Soils of the - Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

-SUMAS (Continued)
(SM)
General Land Use Comments : (1) High winter watertables and low natural fertility are probably the mai n
agricultural limitations of Sumas soils . With adequate watertable control (removal of excess winter water as wel l
as maintenance of water levels to provide sub-irrigation during the growing season) and substantial fertilization ,
Sumas soils are capable of producing good yields of a variety of annual crops . Organic matter levels are low and
increases would improve the nutrient holding ability of the soil . (2) Sumas soils are poorly suited for urban and
related uses . High watertables preclude basements and other excavations and effluent disposal from septi c
tank tile lines is severely impeded . The filtration ability of thè coarse-textured subsoil is low and effluent from
numerous septic tanks (or other large amounts of waste) may lead to groundwater contamination . (3) Growth of
tree species such as black cottonwood and hybrid poplars is excellent and this may be an option for use o f
Sumas soils . Estimated annual wood production by black cottonwood is in excess of 20 m3/ha .
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