GUELPH, ONTARIO - Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

(ii) lmperfec t Drainage
Elderslie Silty Clay Loam (50,300 acres)
The topography of the Elderslie silty clay loam is smooth gently sloping,
and erosion is slight. Low external drainage and slow internal drainage have
produced a characteristic imperfectly drained profile. Soft maple, elm and ash
arc tJhe trees most commonly found growing in the remaining woodlots.
The characteristics of the Elderslie silty clay loam are shown in the following
profile description :
A0 - Thin layer of partially decomposed leaves, twigs,
etc.
A1 - O-4 inches silty clay loam; dark grey (10 YR 4/ 1) ;
fine nuciform structure; friable consistency when
dry, plastic when wet; stonefree; pH - 5.8.
Az - 4-7 inches silty clay loam ; light grey (10 YR 7/2) ;
mottled ; medium nucif orm structure ; hard consistency
when dry, plastic when wet; stonefree;
pH - 5.4.
Bz - 7-12 inches clay; greyish brown (10 YR 5/2) ;
coarse blocky to weak columnar structure; very
hard consistency when dry, very plastic when
wet; stonefree; pH - 6.5.
C - Clay; pale brown (10 YR G/3); coarse nuciform
structure; very hard consistency when dry, plastic
when wet; stonefree; calcareous; pH - 7.8.
The Elderslie exhibits the characteristics of both the Brown Forest and
Grey-Brown Podzolic soils. Where Brown Forest profiles occur there is little
or no trace of an AZ horizon and there is a tendency for the pH of the various
layers to be higher. When the type occurs adjacent to soils developed on till
a scattering of stones often appears on the surface.
The level of plant nutrients is medium to high in the virgin soil. The
surface reaction is slightly to moderately acid and the organic matter content
is:medium.
Agriculture
Elderslie soils occur in a part of the County used for general farming.
Crops grown include oats, barley, red clover, alsike, corn, hay and pasture,
and good to fair yields are obtained. Higher yields can often be obtained and
a wider range of crops can be grown when drainage is improved.
Elderslie soils respond to applications of commercial fertiliser, which
should be added to the soil to maintain an adequate nutrient level. Good soil
struct)ure can be preserved in the cultivated soil by additions of barnyard
manure, which maintains the organic matter content. Variations in the reaction
of the surface soils make soil tests necessary to determine the need
f 0r:lime.
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