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Alluvial Soils

Alluvial Soil profile
Imperfectly draining, fine-textured alluvial soil with weak horizon differentiation.

Characteristics of Alluvial Soils

  • Profile morphology varies according to the age of the alluvial deposit and activity of soil forming processes
  • Soil texture often varies both vertically and laterally
  • Wide soil textural range from gravel to silty clay
  • Variable drainage from free to very poor
  • Dark, organic stained surface horizons of variable thickness
  • Subsoil colour a direct result of drainage regime
  • Confined to principal river valleys and stream channels

Learning & Resources


Printed from /learning/exploringscotland/soils/alluvial on 28/03/24 10:56:07 PM

The James Hutton Research Institute is the result of the merger in April 2011 of MLURI and SCRI. This merger formed a new powerhouse for research into food, land use, and climate change.