Application of soil and interpretive maps to non-agricultural land use in the Netherlands

Abstract

The number of applications of soil maps and interpretive maps in the urban sector is gradually increasing in The Netherlands, especially in the western part of the country. This so-called “Randstad Holland” (Rim City Holland) is one of the most densely populated areas in the world. In this conurbation soils predominantly used for agriculture or horticulture in the past are increasingly being claimed for residential, industrial, transport and recreational purposes. Yet for human welfare it seems imperative that agricultural land use be maintained as far as possible since it provides green belts separating the urban and industrial areas. However, if land use is changed — the decision being usually determined by non-pedological factors such as geographical location — drastic soil improvement measures are usually needed to make the soils suitable for non-agricultural purposes. Interpretive maps indicating, for example, the nature and costs of these measures for the various soils, play an important part as is shown in a number of examples. In The Netherlands the preparation of such maps is being increasingly preceded by multidisciplinary studies by working parties.