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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.

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

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Allenwood loams

These soils are found on valley sides and uplands in Carbon and Monroe Counties, and consist of old till derived from sedimentary rock. Depth to a root restrictive layer is greater than 60 inches. The natural drainage class is well drained, and water movement in the most restrictive layer is moderately high. Available water to a depth of 60 inches is moderate and shrink-swell potential is low. This soil is not flooded or ponded. There is no zone of water saturation within a depth of 72 inches.

Carbon County

Organic matter content in the surface horizon is about 2 percent and within the top 12 inches averages 2.35 percent. Average pH within the top 12 inches is 4.6. Soil composition varies within this series (see below).

AdA - Allenwood gravelly loam and silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes
This soil has few limitations that restrict its use. Within the top 12 inches, soil composition is 18.6 percent clay, 41.3 percent sand and 40.1 percent silt.
AdB2 - Allenwood gravelly loam and 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. Within the top 12 inches, soil composition is 18.6 percent clay, 41.3 percent sand and 40.1 percent silt.
AdC2 - Allenwood gravelly loam and silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, moderately eroded
Because risk of erosion unless close-growing plant cover is maintained, this soil has severe limitations that reduce choice of plants or requires special conservation practices, or both. Within the top 12 inches, soil composition is 18.6 percent clay, 41.3 percent sand and 40.1 percent silt.
AgA - Allenwood gravelly silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes
This soil has few limitations that restrict its use. Within the top 12 inches, the soil is composed of 18.6 percent clay, 28.3 percent sand and 53.1 percent silt.
AgB2 - Allenwood gravelly 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. Within the top 12 inches, the soil is composed of 18.6 percent clay, 28.3 percent sand and 53.1 percent silt.
AgC2 - Allenwood gravelly silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, moderately eroded
Because risk of erosion unless close-growing plant cover is maintained, this soil has severe limitations that reduce choice of plants or requires special conservation practices, or both.
AgD2 - Allenwood gravelly silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes, moderately eroded
Because risk of erosion unless close-growing plant cover is maintained, this soil has very severe limitations that reduce choice of plants or that require very careful management, or both. Within the top 12 inches, the soil is composed of 18.6 percent clay, 28.3 percent sand and 53.1 percent silt.
AmC3 - Allenwood gravelly silty clay loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, severely eroded
Because risk of erosion unless close-growing plant cover is maintained, this soil has very severe limitations that reduce choice of plants or that require very careful management, or both.
AmD3 - Allenwood gravelly silty clay loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes, severely eroded
Because risk of erosion unless close-growing plant cover is maintained, this soil has very severe limitations that reduce choice of plants or that require very careful management, or both. This soil does not meet hydric criteria. Within the top 12 inches, the soil is composed of 18.6 percent clay, 28.3 percent sand and 53.1 percent silt.

Monroe County

The soil in the top 12 inches is composed of 21.2 percent clay, 26.4 percent sand and 52.4 percent silt. Organic matter content in the surface horizon is about 2 percent, and averages 1.94 percent in the top 12 inches, by weight. Soil pH in the top 12 inches is 4.6.

AnA - Allenwood gravelly silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes
This soil has few limitations that restrict its use.
AnB - Allenwood gravelly silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes
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.
AnC - Allenwood gravelly silt loam, 8 to 20 percent slopes
Because risk of erosion unless close-growing plant cover is maintained, this soil has severe limitations that reduce choice of plants or requires special conservation practices, or both.