The Woodchuck as a Soil Expert

Abstract

The University of Connecticut is located within the eastern upland region of Connecticut. This region was almost entirely forested at the time of settlement about 1700. The original soils were of glacial origin and probably rather shallow and of moderate to poor fertility. The economic cycles of the past 200 years have resulted in extensive shifts of land use as evidenced by signs of agricultural activity to be found in much of the present forested area. All forests have been cut from time to time as markets warranted. The land use practices have resulted in a deterioration of the original soils in depth and fertility through erosion and improper crop practices. The present ratio of woodland to crop land is about 50:50. This forest cover represents interrupted ecological successions on soils that are too poor to support modern agriculture. The forests of this area are lacking in conifers and a study was begun on University property to learn what the effect of coniferous plantations might be on wildlife distribution. At the same time a detailed soil survey was made by a member of the Agronomy Department of the State University. Not being a soils expert, the writer was much interested in the procedure. The area was traversed at two chain intervals with frequent side excursions. The soil was sampled by means of a soil auger and it is safe to say that at least one sample was taken on each square chain. Five soil series were represented within the area, together with certain additional patches too rough for classification that were designated as rough stony. The soil types, which were determined by sequence of color and the physical structure, were much interspersed. Their distinctions were sufficiently apparent so that the author could ordinarily distinguish them with v ry little difficulty. Within the series the soils were further subdivided, according to their various-sized particles, into loam, fine sandy loam, and sandy loam. The field classification was entirely by feel. The soil expert would bore about 6 inches and then rub random samples from the auger between his fingers. Then he would bore 6 inches more and