Bellingham
Silt Loam

Mapping Symbol: Bh

The Bellingham series is made up of poorly drained soils that formed in alluvium, under grass and sedge vegetation. This soil is nearly level and is mostly found at elevations ranging from sea level to 500 feet in depresessions on the upland glacial till plain. The annual precipitation is 325 to 55 inches, the mean annual air temperature is approximately 50 degrees F, and the frost free season ranges from 150 to 200 days. 

Typical Profile:
Depth from Surface:
0 to 14 Inches: Very dark brown silt loam
14 to 60 Inches: Gray silty clay loam with mottles

Permeability: Slow

Rooting Depth: 60 inches+ in Bellinghams which have been drained. Less if undrained 

Depth to Seasonal High Water Table: 0 to 1 feet

Available Water Holding Capacity: High

Runoff Potential: Slow 

Erosion and Slippage Hazard: Slight 

Use and Management: The primary use of this soil is for pasture. Some areas are used for row crops. Pasture forage yields are 5.0 tons/acre/year in drained Bellinghams and 3 tons/acre/year in undrained Bellinghams with good management. Excessive moisture during the wet season and sometimes extending into the Summer may limit access for grazing and/or cutting hay and totally preclude use for some years. Douglas-fir, Western Red Cedar, Western Hemlock, Red Alder, Willows, and Sitka Spruce are important tree species on this soil. These soils have severe limitations on equipment use for site preparation and timber harvest due to their wetness. These soils have severe limitations on recreational and engineering uses due to their seasonal high water table and poor drainage.

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