Soils

An area's geological deposits provide the main source of inorganic ingredients for its soils. As the character of these soils is a major factor in determining the nature of the vegetation, there is a clear link between geodiversity and biodiversity. However, soil formation (pedogenesis) also depends upon other factors such as climate, weathering processes, vegetation, input of organic matter, groundwater movement, complex chemical reactions and even human intervention including agricultural practices. Therefore, whereas over substantial parts of the AONB the character and properties of soils may reflect the underlying geology, in other places the link may be much less clear.

It has not been possible within the scope of the production of this document to explore in detail the nature and distribution of the area's soils. More specialised information on soil character, properties and classification may be obtained from the publications of the Soil Survey of England and Wales.

Selected references

Jarvis, 1977; Jarvis, Bendelow, Bradley, Carroll, Furness and King, 1984; Soil Survey of England and Wales, 1983; Soil Survey of England and Wales, 1983

Full references