Pedogenesis within the archaeological landscape at south lodge camp, Wiltshire, England

Abstract

The properties of soils associated with the Bronze Age site near the South Lodge of Rushmore Park, Wiltshire, are described. Three primary soil types are identified: rendzinas (Rendolls), argillic brown earths (Hapludalfs) and a brown calcareous earth (Eutrochrept). The mapped distribution of these soil types is related to the archaeological landscape. The argillic brown earths are limited in extent to the deeper soils of the positive (accumulating) lynchets of the field system, whereas rendzinas occupy the negative (eroding) lynchets and the remainder of the fields. The only occurrence of a brown calcareous earth is in a positive lynchet within the enclosure. From the distribution of soil types and analogies with the soils of other prehistoric field systems on the Chalk, it is concluded that the argillic brown earths have formed from a highly calcareous colluvial deposit since abandonment of the field system in the later Bronze Age. Further, the development of this soil type appears to be controlled by lateral throughflow of soil water combined with the re-establishment of a wooded landscape. Formation of the argillic brown earth at this site appears to be more recent than at any other site in southern England for which information has been published.