Important Forest Soil Group IA Soils belonging to this group consist of the deeper, loamy textured, moderately well, and well-drained soils. Generally, these soils are more fertile and have the most favorable moisture relationships. Forest successional trends on these soils are toward stands of shade tolerant hardwoods, usually beech and sugar maple. Hardwood competition is severe on these soils.
Softwood regeneration is usually dependent upon persistent hardwood control efforts.
Soil moisture is adequate for good tree growth, but may not be quite as abundant as in Group IA soils. Forest successional trends on these soils are toward shade tolerant hardwoods, predominantly beech. Hardwood competition is moderate to severe on these soils. Successful softwood regeneration is dependent upon hardwood control. The soils of this group are outwash sands and gravels.