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 SOILS
Soils Landcover Regional Landscapes Soils & Sustainability


INTRODUCTION

The type and nature of the soil is central to much
of the discussion and debate relating to sustainability. There are a number of characteristics and properties
of soils that will contribute to their sustainable use.
For example in considering climate change it is important that the extent and distribution of organic peat soils can be quantified to understand how large a sink for carbon storage these soils represent. Similarly when combined with other environmental data the texture of a soil provides an initial indicator of sensitivity to land management practices or pollution.

The map shows that Scotland is dominated by four soil types -




Click here or on map for larger map

Click on a name to find out more or on map to see the distribution.
Soils are classified according to the nature and sequence of horizons in the soil profile resulting 
from the interaction of -
For a small country, Scotland has a wide variety of soil types. While these pages relate to
Scottish conditions, the underlying principles are more widely applicable, particularly to Northern Europe.
 
Introduction Page
Updated: 30 October 2009
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