Skip to main content

Narragansett Silt Loam - Rhode Island's State Soil

Narragansett soils occur on approximately 12,000 acres in Rhode Island and also occur in the adjacent states of Connecticut and Massachusetts. They are productive agricultural soils with principal crops of silage corn, hay, and vegetables. 

Narragansett Silt loam soil profile

Oaks, white pine, and beech are the most common forest species. Many areas are used for residential development.

The name “Narragansett” is the name of the town where the soil was first classified. The town was named for the indigenous Narragansett Tribe. Narragansett is an English corruption of Nanhigganeuck, their actual name meaning "people of the small point."

The Narragansett soil series consists of well drained, loamy soils that formed in friable (ablation) glacial till mantled with a silty eolian (loess) cap. These soils are on uplands. The average annual precipitation ranges from 40 to 50 inches. The average annual temperature is 45 to 52 degrees F.

Narragansett Soil Profile

  • Surface layer: dark brown silt loam
  • Subsoil - upper: yellowish brown silt loam
  • Subsoil - lower: olive brown silt loam
  • (the top and subsoil layers consist of a silty eolian (loess) post-glacial deposit)
  • Substratum: light olive brown loamy fine sand to gravelly coarse sand (loose, sandy, ablation till deposit)

Distribution

North-central Connecticut, Western Massachusetts, Kent and Washington counties in Rhode Island.

Narragansett - Rhode Island State Soil (140.33 KB)

< back to Rhode Island Soils page

Jim Turenne

Assistant State Soil Scientist

Find Your Local Service Center

USDA Service Centers are locations where you can connect with Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service, or Rural Development employees for your business needs. Enter your state and county below to find your local service center and agency offices. If this locator does not work in your browser, please visit offices.usda.gov.