GUELPH, ONTARIO - Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

A 0 —
A 1 —
G 1 —
G 2 —
C
Thin layer of partially decomposed leaves, twigs,
etc.
0-6 inches clay loam; very dark greyish brown
(2.5 Y 3/2); fine to medium nuciform structure;
friable consistency when dry, plastic when wet;
stonefree; pH — 7.0.
6-14 inches clay; dark greyish brown (2.5 Y 4/2);
mottled; medium blocky structure; very hard
consistency when dry, very plastic when wet;
stonefree; pH — 7.0.
14-19 inches clay; grey (5 Y 6/1); mottled;
coarse blocky structure; very hard consistency
when dry, very plastic when wet; stonefree; pH —
7.3.
Clay; light brownish grey (2.5 Y 6/2); medium
nuciform structure; very hard consistency when
dry, very plastic when wet; stonefree; calcareous;
pH — 7.8.
In some areas a somewhat higher surface reaction may occur because of
the presence of free carbonates in the A 1 horizon. The type has a smooth very
gently sloping topography and the original natural vegetation is considered to
be mainly ash and elm. Areas of secondary growth occur where alder, poplar
and willow form the main tree cover.
Agriculture
The Ferndale clay loam is used for general farming. Poor drainage is the
greatest limitation to crop production, but crops such as oats, barley, corn and
hay produce fairly good yields in dry seasons. However, total crop failures
The level topography of the Ferndale soils prevents rapid runoff of water and
is a factor contributing to poor drainage.
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