Wet soils in the North Carolina lower Coastal Plain

Abstract

Mostsoils in the lower Coastal Plain are potentially “wet.” However, the wettest soils are usually those that are either next to major streams and estuaries or are on the interstream divides and broad flats. The soils next to streams are usually wet from water coming from higher elevations, and the soils on the interstream divides are wet because both surface and subsurface drainage is restricted. The largest areas of very poorly drained soils are those on the interstream divides. The degree of wetness is the main factor determining the characteristics of the soils found at a particular location. Deep organics (Typic Medisaprists) are located on sites that have historically been the wettest. As the soils became progressively drier, shallow organic soils (Terric Medisaprists), mineral soils with a Histic epipedon (organic surface) and mineral soils are found. The location and type of soil are both important factors influencing value of the land for development purposes and for water quality preservation. The poorly drained soils immediately adjacent to streams or estuaries are much more valuable for water quality purposes than those located some distance from important water bodies. Organic soils have the greatest potential for denitrification but very low capacity for phosphorus sorption.