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The formation of deep topsoils in Orkney
Author(s) -
Davidson Donald A.,
Simpson Ian A.
Publication year - 1984
Publication title -
earth surface processes and landforms
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.294
H-Index - 127
eISSN - 1096-9837
pISSN - 0197-9337
DOI - 10.1002/esp.3290090108
Subject(s) - topsoil , transect , geology , soil water , soil survey , bedding , range (aeronautics) , calcareous , belt transect , soil science , environmental science , oceanography , paleontology , materials science , biology , horticulture , composite material
The Soil Survey for Scotland, in their mapping of the soils in Orkney, identified a deep top phase of the Bilbster Series. This soil is distinguished by having a topsoil usually in excess of 75 cm and it occurs almost exclusively on the Mainland of Orkney, especially in the west round Marwick and Skaill Bays. An anthropogenic origin to this soil is proposed and the present study is designed to investigate the particular processes of formation which have led to the increase in soil depth. Results from transect and grid surveys indicate how the soil is thickest adjacent to old farms. The historical literature suggests a wide range of possible inputs from seaweed and calcareous sand to turves after they had been used as bedding for cattle. Analytical results support the last process as the dominant one and an accumulation rate of c.1 mm/yr is proposed.