Saturated hydraulic conductivity of the A, E1, and E2 horizons are extremely rapid, but decreases two orders of magnitude in the Bh1 horizon. It occurs on nearly level broad inter-fluves to very gently sloping, poorly drained areas, toe slopes, depressions, and drainageways. Although these soils have moderate permeability, runoff is slow, and they are poorly drained. Some areas of this soil are subject to seasonal ponding. Depth to water table on undrained soil typically extends as deep as 0.5 m during dry periods.
Native vegetation is pine-decidious forest.
Most of the soil is suited for forestry although some is placed in pasture, but little has been used for growing agricultural crops. Pelham is also found in MLRAs 133A, 133B, and 153B. Selected soil physical and hydraulic properties for Pelham loamy sand, measured on undisturbed 7.6 cm high by 7.6 cm long soil cores, were reported by Shirmohammadi et al. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the depth and separation distance of drains for growing blueberries. The system has to function as a drain during wet periods and as a supplier of sub-irrigation water during droughty periods. Bulk density ranged from 1.47 in the surface to 1.73 g cm -3 in the 70 to 125 cm depth.