Soil analysis
Planting success is influenced by the soil type and conditions.
Glorious Woodlands will match the suitable species to the type of soil to ensure the right tree is planted in the right conditions. We will plant common local species first and more specialised species will be planted later, thus gives more chance for trees surviving.
Soil is the main source of nutrients for crops, poor soils and rocky high ground limit the extent of planting. Soil supports plant growth in various ways and understanding soil health and maintenance is critical to crop productivity. Generally plants prefer soils that are close to neutral on the pH scale. However, crops vary and some crop yields are possible in acid and alkali soils. The Woodland Trust has further excellent information about this.
Glorious Woodlands will carry out a basic assessment of soils from vegetation indicators and landform or from sampling the site. Using the Ecological Site Classification System we will decide the choice of species suitable for your soil. In agricultural areas, soils tend to be highly modified whereas in urban areas soils may be altered or absent on brownfield sites or former mineral works. We work closely with the Forestry Commission.
Clay soil
Clay soil is heavy, high in nutrients, wet and cold in winter (making them easily compacted) but baked dry in summer (often noticeably cracking). Clay soils have over 25 percent clay. Also known as heavy soils, these are potentially fertile as they hold nutrients bound to the clay minerals in the soil. But they also hold a high proportion of water due to the capillary attraction of the tiny spaces between the numerous clay particles. They drain slowly and take longer to warm up in spring than sandy soils. Soil definition from RHS.
Sandy soil
Sandy soil is light, dry, warm, low in nutrients and often acidic. This is where there is a high proportion of sand and little clay. Often known as light soils, they drain quickly and are easy to cultivate. In spring, they warm up quicker than clay soils. Consequently, they dry out quickly and are low in nutrients. Soil definition from RHS.
Silt soil
Silt soil is fertile, light but moisture-retentive, and easily compacted.
Loams
Loams are a mixture of clay, sand and silt but avoid the extremes of each type. They are fertile, well-drained and easily worked. Depending on their predominant composition, they can be known as clay-loam or sandy-loam.
Peat soil
Peat soil is high in organic matter and moisture, usually very fertile and holds a lot of moisture.
Chalky soil
Chalky soil is very alkaline and may be light or heavy. Contain calcium carbonate or lime.
