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Observations on the soils of the Outer Hebrides

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  05 December 2011

R. Glentworth
R. Glentworth
Affiliation:
Macaulay Institute for Soil Research, Craigiebuckler, Aberdeen
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Synopsis

The distribution of soil parent materials in relation to glaciological features is dealt with; from the scoured bare rock of Harris products of Tertiary weathering have been transported northwards and deposited as coarse textured till which underlies the Lewis till plain. Clayey till in the north of Lewis would appear to be deposited by mainland ice which crossed the area. The dominant genetic soil found throughout the islands is a peaty podzol with iron pan which contains an intensely indurated horizon. Peat formation has developed on this soil as a result of the acidity of the parent material and anaerobic waterlogged conditions. Only on well sloping sites were peaty podzol soils with free drainage beneath the pan observed, otherwise the peaty podzol with very poor drainage beneath the pan is better described as a peaty gley soil. Brown earth soils were seen only on ultra-basic rocks on markedly sloping sites.

As a result of exposure and frequent high winds the calcareous dunes of the machair are unstable. Fresh sand is deposited on the dry back slopes with a diluent effect on soil fertility. Areas of the machair having imperfect rather than poor drainage provide some of the best arable land which would be rated as Class 3 in the Land Use Capability Classification of the Soil Survey.

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