Hobbies And Interests
Rimini Soil
The sand rims around Carolina Bays often contain the Rimini soil type. This soil type typically has a thin soil horizon at the top, called the "A" horizon, which lies over the rim sands. This "A" horizon is light in color and easily seen on aerial photographs. A "B" horizon, located approximately four feet below the land surface, consists of organic acids and aluminum that leached from the uppermost soil. This horizon is typically dark in color and not fertile. Very few plants grow from this soil horizon. Additional sands are present below the "B" horizon.
Rutledge Soil
The majority of the smaller bays and the inside margins of larger bays consist of the Rutledge soil type. This dark-colored soil type is generally a mixture of sand and organics that overlie another sand horizon. Because of the organic matter in the soil, pine trees are prominent in these areas. Farmers will often use the Rutledge soil from drained Carolina Bays for crops.
Ponzer Soil
Ponzer soils cover most of the interior areas of the largest Carolina Bays and the middle of small bays. This soil type develops due to the presence of standing wetland water in the bay. The presence of the water reduces oxygen in the environment, which inhibits decomposition of the organic matter. The top soil horizon then consists of virtually all organics, which thicken over time due to plant matter accumulation. The organic horizon overlies loamy soil, which is often a mixture of sand, clay, and organics. The Ponzer soil is the darkest of all Carolina Bay soil types and supports deciduous plants. Farmers often use Ponzer soil for growing crops.