Carolina Bays on the Eastern Shore of Maryland: I. Soil Characterization and Classification

Abstract

Abstract Fifty‐three Carolina bays were examined in a reconnaissance survey to determine general characteristics. Two types of bays were identified based on the texture of the parent materials in the basins. Soils within the basin of 29 of the bays examined had developed in fine textured parent material termed basin fill. The basins of the other 24 bays contained primarily sandy materials. Soils with histic epipedons or Histosols occurred in 20% of the uncultivated bays. Five representative bays were chosen for detailed study. Water table fluctuations were monitored in three wooded study sites. Transects were made along radial axes in five sites. Physical, chemical, and mineralogical properties were examined. The accumulation and translocation of organic matter, movement and illuviation of clay, and mineral weathering were the major pedogenic processes occurring in these soils. The amount of organic C in the basin soils was dependent upon the type of vegetation and nature of the parent material. Argillans were found in gleyed Bt horizons even though thick umbric epipedons indicated very poorly drained conditions. The mineralogy of the fine textured soils in the basins was primarily kaolinite, mica, and 2:1 expansible minerals. Soils developed in the basin fill were Histic, Cumulic, or Fluvaquentic Humaquepts, Terric Medisaprists, Typic Umbraqualfs, or Umbraquults. Soils developed in the sandy textured basins were Typic or Histic Humaquepts. Soils on the rims were Typic or Aquic Hapludults.