Rock and sand on the Oregon Coast represent one type of the state's soils.
Oregon is a state of breathtaking beauty and great diversity. Centuries of natural forces have formed the soils present in Oregon; rugged, sandy coastlines, magnificent mountains and fertile river valleys abound. Soil content varies from exceptionally fertile and well-drained sandy loams to very poorly-drained clays. The types of soil found in Oregon are as diverse as the terrain. Does this Spark an idea?
Stony Loam Soil
Fertile Oregon Farmland
Very stony loam soil prevails in many parts of Oregon. Baker County is predominately composed of stony loam. Clay and silty lake bed sediments, carried by glaciers, makes up the soil content. In many areas, these sediments have washed over and covered the tailings of gold dredging activities from the late 1800s.
Oregon Soil Distribution
Orchards In Oregon
In Clackamas County, on the Warm Springs Indian Reservation, sandy loam is present. In the Upper Deschutes River Area of Deschutes County, fertile sandy loam supports abundant crop production. Throughout the state the most productive soils are deep and well drained. They occur on the valley bottoms, close to large streams and rivers. The soils consist of materials that were carried by fast-moving flood waters and contain a large percentage of sand and silt.
Willamette Valley
Fertile Willamette Valley soils were deposited by ancient floods.
Soil in the Willamette Valley of Oregon is remarkably fertile. Carried by floods and glaciers, the soil is deep and productive. The broad plain of the Willamette Valley is bound on the west by the Oregon Coast Range and on the east by the Cascade Range. The rich, loamy soil of the valley floor grows an abundance of varied crops. The Willamette Valley is composed of an old volcanic, sedimentary seabed that has been overlaid with silt, gravel, rocks and boulders that were carried by the Missoula Lake floods from Montana and Washington over 10,000 years ago. Red Jory soil, commonly found above 300-foot elevations is found in 4- to 6-foot layers and provides superior drainage. Soil found below the 300 foot elevation is composed of sedimentary-based soil.
Tags: Willamette Valley, Oregon Coast, sandy loam, that were, that were carried, were carried
