Soils of the - Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

STEELHEAD (Continued),
(ST)
General Land Use Comments : (1) Steelhead soils are severely to moderately limited for agriculture b y
adverse topography, stoniness and periodic high watertables, particularly during the winter months . (2 )
Although soil bearing strengths are high, periodic high watertables and slow subsoil permeability severely limi t
Steelhead soils for urban development that requires septic tank sewage effluent disposal . The cemente d
subsoil makes excavations difficult and these are likely to contain water during parts of the year . (3) Fores t
growth on Steelhead soils is good . Seepage and temporary perched watertables ensure adequate moisture fo r
most growing seasons . Limited plot data indicates western red cedar and western hemlock produce 12 to 15 m3
of wood/ha/yr on Steelhead soils . Prompt replanting (after logging) is suggested since non-commercia l
species tend to invade quickly .
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