Pedologist’s report – Soil characteristics for "Pete"

Name:

Peat

Age:

up to 7500 years old

Location:

Primarily in Northern Scotland and the Islands. Some extensive areas in the Southern Uplands. Preferred soil functions: stores large volumes of water and carbon; supports valuable above-ground habitat.

Height/Weight:

Depth varies from 0.5-8 metres; Peat is 90-95% water so weight decreases dramatically when dried.

Colour:

Very dark brown-black

Characteristics:

Permanently waterlogged, very acidic and nutrient poor

Notes:

Generally retains substances and materials that are applied to, or deposited, onto it. Usually has a complete vegetation cover, but peat becomes very vulnerable if this is disturbed. Low in plant nutrients and only suited for a small number of specially adapted plants.

Health advice:

Do not fertilise, drain or plough to avoid carbon dioxide emission and disturbance to the hydrology and semi-natural habitat. Do not burn the surface vegetation and apply appropriate grazing levels.