SOIL ASSOCIATIONS -
 SOURHOPE

DERIVATION:

Lavas of andesitic composition associated with sediments of Lower Old Red Sandstone age (also associated with granitic masses at Cheviot and in Argyll).

TYPES OF PARENT MATERIALS MAPPED:

Glacial till
Glacial drift
Shallow drift onto rock
Morainic deposits
Shattered rock in situ

COLOUR:

Reddish brown in subsoil.

TEXTURE:

Sandy silt loam or silt loam in till deposits but coarser textures (sandy loam) characterise drift and morainic parent materials.  Moderately to very stony depending on depth to rock.

DOMINANT LAND USE:

Arable, permanent grassland, forestry.

LANDFORMS:

Hills, often steeply sloping with frequent outcrops of rock in some areas.
Also associated with valley sides on long gentle slopes.

SOIL CHEMISTRY:

High phosphorus in topsoils.

SOIL PHYSICAL PROPERTIES:

Potential rooting depth approximately 40 to 60cm depending on presence of rock or induration. 
Weak soil structure.