Maryland State soil SASSAFRAS
The Sassafras soil series was one of the first soil series established during the early days of soil survey activities in 1901, making it one of the oldest soil series in the United States. The USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has designated Sassafras as a Benchmark and Hall of Fame soil series, recognizing its historical significance in the evolution of soil science in the United States. Sassafras was chosen as the Maryland state soil due to its dominance in soil map unit acreage across a large area of the state.
In addition to being highly productive for growing crops, vegetables, and forest products, Sassafras soil is one of the best-suited soils for construction and recreational development, with few limitations for usage. The main management concern is controlling the moderate hazard of erosion and blowing soil. Contour farming, grassed waterways, no-till practices, and the use of cover crops in a rotation that includes grasses and legumes will reduce erosion and enhance soil health.
For more information about this and other State Soils, visit the Soil Science Society of America "Around the World-State Soils" website.
Maryland State soil SASSAFRAS
The Sassafras soil series was one of the first soil series established during the early days of soil survey activities in 1901, making it one of the oldest soil series in the United States. The USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has designated Sassafras as a Benchmark and Hall of Fame soil series, recognizing its historical significance in the evolution of soil science in the United States. Sassafras was chosen as the Maryland state soil due to its dominance in soil map unit acreage across a large area of the state.
In addition to being highly productive for growing crops, vegetables, and forest products, Sassafras soil is one of the best-suited soils for construction and recreational development, with few limitations for usage. The main management concern is controlling the moderate hazard of erosion and blowing soil. Contour farming, grassed waterways, no-till practices, and the use of cover crops in a rotation that includes grasses and legumes will reduce erosion and enhance soil health.
For more information about this and other State Soils, visit the Soil Science Society of America "Around the World-State Soils" website.