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Myakka Fine Sand

Overview

Myakka fine sand was named the official state soil of Florida in 1989. [ 1] It is classified a Spodosol which contains a spodic layer. This poorly drained soil is primarily located in broad flatwoods in irregular area shapes ranging from 5 to 500 acres in size. The organic matter content and fertility of the soil is low. [2] Most areas where this soil is found are native range or improved pasture, although some is used for citrus or vegetable farming. Some Counties in Florida where this soil is found in are: Hendry, Collier, Glades, and Lee.

Taxonomy

This soil typically has a very dark gray sand surface layer between 5 to 6 inches thick, and then a subsurface layer to about 26 inches composed of gray sand. [1] The subsoil to about 60 inches is sand that is stained with organic matter; black in the upper part and dark brown in the lower part. [1] The substratum to about 80 inches is grayish brown sand. [1] Under natural conditions this soil has a high water table to within 10 inches of the surface for 1 to 5 months and a depth of more than 40 inches during the dry periods. [1] Water rapidly permeates in the surface layer, subsurface layer, and substratum, the moderately in the subsoil.

Productivity

The high water table and sandy texture are severe limitations for urban development and recreational uses. [ 3] Under natural conditions this soil is poorly suited to cultivated crops because of the wetness. If a water control system is utilized, the soil is suited for vegetable crops such as squash, tomatoes, cucumbers, watermelons and other Florida crops. Natural vegetation occurring on the soil is South Florida slash pine, Saw Palmetto, chalky bluestem, creeping bluestem, lopsided Indian grass and pineland threeawn. Potential productivity for pine trees is moderate. [ 2] South Florida slash pine is recommended as a tree to plant in this soil.

Sources:

1.   Belz, David J., Lewis J. Carter, David A. Dearstyne, and John D. Overing. Soil Survey of Hendry County, Florida. N.p.: USDA, IFAS, 1990. Print.

2.   Alva, A. K., and Megh Singh. "Sorption of bromacil, diuron, norflurazon, and simazine at various horizons in two soils." Bulletin of environmental contamination and toxicology 45.3 (1990): 365-374.

3.   Nachabe, Mahmood, Caroline Masek, and Jayantha Obeysekera. "Observations and modeling of profile soil water storage above a shallow water table." Soil Science Society of America Journal 68.3 (2004): 719-724.