"Dirt Doctor's" website

Pedologist’s report – Soil characteristics for "Heather"

Name:

Humus-iron podzol

Age:

Up to 10000 years but in places modified from its original form

Address:

Eastern and Central Highlands, some in the eastern Southern Uplands

Preferred soil functions:

in its natural state, as part of a heather or native woodland habitat. Where cultivated, supports mixed farming

Height/Weight:

Depends on depth of parent material. Soil becomes more dense (heavier) with depth

Colour:

Near black at the surface, strong brown colour at depth

Characteristics:

Freely drained, naturally acid and low in plant nutrients. Whole character of soil changes where ploughed

Notes:

The natural soil has a thin, very dark organic-rich surface horizon, with a light grey horizon immediately below. Sustains valuable heather and native woodland habitats. These horizons have been substantially modified and mixed by ploughing in places. Very bright colours in the subsoil signify free drainage and accumulation of iron oxides.

Health advice:

Best to leave both versions of this soil as they are, although cultivated humus-iron podzols require periodic liming and fertilization. Where covered by heather, periodic burning is carried out and where tree planting is planned, it is better not to plough the soil.