | depth to rock | depth to rock | depth to rock | surface clay | | | | EvE: | | | | Evard------|Poorly suited: |Poorly suited: |Poorly suited: |Poorly suited: | slope | slope | slope | slope | | | | surface clay | | | | Cowee------|Poorly suited: |Poorly suited: |Poorly suited: |Poorly suited: | slope | slope | slope | slope | depth to rock | depth to rock | depth to rock | depth to rock | | | | surface clay | | | | FaD------|Suited: |Suited: |Suited: |Poorly suited: Fannin | slope | slope | slope | slope | | | | surface clay | | | | Watauga County, North Carolina 243

Table 6.—Orchards and Ornamental Crops—Continued ______| | | | Map symbol | Orchards | Fraser fir | Ball and | Line-out and soil name | | | burlap | beds ______| | | harvesting | | | | | FaE------|Poorly suited: |Suited: |Poorly suited: |Poorly suited: Fannin | slope | slope | slope | slope | | | | surface clay | | | | JfD------|Suited: |Suited: |Suited: |Poorly suited: Jeffrey | slope | slope | slope | slope | depth to rock | depth to rock | depth to rock | surface clay | large stones | large stones | large stones | large stones | | | | JfE------|Poorly suited: |Suited: |Poorly suited: |Poorly suited: Jeffrey | slope | slope | slope | slope | depth to rock | depth to rock | depth to rock | surface clay | large stones | large stones | large stones | large stones | | | | KnC------|Well suited: |Well suited: |Well suited: |Suited: Keener | slope | slope | slope | slope | | | | surface clay | | | | KnD------|Suited: |Suited: |Suited: |Poorly suited: Keener | slope | slope | slope | slope | | | | surface clay | | | | LoA------|Unsuited: |Unsuited: |Unsuited: |Unsuited: Longhope | wetness | wetness | wetness | wetness | | | low clay | | | | | NkA------|Unsuited: |Unsuited: |Unsuited: |Unsuited: Nikwasi | flooding | flooding | flooding | flooding | wetness | wetness | wetness | wetness | | | | NoD------|Poorly suited: |Poorly suited: |Unsuited: |Unsuited: Northcove | large stones | large stones | large stones | large stones | | | | NxE------|Unsuited: |Unsuited: |Unsuited: |Unsuited: Northcove | large stones | large stones | large stones | large stones | | | | Pt. | | | | Pits | | | | | | | | PuC------|Well suited: |Well suited: |Well suited: |Suited: Porters | slope | slope | slope | slope | | | | surface clay | | | | PuD------|Suited: |Suited: |Suited: |Poorly suited: Porters | slope | slope | slope | slope | | | | PuE------|Poorly suited: |Suited: |Poorly suited: |Poorly suited: Porters | slope | slope | slope | slope | | | | PuF------|Unsuited: |Unsuited: |Unsuited: |Unsuited: Porters | slope | slope | slope | slope | | | | RdA------|Unsuited: |Poorly suited: |Suited: |Well suited: Reddies | flooding | flooding | flooding | flooding | climate--frost| | low clay | | | | | RoA------|Unsuited: |Poorly suited: |Suited: |Well suited: Rosman | flooding | flooding | flooding | flooding | climate--frost| | low clay | | | | | 244 Soil Survey

Table 6.—Orchards and Ornamental Crops—Continued ______| | | | Map symbol | Orchards | Fraser fir | Ball and | Line-out and soil name | | | burlap | beds ______| | | harvesting | | | | | SkC------|Well suited: |Suited: |Suited: |Suited: Saunook | climate--frost| large stones | slope | slope | large stones | | large stones | large stones | | | | surface clay | | | | SkD------|Suited: |Suited: |Suited: |Poorly suited: Saunook | slope | slope | slope | slope | large stones | large stones | large stones | large stones | climate--frost| | | surface clay | | | | SnB------|Well suited: |Well suited |Well suited |Well suited: Saunook | climate--frost| | | surface clay | | | | SnC------|Well suited: |Well suited |Well suited: |Suited: Saunook | climate--frost| | slope | slope | | | | surface clay | | | | SnD------|Suited: |Suited: |Suited: |Poorly suited: Saunook | slope | slope | slope | slope | | | | SoC------|Suited: |Suited: |Suited: |Suited: Saunook | climate--frost| large stones | slope | slope | large stones | | large stones | surface clay | | | | large stones | | | | SoD------|Suited: |Suited: |Suited: |Poorly suited: Saunook | slope | slope | slope | slope | large stones | large stones | large stones | large stones | climate--frost| | | surface clay | | | | SoE------|Poorly suited: |Suited: |Poorly suited: |Poorly suited: Saunook | slope | slope | slope | slope | large stones | large stones | large stones | large stones | | | | surface clay | | | | SwC: | | | | Saunook------|Well suited: |Well suited |Well suited: |Suited: | climate--frost| | slope | slope | | | | surface clay | | | | Nikwasi------|Unsuited: |Unsuited: |Unsuited: |Unsuited: | flooding | flooding | flooding | flooding | wetness | wetness | wetness | wetness | | | | SxD------|Suited: |Suited: |Poorly suited: |Poorly suited: Soco | slope | slope | slope | slope | depth to rock | depth to rock | depth to rock | depth to rock | | | low clay | surface clay | | | | SxE------|Poorly suited: |Poorly suited: |Poorly suited: |Poorly suited: Soco | slope | slope | slope | slope | depth to rock | depth to rock | depth to rock | depth to rock | | | low clay | surface clay | | | | TxA------|Unsuited: |Unsuited: |Unsuited: |Unsuited: Toxaway | flooding | flooding | flooding | flooding | wetness | wetness | wetness | wetness | | | | Ud------|Unsuited: |Unsuited: |Unsuited: |Unsuited: Udorthents | variable | variable | variable | variable | | | | Watauga County, North Carolina 245

Table 6.—Orchards and Ornamental Crops—Continued ______| | | | Map symbol | Orchards | Fraser fir | Ball and | Line-out and soil name | | | burlap | beds ______| | | harvesting | | | | | UkC, UkD, UkE: | | | | Unaka------|Poorly suited: |Poorly suited: |Poorly suited: |Poorly suited: | rock outcrop | rock outcrop | rock outcrop | rock outcrop | slope | slope | slope | slope | depth to rock | depth to rock | depth to rock | depth to rock | | | | Porters------|Poorly suited: |Poorly suited: |Poorly suited: |Poorly suited: | rock outcrop | rock outcrop | rock outcrop | rock outcrop | slope | slope | slope | slope | | | | surface clay | | | | UkF: | | | | Unaka------|Unsuited: |Unsuited: |Unsuited: |Unsuited: | slope | slope | slope | slope | | | | Porters------|Unsuited: |Unsuited: |Unsuited: |Unsuited: | slope | slope | slope | slope | | | | UnF: | | | | Unaka------|Unsuited: |Unsuited: |Unsuited: |Unsuited: | slope | slope | slope | slope | | | | Rock outcrop. | | | | | | | | Ur, Ux. | | | | Urban land | | | | | | | | W. | | | | Water | | | | | | | | WaC------|Well suited: |Well suited: |Well suited: |Suited: Watauga | slope | slope | slope | slope | | | | surface clay | | | | WaD------|Suited: |Suited: |Suited: |Poorly suited: Watauga | slope | slope | slope | slope | | | | surface clay ______| | | | 246 Soil Survey Table 7.—Suggested Management Solutions to Soil Quality Problems (This table can be used to determine possible causes of a soil quality problem, indicators to test for the problem, and potential management solutions. This is not a comprehensive list) ______| Problem/indicators | Possible reason Suggestions to improve soil quality | for low ranking ______| Problem: |Working wet soil |Avoid working Compaction |Excess traffic |Reduce traffic/tillage operations |Heavy machinery |Use controlled traffic patterns Indicators to test: |Repeated tillage at |Avoid using heavy machinery Bulk density | same depth |Subsoil or rip when soil is not excessively wet dry Penetration resistance |Excess animal traffic|Alter tillage depth Porosity |Poor aggregation |Add organic residues Root growth patterns |Low organic matter |Diversify cropping system | |Use conservation tillage | |Add cover crops | |Use crop rotations | |Add animal manures | |Use non-compacting tillage (such as chisel vs. moldboard) | ------|------|------| Problem: |Compacted layers |Soil test--correct nutrient and pH levels Crop disease |Saturated soil |Check for pathogens/pests |Soil pathogen |Reduce compaction following harvest Indicators to test: | problems |Improve drainage Plant health |Nutrient deficiencies|Increase organic residue Crop vigor | or imbalance |Use animal manure Yield |Low organic matter |Add cover crops |Monoculture |Use crop rotations |Low biological |Diversify cropping system | diversity | ------|------|------| Problem: |Excess sodium |Increase organic residues on surface Crusting |Low organic matter |Reduce tillage depth |Low residues on |Use animal manure Indicators to test: | surface |Add cover crops Aggregate stability | |For sodium problem--apply gypsum and flush with Slake test | irrigation water Infiltration rate | Observations | | ------|------|------Watauga County, North Carolina 247 Table 7.—Suggested Management Solutions to Soil Quality Problems—Continued ______| Problem/indicators | Possible reason Suggestions to improve soil quality | for low ranking ______| Problem: |Tillage pan |Subsoil to break up tillage Drainage |High water table |Add drainage system |Poor soil structure | Indicators to test: | Infiltration rate | Hydraulic conductivity | | ------|------|------| Problem: |Low organic matter |Increase residues Soil life |Low residues |Use conservation tillage |Excess pesticides or |Use crop rotations Indicators to test: | fertilizers |Add cover crops Earthworms |Excess tillage | Soil respiration |Poor aeration | Microbial biomass |Crop monoculture | Pitfall trapping | | ------|------|------| Problem: |Saline seeps |Leach excess salts Salinity |Saline irrigation |Plant deep-rooted crops | water/well |Grow salt-tolerant crops Indicators to test: |Shallow water table |Increase vegetative cover Electrical conductivity|Poor drainage |Manage irrigation water Observe white crust |Excess evaporation |Improve drainage | ------|------|------| Problem: |Lack of cover and |Diversify crop rotations Erosion | residue |Reduce tillage |Low organic matter |Use animal manure Indicators to test: |Poor aggregation |Use cover crops Observe rills, gullies |Tillage pan or |Increase surface residue roughness Topsoil depth | compacted layer |Shorten slope length Aggregate stability |Tillage practices |Plant strip crops | that move soil |Use windbreaks | downslope |Excessive tillage | |Intensive crop | | rotation | ------|------|------248 Soil Survey Table 7.—Suggested Management Solutions to Soil Quality Problems—Continued ______| Problem/indicators | Possible reason Suggestions to improve soil quality | for low ranking ______| Problem: |Compaction |Add organic residue Infiltration |Surface crusting |Add animal manure |Plow pan |Use cover crops Indicators to test: |Poor soil structure/ |Diversify crop rotation Infiltration rate | aggregation |For sodium problem--apply gypsum and flush with Aggregate stability |Excess sodium | irrigation water Soil structure |Lack of cover and |Subsoil or rip when soil is not excessively wet dry | residue |Use tillage that preserves soil moisture |Low organic matter | | ------|------|------| Problem: |Excess tillage |Diversify or increase crop rotations Organic matter/residue |Residue burned off |Add animal manure |Low-residue crops |Use cover Indicators to test: |Too much fallow |Use high-residue crops Organic carbon |Insufficient |Reduce tillage Percent residues | additions of crop | residue | ------|------|------| Problem: |Use of ammonium |Soil test--correct pH levels Soil pH | fertilizers |Add lime for low |No liming |Improve drainage |Poor drainage | | ------|------|------| Problem: |Seeps |For sodium problem--apply gypsum and leach with Sodium |Shallow water table | irrigation |Low calcium |Manage irrigation water Indicators to test: | irrigation water |Improve quality Soil structure |Poor drainage |Improve Soil pH | SAR | | ------|------|------| Problem: |Low residues |Increase organic Tilth/soil stability |Low organic matter |Use cover crops |Excess tillage |Add animal manure Indicators to test: |Fallow |Reduce number of tillage passes Aggregate stability |Compaction |Avoid tillage when soil is wet Slake test | Structure index | Infiltration rate | | ------|------|------Watauga County, North Carolina 249 Table 7.—Suggested Management Solutions to Soil Quality Problems—Continued ______| Problem/indicators | Possible reason Suggestions to improve soil quality | for low ranking ______| Problem: |Nutrient imbalances |Soil test--correct nutrient and pH levels Soil fertility | (deficiencies or |Increase organic residue | excesses) |Use animal manure Indicators to test: |Poor drainage |Use cover crops and crop rotations Organic carbon |Incorrect pH |Reduce tillage Soil pH |Low organic matter | Soil fertility test | CEC | | ------|------|------| Problem: |Compaction |Reduce compaction Available water-holding|Low organic matter |Increase residues capacity |Excessive drainage |Add animal manure |Low aggregation |Use cover crops Indicators to test: |Low biological |Improve conditions for earthworms/soil life Organic carbon | activity |Avoid tillage when soil is wet Water content at field |Excessive tillage |Reduce capacity | Porosity | Infiltration rate | | ______250 Soil Survey

Table 8.—Land Capability and Yields per Acre of Crops and Pasture

(Yields are those that can be expected under a high level of management. They are for nonirrigated areas. Absence of a yield indicates that the soil is not suited to the crop or the crop generally is not grown on the soil)

______| | | | | | Map symbol | Land | Corn |Corn silage | Grass hay | Pasture | Tobacco and soil name | capability | | | | | ______| | | | | | | | __Bu | ____Tons | ____Tons | ____AUM* | ___Lbs | | | | | | AcD: | | | | | | Ashe------| 6e | --- | --- | 2.00 | 4.00 | --- | | | | | | Chestnut------| 6e | --- | --- | 2.50 | 4.50 | --- | | | | | | AcE: | | | | | | Ashe------| 7e | --- | --- | --- | 3.00 | --- | | | | | | Chestnut------| 7e | --- | --- | --- | 3.50 | --- | | | | | | AcF: | | | | | | Ashe------| 7e | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | Chestnut------| 7e | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | ArF: | | | | | | Ashe------| 7e | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | Cleveland------| 7e | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | Rock outcrop------| 8s | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | BaC, BaD, BaE: | | | | | | Balsam------| 7s | --- | --- | --- | 3.00 | --- | | | | | | BoD: | | | | | | Brownwood------| 6e | --- | --- | 2.00 | 3.50 | --- | | | | | | BoE: | | | | | | Brownwood------| 7e | --- | --- | --- | 3.50 | --- | | | | | | BoF, BrF: | | | | | | Brownwood------| 7e | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | BuD: | | | | | | Burton------| 6e | --- | --- | --- | 3.00 | --- | | | | | | Craggey------| 7s | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | Rock outcrop------| 8s | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | BuF: | | | | | | Burton------| 7e | --- | --- | --- | 2.00 | --- | | | | | | Craggey------| 7s | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | Rock outcrop------| 8s | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | BwC: | | | | | | Burton------| 4e | --- | --- | 2.50 | 6.00 | --- | | | | | | Wayah------| 4e | --- | --- | 2.50 | 6.00 | --- | | | | | |

See footnote at end of table. Watauga County, North Carolina 251

Table 8.—Land Capability and Yields per Acre of Crops and Pasture—Continued ______| | | | | | Map symbol | Land | Corn |Corn silage | Grass hay | Pasture | Tobacco and soil name | capability | | | | | ______| | | | | | | | __Bu | ____Tons | ____Tons | ____AUM* | ___Lbs | | | | | | BwD: | | | | | | Burton------| 6e | --- | --- | 2.50 | 5.00 | --- | | | | | | Wayah------| 6e | --- | --- | 2.50 | 5.00 | --- | | | | | | BwE: | | | | | | Burton------| 7e | --- | --- | --- | 4.00 | --- | | | | | | Wayah------| 7e | --- | --- | --- | 4.00 | --- | | | | | | CaC: | | | | | | Cashiers------| 4e | --- | --- | 3.00 | 6.00 |2,600.00 | | | | | | CaD: | | | | | | Cashiers------| 6e | --- | --- | --- | 5.50 | --- | | | | | | CaE: | | | | | | Cashiers------| 7e | --- | --- | --- | 4.50 | --- | | | | | | CdE: | | | | | | Chandler------| 7e | --- | --- | --- | 3.50 | --- | | | | | | ChF: | | | | | | Chestnut------| 7e | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | Ashe------| 7e | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | CkD: | | | | | | Chestnut------| 6e | --- | --- | 3.00 | 6.00 | --- | | | | | | Edneyville------| 6e | --- | --- | 3.50 | 6.50 | --- | | | | | | CkE: | | | | | | Chestnut------| 7e | --- | --- | --- | 6.00 | --- | | | | | | Edneyville------| 7e | --- | --- | --- | 6.50 | --- | | | | | | CmF: | | | | | | Clingman------| 7e | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | Craggey------| 7e | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | Rock outcrop------| 8s | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | CoD: | | | | | | Cowee------| 6e | --- | --- | 3.00 | 5.50 | --- | | | | | | CoE: | | | | | | Cowee------| 7e | --- | --- | --- | 5.50 | --- | | | | | | CoF: | | | | | | Cowee------| 7e | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | CrC, CrD, CrE: | | | | | | Cullasaja------| 7s | --- | --- | --- | 3.00 | --- | | | | | | CsC, CsD: | | | | | | Cullasaja------| 7s | --- | --- | 3.00 | 6.00 | --- | | | | | |

See footnote at end of table. 252 Soil Survey

Table 8.—Land Capability and Yields per Acre of Crops and Pasture—Continued ______| | | | | | Map symbol | Land | Corn |Corn silage | Grass hay | Pasture | Tobacco and soil name | capability | | | | | ______| | | | | | | | __Bu | ____Tons | ____Tons | ____AUM* | ___Lbs | | | | | | CsE: | | | | | | Cullasaja------| 7s | --- | --- | --- | 4.50 | --- | | | | | | CtC, CtD, CtE: | | | | | | Cullasaja------| 7s | --- | --- | --- | 3.50 | --- | | | | | | CuA: | | | | | | Cullowhee------| 3w | 125.00 | 25.00 | 3.00 | 7.00 |2,600.00 | | | | | | DAM. | | | | | | Dam | | | | | | | | | | | | DeB: | | | | | | Dellwood------| 4s | --- | --- | 3.00 | 7.50 |2,000.00 | | | | | | DuF: | | | | | | Ditney------| 7s | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | Unicoi------| 7s | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | EdC: | | | | | | Edneytown------| 4e | 125.00 | 25.00 | 3.50 | 8.00 |2,800.00 | | | | | | EdD: | | | | | | Edneytown------| 6e | --- | --- | 3.50 | 8.00 | --- | | | | | | EdE: | | | | | | Edneytown------| 7e | --- | --- | --- | 6.00 | --- | | | | | | EvC: | | | | | | Evard------| 4e | --- | --- | 3.00 | 6.50 | --- | | | | | | Cowee------| 4e | --- | --- | 3.00 | 5.50 | --- | | | | | | EvD: | | | | | | Evard------| 6e | --- | --- | 3.00 | 6.50 | --- | | | | | | Cowee------| 6e | --- | --- | 3.00 | 5.50 | --- | | | | | | EvE: | | | | | | Evard------| 7e | --- | --- | --- | 6.00 | --- | | | | | | Cowee------| 7e | --- | --- | --- | 5.50 | --- | | | | | | FaD, FaE: | | | | | | Fannin------| 7e | --- | --- | --- | 6.00 | --- | | | | | | JfD: | | | | | | Jeffrey------| 6e | --- | --- | 2.50 | 4.50 | --- | | | | | | JfE: | | | | | | Jeffrey------| 7e | --- | --- | --- | 4.00 | --- | | | | | | KnC: | | | | | | Keener------| 3e | 95.00 | 17.50 | 3.00 | 6.00 |2,500.00 | | | | | | KnD: | | | | | | Keener------| 6e | --- | --- | 3.00 | 5.00 | --- | | | | | |

See footnote at end of table. Watauga County, North Carolina 253

Table 8.—Land Capability and Yields per Acre of Crops and Pasture—Continued ______| | | | | | Map symbol | Land | Corn |Corn silage | Grass hay | Pasture | Tobacco and soil name | capability | | | | | ______| | | | | | | | __Bu | ____Tons | ____Tons | ____AUM* | ___Lbs | | | | | | LoA: | | | | | | Longhope------| 7w | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | NkA: | | | | | | Nikwasi------| 6w | --- | --- | 3.00 | 6.00 | --- | | | | | | NoD: | | | | | | Northcove------| 7s | --- | --- | --- | 4.00 | --- | | | | | | NxE: | | | | | | Northcove------| 7s | --- | --- | --- | 3.00 | --- | | | | | | Pt. | | | | | | Pits | | | | | | | | | | | | PuC: | | | | | | Porters------| 4e | 100.00 | 18.00 | 4.00 | 8.50 |2,700.00 | | | | | | PuD: | | | | | | Porters------| 6e | --- | --- | 4.00 | 8.50 | --- | | | | | | PuE: | | | | | | Porters------| 7e | --- | --- | --- | 7.00 | --- | | | | | | PuF: | | | | | | Porters------| 7e | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | RdA: | | | | | | Reddies------| 3w | 125.00 | 25.00 | 3.50 | 8.00 |2,900.00 | | | | | | RoA: | | | | | | Rosman------| 2w | 150.00 | 30.00 | 4.00 | 8.50 |3,200.00 | | | | | | SkC: | | | | | | Saunook------| 4s | 90.00 | 15.00 | 3.50 | 8.00 |2,800.00 | | | | | | SkD: | | | | | | Saunook------| 6s | --- | --- | 3.50 | 8.00 |2,800.00 | | | | | | SnB: | | | | | | Saunook------| 2e | 125.00 | 25.00 | 3.50 | 8.00 |3,000.00 | | | | | | SnC: | | | | | | Saunook------| 4e | 110.00 | 20.00 | 3.50 | 8.00 |2,800.00 | | | | | | SnD: | | | | | | Saunook------| 6e | --- | --- | 3.50 | 8.00 |2,800.00 | | | | | | SoC: | | | | | | Saunook------| 4e | --- | --- | --- | 7.00 | --- | | | | | | SoD: | | | | | | Saunook------| 6e | --- | --- | --- | 7.00 | --- | | | | | | SoE: | | | | | | Saunook------| 7e | --- | --- | --- | 6.00 | --- | | | | | |

See footnote at end of table. 254 Soil Survey

Table 8.—Land Capability and Yields per Acre of Crops and Pasture—Continued ______| | | | | | Map symbol | Land | Corn |Corn silage | Grass hay | Pasture | Tobacco and soil name | capability | | | | | ______| | | | | | | | __Bu | ____Tons | ____Tons | ____AUM* | ___Lbs | | | | | | SwC: | | | | | | Saunook------| 3e | 100.00 | 18.00 | 3.00 | 6.00 |2,600.00 | | | | | | Nikwasi------| 6w | --- | --- | 3.00 | 6.00 | --- | | | | | | SxD: | | | | | | Soco------| 6e | --- | --- | 2.50 | 4.50 | --- | | | | | | SxE: | | | | | | Soco------| 7e | --- | --- | --- | 4.00 | --- | | | | | | TxA: | | | | | | Toxaway------| 4w | --- | --- | --- | 6.00 | --- | | | | | | Ud. | | | | | | Udorthents | | | | | | | | | | | | UkC: | | | | | | Unaka------| 4e | --- | --- | --- | 6.00 | --- | | | | | | Porters------| 4e | --- | --- | --- | 8.00 | --- | | | | | | UkD: | | | | | | Unaka------| 6e | --- | --- | --- | 5.00 | --- | | | | | | Porters------| 6e | --- | --- | --- | 8.00 | --- | | | | | | UkE: | | | | | | Unaka------| 7e | --- | --- | --- | 3.50 | --- | | | | | | Porters------| 7e | --- | --- | --- | 6.50 | --- | | | | | | UkF: | | | | | | Unaka------| 7e | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | Porters------| 7e | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | UnF: | | | | | | Unaka------| 7e | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | Rock outcrop------| 8s | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | Ur, Ux. | | | | | | Urban land | | | | | | | | | | | | W. | | | | | | Water | | | | | | | | | | | | WaC: | | | | | | Watauga------| 4e | 125.00 | 25.00 | 3.50 | 8.00 |2,800.00 | | | | | | WaD: | | | | | | Watauga------| 6e | --- | --- | 3.50 | 8.00 | --- ______| | | | | |

* Animal unit month: The amount of forage or feed required to feed one animal unit (one cow, one horse, one mule, five sheep, or five goats) for 30 days. Watauga County, North Carolina 255

Table 9.—Prime Farmland

(Only the soils considered prime farmland are listed. Urban or built-up areas of the soils listed are not considered prime farmland. If a soil is prime farmland only under certain conditions, the conditions are specified in parentheses after the soil name)

______| Map | Soil name symbol | ______| | CuA |Cullowhee loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded (if drained and either | protected from flooding or not frequently flooded during the growing season) RdA |Reddies loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded (if protected from flooding or | not frequently flooded during the growing season) RoA |Rosman fine sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, occasionally flooded SnB |Saunook loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes TxA |Toxaway loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded (if drained and either protected | from flooding or not frequently flooded during the growing season) ______|

Table 10.—Other Farmland of Statewide Importance

(These soils do not meet the requirements for prime farmland but are considered farmland of statewide importance)

______| Map | Soil name symbol | ______| | EdC |Edneytown loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes SkC |Saunook cobbly loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes SnC |Saunook loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes WaC |Watauga loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes ______| 256 Soil Survey 3 | 2 |of wood | 1 Table 11.—Woodland Management and Productivity ______| Management concerns Potential productivity ______Map symbol and | Equip- soil name |Erosion | ment |Seedling| Wind- Plant Common trees |Site Volume Trees to manage | hazard |limita- |mortal- throw |competi-| |index | tion ity hazard fiber ______| |cu ft/ac| ______| AcD: | Ashe------|Moderate|Moderate|Moderate|Moderate|Moderate|chestnut oak------| 70 | 52.00 |eastern white pine, | |eastern white pine--| 81 |146.00 oak, | |Virginia pine------| 62 95.00 chestnut oak | |hickory------| --- | |pitch pine------| --- | |scarlet oak------| --- | Chestnut------|Moderate|Moderate|Slight |Moderate|Moderate|chestnut oak------| 69 | 51.00 |eastern white pine, | |yellow-poplar------| 97 |102.00 white oak, | |white oak------| 70 52.00 chestnut oak | |black oak------| 71 53.00 | |eastern white pine--| 78 |139.00 | |scarlet oak------| 68 50.00 | |northern red oak----| 80 62.00 | AcE, AcF: | Ashe------|Severe |Severe |Moderate|Moderate|Moderate|chestnut oak------| 70 | 52.00 |eastern white pine, | |eastern white pine--| 81 |146.00 oak, | |Virginia pine------| 62 95.00 chestnut oak | |hickory------| --- | |pitch pine------| --- | |scarlet oak------| --- | Chestnut------|Severe |Severe |Slight |Moderate|Moderate|chestnut oak------| 69 | 51.00 |eastern white pine, | |yellow-poplar------| 97 |102.00 white oak, | |white oak------| 70 52.00 chestnut oak | |black oak------| 71 53.00 | |eastern white pine--| 78 |139.00 | |scarlet oak------| 68 50.00 | |northern red oak----| 80 62.00 | ArF: | Ashe------|Severe |Severe |Moderate|Moderate|Moderate|chestnut oak------| 70 | 52.00 |eastern white pine, | |eastern white pine--| 81 |146.00 oak, scarlet | |Virginia pine------| 62 95.00 oak | |hickory------| --- | |pitch pine------| --- | |scarlet oak------| --- | See footnotes at end of table. Watauga County, North Carolina 257 3 | 2 |of wood | 1 Table 11.—Woodland Management and Productivity—Continued ______| Management concerns Potential productivity ______Map symbol and | Equip- soil name |Erosion | ment |Seedling| Wind- Plant Common trees |Site Volume Trees to manage | hazard |limita- |mortal- throw |competi-| |index | tion ity hazard fiber ______| |cu ft/ac| ______| ArF: | Cleveland------|Severe |Severe |Moderate|Severe |Slight |chestnut oak------| --- | |eastern white pine, | |eastern white pine--| --- oak, | |yellow-poplar------| --- chestnut oak | |scarlet oak------| --- | |white oak------| --- | |black oak------| --- | |shortleaf pine------| --- | |pitch pine------| --- | Rock outcrop. | | BaC: | Balsam------|Slight |Slight |Moderate|red spruce------| 64 |150.00 |red spruce | |Fraser fir------| --- | |northern red oak----| --- | |sugar maple------| --- | |yellow birch------| --- | BaD: | Balsam------|Moderate|Moderate|Slight |Slight |Moderate|red spruce------| 64 |150.00 |red spruce | |Fraser fir------| --- | |northern red oak----| --- | |sugar maple------| --- | |yellow birch------| --- | BaE: | Balsam------|Severe |Severe |Slight |Moderate|red spruce------| 64 |150.00 |red spruce | |Fraser fir------| --- | |northern red oak----| --- | |sugar maple------| --- | |yellow birch------| --- | | BoD: | Brownwood------|Moderate|Moderate|Slight |Moderate|Moderate|chestnut oak------| 71 | 50.00 |eastern white pine, | |black oak------| 69 51.00 yellow-poplar, | |eastern white pine--| 78 |139.00 scarlet oak | |northern red oak----| 80 62.00 | |scarlet oak------| 68 50.00 | |white oak------| 70 52.00 | |yellow-poplar------| 97 |102.00 | See footnotes at end of table. 258 Soil Survey 3 | 2 |of wood | 1 Table 11.—Woodland Management and Productivity—Continued ______| Management concerns Potential productivity ______Map symbol and | Equip- soil name |Erosion | ment |Seedling| Wind- Plant Common trees |Site Volume Trees to manage | hazard |limita- |mortal- throw |competi-| |index | tion ity hazard fiber ______| |cu ft/ac| ______| BoE, BoF, BrF: | Brownwood------|Severe |Severe |Slight |Moderate|Moderate|chestnut oak------| 71 | 50.00 |eastern white pine, | |black oak------| 69 51.00 yellow-poplar, | |eastern white pine--| 78 |139.00 scarlet oak | |northern red oak----| 80 62.00 | |scarlet oak------| 68 50.00 | |white oak------| 70 52.00 | |yellow-poplar------| 97 |102.00 | BuD: | Burton------|Moderate|Moderate|Severe |Moderate|Slight |northern red oak----| --- | |red spruce | |Fraser fir------| --- | |red spruce------| --- | |yellow birch------| --- | Craggey------|Moderate|Moderate|Severe |Severe |Slight |northern red oak----| --- | |red spruce | |Fraser fir------| --- | |red spruce------| --- | |yellow birch------| --- | Rock outcrop. | | BuF: | Burton------|Severe |Severe |Moderate|Slight |northern red oak----| --- | |red spruce | |Fraser fir------| --- | |red spruce------| --- | |yellow birch------| --- | Craggey------|Severe |Severe |Slight |northern red oak----| --- | |red spruce | |Fraser fir------| --- | |red spruce------| --- | |yellow birch------| --- | Rock outcrop. | | | BwC: | Burton------|Slight |Slight |Severe |Moderate|Slight |northern red oak----| --- | |red spruce, | |Fraser fir------| --- northern red oak | |red spruce------| --- | |yellow birch------| --- | See footnotes at end of table. Watauga County, North Carolina 259 3 | 2 |of wood | 1 ---| 84 | 66.00 |eastern white pine, 4 Table 11.—Woodland Management and Productivity—Continued ______| Management concerns Potential productivity ______Map symbol and | Equip- soil name |Erosion | ment |Seedling| Wind- Plant Common trees |Site Volume Trees to manage | hazard |limita- |mortal- throw |competi-| |index | tion ity hazard fiber ______| |cu ft/ac| ______| BwC: | Wayah------|Slight |Slight |Severe |northern red oak----| 43 | 28.00 |red spruce, | |Fraser fir------| --- northern red oak | |red spruce------| --- | |yellow birch------| --- | BwD: | Burton------|Moderate|Moderate|Severe |Moderate|Slight |northern red oak----| --- | |red spruce, | |Fraser fir------| --- northern red oak | |red spruce------| --- | |yellow birch------| --- | Wayah------|Moderate|Moderate|Severe |Slight |northern red oak----| 43 | 28.00 |red spruce, | |Fraser fir------| --- northern red oak | |red spruce------| --- | |yellow birch------| --- | BwE: | Burton------|Severe |Severe |Moderate|Slight |northern red oak----| --- | |red spruce, | |Fraser fir------| --- northern red oak | |red spruce------| --- | |yellow birch------| --- | Wayah------|Severe |Severe |Slight |northern red oak----| 43 | 28.00 |red spruce, | |Fraser fir------| --- northern red oak | |red spruce------| --- | |yellow birch------| --- | CaC: | Cashiers------|Slight |Slight |Moderate|northern red oak | |eastern white pine--| 91 |168.00 yellow-poplar, | |yellow-poplar------| 93 95.00 northern red oak | |American beech------| --- | |eastern hemlock-----| --- | |red maple------| --- | |white ash------| --- | |yellow buckeye------| --- | |sugar maple------| --- | See footnotes at end of table. 260 Soil Survey 3 | 2 |of wood | 1 ---| 84 | 66.00 |eastern white pine, ---| 84 | 66.00 |eastern white pine, 4 4 Table 11.—Woodland Management and Productivity—Continued ______| Management concerns Potential productivity ______Map symbol and | Equip- soil name |Erosion | ment |Seedling| Wind- Plant Common trees |Site Volume Trees to manage | hazard |limita- |mortal- throw |competi-| |index | tion ity hazard fiber ______| |cu ft/ac| ______| CaD: | Cashiers------|Moderate|Moderate|Slight |Slight |Moderate|northern red oak | |eastern white pine--| 91 |168.00 yellow-poplar, | |yellow-poplar------| 93 95.00 northern red oak | |American beech------| --- | |eastern hemlock-----| --- | |red maple------| --- | |white ash------| --- | |yellow buckeye------| --- | |sugar maple------| --- | CaE: | Cashiers------|Severe |Severe |Slight |Moderate|northern red oak | |eastern white pine--| 91 |168.00 yellow-poplar, | |yellow-poplar------| 93 95.00 northern red oak | |American beech------| --- | |eastern hemlock-----| --- | |red maple------| --- | |white ash------| --- | |yellow buckeye------| --- | |sugar maple------| --- | CdE: | Chandler------|Severe |Severe |Slight |Moderate|eastern white pine--| 88 |162.00 |eastern pine, | |chestnut oak------| 76 58.00 northern red oak, | |hickory------| --- yellow-poplar | |northern red oak----| --- | |scarlet oak------| --- | |white oak------| --- | |yellow-poplar------| --- | ChF: | Chestnut------|Severe |Severe |Slight |Moderate|Moderate|chestnut oak------| 69 | 51.00 |eastern white pine, | |eastern white pine--| 78 |139.00 oak, | |yellow-poplar------| 97 |102.00 chestnut oak | |scarlet oak------| 68 50.00 | |white oak------| 70 52.00 | |black oak------| 71 53.00 | |northern red oak----| 80 62.00 | See footnotes at end of table. Watauga County, North Carolina 261 3 | 2 |of wood | 1 ---| 92 | 74.00 |eastern white pine, ---| 92 | 74.00 |eastern white pine, 4 4 Table 11.—Woodland Management and Productivity—Continued ______| Management concerns Potential productivity ______Map symbol and | Equip- soil name |Erosion | ment |Seedling| Wind- Plant Common trees |Site Volume Trees to manage | hazard |limita- |mortal- throw |competi-| |index | tion ity hazard fiber ______| |cu ft/ac| ______| ChF: | Ashe------|Severe |Severe |Moderate|Moderate|Moderate|chestnut oak------| 70 | 52.00 |eastern white pine, | |eastern white pine--| 81 |146.00 oak, | |Virginia pine------| 62 95.00 chestnut oak | |hickory------| --- | |pitch pine------| --- | |scarlet oak------| --- | CkD: | Chestnut------|Moderate|Moderate|Slight |Moderate|Moderate|northern red oak----| 80 | 62.00 |eastern white pine, | |eastern white pine--| 78 |139.00 yellow-poplar, | |yellow-poplar------| 97 |102.00 northern red oak | |scarlet oak------| 68 50.00 | |white oak------| 70 52.00 | |black oak------| 71 53.00 | |chestnut oak------| 69 51.00 | Edneyville------|Moderate|Moderate|Slight |Slight |Moderate|northern red oak | |eastern white pine--| 90 |166.00 northern red oak, | |scarlet oak------| 73 55.00 yellow-poplar | |yellow-poplar------| 97 |102.00 | |black oak------| --- | |chestnut oak------| --- | CkE: | Chestnut------|Severe |Severe |Slight |Moderate|Moderate|northern red oak----| 80 | 62.00 |eastern white pine, | |eastern white pine--| 78 |139.00 yellow-poplar, | |yellow-poplar------| 97 |102.00 northern red oak | |scarlet oak------| 68 50.00 | |white oak------| 70 52.00 | |black oak------| 71 53.00 | |chestnut oak------| 69 51.00 | Edneyville------|Severe |Severe |Slight |Moderate|northern red oak | |eastern white pine--| 90 |166.00 northern red oak, | |scarlet oak------| 73 55.00 yellow-poplar | |yellow-poplar------| 97 |102.00 | |black oak------| --- | |chestnut oak------| --- | See footnotes at end of table. 262 Soil Survey 3 | 2 |of wood | 1 Table 11.—Woodland Management and Productivity—Continued ______| Management concerns Potential productivity ______Map symbol and | Equip- soil name |Erosion | ment |Seedling| Wind- Plant Common trees |Site Volume Trees to manage | hazard |limita- |mortal- throw |competi-| |index | tion ity hazard fiber ______| |cu ft/ac| ______| CmF: | Clingman------|Severe |Severe |Moderate|northern red oak----| --- | | |Fraser fir------| --- | |red spruce------| --- | |yellow birch------| --- | Craggey------|Severe |Severe |Slight |northern red oak----| --- | | |Fraser fir------| --- | |red spruce------| --- | |yellow birch------| --- | Rock outcrop. | | CoD: | Cowee------|Moderate|Moderate|Slight |Moderate|Moderate|chestnut oak------| 55 | 38.00 |eastern white pine, | |Virginia pine------| 63 96.00 chestnut oak, | |eastern white pine--| 78 |139.00 scarlet oak | |pitch pine------| 52 --- | |scarlet oak------| 54 38.00 | |yellow-poplar------| 80 71.00 | |black oak------| --- | |northern red oak----| --- | |white oak------| --- | | CoE, CoF: | Cowee------|Severe |Severe |Slight |Moderate|Moderate|chestnut oak------| 55 | 38.00 |eastern white pine, | |Virginia pine------| 63 96.00 chestnut oak, | |eastern white pine--| 78 |139.00 scarlet oak | |pitch pine------| 52 --- | |scarlet oak------| 54 38.00 | |yellow-poplar------| 80 71.00 | |black oak------| --- | |northern red oak----| --- | |white oak------| --- | CrC: | Cullasaja------|Slight |Moderate|Moderate|Slight |Severe |yellow-poplar------| 109 |122.00 |northern red oak, | |northern red oak----| 92 74.00 yellow-poplar, | |black cherry------| --- black cherry | |yellow birch------| --- | See footnotes at end of table. Watauga County, North Carolina 263 3 | 2 |of wood | 1 Table 11.—Woodland Management and Productivity—Continued ______| Management concerns Potential productivity ______Map symbol and | Equip- soil name |Erosion | ment |Seedling| Wind- Plant Common trees |Site Volume Trees to manage | hazard |limita- |mortal- throw |competi-| |index | tion ity hazard fiber ______| |cu ft/ac| ______| CrD: | Cullasaja------|Moderate|Moderate|Moderate|Slight |Severe |yellow-poplar------| 109 |122.00 |northern red oak, | |northern red oak----| 92 74.00 yellow-poplar, | |black cherry------| --- black cherry | |yellow birch------| --- | CrE: | Cullasaja------|Severe |Severe |Moderate|Slight |yellow-poplar------| 109 |122.00 |northern red oak, | |northern red oak----| 92 74.00 yellow-poplar, | |black cherry------| --- black cherry | |yellow birch------| --- | CsC: | Cullasaja------|Slight |Slight |Moderate|Slight |Severe |yellow-poplar------| 109 |122.00 |northern red oak, | |northern red oak----| 92 74.00 yellow-poplar, | |black cherry------| --- black cherry | |yellow birch------| --- | CsD: | Cullasaja------|Moderate|Moderate|Moderate|Slight |Severe |yellow-poplar------| 109 |122.00 |northern red oak, | |northern red oak----| 92 74.00 yellow-poplar, | |black cherry------| --- black cherry | |yellow birch------| --- | CsE: | Cullasaja------|Severe |Severe |Moderate|Slight |yellow-poplar------| 109 |122.00 |northern red oak, | |northern red oak----| 92 74.00 yellow-poplar, | |black cherry------| --- black cherry | |yellow birch------| --- | CtC: | Cullasaja------|Slight |Slight |Moderate|Slight |Severe |yellow-poplar------| 109 |122.00 |northern red oak, | |northern red oak----| 92 74.00 yellow-poplar, | |black cherry------| --- black cherry | |yellow birch------| --- | CtD: | Cullasaja------|Moderate|Moderate|Moderate|Slight |Severe |yellow-poplar------| 109 |122.00 |northern red oak, | |northern red oak----| 92 74.00 yellow-poplar, | |black cherry------| --- black cherry | |yellow birch------| --- | See footnotes at end of table. 264 Soil Survey 3 | 2 |of wood | 1 Table 11.—Woodland Management and Productivity—Continued ______| Management concerns Potential productivity ______Map symbol and | Equip- soil name |Erosion | ment |Seedling| Wind- Plant Common trees |Site Volume Trees to manage | hazard |limita- |mortal- throw |competi-| |index | tion ity hazard fiber ______| |cu ft/ac| ______| CtE: | Cullasaja------|Severe |Severe |Moderate|Slight |yellow-poplar------| 109 |122.00 |northern red oak, | |northern red oak----| 92 74.00 yellow-poplar, | |black cherry------| --- black cherry | |yellow birch------| --- | CuA: | Cullowhee------|Slight |Moderate|Slight |Slight |Severe |yellow-poplar------| 103 |112.00 |eastern white pine, | |eastern white pine--| 100 |186.00 yellow-poplar | |American sycamore---| --- | |eastern hemlock-----| --- | |red maple------| --- | |sweet birch------| --- | DAM. | Dam | | DeB: | Dellwood------|Slight |Slight |Moderate|Slight |Moderate|yellow-poplar------| 100 |107.00 |yellow-poplar, | |eastern white pine--| 91 |168.00 eastern pine | |red maple------| --- | |river birch------| --- | |American sycamore---| --- | |eastern hemlock-----| --- | DuF: | Ditney------|Severe |Severe |Moderate|Moderate|chestnut oak------| --- | |chestnut oak | |pitch pine------| --- | |Table Mountain pine-| --- | Unicoi------|Severe |Severe |Slight |chestnut oak------| --- | oak | |pitch pine------| --- | |Table Mountain pine-| --- | Rock outcrop. | | EdC: | Edneytown------|Slight |Slight |northern red oak----| 88 | 70.00 |eastern white pine, | |eastern white pine--| 91 |168.00 yellow-poplar, | |yellow-poplar------| 95 98.00 northern red oak | |Virginia pine------| --- | |hickory------| --- | |white oak------| --- | See footnotes at end of table. Watauga County, North Carolina 265 3 | 2 |of wood | 1 Table 11.—Woodland Management and Productivity—Continued ______| Management concerns Potential productivity ______Map symbol and | Equip- soil name |Erosion | ment |Seedling| Wind- Plant Common trees |Site Volume Trees to manage | hazard |limita- |mortal- throw |competi-| |index | tion ity hazard fiber ______| |cu ft/ac| ______| EdD: | Edneytown------|Moderate|Moderate|Moderate|Slight |Slight |northern red oak----| 88 | 70.00 |eastern white pine, | |eastern white pine--| 91 |168.00 yellow-poplar, | |yellow-poplar------| 95 98.00 northern red oak | |Virginia pine------| --- | |hickory------| --- | |white oak------| --- | EdE: | Edneytown------|Severe |Severe |Moderate|Slight |Slight |northern red oak----| 88 | 70.00 |eastern white pine, | |eastern white pine--| 91 |168.00 yellow-poplar, | |yellow-poplar------| 95 98.00 northern red oak | |Virginia pine------| --- | |hickory------| --- | |white oak------| --- | EvC: | Evard------|Slight |Slight |Moderate|eastern white pine--| 91 |168.00 |eastern pine, | |northern red oak----| 98 80.00 yellow-poplar, | |yellow-poplar------| 95 98.00 northern red oak | |pitch pine------| --- | |Virginia pine------| --- | |white oak------| --- | |hickory------| --- | |scarlet oak------| --- | Cowee------|Slight |Slight |Moderate|Moderate|eastern white pine--| 78 |139.00 |eastern pine | |Virginia pine------| 63 96.00 | |chestnut oak------| 55 38.00 | |pitch pine------| 52 --- | |scarlet oak------| 54 38.00 | |yellow-poplar------| 80 71.00 | |black oak------| --- | |northern red oak----| --- | |white oak------| --- | See footnotes at end of table. 266 Soil Survey 3 | 2 |of wood | 1 Table 11.—Woodland Management and Productivity—Continued ______| Management concerns Potential productivity ______Map symbol and | Equip- soil name |Erosion | ment |Seedling| Wind- Plant Common trees |Site Volume Trees to manage | hazard |limita- |mortal- throw |competi-| |index | tion ity hazard fiber ______| |cu ft/ac| ______| EvD: | Evard------|Moderate|Moderate|Slight |Slight |Moderate|eastern white pine--| 91 |168.00 |eastern pine, | |northern red oak----| 98 80.00 yellow-poplar, | |yellow-poplar------| 95 98.00 northern red oak | |pitch pine------| --- | |Virginia pine------| --- | |white oak------| --- | |hickory------| --- | |scarlet oak------| --- | Cowee------|Moderate|Moderate|Slight |Moderate|Moderate|eastern white pine--| 78 |139.00 |eastern pine | |Virginia pine------| 63 96.00 | |chestnut oak------| 55 38.00 | |pitch pine------| 52 --- | |scarlet oak------| 54 38.00 | |yellow-poplar------| 80 71.00 | |black oak------| --- | |northern red oak----| --- | |white oak------| --- | EvE: | Evard------|Severe |Severe |Slight |Moderate|eastern white pine--| 91 |168.00 |eastern pine, | |northern red oak----| 98 80.00 yellow-poplar, | |yellow-poplar------| 95 98.00 northern red oak | |pitch pine------| --- | |Virginia pine------| --- | |white oak------| --- | |hickory------| --- | |scarlet oak------| --- | Cowee------|Severe |Severe |Slight |Moderate|Moderate|eastern white pine--| 78 |139.00 |eastern pine | |Virginia pine------| 63 96.00 | |chestnut oak------| 55 38.00 | |pitch pine------| 52 --- | |scarlet oak------| 54 38.00 | |yellow-poplar------| 80 71.00 | |black oak------| --- | |northern red oak----| --- | |white oak------| --- | See footnotes at end of table. Watauga County, North Carolina 267 3 | 2 |of wood | 1 Table 11.—Woodland Management and Productivity—Continued ______| Management concerns Potential productivity ______Map symbol and | Equip- soil name |Erosion | ment |Seedling| Wind- Plant Common trees |Site Volume Trees to manage | hazard |limita- |mortal- throw |competi-| |index | tion ity hazard fiber ______| |cu ft/ac| ______| FaD: | Fannin------|Moderate|Moderate|Slight |Slight |Moderate|eastern white pine--| 94 |174.00 |eastern pine, | |yellow-poplar------| 96 |100.00 yellow-poplar, | |Virginia pine------| --- white oak | |chestnut oak------| --- | |northern red oak----| --- | |scarlet oak------| --- | |white oak------| --- | FaE: | Fannin------|Severe |Severe |Slight |Moderate|eastern white pine--| 94 |174.00 |eastern pine, | |yellow-poplar------| 96 |100.00 yellow-poplar, | |Virginia pine------| --- white oak | |chestnut oak------| --- | |northern red oak----| --- | |scarlet oak------| --- | |white oak------| --- | JfD, JfE: | Jeffrey------|Moderate|Moderate|Slight |Moderate|Moderate|northern red oak----| --- | |northern oak, | |yellow-poplar------| --- yellow-poplar, | |hickory------| --- white oak | |white oak------| --- | KnC: | Keener------|Slight |Slight |Moderate|yellow-poplar------| 92 | 93.00 |yellow-poplar, | |eastern white pine--| 89 |164.00 eastern pine | |pitch pine------| --- | |chestnut oak------| --- | |eastern hemlock-----| --- | KnD: | Keener------|Moderate|Moderate|Slight |Slight |Moderate|yellow-poplar------| 92 | 93.00 |yellow-poplar, | |eastern white pine--| 89 |164.00 eastern pine | |pitch pine------| --- | |chestnut oak------| --- | |eastern hemlock-----| --- | LoA: | Longhope------|Slight |Severe |red spruce------| --- | | |red maple------| --- | |yellow birch------| --- | See footnotes at end of table. 268 Soil Survey 3 | 2 |of wood | 1 ------| 88 | 86.00 |yellow-poplar, 4 Table 11.—Woodland Management and Productivity—Continued | |eastern white pine--| 86 |157.00 eastern pine | |American sycamore---| --- | |red maple------| --- | |yellow birch------| --- | |eastern hemlock-----| --- | NoD: | Northcove------|Moderate|Moderate|Moderate|Slight |Moderate|yellow-poplar------| 101 |109.00 |eastern white pine, | |eastern white pine--| 98 |182.00 yellow-poplar | |white oak------| --- | |eastern hemlock-----| --- | |yellow birch------| --- | |northern red oak----| --- | |black cherry------| --- | |yellow buckeye------| --- | |sugar maple------| --- | |American beech------| --- | NxE: | Northcove------|Severe |Severe |Moderate|Slight |Moderate|yellow-poplar------| 101 |109.00 |eastern white pine, | |eastern white pine--| 98 |182.00 yellow-poplar | |white oak------| --- | |eastern hemlock-----| --- | |yellow birch------| --- | |northern red oak----| --- | |black cherry------| --- | |yellow buckeye------| --- | |sugar maple------| --- | |American beech------| --- | Pt. | Pits | | PuC: | Porters------|Slight |Slight |Moderate|northern red oak----| 82 | 64.00 |eastern white pine, | |yellow-poplar------| 97 |102.00 yellow-poplar, | |eastern white pine--| 88 |162.00 northern red oak, | |black cherry------| --- black cherry | |white ash------| --- | See footnotes at end of table. ______| Management concerns Potential productivity ______Map symbol and | Equip- soil name |Erosion | ment |Seedling| Wind- Plant Common trees |Site Volume Trees to manage | hazard |limita- |mortal- throw |competi-| |index | tion ity hazard fiber ______| |cu ft/ac| ______| NkA: | Nikwasi------|Slight |Severe |Slight |yellow-poplar Watauga County, North Carolina 269 3 | 2 |of wood | 1 ------| 113 |128.00 |eastern white pine, ------| 113 |128.00 |yellow-poplar, 4 4 Table 11.—Woodland Management and Productivity—Continued | |eastern white pine--| 113 |212.00 yellow-poplar, | |American sycamore---| --- black walnut | |black walnut------| --- | |red maple------| --- | |black cherry------| --- | |American beech------| --- | |black locust------| --- | SkC: | Saunook------|Slight |Slight |Moderate|yellow-poplar------| 107 |119.00 |eastern white pine, | |eastern white pine--| 104 |194.00 northern red oak, | |eastern hemlock-----| --- yellow-poplar, | |northern red oak----| --- black cherry | |red maple------| --- | |scarlet oak------| --- | |white oak------| --- | |black cherry------| --- | See footnotes at end of table. | |eastern white pine--| 113 |212.00 eastern | |American sycamore---| --- pine, black walnut | |red maple------| --- | |black walnut------| --- | RoA: | Rosman------|Slight |Slight |Severe |yellow-poplar ______| Management concerns Potential productivity ______Map symbol and | Equip- soil name |Erosion | ment |Seedling| Wind- Plant Common trees |Site Volume Trees to manage | hazard |limita- |mortal- throw |competi-| |index | tion ity hazard fiber ______| |cu ft/ac| ______| PuD: | Porters------|Moderate|Moderate|Slight |Slight |Moderate|northern red oak----| 82 | 64.00 |eastern white pine, | |yellow-poplar------| 97 |102.00 yellow-poplar, | |eastern white pine--| 88 |162.00 northern red oak, | |black cherry------| --- black cherry | |white ash------| --- | PuE, PuF: | Porters------|Severe |Severe |Slight |Moderate|northern red oak----| 82 | 64.00 |eastern white pine, | |yellow-poplar------| 97 |102.00 yellow-poplar, | |eastern white pine--| 88 |162.00 northern red oak, | |black cherry------| --- black cherry | |white ash------| --- | RdA: | Reddies------|Slight |Slight |Moderate|Severe |yellow-poplar 270 Soil Survey 3 | 2 |of wood | 1 Table 11.—Woodland Management and Productivity—Continued ______| Management concerns Potential productivity ______Map symbol and | Equip- soil name |Erosion | ment |Seedling| Wind- Plant Common trees |Site Volume Trees to manage | hazard |limita- |mortal- throw |competi-| |index | tion ity hazard fiber ______| |cu ft/ac| ______| SkD: | Saunook------|Moderate|Moderate|Slight |Slight |Moderate|yellow-poplar------| 107 |119.00 |eastern white pine, | |eastern white pine--| 104 |194.00 northern red oak, | |eastern hemlock-----| --- yellow-poplar, | |northern red oak----| --- black cherry | |red maple------| --- | |scarlet oak------| --- | |white oak------| --- | |black cherry------| --- | SnB, SnC: | Saunook------|Slight |Slight |Moderate|yellow-poplar------| 107 |119.00 |eastern white pine, | |eastern white pine--| 104 |194.00 northern red oak, | |eastern hemlock-----| --- yellow-poplar, | |northern red oak----| --- black cherry | |red maple------| --- | |scarlet oak------| --- | |white oak------| --- | |black cherry------| --- | SnD: | Saunook------|Moderate|Moderate|Slight |Slight |Moderate|yellow-poplar------| 107 |119.00 |eastern white pine, | |eastern white pine--| 104 |194.00 northern red oak, | |eastern hemlock-----| --- yellow-poplar, | |northern red oak----| --- black cherry | |red maple------| --- | |scarlet oak------| --- | |white oak------| --- | |black cherry------| --- | SoC: | Saunook------|Slight |Slight |Moderate|yellow-poplar------| 107 |119.00 |yellow-poplar, | |eastern white pine--| 104 |194.00 eastern | |eastern hemlock-----| --- pine, northern red | |northern red oak----| --- oak, black cherry | |red maple------| --- | |scarlet oak------| --- | |white oak------| --- | |black cherry------| --- | See footnotes at end of table. Watauga County, North Carolina 271 3 | 2 |of wood | 1 ------| 88 | 86.00 |yellow-poplar, 4 Table 11.—Woodland Management and Productivity—Continued | |eastern white pine--| 86 |157.00 eastern pine | |American sycamore---| --- | |red maple------| --- | |yellow birch------| --- | |eastern hemlock-----| --- | See footnotes at end of table. ______| Management concerns Potential productivity ______Map symbol and | Equip- soil name |Erosion | ment |Seedling| Wind- Plant Common trees |Site Volume Trees to manage | hazard |limita- |mortal- throw |competi-| |index | tion ity hazard fiber ______| |cu ft/ac| ______| SoD: | Saunook------|Moderate|Moderate|Slight |Slight |Moderate|yellow-poplar------| 107 |119.00 |eastern white pine, | |eastern white pine--| 104 |194.00 northern red oak, | |eastern hemlock-----| --- yellow-poplar, | |northern red oak----| --- black cherry | |red maple------| --- | |scarlet oak------| --- | |white oak------| --- | |black cherry------| --- | SoE: | Saunook------|Severe |Severe |Slight |Moderate|yellow-poplar------| 107 |119.00 |eastern white pine, | |eastern white pine--| 104 |194.00 northern red oak, | |eastern hemlock-----| --- yellow-poplar, | |northern red oak----| --- black cherry | |red maple------| --- | |scarlet oak------| --- | |white oak------| --- | |black cherry------| --- | SwC: | Saunook------|Slight |Slight |Moderate|yellow-poplar------| 107 |119.00 |eastern white pine, | |eastern white pine--| 104 |194.00 northern red oak, | |eastern hemlock-----| --- yellow-poplar, | |northern red oak----| --- black cherry | |red maple------| --- | |scarlet oak------| --- | |white oak------| --- | |black cherry------| --- | Nikwasi------|Slight |Severe |Slight |yellow-poplar 272 Soil Survey 3 | 2 |of wood | 1 ------| 85 | 81.00 |eastern white pine, 4 Table 11.—Woodland Management and Productivity—Continued | |American sycamore---| --- yellow-poplar | |eastern white pine--| 94 |174.00 | |northern red oak----| --- | |red maple------| --- | |sweet birch------| --- | Ud. | Udorthents | | UkC: | Unaka------|Slight |Slight |Moderate|Moderate|northern red oak----| --- | |eastern white pine, | |eastern white pine--| --- yellow-poplar, | |yellow-poplar------| --- northern red oak, | black cherry | Porters------|Slight |Slight |Moderate|northern red oak----| 82 | 64.00 |eastern white pine, | |yellow-poplar------| 97 |102.00 yellow-poplar, | |eastern white pine--| 88 |162.00 northern red oak, | |black cherry------| --- black cherry | |white ash------| --- | See footnotes at end of table. ______| Management concerns Potential productivity ______Map symbol and | Equip- soil name |Erosion | ment |Seedling| Wind- Plant Common trees |Site Volume Trees to manage | hazard |limita- |mortal- throw |competi-| |index | tion ity hazard fiber ______| |cu ft/ac| ______| SxD: | Soco------|Moderate|Moderate|Slight |Moderate|Moderate|eastern white pine--| 85 |155.00 |eastern pine, | |chestnut oak------| 68 50.00 white oak, scarlet | |scarlet oak------| 76 58.00 oak | |pitch pine------| --- | |Virginia pine------| --- | |white oak------| --- | |black oak------| --- | |yellow-poplar------| --- | SxE: | Soco------|Severe |Severe |Slight |Moderate|Moderate|eastern white pine--| 85 |155.00 |eastern pine, | |chestnut oak------| 68 50.00 white oak, scarlet | |scarlet oak------| 76 58.00 oak | |pitch pine------| --- | |Virginia pine------| --- | |white oak------| --- | |black oak------| --- | |yellow-poplar------| --- | TxA: | Toxaway------|Slight |Severe |Slight |yellow-poplar Watauga County, North Carolina 273 3 | 2 |of wood | 1 Table 11.—Woodland Management and Productivity—Continued | hazard |limita- |mortal- throw |competi-| |index ______| Management concerns Potential productivity ______Map symbol and | Equip- soil name |Erosion | ment |Seedling| Wind- Plant Common trees |Site Volume Trees to manage | tion ity hazard fiber ______| |cu ft/ac| ______| UkD: | Unaka------|Moderate|Moderate|Slight |Moderate|Moderate|northern red oak----| --- | |eastern white pine, | |eastern white pine--| --- yellow-poplar, | |yellow-poplar------| --- northern red oak, | black cherry | Porters------|Moderate|Moderate|Slight |Slight |Moderate|northern red oak----| 82 | 64.00 |eastern white pine, | |yellow-poplar------| 97 |102.00 yellow-poplar, | |eastern white pine--| 88 |162.00 northern red oak, | |black cherry------| --- black cherry | |white ash------| --- | UkE, UkF: | Unaka------|Severe |Severe |Slight |Moderate|Moderate|northern red oak----| --- | |eastern white pine, | |eastern white pine--| --- yellow-poplar, | |yellow-poplar------| --- northern red oak, | black cherry | Porters------|Severe |Severe |Slight |Moderate|northern red oak----| 82 | 64.00 |eastern white pine, | |yellow-poplar------| 97 |102.00 yellow-poplar, | |eastern white pine--| 88 |162.00 northern red oak, | |black cherry------| --- black cherry | |white ash------| --- | UnF: | Unaka------|Severe |Severe |Slight |Moderate|Moderate|northern red oak----| --- | |eastern white pine, | |eastern white pine--| --- yellow-poplar, | |yellow-poplar------| --- northern red oak, | black cherry | Rock outcrop. | | Ur, Ux. | Urban land | | W. | Water | | See footnotes at end of table. 274 Soil Survey 3 | 2 |of wood | 1 Table 11.—Woodland Management and Productivity—Continued Site indices were assigned using available plot data (usually the mean of plots on record) and comparison curves. Volume is measured as yield in cubic feet per acre year calculated at the age of culmination mean annual If hardwoods are desired on a forest site, rely natural reproduction (seeds and sprouts) of acceptable Site index does not meet standards of sampling and analysis. 1 2 3 4 ______| Management concerns Potential productivity ______Map symbol and | Equip- soil name |Erosion | ment |Seedling| Wind- Plant Common trees |Site Volume Trees to manage | hazard |limita- |mortal- throw |competi-| |index | tion ity hazard fiber ______| |cu ft/ac| ______| WaC: | Watauga------|Slight |Slight |Moderate|eastern white pine--| 87 |159.00 |eastern pine, | |yellow-poplar------| 94 97.00 northern red oak, | |hickory------| --- yellow-poplar | |northern red oak----| --- | |white oak------| --- | WaD: | Watauga------|Moderate|Moderate|Slight |Slight |Moderate|eastern white pine--| 87 |159.00 |eastern pine, | |yellow-poplar------| 94 97.00 northern red oak, | |hickory------| --- yellow-poplar | |northern red oak----| --- | |white oak------| --- | ______Where no plot data exist, site index was assigned based on from similar soils with properties if available. Where no data and soil with similar properties exist, soils were assigned a probable ordination symbol without any site indices. Site index may vary considerably among sites with the same soil (especially in mountains) because of the influence of climate, relief, landform position, aspect, drainage, and elevation. increment for fully stocked natural stands. Cubic feet can be converted to board by multiplying about 5. species. Special site preparation techniques may be required. Planting of hardwoods on a specific should based on the recommendation of a forester. Watauga County, North Carolina 275

Table 12.—Recreational Development

(The information in this table indicates the dominant soil condition but does not eliminate the need for onsite investigation. See text for definitions of terms used in this table. Absence of an entry indicates that no rating is applicable)

______| | | | | Map symbol | Camp areas | Picnic areas | Playgrounds | Paths and | Golf fairways and soil name | | | | trails | ______| | | | | | | | | | AcD: | | | | | Ashe------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Moderate: |Severe: | slope | slope | slope | slope | slope | | | | | Chestnut------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Moderate: |Severe: | slope | slope | slope | slope | slope | | | | | AcE, AcF: | | | | | Ashe------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: | slope | slope | slope | slope | slope | | | | | Chestnut------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: | slope | slope | slope | slope | slope | | | | | ArF: | | | | | Ashe------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: | slope | slope | slope | slope | slope | | | | | Cleveland------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: | slope | slope | slope | slope | slope | depth to rock | depth to rock | small stones | | depth to rock | | | depth to rock | | | | | | | Rock outcrop. | | | | | | | | | | BaC: | | | | | Balsam------|Moderate: |Moderate: |Severe: |Moderate: |Severe: | slope | slope | large stones | large stones | large stones | | | slope | | | | | small stones | | | | | | | BaD: | | | | | Balsam------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Moderate: |Severe: | slope | slope | large stones | large stones | large stones | | | slope | slope | slope | | | small stones | | | | | | | BaE: | | | | | Balsam------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: | slope | slope | large stones | slope | large stones | | | slope | | slope | | | small stones | | | | | | | BoD: | | | | | Brownwood------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Moderate: |Severe: | slope | slope | slope | slope | slope | | | | | BoE, BoF, BrF: | | | | | Brownwood------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: | slope | slope | slope | slope | slope | | | | | BuD: | | | | | Burton------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Moderate: |Severe: | slope | slope | slope | slope | slope | | | | | 276 Soil Survey

Table 12.—Recreational Development—Continued ______| | | | | Map symbol | Camp areas | Picnic areas | Playgrounds | Paths and | Golf fairways and soil name | | | | trails | ______| | | | | | | | | | BuD: | | | | | Craggey------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: | slope | slope | slope | fragile | slope | depth to rock | depth to rock | small stones | | depth to rock | | | depth to rock | | | | | | | Rock outcrop. | | | | | | | | | | BuF: | | | | | Burton------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: | slope | slope | slope | slope | slope | | | | | Craggey------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: | slope | slope | slope | slope | slope | depth to rock | depth to rock | small stones | fragile | depth to rock | | | depth to rock | | | | | | | Rock outcrop. | | | | | | | | | | BwC: | | | | | Burton------|Moderate: |Moderate: |Severe: |Slight |Moderate: | slope | slope | slope | | large stones | | | | | slope | | | | | Wayah------|Moderate: |Moderate: |Severe: |Slight |Moderate: | slope | slope | slope | | slope | | | | | BwD: | | | | | Burton------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Moderate: |Severe: | slope | slope | slope | slope | slope | | | | | Wayah------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Moderate: |Severe: | slope | slope | slope | slope | slope | | | | | BwE: | | | | | Burton------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: | slope | slope | slope | slope | slope | | | | | Wayah------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: | slope | slope | slope | slope | slope | | | | | CaC: | | | | | Cashiers------|Moderate: |Moderate: |Severe: |Slight |Moderate: | slope | slope | slope | | slope | | | | | CaD: | | | | | Cashiers------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Moderate: |Severe: | slope | slope | slope | slope | slope | | | | | CaE: | | | | | Cashiers------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: | slope | slope | slope | slope | slope | | | | | CdE: | | | | | Chandler------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: | slope | slope | slope | slope | slope | | | | | Watauga County, North Carolina 277

Table 12.—Recreational Development—Continued ______| | | | | Map symbol | Camp areas | Picnic areas | Playgrounds | Paths and | Golf fairways and soil name | | | | trails | ______| | | | | | | | | | ChF: | | | | | Chestnut------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: | slope | slope | slope | slope | slope | | | | | Ashe------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: | slope | slope | slope | slope | slope | | | | | CkD: | | | | | Chestnut------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Moderate: |Severe: | slope | slope | slope | slope | slope | | | | | Edneyville------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Moderate: |Severe: | slope | slope | slope | slope | slope | | | | | CkE: | | | | | Chestnut------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: | slope | slope | slope | slope | slope | | | | | Edneyville------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: | slope | slope | slope | slope | slope | | | | | CmF: | | | | | Clingman------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: | excess humus | excess humus | excess humus | excess humus | slope | slope | slope | slope | slope | depth to rock | depth to rock | | depth to rock | | | | | | | Craggey------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: | slope | slope | slope | slope | slope | depth to rock | depth to rock | depth to rock | fragile | depth to rock | | | | | Rock outcrop. | | | | | | | | | | CoD: | | | | | Cowee------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Moderate: |Severe: | slope | slope | slope | slope | slope | | | small stones | | | | | | | CoE, CoF: | | | | | Cowee------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: | slope | slope | slope | slope | slope | | | small stones | | | | | | | CrC: | | | | | Cullasaja------|Moderate: |Moderate: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: | large stones | large stones | large stones | large stones | large stones | slope | slope | slope | | | | | small stones | | | | | | | CrD: | | | | | Cullasaja------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: | slope | slope | large stones | large stones | large stones | | | slope | | slope | | | small stones | | | | | | | CrE: | | | | | Cullasaja------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: | slope | slope | large stones | large stones | large stones | | | slope | slope | slope | | | small stones | | | | | | | 278 Soil Survey

Table 12.—Recreational Development—Continued ______| | | | | Map symbol | Camp areas | Picnic areas | Playgrounds | Paths and | Golf fairways and soil name | | | | trails | ______| | | | | | | | | | CsC: | | | | | Cullasaja------|Moderate: |Moderate: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: | slope | slope | large stones | large stones | large stones | small stones | small stones | slope | | | | | small stones | | | | | | | CsD: | | | | | Cullasaja------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Moderate: |Severe: | slope | slope | large stones | large stones | large stones | | | slope | slope | slope | | | small stones | | | | | | | CsE: | | | | | Cullasaja------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: | slope | slope | large stones | slope | large stones | | | slope | | slope | | | small stones | | | | | | | CtC: | | | | | Cullasaja------|Moderate: |Moderate: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: | slope | slope | large stones | large stones | large stones | small stones | small stones | slope | | | | | small stones | | | | | | | CtD: | | | | | Cullasaja------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: | slope | slope | large stones | large stones | large stones | | | slope | | slope | | | small stones | | | | | | | CtE: | | | | | Cullasaja------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: | slope | slope | large stones | large stones | large stones | | | slope | slope | slope | | | small stones | | | | | | | CuA: | | | | | Cullowhee------|Severe: |Moderate: |Severe: |Moderate: |Severe: | flooding | flooding | flooding | flooding | flooding | | wetness | | wetness | | | | | | DAM. | | | | | Dam | | | | | | | | | | DeB: | | | | | Dellwood------|Severe: |Moderate: |Severe: |Slight |Severe: | flooding | wetness | small stones | | droughty | | | | | DuF: | | | | | Ditney------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: | slope | slope | slope | slope | slope | | | small stones | | | | | | | Unicoi------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: | slope | slope | large stones | slope | large stones | small stones | small stones | slope | | small stones | | | small stones | | depth to rock | | | | | EdC: | | | | | Edneytown------|Moderate: |Moderate: |Severe: |Slight |Moderate: | slope | slope | slope | | slope | | | | | Watauga County, North Carolina 279

Table 12.—Recreational Development—Continued ______| | | | | Map symbol | Camp areas | Picnic areas | Playgrounds | Paths and | Golf fairways and soil name | | | | trails | ______| | | | | | | | | | EdD: | | | | | Edneytown------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Moderate: |Severe: | slope | slope | slope | slope | slope | | | | | EdE: | | | | | Edneytown------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: | slope | slope | slope | slope | slope | | | | | EvC: | | | | | Evard------|Moderate: |Moderate: |Severe: |Slight |Moderate: | slope | slope | slope | | slope | | | | | Cowee------|Moderate: |Moderate: |Severe: |Slight |Moderate: | slope | slope | slope | | slope | | | small stones | | small stones | | | | | depth to rock | | | | | EvD: | | | | | Evard------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Moderate: |Severe: | slope | slope | slope | slope | slope | | | | | Cowee------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Moderate: |Severe: | slope | slope | slope | slope | slope | | | small stones | | | | | | | EvE: | | | | | Evard------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: | slope | slope | slope | slope | slope | | | | | Cowee------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: | slope | slope | slope | slope | slope | | | small stones | | | | | | | FaD: | | | | | Fannin------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Moderate: |Severe: | slope | slope | slope | slope | slope | | | | | FaE: | | | | | Fannin------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: | slope | slope | slope | slope | slope | | | | | JfD: | | | | | Jeffrey------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Moderate: |Severe: | slope | slope | slope | slope | slope | | | small stones | | | | | | | JfE: | | | | | Jeffrey------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: | slope | slope | slope | slope | slope | | | small stones | | | | | | | KnC: | | | | | Keener------|Moderate: |Moderate: |Severe: |Slight |Moderate: | slope | slope | slope | | slope | | | | | KnD: | | | | | Keener------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Moderate: |Severe: | slope | slope | slope | slope | slope | | | | | 280 Soil Survey

Table 12.—Recreational Development—Continued ______| | | | | Map symbol | Camp areas | Picnic areas | Playgrounds | Paths and | Golf fairways and soil name | | | | trails | ______| | | | | | | | | | LoA: | | | | | Longhope------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: | excess humus | excess humus | excess humus | excess humus | excess humus | ponding | ponding | ponding | ponding | ponding | | | | | NkA: | | | | | Nikwasi------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: | flooding | wetness | flooding | wetness | flooding | wetness | | wetness | | wetness | | | | | NoD, NxE: | | | | | Northcove------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: | slope | slope | large stones | large stones | slope | | | slope | | | | | small stones | | | | | | | Pt. | | | | | Pits | | | | | | | | | | PuC: | | | | | Porters------|Moderate: |Moderate: |Severe: |Slight |Moderate: | slope | slope | slope | | slope | | | | | PuD: | | | | | Porters------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Moderate: |Severe: | slope | slope | slope | slope | slope | | | | | PuE, PuF: | | | | | Porters------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: | slope | slope | slope | slope | slope | | | | | RdA: | | | | | Reddies------|Severe: |Moderate: |Severe: |Moderate: |Severe: | flooding | flooding | flooding | flooding | flooding | | wetness | | | | | | | | RoA: | | | | | Rosman------|Severe: |Slight |Moderate: |Slight |Moderate: | flooding | | flooding | | flooding | | | | | SkC: | | | | | Saunook------|Moderate: |Moderate: |Severe: |Moderate: |Moderate: | large stones | large stones | slope | large stones | large stones | slope | slope | small stones | | slope | | | | | SkD: | | | | | Saunook------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Moderate: |Severe: | slope | slope | slope | large stones | slope | | | small stones | slope | | | | | | SnB: | | | | | Saunook------|Slight |Slight |Moderate: |Slight |Slight | | | slope | | | | | | | SnC: | | | | | Saunook------|Moderate: |Moderate: |Severe: |Slight |Moderate: | slope | slope | slope | | slope | | | | | SnD: | | | | | Saunook------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Moderate: |Severe: | slope | slope | slope | slope | slope | | | | | Watauga County, North Carolina 281

Table 12.—Recreational Development—Continued ______| | | | | Map symbol | Camp areas | Picnic areas | Playgrounds | Paths and | Golf fairways and soil name | | | | trails | ______| | | | | | | | | | SoC: | | | | | Saunook------|Moderate: |Moderate: |Severe: |Slight |Moderate: | slope | slope | slope | | slope | | | | | SoD: | | | | | Saunook------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Moderate: |Severe: | slope | slope | slope | slope | slope | | | | | SoE: | | | | | Saunook------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: | slope | slope | slope | slope | slope | | | | | SwC: | | | | | Saunook------|Moderate: |Moderate: |Severe: |Slight |Moderate: | slope | slope | slope | | slope | | | | | Nikwasi------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: | flooding | wetness | wetness | wetness | wetness | wetness | | | | | | | | | SxD: | | | | | Soco------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Moderate: |Severe: | slope | slope | slope | slope | slope | | | | | SxE: | | | | | Soco------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: | slope | slope | slope | slope | slope | | | | | TxA: | | | | | Toxaway------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: | flooding | wetness | flooding | wetness | flooding | wetness | | wetness | | wetness | | | | | Ud: | | | | | Udorthents------|Limitation: |Limitation: |Limitation: |Limitation: |Limitation: | variable | variable | variable | variable | variable | | | | | UkC: | | | | | Unaka------|Moderate: |Moderate: |Severe: |Slight |Moderate: | large stones | large stones | large stones | | large stones | slope | slope | slope | | slope | | | | | small stones | | | | | Porters------|Moderate: |Moderate: |Severe: |Slight |Moderate: | slope | slope | slope | | slope | | | | | UkD: | | | | | Unaka------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Moderate: |Severe: | slope | slope | large stones | slope | slope | | | slope | | | | | | | Porters------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Moderate: |Severe: | slope | slope | slope | slope | slope | | | | | UkE, UkF: | | | | | Unaka------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: | slope | slope | slope | slope | slope | | | | | Porters------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: | slope | slope | slope | slope | slope | | | | | 282 Soil Survey

Table 12.—Recreational Development—Continued ______| | | | | Map symbol | Camp areas | Picnic areas | Playgrounds | Paths and | Golf fairways and soil name | | | | trails | ______| | | | | | | | | | UnF: | | | | | Unaka------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: | slope | slope | large stones | slope | slope | | | slope | | | | | | | Rock outcrop. | | | | | | | | | | Ur, Ux: | | | | | Urban land. | | | | | | | | | | W. | | | | | Water | | | | | | | | | | WaC: | | | | | Watauga------|Moderate: |Moderate: |Severe: |Slight |Moderate: | slope | slope | slope | | slope | | | | | WaD: | | | | | Watauga------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Moderate: |Severe: | slope | slope | slope | slope | slope ______| | | | | Watauga County, North Carolina 283 Table 13.—Building Site Development (The information in this table indicates the dominant soil condition but does not eliminate need for onsite investigation. See text for definitions of terms used in this table. Absence an entry indicates that no rating is applicable) ______| Map symbol | Shallow Dwellings Small Local roads Lawns and and soil name | excavations without with commercial streets landscaping | basements buildings ______| AcD, AcE, AcF: | Ashe------|Severe: |Severe: | slope | depth to rock | Chestnut------|Severe: |Severe: | slope | ArF: | Ashe------|Severe: |Severe: | slope | depth to rock | Cleveland------|Severe: |Severe: | slope | depth to rock | Rock outcrop. | | BaC: | Balsam------|Moderate: |Moderate: |Severe: | large stones slope frost action | slope large stones | slope | BaD, BaE: | Balsam------|Severe: |Severe: | slope large stones | slope | BoD, BoE, BoF, BrF:| | Brownwood------|Severe: |Severe: | slope | BuD, BuF: | Burton------|Severe: |Severe: | slope | depth to rock | Craggey------|Severe: |Severe: | slope | depth to rock | Rock outcrop. | | 284 Soil Survey Table 13.—Building Site Development—Continued ______| Map symbol | Shallow Dwellings Small Local roads Lawns and and soil name | excavations without with commercial streets landscaping | basements buildings ______| BwC: | Burton------|Severe: |Moderate: |Severe: | depth to rock slope frost action large stones | depth to rock slope | depth to rock | Wayah------|Severe: |Moderate: |Severe: | cutbanks cave slope frost action | slope | BwD, BwE: | Burton------|Severe: |Severe: | slope | depth to rock | Wayah------|Severe: |Severe: | slope | cutbanks cave | CaC: | Cashiers------|Moderate: |Moderate: |Severe: | slope low strength | CaD, CaE: | Cashiers------|Severe: |Severe: | slope low strength | slope | CdE: | Chandler------|Severe: |Severe: | slope low strength | slope | ChF: | Chestnut------|Severe: |Severe: | slope | Ashe------|Severe: |Severe: | slope | depth to rock | CkD, CkE: | Chestnut------|Severe: |Severe: | slope | Edneyville------|Severe: |Severe: | slope | Watauga County, North Carolina 285 Table 13.—Building Site Development—Continued ______| Map symbol | Shallow Dwellings Small Local roads Lawns and and soil name | excavations without with commercial streets landscaping | basements buildings ______| CmF: | Clingman------|Severe: |Severe: | slope low strength | depth to rock slope too acid | depth to rock | Craggey------|Severe: |Severe: | slope | depth to rock | Rock outcrop. | | CoD, CoE, CoF: | Cowee------|Severe: |Severe: | slope | CrC: | Cullasaja------|Severe: |Severe: | large stones | cutbanks cave slope | CrD, CrE: | Cullasaja------|Severe: |Severe: | large stones | slope | cutbanks cave | CsC: | Cullasaja------|Severe: |Severe: | large stones | cutbanks cave slope | CsD, CsE: | Cullasaja------|Severe: |Severe: | large stones | slope | cutbanks cave | CtC: | Cullasaja------|Severe: |Severe: | large stones | cutbanks cave slope | CtD, CtE: | Cullasaja------|Severe: |Severe: | large stones | slope | cutbanks cave | 286 Soil Survey Table 13.—Building Site Development—Continued ______| Map symbol | Shallow Dwellings Small Local roads Lawns and and soil name | excavations without with commercial streets landscaping | basements buildings ______| CuA: | Cullowhee------|Severe: |Severe: | wetness flooding | cutbanks cave wetness | DAM. | Dam | | DeB: | Dellwood------|Severe: |Severe: | wetness flooding droughty | cutbanks cave wetness | DuF: | Ditney------|Severe: |Severe: | slope | depth to rock | Unicoi------|Severe: |Severe: | slope large stones | depth to rock small stones | depth to rock | EdC: | Edneytown------|Severe: |Moderate: |Severe: | cutbanks cave slope frost action | slope | EdD, EdE: | Edneytown------|Severe: |Severe: | slope | cutbanks cave | EvC: | Evard------|Severe: |Moderate: |Severe: | cutbanks cave slope frost action | slope | Cowee------|Moderate: |Moderate: |Severe: | slope frost action | depth to rock slope small stones | depth to rock | EvD, EvE: | Evard------|Severe: |Severe: | slope | cutbanks cave | Watauga County, North Carolina 287 Table 13.—Building Site Development—Continued ______| Map symbol | Shallow Dwellings Small Local roads Lawns and and soil name | excavations without with commercial streets landscaping | basements buildings ______| EvD, EvE: | Cowee------|Severe: |Severe: | slope | FaD, FaE: | Fannin------|Severe: |Severe: | slope low strength | slope | JfD, JfE: | Jeffrey------|Severe: |Severe: | slope | depth to rock | KnC: | Keener------|Moderate: |Moderate: |Severe: | large stones slope | slope | KnD: | Keener------|Severe: |Severe: | slope | LoA: | Longhope------|Severe: |Severe: | ponding subsides excess humus | cutbanks cave ponding | NkA: | Nikwasi------|Severe: |Severe: | wetness flooding | cutbanks cave wetness | NoD, NxE: | Northcove------|Severe: |Severe: | large stones slope | slope | Pt. | Pits | | PuC: | Porters------|Moderate: |Moderate: |Severe: | slope frost action | depth to rock slope | PuD, PuE, PuF: | Porters------|Severe: |Severe: | slope | 288 Soil Survey Table 13.—Building Site Development—Continued ______| Map symbol | Shallow Dwellings Small Local roads Lawns and and soil name | excavations without with commercial streets landscaping | basements buildings ______| RdA: | Reddies------|Severe: |Severe: | wetness flooding | cutbanks cave wetness | RoA: | Rosman------|Severe: |Severe: |Moderate: | cutbanks cave flooding | SkC: | Saunook------|Moderate: |Moderate: |Severe: | slope frost action large stones | low strength slope | slope | SkD: | Saunook------|Severe: |Severe: | slope | SnB: | Saunook------|Slight |Slight |Moderate: | slope frost action | low strength | SnC: | Saunook------|Moderate: |Moderate: |Severe: | slope frost action | low strength | slope | SnD: | Saunook------|Severe: |Severe: | slope | SoC: | Saunook------|Moderate: |Moderate: |Severe: | slope frost action | low strength | slope | SoD, SoE: | Saunook------|Severe: |Severe: | slope | SwC: | Saunook------|Moderate: |Moderate: |Severe: | slope frost action | low strength | slope | Watauga County, North Carolina 289 Table 13.—Building Site Development—Continued ______| Map symbol | Shallow Dwellings Small Local roads Lawns and and soil name | excavations without with commercial streets landscaping | basements buildings ______| SwC: | Nikwasi------|Severe: |Severe: | wetness flooding | cutbanks cave wetness | SxD, SxE: | Soco------|Severe: |Severe: | slope | TxA: | Toxaway------|Severe: |Severe: | wetness flooding | cutbanks cave wetness low strength | wetness | Ud: | Udorthents------|Limitation: |Severe: |Limitation: | variable slope | UkC: | Unaka------|Severe: |Moderate: |Severe: | depth to rock slope large stones | depth to rock slope | small stones | Porters------|Moderate: |Moderate: |Severe: | slope frost action | depth to rock slope | UkD, UkE, UkF: | Unaka------|Severe: |Severe: | slope | depth to rock | Porters------|Severe: |Severe: | slope | UnF: | Unaka------|Severe: |Severe: | slope | depth to rock | Rock outcrop. | | Ur, Ux: | Urban land------|Limitation: |Limitation: | variable | 290 Soil Survey Table 13.—Building Site Development—Continued ______| Map symbol | Shallow Dwellings Small Local roads Lawns and and soil name | excavations without with commercial streets landscaping | basements buildings ______| W. | Water | | WaC: | Watauga------|Moderate: |Moderate: |Severe: | slope low strength | WaD: | Watauga------|Severe: |Severe: | slope low strength | slope | ______Watauga County, North Carolina 291

Table 14.—Sanitary Facilities

(The information in this table indicates the dominant soil condition but does not eliminate the need for onsite investigation. See text for definitions of terms used in this table. Absence of an entry indicates that no rating is applicable)

______| | | | | Map symbol | Septic tank | Sewage lagoon |Trench sanitary| Area sanitary | Daily cover and soil name | absorption | areas | landfill | landfill | for landfill ______| fields | | | | | | | | | AcD, AcE, AcF: | | | | | Ashe------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Poor: | slope | seepage | seepage | seepage | slope | depth to rock | slope | slope | slope | depth to rock | | depth to rock | depth to rock | depth to rock | | | | | | Chestnut------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Poor: | slope | seepage | seepage | seepage | slope | depth to rock | slope | slope | slope | small stones | | depth to rock | depth to rock | depth to rock | depth to rock | | | | | ArF: | | | | | Ashe------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Poor: | slope | seepage | seepage | seepage | slope | depth to rock | slope | slope | slope | depth to rock | | depth to rock | depth to rock | depth to rock | | | | | | Cleveland------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Poor: | slope | seepage | seepage | slope | slope | depth to rock | slope | slope | depth to rock | depth to rock | | depth to rock | depth to rock | | | | | | | Rock outcrop. | | | | | | | | | | BaC: | | | | | Balsam------|Moderate: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Poor: | large stones | large stones | large stones | seepage | small stones | slope | seepage | seepage | | | | slope | | | | | | | | BaD, BaE: | | | | | Balsam------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Poor: | slope | large stones | large stones | seepage | slope | | seepage | seepage | slope | small stones | | slope | slope | | | | | | | BoD, BoE, BoF, | | | | | BrF: | | | | | Brownwood------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Poor: | slope | seepage | seepage | seepage | slope | depth to rock | slope | slope | slope | small stones | | depth to rock | depth to rock | depth to rock | depth to rock | | | | | BuD, BuF: | | | | | Burton------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Poor: | slope | seepage | seepage | seepage | slope | depth to rock | slope | slope | slope | depth to rock | | depth to rock | depth to rock | depth to rock | | | | | | Craggey------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Poor: | slope | slope | seepage | slope | slope | depth to rock | depth to rock | slope | depth to rock | small stones | | | depth to rock | | depth to rock | | | | | Rock outcrop. | | | | | | | | | | 292 Soil Survey

Table 14.—Sanitary Facilities—Continued ______| | | | | Map symbol | Septic tank | Sewage lagoon |Trench sanitary| Area sanitary | Daily cover and soil name | absorption | areas | landfill | landfill | for landfill ______| fields | | | | | | | | | BwC: | | | | | Burton------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Poor: | depth to rock | seepage | seepage | seepage | depth to rock | | slope | depth to rock | depth to rock | | | depth to rock | | | | | | | | Wayah------|Moderate: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Poor: | slope | seepage | seepage | seepage | small stones | | slope | | | | | | | | BwD, BwE: | | | | | Burton------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Poor: | slope | seepage | seepage | seepage | slope | depth to rock | slope | slope | slope | depth to rock | | depth to rock | depth to rock | depth to rock | | | | | | Wayah------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Poor: | slope | seepage | seepage | seepage | slope | | slope | slope | slope | small stones | | | | | CaC: | | | | | Cashiers------|Moderate: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Fair: | slope | seepage | seepage | seepage | slope | | slope | | | small stones | | | | | CaD, CaE: | | | | | Cashiers------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Poor: | slope | seepage | seepage | seepage | slope | | slope | slope | slope | | | | | | CdE: | | | | | Chandler------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Poor: | slope | seepage | seepage | seepage | hard to pack | | slope | slope | slope | slope | | | | | ChF: | | | | | Chestnut------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Poor: | slope | seepage | seepage | seepage | slope | depth to rock | slope | slope | slope | small stones | | depth to rock | depth to rock | depth to rock | depth to rock | | | | | Ashe------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Poor: | slope | seepage | seepage | seepage | slope | depth to rock | slope | slope | slope | depth to rock | | depth to rock | depth to rock | depth to rock | | | | | | CkD, CkE: | | | | | Chestnut------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Poor: | slope | seepage | seepage | seepage | slope | depth to rock | slope | slope | slope | small stones | | depth to rock | depth to rock | depth to rock | depth to rock | | | | | Edneyville------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Poor: | slope | seepage | seepage | seepage | slope | | slope | slope | slope | | | | | | CmF: | | | | | Clingman------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Poor: | slope | seepage | seepage | slope | excess humus | depth to rock | slope | slope | depth to rock | slope | | depth to rock | depth to rock | | depth to rock | | | | | Watauga County, North Carolina 293

Table 14.—Sanitary Facilities—Continued ______| | | | | Map symbol | Septic tank | Sewage lagoon |Trench sanitary| Area sanitary | Daily cover and soil name | absorption | areas | landfill | landfill | for landfill ______| fields | | | | | | | | | CmF: | | | | | Craggey------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Poor: | slope | slope | seepage | slope | slope | depth to rock | depth to rock | slope | depth to rock | small stones | | | depth to rock | | depth to rock | | | | | Rock outcrop. | | | | | | | | | | CoD, CoE, CoF: | | | | | Cowee------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Poor: | slope | slope | slope | slope | slope | depth to rock | depth to rock | depth to rock | depth to rock | depth to rock | | | | | CrC: | | | | | Cullasaja------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Poor: | large stones | large stones | large stones | seepage | large stones | | seepage | seepage | | seepage | | slope | | | | | | | | CrD, CrE: | | | | | Cullasaja------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Poor: | large stones | large stones | large stones | seepage | large stones | slope | seepage | seepage | slope | seepage | | slope | slope | | slope | | | | | CsC: | | | | | Cullasaja------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Poor: | large stones | large stones | large stones | seepage | large stones | | seepage | seepage | | seepage | | slope | | | | | | | | CsD, CsE: | | | | | Cullasaja------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Poor: | large stones | large stones | large stones | seepage | large stones | slope | seepage | seepage | slope | seepage | | slope | slope | | slope | | | | | CtC: | | | | | Cullasaja------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Poor: | large stones | large stones | large stones | seepage | large stones | | seepage | seepage | | seepage | | slope | | | | | | | | CtD, CtE: | | | | | Cullasaja------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Poor: | large stones | large stones | large stones | seepage | large stones | slope | seepage | seepage | slope | seepage | | slope | slope | | slope | | | | | CuA: | | | | | Cullowhee------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Poor: | flooding | flooding | flooding | flooding | seepage | wetness | seepage | seepage | seepage | small stones | poor filter | wetness | wetness | wetness | too sandy | | | | | DAM. | | | | | Dam | | | | | | | | | | 294 Soil Survey

Table 14.—Sanitary Facilities—Continued ______| | | | | Map symbol | Septic tank | Sewage lagoon |Trench sanitary| Area sanitary | Daily cover and soil name | absorption | areas | landfill | landfill | for landfill ______| fields | | | | | | | | | DeB: | | | | | Dellwood------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Poor: | flooding | flooding | flooding | flooding | seepage | wetness | seepage | seepage | seepage | small stones | poor filter | wetness | wetness | wetness | too sandy | | | | | DuF: | | | | | Ditney------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Poor: | slope | seepage | seepage | seepage | slope | depth to rock | slope | slope | slope | depth to rock | | depth to rock | depth to rock | depth to rock | | | | | | Unicoi------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Poor: | slope | seepage | seepage | slope | slope | depth to rock | slope | slope | depth to rock | small stones | | depth to rock | depth to rock | | depth to rock | | | | | EdC: | | | | | Edneytown------|Moderate: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Fair: | slope | seepage | seepage | seepage | slope | percs slowly | slope | | | too sandy | | | | | EdD, EdE: | | | | | Edneytown------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Poor: | slope | seepage | seepage | seepage | slope | | slope | slope | slope | | | | | | EvC: | | | | | Evard------|Moderate: |Severe: |Moderate: |Moderate: |Fair: | slope | slope | slope | slope | slope | percs slowly | | too sandy | | small stones | | | | | too sandy | | | | | Cowee------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Poor: | depth to rock | slope | depth to rock | depth to rock | depth to rock | | depth to rock | | | | | | | | EvD, EvE: | | | | | Evard------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Poor: | slope | slope | slope | slope | slope | | | | | Cowee------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Poor: | slope | slope | slope | slope | slope | depth to rock | depth to rock | depth to rock | depth to rock | depth to rock | | | | | FaD, FaE: | | | | | Fannin------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Poor: | slope | slope | slope | slope | slope | | | | | JfD, JfE: | | | | | Jeffrey------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Poor: | slope | seepage | seepage | seepage | slope | depth to rock | slope | slope | slope | small stones | | depth to rock | depth to rock | depth to rock | depth to rock | | | | | KnC: | | | | | Keener------|Moderate: |Severe: |Severe: |Moderate: |Fair: | large stones | seepage | seepage | slope | large stones | percs slowly | slope | | | slope | slope | | | | too clayey | | | | | Watauga County, North Carolina 295

Table 14.—Sanitary Facilities—Continued ______| | | | | Map symbol | Septic tank | Sewage lagoon |Trench sanitary| Area sanitary | Daily cover and soil name | absorption | areas | landfill | landfill | for landfill ______| fields | | | | | | | | | KnD: | | | | | Keener------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Poor: | slope | seepage | seepage | slope | slope | | slope | slope | | | | | | | LoA: | | | | | Longhope------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Poor: | percs slowly | excess humus | seepage | ponding | ponding | ponding | seepage | ponding | | | | ponding | depth to rock | | | | | | | NkA: | | | | | Nikwasi------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Poor: | flooding | flooding | flooding | flooding | seepage | wetness | seepage | seepage | seepage | small stones | poor filter | wetness | wetness | wetness | too sandy | | | | | NoD, NxE: | | | | | Northcove------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Poor: | large stones | large stones | large stones | seepage | large stones | slope | seepage | seepage | slope | slope | | slope | slope | | | | | | | Pt. | | | | | Pits | | | | | | | | | | PuC: | | | | | Porters------|Moderate: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Fair: | slope | seepage | seepage | seepage | slope | depth to rock | slope | depth to rock | | small stones | | | | | depth to rock | | | | | PuD: | | | | | Porters------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Poor: | slope | seepage | seepage | seepage | slope | | slope | slope | slope | | | | depth to rock | | | | | | | PuE: | | | | | Porters------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Poor: | slope | seepage | seepage | seepage | slope | | slope | slope | slope | | | | | | PuF: | | | | | Porters------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Poor: | slope | seepage | seepage | seepage | slope | | slope | slope | slope | | | | depth to rock | | | | | | | RdA: | | | | | Reddies------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Poor: | flooding | flooding | flooding | flooding | seepage | wetness | seepage | seepage | seepage | small stones | poor filter | wetness | wetness | wetness | too sandy | | | | | RoA: | | | | | Rosman------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Fair: | flooding | flooding | flooding | flooding | wetness | wetness | seepage | seepage | seepage | | | wetness | wetness | wetness | | | | | | 296 Soil Survey

Table 14.—Sanitary Facilities—Continued ______| | | | | Map symbol | Septic tank | Sewage lagoon |Trench sanitary| Area sanitary | Daily cover and soil name | absorption | areas | landfill | landfill | for landfill ______| fields | | | | | | | | | SkC: | | | | | Saunook------|Moderate: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Poor: | percs slowly | seepage | seepage | seepage | small stones | slope | slope | | | | | | | | SkD: | | | | | Saunook------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Poor: | slope | seepage | seepage | seepage | slope | | slope | slope | slope | small stones | | | | | SnB: | | | | | Saunook------|Moderate: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Poor: | percs slowly | seepage | seepage | seepage | small stones | | | | | SnC: | | | | | Saunook------|Moderate: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Poor: | percs slowly | seepage | seepage | seepage | small stones | slope | slope | | | | | | | | SnD: | | | | | Saunook------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Poor: | slope | seepage | seepage | seepage | slope | | slope | slope | slope | small stones | | | | | SoC: | | | | | Saunook------|Moderate: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Poor: | percs slowly | seepage | seepage | seepage | small stones | slope | slope | | | | | | | | SoD, SoE: | | | | | Saunook------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Poor: | slope | seepage | seepage | seepage | slope | | slope | slope | slope | small stones | | | | | SwC: | | | | | Saunook------|Moderate: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Poor: | percs slowly | seepage | seepage | seepage | small stones | slope | slope | | | | | | | | Nikwasi------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Poor: | flooding | flooding | flooding | flooding | seepage | wetness | seepage | seepage | seepage | small stones | poor filter | wetness | wetness | wetness | too sandy | | | | | SxD, SxE: | | | | | Soco------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Poor: | slope | seepage | seepage | seepage | slope | depth to rock | slope | slope | slope | depth to rock | | depth to rock | depth to rock | depth to rock | | | | | | TxA: | | | | | Toxaway------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Poor: | flooding | flooding | flooding | flooding | hard to pack | wetness | seepage | seepage | seepage | wetness | poor filter | wetness | wetness | wetness | | | | | | Ud: | | | | | Udorthents------|Limitation: |Limitation: |Limitation: |Severe: |Limitation: | variable | variable | variable | slope | variable | | | | | Watauga County, North Carolina 297

Table 14.—Sanitary Facilities—Continued ______| | | | | Map symbol | Septic tank | Sewage lagoon |Trench sanitary| Area sanitary | Daily cover and soil name | absorption | areas | landfill | landfill | for landfill ______| fields | | | | | | | | | UkC: | | | | | Unaka------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Poor: | depth to rock | slope | depth to rock | depth to rock | area reclaim | | depth to rock | | | | | | | | Porters------|Moderate: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Fair: | slope | seepage | seepage | seepage | slope | depth to rock | slope | depth to rock | | small stones | | | | | depth to rock | | | | | UkD, UkE, UkF: | | | | | Unaka------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Poor: | slope | slope | slope | slope | area reclaim | depth to rock | depth to rock | depth to rock | depth to rock | slope | | | | | Porters------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Poor: | slope | seepage | seepage | seepage | slope | | slope | slope | slope | | | | depth to rock | | | | | | | UnF: | | | | | Unaka------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Poor: | slope | slope | slope | slope | area reclaim | depth to rock | depth to rock | depth to rock | depth to rock | slope | | | | | Rock outcrop. | | | | | | | | | | Ur, Ux: | | | | | Urban land------|Limitation: |Limitation: |Limitation: |Limitation: |Limitation: | variable | variable | variable | variable | variable | | | | | W. | | | | | Water | | | | | | | | | | WaC: | | | | | Watauga------|Moderate: |Severe: |Moderate: |Moderate: |Fair: | percs slowly | slope | slope | slope | slope | slope | | | | small stones | | | | | WaD: | | | | | Watauga------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Poor: | slope | slope | slope | slope | slope ______| | | | | 298 Soil Survey

Table 15.—Construction Materials

(The information in this table indicates the dominant soil condition but does not eliminate the need for onsite investigation. See text for definitions of terms used in this table. Absence of an entry indicates that no rating is applicable)

______| | | | Map symbol | Roadfill | Sand | Gravel | Topsoil and soil name | | | | ______| | | | | | | | AcD: | | | | Ashe------|Poor: |Improbable: |Improbable: |Poor: | depth to rock | excess fines | excess fines | slope | | | | small stones | | | | Chestnut------|Poor: |Improbable: |Improbable: |Poor: | depth to rock | thin layer | thin layer | slope | | excess fines | excess fines | small stones | | | | AcE, AcF: | | | | Ashe------|Poor: |Improbable: |Improbable: |Poor: | slope | excess fines | excess fines | slope | depth to rock | | | small stones | | | | Chestnut------|Poor: |Improbable: |Improbable: |Poor: | slope | thin layer | thin layer | slope | depth to rock | excess fines | excess fines | small stones | | | | ArF: | | | | Ashe------|Poor: |Improbable: |Improbable: |Poor: | slope | excess fines | excess fines | slope | depth to rock | | | small stones | | | | Cleveland------|Poor: |Improbable: |Improbable: |Poor: | slope | excess fines | excess fines | slope | depth to rock | | | small stones | | | | depth to rock | | | | Rock outcrop. | | | | | | | | BaC: | | | | Balsam------|Poor: |Improbable: |Improbable: |Poor: | large stones | large stones | large stones | area reclaim | | | | large stones | | | | BaD: | | | | Balsam------|Poor: |Improbable: |Improbable: |Poor: | large stones | large stones | large stones | area reclaim | | | | large stones | | | | slope | | | | BaE: | | | | Balsam------|Poor: |Improbable: |Improbable: |Poor: | slope | large stones | large stones | area reclaim | large stones | | | large stones | | | | slope | | | | BoD: | | | | Brownwood------|Poor: |Improbable: |Improbable: |Poor: | depth to rock | excess fines | excess fines | slope | | | | small stones | | | | BoE, BoF, BrF: | | | | Brownwood------|Poor: |Improbable: |Improbable: |Poor: | slope | excess fines | excess fines | slope | depth to rock | | | small stones | | | | Watauga County, North Carolina 299

Table 15.—Construction Materials—Continued ______| | | | Map symbol | Roadfill | Sand | Gravel | Topsoil and soil name | | | | ______| | | | | | | | BuD: | | | | Burton------|Poor: |Improbable: |Improbable: |Poor: | depth to rock | excess fines | excess fines | slope | | | | small stones | | | | Craggey------|Poor: |Improbable: |Improbable: |Poor: | depth to rock | excess fines | excess fines | slope | | | | small stones | | | | depth to rock | | | | Rock outcrop. | | | | | | | | BuF: | | | | Burton------|Poor: |Improbable: |Improbable: |Poor: | slope | excess fines | excess fines | slope | depth to rock | | | small stones | | | | Craggey------|Poor: |Improbable: |Improbable: |Poor: | slope | excess fines | excess fines | slope | depth to rock | | | small stones | | | | depth to rock | | | | Rock outcrop. | | | | | | | | BwC: | | | | Burton------|Poor: |Improbable: |Improbable: |Poor: | depth to rock | excess fines | excess fines | small stones | | | | Wayah------|Good |Improbable: |Improbable: |Poor: | | excess fines | excess fines | area reclaim | | | | small stones | | | | BwD: | | | | Burton------|Poor: |Improbable: |Improbable: |Poor: | depth to rock | excess fines | excess fines | slope | | | | small stones | | | | Wayah------|Fair: |Improbable: |Improbable: |Poor: | slope | excess fines | excess fines | area reclaim | | | | slope | | | | small stones | | | | BwE: | | | | Burton------|Poor: |Improbable: |Improbable: |Poor: | slope | excess fines | excess fines | slope | depth to rock | | | small stones | | | | Wayah------|Poor: |Improbable: |Improbable: |Poor: | slope | excess fines | excess fines | area reclaim | | | | slope | | | | small stones | | | | CaC: | | | | Cashiers------|Poor: |Improbable: |Improbable: |Poor: | low strength | excess fines | excess fines | area reclaim | | | | small stones | | | | CaD: | | | | Cashiers------|Poor: |Improbable: |Improbable: |Poor: | low strength | excess fines | excess fines | area reclaim | | | | slope | | | | small stones | | | | 300 Soil Survey

Table 15.—Construction Materials—Continued ______| | | | Map symbol | Roadfill | Sand | Gravel | Topsoil and soil name | | | | ______| | | | | | | | CaE: | | | | Cashiers------|Poor: |Improbable: |Improbable: |Poor: | low strength | excess fines | excess fines | area reclaim | slope | | | slope | | | | small stones | | | | CdE: | | | | Chandler------|Poor: |Improbable: |Improbable: |Poor: | low strength | excess fines | excess fines | slope | slope | | | small stones | | | | ChF: | | | | Chestnut------|Poor: |Improbable: |Improbable: |Poor: | slope | thin layer | thin layer | slope | depth to rock | excess fines | excess fines | small stones | | | | Ashe------|Poor: |Improbable: |Improbable: |Poor: | slope | excess fines | excess fines | slope | depth to rock | | | small stones | | | | CkD: | | | | Chestnut------|Poor: |Improbable: |Improbable: |Poor: | depth to rock | thin layer | thin layer | slope | | excess fines | excess fines | small stones | | | | Edneyville------|Fair: |Improbable: |Improbable: |Poor: | slope | excess fines | excess fines | slope | | | | small stones | | | | CkE: | | | | Chestnut------|Poor: |Improbable: |Improbable: |Poor: | slope | thin layer | thin layer | slope | depth to rock | excess fines | excess fines | small stones | | | | Edneyville------|Poor: |Improbable: |Improbable: |Poor: | slope | excess fines | excess fines | slope | | | | small stones | | | | CmF: | | | | Clingman------|Poor: |Improbable: |Improbable: |Poor: | slope | excess humus | excess humus | excess humus | depth to rock | | | too acid | | | | depth to rock | | | | Craggey------|Poor: |Improbable: |Improbable: |Poor: | slope | excess fines | excess fines | slope | depth to rock | | | depth to rock | | | | small stones | | | | Rock outcrop. | | | | | | | | CoD: | | | | Cowee------|Poor: |Improbable: |Improbable: |Poor: | depth to rock | excess fines | excess fines | slope | | | | small stones | | | | CoE, CoF: | | | | Cowee------|Poor: |Improbable: |Improbable: |Poor: | slope | excess fines | excess fines | slope | depth to rock | | | small stones | | | | Watauga County, North Carolina 301

Table 15.—Construction Materials—Continued ______| | | | Map symbol | Roadfill | Sand | Gravel | Topsoil and soil name | | | | ______| | | | | | | | CrC: | | | | Cullasaja------|Poor: |Improbable: |Improbable: |Poor: | large stones | large stones | large stones | area reclaim | | | | large stones | | | | CrD: | | | | Cullasaja------|Poor: |Improbable: |Improbable: |Poor: | large stones | large stones | large stones | area reclaim | | | | large stones | | | | slope | | | | CrE: | | | | Cullasaja------|Poor: |Improbable: |Improbable: |Poor: | large stones | large stones | large stones | area reclaim | slope | | | large stones | | | | slope | | | | CsC: | | | | Cullasaja------|Poor: |Improbable: |Improbable: |Poor: | large stones | large stones | large stones | area reclaim | | | | large stones | | | | CsD: | | | | Cullasaja------|Poor: |Improbable: |Improbable: |Poor: | large stones | large stones | large stones | area reclaim | | | | large stones | | | | slope | | | | CsE: | | | | Cullasaja------|Poor: |Improbable: |Improbable: |Poor: | large stones | large stones | large stones | area reclaim | slope | | | large stones | | | | slope | | | | CtC: | | | | Cullasaja------|Poor: |Improbable: |Improbable: |Poor: | large stones | large stones | large stones | area reclaim | | | | large stones | | | | CtD: | | | | Cullasaja------|Poor: |Improbable: |Improbable: |Poor: | large stones | large stones | large stones | area reclaim | | | | large stones | | | | slope | | | | CtE: | | | | Cullasaja------|Poor: |Improbable: |Improbable: |Poor: | large stones | large stones | large stones | area reclaim | slope | | | large stones | | | | slope | | | | CuA: | | | | Cullowhee------|Fair: |Probable |Probable |Poor: | wetness | | | area reclaim | | | | small stones | | | | DAM. | | | | Dam | | | | | | | | 302 Soil Survey

Table 15.—Construction Materials—Continued ______| | | | Map symbol | Roadfill | Sand | Gravel | Topsoil and soil name | | | | ______| | | | | | | | DeB: | | | | Dellwood------|Fair: |Improbable: |Improbable: |Poor: | large stones | large stones | large stones | area reclaim | wetness | | | small stones | | | | too sandy | | | | DuF: | | | | Ditney------|Poor: |Improbable: |Improbable: |Poor: | slope | excess fines | excess fines | slope | depth to rock | | | small stones | | | | Unicoi------|Poor: |Improbable: |Improbable: |Poor: | slope | excess fines | excess fines | slope | depth to rock | | | small stones | | | | depth to rock | | | | EdC: | | | | Edneytown------|Good |Improbable: |Improbable: |Fair: | | excess fines | excess fines | slope | | | | small stones | | | | too clayey | | | | EdD: | | | | Edneytown------|Fair: |Improbable: |Improbable: |Poor: | slope | excess fines | excess fines | slope | | | | EdE: | | | | Edneytown------|Poor: |Improbable: |Improbable: |Poor: | slope | excess fines | excess fines | slope | | | | EvC: | | | | Evard------|Good |Improbable: |Improbable: |Fair: | | excess fines | excess fines | slope | | | | small stones | | | | too clayey | | | | Cowee------|Poor: |Improbable: |Improbable: |Poor: | depth to rock | excess fines | excess fines | small stones | | | | EvD: | | | | Evard------|Fair: |Improbable: |Improbable: |Poor: | slope | excess fines | excess fines | slope | | | | Cowee------|Poor: |Improbable: |Improbable: |Poor: | depth to rock | excess fines | excess fines | slope | | | | small stones | | | | EvE: | | | | Evard------|Poor: |Improbable: |Improbable: |Poor: | slope | excess fines | excess fines | slope | | | | Cowee------|Poor: |Improbable: |Improbable: |Poor: | slope | excess fines | excess fines | slope | depth to rock | | | small stones | | | | FaD: | | | | Fannin------|Poor: |Improbable: |Improbable: |Poor: | low strength | excess fines | excess fines | slope | | | | Watauga County, North Carolina 303

Table 15.—Construction Materials—Continued ______| | | | Map symbol | Roadfill | Sand | Gravel | Topsoil and soil name | | | | ______| | | | | | | | FaE: | | | | Fannin------|Poor: |Improbable: |Improbable: |Poor: | low strength | excess fines | excess fines | slope | slope | | | | | | | JfD: | | | | Jeffrey------|Poor: |Improbable: |Improbable: |Poor: | depth to rock | excess fines | excess fines | slope | | | | small stones | | | | JfE: | | | | Jeffrey------|Poor: |Improbable: |Improbable: |Poor: | slope | excess fines | excess fines | slope | depth to rock | | | small stones | | | | KnC: | | | | Keener------|Good |Improbable: |Improbable: |Poor: | | excess fines | excess fines | area reclaim | | | | large stones | | | | KnD: | | | | Keener------|Fair: |Improbable: |Improbable: |Poor: | slope | excess fines | excess fines | area reclaim | | | | large stones | | | | slope | | | | LoA: | | | | Longhope------|Poor: |Improbable: |Improbable: |Poor: | wetness | excess fines | excess fines | area reclaim | | | | excess humus | | | | wetness | | | | NkA: | | | | Nikwasi------|Poor: |Probable |Probable |Poor: | wetness | | | area reclaim | | | | small stones | | | | wetness | | | | NoD: | | | | Northcove------|Poor: |Improbable: |Improbable: |Poor: | large stones | large stones | large stones | area reclaim | | excess fines | excess fines | large stones | | | | NxE: | | | | Northcove------|Poor: |Improbable: |Improbable: |Poor: | large stones | large stones | large stones | area reclaim | slope | excess fines | excess fines | large stones | | | | Pt. | | | | Pits | | | | | | | | PuC: | | | | Porters------|Fair: |Improbable: |Improbable: |Poor: | depth to rock | excess fines | excess fines | area reclaim | | | | small stones | | | | PuD: | | | | Porters------|Fair: |Improbable: |Improbable: |Poor: | slope | excess fines | excess fines | area reclaim | depth to rock | | | slope | | | | small stones | | | | 304 Soil Survey

Table 15.—Construction Materials—Continued ______| | | | Map symbol | Roadfill | Sand | Gravel | Topsoil and soil name | | | | ______| | | | | | | | PuE: | | | | Porters------|Poor: |Improbable: |Improbable: |Poor: | slope | excess fines | excess fines | slope | | | | small stones | | | | PuF: | | | | Porters------|Poor: |Improbable: |Improbable: |Poor: | slope | excess fines | excess fines | area reclaim | | | | slope | | | | small stones | | | | RdA: | | | | Reddies------|Fair: |Probable |Probable |Poor: | wetness | | | area reclaim | | | | small stones | | | | RoA: | | | | Rosman------|Fair: |Improbable: |Improbable: |Fair: | wetness | excess fines | excess fines | area reclaim | | | | small stones | | | | SkC: | | | | Saunook------|Good |Improbable: |Improbable: |Poor: | | excess fines | excess fines | area reclaim | | | | small stones | | | | SkD: | | | | Saunook------|Fair: |Improbable: |Improbable: |Poor: | slope | excess fines | excess fines | area reclaim | large stones | | | slope | | | | small stones | | | | SnB, SnC: | | | | Saunook------|Good |Improbable: |Improbable: |Poor: | | excess fines | excess fines | area reclaim | | | | small stones | | | | SnD: | | | | Saunook------|Fair: |Improbable: |Improbable: |Poor: | slope | excess fines | excess fines | area reclaim | | | | slope | | | | small stones | | | | SoC: | | | | Saunook------|Good |Improbable: |Improbable: |Poor: | | excess fines | excess fines | area reclaim | | | | small stones | | | | SoD: | | | | Saunook------|Fair: |Improbable: |Improbable: |Poor: | slope | excess fines | excess fines | area reclaim | | | | slope | | | | small stones | | | | SoE: | | | | Saunook------|Poor: |Improbable: |Improbable: |Poor: | slope | excess fines | excess fines | area reclaim | | | | slope | | | | small stones | | | | Watauga County, North Carolina 305

Table 15.—Construction Materials—Continued ______| | | | Map symbol | Roadfill | Sand | Gravel | Topsoil and soil name | | | | ______| | | | | | | | SwC: | | | | Saunook------|Good |Improbable: |Improbable: |Poor: | | excess fines | excess fines | area reclaim | | | | small stones | | | | Nikwasi------|Poor: |Probable |Probable |Poor: | wetness | | | area reclaim | | | | small stones | | | | wetness | | | | SxD: | | | | Soco------|Poor: |Improbable: |Improbable: |Poor: | depth to rock | excess fines | excess fines | slope | | | | small stones | | | | SxE: | | | | Soco------|Poor: |Improbable: |Improbable: |Poor: | slope | excess fines | excess fines | slope | depth to rock | | | small stones | | | | TxA: | | | | Toxaway------|Poor: |Improbable: |Improbable: |Poor: | wetness | excess fines | excess fines | wetness | | | | Ud: | | | | Udorthents------|Poor: |Improbable: |Improbable: |Limitation: | slope | excess fines | excess fines | variable | | | | UkC: | | | | Unaka------|Poor: |Improbable: |Improbable: |Poor: | depth to rock | excess fines | excess fines | small stones | | | | Porters------|Fair: |Improbable: |Improbable: |Poor: | depth to rock | excess fines | excess fines | area reclaim | | | | small stones | | | | UkD: | | | | Unaka------|Poor: |Improbable: |Improbable: |Poor: | depth to rock | excess fines | excess fines | slope | | | | small stones | | | | Porters------|Fair: |Improbable: |Improbable: |Poor: | slope | excess fines | excess fines | area reclaim | depth to rock | | | slope | | | | small stones | | | | UkE, UkF: | | | | Unaka------|Poor: |Improbable: |Improbable: |Poor: | slope | excess fines | excess fines | slope | depth to rock | | | small stones | | | | Porters------|Poor: |Improbable: |Improbable: |Poor: | slope | excess fines | excess fines | area reclaim | | | | slope | | | | small stones | | | | UnF: | | | | Unaka------|Poor: |Improbable: |Improbable: |Poor: | slope | excess fines | excess fines | slope | depth to rock | | | small stones | | | | Rock outcrop. | | | | | | | | 306 Soil Survey

Table 15.—Construction Materials—Continued ______| | | | Map symbol | Roadfill | Sand | Gravel | Topsoil and soil name | | | | ______| | | | | | | | Ur, Ux. | | | | Urban land | | | | | | | | W. | | | | Water | | | | | | | | WaC: | | | | Watauga------|Poor: |Improbable: |Improbable: |Poor: | low strength | excess fines | excess fines | small stones | | | | WaD: | | | | Watauga------|Poor: |Improbable: |Improbable: |Poor: | low strength | excess fines | excess fines | slope | | | | small stones ______| | | | Watauga County, North Carolina 307 Table 16.—Water Management (The information in this table indicates the dominant soil condition but does not eliminate need for onsite investigation. See text for definitions of terms used in this table. Absence an entry indicates that no rating is applicable) ______| Limitations for-- Features affecting-- ______Map symbol |Pond reservoir| Embankments, | Aquifer-fed Terraces and Grassed and soil name | areas dikes, excavated Drainage Irrigation diversions waterways | levees ponds ______| AcD, AcE, AcF: | Ashe------|Severe: |Severe: |Limitation: | seepage piping no water deep to water| slope large stones | slope thin layer depth to rock| | droughty depth to rock| rock | Chestnut------|Severe: |Severe: |Limitation: | seepage piping no water deep to water| slope | slope thin layer depth to rock| rock | droughty | ArF: | Ashe------|Severe: |Severe: |Limitation: | seepage piping no water deep to water| slope large stones | slope thin layer depth to rock| | droughty depth to rock| rock | Cleveland------|Severe: |Severe: |Limitation: | slope piping no water deep to water| | depth to rock| thin layer droughty | Rock outcrop. | | BaC, BaD, BaE: | Balsam------|Severe: |Severe: |Limitation: | seepage large stones no water deep to water| | slope seepage | BoD, BoE, BoF, | BrF: | Brownwood------|Severe: |Severe: |Limitation: | seepage piping no water deep to water| slope | slope thin layer depth to rock| rock | BuD, BuE: | Burton------|Severe: |Severe: |Limitation: | seepage piping no water deep to water| slope large stones | slope thin layer depth to rock| | depth to rock| rock | Craggey------|Severe: |Severe: |Limitation: | slope thin layer no water deep to water| | depth to rock| piping rock | large stones 308 Soil Survey Table 16.—Water Management—Continued ______| Limitations for-- Features affecting-- ______Map symbol |Pond reservoir| Embankments, | Aquifer-fed Terraces and Grassed and soil name | areas dikes, excavated Drainage Irrigation diversions waterways | levees ponds ______| BuD, BuE: | Rock outcrop. | | BwC, BwD, BwE: | Burton------|Severe: |Severe: |Limitation: | seepage piping no water deep to water| slope large stones | slope thin layer depth to rock| | depth to rock| rock | Wayah------|Severe: |Severe: |Limitation: | seepage piping no water deep to water| slope | slope | CaC, CaD, CaE: | Cashiers------|Severe: |Severe: |Limitation: | seepage piping no water deep to water| slope | slope | CdE: | Chandler------|Severe: |Severe: |Limitation: | seepage hard to pack no water deep water| slope | slope piping | ChF: | Chestnut------|Severe: |Severe: |Limitation: | seepage piping no water deep to water| slope | slope thin layer depth to rock| rock | droughty | Ashe------|Severe: |Severe: |Limitation: | seepage piping no water deep to water| slope large stones | slope thin layer depth to rock| | droughty depth to rock| rock | CkD, CkE: | Chestnut------|Severe: |Severe: |Limitation: | seepage piping no water deep to water| slope | slope thin layer depth to rock| rock | droughty | Edneyville------|Severe: |Severe: |Limitation: | seepage piping no water deep to water| slope | slope droughty | CmF: | Clingman------|Severe: |Severe: |Limitation: | slope excess humus no water deep to water| rooting depth| depth | depth to rock| thin layer slope | depth to rock| rock Watauga County, North Carolina 309 Table 16.—Water Management—Continued ______| Limitations for-- Features affecting-- ______Map symbol |Pond reservoir| Embankments, | Aquifer-fed Terraces and Grassed and soil name | areas dikes, excavated Drainage Irrigation diversions waterways | levees ponds ______| CmF: | Craggey------|Severe: |Severe: |Limitation: | slope thin layer no water deep to water| | depth to rock| piping rock | large stones | Rock outcrop. | | CoD, CoE, CoF: | Cowee------|Severe: |Severe: |Limitation: | slope piping no water deep to water| | thin layer depth to rock| rock | CrC, CrD, CrE, | CsC, CsD, CsE, | CtC, CtD, CtE: | Cullasaja------|Severe: |Severe: |Limitation: | seepage large stones no water deep to water| | slope seepage | CuA: | Cullowhee------|Severe: |Severe: |Limitation: |Favorable | seepage cutbanks cave| flooding too sandy | wetness large stones | cutbanks cave| | DAM. | Dam | | DeB: | Dellwood------|Severe: |Severe: |Limitation: | seepage large stones cutbanks cave| flooding | seepage large stones wetness too sandy droughty | cutbanks cave| droughty wetness | DuF: | Ditney------|Severe: |Severe: |Limitation: | seepage piping no water deep to water| slope | slope thin layer depth to rock| rock | droughty | Unicoi------|Severe: |Severe: |Limitation: | slope large stones no water deep to water| | depth to rock| piping slope | thin layer droughty depth to rock| | 310 Soil Survey Table 16.—Water Management—Continued ______| Limitations for-- Features affecting-- ______Map symbol |Pond reservoir| Embankments, | Aquifer-fed Terraces and Grassed and soil name | areas dikes, excavated Drainage Irrigation diversions waterways | levees ponds ______| EdC, EdD, EdE: | Edneytown------|Severe: |Severe: |Limitation: | seepage no water deep to water| slope | slope piping | EvC: | Evard------|Severe: |Severe: |Limitation: | slope seepage no water deep to water| | piping soil blowing | Cowee------|Severe: |Severe: |Limitation: | slope piping no water deep to water| | thin layer depth to rock| rock | EvD, EvE: | Evard------|Severe: |Severe: |Limitation: | slope seepage no water deep to water| | piping | Cowee------|Severe: |Severe: |Limitation: | slope piping no water deep to water| | thin layer depth to rock| rock | FaD, FaE: | Fannin------|Severe: |Severe: |Limitation: | slope piping no water deep to water| | JfD, JfE: | Jeffrey------|Severe: |Severe: |Limitation: | seepage piping no water deep to water| slope large stones | slope thin layer depth to rock| | droughty depth to rock| | KnC, KnD: | Keener------|Severe: |Severe: |Limitation: | seepage piping no water deep to water| large stones | slope | LoA: | Longhope------|Severe: |Severe: |Limitation: | seepage piping slow refill subsides ponding wetness | ponding cutbanks cave| | NkA: | Nikwasi------|Severe: |Severe: |Limitation: | seepage cutbanks cave| flooding large stones | wetness large stones too sandy | cutbanks cave| wetness | Watauga County, North Carolina 311 Table 16.—Water Management—Continued ______| Limitations for-- Features affecting-- ______Map symbol |Pond reservoir| Embankments, | Aquifer-fed Terraces and Grassed and soil name | areas dikes, excavated Drainage Irrigation diversions waterways | levees ponds ______| NoD, NxE: | Northcove------|Severe: |Severe: |Limitation: | seepage large stones no water deep to water| | slope seepage | Pt. | Pits | | PuC, PuD, PuE, | PuF: | Porters------|Severe: |Severe: |Limitation: | seepage piping no water deep to water| slope | slope | RdA: | Reddies------|Severe: |Severe: |Limitation: | seepage cutbanks cave| flooding wetness large stones | piping large stones too sandy | cutbanks cave| wetness | RoA: | Rosman------|Severe: |Severe: |Limitation: |Favorable | seepage piping cutbanks cave| flooding wetness | seepage wetness | SkC, SkD: | Saunook------|Severe: |Severe: |Limitation: | seepage piping no water deep to water| slope large stones | slope | SnB: | Saunook------|Severe: |Severe: |Limitation: |Favorable | seepage piping no water deep to water| slope | SnC, SnD, SoC, | SoD, SoE: | Saunook------|Severe: |Severe: |Limitation: | seepage piping no water deep to water| slope | slope | SwC: | Saunook------|Severe: |Severe: |Limitation: | seepage piping no water deep to water| slope | slope | Nikwasi------|Severe: |Severe: |Limitation: | seepage cutbanks cave| flooding large stones | wetness large stones too sandy | cutbanks cave| wetness 312 Soil Survey Table 16.—Water Management—Continued ______| Limitations for-- Features affecting-- ______Map symbol |Pond reservoir| Embankments, | Aquifer-fed Terraces and Grassed and soil name | areas dikes, excavated Drainage Irrigation diversions waterways | levees ponds ______| SxD, SxE: | Soco------|Severe: |Severe: |Limitation: | seepage piping no water deep to water| slope | slope thin layer depth to rock| rock | TxA: | Toxaway------|Severe: |Severe: |Limitation: | seepage hard to pack cutbanks cave| flooding wetness | piping frost action wetness | wetness | Ud: | Udorthents------|Limitation: |Slight |Severe: |Limitation: | variable no water deep to water| | UkC: | Unaka------|Moderate: |Severe: |Limitation: | seepage piping no water deep to water| slope | depth to rock| thin layer rock | Porters------|Severe: |Severe: |Limitation: | seepage piping no water deep to water| slope | slope | UkD, UkE, UkF: | Unaka------|Severe: |Severe: |Limitation: | slope piping no water deep to water| | thin layer depth to rock| rock | Porters------|Severe: |Severe: |Limitation: | seepage piping no water deep to water| slope | slope | UnF: | Unaka------|Severe: |Severe: |Limitation: | slope piping no water deep to water| | thin layer depth to rock| rock | Rock outcrop. | | Ur, Ux. | Urban land | | W. | Water | | Watauga County, North Carolina 313 __ Table 16.—Water Management—Continued ______| Limitations for-- Features affecting-- ______Map symbol |Pond reservoir| Embankments, | Aquifer-fed Terraces and Grassed and soil name | areas dikes, excavated Drainage Irrigation diversions waterways | levees ponds ______| WaC, WaD: | Watauga------|Severe: |Severe: |Limitation: | slope seepage no water deep to water| | piping | ______314 Soil Survey Table 17.—Engineering Index Properties (Absence of an entry indicates that the data were not estimated) ______| Classification Fragments Percentage passing Map symbol | Depth USDA texture sieve number-- |Liquid| Plas- ______and soil name | >10 3-10 |limit |ticity | Unified AASHTO |inches|inches| 4 10 40 200 |index ______| In Pct __ ___ | AcD: | Ashe------| 0-7 |Gravelly fine |SC-SM, CL-ML,|A-4, A-2 | 0-2 0-5 |60-85 |55-75 |40-60 |25-40 |25-35 |NP-7 | sandy loam ML, SM | 7-21 |Loam, sandy |SM, SC-SM |A-4 0-2 5-20 |85-100|80-95 |60-95 |35-49 |25-35 |NP-7 | loam, gravelly| | fine sandy | loam | 21-29 |Gravelly loamy |SM |A-2, A-4 0-2 5-20 |75-95 |65-95 |55-95 |30-49 0-25 NP | fine sand, | cobbly sandy | loam, sandy | loam | 29-34 |Unweathered --- | bedrock | Chestnut------| 0-5 |Fine sandy loam|ML, CL-ML, |A-2, A-4, A-5| 0-2 | |85-100|80-95 |60-95 |30-55 |20-50 |NP-9 | SC-SM, SM | 5-29 |Gravelly loam, |SC-SM, SM |A-2, A-4, A-5| 0-5 0-20 |75-98 |65-97 |60-85 |34-49 |20-45 |NP-10 | fine sandy | loam, sandy | loam | 29-62 |Weathered --- | bedrock | AcE: | Ashe------| 0-7 |Gravelly fine |SC-SM, CL-ML,|A-4, A-2 | 0-2 0-5 |60-85 |55-75 |40-60 |25-40 |25-35 |NP-7 | sandy loam ML, SM | 7-21 |Loam, sandy |SM, SC-SM |A-4 0-2 5-20 |85-100|80-95 |60-95 |35-49 |25-35 |NP-7 | loam, gravelly| | fine sandy | loam | 21-29 |Gravelly loamy |SM |A-2, A-4 0-2 5-20 |75-95 |65-95 |55-95 |30-49 0-25 NP | fine sand, | cobbly sandy | loam, sandy | loam | 29-34 |Unweathered --- | bedrock | Watauga County, North Carolina 315 Table 17.—Engineering Index Properties—Continued ______| Classification Fragments Percentage passing Map symbol | Depth USDA texture sieve number-- |Liquid| Plas- ______and soil name | >10 3-10 |limit |ticity | Unified AASHTO |inches|inches| 4 10 40 200 |index ______| In Pct __ ___ | AcE: | Chestnut------| 0-5 |Fine sandy loam|SM, SC-SM, |A-2, A-4, A-5| 0-2 | |85-100|80-95 |60-95 |30-55 |20-50 |NP-9 | CL-ML, ML | 5-29 |Loam, gravelly |SM, SC-SM |A-2, A-4, A-5| 0-5 0-20 |75-98 |65-97 |60-85 |34-49 |20-45 |NP-10 | fine sandy | loam, sandy | loam | 29-62 |Weathered --- | bedrock | AcF: | Ashe------| 0-7 |Gravelly fine |SC-SM, CL-ML,|A-4, A-2 | 0-2 0-5 |60-85 |55-75 |40-60 |25-40 |25-35 |NP-7 | sandy loam ML, SM | 7-21 |Loam, sandy |SM, SC-SM |A-4 0-2 5-20 |85-100|80-95 |60-95 |35-49 |25-35 |NP-7 | loam, gravelly| | fine sandy | loam | 21-29 |Gravelly loamy |SM |A-2, A-4 0-2 5-20 |75-95 |65-95 |55-95 |30-49 0-25 NP | fine sand, | cobbly sandy | loam, sandy | loam | 29-34 |Unweathered --- | bedrock | Chestnut------| 0-8 |Fine sandy loam|CL-ML, SM, |A-2, A-4, A-5| 0-2 | 0-5 |85-100|80-95 |60-95 |30-55 |20-50 |NP-9 | ML, SC-SM | 8-29 |Gravelly loam, |SM, SC-SM |A-2, A-4, A-5| 0-5 0-20 |75-98 |65-97 |60-85 |34-49 |20-45 |NP-10 | gravelly fine | sandy loam, | fine sandy | loam | 29-62 |Weathered --- | bedrock | 316 Soil Survey Table 17.—Engineering Index Properties—Continued ______| Classification Fragments Percentage passing Map symbol | Depth USDA texture sieve number-- |Liquid| Plas- ______and soil name | >10 3-10 |limit |ticity | Unified AASHTO |inches|inches| 4 10 40 200 |index ______| In Pct __ ___ | ArF: | Ashe------| 0-7 |Gravelly fine |SC-SM, CL-ML,|A-4, A-2 | 0-2 0-5 |60-85 |55-75 |40-60 |25-40 |25-35 |NP-7 | sandy loam ML, SM | 7-21 |Loam, sandy |SC-SM, SM |A-4 0-2 5-20 |85-100|80-95 |60-95 |35-49 |25-35 |NP-7 | loam, gravelly| | fine sandy | loam | 21-29 |Gravelly loamy |SM |A-2, A-4 0-2 5-20 |75-95 |65-95 |55-95 |30-49 0-25 NP | fine sand, | cobbly sandy | loam, sandy | loam | 29-34 |Unweathered --- | bedrock | Cleveland------| 0-15 |Cobbly fine |GM, SM |A-2, A-4 | 0-5 |10-25 |70-90 |65-85 |55-70 |35-50 |15-30 |NP-3 | sandy loam, | gravelly fine | sandy loam | 15-20 |Unweathered --- | bedrock | Rock outcrop----| 0-60 |Unweathered | --- | bedrock | BaC, BaD, BaE: | Balsam------| 0-11 |Very cobbly |SM |A-1-b, A-2-5,| 5-20 |15-60 |55-85 |40-80 |30-75 |20-49 |41-70 |NP-7 | loam A-5 | 11-65 |Very cobbly |SM, GM |A-1-b, A-2-4 5-40 |30-60 |55-85 |40-80 |34-60 |15-35 |15-40 |NP-7 | sandy loam, | very stony | sandy loam, | very cobbly | loam | BoD, BoE, BoF: | Brownwood------| 0-5 |Fine sandy loam|SM, CL-ML, |A-2, A-4 | 0-2 |85-100|80-95 |60-80 |30-55 |15-30 |NP-7 | ML, SC-SM | 5-23 |Loam, fine |SM, SC-SM |A-2, A-4 0-5 0-10 |75-98 |65-97 |45-85 |35-70 |15-30 |NP-7 | sandy loam, | gravelly loam | 23-62 |Weathered --- | bedrock | Watauga County, North Carolina 317 Table 17.—Engineering Index Properties—Continued ______| Classification Fragments Percentage passing Map symbol | Depth USDA texture sieve number-- |Liquid| Plas- ______and soil name | >10 3-10 |limit |ticity | Unified AASHTO |inches|inches| 4 10 40 200 |index ______| In Pct __ ___ | BrF: | Brownwood------| 0-5 |Fine sandy loam|CL-ML, ML, |A-2-4, A-4 | 0-2 |85-100|80-95 |60-80 |30-55 |15-30 |NP-7 | SC-SM, SM | 5-23 |Loam, fine |SC-SM, SM |A-2-4, A-4 0-5 0-10 |75-98 |65-97 |45-85 |35-70 |15-30 |NP-7 | sandy loam, | gravelly loam | 23-62 |Weathered --- | bedrock | BuD: | Burton------| 0-14 |Gravelly loam |SM, GM |A-2, A-4, | 0-5 0-10 |65-90 |60-75 |50-65 |35-50 |30-50 |NP-7 | A-1-b, A-5 | 14-21 |Fine sandy |SC-SM, SM |A-2, A-4 0-5 5-15 |73-100|70-95 |57-95 |25-70 |25-35 |NP-7 | loam, gravelly| | sandy loam, | loam | 21-28 |Very cobbly |GM, GC-GM, |A-1-b, A-2 0-15 0-35 |45-95 |40-90 |30-80 |20-65 |25-35 |NP-7 | fine sandy SP-SM, SM | loam, loamy | fine sand, | cobbly sandy | loam | 28-33 |Unweathered --- | bedrock | Craggey------| 0-4 |Muck |PT |A-8 | 0-2 0-5 --- | 4-11 |Gravelly fine |GM, SM, SC-SM|A-2, A-1-b 0-5 5-15 |55-95 |50-90 |30-60 |15-35 |25-50 |NP-7 | sandy loam, | mucky loam | 11-25 |Unweathered --- | bedrock | Rock outcrop----| 0-60 |Unweathered | --- | bedrock | 318 Soil Survey Table 17.—Engineering Index Properties—Continued ______| Classification Fragments Percentage passing Map symbol | Depth USDA texture sieve number-- |Liquid| Plas- ______and soil name | >10 3-10 |limit |ticity | Unified AASHTO |inches|inches| 4 10 40 200 |index ______| In Pct __ ___ | BuF: | Burton------| 0-14 |Gravelly loam |SM, GM |A-2, A-4, | 0-5 0-10 |65-90 |60-75 |50-65 |35-50 |30-50 |NP-7 | A-1-b, A-5 | 14-21 |Fine sandy |SC-SM, SM |A-2, A-4 0-5 5-15 |73-100|70-95 |57-95 |25-70 |25-35 |NP-7 | loam, gravelly| | sandy loam, | loam | 21-28 |Very cobbly |GM, GC-GM, |A-1-b, A-2 0-15 0-35 |45-95 |40-90 |30-80 |20-65 |25-35 |NP-7 | fine sandy SP-SM, SM | loam, loamy | fine sand, | cobbly sandy | loam | 28-33 |Unweathered --- | bedrock | Craggey------| 0-4 |Muck |PT |A-8 | 0-2 0-5 --- | 4-11 |Unweathered |GM, SM, SC-SM|A-2, A-1-b 0-5 5-15 |55-95 |50-90 |30-60 |15-35 |25-50 |NP-7 | bedrock, mucky| | loam | 11-25 |Unweathered --- | bedrock | Rock outcrop----| 0-60 |Unweathered | --- | bedrock | BwC, BwD, BwE: | Burton------| 0-14 |Gravelly loam |SM, GM |A-2, A-4, | 0-5 0-10 |65-90 |60-75 |50-65 |35-50 |30-50 |NP-7 | A-1-b, A-5 | 14-21 |Fine sandy |SC-SM, SM |A-2, A-4 0-5 5-15 |73-100|70-95 |57-95 |25-70 |25-35 |NP-7 | loam, gravelly| | sandy loam, | loam | 21-28 |Very cobbly |GM, GC-GM, |A-1-b, A-2 0-15 0-35 |45-95 |40-90 |30-80 |20-65 |25-35 |NP-7 | fine sandy SP-SM, SM | loam, loamy | fine sand, | cobbly sandy | loam | 28-33 |Unweathered --- | bedrock | Watauga County, North Carolina 319 Table 17.—Engineering Index Properties—Continued ______| Classification Fragments Percentage passing Map symbol | Depth USDA texture sieve number-- |Liquid| Plas- ______and soil name | >10 3-10 |limit |ticity | Unified AASHTO |inches|inches| 4 10 40 200 |index ______| In Pct __ ___ | BwC, BwD, BwE: | Wayah------| 0-12 |Loam |ML, SM |A-2, A-4, A-5| 0-2 | 0-5 |90-100|80-98 |50-88 |25-65 |30-50 |NP-10 | 12-24 |Gravelly loam, |SM, SC-SM, |A-1-b, A-2-4,| 0-5 3-15 |53-99 |50-97 |30-87 |20-55 |25-35 |NP-10 | sandy loam, GM, ML A-4 | gravelly sandy| | loam | 24-62 |Gravelly fine |SP-SM, GP-GM,|A-1-b, A-2-4 0-5 3-15 |55-90 |50-90 |30-70 |10-30 |20-35 |NP-4 | sandy loam, GM, SM | gravelly sandy| | loam, loamy | sand | CaC, CaD, CaE: | Cashiers------| 0-7 |Loam |SC-SM, SM, |A-2-4, A-4, | 0-2 0-5 |90-100|85-100|60-85 |25-65 |30-50 |NP-7 | CL-ML, ML A-5 | 7-36 |Sandy loam, |SC-SM, CL-ML,|A-2-4, A-4 0-2 0-5 |70-95 |60-95 |50-85 |25-65 |30-50 |NP-7 | loam, gravelly| ML, SM | sandy loam | 36-62 |Gravelly sandy |SM, SC-SM |A-1-b, A-2-4,| 0-2 0-15 |70-95 |60-95 |30-75 |20-50 |30-50 |NP-7 | loam, gravelly| A-4 | fine sandy | loam, loamy | sand | CdE: | Chandler------| 0-5 |Fine sandy loam|MH, ML, SM |A-2, A-4, A-5| 0-1 | |90-100|85-100|60-85 |25-65 |30-76 |NP-7 | 5-62 |Loam, fine |MH, ML, SM |A-2, A-4, A-5| 0-5 0-15 |90-100|85-100|60-85 |25-65 |30-60 |NP-7 | sandy loam, | loamy fine | sand | ChF: | Chestnut------| 0-5 |Fine sandy loam|SC-SM, ML, |A-2, A-4, A-5| 0-2 | |85-100|80-95 |60-95 |30-55 |20-50 |NP-9 | CL-ML, SM | 5-29 |Gravelly loam, |SM, SC-SM |A-2, A-4, A-5| 0-5 0-20 |75-98 |65-97 |60-85 |34-49 |20-45 |NP-10 | fine sandy | loam, sandy | loam | 29-62 |Weathered --- | bedrock | 320 Soil Survey Table 17.—Engineering Index Properties—Continued ______| Classification Fragments Percentage passing Map symbol | Depth USDA texture sieve number-- |Liquid| Plas- ______and soil name | >10 3-10 |limit |ticity | Unified AASHTO |inches|inches| 4 10 40 200 |index ______| In Pct __ ___ | ChF: | Ashe------| 0-7 |Gravelly fine |SC-SM, SM, |A-4, A-2 | 0-2 0-5 |60-85 |55-75 |40-60 |25-40 |25-35 |NP-7 | sandy loam ML, CL-ML | 7-21 |Loam, sandy |SM, SC-SM |A-4 0-2 5-20 |85-100|80-95 |60-95 |35-49 |25-35 |NP-7 | loam, gravelly| | fine sandy | loam | 21-29 |Gravelly loamy |SM |A-2, A-4 0-2 5-20 |75-95 |65-95 |55-95 |30-49 0-25 NP | fine sand, | cobbly sandy | loam, sandy | loam | 29-34 |Unweathered --- | bedrock | CkD, CkE: | Chestnut------| 0-5 |Fine sandy loam|SM, CL-ML, |A-2, A-4, A-5| 0-2 | |85-100|80-95 |60-95 |30-55 |20-50 |NP-9 | ML, SC-SM | 5-29 |Gravelly loam, |SC-SM, SM |A-2, A-4, A-5| 0-5 0-20 |75-98 |65-97 |60-85 |34-49 |20-45 |NP-10 | fine sandy | loam, sandy | loam | 29-62 |Weathered --- | bedrock | Edneyville------| 0-5 |Fine sandy loam|SM, SC-SM, |A-2, A-4, A-5| 0-2 | |85-100|80-100|65-95 |30-69 |25-61 |NP-7 | ML, MH | 5-25 |Fine sandy |SM, SC-SM, |A-5, A-2, A-4| 0-3 0-5 |85-100|80-100|65-95 |30-68 |25-45 |NP-10 | loam, sandy ML, CL-ML | loam, loam | 25-62 |Sandy loam, |SM, SC-SM |A-2, A-4, A-5| 0-5 0-10 |75-100|65-100|60-88 |28-49 |25-45 |NP-10 | gravelly sandy| | loam, fine | sandy loam | CmF: | Clingman------| 0-14 |Peat |PT |A-8 | 0-2 0-5 --- | 14-18 |Loamy sand, |SC-SM, ML, |A-1-b, A-2-4,| 0-2 0-5 |85-100|75-95 |35-85 |15-75 |15-30 |NP-5 | sandy loam, CL-ML, SM A-4 | loam | 18-24 |Unweathered --- | bedrock | Watauga County, North Carolina 321 Table 17.—Engineering Index Properties—Continued ______| Classification Fragments Percentage passing Map symbol | Depth USDA texture sieve number-- |Liquid| Plas- ______and soil name | >10 3-10 |limit |ticity | Unified AASHTO |inches|inches| 4 10 40 200 |index ______| In Pct __ ___ | CmF: | Craggey------| 0-4 |Muck |PT |A-8 | 0-2 0-5 --- | 4-11 |Mucky loam, |SC-SM, SM |A-5, A-4, A-2| 0-2 0-5 |90-100|65-100|40-95 |25-50 |NP-7 | gravelly fine | sandy loam | 11-25 |Unweathered --- | bedrock | Rock outcrop----| 0-60 |Unweathered | --- | bedrock | CoD, CoE, CoF: | Cowee------| 0-6 |Gravelly fine |SC-SM, SM, ML|A-2, A-2-4, | 0-5 0-15 |75-95 |65-85 |55-75 |20-51 |26-41 |NP-12 | sandy loam A-4, A-5 | 6-30 |Sandy clay |SM, CL, ML, |A-2, A-4, 0-2 0-15 |47-99 |45-90 |32-85 |17-60 |26-50 5-22 | loam, gravelly| SC A-6, A-7 | loam, clay | loam | 30-62 |Weathered --- | bedrock | CrC, CrD, CrE: | Cullasaja------| 0-11 |Cobbly loam |SM, GM |A-1-b, A-2-5 | 5-10 |15-35 |65-95 |65-90 |55-75 |35-60 |41-70 |NP-7 | 11-65 |Very stony |GM, SM |A-1-b, A-2-4 |10-20 |30-60 |55-85 |40-80 |35-60 |25-40 |NP-7 | loam, very | cobbly fine | sandy loam, | very cobbly | loam | CsC, CsD, CsE, | CtC, CtD, CtE: | Cullasaja------| 0-11 |Very cobbly |SM |A-5, A-2-5 | 5-20 |25-60 |55-85 |40-80 |35-60 |25-40 |41-70 |NP-7 | loam | 11-65 |Very stony |GM, SM |A-1-b, A-2-4 |10-20 |30-60 |55-85 |40-80 |35-60 |25-40 |NP-7 | loam, very | cobbly fine | sandy loam, | very cobbly | loam | 322 Soil Survey Table 17.—Engineering Index Properties—Continued ______| Classification Fragments Percentage passing Map symbol | Depth USDA texture sieve number-- |Liquid| Plas- ______and soil name | >10 3-10 |limit |ticity | Unified AASHTO |inches|inches| 4 10 40 200 |index ______| In Pct __ ___ | CuA: | Cullowhee------| 0-14 |Loam |ML, SM |A-2-4, A-4 | 0 0-5 |90-100|80-100|50-97 |25-55 |15-35 |NP-4 | 14-24 |Loamy sand, |SP-SM, SM |A-1-b, A-2-4,| 0 0-15 |70-100|65-95 |30-89 2-25 |10-14 NP | sand, gravelly| A-3 | loamy sand | 24-62 |Extremely |SM, SP-SM, |A-1 0-5 |10-50 |13-75 |10-55 6-40 1-15 |10-14 NP | gravelly sand,| GP-GM, GM | very gravelly | sand, very | cobbly sand | DAM. | Dam | | DeB: | Dellwood------| 0-12 |Cobbly sandy |SM |A-1-b, A-2-4,| 0-5 |15-30 |70-85 |65-80 |30-75 |20-50 |15-37 |NP-4 | loam A-4 | 12-20 |Extremely |SP, GM, GP, |A-1 0-15 |25-65 |45-80 |40-75 4-40 1-15 |10-20 NP | cobbly coarse GP-GM | sand, very | gravelly sand,| | very gravelly | loamy sand | 20-65 |Extremely |GM, GP, |A-1 0-25 |25-65 |45-80 |40-75 4-40 1-15 |10-15 NP | cobbly coarse GP-GM, SP | sand, very | cobbly sand, | extremely | gravelly | coarse sand | DuF: | Ditney------| 0-7 |Cobbly sandy |SM, SC-SM, |A-2-4, A-4 | 0-2 8-25 |70-85 |65-85 |50-70 |25-55 0-30 |NP-10 | loam CL-ML, ML | 7-28 |Loam, cobbly |SC-SM, SM, |A-2-4, A-4 0-2 0-15 |90-100|80-95 |65-80 |30-60 0-30 |NP-10 | sandy loam, ML, CL-ML | fine sandy | loam | 28-33 |Unweathered --- | bedrock | Watauga County, North Carolina 323 Table 17.—Engineering Index Properties—Continued ______| Classification Fragments Percentage passing Map symbol | Depth USDA texture sieve number-- |Liquid| Plas- ______and soil name | >10 3-10 |limit |ticity | Unified AASHTO |inches|inches| 4 10 40 200 |index ______| In Pct __ ___ | DuF: | Unicoi------| 0-5 |Very cobbly |GM, SM, |A-1-b, A-2 | |15-50 |60-75 |40-70 |30-50 |20-35 0-25 |NP-6 | loam SC-SM, GC-GM| | 5-11 |Very cobbly |SM, SC-SM, |A-1-b, A-2 0-5 |20-50 |60-75 |40-70 |30-50 |20-35 0-25 |NP-6 | loam, very GM, GC-GM | cobbly sandy | loam, very | stony loam | 11-16 |Unweathered --- | bedrock | EdC, EdD, EdE: | Edneytown------| 0-5 |Loam |CL-ML, ML, |A-2, A-4, A-5| 0-1 | 0-2 |95-100|90-100|70-85 |40-70 0-25 |NP-7 | SC-SM, SM | 5-21 |Sandy clay |SC, CL-ML, CL|A-4, A-6 0 |98-100|95-100|80-97 |45-75 |25-35 5-15 | loam, clay | loam | 21-29 |Fine sandy |SC, CL, ML, |A-2, A-4 0 |98-100|95-100|65-85 |30-55 0-25 |NP-9 | loam, sandy SM | clay loam | 29-62 |Loamy sand, |SM, SC-SM, |A-2, A-4 0 |98-100|95-100|50-90 |15-70 0-25 |NP-7 | sandy loam, CL-ML, ML | loamy fine | sand | EvC, EvD, EvE: | Evard------| 0-5 |Loam |ML |A-4 | 0-2 |90-100|90-100|85-95 |60-75 0-35 |NP-9 | 5-25 |Sandy clay |CL, ML, SC, |A-2, A-4, 0 0-2 |90-100|85-100|60-95 |30-70 |25-45 7-18 | loam, clay SM A-6, A-7-6 | loam, loam | 25-40 |Sandy loam, |CL, ML, SC, |A-2, A-4 0 0-5 |80-100|75-100|60-95 |20-55 0-25 |NP-9 | loam, sandy SM | clay loam | 40-62 |Sandy loam, |SM |A-2, A-4 0 0-15 |75-100|70-100|60-90 |15-50 0-14 NP | loam, loamy | sand | Cowee------| 0-6 |Gravelly fine |ML, SC-SM, SM|A-2-4, A-4, | 0-5 0-15 |75-95 |65-85 |55-75 |20-51 |26-41 |NP-12 | sandy loam A-5, A-2 | 6-30 |Sandy clay |CL, SM, SC, |A-2, A-4, 0-2 0-15 |47-99 |45-90 |32-85 |17-60 |26-50 5-22 | loam, gravelly| ML A-6, A-7 | loam, clay | loam | 30-62 |Weathered --- | bedrock | 324 Soil Survey Table 17.—Engineering Index Properties—Continued ______| Classification Fragments Percentage passing Map symbol | Depth USDA texture sieve number-- |Liquid| Plas- ______and soil name | >10 3-10 |limit |ticity | Unified AASHTO |inches|inches| 4 10 40 200 |index ______| In Pct __ ___ | FaD, FaE: | Fannin------| 0-6 |Loam |SM, MH, ML |A-2, A-4, | 0-2 0-5 |92-100|86-100|60-95 |34-85 |30-51 |NP-18 | A-5, A-7-5 | 6-27 |Clay loam, |SM, ML, MH |A-7, A-4, A-6| 0 2-10 |97-100|90-100|67-95 |40-85 |30-55 5-23 | sandy clay | loam, loam | 27-62 |Loam, fine |SM, ML |A-2, A-4, A-5| 0 0-15 |75-100|70-98 |60-90 |15-70 |30-50 |NP-10 | sandy loam, | loamy fine | sand | JfD, JfE: | Jeffrey------| 0-9 |Cobbly loam |ML, SM |A-4 | 0-5 |15-25 |80-90 |70-85 |65-80 |40-60 0-30 |NP-7 | 9-25 |Cobbly sandy |ML, GM, SM |A-2, A-4 0-5 |15-25 |65-90 |65-85 |40-75 |20-60 0-30 |NP-7 | loam, cobbly | loam | 25-30 |Unweathered --- | bedrock | KnC, KnD: | Keener------| 0-7 |Loam |SM, SC-SM, |A-4 | 0-2 0-5 |96-100|86-98 |68-98 |40-80 0-25 |NP-7 | CL-ML, ML | 7-38 |Loam, clay |ML, CL-ML, CL|A-4 0 0-10 |95-100|85-100|70-95 |45-85 |18-40 3-14 | loam | 38-62 |Gravelly loam, |SM, SC-SM, |A-4 0 |15-50 |65-90 |55-85 |50-80 |40-70 |18-30 3-10 | very cobbly SC, CL-ML | sandy loam | LoA: | Longhope------| 0-20 |Mucky peat |PT |A-8 | 0 --- | 20-48 |Loamy sand, |SC, SC-SM, SM|A-2-4, A-4 0 0-15 |85-100|75-95 |40-85 |25-49 |15-30 |NP-10 | sandy loam, | loam | 48-65 |Very gravelly |GC-GM, GM, |A-1-b, A-2-4,| 0 5-35 |45-70 |40-65 |35-60 |15-40 |10-25 |NP-5 | loamy sand, SC-SM, SM A-4 | gravelly sandy| | loam, gravelly| | loamy coarse | sand | Watauga County, North Carolina 325 Table 17.—Engineering Index Properties—Continued ______| Classification Fragments Percentage passing Map symbol | Depth USDA texture sieve number-- |Liquid| Plas- ______and soil name | >10 3-10 |limit |ticity | Unified AASHTO |inches|inches| 4 10 40 200 |index ______| In Pct __ ___ | NkA: | Nikwasi------| 0-28 |Loam |ML, SM |A-2-4, A-4 | 0 0-5 |90-100|80-99 |50-93 |17-55 |15-37 |NP-4 | 28-62 |Extremely |GM, GP-GM, |A-1 0-5 |10-50 |25-75 |10-55 7-40 1-15 |10-14 NP | gravelly SM, SP-SM | coarse sand, | very gravelly | sand, very | cobbly loamy | sand | NoD: | Northcove------| 0-8 |Very cobbly |GM, GC-GM, |A-1-b, A-2-4,| 5-20 |15-60 |50-90 |40-80 |30-70 |20-45 |15-30 |NP-7 | loam SC-SM, SM A-4 | 8-62 |Very cobbly |SM, SC-SM, |A-1-b, A-2-4,| 5-40 |30-60 |50-90 |40-80 |30-70 |20-45 |15-30 |NP-7 | loam, very GC-GM, GM A-4 | stony loam, | very flaggy | loam | NxE: | Northcove------| 0-8 |Very cobbly |SC-SM, GC-GM,|A-1-b, A-2-4,| 5-20 |15-60 |40-80 |30-70 |20-45 |15-30 |NP-7 | loam GM, SM A-4 | 8-62 |Very cobbly |SM, GC-GM, |A-1-b, A-2-4,| 5-40 |30-60 |40-80 |30-70 |20-45 |15-30 |NP-7 | loam, very GM, SC-SM A-4 | stony loam, | very flaggy | loam | Pt. | Pits | | PuC, PuD, PuE, | PuF: | Porters------| 0-10 |Loam |CL, CL-ML, ML|A-4 | 0-2 0-5 |85-100|80-100|70-80 |51-65 |20-35 |NP-10 | 10-45 |Loam, gravelly |CL-ML, ML, |A-2, A-4 0-5 5-10 |75-99 |60-95 |50-90 |30-70 |15-25 |NP-7 | loam, sandy SC-SM, SM | loam | 45-54 |Weathered --- | bedrock | 54-65 |Unweathered --- | bedrock | 326 Soil Survey Table 17.—Engineering Index Properties—Continued ______| Classification Fragments Percentage passing Map symbol | Depth USDA texture sieve number-- |Liquid| Plas- ______and soil name | >10 3-10 |limit |ticity | Unified AASHTO |inches|inches| 4 10 40 200 |index ______| In Pct __ ___ | RdA: | Reddies------| 0-11 |Loam |ML, SM |A-2-4, A-4 | 0 0-5 |90-100|80-100|50-95 |25-55 |25-37 |NP-7 | 11-35 |Fine sandy |ML, SM |A-1-b, A-2-4,| 0-1 0-15 |70-100|60-95 |30-85 |15-55 |25-35 |NP-7 | loam, sandy A-4 | loam, gravelly| | sandy loam | 35-62 |Extremely |GM, GP-GM, |A-1 0-5 |10-50 |13-75 |10-55 4-40 1-15 |10-14 NP | gravelly sand,| SM, SP-SM | very gravelly | sand, very | cobbly sand | RoA: | Rosman------| 0-16 |Fine sandy loam|ML, SC-SM, SM|A-2-4, A-2-5,| 0 | |95-100|90-100|75-100|30-60 |15-41 |NP-7 | A-4 | 16-48 |Loam, fine |ML, SC-SM, SM|A-2-4, A-4 0 |95-100|90-100|75-100|30-85 |15-39 |NP-8 | sandy loam, | sandy loam | 48-62 |Gravelly sand, |GM, SC-SM, |A-1, A-2-4, 0 0-35 |50-85 |50-80 |25-65 5-45 |10-25 |NP-7 | very gravelly SM, SP-SM A-3, A-4 | sand, fine | sandy loam | SkC, SkD: | Saunook------| 0-9 |Cobbly loam |GM, MH, ML, |A-1, A-2, | 2-10 |15-35 |65-80 |60-80 |30-75 |20-55 |30-59 |NP-14 | SM A-4, A-5 | 9-35 |Cobbly loam, |SM, GM, SC, |A-4, A-6, 0-10 |10-25 |55-95 |65-85 |55-75 |40-60 |25-55 7-20 | cobbly sandy CL A-2-4 | clay loam | 35-65 |Very cobbly |SM, GM, SC, |A-1-b, A-4, 0-10 |15-35 |55-80 |50-80 |40-70 |30-55 |25-45 7-17 | loam, cobbly CL |A-2-4 | sandy clay | loam | SnB, SnC, SnD: | Saunook------| 0-9 |Loam |MH, ML, SM |A-2, A-4, | 0 0-10 |90-100|85-100|60-90 |25-65 |30-59 |NP-14 | A-5, A-7-5 | 9-35 |Loam, clay |SM, SC, ML, |A-4, A-6, A-7| 0-2 0-5 |90-100|85-95 |75-95 |35-75 |25-55 7-20 | loam, sandy CL | clay loam | 35-65 |Cobbly sandy |SC, CL, GM, |A-2, A-4, A-6| 0-10 5-25 |55-99 |60-95 |45-83 |30-55 |25-45 7-17 | clay loam, ML | gravelly loam,| | cobbly loam | Watauga County, North Carolina 327 Table 17.—Engineering Index Properties—Continued ______| Classification Fragments Percentage passing Map symbol | Depth USDA texture sieve number-- |Liquid| Plas- ______and soil name | >10 3-10 |limit |ticity | Unified AASHTO |inches|inches| 4 10 40 200 |index ______| In Pct __ ___ | SoC: | Saunook------| 0-9 |Loam |MH, SM, ML |A-2, A-4, | 0-5 0-10 |90-100|85-100|60-90 |25-65 |30-59 |NP-14 | A-5, A-7-5 | 9-35 |Loam, clay |SM, SC, ML, |A-4, A-6, A-7| 0-2 0-5 |90-100|85-95 |75-95 |35-75 |25-55 7-20 | loam, sandy CL | clay loam | 35-65 |Cobbly sandy |GM, CL, ML, |A-2, A-4, A-6| 0-10 5-25 |55-99 |60-95 |45-83 |30-55 |25-45 7-17 | clay loam, SC | gravelly loam,| | cobbly loam | SoD, SoE: | Saunook------| 0-9 |Loam |MH, ML, SM |A-2, A-4, | 0-5 0-10 |90-100|85-100|60-90 |25-65 |30-59 |NP-14 | A-5, A-7-5 | 9-35 |Loam, clay |SM, SC, ML, |A-4, A-6, A-7| 0-2 0-5 |90-100|85-95 |75-95 |35-75 |25-55 7-20 | loam, sandy CL | clay loam | 35-65 |Cobbly sandy |SC, CL, GM, |A-2, A-4, A-6| 0-10 5-25 |60-99 |55-95 |45-83 |30-55 |25-45 7-17 | clay loam, ML | gravelly loam,| | cobbly loam | SwC: | Saunook------| 0-9 |Loam |MH, ML, SM |A-2, A-4, | 0 0-5 |90-100|85-100|60-90 |25-65 |30-59 |NP-14 | A-5, A-7-5 | 9-35 |Loam, clay |SC, SM, ML, |A-4, A-6, A-7| 0-2 0-5 |90-100|85-95 |75-95 |35-75 |25-55 7-20 | loam, sandy CL | clay loam | 35-65 |Cobbly sandy |SC, CL, GM, |A-2, A-4, A-6| 0-10 5-25 |60-99 |55-95 |45-83 |30-55 |25-45 7-17 | clay loam, ML | gravelly loam,| | cobbly loam | Nikwasi------| 0-28 |Loam |ML, SM |A-2-4, A-4 | 0 0-5 |90-100|80-99 |50-93 |17-55 |15-37 |NP-4 | 28-62 |Extremely |GM, GP-GM, |A-1 0-5 |10-50 |25-75 |10-55 7-40 1-15 |10-14 NP | gravelly SM, SP-SM | coarse sand, | very gravelly | sand, very | cobbly loamy | sand | 328 Soil Survey Table 17.—Engineering Index Properties—Continued ______| Classification Fragments Percentage passing Map symbol | Depth USDA texture sieve number-- |Liquid| Plas- ______and soil name | >10 3-10 |limit |ticity | Unified AASHTO |inches|inches| 4 10 40 200 |index ______| In Pct __ ___ | SxD, SxE: | Soco------| 0-6 |Loam |MH, SM, ML |A-4, A-5 | 0-2 0-5 |85-100|80-100|65-90 |36-75 |30-55 |NP-7 | 6-20 |Loam, fine |SM, SC, ML, |A-4, A-6 0-2 0-5 |85-100|80-100|65-92 |36-77 |25-40 |NP-11 | sandy loam, CL | silt loam | 20-30 |Channery loam, |ML, CL, SC, |A-4, A-6 0-5 5-15 |70-95 |55-91 |40-91 |35-65 |25-40 |NP-11 | channery fine SM | sandy loam, | channery silt | loam | 30-62 |Weathered --- | bedrock | TxA: | Toxaway------| 0-27 |Loam |CL, CL-ML, |A-4, A-6, A-7| 0 | |98-100|95-100|85-100|51-90 |25-55 6-22 | MH, ML | 27-50 |Loam, fine |ML, CL, CL-ML|A-7, A-6, A-4| 0 |98-100|95-100|85-100|45-98 |20-58 6-25 | sandy loam, | sandy clay | loam | 50-62 |Gravelly sand, |SM, GM, |A-2, A-1 0 0-10 |60-95 |55-90 |30-60 |5-20 |10-15 |NP-10 | loamy sand, SP-SM, GP-GM| | coarse sand | Ud: | Udorthents------| 0-60 |Sandy loam |CL, CL-ML, |A-2, A-4, | --- 0-3 |95-100|90-100|70-98 |30-90 |20-45 4-25 | SC, SC-SM A-6, A-7 | UkC, UkD, UkE, | UkF: | Unaka------| 0-8 |Cobbly loam |CL-ML, SM, ML|A-4 | 0-5 |15-20 |65-95 |60-90 |55-80 |40-65 0-30 |NP-7 | 8-25 |Cobbly loam, |SM, CL-ML, ML|A-4 0-10 5-25 |65-95 |60-90 |55-80 |40-65 0-30 |NP-7 | gravelly loam | 25-35 |Weathered --- | bedrock | 35-42 |Unweathered --- | bedrock | Porters------| 0-10 |Loam |CL, CL-ML, ML|A-4 | 0-2 0-5 |85-100|80-100|70-80 |51-65 |20-35 |NP-10 | 10-45 |Loam, sandy |SM, CL-ML, |A-2, A-4 0-5 5-10 |75-99 |60-99 |50-90 |30-70 |15-25 |NP-7 | loam, gravelly| ML, SC-SM | loam | 45-54 |Weathered --- | bedrock | 54-65 |Unweathered --- | bedrock | Watauga County, North Carolina 329 Table 17.—Engineering Index Properties—Continued ______| Classification Fragments Percentage passing Map symbol | Depth USDA texture sieve number-- |Liquid| Plas- ______and soil name | >10 3-10 |limit |ticity | Unified AASHTO |inches|inches| 4 10 40 200 |index ______| In Pct __ ___ | UnF: | Unaka------| 0-8 |Cobbly loam |CL-ML, SM, ML|A-4 | 0-5 |15-20 |65-95 |60-90 |55-80 |40-65 0-30 |NP-7 | 8-25 |Cobbly loam, |SM, CL-ML, ML|A-4 0-10 5-25 |65-95 |60-90 |55-80 |40-65 0-30 |NP-7 | gravelly loam | 25-35 |Weathered --- | bedrock | 35-42 |Unweathered --- | bedrock | Rock outcrop----| 0-60 |Unweathered | --- | bedrock | Ur, Ux. | Urban land | | W. | Water | | WaC, WaD: | Watauga------| 0-8 |Loam |SM, ML, SC, |A-4 | 0 0-5 |90-100|90-98 |70-90 |36-65 |20-35 |NP-10 | SC-SM | 8-28 |Clay loam, |CL, SC |A-6, A-7 0 0-15 |85-100|85-98 |75-95 |40-75 |30-65 |12-25 | loam, sandy | clay loam | 28-62 |Loam, sandy |SM |A-2, A-4 0 0-15 |75-100|70-95 |60-90 |15-50 |15-40 |NP-12 | loam, fine | sandy loam, | loamy fine | sand | ______330 Soil Survey

Table 18.—Physical Properties of the Soils

(Entries under "Erosion factors--T" apply to the entire profile. Absence of an entry indicates that data were not estimated)

______| | | | | | | |Erosion______factors Map symbol | Depth | Clay | Moist | Permea- |Available| Linear |Organic| | | and soil name | | | bulk | bility | water |extensi- |matter | Kw | Kf | T ______| | | density | (Ksat) |capacity | bility | | | | | __In | ___Pct | ____g/cc | _____In/hr | _____In/in | ___Pct | ___Pct | | | | | | | | | | | | | AcD, AcE: | | | | | | | | | | Ashe------| 0-7 | 7-20|1.35-1.60| 1.98-5.95 |0.13-0.18| 0.0-2.9 |1.0-8.0| .10 | .20 | 2 | 7-21 | 7-20|1.35-1.60| 1.98-5.95 |0.10-0.14| 0.0-2.9 | --- | .17 | .32 | | 21-29 | 5-15|1.45-1.65| 1.98-5.95 |0.08-0.12| 0.0-2.9 | --- | .20 | .37 | | 29-34 | --- | --- | 0.00-0.01 |0.00-0.00| --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | | | | | | Chestnut------| 0-5 | 5-20|1.35-1.60| 1.98-5.95 |0.10-0.15| 0.0-2.9 |1.0-8.0| .10 | .15 | 3 | 5-29 | 5-25|1.35-1.60| 1.98-5.95 |0.08-0.12| 0.0-2.9 | --- | .20 | .24 | | 29-62 | --- | --- | 0.00-1.98 |0.00-0.01| --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | | | | | | AcF: | | | | | | | | | | Ashe------| 0-7 | 7-20|1.35-1.60| 1.98-5.95 |0.13-0.18| 0.0-2.9 |1.0-8.0| .10 | .20 | 2 | 7-21 | 7-20|1.35-1.60| 1.98-5.95 |0.10-0.14| 0.0-2.9 | --- | .17 | .32 | | 21-29 | 5-15|1.45-1.65| 1.98-5.95 |0.08-0.12| 0.0-2.9 | --- | .20 | .37 | | 29-34 | --- | --- | 0.00-0.01 |0.00-0.00| --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | | | | | | Chestnut------| 0-8 | 5-20|1.35-1.60| 1.98-5.95 |0.10-0.15| 0.0-2.9 |1.0-8.0| .10 | .15 | 3 | 8-29 | 5-25|1.35-1.60| 1.98-5.95 |0.08-0.12| 0.0-2.9 | --- | .20 | .24 | | 29-62 | --- | --- | 0.00-1.98 |0.00-0.01| --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | | | | | | ArF: | | | | | | | | | | Ashe------| 0-7 | 7-20|1.35-1.60| 1.98-5.95 |0.13-0.18| 0.0-2.9 |1.0-8.0| .10 | .20 | 2 | 7-21 | 7-20|1.35-1.60| 1.98-5.95 |0.10-0.14| 0.0-2.9 | --- | .17 | .32 | | 21-29 | 5-15|1.45-1.65| 1.98-5.95 |0.08-0.12| 0.0-2.9 | --- | .20 | .37 | | 29-34 | --- | --- | 0.00-0.01 |0.00-0.00| --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | | | | | | Cleveland-----| 0-15 | 6-20|1.20-1.50| 1.98-5.95 |0.05-0.10| 0.0-2.9 |0.5-8.0| .15 | .24 | 1 | 15-20 | --- | --- | 0.00-0.01 |0.00-0.01| --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | | | | | | Rock outcrop. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | BaC, BaD, BaE: | | | | | | | | | | Balsam------| 0-11 | 7-25|0.50-1.00| 1.98-5.95 |0.20-0.25| 0.0-2.9 |8.0-20 | .05 | .24 | 5 | 11-65 | 7-25|1.00-1.50| 1.98-5.95 |0.06-0.10| 0.0-2.9 | --- | .05 | .20 | | | | | | | | | | | BoD, BoE, BoF: | | | | | | | | | | BrF: | | | | | | | | | | Brownwood----| 0-5 | 5-20|1.00-1.40| 1.98-5.95 |0.12-0.15| 0.0-2.9 |1.0-8.0| .32 | .32 | 2 | 5-23 | 5-18|1.20-1.60| 1.98-5.95 |0.10-0.14| 0.0-2.9 | --- | .37 | .37 | | 23-62 | --- | --- | 0.00-1.98 |0.00-0.01| --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | | | | | | BuD: | | | | | | | | | | Burton------| 0-14 | 7-25|1.00-1.30| 1.98-5.95 |0.16-0.23| 0.0-2.9 |8.0-20 | .02 | .02 | 2 | 14-21 | 7-25|1.35-1.60| 1.98-5.95 |0.10-0.15| 0.0-2.9 | --- | .15 | .32 | | 21-28 | 5-18|1.45-1.65| 1.98-5.95 |0.07-0.12| 0.0-2.9 | --- | .15 | .37 | | 28-33 | --- | --- | 0.00-0.01 |0.00-0.01| --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | | | | | | Craggey------| 0-4 | --- |0.15-0.40| 1.98-5.95 |0.45-0.65| 0.0-2.9 | 20-90 | --- | --- | 1 | 4-11 | 7-25|1.00-1.30| 1.98-5.95 |0.10-0.15| 0.0-2.9 |8.0-20 | .05 | .10 | | 11-25 | --- | --- | 0.00-0.01 |0.00-0.01| --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | | | | | | Rock outcrop. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Watauga County, North Carolina 331

Table 18.—Physical Properties of the Soils—Continued ______| | | | | | | |Erosion______factors Map symbol | Depth | Clay | Moist | Permea- |Available| Linear |Organic| | | and soil name | | | bulk | bility | water |extensi- |matter | Kw | Kf | T ______| | | density | (Ksat) |capacity | bility | | | | | __In | ___Pct | ____g/cc | _____In/hr | _____In/in | ___Pct | ___Pct | | | | | | | | | | | | | BuF: | | | | | | | | | | Burton------| 0-14 | 7-25|1.00-1.30| 1.98-5.95 |0.16-0.23| 0.0-2.9 |8.0-20 | .12 | .02 | 2 | 14-21 | 7-25|1.35-1.60| 1.98-5.95 |0.10-0.15| 0.0-2.9 | --- | .15 | .32 | | 21-28 | 5-18|1.45-1.65| 1.98-5.95 |0.07-0.12| 0.0-2.9 | --- | .15 | .37 | | 28-33 | --- | --- | 0.00-0.01 |0.00-0.01| --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | | | | | | Craggey------| 0-4 | --- |0.15-0.40| 1.98-5.95 |0.45-0.65| 0.0-2.9 | 20-90 | --- | --- | 1 | 4-11 | 7-25|1.00-1.30| 0.00-0.01 |0.00-0.01| 0.0-2.9 |8.0-20 | .05 | .10 | | 11-25 | --- | --- | 0.00-0.01 |0.00-0.01| --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | | | | | | Rock outcrop. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | BwC, BwD, BwE: | | | | | | | | | | Burton------| 0-14 | 7-25|1.00-1.30| 1.98-5.95 |0.16-0.23| 0.0-2.9 |8.0-20 | .02 | .02 | 2 | 14-21 | 7-25|1.35-1.60| 1.98-5.95 |0.10-0.15| 0.0-2.9 | --- | .28 | .49 | | 21-28 | 5-18|1.45-1.65| 1.98-5.95 |0.07-0.12| 0.0-2.9 | --- | .28 | .49 | | 28-33 | --- | --- | 0.00-0.01 |0.00-0.01| --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | | | | | | Wayah------| 0-12 | 7-25|0.90-1.20| 1.98-5.95 |0.16-0.22| 0.0-2.9 |8.0-20 | .02 | .02 | 3 | 12-24 | 7-25|1.20-1.60| 1.98-5.95 |0.09-0.13| 0.0-2.9 | --- | .20 | .24 | | 24-62 | 5-18|1.40-1.65| 1.98-5.95 |0.05-0.09| 0.0-2.9 | --- | .05 | .10 | | | | | | | | | | | CaC, CaD, CaE: | | | | | | | | | | Cashiers------| 0-7 | 7-25|1.00-1.50| 1.98-5.95 |0.14-0.20| 0.0-2.9 |5.0-14 | .32 | .32 | 4 | 7-36 | 7-25|1.30-1.50| 1.98-5.95 |0.13-0.18| 0.0-2.9 | --- | .32 | .32 | | 36-62 | 5-18|1.30-1.50| 1.98-5.95 |0.10-0.14| 0.0-2.9 | --- | .32 | .32 | | | | | | | | | | | CdE: | | | | | | | | | | Chandler------| 0-5 | 5-18|1.30-1.50| 1.98-5.95 |0.12-0.18| 0.0-2.9 |1.0-8.0| .32 | .32 | 3 | 5-62 | 5-18|1.30-1.50| 1.98-5.95 |0.11-0.15| 0.0-2.9 | --- | .32 | .32 | | | | | | | | | | | ChF: | | | | | | | | | | Chestnut------| 0-5 | 5-20|1.35-1.60| 1.98-5.95 |0.10-0.15| 0.0-2.9 |1.0-8.0| .10 | .15 | 3 | 5-29 | 5-25|1.35-1.60| 1.98-5.95 |0.08-0.12| 0.0-2.9 | --- | .20 | .24 | | 29-62 | --- | --- | 0.00-1.98 |0.00-0.01| --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | | | | | | Ashe------| 0-7 | 7-20|1.35-1.60| 1.98-5.95 |0.13-0.18| 0.0-2.9 |1.0-8.0| .10 | .15 | 2 | 7-21 | 7-20|1.35-1.60| 1.98-5.95 |0.10-0.14| 0.0-2.9 | --- | .15 | .24 | | 21-29 | 5-15|1.45-1.65| 1.98-5.95 |0.08-0.12| 0.0-2.9 | --- | .15 | .24 | | 29-34 | --- | --- | 0.00-0.01 |0.00-0.00| --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | | | | | | CkD, CkE: | | | | | | | | | | Chestnut------| 0-5 | 5-20|1.35-1.60| 1.98-5.95 |0.10-0.15| 0.0-2.9 |1.0-8.0| .10 | .15 | 3 | 5-29 | 5-25|1.35-1.60| 1.98-5.95 |0.08-0.12| 0.0-2.9 | --- | .20 | .24 | | 29-62 | --- | --- | 0.00-1.98 |0.00-0.01| --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | | | | | | Edneyville----| 0-5 | 5-18|1.40-1.60| 1.98-5.95 |0.11-0.17| 0.0-2.9 |1.0-8.0| .10 | .17 | 4 | 5-25 | 7-20|1.40-1.60| 1.98-5.95 |0.10-0.16| 0.0-2.9 | --- | .17 | .24 | | 25-62 | 5-20|1.40-1.60| 1.98-5.95 |0.08-0.14| 0.0-2.9 | --- | .15 | .24 | | | | | | | | | | | CmF: | | | | | | | | | | Clingman------| 0-14 | --- |0.15-0.40| 1.98-5.95 |0.45-0.65| 0.0-2.9 | 20-90 | --- | --- | 1 | 14-18 | 5-18|1.50-1.80| 0.57-5.95 |0.09-0.20| 0.0-2.9 |5.0-15 | .10 | .17 | | 18-24 | --- | --- | 0.00-0.01 |0.00-0.01| --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | | | | | | Craggey------| 0-4 | --- |0.15-0.40| 1.98-5.95 |0.45-0.65| 0.0-2.9 | 20-90 | --- | --- | 1 | 4-11 | 7-25|1.10-1.30| 1.98-5.95 |0.12-0.17| 0.0-2.9 |8.0-20 | .05 | .10 | | 11-25 | --- | --- | 0.00-0.01 |0.00-0.01| --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | | | | | | Rock outcrop. | | | | | | | | | | 332 Soil Survey

Table 18.—Physical Properties of the Soils—Continued ______| | | | | | | |Erosion______factors Map symbol | Depth | Clay | Moist | Permea- |Available| Linear |Organic| | | and soil name | | | bulk | bility | water |extensi- |matter | Kw | Kf | T ______| | | density | (Ksat) |capacity | bility | | | | | __In | ___Pct | ____g/cc | _____In/hr | _____In/in | ___Pct | ___Pct | | | | | | | | | | | | | CoD, CoE, CoF: | | | | | | | | | | Cowee------| 0-6 | 8-20|1.25-1.60| 1.98-5.95 |0.10-0.15| 0.0-2.9 |1.0-5.0| .10 | .17 | 3 | 6-30 | 18-35|1.30-1.60| 0.57-1.98 |0.12-0.18| 0.0-2.9 | --- | .15 | .20 | | 30-62 | --- | --- | 0.00-1.98 |0.00-0.01| --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | | | | | | CrC, CrD, CrE: | | | | | | | | | | Cullasaja-----| 0-11 | 7-25|0.50-1.20| 1.98-5.95 |0.09-0.12| 0.0-2.9 |5.0-15 | .02 | .02 | 5 | 11-65 | 7-25|1.00-1.60| 1.98-5.95 |0.07-0.10| 0.0-2.9 | --- | .10 | .37 | | | | | | | | | | | CsC: | | | | | | | | | | Cullasaja-----| 0-11 | 7-25|0.50-1.20| 1.98-5.95 |0.09-0.12| 0.0-2.9 |5.0-15 | .02 | .02 | 5 | 11-65 | 7-25|1.00-1.60| 1.98-5.95 |0.07-0.10| 0.0-2.9 | --- | .10 | .32 | | | | | | | | | | | CsD: | | | | | | | | | | Cullasaja-----| 0-11 | 7-25|0.50-1.20| 1.98-5.95 |0.10-0.16| 0.0-2.9 |5.0-15 | .02 | .02 | 5 | 11-65 | 7-25|1.00-1.60| 1.98-5.95 |0.07-0.10| 0.0-2.9 | --- | .10 | .32 | | | | | | | | | | | CsE: | | | | | | | | | | Cullasaja-----| 0-11 | 7-25|0.50-1.20| 1.98-5.95 |0.10-0.16| 0.0-2.9 |5.0-15 | .02 | .02 | 5 | 11-65 | 7-25|1.00-1.60| 1.98-5.95 |0.07-0.10| 0.0-2.9 | --- | .10 | .32 | | | | | | | | | | | CtC, CtD, CtE: | | | | | | | | | | Cullasaja-----| 0-11 | 7-25|0.50-1.20| 1.98-5.95 |0.09-0.12| 0.0-2.9 |5.0-15 | .02 | .02 | 5 | 11-65 | 7-25|1.00-1.60| 1.98-5.95 |0.07-0.10| 0.0-2.9 | --- | .10 | .32 | | | | | | | | | | | CuA: | | | | | | | | | | Cullowhee-----| 0-14 | 5-18|1.10-1.50| 1.98-5.95 |0.12-0.18| 0.0-2.9 |3.0-10 | .10 | .17 | 3 | 14-24 | 2-8 |1.35-1.55| 5.95-19.98|0.05-0.08| 0.0-2.9 | --- | .15 | .24 | | 24-62 | 1-5 |1.40-1.60| 5.95-19.98|0.02-0.05| 0.0-2.9 | --- | .02 | .05 | | | | | | | | | | | DAM. | | | | | | | | | | Dam | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | DeB: | | | | | | | | | | Dellwood------| 0-12 | 5-18|1.30-1.50| 1.98-5.95 |0.08-0.12| 0.0-2.9 |3.0-8.0| .05 | .10 | 2 | 12-20 | 1-8 |1.40-1.60| 5.95-19.98|0.02-0.05| 0.0-2.9 | --- | .02 | .02 | | 20-65 | 1-4 |1.40-1.60| 5.95-19.98|0.02-0.05| 0.0-2.9 | --- | .02 | .10 | | | | | | | | | | | DuF: | | | | | | | | | | Ditney------| 0-7 | 5-18|1.50-1.65| 1.98-5.95 |0.07-0.12| 0.0-2.9 |0.5-3.0| .15 | .15 | 2 | 7-28 | 5-18|1.50-1.65| 1.98-5.95 |0.10-0.15| 0.0-2.9 | --- | .20 | .28 | | 28-33 | --- | --- | 0.00-0.01 |0.00-0.01| --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | | | | | | Unicoi------| 0-5 | 5-20|1.45-1.55| 1.98-5.95 |0.06-0.09| 0.0-2.9 |0.5-2.0| .10 | .20 | 1 | 5-11 | 5-20|1.45-1.60| 1.98-5.95 |0.04-0.09| 0.0-2.9 | --- | .10 | .32 | | 11-16 | --- | --- | 0.00-0.01 |0.00-0.01| --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | | | | | | EdC, EdD, EdE: | | | | | | | | | | Edneytown-----| 0-5 | 7-27|1.40-1.60| 1.98-5.95 |0.11-0.17| 0.0-2.9 |1.0-3.0| .24 | .28 | 5 | 5-21 | 20-35|1.30-1.40| 0.57-1.98 |0.12-0.18| 0.0-2.9 | --- | .32 | .32 | | 21-29 | 10-22|1.30-1.50| 0.57-1.98 |0.11-0.14| 0.0-2.9 | --- | .28 | .28 | | 29-62 | 4-15|1.30-1.50| 1.98-5.95 |0.06-0.12| 0.0-2.9 | --- | .28 | .28 | | | | | | | | | | | EvC, EvD, EvE: | | | | | | | | | | Evard------| 0-5 | 7-25|1.30-1.50| 0.57-1.98 |0.15-0.20| 0.0-2.9 |1.0-5.0| .17 | .24 | 5 | 5-25 | 18-35|1.30-1.50| 0.57-1.98 |0.12-0.16| 0.0-2.9 | --- | .24 | .28 | | 25-40 | 12-30|1.20-1.40| 0.57-1.98 |0.10-0.25| 0.0-2.9 | --- | .24 | .37 | | 40-62 | 5-20|1.20-1.40| 0.57-1.98 |0.08-0.12| 0.0-2.9 | --- | .28 | .43 | | | | | | | | | | | Watauga County, North Carolina 333

Table 18.—Physical Properties of the Soils—Continued ______| | | | | | | |Erosion______factors Map symbol | Depth | Clay | Moist | Permea- |Available| Linear |Organic| | | and soil name | | | bulk | bility | water |extensi- |matter | Kw | Kf | T ______| | | density | (Ksat) |capacity | bility | | | | | __In | ___Pct | ____g/cc | _____In/hr | _____In/in | ___Pct | ___Pct | | | | | | | | | | | | | EvC, EvD, EvE: | | | | | | | | | | Cowee------| 0-6 | 8-20|1.25-1.60| 1.98-5.95 |0.10-0.15| 0.0-2.9 |1.0-5.0| .20 | .28 | 3 | 6-30 | 18-35|1.30-1.60| 0.57-1.98 |0.12-0.18| 0.0-2.9 | --- | .24 | .28 | | 30-62 | --- | --- | 0.00-1.98 |0.00-0.01| --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | | | | | | FaD, FaE: | | | | | | | | | | Fannin------| 0-6 | 7-27|1.30-1.50| 1.98-5.95 |0.12-0.18| 0.0-2.9 |1.0-8.0| .32 | .32 | 3 | 6-27 | 18-35|1.30-1.50| 0.57-1.98 |0.11-0.17| 0.0-2.9 | --- | .32 | .32 | | 27-62 | 5-25|1.30-1.50| 0.57-1.98 |0.08-0.12| 0.0-2.9 | --- | .32 | .32 | | | | | | | | | | | JfD, JfE: | | | | | | | | | | Jeffrey------| 0-9 | 7-25|1.10-1.55| 0.57-5.95 |0.10-0.15| 0.0-2.9 |3.0-8.0| .10 | .17 | 2 | 9-25 | 8-15|1.45-1.55| 0.57-5.95 |0.07-0.13| 0.0-2.9 | --- | .20 | .37 | | 25-30 | --- | --- | 0.00-0.01 |0.00-0.01| --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | | | | | | KnC, KnD: | | | | | | | | | | Keener------| 0-7 | 7-27|1.35-1.60| 1.98-5.95 |0.14-0.18| 0.0-2.9 |1.0-2.0| .20 | .24 | 5 | 7-38 | 10-35|1.30-1.45| 0.57-1.98 |0.10-0.15| 0.0-2.9 | --- | .24 | .32 | | 38-62 | 10-35|1.30-1.45| 1.98-5.95 |0.08-0.12| 0.0-2.9 | --- | .17 | .32 | | | | | | | | | | | LoA: | | | | | | | | | | Longhope------| 0-20 | --- |0.15-0.40| 0.57-5.95 |0.45-0.65| 0.0-2.9 | 35-90 | --- | --- | 2 | 20-48 | 5-20|1.50-1.70| 0.20-1.98 |0.12-0.18| 0.0-2.9 |1.0-5.0| .10 | .15 | | 48-65 | 5-20|1.60-1.80| 1.98-5.95 |0.10-0.16| 0.0-2.9 | --- | .05 | .05 | | | | | | | | | | | NkA: | | | | | | | | | | Nikwasi------| 0-28 | 7-18|1.10-1.50| 1.98-5.95 |0.13-0.20| 0.0-2.9 |5.0-15 | .02 | .02 | 3 | 28-62 | 1-5 |1.40-1.60| 5.95-19.98|0.02-0.05| 0.0-2.9 | --- | .02 | .10 | | | | | | | | | | | NoD, NxE: | | | | | | | | | | Northcove-----| 0-8 | 7-18|1.30-1.50| 1.98-5.95 |0.06-0.11| 0.0-2.9 |0.5-2.0| .10 | .32 | 5 | 8-62 | 5-18|1.40-1.60| 1.98-5.95 |0.06-0.11| 0.0-2.9 | --- | .10 | .43 | | | | | | | | | | | Pt. | | | | | | | | | | Pits | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | PuC, PuD: | | | | | | | | | | Porters------| 0-10 | 7-25|1.10-1.60| 1.98-5.95 |0.16-0.20| 0.0-2.9 |5.0-15 | .02 | .02 | 3 | 10-45 | 7-25|1.40-1.60| 1.98-5.95 |0.10-0.20| 0.0-2.9 | --- | .32 | .37 | | 45-54 | --- | --- | 0.00-1.98 |0.00-0.01| --- | --- | --- | --- | | 54-65 | --- | --- | 0.00-0.01 |0.00-0.01| --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | | | | | | PuE: | | | | | | | | | | Porters------| 0-10 | 7-25|1.10-1.60| 1.98-5.95 |0.11-0.17| 0.0-2.9 |5.0-15 | .02 | .02 | 3 | 10-45 | 7-25|1.40-1.60| 1.98-5.95 |0.10-0.16| 0.0-2.9 | --- | .32 | .37 | | 45-54 | --- | --- | 0.00-1.98 |0.00-0.01| --- | --- | --- | --- | | 54-65 | --- | --- | 0.00-0.01 |0.00-0.01| --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | | | | | | PuF: | | | | | | | | | | Porters------| 0-10 | 7-25|1.10-1.60| 1.98-5.95 |0.16-0.20| 0.0-2.9 |5.0-15 | .02 | .02 | 3 | 10-45 | 7-25|1.40-1.60| 1.98-5.95 |0.10-0.20| 0.0-2.9 | --- | .32 | .37 | | 45-54 | --- | --- | 0.00-1.98 |0.00-0.01| --- | --- | --- | --- | | 54-65 | --- | --- | 0.00-0.01 |0.00-0.01| --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | | | | | | RdA: | | | | | | | | | | Reddies------| 0-11 | 8-18|1.10-1.50| 1.98-5.95 |0.10-0.18| 0.0-2.9 |3.0-8.0| .10 | .10 | 3 | 11-35 | 5-18|1.35-1.55| 1.98-5.95 |0.08-0.15| 0.0-2.9 | --- | .20 | .28 | | 35-62 | 1-5 |1.40-1.60| 5.95-19.98|0.02-0.05| 0.0-2.9 | --- | .02 | .05 | | | | | | | | | | | 334 Soil Survey

Table 18.—Physical Properties of the Soils—Continued ______| | | | | | | |Erosion______factors Map symbol | Depth | Clay | Moist | Permea- |Available| Linear |Organic| | | and soil name | | | bulk | bility | water |extensi- |matter | Kw | Kf | T ______| | | density | (Ksat) |capacity | bility | | | | | __In | ___Pct | ____g/cc | _____In/hr | _____In/in | ___Pct | ___Pct | | | | | | | | | | | | | RoA: | | | | | | | | | | Rosman------| 0-16 | 5-18|1.10-1.40| 1.98-5.95 |0.12-0.18| 0.0-2.9 |3.0-8.0| .10 | .10 | 5 | 16-48 | 8-18|1.25-1.50| 1.98-5.95 |0.10-0.18| 0.0-2.9 | --- | .28 | .32 | | 48-62 | 1-15|1.35-1.60| 1.98-5.95 |0.02-0.10| 0.0-2.9 | --- | .28 | .32 | | | | | | | | | | | SkC, SkD: | | | | | | | | | | Saunook------| 0-9 | 7-27|1.10-1.60| 1.98-5.95 |0.10-0.15| 0.0-2.9 |3.0-10 | .05 | .15 | 5 | 9-35 | 18-35|1.30-1.50| 0.57-1.98 |0.12-0.20| 0.0-2.9 | --- | .24 | .32 | | 35-65 | 7-25|1.35-1.60| 1.98-5.95 |0.07-0.12| 0.0-2.9 | --- | .17 | .37 | | | | | | | | | | | SnB, SnC, SnD, | | | | | | | | | | SoC, SoD, SoE:| | | | | | | | | | Saunook------| 0-9 | 7-27|1.10-1.60| 1.98-5.95 |0.14-0.20| 0.0-2.9 |3.0-10 | .15 | .17 | 5 | 9-35 | 18-35|1.30-1.50| 0.57-1.98 |0.12-0.20| 0.0-2.9 | --- | .24 | .32 | | 35-65 | 7-25|1.35-1.60| 0.57-1.98 |0.07-0.12| 0.0-2.9 | --- | .20 | .28 | | | | | | | | | | | SwC: | | | | | | | | | | Saunook------| 0-9 | 7-27|1.10-1.60| 1.98-5.95 |0.14-0.20| 0.0-2.9 |3.0-10 | .10 | .15 | 5 | 9-35 | 18-35|1.30-1.50| 0.57-1.98 |0.12-0.20| 0.0-2.9 | --- | .17 | .20 | | 35-65 | 7-25|1.35-1.60| 0.57-1.98 |0.07-0.12| 0.0-2.9 | --- | .20 | .37 | | | | | | | | | | | Nikwasi------| 0-28 | 5-18|1.10-1.50| 1.98-5.95 |0.13-0.20| 0.0-2.9 |5.0-15 | .05 | .05 | 3 | 28-62 | 1-5 |1.40-1.60| 5.95-19.98|0.02-0.05| 0.0-2.9 | --- | .02 | .10 | | | | | | | | | | | SxD, SxE: | | | | | | | | | | Soco------| 0-6 | 7-18|1.35-1.60| 1.98-5.95 |0.14-0.22| 0.0-2.9 |1.0-8.0| .17 | .24 | 2 | 6-20 | 5-18|1.35-1.60| 1.98-5.95 |0.12-0.20| 0.0-2.9 | --- | .32 | .43 | | 20-30 | 5-18|1.40-1.65| 1.98-5.95 |0.09-0.15| 0.0-2.9 | --- | .24 | .49 | | 30-62 | --- | --- | 0.20-0.57 |0.00-0.01| --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | | | | | | TxA: | | | | | | | | | | Toxaway------| 0-27 | 7-27|1.00-1.50| 0.57-1.98 |0.15-0.20| 0.0-2.9 |5.0-15 | .02 | .02 | 5 | 27-50 | 15-35|1.45-1.65| 1.98-5.95 |0.05-0.15| 0.0-2.9 | --- | .10 | .15 | | 50-62 | 1-5 |1.40-1.60| 5.95-19.98|0.02-0.05| 0.0-2.9 | --- | .10 | .15 | | | | | | | | | | | Ud: | | | | | | | | | | Udorthents----| 0-60 | 10-50|1.30-1.65| 0.00-1.98 |0.10-0.17| 3.0-5.9 |0.0-1.0| .28 | .28 | 5 | | | | | | | | | | UkC, UkD, UkE, | | | | | | | | | | UkF: | | | | | | | | | | Unaka------| 0-8 | 7-25|1.10-1.50| 1.98-5.95 |0.14-0.18| 0.0-2.9 |5.0-15 | .02 | .02 | 2 | 8-25 | 7-25|1.35-1.50| 1.98-5.95 |0.14-0.18| 0.0-2.9 | --- | .24 | .43 | | 25-35 | --- | --- | 0.00-1.98 |0.00-0.01| --- | --- | --- | --- | | 35-42 | --- | --- | 0.00-0.01 |0.00-0.01| --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | | | | | | Porters------| 0-10 | 7-25|1.10-1.60| 1.98-5.95 |0.16-0.20| 0.0-2.9 |5.0-15 | .02 | .02 | 3 | 10-45 | 7-25|1.40-1.60| 1.98-5.95 |0.10-0.20| 0.0-2.9 | --- | .32 | .37 | | 45-54 | --- | --- | 0.00-1.98 |0.00-0.01| --- | --- | --- | --- | | 54-65 | --- | --- | 0.00-0.01 |0.00-0.01| --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | | | | | | UnF: | | | | | | | | | | Unaka------| 0-8 | 7-25|1.10-1.50| 1.98-5.95 |0.14-0.18| 0.0-2.9 |5.0-15 | .02 | .05 | 2 | 8-25 | 7-25|1.35-1.50| 1.98-5.95 |0.14-0.18| 0.0-2.9 | --- | .24 | .43 | | 25-35 | --- | --- | 0.00-1.98 |0.00-0.01| --- | --- | --- | --- | | 35-42 | --- | --- | 0.00-0.01 |0.00-0.01| --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | | | | | | Rock outcrop. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Watauga County, North Carolina 335

Table 18.—Physical Properties of the Soils—Continued ______| | | | | | | |Erosion______factors Map symbol | Depth | Clay | Moist | Permea- |Available| Linear |Organic| | | and soil name | | | bulk | bility | water |extensi- |matter | Kw | Kf | T ______| | | density | (Ksat) |capacity | bility | | | | | __In | ___Pct | ____g/cc | _____In/hr | _____In/in | ___Pct | ___Pct | | | | | | | | | | | | | Ur, Ux. | | | | | | | | | | Urban land | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | W. | | | | | | | | | | Water | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | WaC, WaD: | | | | | | | | | | Watauga------| 0-8 | 7-27|1.35-1.55| 1.98-5.95 |0.13-0.17| 0.0-2.9 |1.0-8.0| .32 | .32 | 3 | 8-28 | 18-35|1.30-1.50| 0.57-1.98 |0.15-0.20| 0.0-2.9 | --- | .32 | .32 | | 28-62 | 5-20|1.30-1.50| 0.57-1.98 |0.08-0.12| 0.0-2.9 | --- | .32 | .32 | ______| | | | | | | | | | 336 Soil Survey

Table 19.—Chemical Properties of the Soils

(Absence of an entry indicates that data were not estimated)

______| |Cation- |Effective| Map symbol | Depth |exchange |cation- | Soil and soil name | |capacity |exchange |reaction ______| | |capacity | | __In |meq/100______g|meq/100 ______g| __pH | | | | AcD: | | | | Ashe------| 0-7 | 4.0-23 | 3.0-17 | 3.5-6.0 | 7-21 | 1.8-7.2 | 1.3-5.4 | 3.5-6.0 | 21-29 | 1.2-6.0 | 0.9-4.5 | 3.5-6.0 | 29-34 | --- | --- | --- | | | | Chestnut------| 0-5 | 3.5-23 | 2.6-17 | 3.5-6.0 | 5-29 | 1.2-8.5 | 0.9-6.4 | 3.5-6.0 | 29-62 | --- | --- | --- | | | | AcE: | | | | Ashe------| 0-7 | 4.0-23 | 3.0-17 | 3.5-6.0 | 7-21 | 1.8-7.2 | 1.3-5.4 | 3.5-6.0 | 21-29 | 1.2-6.0 | 0.9-4.5 | 3.5-6.0 | 29-34 | --- | --- | --- | | | | Chestnut------| 0-5 | 3.5-23 | 2.0-8.0 | 3.5-6.0 | 5-29 | 1.2-8.5 | 0.9-6.4 | 3.5-6.0 | 29-62 | --- | --- | --- | | | | AcF: | | | | Ashe------| 0-7 | 4.0-23 | 3.0-17 | 3.5-6.0 | 7-21 | 1.8-7.2 | 1.3-5.4 | 3.5-6.0 | 21-29 | 1.2-6.0 | 0.9-4.5 | 3.5-6.0 | 29-34 | --- | --- | --- | | | | Chestnut------| 0-8 | 3.5-23 | 2.0-8.0 | 3.5-6.0 | 8-29 | 1.2-8.5 | 0.0-6.4 | 3.5-6.0 | 29-62 | --- | --- | --- | | | | ArF: | | | | Ashe------| 0-7 | 4.0-23 | 3.0-17 | 3.5-6.0 | 7-21 | 1.2-7.2 | 0.9-5.4 | 3.5-6.0 | 21-29 | 1.2-7.2 | 0.9-5.4 | 3.5-6.0 | 29-34 | --- | --- | --- | | | | Cleveland------| 0-15 | 2.6-23 | 2.0-17 | 4.5-6.0 | 15-20 | --- | --- | --- | | | | Rock outcrop. | | | | | | | | BaC, BaD, BaE: | | | | Balsam------| 0-11 | 24-51 | 18-38 | 3.5-6.0 | 11-65 | 1.8-8.5 | 1.3-6.4 | 3.5-6.0 | | | | BoD, BoE, BoF, BrF: | | | | Brownwood------| 0-5 | --- | 2.6-17 | 4.5-5.5 | 5-23 | --- | 0.9-5.1 | 4.5-5.5 | 23-62 | --- | --- | --- | | | | BuD, BuF: | | | | Burton------| 0-14 | 24-50 | 18-37 | 3.5-6.0 | 14-21 | 1.2-6.8 | 0.9-5.1 | 3.5-6.0 | 21-28 | 1.2-6.8 | 0.9-5.1 | 3.5-6.0 | 28-33 | --- | --- | --- | | | | Watauga County, North Carolina 337

Table 19.—Chemical Properties of the Soils—Continued ______| |Cation- |Effective| Map symbol | Depth |exchange |cation- | Soil and soil name | |capacity |exchange |reaction ______| | |capacity | | __In |meq/100______g|meq/100 ______g| __pH | | | | BuD, BuF: | | | | Craggey------| 0-4 | 20-40 | 15-30 | 3.5-5.0 | 4-11 | --- | --- | 3.5-6.0 | 11-25 | --- | --- | --- | | | | Rock outcrop. | | | | | | | | BwC, BwD: | | | | Burton------| 0-14 | 24-51 | 18-38 | 3.5-6.0 | 14-21 | 1.8-8.5 | 1.3-6.4 | 3.5-6.0 | 21-28 | 1.8-8.5 | 1.3-6.4 | 3.5-6.0 | 28-33 | --- | --- | --- | | | | Wayah------| 0-12 | 20-51 | 3.0-20 | 3.5-6.0 | 12-24 | 1.8-8.5 | 1.3-6.4 | 3.5-6.0 | 24-62 | 1.2-5.6 | 0.9-4.2 | 3.5-6.0 | | | | BwE: | | | | Burton------| 0-14 | 24-51 | 18-38 | 3.5-6.0 | 14-21 | 1.8-8.5 | 1.3-6.4 | 3.5-6.0 | 21-28 | 1.8-8.5 | 1.3-6.4 | 3.5-6.0 | 28-33 | --- | --- | --- | | | | Wayah------| 0-12 | 20-51 | 15-38 | 3.5-6.0 | 12-24 | 1.8-8.5 | 1.3-6.4 | 3.5-6.0 | 24-62 | 1.2-5.6 | 0.9-4.2 | 3.5-6.0 | | | | CaC, CaD, CaE: | | | | Cashiers------| 0-7 | 16-37 | 12-28 | 4.5-6.0 | 7-36 | 2.5-8.5 | 1.9-6.4 | 4.5-6.0 | 36-62 | 1.2-5.6 | 0.9-4.2 | 4.5-6.0 | | | | CdE: | | | | Chandler------| 0-5 | 2.6-17 | 2.6-17 | 4.5-6.0 | 5-62 | 1.2-5.6 | 0.9-4.2 | 4.5-6.0 | | | | ChF: | | | | Chestnut------| 0-5 | 3.5-23 | 2.6-17 | 3.5-6.0 | 5-29 | 1.2-8.5 | 0.9-6.4 | 3.5-6.0 | 29-62 | --- | --- | --- | | | | Ashe------| 0-7 | 4.0-23 | 3.0-17 | 3.5-6.0 | 7-21 | 1.2-6.0 | 0.0-4.5 | 3.5-6.0 | 21-29 | --- | --- | 3.5-6.0 | 29-34 | --- | --- | --- | | | | CkD, CkE: | | | | Chestnut------| 0-5 | 3.5-23 | 2.6-17 | 3.5-6.0 | 5-29 | 1.2-8.5 | 0.9-6.4 | 3.5-6.0 | 29-62 | --- | --- | --- | | | | Edneyville------| 0-5 | 3.5-22 | 2.6-17 | 4.5-6.0 | 5-25 | 2.9-9.5 | 2.2-7.1 | 4.5-6.0 | 25-62 | 2.4-9.5 | 1.8-7.1 | 4.5-6.0 | | | | CmF: | | | | Clingman------| 0-14 | 45-202 | 34-152 | 2.0-4.4 | 14-18 | 12-38 | 9.4-29 | 3.5-5.5 | 18-24 | --- | --- | --- | | | | 338 Soil Survey

Table 19.—Chemical Properties of the Soils—Continued ______| |Cation- |Effective| Map symbol | Depth |exchange |cation- | Soil and soil name | |capacity |exchange |reaction ______| | |capacity | | __In |meq/100______g|meq/100 ______g| __pH | | | | CmF: | | | | Craggey------| 0-4 | 45-202 | 34-152 | 3.5-4.4 | 4-11 | 20-50 | 15-38 | 3.5-6.0 | 11-25 | --- | --- | --- | | | | Rock outcrop. | | | | | | | | CoD, CoE, CoF: | | | | Cowee------| 0-6 | 3.0-13 | 2.3-9.9 | 3.5-6.0 | 6-30 | 1.8-5.8 | 1.4-4.3 | 3.5-6.0 | 30-62 | --- | --- | --- | | | | CrC, CrD, CrE, CsC, CsD,| | | | CsE, CtC, CtD, CtE: | | | | Cullasaja------| 0-11 | 13-40 | 9.8-30 | 3.5-6.5 | 11-65 | 4.0-13 | 3.0-9.8 | 4.5-6.0 | | | | CuA: | | | | Cullowhee------| 0-14 | 8.0-27 | 6.0-20 | 4.5-6.5 | 14-24 | 0.5-3.1 | 0.4-2.3 | 4.5-6.5 | 24-62 | 0.2-2.4 | 0.2-1.8 | 4.5-6.5 | | | | DAM. | | | | Dam | | | | | | | | DeB: | | | | Dellwood------| 0-12 | 8.0-22 | 6.0-16 | 4.5-7.3 | 12-20 | 1.4-4.9 | 1.0-4.9 | 4.5-7.3 | 20-65 | 0.2-2.4 | 0.2-2.4 | 4.5-7.3 | | | | DuF: | | | | Ditney------| 0-7 | 3.5-23 | 2.6-17 | 3.5-5.5 | 7-28 | 1.2-6.8 | 0.9-5.1 | 3.5-5.5 | 28-33 | 1.2-6.8 | 0.9-5.1 | --- | | | | Unicoi------| 0-5 | 5.8-18 | 4.3-12 | 3.5-5.5 | 5-11 | 1.2-7.2 | 0.9-5.4 | 3.5-5.5 | 11-16 | --- | --- | --- | | | | EdC: | | | | Edneytown------| 0-5 | 4.0-14 | 3.0-10 | 4.5-6.0 | 5-21 | 5.0-11 | 3.8-8.2 | 4.5-5.5 | 21-29 | 2.5-7.8 | 1.9-5.8 | 4.5-5.5 | 29-62 | 1.0-4.9 | 0.8-3.7 | 4.5-5.5 | | | | EdD: | | | | Edneytown------| 0-5 | 4.0-14 | 3.0-10 | 4.5-6.0 | 5-21 | 5.0-11 | 3.8-8.2 | 4.5-5.5 | 21-29 | 2.5-7.8 | 1.9-5.8 | 4.5-5.5 | 29-62 | 1.0-4.9 | 0.8-3.7 | 4.5-5.5 | | | | EdE: | | | | Edneytown------| 0-5 | 4.0-14 | 3.0-10 | 4.5-6.0 | 5-21 | 5.0-11 | 3.8-8.2 | 4.5-5.5 | 21-29 | 2.5-7.8 | 1.9-5.8 | 4.5-5.5 | 29-62 | 1.0-4.9 | 0.8-3.7 | 4.5-5.5 | | | | Watauga County, North Carolina 339

Table 19.—Chemical Properties of the Soils—Continued ______| |Cation- |Effective| Map symbol | Depth |exchange |cation- | Soil and soil name | |capacity |exchange |reaction ______| | |capacity | | __In |meq/100______g|meq/100 ______g| __pH | | | | EvC, EvD, EvE: | | | | Evard------| 0-5 | 5.5-16 | 4.1-12 | 4.5-6.0 | 5-25 | 2.0-5.8 | 1.5-4.3 | 4.5-6.0 | 25-40 | 1.2-3.6 | 0.9-2.7 | 4.5-6.0 | 40-62 | 1.2-3.1 | 0.9-2.3 | 4.5-6.0 | | | | Cowee------| 0-6 | 5.3-16 | 4.0-12 | 3.5-6.0 | 6-30 | 1.8-5.8 | 1.4-4.3 | 3.5-6.0 | 30-62 | --- | --- | --- | | | | FaD: | | | | Fannin------| 0-6 | 4.0-25 | 3.0-19 | 4.5-6.0 | 6-27 | 4.5-11 | 3.4-8.2 | 4.5-6.0 | 27-62 | 1.2-6.1 | 0.9-4.6 | 4.5-6.0 | | | | FaE: | | | | Fannin------| 0-6 | 4.0-25 | 3.0-19 | 4.5-6.0 | 6-27 | 4.5-11 | 3.4-8.2 | 4.5-6.0 | 27-62 | 1.2-6.1 | 0.9-4.6 | 4.5-6.0 | | | | JfD: | | | | Jeffrey------| 0-9 | 8.5-24 | 6.4-18 | 3.5-5.5 | 9-25 | 2.0-6.0 | 1.5-4.5 | 3.5-5.5 | 25-30 | --- | --- | --- | | | | JfE: | | | | Jeffrey------| 0-9 | 8.5-24 | 6.4-18 | 3.4-5.5 | 9-25 | 2.0-6.0 | 1.5-4.5 | 3.5-5.5 | 25-30 | --- | --- | --- | | | | KnC, KnD: | | | | Keener------| 0-7 | 6.2-20 | 4.7-15 | 3.5-6.0 | 7-38 | 5.0-11 | 3.8-8.2 | 3.5-6.0 | 38-62 | 2.5-9.9 | 1.9-7.4 | 3.5-6.0 | | | | LoA: | | | | Longhope------| 0-20 | 80-208 | 60-156 | 3.5-5.5 | 20-48 | 3.5-16 | 2.6-12 | 4.5-6.5 | 48-65 | 1.2-6.1 | 0.9-4.6 | 4.5-6.5 | | | | NkA: | | | | Nikwasi------| 0-28 | 19-32 | 14-24 | 4.5-6.5 | 28-62 | 0.2-2.4 | 0.2-1.8 | 4.5-6.5 | | | | NoD, NxE: | | | | Northcove------| 0-8 | 2.9-9.0 | 2.2-6.8 | 3.5-6.0 | 8-62 | 1.2-6.8 | 0.9-5.1 | 3.5-6.0 | | | | Pt. | | | | Pits | | | | | | | | PuC, PuD, PuE: | | | | Porters------| 0-10 | 13-40 | 9.8-30 | 4.5-6.5 | 10-45 | 1.8-8.5 | 1.3-6.4 | 4.5-6.5 | 45-54 | --- | --- | --- | 54-65 | --- | --- | --- | | | | 340 Soil Survey

Table 19.—Chemical Properties of the Soils—Continued ______| |Cation- |Effective| Map symbol | Depth |exchange |cation- | Soil and soil name | |capacity |exchange |reaction ______| | |capacity | | __In |meq/100______g|meq/100 ______g| __pH | | | | PuF: | | | | Porters------| 0-10 | 13-40 | 9.8-30 | 4.5-6.5 | 10-45 | 1.8-8.5 | 1.3-6.4 | 4.5-6.5 | 45-54 | --- | --- | --- | 54-65 | --- | --- | --- | | | | RdA: | | | | Reddies------| 0-11 | 8.0-22 | 6.0-17 | 4.5-7.3 | 11-35 | 2.4-6.8 | 1.8-5.1 | 4.5-7.3 | 35-62 | 0.2-2.4 | 0.2-1.8 | 4.5-7.3 | | | | RoA: | | | | Rosman------| 0-16 | 11-22 | 8.2-17 | 5.1-7.3 | 16-48 | 1.0-6.8 | 0.8-5.1 | 5.1-7.3 | 48-62 | 1.0-6.8 | 0.8-5.1 | 5.1-6.5 | | | | SkC, SkD, SnB, SnC, SnD,| | | | SoC, SoD, SoE: | | | | Saunook------| 0-9 | 11-29 | 8.1-22 | 3.5-6.0 | 9-35 | 4.5-11 | 3.4-8.2 | 4.5-6.5 | 35-65 | 1.8-8.5 | 1.3-6.4 | 4.5-6.5 | | | | SwC: | | | | Saunook------| 0-9 | 13-29 | 9.8-22 | 3.5-6.0 | 9-35 | 4.5-11 | 3.5-8.2 | 4.5-6.5 | 35-65 | 1.8-6.1 | 1.3-4.6 | 4.5-6.5 | | | | Nikwasi------| 0-28 | 12-32 | 9.4-24 | 4.5-6.5 | 28-62 | 0.2-3.5 | 0.2-2.6 | 4.5-6.5 | | | | SxD, SxE: | | | | Soco------| 0-6 | 4.0-22 | 3.0-17 | 3.5-5.5 | 6-20 | 1.2-6.8 | 0.9-5.1 | 3.5-5.5 | 20-30 | 1.2-6.8 | 0.9-5.1 | 3.5-5.5 | 30-62 | --- | --- | --- | | | | TxA: | | | | Toxaway------| 0-27 | 20-47 | 15-35 | 5.1-6.5 | 27-50 | 2.4-12 | 1.8-9.0 | 5.1-6.5 | 50-62 | 2.4-12 | 1.8-9.0 | 5.1-6.5 | | | | Ud: | | | | Udorthents------| 0-60 | 1.4-15 | 1.0-11 | 4.5-7.8 | | | | UkC, UkD, UkE, UkF: | | | | Unaka------| 0-8 | 13-40 | 9.8-30 | 3.5-6.5 | 8-25 | 1.8-8.5 | 1.3-6.4 | 3.5-6.5 | 25-35 | --- | --- | --- | 35-42 | --- | --- | --- | | | | Porters------| 0-10 | 13-40 | 9.8-30 | 4.5-6.5 | 10-45 | 1.8-8.5 | 1.3-6.4 | 4.5-6.5 | 45-54 | --- | --- | --- | 54-65 | --- | --- | --- | | | | Watauga County, North Carolina 341

Table 19.—Chemical Properties of the Soils—Continued ______| |Cation- |Effective| Map symbol | Depth |exchange |cation- | Soil and soil name | |capacity |exchange |reaction ______| | |capacity | | __In |meq/100______g|meq/100 ______g| __pH | | | | UnF: | | | | Unaka------| 0-8 | 13-40 | 9.8-30 | 3.5-6.5 | 8-25 | 1.8-8.5 | 1.3-6.4 | 3.5-6.5 | 25-35 | --- | --- | --- | 35-42 | --- | --- | --- | | | | Rock outcrop. | | | | | | | | Ur, Ux. | | | | Urban land | | | | | | | | W. | | | | Water | | | | | | | | WaC, WaD: | | | | Watauga------| 0-8 | 4.0-25 | 3.0-19 | 4.5-6.0 | 8-28 | 4.5-11 | 3.4-8.2 | 4.5-6.0 | 28-62 | 1.2-6.1 | 0.9-4.6 | 4.5-6.0 ______| | | | 342 Soil Survey Table 20.—Water Features (Depths of layers are in feet. See text for definitions terms used this table. Estimates the frequency ponding and flooding apply to the whole year rather than individual months. Absence of an entry indicates that the feature is not a concern or data were estimated) ______| Water table Ponding Flooding ______Map symbol |Hydro-| Month | Upper Lower |Surface| Duration |Frequency Frequency and soil name |logic | limit water |group | depth ______| Ft __ | AcD, AcE, AcF: | Ashe------| B | | |Jan-Dec --- None | Chestnut------| B | | |Jan-Dec --- None | ArF: | Ashe------| B | | |Jan-Dec --- None | Cleveland------| C | | |Jan-Dec --- None | Rock outcrop------| D | | |Jan-Dec --- None | BaC, BaD, BaE: | Balsam------| B | | |Jan-Dec --- None | BoD, BoE, BoF, BrF: | Brownwood------| B | | |Jan-Dec --- None | BuD, BuF: | Burton------| B | | |Jan-Dec --- None | Craggey------| D | | |Jan-Dec --- None | Rock outcrop------| D | | |Jan-Dec --- None | BwC, BwD, BwE: | Burton------| B | | |Jan-Dec --- None | Wayah------| B | | |Jan-Dec --- None | Watauga County, North Carolina 343 Table 20.—Water Features—Continued ______| Water table Ponding Flooding ______Map symbol |Hydro-| Month | Upper Lower |Surface| Duration |Frequency Frequency and soil name |logic | limit water |group | depth ______| Ft __ | CaC, CaD, CaE: | Cashiers------| B | | |Jan-Dec --- None | CdE: | Chandler------| B | | |Jan-Dec --- None | ChF: | Chestnut------| B | | |Jan-Dec --- None | Ashe------| B | | |Jan-Dec --- None | CkD, CkE: | Chestnut------| B | | |Jan-Dec --- None | Edneyville------| B | | |Jan-Dec --- None | CmF: | Clingman------| D | | |Jan-Dec --- None | Craggey------| D | | |Jan-Dec --- None | Rock outcrop------| D | | |Jan-Dec --- None | CoD, CoE, CoF: | Cowee------| B | | |Jan-Dec --- None | CrC, CrD, CrE, CsC, CsD, | CsE, CtC, CtD, CtE: | Cullasaja------| B | | |Jan-Dec --- None | 344 Soil Survey Table 20.—Water Features—Continued ______| Water table Ponding Flooding ______Map symbol |Hydro-| Month | Upper Lower |Surface| Duration |Frequency Frequency and soil name |logic | limit water |group | depth ______| Ft __ | CuA: | Cullowhee------| B/D | | |January |1.5-2.0| >6.0 --- None Very brief Frequent | |February |1.5-2.0| >6.0 --- None Very brief Frequent | |March |1.5-2.0| >6.0 --- None Very brief Frequent | |April |1.5-2.0| >6.0 --- None Very brief Frequent | |May |1.5-2.0| >6.0 --- None Very brief Frequent | |June --- None Very brief Frequent | |July --- None Very brief Frequent | |August --- None Very brief Frequent | |September --- None Very brief Frequent | |October --- None Very brief Frequent | |November |1.5-2.0| >6.0 --- None Very brief Frequent | |December |1.5-2.0| >6.0 --- None Very brief Frequent | DeB: | Dellwood------| A | | |January |2.0-4.0| >6.0 --- None Very brief Occasional | |February |2.0-4.0| >6.0 --- None Very brief Occasional | |March |2.0-4.0| >6.0 --- None Very brief Occasional | |April |2.0-4.0| >6.0 --- None Very brief Occasional | |December --- None Very brief Occasional | DuF: | Ditney------| C | | |Jan-Dec --- None | Unicoi------| C | | |Jan-Dec --- None | EdC, EdD, EdE: | Edneytown------| B | | |Jan-Dec --- None | EvC, EvD, EvE: | Evard------| B | | |Jan-Dec --- None | Cowee------| B | | |Jan-Dec --- None | FaD, FaE: | Fannin------| B | | |Jan-Dec --- None | Watauga County, North Carolina 345 Table 20.—Water Features—Continued ______| Water table Ponding Flooding ______Map symbol |Hydro-| Month | Upper Lower |Surface| Duration |Frequency Frequency and soil name |logic | limit water |group | depth ______| Ft __ | JfD, JfE: | Jeffrey------| B | | |Jan-Dec --- None | KnC, KnD: | Keener------| B | | |Jan-Dec --- None | LoA: | Longhope------| D | | |January 0.0 |0.0-0.5|0.0-0.5| Long Frequent --- None | |February 0.0 |0.0-0.5|0.0-0.5| Long Frequent --- None | |March 0.0 |0.0-0.5|0.0-0.5| Long Frequent --- None | |April 0.0 |0.0-0.5|0.0-0.5| Long Frequent --- None | |May 0.0 |0.0-0.5|0.0-0.5| Long Frequent --- None | |June 0.0 |0.0-0.5|0.0-0.5| Long Frequent --- None | |October 0.0 |0.0-0.5|0.0-0.5| Long Frequent --- None | |November 0.0 |0.0-0.5|0.0-0.5| Long Frequent --- None | |December 0.0 |0.0-0.5|0.0-0.5| Long Frequent --- None | NkA: | Nikwasi------| B/D | | |January |0.0-1.0| >6.0 --- Brief Frequent Very brief | |February |0.0-1.0| >6.0 --- Brief Frequent Very brief | |March |0.0-1.0| >6.0 --- Brief Frequent Very brief | |April |0.0-1.0| >6.0 --- Brief Frequent Very brief | |May |0.0-1.0| >6.0 --- Brief Frequent Very brief | |June --- None Very brief Frequent | |July --- None Very brief Frequent | |August --- None Very brief Frequent | |September --- None Very brief Frequent | |October --- None Very brief Frequent | |November |0.0-1.0| >6.0 --- Brief Frequent Very brief | |December |0.0-1.0| >6.0 --- Brief Frequent Very brief | NoD, NxE: | Northcove------| B | | |Jan-Dec --- None | Pt. | Pits | | PuC, PuD, PuE, PuF: | Porters------| B | | |Jan-Dec --- None | 346 Soil Survey Table 20.—Water Features—Continued ______| Water table Ponding Flooding ______Map symbol |Hydro-| Month | Upper Lower |Surface| Duration |Frequency Frequency and soil name |logic | limit water |group | depth ______| Ft __ | RdA: | Reddies------| B | | |January |2.0-3.5| >6.0 --- None Very brief Frequent | |February |2.0-3.5| >6.0 --- None Very brief Frequent | |March |2.0-3.5| >6.0 --- None Very brief Frequent | |April |2.0-3.5| >6.0 --- None Very brief Frequent | |May --- None Very brief Frequent | |June --- None Very brief Frequent | |July --- None Very brief Frequent | |August --- None Very brief Frequent | |September --- None Very brief Frequent | |October --- None Very brief Frequent | |November --- None Very brief Frequent | |December |2.0-3.5| >6.0 --- None Very brief Frequent | RoA: | Rosman------| B | | |January |2.5-5.0| >6.0 --- None Very brief Occasional | |February |2.5-5.0| >6.0 --- None Very brief Occasional | |March |2.5-5.0| >6.0 --- None Very brief Occasional | |April |2.5-5.0| >6.0 --- None Very brief Occasional | |December |2.5-5.0| >6.0 --- None Very brief Occasional | SkC, SkD, SnB, SnC, SnD, | SoC, SoD, SoE: | Saunook------| B | | |Jan-Dec --- None | SwC: | Saunook------| B | | |Jan-Dec --- None | Nikwasi------| B/D | | |January |0.0-1.0| >6.0 --- Brief Frequent Very brief | |February |0.0-1.0| >6.0 --- Brief Frequent Very brief | |March |0.0-1.0| >6.0 --- Brief Frequent Very brief | |April |0.0-1.0| >6.0 --- Brief Frequent Very brief | |May |0.0-1.0| >6.0 --- Brief Frequent Very brief | |June --- None Very brief Frequent | |July --- None Very brief Frequent | |August --- None Very brief Frequent | |September --- None Very brief Frequent | |October --- None Very brief Frequent | |November |0.0-1.0| >6.0 --- Brief Frequent Very brief | |December |0.0-1.0| >6.0 --- Brief Frequent Very brief | Watauga County, North Carolina 347 Table 20.—Water Features—Continued ______| Water table Ponding Flooding ______Map symbol |Hydro-| Month | Upper Lower |Surface| Duration |Frequency Frequency and soil name |logic | limit water |group | depth ______| Ft __ | SxD, SxE: | Soco------| B | | |Jan-Dec --- None | TxA: | Toxaway------| B/D | | |January |0.0-1.0| >6.0 --- Brief Frequent Very brief | |February |0.0-1.0| >6.0 --- Brief Frequent Very brief | |March |0.0-1.0| >6.0 --- Brief Frequent Very brief | |April |0.0-1.0| >6.0 --- None | |November |0.0-1.0| >6.0 --- Brief Frequent Very brief | |December |0.0-1.0| >6.0 --- Brief Frequent Very brief | Ud: | Udorthents------| B | | |Jan-Dec --- None | UkC, UkD, UkE, UkF: | Unaka------| B | | |Jan-Dec --- None | Porters------| B | | |Jan-Dec --- None | UnF: | Unaka------| B | | |Jan-Dec --- None | Rock outcrop------| D | | |Jan-Dec --- None | Ur, Ux. | Urban land | | W. | Water | | WaC, WaD: | Watauga------| B | | |Jan-Dec --- None | ______348 Soil Survey Table 21.—Soil Features (See text for definitions of terms used in this table. Absence an entry indicates that the feature is not a concern or that data were not estimated) ______| Restrictive layer Potential Risk of corrosion ______Map symbol | Depth for Uncoated and soil name | Kind |to top |Thickness| Hardness |frost action| steel Concrete | ______| In __ | AcD, AcE, AcF: | Ashe------|Bedrock (lithic) | 20-40 --- |Indurated |Moderate |Low |High | Chestnut------|Bedrock | 20-40 --- |Moderate |Low |High | (paralithic) | ArF: | Ashe------|Bedrock (lithic) | 20-40 --- |Indurated |Moderate |Low |High | Cleveland------|Bedrock (lithic) | 10-20 --- |Indurated |Moderate |Low |High | Rock outcrop------|Bedrock (lithic) | 0-0 --- |None | BaC, BaD, BaE: | Balsam------| --- | |Moderate |High | BoD, BoE, BoF, BrF: | Brownwood------|Bedrock | 20-40 --- |Moderate |Low |High | (paralithic) | BuD, BuF: | Burton------|Bedrock (lithic) | 20-40 --- |Indurated |Moderate |High | Craggey------|Bedrock (lithic) | 10-20 --- |Indurated |Moderate |High | Rock outcrop------|Bedrock (lithic) | 0-0 --- |None | BwC, BwD, BwE: | Burton------|Bedrock (lithic) | 20-40 --- |Indurated |Moderate |High | Wayah------| --- | |Moderate |Low |High | CaC, CaD, CaE: | Cashiers------| --- | |Moderate |Low | CdE: | Chandler------| --- | |Moderate |Low |High | ChF: | Chestnut------|Bedrock | 20-40 --- |Moderate |Low |High | (paralithic) | Ashe------|Bedrock (lithic) | 20-40 --- |Indurated |Moderate |Low |High Watauga County, North Carolina 349 Table 21.—Soil Features—Continued ______| Restrictive layer Potential Risk of corrosion ______Map symbol | Depth for Uncoated and soil name | Kind |to top |Thickness| Hardness |frost action| steel Concrete | ______| In __ | CkD, CkE: | Chestnut------|Bedrock | 20-40 --- |Moderate |Low |High | (paralithic) | Edneyville------| --- | |Moderate |Low |High | CmF: | Clingman------|Bedrock (lithic) | 3-20 --- |High | Craggey------|Bedrock (lithic) | 10-20 --- |Indurated |Moderate |High | Rock outcrop------|Bedrock (lithic) | 0-0 --- |None | CoD, CoE, CoF: | Cowee------|Bedrock | 20-40 --- |Moderate |High | (paralithic) | CrC, CrD, CrE, CsC, CsD,| | CsE, CtC, CtD, CtE: | Cullasaja------| --- | |Moderate |High | CuA: | Cullowhee------| --- | |Moderate |High | DAM. | Dam | | DeB: | Dellwood------| --- | |Moderate |Low | DuF: | Ditney------|Bedrock (lithic) | 20-40 --- |Moderate |Low | Unicoi------|Bedrock (lithic) | 7-20 --- |Moderate |Low | EdC, EdD, EdE: | Edneytown------| --- | |Moderate | EvC, EvD, EvE: | Evard------| --- | |Moderate |High | Cowee------|Bedrock | 20-40 --- |Moderate |High | (paralithic) | FaD, FaE: | Fannin------| --- | |Moderate | 350 Soil Survey Table 21.—Soil Features—Continued ______| Restrictive layer Potential Risk of corrosion ______Map symbol | Depth for Uncoated and soil name | Kind |to top |Thickness| Hardness |frost action| steel Concrete | ______| In __ | JfD, JfE: | Jeffrey------|Bedrock (lithic) | 20-40 --- |Moderate |Low | KnC, KnD: | Keener------| --- | |Moderate | LoA: | Longhope------| --- | |High | NkA: | Nikwasi------| --- | |High | NoD, NxE: | Northcove------| --- | |Moderate |Low |High | Pt. | Pits | | PuC, PuD, PuE, PuF: | Porters------|Bedrock (lithic) | 40-60 --- |Moderate |Low |High | RdA: | Reddies------| --- | |Moderate |Low | RoA: | Rosman------| --- | |Moderate | SkC, SkD, SnB, SnC, SnD,| | SoC, SoD, SoE: | Saunook------| --- | |Moderate |Low |High | SwC: | Saunook------| --- | |Moderate |Low |High | Nikwasi------| --- | |High | SxD, SxE: | Soco------|Bedrock | 20-40 --- |Moderate |High | (paralithic) | TxA: | Toxaway------| --- | |High |Moderate | Ud: | Udorthents------| --- | |None |Moderate |High | Watauga County, North Carolina 351 Table 21.—Soil Features—Continued ______| Restrictive layer Potential Risk of corrosion ______Map symbol | Depth for Uncoated and soil name | Kind |to top |Thickness| Hardness |frost action| steel Concrete | ______| In __ | UkC, UkD, UkE, UkF: | Unaka------|Bedrock (lithic) | 20-40 --- |Moderate |Low | Porters------|Bedrock (lithic) | 40-60 --- |Moderate |Low |High | UnF: | Unaka------|Bedrock (lithic) | 20-40 --- |Moderate |Low | Rock outcrop------|Bedrock (lithic) | 0-0 --- |None | Ur, Ux. | Urban land | | W. | Water | | WaC, WaD: | Watauga------| --- | |Moderate | ______352

Table 22.—Classification of the Soils

(An asterisk in the first column indicates a taxadjunct to the series. See text for a description of those characteristics that are outside the range of the series)

______| Soil name | Family or higher taxonomic class ______| | Ashe------|Coarse-loamy, mixed, active, mesic Typic Dystrudepts Balsam------|Loamy-skeletal, isotic, frigid Humic Dystrudepts Brownwood------|Coarse-loamy, paramicaceous, mesic Typic Dystrudepts Burton------|Fine-loamy, isotic, frigid Humic Dystrudepts Cashiers------|Fine-loamy, micaceous, mesic Typic Dystrudepts Chandler------|Coarse-loamy, micaceous, mesic Typic Dystrudepts Chestnut------|Coarse-loamy, mixed, active, mesic Typic Dystrudepts Cleveland------|Loamy, mixed, active, mesic Lithic Dystrudepts Clingman------|Dysic, frigid Lithic Udifolists Cowee------|Fine-loamy, parasesquic, mesic Typic Hapludults Craggey------|Loamy, isotic, frigid Humic Lithic Dystrudepts Cullasaja------|Loamy-skeletal, isotic, mesic Humic Dystrudepts Cullowhee------|Coarse-loamy over sandy or sandy-skeletal, mixed, mesic Fluvaquentic | Dystrudepts Dellwood------|Sandy-skeletal, mixed, mesic Oxyaquic Dystrudepts *Ditney------|Coarse-loamy, siliceous, semiactive, mesic Typic Dystrudepts Edneytown------|Fine-loamy, mixed, active, mesic Typic Hapludults Edneyville------|Coarse-loamy, mixed, active, mesic Typic Dystrudepts Evard------|Fine-loamy, parasesquic, mesic Typic Hapludults Fannin------|Fine-loamy, paramicaceous, mesic Typic Hapludults Jeffrey------|Fine-loamy, isotic, mesic Typic Dystrudepts Keener------|Fine-loamy, siliceous, semiactive, mesic Typic Hapludults Longhope------|Sandy or sandy-skeletal, isotic, euic, frigid Terric Haplohemists Nikwasi------|Coarse-loamy over sandy or sandy-skeletal, mixed, acid, mesic Cumulic | Humaquepts Northcove------|Loamy-skeletal, mixed, semiactive, mesic Typic Dystrudepts Porters------|Fine-loamy, isotic, mesic Typic Dystrudepts Reddies------|Coarse-loamy over sandy or sandy-skeletal, mixed, mesic Oxyaquic | Dystrudepts Rosman------|Coarse-loamy, mixed, superactive, mesic Fluventic Humic Dystrudepts Saunook------|Fine-loamy, mixed, superactive, mesic Humic Hapludults Soco------|Coarse-loamy, mixed, active, mesic Typic Dystrudepts Toxaway------|Fine-loamy, mixed, nonacid, mesic Cumulic Humaquepts Udorthents------|Udorthents Unaka------|Fine-loamy, isotic, mesic Typic Dystrudepts Unicoi------|Loamy-skeletal, mixed, semiactive, mesic Lithic Dystrudepts Watauga------|Fine-loamy, paramicaceous, mesic Typic Hapludults Wayah------|Fine-loamy, isotic, frigid Humic Dystrudepts ______| NRCS Accessibility Statement

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