The amount of humus present in soil and the movement of water through soil combine to create many different types of soil.
KEY
Brown soils Podzols
Gley soils Peaty soils
Examining the map, what is the most common soil type in Ireland? Name one county that has each of the soil types indicated (use an atlas or Google Maps if necessary). What is the main soil type(s) in your own county?
A
Plenty of litter from deciduous trees
Dark A horizon
A horizon blends with B horizon Brown B horizon
Greyish, leached A horizon
Dark-coloured hard pen
Brown B horizon Bedrock
B
Little litter from coniferous trees
Bedrock
Brown soil: Ireland’s most common soil type. As the name suggests, this soil is brown in colour. It is found in areas where rainfall is limited, such as the midlands. It is also found mainly in areas of deciduous (trees that shed their leaves) forest. This soil is very fertile and excellent for farming.
230
Podzol soil: This soil type is found more in highland areas of Ireland where more rainfall occurs. It is grey in colour, due to the presence of a hardpan, which causes the A horizon to turn grey. It is found in coniferous (trees that do not shed their leaves) forested areas. This means there is little plant litter on the forest floor to turn into humus. As a result, the soils are less fertile.
