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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.

About Pennystone

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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Holly silt loam

Holly loams are found depressions on flood plains and sections of floodplains where deposits of fine silts and clays settle after a flood, usually behind a stream's natural levees. Parent material consists of loamy alluvium derived from sandstone and shale. Depth to a root restrictive layer is greater than 60 inches. The natural drainage class is poorly drained and water movement in the most restrictive layer is moderately high. Available water to a depth of 60 inches is high. Shrink-swell potential is low. This soil is frequently flooded, but not usually ponded in Carbon or Monroe Counties; it is reported as frequently ponded in Wayne County. The soil meets the criteria to be classified as hydric.

Carbon County

The top 12 inches of soil is comprised of 22 percent clay, 24.6 percent sand and 53.4 percent silt, with a pH of 6.4. Organic matter content in the surface horizon is about 4 percent, and 2.45 percent in the top 12 inches. A seasonal zone of water saturation is at 6 inches during January, February, March, April, May, December.

Hy - Holly silt loam
Because water in or on the soil surface interferes with plant growth or cultivation, this soil has severe limitations that reduce choice of plants or requires special conservation practices, or both.

Monroe County

Holly silt loam is composed of 20.2 percent clay, 37.1 percent sand and 42.8 percent silt. Organic matter content in the surface horizon is about 4 percent, but averages 2.5 percent in the top 12 inches. Soil pH is 6.4. A seasonal zone of water saturation is at 3 inches during January, February, March, April, May and December.

Hy - Holly silt loam
Because water in or on the soil surface interferes with plant growth or cultivation, this soil has severe limitations that reduce choice of plants or requires special conservation practices, or both.

Wayne County

Composition of the top 12 inches is 20 percent clay, 26.3 percent sand and 53.7 percent silt. Organic matter content in the surface horizon is about 4 percent, and it averages 3.5 percent in the top 12 inches. Soil pH is 6.5. A seasonal zone of water saturation is at 6 inches during January, February, March, April, May, December.

Ho - Holly silt loam
Because water in or on the soil surface interferes with plant growth or cultivation, this soil has severe limitations that reduce choice of plants or requires special conservation practices, or both. This soil meets hydric criteria.