The soils of Culbin forest, Morayshire: their evolution and morphology, with reference to their forestry potential

Abstract

A brief account of the environmental conditions within Culbin forest is provided as a background to tracing the evolution of the area since late Glacial time. Where possible, the events are placed in historical order and the development and morphological characteristics of the soils are discussed. With the exception of the humus podsols, which are developed on an old dune system, the soils lack profile development. However, since the establishment of a tree canopy, soil horizon development has been initiated and a weakly developed iron podsol has been extensively mapped. Otherwise, the soils are classified as regosols. with some low-lying soils assigned to a gleyic subgroup. The widespread occurrence of buried peat and alluvial horizons was noted during fieldwork, and mapping units that incorporate these important horizons have been separated. Investigation into the potential of each of the mapping units for forestry reveals that where buried horizons are present significant increases in yield class can be anticipated: elsewhere nitrogen and general nutrient deficiency have seriously affected tree growth, which is only mediocre in performance. However, recent work has shown that a dramatic increase in yield class can be brought about with the application of fertilizer.