SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 5
(By Senators Dittmar, Ross, Anderson,
Craigo, Oliverio, Helmick, Bowman, Prezioso and Wooton)
Declaring Monongahela silt loam to be the official state soil.
Whereas, It appears that each of a growing number of states
of the United States, having significant concern for soil, have
by legislative enactment chosen a particular soil as its official
state soil; and
Whereas, The state of West Virginia has significant concern
for its soil resources; and
Whereas, Soils enhance the quality of surface and
groundwaters and serve as the foundation for our bountiful
agriculture, our unique wildlife habitats, our beautiful
landscapes and the homes and communities of our citizens; and
Whereas, Soils are essential to the quality of life and
welfare of all West Virginians; and
Whereas, Monongahela silt loam (fine-loamy, mixed, mesic
typic fragiudult) covers over 100,000 acres in 42 counties
throughout West Virginia and is used extensively for crops, hay,
pasture, woodland, housing and its prime farmland on slopes of
three percent or less; and
Whereas, The state of West Virginia has yet to designate a state soil; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That Monongahela silt lLoam is hereby designated and declared
to be the official state soil.