The Virginia Piedmont is largely characterized by rolling hills and numerous ridges near the boundary with the Blue Ridge Mountains. Lying between the mountain and coastal plain regions, the Piedmont region is a naturally diverse landscape. The bedrock consists mostly of
gneiss,
schist, and
granite rocks at a typical depth of between 2 and 10 feet. Soils developed from these rocks and minerals form acid, infertile soils, with sandy loam surfaces. Many of the clayey subsoils are red or yellowish red due to the oxidized iron weathered from the primary minerals. Natural fertility is low; nonetheless, these soils respond well to
liming and
fertilization. Historically, much of the Piedmont region was cleared and farmed intensively, causing extreme erosion over much of the region. Before modern
soil fertility and managerial practices were adapted to these soils, agricultural production diminished and most farms reverted to forests. Over two thirds of this region is wooded today. The best soils are still agriculturally productive through well managed soil fertility and erosion control plans. The region contains several areas and stretches of land that are of relatively high agricultural value. ==See also==