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Soil Formation - Coggle Diagram
Soil Formation
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Soil Types
Each of the factors above contribute to the devotement of soils. THis leads to the formation of different soil types
Different Soil types are found in different areas of the country and have different land use potentials
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Brown Earths
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Horizons of brown earth are blended and not very distinct. They need very little lime as they are not acidic in nature
Land use potential, can be used for crop production or for grasslands for extensive or intensive animal production
Podzol Soils
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Acidic nature of the soil leads to acid leaching and the A horizon becomes bleached of nutrients as they move to the B Horizon which has a rich colour from this accumulation
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Podzolization is the formation of a podzol in acidic conditions when the acidic leaching of nutrients leads to a bleached A horizon and the formation of an impermeable iron pan in the B horizon
Gley Soils
Waterlogged conditions lead to the formation of gley soils. This often occurs in valleys as water can build up in the soils. A high water table can reduce the natural drainage of the soil, trapping the water
Waterlogging causes oxidation and reduction of minerals, leading to a mottled appearance in the B horizon
Gleisation is the formation of gley in waterlogged condition when the waterlogging causes the oxidation and reduction of minerals leading to a mottled appearance
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Peats/Bogs
Peat is formed when there is high rainfall and low evaporation in areas with high levels of Organic Material (OM)
The anaerobic conditions only allow for partial breakdown of the OM by microorganisms. If these layers of partially decomposed material build up they form a peat
If the build-up occurs in a lake a basin bog is formed. If deposition continues above the level of the lake a raised bog is formed
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When drained and reclaimed they can be used for crops and pasture peat can be cut and dried, the product can be burned as fuel
Soil Types & Land Use
Brown earths are very fertile soils and due to their potential, they are often used for tillage
Gleys are less productive and their use is more limited, and they are often used for grass production for animals
Podzols are formed in acidic conditions, they are usually found under coniferous forests and designed for forestry
Topography influences the depth of the soils, shallow soils have more limited uses, Climate and location will also have an impact on land use.
E.G Coastal areas tend to have sandy soils which warm up faster then clay soils. This makes them more suitable for early crops