wpe7A.jpg (7211 bytes)

The Woodland Education Centre
The Heathland Restoration Project
Contents

wpe7A.jpg (7211 bytes)


Site Soil Characteristics

Soil profile of the Heathland Restoration Project area.

Soil Profile

 

The substrate on the project site is composed of a thin topsoil overlying greensand and chert. I

 Soil pH measurements carried out in 1997 varied from 4.0 - 5.0 across the area.

 

Soil pH levels across the site (1997)

Section

Number

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

pH

value

4.0

4.4

4.6

5.0

4.8

4.4

4.3

4.4

4.0

 

(The Trust is indebted to Mr. M. Wallwork of Exeter College, Exeter, Devon, for the soil pH values quoted.)

Acid soils (in the ecological sense - all soils with a pH below 7 are technically acid) have pH values of below 3.8. Leaching of soils by rainwater tends to increase soil acidity by removing alkaline compounds in the upper layers. It is likely that leaching effects will in time, reduce the pH values of the soil on the site to more acidic levels.

 

Continue to >> Site Diagram and Management Methods

 

 

Ecological Surveys 96 - 98
Contents

 

 

wpeB2.jpg (3361 bytes)

HRP Contents