Eroded peat, with deep hagging, in the Monadhliath Mountains,Central Scotland Often referred to as peat deposits, organic soils represent accumulations of partly or completely decomposed plant residues formed under anaerobic conditions. Deposits at low elevations generally occur in distinct depressions (BASIN PEAT) and contrast with peat formed under cool, wet climatic conditions, which, in combination with high acidity and nutrient deficiency, depress microbiological activity. The latter deposits are known as climatic or blanket peat and are widespread in upland areas of Scotland.
Current land management practice does not consider extending areas of for cropping. However, in the past the suitability of these soils for arable cropping, when adequately drained, hinges on their sense of working and capacity to supply nitrogen whilst retaining water and nutrients. Continual cropping does result in significant shrinkage and the soil being subject to various physical and chemical limitations.
[1] In the semi-natural state, peat provides grazing of low quality but has no other agricultural value. Use for fuel or on land below about 400 metres for afforestation, is well documented. On upland sites, peat is of limited use outwith low quality grazing for sheep or deer.
Links:
[1] https://www.hutton.ac.uk/sites/default/files/images/explorescotland/es-organic-soil-distribution.jpg
[2] https://www.hutton.ac.uk/staff/allan-lilly
[3] https://www.hutton.ac.uk/learning/exploringscotland/introduction
[4] https://www.hutton.ac.uk/learning/exploringscotland/soils