Soils of the - Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

General Land Use Comments : (1) Westham soils are among the better soils in the Lower Fraser Valley i f
adequate watertable control is present . Most climatically suited crops (except those susceptible to damage b y
high winter groundwater levels) can be satisfactorily produced . Saline subsoil conditions are usually dee p
enough to have little affect on most annual crops . The soils are relatively fertile although increased amounts o f
organic matter in the surface would help improve structure and decrease susceptibility to puddling. (2) Urban
and related uses are poorly suited for Westham soils . Variable (usually low) soil bearing strengths probabl y
require special foundation requirements . Basements and other excavations are impractical due to hig h
watertables and septic tank effluent disposal systems function poorly . Severe corrosion of unprotecte d
underground utility and other installations is likely due to the saline character of the subsoil .
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