Introduction to Soils

Soils represent one of the most complex and dynamic natural systems studied by scientists. Knowledge of their chemical, physical and biological properties is a prerequisite both for sustaining the productivity of the land, e.g. agriculture and forestry and for conservation purposes. The communication of soil knowledge is therefore no easy task, but these posters are designed to explain some of this background knowledge, particularly for use by senior school pupils.

The first poster explains how soil is formed, followed by three further posters, which give details on some of the principal soils found in Scotland. The final poster explains and simplifies some of the common terminology and definitions used to describe and understand soils.

To ensure that the posters comply with aspects of the Higher Geography curriculum, advice was sought from Secondary Principal Geography Teachers Elaine Anderson, Ellon Academy, Aberdeenshire and Helen Taylor, Harlaw Academy, Aberdeen whose contribution is gratefully acknowledged.

• Soil 192,712 bytes.
• Brown Earths 82,734 bytes.
• Podzols 111,477 bytes.
• Gley Soils 150,442 bytes.
• Soil Terminology 57,435 bytes.

These posters provide information on ecosystem development, vegetation succession and describes the stages of development of a Scots pine forest climax community and that of a heather moorland plagioclimax community. these posters are part of the Biosphere section of the Geography higher curriculum.

• Vegetation Succession:
  • Sand Dunes part 1 772,038 bytes and part 2 678,802 bytes.
  • Moorlands part 1 895,537 bytes and part 2 955,022 bytes.

A CD with an "Introduction to soils" is also available. Contact: General Enquiries