Soils
The major upland soils on OSBS are of the Candler Apopka Series. These are excessively drained to well-drained sandy
soils with a depth up to 80+ feet. Some of the areas are sandy to a depth of 40 to 79 inches, with a loamy subsoil
below. Water levels of lakes located in these soils will fluctuate depending on rainfall, seepage, and underground
aquifers (Readle 1990). The major lowland areas of the Station are of the Okeechobee Samsula Series. These are very
poorly drained organic soils. The organics can be 51 + inches deep, or 16 to 51 inches deep with a sandy layer below.
The muck of Okeechobee soils can extend to 80+ inches. These soils are associated with the marshes and swamps
(Readle 1990).
- Readle, E.L. 1990. Soil survey of Putnam county area, Florida. USDA, SCS. Pp 224.