As conditions in each of the ruins are quite different, partly due to the soil chemical content, moisture in the soil, soil overburden, and historical affectives before and since the massacre each will be considered by itself, as an individual problem. Back 3 Ibid. Back 4 Archives of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions, Boston. Back 6 Wind deposition has also been a factor. Dust storms from the west have been a frequent occurance, probably since the beginning of the recent geological period.
Rye grass tends to grow in alkali soil.
The ground west of the buildings was farmed by the missionaries and was extremely rich, being said to produce wheat seven feet high and enormous vegetables. Jamestown Archeological Project, Colonial National Historical Park.