Learn more

This page is one of a series discussing soils of Carbon, Monroe, Pike and Wayne Counties, Pennsylvania. Go up to index.

About values

Unless otherwise noted, references to soil properties, organic matter and soil pH represent values for the top 12 inches of the described soil - the area of likely interest for most landscapers using herbaceous perennials. Depth to root restrictive layers, either in the form of fragipans or bedrock, may be of interest to those planting trees and shrubs.

Source: National Resources Conservation Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

About Pennystone

The Pennystone project provides information relating to sustainable landscape practices using native species, with emphasis on the northeastern counties of Pennsylvania.

PENNYSTONE  •  RESOURCES  •  NOTEBOOK

Albrights loams

Found on ridges in Carbon County, the parent material consists of colluvium derived from acid, red sandstone, siltstone, and shale. Depth to a root restrictive fragipan is 18 to 32 inches. The natural drainage class is moderately well drained and water movement in the most restrictive layer is moderately high. Available water to a depth of 60 inches and shrink-swell potential is low. This soil is not flooded or ponded. A seasonal zone of water saturation is at 22 inches during January, February, March, November and December.

Soil composition and soil pH varies within the series (see below).

Organic matter content, by weight, in the surface horizon is about 2 percent and within the top 12 inches averages 1.98 percent.

Carbon County

AaA - Albrights channery loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes
Because water in or on the soil surface interferes with plant growth or cultivation, this soil has moderate limitations that reduce choice of plants or requires moderate conservation practices. In the top 12 inches, the soil is composed of 17.6 percent clay, 42.8 percent sand and 39.6 percent silt. Average pH in the top 12 inches is 4.7.
AaB2 - Albrights channery loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes moderately eroded
Because risk of erosion unless close-growing plant cover is maintained, this soil has moderate limitations that reduce choice of plants or requires moderate conservation practices. In the top 12 inches, the soil is composed of 17.6 percent clay, 42.8 percent sand and 39.6 percent silt. Average pH in the top 12 inches is 4.7.
AbA - Albrights silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes
Because water in or on the soil surface interferes with plant growth or cultivation, this soil has moderate limitations that reduce choice of plants or requires moderate conservation practices. In the top 12 inches, the soil is composed of 22.2 percent clay, 29 percent sand and 48.8 percent silt. Average pH in the top 12 inches is 5.5.
AbB2 - Albrights silt loam 3 to 8 percent slopes moderately eroded
Because risk of erosion unless close-growing plant cover is maintained, this soil has moderate limitations that reduce choice of plants or requires moderate conservation practices. In the top 12 inches, the soil is composed of 22.2 percent clay, 29 percent sand and 48.8 percent silt. Average pH in the top 12 inches is 5.5.
AcB - Albrights very stony loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes
Because it is shallow, droughty, or stony, this soil has severe limitations that make them generally unsuitable for cultivation and that restrict its use mainly to pasture, rangeland, forestland or wildlife habitat. n the top 12 inches, the soil is composed of 17.6 percent clay, 42.8 percent sand and 39.6 percent silt. Average pH in the top 12 inches is 4.7.
AcD - Albrights very stony loam, 8 to 25 percent slopes
Because it is shallow, droughty, or stony, this soil has severe limitations that make them generally unsuitable for cultivation and that restrict its use mainly to pasture, rangeland, forestland or wildlife habitat. n the top 12 inches, the soil is composed of 17.6 percent clay, 42.8 percent sand and 39.6 percent silt. Average pH in the top 12 inches is 4.7.