Soil Survey Bulletin No. 37 ISBN 0-905442-67-9

SOILS OF CO. MEATH

by

T. F. Finch, M. J. Gardiner, A. Comey and T. Radford

National Soil Survey of Ireland

An Foras Taluntais

(THE AGRICULTURAL INSTITUTE)

Published by An Foras Taluntais, 19 Sandymount Avenue, Dublin 4V March 1983 MAJOR SOIL SURVEY PUBLICATIONS 1963-1981

Soils of West Cork, (part of Resource Survey) 1963-M. J. Conry, P. Ryan and J. Lee Soils of Co. Wexford, 1964*-M. J. Gardiner and P. Ryan Soils of Co. Limerick, 1966-T. F. Finch, P. Ryan Soils of Co. Carlow, 1967-M. J. Conry and P. Ryan Soils of West Donegal, (part of Resource Survey) 1969-M. Walsh, M. Ryan and S. van der Schaaf General Soil Map of Ireland, 1969* Soils of Co. Kildare, 1970-M. J. Conry, R. F. Hammond and T. O'Shea Soils of Co. Clare, 1971-T. F. Finch, E. Culleton and S. Diamond The Potential of Irish Land for Livestock Production 1972*—J. Lee and S. Diamond Soils of Co. Leitrim, (part of Resource Survey) 1973-M. Walsh Soils of Co. Westmeath, 1977-T. F. Finch and M. J. Gardiner Soil Association of Ireland and Their Land Use Potential, 1980-M. J. Gardiner and T. Radford The Peatlands of Ireland, 2nd edition, 1981 -R. F. Hammond

•Out of print. THE DROVER

To Meath of the pastures From the wet hills by the sea Through Leitrim and Longford Go my cattle and me Padraic Colum

Another thing I learned from my roadside chats was that the Meath men will not stock their land while the spring is raining. The soil is soft and the heavy cattle would cut it up too much. When a man pays from three pounds to five pounds per acre for land, he has to take many things into consideration. William Bulfin Rambles in Erin, 1907 PREFACE

This publication, Soil Survey Bulletin No. 37, presents the findings of the soil survey of County Meath. It is one of a series of county soil surveys being carried out by the National Soil Survey of An Foras Taluntais (The Agricultural Institute) for the purpose of pro­ viding basic information which can be used in optimum land-use planning. The field mapping was carried out at a scale of 1 : 10,560(6in. = 1 mile;9.5 cm = 1 km) but due to scale limitation the detail mapped on the field sheets is not shown on the published soil map. Copies of the field maps may be inspected in the Soil Survey Office at Johnstown Castle, Wexford. Messrs. T. F. Finch, T. Radford and A. Comey were mainly responsible for the systematic field work; M. J. Gardiner also participated in some of the initial field work. The systematic survey commenced in 1972. Mr. S. Diamond gave assistance and advice on soil correlation and Mr. R. F. Hammond on peat classification. Mr. M. Bulfin contributed the section on forestry suitability and was also responsible for photographs. Dr. G. A. Fleming and Mr. P. Parle wrote the chapter on trace elements and Dr. J. Lee, the chapter on grazing capacity. Dr. P. Ryan, Director, An Foras Taluntais gave the survey his enthusastic support. The bulletin was compiled by Messrs T. Finch, T. Radford, A. Comey and Dr. M. J. Gardiner and was edited by Dr. E. Cuileton. Typesetting and layout were carried out by John Dowling and the bulletin was printed by the Publications Department of An Foras Taluntais. Miss 0. Shudall of the Cartographic Section of the National Soil Survey at Johnstown Castle, Wexford was mainly responsible for the preparation of the coloured soil map and grazing capacity map. The various figures and plates were also prepared by the staff of this section. The analytical data were provided mainly by the laboratory staff of the Soil Survey Department (with assistance from the Soil Fertility and Chemistry Department) and the Plant Nutrition and Biochemistry Department. Assistance also came from a number of outside sources. In compiling the information on soil suitability, personnel in the local Agricultural Advisory Services gave valuable assistance. CUmatic data were abstracted from the Meteorological Service records. The colour printing of the maps was done by the Ordnance Survey which was also the source of base maps for the field mapping; the printed maps are based on the Ordnance Survey by permission of the Government. Grateful acknowledgement is made to all those contributors mentioned here and to others who helped in various ways.

M. J. Gardiner, National Soil Survey of Ireland, An Foras Taluntais, December, 1982. CONTENTS

Chapter Page

1 General Description of the Area 1 Location and extent 1 Topography 2 River systems 4 Climate 5

2 Geology of the County 9 Solid geology 9 Glacial geology 11

3 Soil Survey Method 13 The soil profile 13 Soil mapping 17

4 The Soils and Their Use-Range 19 Regosol Group 19 Lithosol Group 23 Brown Earth Group 23 Rendzina Group 29 Grey Brown Podzolic Group 29 Brown Podzolic Group 36 Podzol Group 39 Gley Group 40 Alluvial Soils 45 Mineral Soil Complexes 47 Peat Soils 57 Peat Complexes 60

5 Soil Suitability 61 Suitability for grassland and cultivation 62 Suitability for forestry 67

6 Quantitative Grazing Capacity of Soils 71

7 Trace Elements 79 APPENDIX

I Definition of Terms Used in Profile Descriptions and Analyses 87

II Profile Descriptions and Analyses 95

III Classification of County Meath Soils According to American System: Soil Taxonomy 143

LIST OF FIGURES

1 Geographical location and principal towns and villages 1 2 General topographic divisions 2 3 Catchment areas of principal rivers 5 4 Rainfall distribution 6 5 Solid geology 10 6 Glacial geology 11 7 Diagrammatic representation of hypothetical soil profiles 14 8 Relationship of different peat soils in Co. Meath within overall classification scheme 58 9 Molybdeniferous areas in Co. Meath 85 10 Chart showing the percentages of clay, silt and sand in texture classes 88

LIST OF TABLES

1 Average yearly and monthly rainfall, 1951 —1968 7 2 Estimates of mean daily maximum, minimum and air temperature 1931-1960 8 3 Classification of soils into Great Soil Groups and the relative extent of each group 20 4 Soils grouped according to parent materials 21 5 Soil grouped according to natural drainage status 22 6 Soil complexes and their extent 48 7 Soil suitability for grassland and cultivation 64 8 Soil suitability for forestry 68 9 Grazing livestock units in Co. Meath, 1958-1977 71 10 Composition of grazing livestock categories in Meath and Republic of Ireland 72 11 Grazing capacity of soils 74 12 Extent and definition of grazing capacity classes 76 13 Net grazing capacity 77 14 Livestock numbers (1977) and possible stocking estimates 77 15 Normal ranges of some trace elements in Irish soils 79 16 Trace elements—extractable contents 80 17 Trace elements—total contents 82 LIST OF MAPS

Soils of County Meath Grazing capacity of soil series CHAPTER 1

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE AREA

Location and Extent

County Meath is situated in the east midlands of Ireland between 53° 21' and 53° 55* north latitude and 6° 12' and 7° 20' west longtitude. It stretches from a 12 kilometer- long east coast strip between the Boyne and Delvin rivers as far inland as Lough Sheelin. Apart from the coastal strip it is bounded on the east by county Dublin, on the south by counties Kildare and Offaly, on the west by county Westmeath and on the north by counties Cavan, Monaghan and Louth (Fig. 1).

Fig. 1: Geographical location and principal towns and villages.

1 The county occupies an area of 579,425 acres; 234,490 hectares (land and water); total land area* is 575,593 acres; 232,939 hectares. The principal towns are Navan, Kells, Trim, Laytown, Bettystown, Ashbourne, Dunboyne, Duleek, Oldcastle and Athboy.

Topography

County Meath may be divided into the following topographic regions (Fig. 2):

Fig. 2: General topographic divisions.

Total land area is the figure used to calculate percentage occurrence of different soils.

2 1. Silurian shale hills and surrounding lowlands 2. Drumlin region 3. Limestone lowland with Namurian and Silurian shale hills 4. Limestone lowland with Carboniferous shale ("Calp") influence 5. Limestone lowland with dead ice features.

1. Silurian shale hills and surrounding lowlands: This region, which has a rather uniform pattern, consists of three different areas in Meath: (i) Slieve na Calliagh ridge; (ii) the east-west ridges north of the Boyne and (iii) the east-west ridges around Bellewstown. All these areas contain Brown Earths and Brown Podzolics soils which, under good manage­ ment, can be very productive. The slopes are negotiable by farm machinery, being no more than 10°, and only some small areas are too steep for easy cultivation. The hills and ridges seldom exceed 300 metres in height and for the most part, reach only 240 metres, while the surrounding lowlands are at an elevation of about 100 metres. In the valley bottoms there are areas of lesser slope where drainage is slower and poorly drained soils exist.

Plate 1: This topographic sequence of Lower Palaeozoic shale soils shows the Acid Brown Earths of the Kells series in the foreground, the Brown Podzolics of the Rathkenny series on the slopes and the Podzols of the Slievebeg series on the hill crests.

3 2. Drumlin region: This region lies north of the line from Moynalty to Castletown, Lobinstown and northeast to the county boundary. While this landscape has slopes similar to Region 1, elevations range from 61 metres in the limestone corridor of the River Dee, to around 244 metres at Teevurcher. The soils range from poorly drained around Teevurcher and to the east of Kingscourt, to well drained in the Dee valley. This region can be further subdivided into the shale drumlins and the limestone drumlins. The shale drumlins are covered with dominantly impermeable, poorly drained soils and the limestone drumlins with dominantly moderately well to well-drained soils. The interdrumlin areas are normally occupied by peat.

3. Limestone lowlands with Namurian and Silurian shale hills: This region, which was affected by till of Irish Sea provenance, runs north from Kilcock to the east of the Boyne through Summerhill, the Hill of Tara and Skreen Hill as far as Donore. It also includes the hilly east-Meath region near Ardcath. On the lowlands the soils are deep Grey Brown Podzolics with Gleys in the flatter areas. On the more hilly areas the dominant soils are also Grey Brown Podzolics derived from calcareous till. Where the till is thin or absent Brown Earths are found except where seepage or heavy texture cause gleying.

4. Limestone lowlands with Carboniferous shale ("Calp") influence; This shale influence may be due to shales within the limestone, since the "Calp" formation occurs extensively in Meath. This is a Carboniferous limestone with extensive amounts of interbedded shales or a highly calcareous shale lithology. The shale influence may also be due to carry over, due to glaciation, of shales from further north-west. It may also be due to glacial reworking of older drifts from which the limestone has been dissolved out. In this topographic region the soils are dominantly Grey Brown Podzolics (mainly Rathowen Series) around Athboy, Trim and Navan, with Gleys (mainly Street Series) in the lowlying positions. Within this region there are areas of dead ice features but in general, it is undulating to rolling lowland with Grey Brown Podzolic soils predominating.

5. Limestone lowland with dead ice features: This lowland, with its kame and kettle topography and its ensuing soil complexes, is found in both the southwest and in the northwest of the county. In the southwest it occurs around Castlejordan, Longwood, Enfield, Summerhill and right across to the north and west of Grange Research Station. In the northwest it occurs around Oldcastle. It has many dead ice features such as kames kettles and eskers, with occasional larger hills of fluvioglacial materials. The soils formed in this area are generally somewhat shallow and complex. On the eskers, the Baggotstown Crush complex is found, while on the kame and kettle topography a number of other complexes occur such as Patrickswell/Baggotstown/Elton,Patrickswell/ Ladestown, Patrickswell/Howardstown. In the areas without complexes, a Grey Brown Podzolic soil (Patrickswell Series) occurs widely.

River Systems

With the exception of the narrow area north west of Slieve na Callaigh, which drains into

4 the Inny and from there to the Shannon, the rivers of the county drain towards the Irish Sea (Fig. 3). From north to south, the rivers are the Dee, Boyne and Nanny. The Boyne is the most important and its tributaries,the two Blackwaters,Tremblestown and Stonyford, are as large as the other main rivers and drain part of county Westmeath as well as Meath and north Kildare.

Fig. 3: Catchment areas of principal rivers.

Climate

Ireland has a typical oceanic climate, with relatively mild, moist winters and cool cloudy summers. The maritime climate is associated with the Gulf Stream which helps to moderate temperatures during the year. The prevailing winds are south westerly to north westerly. The average humidity is high. Average annual precipitation is highest on the west coast and in inland areas of high relief. The minimum precipitation is found on the east coast between Drogheda and Dublin (Fig. 4). Information presented on the climate of Meath in Tables 1 and 2 is based on the records of the Meterological Office.

5 Fig. 4: Rainfall distribution on an average annual basis.

Rainfall The average annual rainfall figures for Meath (1951-1968) are given in Table 1. There is a dryer coastal fringe with rainfall increasing gradually towards the northwest; Julianstown near the coast, has an average yearly rainfall of 781 mm and Oldcastle has an average yearly rainfall of 1,003 mm. Monthly averages show that the rainfall rises to a maximum in December and falls to a minimum in February and March with a secondary minimum in November which is nowhere as low as the spring minimum (Table 1). Only one station in the county, Warrenstown Agricultural College, records temperature (mean daily minimum and maximum). Figures for Dublin Airport have been included in Table 2 to give comparative figures which show coastal effects. The date of the last air frost at Kells and Warrenstown (1944-1968) was May 6 in each case, while the first air frost at Kells was October 24 and at Warrenstown was October 25 (on the flat areas or in topographic hollows the frost-free period is far shorter). A relatively frost-free area occurs along the coast at Gormanstown, Lay town and Bettystown. This area has a favourable number of days above 6°C, i.e. days on which growth can take place, and early crops for the Dublin market are produced. Further inland, including the Athboy, Trim and Ballivor areas, although accumulated annual degree days are high, there are severe winter and spring frosts.

6 TABLE 1: Average yearly and mor ithly rainfall (mm) inCo.Meath, 1951 -1968

Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May June July Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec. Total

Athboy 88.3 54.3 61.2 58.3 69.7 70.6 65.4 84.5 89.0 94.6 74.8 105.3 932.7 Ballivor 80.5 50.5 58.7 53.0 64.9 64.7 65.0 81.0 85.3 90.4 78.8 91.3 863.3 Dunboyne 73.9 48.1 53.5 49.6 65.8 61.6 66.0 92.2 84.9 83.4 76.7 90.2 840.7

Dunshaughlin 77.8 48.0 58.2 52.8 65.3 64.3 52.9 85.2 89.5 84.9 81.2 100.0 883.5

J Enfield 72.7 50.3 56.5 49.8 63.9 63.6 72.6 82.7 84.0 83.2 78.8 91.6 848.2 Julianstown 64.6 51.2 50.3 43.9 61.0 61.6 60.8 76.4 77.3 77.5 74.3 84.5 781.3

KeUs 84.9 57.6 63.6 58.7 65.5 69.5 72.9 86.3 88.8 91.8 78.1 97.1 925.9

Navan 77.6 52.3 54.1 53.1 60.8 69.7 71.8 84.9 85.1 89.3 73.6 94.8 867.3

Nobber 85.4 52.9 59.5 56.7 60.0 61.5 70.2 88.1 91.2 94.9 81.7 94.2 898.4 Old castle 97.5 65.9 64.0 61.8 64.0 71.9 89.5 88.1 87.2 92.2 86.8 121.6 1,002.8

Slane 76.4 56.4 55.2 54.3 59.8 66.0 100.9 83.7 84.9 89.6 76.4 92.9 857.6 TABLE 2: Estimates of mean daily maximum, minimum and Air temperature (1931—1960)

Dublin Airport 53° 26' N 6° 15'W Warrenstown 53° 31' N 6° 37'W

Daily Daily Mean Air Daily Daily Mean Air maximum minimum temperature maximum minimum temperature °C °C °C °C °C °C

January 7.5 1.9 4.7 6.8 0.8 3.8 February 7.8 2.3 5.1 7.5 1.3 4.4 March 9.4 3.3 6.4 8.8 2.5 6.2 April 11.7 4.6 8.2 12.3 3.8 8.1 May 14.2 6.9 10.6 15.3 6.0 10.7 June 17.5 9.7 13.6 18.1 9.0 13.6 July 18.8 11.4 15.1 18.9 10.6 14.8 August 18.7 11.2 15.0 18.9 10.4 14.7 September 16.6 9.7 13.2 16.6 8.9 12.8 October 13.4 7.2 10.3 13.3 6.0 9.7 November 10.2 4.6 7.4 9.9 3.2 6.6 December 8.4 3.2 5.8 7.8 2.0 4.9 Year 12.9 6.3 9.6 12.9 5.4 9.2

8 CHAPTER 2 GEOLOGY OF THE COUNTY

Solid Geology

Almost all the solid geological formation of Meath are of Palaeozoic age. The dominant rock types are (1) Ordovician and Silurian formations; (2) Upper Carboniferous shale; (3) Carboniferous limestone (Fig. 5).

(I) Ordovician and Silurian These rocks consist of shale, siltstone and fine sandstone. They form the northern edge of the Balbriggan Massif which stretches from Naul to Duleek and eastward to the coast at Laytown. These rocks also occur north of the Boyne from Slane to Kilberry, Rathkenny, Johnstown and to the Louth border. Both of these areas are similar in having east-west ridges and occasional exposures of volcanics, as at Stackallen and at Bellewstown. A third area of occurrence is in the northern part of the county, extending from the Louth border through Drumcondra, Nobber, Moynalty, Kells, Crossakeel and Slieve na Calliagh to the Cavan border.

(2) Upper Carboniferous shale (Namurian and Coal Measures) The Namurian or Upper Carboniferous shales form a number of well-known subdued hills in the county, notably Tara and Slane, as well as hills in the vicinity of Donore- Redmountain, Yellow Furze, Summerhill and north of Navan. These shales tend to be high in molybdenum and selenium and can therefore give rise to trace element toxicities. A small belt of Coal Measure shales occurs between Nobber and Kingscourt.

(3) Carboniferous limestone Most of the Carboniferous limestone consists of impure argillaceous limestone or shale (called Calp in the older Geological Survey memoirs). The limestone is purer in certain areas, especially (a) the Ballivor/Summerhill/Enfield region, (b) the Ashbourne/Dun- shaughlin/Dunboyne region, (c) the Castletown to Drumcondrath region, and (d) a region stretching from Lough Sheelin through Oldcastle to Slieve na Calliagh.

9 Fig. 5: Solid geology.

(4) Other rock formations Minor occurrences of four other rock types, chert, Carboniferous sandstone, Triassic rocks and basaltic lava are found in the county. On either side of Lough Bane on the borders with Westmeath deposits of chert stand out as hills because of their resistance to erosion. A deposit of Upper Carboniferous sandstone is located from south of Kingscourt almost to Nobber. The high content of haematite gives these rocks and the small occur­ rence of Triassic rocks, mainly sandstone, immediately to the north, a distinctive red colour. Two exposures of basaltic lavas are found in the county, one to the north of Nobber, the other to the west of Slane. Both the lavas and the volcanic outcrops in the Palaeozoic shales exert only a very localized influence on the soils of the county.

10 Glacial Geology

Like most of the eastern coastal region of Ireland, county Meath was subjected to ice movements from both east and west. During the Midlandian glacial period separate ice sheets occupied both the Irish Sea and Midland areas of Ireland. At various times the Irish Sea glacier moved inland whilst the inland ice moved off the land thus leaving a complicated pattern of glacial till and fluvioglacial gravels and sands (Fig. 6).

Fig. 6: Glacial geology.

According to McCabe (1973) the surface deposits in eastern Meath were laid down by ice of Midlandian age of Irish Sea provenance. Later inland ice laid down the Galtrim Moraine (Synge 1950). Where it crosses the Boyne, the Galtrim Moraine shows a series of eskers, most of which end at the moraine. Several of these eskers occur in the

11 neighbourhood of Trim, whilst one crosses the moraine and another extends up the Skane Valley towards Drumree. McCabe (1973) believes that there was a withdrawal of the inland ice to the Boyne and that during this stage the Sheephouse and Proudfortstown moraines were formed. This was followed by a further withdrawal and then a readvance resulting in the Dunany Moraine, formerly named the Drumlin Moraine by Synge (1970). This moraine extends across Meath from south of Drumcondra, Nobber, Moynalty and Slieve na Calliagh. Drumlins occur north of this moraine (Fig. 2). The Ben Head moraine extends inland along the approximate line of the Nanny River, (which was the old course of the River Boyne when it was blocked by ice during the retreat) until it reaches the Galtrim Moraine. It is traceable as kames and kettle features near Summerhill and Longwood. The Drumlin Readvance Moraine is characterised by a complex soil pattern because of its kame and kettle topography. According to McCabe (1973), the Irish Sea ice advanced inland as far as Slane. Flints from Co. Antrim or the Irish Sea have been found as far west as Summerhill, a distance inland of some 38 kilo­ meters. West of a line joining Slane, Navan and Summerhill, the drifts were laid down by ice from the Midlands or north Midlands. This drift cover is interrupted by occasional ex­ posed reef knolls of the Carboniferous. The drifts in the west of the county differ some­ what in composition. One is 75% limestone with shale and sandstone, another is 50% shale with limestone and sandstone and a third is 35% chert with shale and sandstone. In contrast the drifts in the east of the county are all silty, somewhat compact and im­ perfectly or poorly drained. Synge has suggested, that possibly the Irish Sea ice overran this area and then inland ice reworked the original till. However, it may be possible that differences in this till are. associated with the western edge of the Namurian shale or of the early Palaeozoic shale.

REFERENCES McCabe, A. M. 1973. The glacial stratigraphy of eastern counties Meath and Louth. Proc. R. Ir. Acad. 73B: 355-382. Synge, F. M. 1950. The glacial deposits around Trim, Co. Meath.Proc. R. Ir. Acad. 53B: 99-110. Synge, F. M. 1970. The Irish Quaternary: current views 1969, in Irish Geographical Studies, eds. N. Stephens and R. E. Glasscock, The Queens University, Belfast, 34-48.

12 CHAPTER 3

SOIL SURVEY METHOD

Soil survey and classification require detailed descriptions of the various layers of soil which are exposed in any vertical section. The criteria used for differentiating between such layers and the reasons for their occurrence, together with details of the soil survey method, are summarised here.

The Soil Profile

The soil profile refers to a vertical section of the soil down to and including the geological parent material. The nature of the profile is important in many aspects of plant growth including root development, moisture storage and nutrient supply. The profile is, there­ fore, the basic unit of study in assessing the true character of a soil. It usually displays a succession of layers that may differ in properties* such as colour, texture, structure, consistence, porosity, chemical constitution, organic matter content and biological composition. These layers, known as soil horizons, occur approximately parallel to the land surface.

Soil Horizons Most soil profiles include three main horizons that are usually identified by the letters A, B, C (Fig. 7). The combined A and B horizons constitute the so-called solum or true soil' whilst C refers to the parent material beneath. Certain soils lack a B horizon and are said to have AC profiles. In some soils also, organic layers (0 horizons) overlie the mineral horizons. Some soils may have a relatively uniform profile with A and C horizons whilst others are so complex that they possess not only A, B and C horizons but also several sub- horizons. Where horizons need to be sub-divided on the basis of significant differences, the sub-horizons are identified by the horizon designation plus a suffix number thus: Al, A2, A3, Bl, B2. etc. The various horizons in a soil and their character reflect the processes of soil formation that have been operative and they present a picture of the true nature and salient characteristics of a soil which are important in its use and management. The A Horizon: This horizon is the uppermost layer in mineral soils and corresponds

*See Appendix I.

13 Brown Earth Grey Brown Podzolic Podzol

Fig. 7: Diagrammatic representation of hypothetical soil profiles showing hoizo sequences. closely with the so-called 'surface-soil.' It is that part of the soil in which living matter, e.g., plant roots, bacteria, fungi, earthworms, and small animals, is most abundant, and in which organic matter is usually most plentiful. Being closest to the surface, this horizon is the first to be reached by rainfall and is, therefore, more leached than underlying horizons. The A horizons in most Irish soils have been depleted of soluble chemical substances and in certain cases, also, of some of their very fine clay particles. Where the soils have been strongly leached they may be depleted of iron and aluminium oxides and of other constituents besides. Two sub-divisions of the A horizon are commonly made, namely, Al and A2. Either the Al or both may be represented in a profile. The Al is a surface mineral horizon that usually contains a higher proportion of organic matter in­ corporated with the mineral matter than any of the underlying horizons. In cultivated soils this horizon corresponds to the plough layer and may be designated Ap. The A2 is a comparatively light-coloured horizon and frequently has a bleached appearance. The A2 always refers to the horizon which has undergone the greatest degree of leaching. This is

14 Plate 2: Trim Castle, dating to about 1200 A.D., is situated close to the river Boyne and is surrounded by soils of the Rathowen series.

reflected in the lighter colour, mostly the result of a partial removal of colouring con­ stituents, principally iron. The A3 signifies a transition zone between the A and B horizon. Jhe B Horizon: This horizon lies immediately beneath the A and corresponds closely to the so-called 'sub-soil.' Lying between the A and C horizons, it possesses some of the properties of both. Living organisms are fewer than in the A but more abundant than in the C horizons. Compared with the A horizon, the B horizon is one of accumulation and usually has a relatively high content of iron and aluminium oxides, humus or clay that, in part at least, have been leached from the overlying horizons. Usually a more pronounced blocky or prismatic structure is found where this horizon is clay-enriched. Stronger colours are apparent in the B horizon especially when the accumulation products are iron oxides or humus, or both. Depending on the degree and pattern of accumulation of constituents within the B horizon, several divisions of the horizon, e.g., Bl, B22, B3, may be warranted, B2 representing the zone of most intense accumulation. Besides, symbols such as B2t, B2ir and B2hare used to denote significant accumulations of clay, iron and humus respectively. Bl and B3 denote transitional horizons from A to B and from B to C horizons, respec­ tively. If the B horizon is without any appreciable accumulation of leached products but has distinctive colour or structure characteristics it is usually referred to as (B) horizon. The C horizon: This horizon refers to the geological material beneath the A and B horizons (solum). It consists of the upper part of the loose and partly decayed rock or other geological material, such as glacial drift, similar to that from which the soil has

15 developed. It may have accumulated locally by the breakdown of the native rock or it may have been transported by ice, water or wind. The C horizon is less weathered, has less organic matter and is usually lighter in colour than overlying horizons. The O horizon: This horizon refers to a surface layer of raw or partly decomposed organic matter more usually associated with very poorly drained or very degraded (podzolised) mineral soils. Where little or no decomposition has taken place the symbol 01 is used; 02 denotes more advanced decomposition. The organic matter content of 0 horizons is commonly several times greater than that of the underlying mineral horizons or of surface A horizons. During the survey of any area, profiles typical of each soil are selected for special study. Fresh pits are opened for this purpose. The depth of pit varies according to soil depth but in Co. Meath is usually about one metre. Each profile is thoroughly examined and described and a record made of its salient characteristics. A soil profile is described by first noting certain features of the soil's environment, followed by details of its general characteristics. The characteristics which apply to the site include relief, slope, aspect, altitude and vegetation. Drainage conditions and the pattern of horizon development within the profile are considered next and, finally properties of the individual soil horizons such as texture, structure, consistence, colour,

Plate 3: Soil section being examined during field work in the county.

16 mottling, amounts of organic matter, stoniness, presence of hard-pans and root develop­ ment are described (see Appendix I). A bulk sample from each soil horizon is analysed physically and chemically at the Soil Laboratory. The analytical data supplement many of the field observations and provide a more complete picture of the true soil character. The results of these analyses for representative profiles of each soil series are given in Appendix II.

Soil Mapping

The character of every soil can be attributed largely to the interaction of five major factors of soil formation: parent material, climate, living organisms, topography and time. These factors control the rate of weathering of rocks, the constitution and composition of the resultant soils and subsequent gains, losses and alterations within the profile. The relative influence of these factors is responsible for many of the differences in our soils. A sixth factor influencing many non-virgin soils is man's interference with the natural development processes and his modification of the soils for his own particular purposes. None of the five factors of soil formation is universally uniform. There are many kinds of rocks, many types of climate, many combinations of living organisms, great variation in topography and in age of different land surfaces. As a result, there are in­ numerable combinations of the factors of soil formation giving many different soils. Although it is true that great variability exists, the distribution of soils is not so haphazard as might be expected. Each soil reflects the environment in which it has formed, occupies a definite geographic area and occurs in certain patterns with other soils. By recognising the main factors of soil formation and by distinguishing the reflected characteristics in the soils themselves, we can segregate geographic soil units. Thus similarities and differences among soils can be recognised and the various soils can be classified and their distribution mapped.

Soil Series The primary category used in mapping is the soil series, which comprises soils with similar type and arrangement of horizons, and developed from similar parent material. The soil series is also a basic category in soil classification. A major problem in mapping soils is the delineation of boundaries between different series. Typical profiles of two different soil series may differ widely but, where the series are contiguous, it is usual for them to merge, sometimes over a considerable distance. Consequently, a line on the map very often defines the merging zone between soils rather than a sharp change in the soil character. A series is named usually after the location in which the particular soils are best expressed or occur most widely.

Soils Variants Variants are separate soil series that are too small in extent to be shown at certain scales of mapping. A soil which is recognised and defined as a variant in one survey area, how­ ever, may be designated as a separate series later in another area, depending on its extent.

17 Other Soil Units Soils within a series may be further sub-divided into soil types on the basis of surface textural differences. Different soil phases may also be mapped covering variations in features such as slope, depth or stoniness, that are important in soil behaviour and land- use. Several such phases have been segregated in Co. Meath.

Scale of Mapping Field mapping is carried out on a scale of 6 inches to 1 mile (1:10,560), but this detail is reduced to a scale of xk inch to 1 mile (1:126,720) for publication. Since one 6-inch sheet covers an area of 24 square miles, to publish on this scale would necessitate, in the case of Co. Meath, at least 53 individual map sheets. Considerations such as the cost of colour printing, ease of handling and general use of the map, warrant reduction to the smaller scale. This reduction, however, introduced certain difficulties. It has been found necessary to consolidate and, in some cases, delete some of the least extensive soil separations shown in the larger scale. On a scale of 1:126,720 it is possible to show a minimum area of 25 acres. This means that any uniformly coloured area on the published map may include enclaves of less than 25 acres. Where soil series are recognised but where their distribution pattern with contiguous series is so intricate as to defy clear-cut delineation on the map a soil complex is mapped. The component series within the complex are named and, where possible, their relative proportions are given. To accommodate those who are interested in more detail for special purposes, the field sheets (at a scale of 1:10,560) showing the entire field survey records are being retained for consultation at the National Soil Survey headquarters, Johnstown Castle, Wexford.

IS CHAPTER 4

THE SOILS AND THEIR USE-RANGE

Twenty seven soil series have been mapped in Co. Meath. The different series have been given geographic names based on the location in which particular soils are best exemplified or are most widely found. Frequently the series name occurred in a previously surveyed county, e.g., Elton series occurs in Elton in south-east Limerick and is named after the area where it was typically developed. Fifteen soil complexes, seven phases and eight soil variants have also been recognised and described, the phases and variants are included within the series to which they are related. Soils can be classified on a broad scale into great soil groups, each of which consists of a collection of closely related soil series. Each great soil group consists of soils sharing one or more distinguishing features in common. A certain latitude in profile variation is permissable at this level of classification, but there is an overall similarity of quite a high order. The great soil group is not confined to one particular geological parent material since soils are classified on the basis of profile characteristics. The descriptions of soil series mapped in Co. Meath are arranged according to great soil groups in the following pages: soils derived from alluvial deposits, complexes and variants are treated separately. Table 3 shows the soil series grouped into great soil groups. The main soil parent materials occurring within the county and the different series separated on them are shown in Table 4 while Table 5 shows the soils grouped according to their drainage status.

Regosol Group

This group comprises mineral soils which show no distinct horizon development and are therefore considered immature. The soils occur mostly in lowlying flat areas along river courses and at river estuaries, but they are also found on young deposits such as aeolian (windblown) sands. Depending on the source of the deposits i.e. whether alkaline or acid materials, such soils may vary in nutrient status and also in physical and drainage characteristics.

\9 TABLE 3: Classification of soils into Great Soil Groups and the relative extent of each group in Co. Meath

Great Soil Group Series and Phases % of total area

Regosol Seafield 0.05

Lithosol Knockeyon 0.13

Brown Earth Baggotstown 0.07 Ballincurra 0.01 Derk Shaley Phase 0.10 Kells 11.81 Ladestown 0.49

Rendzina Burren 0.09 Crush*

Grey Brown Podzolic Dunboyne 10.29 Dunboyne Gravelly Phase 0.11 Dunboyne Shaley Phase 3.35 Elton 0.62 Mortarstown 0.15 Patrickswell 7.12 Patrickswell Lithic Phase 0.08 Rathowen 13.90 Rathowen Cherty Phase 0.04

Brown Podzolic Rathkenny 0.35

Rathkenny Moderately Steep Phase 0.27

Podzol Slievebeag 0.02

Gley Ashbourne 17.34 Ashbourne Shaley Phase 0.12 Ballyshear 0.04 Camoge 1.15 Drombanny 0.14 Dunsany 0.10 Feale 0.64 Howardstown 0.23 Mylerstown 0.18 Street 8.72 Peat Allen 0.81 Gortnamona 1.64 Pollard stown 0.03 Banagher 1.49

Total 81.68

•Shown only as part of a soil complex

20 TABLE 4: Soils of Co. Meath grouped according to parent materials

Soils Parent materials

Elton, Patrickswell, Patrickswell Lithic Phase, Mortarstown, Howard stown, Ballincurra, Till of dominantly limestone composition Ballyshear

Rathowen, Street, Mylerstown Till of limestone and shale composition

Rathowen Cherty Phase Till of limestone, shale and chert composition Ashbourne, Ashbourne Shaley Phase, Dunboyne, Dunboyne Gravelly Phase and Till of Irish Sea provenance with limestone and Shaley Phase shale

Baggotstown Fluvioglacial deposits of dominantly limestone composition

Ladestown Fluvioglacial deposits of dominantly shale, limestone and chert composition

Kells, Rathkenny, Rathkenny Moderately Till of dominantly shale composition Steep Phase, Slievebeag

Glane Complex Namurian shale bedrock and till

Burren Limestone bedrock

Knockeyon Carboniferous chert bedrock

Derk Shaley Phase Till of predominantly basalt composition with some shale and limestone

Dunsany River or lake alluvium derived from limestone and shale

Drombanny Marl and calcareous lake deposits

Feale Alluvium derived mostly from shale

Camoge Alluvium derived from dominantly limestone till

Seafield Coarse blown sands

Boyne alluvium complex Alluvium derived from limestone and shale

Allen, Gortnamona, Pollardstown, Banagher Peat soils

Clonsast, Turbary Peat soils

21 TABLE 5: Soils of Co. Meath grouped according to natural drainage status

Soil series Conditioning factors Natural drainage class

Baggotstown, Ladestown, Slievebeag, Seafield Coarse texture leading to rapid internal drainage Excessively drained

Ballinacurra, Burren, Derk Shaley Phase, Rapid runoff and/or permeability, bedrock at Excessively drained Patrickswell Lithic Phase, Knockeyon, 45 cm Rathkenny Moderately Steep Phase

Elton, Mortarstown, Patrickswell, Dunboyne Moderate permeability, deep water-table, Well drained Gravelly Phase, Rathowen Cherty Phase moisture retention in Bt horizon

Kells, Rathkenny Moderate permeability, deep water-table Well drained

Rathowen, Dunboyne, Dunboyne Shaley Silty texture, deep water-table Moderately well drained Phase

Ashbourne and Shaley Phase Heavy texture, slow permeability, high Imperfectly to poorly drained water-table

Street, Howardstown, Feale, Ballyshear, Heavy texture, poor permeability, seasonal Poorly drained Mylerstown, Camoge high water-table

Drombanny, Dunsany Heavy texture, poor permeability, high Poorly drained water-table

Soil complexes Variable

Allen, Gortnamona, Pollardstown, Banagher Unclassified Seafield Series This series occupies 0.05%* (264 ac; 107 ha) of the county and occurs on the coastline between Bettystown and Drogheda on stabilised sand dunes. Altitudes are below 50 feet O.D. (15 m) while topography usually consists of rolling sand dunes. The soils are grey in colour, excessively drained due to the sandy textures, and contain free calcium carbonates throughout the profile. Soil suitability: These soils have a very limited use range due to their sandy texture, the prevalence of strong salt-laden winds and the high concentrations of free calcium carbonate, even in the surface horizons. They are best used for amenity.

Lithosol Group

This group consists of skeletal, stony soils, often of an organic nature, overlying, in most cases, solid or shattered bedrock. Generally, such areas have frequent rock outcrops. Lithosols are usually associated with podzols and climatic peats at higher elevations. Their use-range is limited mainly to rough grazing but forestry may be practicable in places.

Knockeyon Series This soil covers 0.13% (741 ac; 300 ha) of the county. It is found only on the crests of the cherty limestone hills (so that although its occurrence is frequent its extent is limited). Frequently the areas are too small to be shown on the soil map. The soil is usually less than 25 cm in depth and consists of an organic silt loam over­ lying rock which may be shattered in places. Structure is excellent and root development is very good. pH values are low. Soil suitability: This series has a very limited use-range, being only suitable for pasture and even then is handicapped by drought at times due to the shallowness of the soil. Local experience indicates cobalt and copper deficiency in the soil and care must be taken to supplement the animal diet with these elements.

Knockeyon Series-Slightly Peaty Podzol Variant This variant is closely associated on the landscape with the Knockeyon series. It is generally located downslope from the main series. The parent material consists of hill wash from chert hillslopes with limestone and shale admixed. This soil is classified as a Slightly Peaty Podzol with the Al horizon having 11.4% organic carbon and an iron pan occurring at a depth of 28 cm. Soil suitability: Because of its position close to hill crests this variant has a comparatively limited use range. Brown Earth Group

The Brown Earths are relatively mature, well-drained, mineral soils possessing a rather uniform profile, with little differentiation into horizons. Since they have not been exten­ sively leached or degraded there is no evidence in the profile of removal and deposition

•Figures in the text are rounded off to two decimal places.

23 of materials such as iron oxides, humus or clay. However, in many cases, some leaching has occurred, resulting in the translocation of soluble constituents, notably carbonates of calcium and magnesium. Some Brown Earths are derived from parent materials poor in lime or other base-rich components, and are, therefore, inherently acid; these are called acid Brown Earths or Brown Earths of low base status. Others have developed on more lime-rich parent materials, are less acid or may even be alkaline, and are distinguished as Brown Earths of high base status. An intermediate sub-group classified as Brown Earths of medium base status can also be distinguished. These, and the Brown Earths of low base status, can also develop on lime-rich parent materials under conditions conducive to excessive depletion of bases. Brown Earths normally possess medium textures (sandy loam, loam, sandy clay loam), desirable structure and drainage characteristics, and a high degree of friability. They are generally good arable soils. Although normally of rather low nutrient status in their natural state they respond well to manurial amendments. With good management, they can support high quality grassland and are also ideally suitable for a wide range of forest tree species.

Plate 4: Slane Castle is situated on the Boyne terraces and marks the approximate meeting points of the Dunboyne, Rathowen, Kells and Street series.

24 Baggotstown Series This series occurs in many small units, mostly in the west and southwest, and occupies 0.07% (417 ac; 169 ha) of the county. The parent material consists of fluvioglacial sands and gravels of the Midlandian glaciation, of predominantly limestone composition with various amounts of shale and sandstone. The series is associated with dead ice features such as kames and eskers. On the kames, Baggotstown is found on the crest and steeper sides and on the eskers it is found to be the dominant member of the Baggotstown- Crush complex. Elevation is less than 400 feet (122 m), with slopes ranging from 0° to 15°. These soils are somewhat shallow Brown Earths and of high base status. Textures are characteristically gravelly loams with some sandy loams on the surface, becoming more gravelly sandy loam to loamy sand in the C horizon. pH ranges from 6.4 in the Al to 7.7 in the C horizon. This series is also closely associated on the landscape with the Patricks- well series where it is found to a small extent on the crests of kames and knolls throughout the series. It also appears as a member of two soil complexes. Soil suitability: These soils have a moderately wide use range and are limited only by slope, shallowness and the attendant drought risk. They are easily cultivated and with­ stand continuous tillage well. Due to good soil structure, Baggotstown series can be grazed early and late in the grazing season without any risks of poaching.

Baggotstown Series - Deep Variant This variant occurs only in a complex with Baggotstown, Patrickswell and Elton. It is found on the kame and kettle topography of the southwest and around Bohermeen west of Navan. This deep variant is normally found downslope from the Baggotstown series and above the Patrickswell series. It is found over gravels and sands of limestone, cal­ careous shale and shale composition. The slopes are usually around 5° but may vary from 3 to 8°. The variant (like the series) is a Brown Earth of high base status with a depth of 65—85 cm. The textures are typically gravelly loam in the surface to gravelly sandy loam in the B horizon. The pH level ranges from 6.4 in the A2 horizon to 7.0 in the B horizon. The structure in the Al 1 is weak fine crumb to subangular blocky and in the base of the B horizon it becomes single grain. The rooting system is well developed in this excessively well drained soil. Soil suitability: The use range of this soil is wide. Because of its greater depth it is not as prone to drought as the main series and is well suited to tillage and grassland crops.

Ballincurra Series This series occupies a very small area in Meath, 0.01% (42 ac; 17 ha) and is best ex­ pressed near Bohermeen. It is associated with limestone knolls and is developed from limestone till with some shale and sandstone influence. The topography varies from level to relatively steep. The texture in the A horizon is clay loam and becomes clay loam to loam in the B horizon. The pH ranges from 6.7 in the surface horizon to a high 7.6 in the B horizon. In places the pH may be lower with a maximum of 6.1 in the B horizon. Soil depth is shallow, depth to bedrock seldom exceeding 40 cm. In places, the soil occurs in pockets

25 in the limestone rock. The organic carbon level is high at 6.6% in the surface, decreasing to 2.5% in the B horizon. Soil suitability: This soil has a limited use range. Its shallowness and frequent rock exposures preclude tillage except on a very limited scale. Excessive drainage in places may limit production in dry spells but pastures can be grazed over a long season with little danger of poaching.

Derk Series - Shaley Phase This soil covers only a small area on Carrickdexter Hill to the west of Slane and occupies only 0.10% (571 ac; 231 ha) of the county. The parent material is chiefly till of pre­ dominantly basalt composition with some limestone, shale and felsite. The topography consists mainly of gentle hillslopes. There are frequent small exposures of rock. Com­ pared to the Derk Series (Co. Clare) there is a yellowish-brown B horizon and the C horizon is more acidic. These differences are probably due to the higher shale content in the parent material in Meath. This phase is a well drained Brown Earth of loam texture. The clay content falls from 24% in the Al to 14% in the C horizon, while the silt remains at approximately 43% throughout; this amount of silt arises from the high shale content. The structure is relatively good, being crumb of moderate strength down to 30 cm and becoming sub- angular blocky structure in the B. The pH is low, being about 5.5 in the topsoil and increasing to 5.9 in the C horizon. Soil suitability: This soil has a moderately wide use range. It may be limited in places due to the presence of rock outcrop but is excellent for grass production and can be utilised fully over a long grazing .season.

Plate 5: Shallow basaltic soils (Derk Lithosol Variant) with outcropping rock are found on Carrickdexter Hill to the west of Slane. The Derk Shaley Phase occupies the lower rock-free slopes.

26 Derk Series - Lithosol Variant This variant occurs on the higher landscape within the area mapped as Derk Shaley Phase to the west of Slane. Its extent is very small and it does not appear on soil map due to the scale of mapping employed. It also occurs to a small extent south of Kingscourt and north of Nobber. The parent material is basalt rock which outcrops frequently. The topography is slightly hilly and slopes may be as steep as 12°, but are usually 5°. Because of its very shallow depth over bedrock, this soil is classified as a Lithosol. The texture is gravelly, slightly peaty clay loam. Soil suitability: This soil is severely limited in its use range due mainly to shallowness and frequent rock outcrops. It is best suited to extensive grazing.

Kells Series This series occupies 11.81% (68,063 ac; 27,544 ha) of the county, and occurs in two main locations. The largest area is in the northwest and is broadly enclosed in a triangle from south-east of Oldcastle, southeast of Kells and north of Moynalty. The second area is in the northeast, stretching from Kilberry through Rathkenny and Lobinstown. Smaller areas occur on the tops of the shale ridges in the Bellewstown and Ardcath areas. In the northwest, topography varies from drumlin north of Moynalty to undulating or gently rolling in the rest of the area. The topography in the northeast is more gentle. Elevation ranges from 200 to 700 ft O.D. (61-213 m) with most of the series between 200 and 500 ft O.D. (61—152 m). Soil parent material consists of till composed of Lower Palaeozoic shales (Ordovician and Silurian) with some sandstone and siltstone. The soil is classified as a Brown Earth of low base status. Rathkenny series, a Brown Podzolic,

Plate 6: The well-drained Acid Brown Earths of the Kells series are good all-purpose soils. The tower of Lloyd near Kells is seen in the background.

27 occurs sporadically within this series, most frequently in the more northerly areas and the more elevated positions of the landscape. A description and analyses of a Rathkenny profile occurring within this series is included in the report. These well drained, friable soils have a dark greyish-brown to dark brown surface horizon of loam texture and moderate structure. Texture remains uniform in the solum but there is an increase in small shaley stones below 15 cm. The pH level ranges from 4.8 in the A horizon to 5.3 in the B. Organic carbon level is 4.5% in the surface, decreasing rapidly in the lower horizons. The profile depth of the series ranges from shallow (20 cm) to deep (80 cm). But generally these extremes of depth are not frequent, with the average depth being 35 to 45 cm. Soil suitability: This soil has a wide use range and is well suited to tillage and grassland crops. Although inherently infertile, it will produce high yields of good quality grass when adequately limed and fertilised. Otherwise the sward degenerates rapidly. Drought can decrease yields during prolonged dry periods and shallowness may be a limiting factor in places. The physical properties of these soils render them easy to cultivate. If a desirable level of fertility is maintained high yields of potatoes, feeding barley, root crops and vegetables can be achieved. Winter cereals, particularly winter barley, can be grown on these soils. Their early harvesting would be a major advantage in this rather less favourable climatic area. The use range of these soils is more limited on the shale ridges and summits of hills in the Bellewstown and Ardcath areas. This is mainly due to shallowness, elevation and some steep slopes.

Ladestown Series This series occupies 0.49% (2,834 ac; 1,147 ha) of the county. In the west it occur on the end moraine of the Drumlin Re-advance which stretches across the county from Wilkinstown to Gonmeilon. It also occurs in the east on the retreat moraine of the Irish Sea ice (the Benhead moraine). It is found sporadically between Balbriggan and Julians- town and around Gormanstown, Stamullen and Mosney, with a small extent also occurr­ ing around Kilbride crossroads, north of Clonee. Topography in the east of the county is flat to gently undulating. In the west and in an area north of Wilkinstown, the Ladestown soil is a member of a number of complexes, (See complexes described later) where the topography is invariably kame and kettle. Elevation within the series ranges from 50 to 350 ft O.D. (15 to 107 m). The soil parent material consists of fluvioglacial materials of limestone, shale and chert composition. In the Gormanstown and Stamullen areas the parent material is strongly influenced by Irish Sea gravels. These soils are relatively shallow, well to excessively drained and with textures of loam to clay loam. The soil profile shows a dark brown surface horizon of gravelly clay loam texture and crumb structure. The texture changes to gravelly silty clay loam in the B horizon where the structure is subangular blocky. The C horizon is transitional to the underlying gravel. pH is high ranging from 7.2 in the surface to 7.6 in the C horizon.

28 Soil suitability: The soil has a moderately wide use range. High yields of grass can be obtained provided a good nutrient level is maintained. Because of free drainage this soil may be susceptible to drought during dry summers. The series is suited to crops such as feeding barley, potatoes, root crops and vegetables and in the east of the county it also has an advantage in earliness.

Rendzina Group

These are shallow soils, usually not more than 50 cm deep, derived from parent material containing over 40% carbonates. The surface horizon is dark in colour with a moderately strong structure and neutral to alkaline reaction. A calcareous (B) horizon may be present. Drainage is always free to excessive. Where they are sufficiently deep, rendzinas are suitable for tillage and pasture but in many places lack of soil depth precludes tillage. Where these soils are very shallow, the presence of rock outcrops and broken topography normally renders them suitable only for extensive grazing.

Burren Series This series is not extensive within the county, occupying only 0.09% (489 ac; 198 ha) and is best expressed in the north near the border with Co. Monaghan and in the west near Lough Sheelin. Elevation ranges from 100 to 300 ft O.D. (30 to 91 m). Topography is broken with steep slopes. This shallow soil occurs on limestone hills and hillocks and is derived from the underlying bedrock. The soil profile is typified by a very dark greyish brown A horizon of slightly peaty clay loam texture and fine, strong crumb structure. The pH is alkaline at 7.2. Soil suitability: Because of its shallowness, outcropping rock and the broken topography this soil has a very limited use-range being only suited to extensive grazing.

Grey Brown Podzoiic Group

The development of these soils is associated primarily with a leaching process; the principal constituent accumulated in the B horizon is the finely divided clay fraction. To be classified as a Grey Brown Podzoiic, a soil must have a B horizon significantly higher in clay content than the A or C horizons; this is then termed a textural B or Bt horizon. The occurrence of clay skins on the structural ped surfaces within the Bt horizon is a further characteristic. These soils normally show a proportion of limestone in the parent material. In general, the Grey Brown Podzoiic soils possess a somewhat heavier texture than the Brown Earth or Brown Podzoiic soils, they are well to moderately drained, possess a moderately well developed structure and are usually moderately acidic to neutral in reaction. The organic matter content in the soil is medium to high and the humus is of the desirable mull type. Under Irish climatic conditions, the lighter-textured members of the Grey Brown Podzoiic group are good all-purpose soils. When adequately manured and managed they are very productive under most agricultural enterprises. The heavier textured members

29 are more suitable grassland soils, responding well to good manurial and management practices. In the northwest of the county the somewhat weak structure of these soils limits their use range to grassland, with tillage possible only under good management. The Grey Brown Podzolic soils are generally not available for forestry but should be highly productive for this purpose.

Dunboyne Series This series occupies 10.29% (59,203 ac; 23,959 ha) of the county. It is found mainly east of a line running from Navan to Summerhill. The soil parent material is a calcareous till of Irish Sea provenance carried in and intermixed with the local limestone and shale. The local shales may be of Namurian or Palaeozoic age. Topography is generally flat to gently undulating. Elevation varies from less than 50 to over 450 ft O.D. (15 to 137 m). Small areas of the Ashbourne series occur within this series, particularly in the areas of low relief. Because of their similar parent material Dunboyne and Ashbourne series also occur in a complex, the Dunboyne-Ashbourne complex, which is generally found south­ east of the River Boyne. Dunboyne series is a deep, moderately well to well drained soil of medium to high base status. Surface texture varies from clay loam to loam with clay content of 24 to 31%, silt content ranges from 32 to 40%.* The structure in the surface is moderate to weak subangular blocky and crumb, becoming weak in the B horizon where it tends towards prismatic. Signs of gleying normally occur at about 80 cm. Roots are plentiful in the surface, becoming few below 40 cm. Soil suitability: These soils have a moderately wide to wide use range. They are excellent for grassland. Although occurring in a low rainfall area they do not suffer seriously from drought because of their good moisture holding capacity. Poaching is likely to occur during and after prolonged wet periods. Molybdenum toxicity has been experienced on these soils. Because of their rather heavy texture, weak structure and sticky consistency they are not ideal for tillage. Care must be taken to cultivate them at a time of ideal moisture balance in order to secure a good tilth. However, due to the relatively low rainfall and good solar radiation in the area high yields of wheat, potatoes, barley, roots and vegetables are obtained. Winter cereals also give high yields. Soil compaction due to regular intensive tillage seems to be a frequent physical problem. While subsoiling alleviates this further investigations and attentidn are needed.

Dunboyne Series - Gravelly Phase This gravelly phase of Dunboyne series occupies 0.11% (640 ac; 259 ha) of the county. It is found mainly in a small narrow belt running from Clonee to northeast of Dunboyne. The parent material is composed chiefly of gravelly drift of Irish Sea provenance intermixed with local limestone and shale. The relief is normally undulating with slopes of not more than 5°. Because of the gravelly parent material the soil is well to excessively drained. The soil depth is usually about 80 cm but may be shallower in places.

*Two profiles are included in Appendix II to illustrate the range in texture occurring.

30 Plate 7: Near Warrenstown the medium to heavy textured Dunboyne series is being used for tillage (sprouts). Killeen Castle in the distance is on the same soil while the Dunsany series on the alluvial flats is more suited to grazing.

Soil suitability: This soil has a wide use range. The present land use is mainly grassland but it is suitable for cereals, roots and potatoes. It may be susceptible to drought in dry periods.

Dunboyne Series - Shaley Phase This phase occupies 3.35% (19,282 ac; 7,803 ha) of the county. It is found in a broad area running southeast of Duleek through Ardcath to the county boundary at the river Delvin north of Naul. This phase also occurs in a narrow belt between Dunsany and Skreen and in an area northwest of Navan in the Ardbraccan area. The topography is generally gently undulating, but in the Ardcath and Bellewstown areas it is generally rolling. Elevation ranges from 100 to 500 ft O.D. (30-152 m). Soil parent material consists of till of Irish Sea provenance over Lower Palaeozoic and Namurian shales. It is mapped separately from the Dunboyne series because of the high content of shale evident in the profile. Silt content in the surface is also higher. Small areas of the Kells Series (Brown Earth) occur within this phase, in locations where the drift is very shallow over the shale bedrock i.e. on crests of ridges and summits of hills. This deep, moderately well to well drained soil has a dark yellowish-brown surface of gravelly clay loam texture and crumb structure. The texture changes to loam in the lower regions of the A horizon and the upper regions of the B horizon before developing into a clay loam in the textural B horizon. Roots are plentiful down the profile. In the Ardcath—Bellewstown area the underlying geology is Lower Palaeozoic shale rather than Namurian shale. The second profile included is from this latter area.

31 Plate 8: The dark-coloured soils of the Dunboyne Shaley Phase are seen in the fore­ ground with Skreen Castle surrounded by soils of the Glane Complex in the background.

Soil suitability: The soils have a moderately wide use range. In some areas of rolling topography slopes present difficulties in the operation of machinery both under grassland and tillage. In the Ardcath-Fourknocks-Clonalvy areas spring grass growth may be "late" due to elevation and exposure to cold easterly winds. Seepages also occur occasionally throughout this phase.

Elton Series This series occupies only 0.62% (3,553 ac; 1,438 ha) of the county. The major areas of occurrence are southeast from Oristown to Mullaghard and northeast from Martry to Gibstown, with smaller areas occurring north of Castlerickard and northeast of Drumcondra. It is also to be found in complexes with Patrickswell and Baggotstown series. The topography is undulating to flat with elevations ranging from 100 to 300 ft O.D. (30—91 m). Parent material consists of till of predominantly limestone composition, with some shale and sandstone. This well drained friable soil always exceeds 75 cm in depth. The brown to dark brown surface is a gravelly loam, though sandy loams occur also. Below the surface horizon a moderately leached A2 horizon of gravelly sandy loam texture overlies a Bt horizon (with an increase in clay content). There is a gradual transition from Bt to parent material. Roots are plentiful and well developed. Soil suitability: Because of its depth, structure, friability and good moisture holding capacity the Elton series has a wide use range. It is highly suited to grass production over a long season and responds very well to applications of lime and fertilisers. It is easily

32 tilled and can produce very good crops of cereals, roots and vegetables. Its texture and structure and good natural drainage make it highly suitable for growing winter cereals, particularly wheat.

Mortartstown Series This series is not extensive in Co. Meath, occupying 0.15% (879 ac; 352 ha). It occurs mainly northwest of Drumcondra. It also occurs in some isolated kettleholes in the Millbrook area, a few miles south of Oldcastle but here it is not shown on the map due to its small extent. The topography in its major areas of occurrence is gently rolling. Elevation ranges from 150 ft (46 m) northwest of Drumcondra to 400 ft (122 m) around Millbrook. The parent material consists of limestone till with some Lower Palaeozoic and Carboniferous shales. The soils of this series are deep, heavy textured clay loams and moderately well to well drained. The soil profile is characterised by a dark yellowish-brown surface horizon. A marked clay increase occurs in the B horizon where clay skins are clearly evident on the ped surfaces. The structure changes from sub-angular blocky in the surface to massive at about 60 cm. The B horizon merges gradually into the parent material. There is a root mat on the surface with roots plentiful down to 33 cm. Soil suitability: These soils have a moderately wide use range. They are highly productive grassland soils but care must be taken to prevent poaching during wet periods. They are moderately suitable for tillage. To obtain a good tilth, tillage operations should only be carried out in dry conditions. Under constant tillage, good soil management is necessary to prevent structure breakdown. While potatoes, root crops and vegetables yield well on these soils the growing of cereals is hazardous. Average annual rainfall, relatively low solar radiation and soil texture militate against cereal growing.

Patrickswell Series This series occupies 7.12% (41,005 ac; 16,594 ha) of the county. Apart from a large area east of Trim it is generally found in the southwest. It also occurs as a member of three soil complexes. Where it occurs as a series the topography ranges from gently undulating to gently rolling. Elevation varies from 150 to 450 ft O.D. (46 to 137 m). Parent material consists of gravelly till of predominantly limestone composition with an admixture of shale and some sandstone. The soil is classified as a minimal Grey Brown Podzolic and differs from the Elton series in that it seldom exceeds 75 cm in solum depth. Within the Patricks- well series, small areas of the shallower Baggotstown Brown Earth Series (not shown on soil map due to scale of mapping used), occur on the crests of kames, hummocks and ridges, particularly in the Rathmolyon and Ballinabrackey areas. The soils of this series are well drained, well structured, with a friable brown to dark brown surface horizon of gravelly loam texture, with some clay loams and sandy loams occurring also. Because of the influence of shale in the parent material they have a higher silt content than in Limerick and Clare. In the Bt horizon there is an increase of 4—6% in clay content. There is a clear transition from the Bt horizon to the parent material. Roots are abundant to plentiful and well developed. Soil suitability: The soils of this series have a wide use-range due to their depth, texture.

33 Plate 9: Near Trim the soils of the PatricksweU series are used intensively for both tillage and grassland. structure, friability and good moisture retention properties. They are highly productive grassland soils under good management. They are easily tilled and give high yields of wheat, feeding barley, oats, potatoes, swedes, mangels and vegetables. Like Elton series their texture, structure and good natural drainage leave them highly suitable for the growing of winter cereals, particularly winter wheat. However, some limitations may be encountered on the associated soils (Baggotstown Series) which occur in places through the series, mainly on kames. Short sharp slopes, shallowness and susceptibility to drought in dry periods are the main limiting factors.

PatricksweU Series - Lithic Phase This phase occurs southwest of Slane (near Beauparc) and also just northeast of Navan. It is derived from shallow limestone drift and directly overlies limestone bedrock. It occupies 0.08% (487 ac; 195 ha) of the county at altitudes of less than 200 feet (61 m) on level or gently sloping topography. The soils are well drained. Soil suitability: In rock-free areas the potential use-range is similar to that of Patricks- well series but where the rock outcrops it is limited. Good grass yields can be obtained on these soils but machinery use and land utilisation are problems.

Rathowen Series This series is extensive in Co. Meath, occupying 13.90% (80,074 ac; 32,405 ha) of the county. It is found mostly west of a line from Drumcondra in the north to Laracor in the south. The altitude seldom exceeds 220 ft O.D. (67 m). Topography varies from drumlin in the north of the county, mainly between Nobber and Drumcondra, to un­ dulating to gently rolling in the mid-county. In the south and southwest topography is

34 gently undulating. Soil parent material consists of till of predominantly limestone com­ position with an admixture of shaley limestone and Lower Palaeozoic shale. Ladestown Brown Earth, a shallower soil, occurs sporadically throughout the series, on small ridges and hummocks, occupying a relatively small proportion of the area. The poorly drained Street series is also found in some hollows and lowlying areas within the series. The soils of this series are deep and moderately well to well drained. They may show signs of water impedance at depth, and a perched watertable may develop after heavy or prolonged rainfall. This is more likely to happen where relief is flat. Texture of the surface horizon is variable, depending on the shale content of the parent material in any particular location. Generally the textures are gravelly loams to clay loams but where the shale content is high silt loams predominate; the B horizons are normally clay loams. Under grass the upper horizons generally show good root development. Soil suitability: Rathowen series has a moderately wide use range. It is a highly pro­ ductive grassland soil but requires a high level of management as the soils are susceptible to poaching during wet periods due to weak soil structure. This is even more likely in the area of drumlin topography where some steep slopes also limit the use of machinery. Good yields of potatoes, root crops and vegetables are obtained on these soils. Where climatic conditions are favourable they are suitable for growing cereals, particularly winter wheat. Where tillage is practised, good soil management is necessary to prevent the breakdown of soil structure and the development of compact layers. This can be achieved by rotating with grass and carrying out tillage operations when the moisture balance in the soil is optimum.

Plate 10: One of the most extensive soils in Meath, the Rathowen series is very suitable for grass production.

Rathowen Series - Cherty Phase This phase occurs only to a small extent 0.04% (213 ac; 86 ha) in the county near the Westmeath border around Lough Bane. Topography is kame and kettle and slopes are

35 usually 5° or less, with occasional slopes of up to 10°. Elevation ranges from 375 to 700 ft O.D. (114 to 213 m). This phase is developed on cherty hills in a line from the south­ west to near Millbrook, resulting in a higher than normal percentage of chert in the limestone and shale till. The soils show a layer of cherty gravel from 15 to 45 cm deep. Like the series, the cherty phase is classified as a minimal Grey Brown Podzolic. The dark greyish-brown surface horizon is a gravelly silt loam of moderate, fine to medium subangular blocky structure. In the B horizon the texture changes to a loam. The high silt content of the A horizon decreases somewhat in the B and C horizons. The soil is moderately well drained as the high silt content lowers permeability. Gleying becomes evident at from 50 to 60 cm depth. Soil suitability: Because of its topography, its high silt content and slow permeability, this phase has a limited use range. High yields of grass can be obtained but there is always the danger of poaching or damage by machinery traffic during wet periods. Climate, high silt content, topography and the chert-rich layer militate against tillage on these soils but potatoes, roots and vegetables may be produced on a limited scale.

Rathowen Series - Brown Earth Variant This variant is found throughout the area covered by the series, mainly where the pro­ portion of shale in the parent material rises significantly. This increase in shale content is reflected in increased silt content. The A horizon normally is a loam to clay loam and the B horizon is a loam with no increase in clay content. Otherwise, the soil is similar to the series, being dark greyish- brown to brown down to the C horizon, which becomes yellowish-brown. Soil suitability: This soil has the .same use range as the series.

Brown Podzolic Group

The Brown Podzolics are a more intensely leached version of the Brown Earths and as a result, the upper horizons are more depleted of bases and other constituents. A charac­ teristic feature of these soils is a sub-surface horizon of strong red-brown or yellowish- brown colour due to enrichment, principally by iron oxides leached from the upper horizons. They are more degraded generally and of a more acid nature than the Brown Earths. Although the Brown Podzolics are more leached and of lower natural nutrient status than the Brown Earths, they closely resemble each other in behaviour and productive capacity. On account of their desirable texture, structure, drainage and friability, the Brown Podzolics are considered highly suitable for cultivated cropping, except where they occur on excessively steep slopes. Although lacking in natural nutrient and lime status, they respond well to manurial amendments. Highly productive short-term leys can be obtained within the crop rotation, when manuring and management are satisfactory. Like the Brown Earths, they are ideal forest soils under Irish climatic conditions.

Rathkenny Series This series occupies 0.35% (2,039 ac; 825 ha) of the county. It occurs in the Drumlerry area in the northwest and along the Cavan border in the north with some occurring north-

36 east of Rathkenny in the eastern part of the county. The topography associated with the series ranges from hillslope and drumlin to kame and kettle, with elevations from 200 ft (61 m) in the drumlin area to 720 ft (229 m) northeast of Rathkenny. The soil parent material consists of glacial drift of lower Palaeozoic shales with some sandstone and siltstone. The drift is mostly glacial till but in some places there is a fluvioglacial in­ fluence. These moderately deep soils are well drained, of organic loam to clay loam texture and of low base status. The very dark greyish-brown friable surface horizon overlies a brown to strong brown B horizon of loam to sandy loam texture. Structure in the surface is weak fine crumb and in the B horizon is moderate fine subangular blocky. The brown to strong brown colour of the B horizon is due to the accumulation of iron oxide. Roots are abundant in the surface horizon, plentiful down to 45 cm and become few below. Soil suitability: These soils have a moderately wide use range. Their main limitations are inherent low fertility and some steep slopes. When adequately limed and fertilised they produce good yields of grass but if fertility is neglected they quickly revert to poorer grass species with bracken and furze encroaching. Gimatic conditions render them more suitable for tillage in the eastern part of the county, where good yields of feeding barley, potatoes, root crops and vegetables can be obtained, provided nutrient levels are adequate.

Rathkenny Series - Moderately Steep Phase This phase occupies 0.27% (1,568 ac; 635 ha) of the county and occurs mainly on Slieve na Calliagh, as well as on some of the smaller hills east of Rathkenny. The soil is similar to the series but is somewhat shallower and occurs on moderately steep to steep slopes. Soil suitability: This soil has a limited use range because of steep slopes, relatively high elevation and somewhat broken, hummocky topography. It is best suited to grazing.

Rathkenny Series - Sandy Variant This variant is found in a limited area to the west of Kingscourt and north of Nobber where the sandstone of the Upper Carboniferous comes to the surface in places. The topography is rolling with frequent outcrops of sandstone. The slopes, therefore, are very varied, ranging from 4° to 8° in the rolling areas and up to 20° where the sandstone outcrops. This variant is a moderately deep, well drained soil, but where it occurs close to out­ cropping rocks it is much shallower in depth. The surface texture is sandy loam but in the B2ir horizon, it becomes a sandy clay loam to sandy loam. The natural surface pH is about 4.3. The higher surface pH (5.2) in the profile analysed is due to liming. Soil suitability: The land use potential of this soil is somewhat limited since it occurs in small enclaves with frequent rock outcrops. It also occurs at an altitude of 600 ft (183 m). These factors rule out its use as a tillage soil, and its optimum land-use is in grass production. The main management problems are poor natural fertility, steep slopes and outcropping rock.

37 Plate 11: (Above) - Boyne alluvium with Newgrange Neolithic tumulus and passage grave in background; such large-scale structures imply a well organised agricul­ tural system around 4,500 years ago. (Below) - Reconstructed entrance to passage grave.

38 Podzol Group

These soils are more intensely leached than the Brown Podzolics. They display well- defined horizons of depletion and accumulation within the profile and are considered to be degraded soils. They develop from parent materials of very low base reserves or under conditions which deplete the base reserves to a low level. The granite mountains, for instance, provide a situation in which both of these factors operate; with the acid nature of the geological parent materials together with the high rainfall, considerable leaching of soil constituents, principally bases, iron and aluminium oxides, and humus takes place. In more advanced deterioration, the surface becomes very acid, the environ­ ment for decomposition by micro-organisms becomes unfavourable, and a peat layer accumulates on the surface, on which heath-type vegetation develops. Podzols are generally poor soils with high lime and fertiliser requirements. In their unreclaimed state they usually have a cover of semi-natural vegetation. In lowland areas, they have been successfully reclaimed for cultivated cropping and other purposes, but unless management is good they revert easily. The more extreme forms, which occupy hill and mountain areas throughout the county, have not been ameliorated to any extent. In most cases the nature of the terrain associated with these soils is such that mechanical reclamation and cultivation are not feasible. Here they are devoted mostly to rough grazing or forestry. Considerable improvement in stock-carrying capacity is possible by surface regeneration of the rough grazing, through manuring and improved management. Where an ironpan occurs within the profile, it hinders root penetration (an important factor in forestry and in the agricultural use of these soils) and water percolation. For the latter reason drainage in the surface horizons may be very poor — a further unfavourable feature of many of the Podzols. Besides having a low level of major nutrients, these soils are usually very deficient in trace elements. Podzols are the most widely available mineral soils for afforestation in the county and are usually planted with pines (Pinus spp.). However, with deep ploughing and the application of phosphorus fertiliser in particular, they can support other species, such as Sitka Spruce (Picea sitchensis), with relative success.

Slievebeag Series This series is of very limited extent in the county, covering 0.02% (99 ac; 40 ha). It is found on the summits of some of the higher shale hills, i.e. Sliabh na Calliagh and some hills northeast of Rathkenny. It occurs in an altitudinal sequence with the Kells series on the lowland, Rathkenny on the middle slopes and Slievebeag series on the upper slopes between 244 to 270 m O.D. The soil parent material consists of Lower Palaeozoic shales with some sandstone. The top 7 cm of soil consists of a well humified black peat which overlies an Al horizon 8 cm deep and composed of a black, slightly peaty loam. Beneath this is a leached, paler A2 horizon which is underlain in places by a weakly developed iron pan. The iron oxide-rich B horizon below this merges gradually with the shaley parent material. Soil suitability: This series has a limited use range. The limiting factors are poor physical and chemical properties, high altitude, limited accessability and some steep slopes. However, when reclaimed and well managed it will produce moderate yields of grass.

39 Because of its inherent acidity and low fertility regular applications of lime and fertilisers are required, otherwise it will quickly revert to heather and gorse. Where reclamation is undertaken it is necessary to break or shatter the iron pan to achieve best results. The establishment of shelter belts in these areas would prove beneficial where grazing is the main farming enterprise.

Gley Group

Gleys are soils in which the effects of drainage impedance dominate and which have developed under conditions of permanent or intermittent water-logging. The impeded condition may be caused by a high water-table or by a 'perched' water-table due to the relatively impervious nature of the soils and their parent materials and, in many cases, by both of those factors, together with excess run-off from higher slopes. For this reason, gley soils can occur both in depressions and on elevated sites. Where the gley condition results from a high water-table, the soils are referred to as ground-water Gleys. Where is is due to the impermeable nature of the soils or of their parent material, or to run-off from higher slopes, the soils are usually referred to as surface-water Gleys. The mineral horizons of Gleys are usually grey (or bluish-grey, in more extreme cases), with distinct ochreous mottling much in evidence. Relative to the podzolic soil groups, depletion of bases and other constituents is not so pronounced. However, rooting area is limited, aeration poor, rate of decomposition of organic matter slow, and many other unfavourable features prevail. Podzolised Gleys are soils in which there is evidence of a soil formation process similar to that described for Brown Podzolics or Podzols associated with the Gleys, whilst Podzolic Gleys refer to soils displaying evidence of Grey-Brown Podzolic characteristics associated with the Gley. The majority of gley soils have weak structure, are not very friable and, in the wet state, tend to become very sticky. Due to their poor physical properties, these soils, except in very favourable seasons, present difficulties in cultivation, especially in the development of a desirable tilth. The poor drainage conditions retard growth in the spring. Even for pasture production, this is a decided disadvantage. Besides poor drainage, the characteristic weak structure renders these soils susceptible to poaching damage by grazing stock, a factor which curtails the length of grazing season and the proportion of fodder utilized. Despite their physical shortcomings, however, the potential of these soils for pasture production is high in many cases, provided management and manuring are satisfactory. Gleys are generally considered to be relatively productive forest soils. However, wind- throw caused by poor root penetration is a common hazard.

Ashbourne Series This series is the most extensive in Co. Meath, covering 17.34% (99,835 ac; 40,402 ha) of the county. It is found mainly east of a line running from Slane to south of Summerhill. This soil is closely associated with the Dunboyne series and normally occupies the lower-

40 lying or flatter areas. The soil parent material is composed of till of Irish Sea provenance carried in and intermixed with the local limestone and shale. Occasionally flints from the Irish Sea and volcanics from the Balbriggan massif are present. The till is fine grained and compact giving rise to slow permeability and imperfect to poor drainage. This prevails even on favourable slopes in places. Topography is flat to undulating with slopes seldom exceeding 3°. Elevation ranges from sea level to around 400 ft O.D. (122 m). Patches of Dunboyne series occur intermittently within the series. This soil is deep and is characterised by relatively high clay and silt contents with weak structure. Throughout the series the texture in the surface is generally clay loam with some silty clay loam and loam. Mottling and gleying is most obvious approximately between 20 cm and 50 cm deep and this pattern is probably indicative of a perched water-table. However, in low microtopographic situations gleying is more severe, in­ dicating that water-table levels are also important. Soil suitability: Because of its adverse drainage status, heavy texture, and weak structure this soil has a somewhat limited use range. However, favourable climatic conditions greatly offset the physical disadvantages. Where drained and a high level of management exists it is a highly productive grassland soil. Great care must be taken, however, to avoid damage by poaching or machinery traffic during and after heavy rain or in a prolonged wet period.

Plate 12: Because of proximity to Dublin, vegetable production is common even on the heavy-textured, imperfectly drained soils of the Ashbourne series.

41 This soil has been used rather intensively for tillage, due mainly to the favourable climatic conditions in these areas and proximity to Dublin. Heavy texture and weak structure make it difficult to obtain a good tilth because after ploughing the soil dries out, forming numerous very hard "clods." Breaking these down demands very high inputs in terms of energy, machinery and labour and such operations carried on over a long period lead to a deterioration in the weak soil structure and the formation of a compact layer or pan below ploughing depth. This causes a worsening of the drainage situation with the occurrence of a perched water-table. Root development is also adversely affected. Where tilled, a good rotation with grass is desirable. Subsoiling is also beneficial and is already widely practiced. When sowing winter cereals the seed bed should only be pre­ pared when the soil is at the ideal moisture balance.

Ashbourne Series - Shaley Phase This phase occupies 0.12% (704 ac; 285 ha) of the county. It is associated with the Namurian shale hills such as Tara, Dunsany and other surrounding hills. Parent material consists of Irish Sea till, which may have been re-worked, with a strong influence of Namurian shale. Topography varies from flat to gently undulating with elevation below 400ftO.D.(122m). This is a deep, poorly drained soil. The brown to dark brown surface is gravelly loam in texture with weak crumb structure. The texture remains uniform down to about 80 cm while the structure becomes massive below the surface and prismatic below 45 cm. Mottling is apparent close to the surface and increases down the profile. Roots are plentiful down to 24 cm, becoming few below. Soil suitability: This soil has a limited use range because of its weak structure and poor internal drainage. With artificial drainage and a high level of management grass pro­ duction is reasonably good. The soil is easily damaged by poaching during and after heavy or prolonged rain. Molybdenum and selenium toxicity are associated with this soil especially where it grades into hollows and develops a peaty topsoil. It is not suitable for tillage.

Bally shear Series This soil developed on limestone till, covers 0.04% (230 ac; 93 ha) of the county in the areas between Mylerstown series and the cutover bogs. It has a black, slightly peaty surface layer with good crumb structure overlying a greyish-brown, massive A2 horizon. The Btg horizon consists of a very dark greyish-brown, gravelly, clay loam with weak structure overlying the parent material at about 50 cm. Soil suitability: This soil has a limited use-range due mainly to its low-lying position in the landscape and consequent poor drainage. It is suited mainly to grass production which, because of the poor drainage, requires good management for optimum utilization.

Howardstown Series This series is not extensive in Co. Meath, covering only 0.23% (1,342 ac; 543 ha) of the county. It is found mainly in the west and southwest. The parent material is derived from till of predominantly limestone composition with some shale and sandstone and some colluvium in depressions. The topography is generally flat to undulating with

42 elevation between 200 and 300 feet (61-91 m) O.D. The soil has been classified as a poorly drained Podzolic Gley due to a clay increase of 50% in the B2tg horizon. This series is found frequently as the poorly drained member of the Patrickswell/Howardstown complex. The greyish-brown surface horizon is a silt loam though clay loams also occur within the series. Structure is weak fine crumb becoming massive to prismatic below 45 cm. Organic carbon levels are high, 6.8% in the Al horizon, and decrease rapidly in the lower horizons. Roots are mostly confined to the surface horizon. So/7 suitability: This soil has a limited use range. Its main limitations are weak structure, slow permeability and poor drainage. It is suited mainly to pasture. Susceptibility to poaching is a problem and good management is necessary to sustain maximum production. If a suitable outfall is obtained it can be successfully drained.

Mylerstown Series This series covers 0.18% (1,033 ac; 418 ha) of the county. It occurs chiefly on the edge of cut-over raised bogs where it was once covered with peat which has now been cut away. The parent material consists of stony, coarse textured limestone and some shale tin. This soil has silt loam texture in the surface horizon and is weak structured. Soil depth varies from 30 cm to 70 cm. pH values are high, ranging from 6.2 in the A horizon to 6.9 in the C. Organic carbon level is high at 6.1%. So/7 suitability: This soil has a limited use range due mainly to its low lying position in the landscape and consequent poor drainage. It is suited mainly to grass production which requires good management for optimum utilization.

Street Series This series is extensive, occupying 8.72% (50,192 ac; 20,312 ha) of the county. It occurs on drumlin topography in the north, on rolling topography north of Slane and on flatter areas of mid Co. Meath. Parent material consists of till of shale, limestone and some sandstone composition. The limestone content diminishes significantly northwards, particularly in the soils occurring on the drumlins and hills where there is a much greater shale influence. Elevation ranges from 200 feet (61 m) in the mid and west of the county to 650 ft (198 m) O.D. in the drumlin area in the north. This series is also found in two soil complexes. This soil is poorly drained and of clay loam texture in the greyish brown surface horizon. Structure is weak fine crumb to weak subangular blocky in the A horizon becoming prismatic in the B horizon where the silt content is 47%. Mottling occurs close to the surface and intensifies down the profile. Organic carbon content is quite high at 6.4% and the pH ranges from 4.3 in the Al horizon to 6.9 in the Cg horizon. Roots are mainly confined to the surface horizon. Occasionally the A and B horizons are separated by a pale mottled A2g horizon and a description and analyses of a typical profile of this podzolic gley variant is also given in Appendix II. So/7 suitability: Because of its heavy texture, weak structure and poor internal drainage, this series has a limited use range and is best suited to grassland. But artificial drainage

43 and a high level of management are necessary for optimum production. Poaching and damage by machinery traffic are a serious problem particularly in the drumlin region. Outwintering of stock is also a problem because of serious damage to soil structure, and, to pastures. Farm operations such as silage-making, which involve the use of heavy machinery, should be carried out, as far as possible, only when the soil is dry. Street series is unsuitable for tillage.

Plate 13: Difficult management problems arise on the poorly drained impermeable soils of the Street series in the drumlin region north ofNobber,

Street Series - New Red Sandstone Variant This variant occurs sporadically within the main series and is best expressed in an area from Kingscourt on the Meath border to almost as far south as Nobber and east to Drumcondra. The parent material is dominated by Permo-Triassic New Red Sandstone mixed with shale. The physical characteristics are broadly the same as the series apart from a red mottle induced by the red Triassic sandstone and a higher acidity level. The topography is drumlin with slopes ranging from 0° on the crests and interdrumlin areas to 12° and 15° on the sides. pH levels are low, ranging from 4.5 to 5.4 in the C horizon. The free iron content is high going from 2.1 to 2.9 in the lower horizon. Soil suitability: The use-range is similar to the Street Series.

44 Alluvial Soils The remaining gley soils are all formed from fresh-water alluvial deposits. The material laid down by rivers is usually found in the vicinity of existing stream and river courses whilst lacustrine deposits occur in landscape depressions, which were originally the sites of glacial or post-glacial lakes. The composition of river or lake alluvium is usually related to the geological formation in their vicinity. Most of these alluvial soils are very immature and show little or no profile develop­ ment. They are differentiated on the basis of such factors as origin and composition of parent material, texture and drainage. The latter two frequently vary, even within in­ dividual series, giving rise to phases which are too small in extent to map. The use-range of these soils is generally limited.

Camoge Series This series covers 1.15% (6,637 acres; 2,686 ha) of the county. It consists of a poorly drained gley soil and is found in some river valleys mainly in the south and west of the county. The parent material consists of alluvium derived from dominantly limestone till with some shale influence. Topography is flat with elevations less than 300 feet (91 m). Because of the depositional pattern the texture varies but, in general, it is a silty clay loam over clay; in places it may have a slightly peaty surface. The dark brown surface horizon has a weak structure. The parent material has a massive or weak prismatic structure with marked mottling throughout. Soil suitability: These soils have a limited use-range. Drainage is poor, poaching is a serious problem and tillage is precluded because of the heavy texture and risk of flooding.

Drombanny Series This series occupies 0.14% (808 acres; 327 ha) of the county. It is more widespread than shown on the map because in limestone areas it occurs frequently in small hollows and old filled-in lake beds whose extent are too limited to be shown in the published map. The parent material consists of alluvium and marl derived mainly from limestone. Topo­ graphy is flat and elevations are around 200 ft (61 m). Typically it consists of a peaty horizon over lime-rich alluvium or shelly marl. The surface horizon is dark greyish-brown and of peaty loam texture overlying an organic clay loam to clay. Beneath this is white marl with shell fragments and some dark reddish- brown mottles along root channels. It should be noted that because of high organic matter or carbonate levels the total mineral fraction in the various horizons of this soil is low viz: 0 = 32%, Al = 45%, 11A ca = 29%, 1 IB ca = 16%. There is a root mat on top with many roots down to the marl layer. Soil suitability: The use range of this series is limited due to its position in old lake and pond basins, with the resulting high watertable and peaty surface. Its optimum land use is in seasonal grazing but precautions are necessary to prevent incidence of liver fluke. Where a suitable drainage outlet can be provided and a drainage system installed moderate yields of grass can be obtained. In central Meath selenium toxicity may occur in the vicinity of the Namurian shales as it does in Limerick, Clare and Westmeath.

45 Dunsany Series This series occupies only a limited area in Co. Meath, covering 0.10% (566 acres; 229 ha) of the county. It occurs in the Skane river valley near Dunsany in the sites of old glacial lakes dammed by retreating ice and now filled with marl and alluvium. (The series is closely related to the Drombanny series, but has not developed a peaty surface). Topo­ graphy is flat and parent material consists of alluvium of Carboniferous limestone, Nam- urian shale, and sandstone origin. The soil has been classified as a poorly drained Gley. The profile is characterised by a dark brown surface horizon of clay to clay loam texture and weak coarse subangular blocky structure. The structure becomes prismatic and compact below this but improves again in the Bh horizon. The mottled white to light grey marl layer extends for some 20 cm and overlies interbedded layers of silt, silty clay and fine sand. The lower marly horizons (Bcal and Bca2) have very low mineral fractions due to the predominance of carbonates. The lower C horizon also has a relatively low total mineral fraction. There is a root mat at the surface with roots plentiful down to 50 cm. Soil suitability: Because if its heavy texture, weak structure and high watertable this series has a limited use range. It is best used for seasonal grazing. Where an outlet can be found and drainage carried out, moderate to good production of grass can be achieved. Great care must be taken to avoid poaching. High to very high levels of selenium originate in the nearby Namurian shales. Selenium toxicity is likely and rotational grazing on other soils is necessary to prevent it.

Plate 14: Dunsany Castle Estate about eight kilometers north-west of Dunshaughlin contains soils of the Dunboyne, Ashbourne and Dunsany series.

Feale Series This series occupies 0.64% (3,692 acres; 1,494 ha) of the county. Its major areas of occurence are along the Blackwater river between Navan and Kells, along the Yellow

46 river north of Donaghpatrick, and on the river Dee and tributaries east of Drumcondra The parent material is predominantly of shale composition with some limestone and sandstone. Topography is flat and elevation is less than 200 feet O.D. (61 m). Feale series has been classified as a poorly drained Gley. The surface is typified by a dark grey horizon of silty clay loam texture, overlying a grey horizon of silty clay texture. Structure is weak fine crumb but becoming very weak subangular blocky below 7 cm and changing to prismatic below 15 cm. Mottling along root channels is evident below 7 cm and is more pronounced below 15 cm, with manganese mottles and concretions prominent also. There is a root mat present to about 7 cm with few roots below that depth. Associated with this series is Feale Series — Dry Variant. Soil suitability: This series has a very limited use range, because of its heavy texture, poor structure, high watertable and the risk of flooding. Seasonal grazing is the optimum land use. Like the Boyne alluvium some of this series, including the dry variant, has benefited from the Boyne Drainage Scheme. Where arterial drainage has been carried out with the resultant deepening of the river bed, flooding is alleviated. With a high level of management, moderate grass yields can now be obtained, but poaching remains a problem.

Feale Series - Dry Variant This variant is very limited in extent. It is found along the Blackwater river mainly between Kells and Navan. The parent material is composed chiefly of shale with some limestone. It is developed from the fresher and coarser textured alluvium and is better drained than that of the series. Topography is flat and elevation is less than 200 feet O.D.(61 m). The soil is classified as a Regosol. Surface texture varies from loam to silty clay loam and the lower horizons are clay loam and clay. Structure in the surface horizon is mainly weak, fine crumb becoming subangular blocky at 30 cm and below this is massive. Man­ ganese modules and a manganese-iron pan are present within the C horizon.

Mineral Soil Complexes Where the distribution pattern of soils is too intricate to be shown on the scale used and where no one soil predominates clearly, a soil complex has been shown. Due to the intricate pattern of the glacial deposits with the resultant soil pattern, thirteen mineral soil complexes are shown on the soil map. Most of the complexes are in areas of kame and kettle topography contiguous with similar topography and areas of complexes shown in Co. Westmeath (Soil Survey Bulletin No. 33). This type of topography is due to recessional moraines, fluvioglacial deposits and other dead-ice features. The kames usually consist of hills up to 20 metres in height and of varying shapes and with frequent sharp slopes. They seldom cover more than 0.2 ha in extent. The kettle holes also vary in shape and size and may often be the larger component in the landscape. They are generally well drained and only occasionally contain ponds. Given this type of mixed parent material e.g. (sands and gravels etc.) and topography, many different types of soils are formed. For example, in the Patrickswell-Baggotstown— Elton Series, on the crests of kames shallow Brown Earths (Baggotstown Series) occur,

47 on the intermediate areas downslope shallow Grey Brown Podzolics (Patrickswell) are found, while on the lower slope and in kettle holes deeper Grey Brown Podzolics (Elton Series) prevail. The complexity becomes greater where kames were deposited over glacial till instead of over fluvioglacial materials. In such cases, the internal drainage is more impeded and a gley often occupies the kettle hole. Where the distance between the kames increases, peat may also be found. Frequently, where streams flow through this landscape, alluvium is present. Where there is a change in parent material, e.g., a kame composed mainly of limestone material superimposed on a predominantly shale till, the pattern is further complicated. Eskers tend to form a special type of complex, with a shallow Rendzina (Crush Series) on the crests and Brown Earths (Baggotstown Series) on the sides and a shallow Grey Brown Podzolic (Patrickswell Series) on the lower slopes. The overall shape or form of eskers is generally linear. Differences in drainage status dictate the pattern of some complexes. For example, in the flat to gently undulating landscape of the Dunboyne—Ashbourne Complex a slight change in slope—giving better relief—can alter an imperfectly drained Gley (Ashbourne Series) into a moderately well drained Grey Brown Podzolic (Dunboyne Series). The soil complexes occurring in the county are shown in Table 6. The mineral com­ plexes are described in this section while the two peat complexes occurring (Clonsast and Turbary) are described in the peat section.

TABLE 6: Soil complexes and their extent in Co. Meath

Complex % of total area

Patrickswell- Ladestown 0.45 Patrickswell- Baggotstown-Elton 4.26 Baggotstown-Crush 0.14 Ladestown-Rathowen-Banagher 3.76 Rathowen-Ladestown 1.51 Boyne Alluvium 4.44 Dunboyne-Ashbourne 1.56 Dunboyne-Ashbourne (Shaley Phase) 0.09 Dunboyne-Ladestown 0.08 Rathowen-Street 0.25 Street-Ladestown-Banagher 0.30 Glane 0.10 Patrickswell-Howardstown 0.34 Clonsast 0.10 Turbary 0.61

Total 17.99

Patrickswell-Ladestown Complex The soils of this complex occupy 0.45% (2,577 acres; 1.043 ha) of the county. They occur mainly in an area west of Longwood and in other isolated pockets in the south-

48 west and northwest. The parent material consists of fluvioglacial sands and gravels of limestone, shale and chert composition. The topography is mostly kame and kettle and elevation ranges from 200 to 500 feet (61-152 m). Slopes are moderate to occasionally sharp on the sides of the kames. Within the complex, Patrickswell series mainly occupies the gentle sides of the kames and kettleholes, while Ladestown series occurs both on and near the crests of the kames and steeper sides. The proportion of occurrence is variable, but, Patrickswell is generally more dominant, comprising 50 to 70% of the complex with Ladestown forming the remainder.* Soil suitability:f The main limitations of this complex are sharp slopes and shallowness. The Ladestown component with its sharp slopes, presents problems to machinery use while shallowness and coarse texture make it susceptible to drought in dry periods. The Patrickswell component offers a wider use range for both tillage and grassland. However, overall the complex is somewhat limited in its use-range.

Patrickswell-Baggotstown -Elton Complex The soils of this complex occupy a sizeable area, 4.26% (24,535 acres; 9,929 ha) of the county. The major area of occurrence is in a broad belt west of Sliabh na Callaigh and stretching in a northwesterly direction to Lough Sheelin. Less extensively it is found north of Drumcondra, north of Carlanstown, southwest of Summerhill, and in the vicinity of Killallon. The parent material is composed of till and fluvioglacial material of

Plate 15: The Patrickswell-Baggotstown-Elton complex occurs on subdued kame and kettle-hole topography south of Rathmolyon.

*The proportions of the different components given for each complex are estimates and should only be used for general purposes. f As there are areas of complex soil distribution, soil suitability range given is only general.

49 predominantly limestone composition with some shale and sandstone. The topography is mainly kame and kettle with some flat to undulating areas. Elevation ranges from 200 to 500 feet (61-152 m). Elton Series occupies the lower parts of the kettle holes, Patrickswell the upper levels of the kettle holes and the greater part of the kame slopes, with Baggotstown occurring near and on the kame crests and areas of severe slope. Where the topography is more gently undulating Patrickswell becomes even more dominant within the complex. The proportion of each soil occurrence varies from one area to another. However, the overall approximate proportions are:- Patrickswell ranging from 60 to 70%, Baggotstown 15 to 20% and Elton 15 to 20%. In places in the low-lying areas some fen peat (Banagher Series) and alluvium (Camoge Series) are found to a limited extent. Soil suitability: Overall this complex has a moderately wide use range. With good manage­ ment high yields of grass can be obtained over most of the area. Trafficability is a problem in areas where the kame and kettle topography is well developed while the Baggotstown component is liable to suffer from drought during prolonged dry periods. Good yields of barley, potatoes, roots and vegetables can also be produced over wide areas within this complex, where the topography is more gentle. Where the topography is steeper, with a greater intensity of kame and kettle, tillage operations become more restricted, mainly due to steep slopes and the shallowness of the soil on the upper kame slopes and crests.

Baggotstown - Crush Complex This complex is not extensive, occuping only 0.14% (810 acres; 328 ha) of the county. It is found in the south, mainly between Rathmolyon and Kilmessan. The complex is generally associated with eskers, but it is occasionally found on some of the larger kames and groups of kames. Parent material is predominantly limestone fluvioglacial sands and gravels. Elevation varies from 200 to 300 feet O.D. (61—91 m). The complex is more widespread than indicated on the soil map as the narrow linear pattern of occurrence cannot be shown due to scale limitation. Topographically Crush series, a very shallow Rendzina, occupies the crests of the eskers, Baggotstown series, a Brown Earth, occurs on the slopes with some Patrickswell series on the lower slopes. Elton series occurs occasionally in enclosed kettle holes. Baggotstown is the most dominant series, occupying over 60% of the complex. Soil suitability: Because of slope problems and the shallowness of the soils within this complex, its use range is very limited. It is best suited to grazing. Drought is a problem during most summers.

Lades town -Rathowen -Banagher Complex This complex occupies 3.76% (21,638 acres; 8,757 ha) of the county, and is found in two main areas. In the north it can be found in an area roughly outlined by a triangle formed between Wilkinstown, Carlanstown and Syddan. In the northwest it occurs south of Sliabh na Calliagh, extending as far south as the Westmeath border and south­ west to Killallon. Parent material varies from till to fluvioglacial sands and gravels of limestone, shale and chert composition. The topography is mainly kame and kettle. There is a significant difference in elevation between the two main areas of occurrence. In the triangular area of the north of the county the elevation range is from 200 to 300

50 feet O.D. (61-91 m) while in the northwest it is more elevated at 300 to 600 feet (91 to 183 m). Ladestown series, a Brown Earth, occurs on the upper parts of the kames and on areas of steep slopes. Rathowen series is found on the lower parts of the kames, on the more gentle slopes and in well drained kettle-holes. Banagher series, a fen peat, occurs in the lowerlying parts of the latter areas and in some kettle holes. Camoge and Street series can also be found in the lowerlying areas. Without detailed mapping it is very difficult to estimate the proportions of all the series present, but the more widespread are Rathowen, Ladestown and Banagher. In Westmeath, the composition of this complex was estimated at less than 40% for any one of the component soils. In Meath, however the percentage of soil components varies from area to area in the complex but the overall proportions are estimated as Rathowen 50 to 75%, Ladestown 20 to 40% and Banagher 5 to 10%. Soil suitability: This complex is somewhat limited in its use range, mainly due to the variable distribution pattern of the soils, the slopes and shallowness in places. Traffic- ability is a major problem. Where "Banagher, Camoge or Street series occur, drainage is essential for optimum production. Drought is likely to occur on the Ladestown com­ ponent during very dry seasons. Within the complex, however, there are areas (particularly of Rathowen series) suited to barley, potatoes, roots and vegetables.

Rathowen-Ladestown Complex This complex occupies 1.51% (8,689 acres; 3,518 ha) of the county. Its main area of occurrence is in the west around Kilskeer, to a lesser extent south-west of Killallon and north of Lough Bane. The parent material consists of till and fluvioglacial sands and gravels of mainly limestone and shale composition. Topography is gentle kame and kettle. In places steeper kame and kettle topography occurs, particularly in the area southwest of Killallon. Elevation ranges from 200 to 500 feet O.D. (61-152 m). Rathowen series is found mainly in the kettle holes, in flatter areas, and on the more gentle slopes. Ladestown series occupies the crests of kames, sharper steeper slopes and the small sharp ridges and hillocks. The main soil component in this complex is Rathowen series, occupying up to 70%. In places, especially southwest of Killallon, Ladestown occupies a larger proportion of the complex. Soil suitability: Because of the frequent sharp slopes and the coarse texture of the Lades­ town component the use range of this complex is generally somewhat limited. It is best suited to grassland. With a high level of management excellent yields of grass can be produced but there are problems with machinery use. Care must be taken to avoid poaching on the Rathowen component during wet periods. Tillage can be carried out in areas within the complex mainly on Rathowen component, where trafficability is not a problem and barley, potatoes, roots and vegetables can be grown successfully.

Boyne Alluvium Complex The soils of this complex occupy 4.44% (4,187 acres; 10,346 ha) of the county. They occur along the Boyne river and many of its tributaries. Expansive areas are found in the west around Longwood, Clonard, Ballivor, Kildalkey and south of Athboy on the rivers Clonard/Kilwarden, Blackwater, Stonyford and Tremblestown. Boyne complex is also

51 Plate 16: Typical kame and kettle-hole topography of the Rathowen-Ladestown Complex south-west of Killalen where the Ladestown component dominates.

found on the Nanny river and tributaries. The deposits are partly of glacial outwash origin e.g., the terraces below Newgrange and the old glacial lake west of Trim. Elevation ranges from 100 to 300 feet (30-91 m) O.D. The lithological composition of this alluvium is mainly limestone and shale. Four major soils have been recognised within the complex namely: 1. Poorly drained component 2. Organic component 3. Well drained component 4. Terrace component The poorly drained component is predominant especially in the area west of Trim. (I)Poorly drained component This component has been classified as a Gley and occurs most extensively east and west of a line from Athboy to Longwood. The topography is flat with some very gently undulating areas. The profile is characterised by a dark yellowish-brown to dark greyish- brown surface horizon with some mottling below 12 cm. The texture is silt to silt loam,

52 becoming silty clay loam beneath. Below 56 cm the texture is sandy loam. Structure weak becoming platy to massive below the surface horizon. Roots are few below 12 cm. (2) Organic component This soil occurs sporadically throughout the complex and is found on the areas of poorest relief such as old meanders and oxbow lakes. The topography is flat and the soil has been classified as an organic Regosol. The profile consists of a black organic sandy loam some 40 cm in depth, overlying a horizon of similar texture but very dark brown in colour and of weaker structure. This in turn overlies a very dark brownish-grey gravelly sandy loam with river gravels below. Roots are plentiful to 40 cm.

Plate 17: The organic component of the Boyne Alluvium Complex which is extensive in the west of the county between Ballivor, Kildalkey and Athboy.

(3) Well drained component The occurrence of this soil in the complex is a result of the nature of the alluvial deposit and its position on the landscape. It has developed where sandy or gravelly materials were laid down by the water and where relief was sufficient to prevent a build up of peat on top as in component 2. In fact it occurs on small hummocks within the latter component. The soil has been classified as a Regosol.

53 The soil profile consists of a friable dark-brown surface horizon of around 33 cm in depth and of loam to sandy loam texture. Below this there is a gradual increase in sand and gravel, with mottling apparent below 60 cm. A root mat occurs on top with roots plentiful down to 33 cm. pH is very high ranging from 7.6 to 7.9.

(4) Terrace component This component, (which occurs in the Boyne valley) is best expressed in the Newgrange and Oldbridge areas of east Meath. The topography consists of a series of terraces. The soil has been classified as a Brown Earth. These are moderately deep, very well-drained soils. The soil profile is characterised by a friable brown to dark-brown surface horizon of gravelly loam texture. There is little change in texture or structure down the profile. Roots are plentiful and well developed above 40 cm. Soil suitability: Where components 3 and 4 occur in sizeable areas they have a moderately wide to wide use range and are suited to grassland and tillage. In the case of component 4 in particular, because of rapid permeability, nutrient status is quickly depleted. These soils benefit greatly from applications of organic manure which improves their ability to retain nutrients and moisture for plant growth. Component 1, in its natural state, has a limited use range. However, in recent years as a result of lowering of the water table by the Boyne Drainage Scheme its use range has been greatly improved, so that with a high level of management, very good grassland can be established. Great care must be taken to avoid poaching. Component 2, has also benefited from the Boyne Drainage Scheme and whereas its use range was very limited some years ago, it is now capable of producing good yields of

Plate 18: Recent arterial drainage of the River Boyne has also benefited many of its tributaries and the surrounding lowlying alluvial soils.

54 grass provided nutrient levels are maintained. Trace element levels need to be closely monitored, particularly molybdenum and selenium. In areas where the components are distributed in an intricate pattern they are best suited to grassland. If used for tillage there is great unevenness throughout the crops regarding time of ripening, response to fertilisers and in yield. Moderate to good grass yields can be obtained with good management. Trace element levels should be checked to ensure that adequate levels exist for crop or grass production.

Dunboyne-Ashbourne Complex This comples occupies 1.56% (9,005 acres; 3,644 ha) of the county. It occurs mainly in areas north and east of Duleek, north and west of Stamullen and south of Navan. The parent material consists of drift of Irish Sea provenance carried in and intermixed with the local limestone and shale; occasionally some flints and volcanics are present in the till. Elevation ranges from less than 100 feet (30 m) to around 400 feet (122 m) but seldom exceeds 200 ft (61 m) O.D. Topography is flat to gently undulating. Within this complex the Dunboyne and Ashbourne series occur in a very intricate distribution pattern. The better drained Dunboyne series is generally found in areas which have some degree of relief, while the Ashbourne series occupies the flatter areas. To move from one series to the other may involve as little as a 0.5° change in slope. The estimated proportion of each component varies from area to area with Dunboyne series occupying approximately 45% to 65% of the complex and Ashbourne series occupy­ ing the remainder. Soil suitability: This complex has a moderately wide use range. As in the case of the Dunboyne and Ashbourne series the favourable climatic conditions greatly offset the physical disadvantages of the soils. With efficient management high yields of grass can be obtained, but poaching is a problem during and after wet periods. Neither soil is ideal for tillage but because of their location, the low rainfall and good solar radiation within the area they are widely tilled for the production of wheat, potatoes, barley, roots and vegetables. It is desirable that tillage operations are carried out only when these soils are at optimum moisture balance. Where tillage is practiced on a regular basis there is the likelihood of soil structure breakdown and soil compaction. Hence good soil management is essential.

Dunboyne-Ashbourne Shaley Phase Complex This complex is limited in occurrence and occupies only 0.09% (507 acres; 205 ha) of the county, mainly in the area south east of Fourknocks, close to the north county Dublin border. The parent material is similar to that of the Dunboyne-Ashbourne complex, but has a higher shale content, being associated with the shale hills of the Balbriggan massif. Elevation ranges from 300 to just over 500 feet O.D. (91 to 152 m). Topography is gentle hillslope. The Dunboyne component occupies 40 to 50% of this complex. Soil suitability: The use range of this complex is similar to that of the Dunboyne-Ash- bourne complex but the higher shale content increase the possibility of molybdenum toxicity occurring.

55 Dunboyne-Lades town Complex This complex occupies 0.08% (452 acres; 183 ha) of the county. It is found about two miles to the north of Dunboyne at an altitude of 200 to 300 feet O.D. (61 to 91 m). Parent material consists of till and fluvioglacial materials composed mainly of limestone, shale and chert. Topography is gentle kame and kettle. The Ladestown series is found on the kames while the Dunboyne series occurs on the flatter areas and in the kettle holes. The proportion of each varies, alternating between 60 and 40% either way. Soil suitability: This complex has a moderately wide use range. Grass production potential is high, with a long growing season. Good yields of barley, wheat, potatoes, roots and vegetables can also be obtained. A high level of soil management is necessary, especially on the Dunboyne component, where structure breakdown is likely under constant tillage.

Rathowen -Street Complex The soils of this complex occupy 0.25% (1,453 acres; 588 ha) of the county. They occur mainly in an area southwest of Navan. The parent material consists of till of limestone and shale composition. The topography is mainly flat to gently undulating with elevation seldom exceeding 300 feet O.D. (91 m). The distribution of the main components in this complex is very intricate. However, the general pattern is that Rathowen is slightly dominant with Street occupying the flatter or depressional areas. This pattern may be repeated on a microtopographic level. The proportion of each component is approximately 50%. Soil suitability: Overall this complex has a somewhat limited use range. While the Rath­ owen component offers a wider use range the associated Street series is much more limited. Generally the complex is best suited to grass production where, with careful management, good yields can be obtained.

Street- Ladestown-Banagher Complex This complex covers 0.30% (1,698 acres; 687 ha) of the county and is found northeast of Wilkinstown. The parent material is mainly till of limestone and shale composition. Topography is flat with sporadic small low kames. Elevation ranges from 200 to 300 feet O.D. (61-91 m). In the complex Street and Banagher series occupy the flat areas and depressions, while Ladestown series covers the small low kames. Street and Banagher components account for between 60 and 70% of the area, with Ladestown occupying the remainder. Soil suitability: Taken as a whole this complex has a limited use range and is best suited to grassland. Its potential is limited by the extent of Street and Banagher Series and their pattern of occurrence. Where these have been drained and where a high level of manage­ ment prevails, moderately high yields of grass can be obtained. Nutrient levels should be closely monitored, particularly on the Ladestown and Banagher component. Poaching is a hazard, also, on the two main components.

Glane Complex This complex, which occupies only 0.10% (581 acres; 235 ha) of the county, is found

56 on the crests of Namurian shale hills such as Tara, Skreen, Cam Hill and Redmountain. It is best expressed on hills which are isolated and roughly conical in shape. The complex consists of three main components (1) a somewhat shallow Brown Earth (30—40 cm) occurring on and just below the summit; (2) a deeper phase (50—60 cm in depth) found downslope and (3) Dunboyne Series Shaley Phase. The parent material of soils (1) and (2) is mainly Namurian shale, from which they derive their dark colour, while the parent material of soil (3) is similar but has a stronger influence of Irish Sea till. This complex is usually found in association with the Dunboyne and Ashbourne series with which it forms an altitudinal sequence moving downslope. The complex can occur over a distance of as little as 100 metres. It is also found in smaller pockets which are not shown (e.g., summit of Summerhill) due to the limitation of the map scale. Soil suitability: This complex has a somewhat limited use range. Because of its topo­ graphic situation and the variability in soils over short distances it is best suited to grass­ land. Because of the organic or slightly peaty surface, care must be taken to avoid poach­ ing. On the Namurian shale parent material of these soils high molybdenum and selenium levels are likely to occur.

Patrickswell-Howardstown Complex This complex occupies 0.34% (1,952 acres; 790 ha) of the county. Its major area of occurrence is southeast of Enfield and northwest of Crossakeel. The parent material consists of gravelly till of predominantly limestone composition with some shale and sandstone. Topography is flat to gently undulating. Elevation ranges from 200 to 300 feetO.D.(61 to 91 m). In this complex Patrickswell series occurs on the areas of better relief while the poorly drained Howardstown series occurs on the flatter more low lying areas. Some Camoge and Banagher series is found in small pockets through this complex. Patrickswell series is the dominant component, occupying about 70%. Soil suitability: Because Patrickswell series covers a considerable area within this complex and occupies sizeable units the complex has an overall moderately wide use range. It is highly suited to tillage enterprises such as wheat, barley, potatoes, roots and vegetables. The poorly drained Howardstown component is limited but where drained it has a moderately high potential for grass productions but poaching is a hazard.

Peat Soils

Peats are characterised by a high content of organic carbon (over 30%) and by being at least 30 cm in depth. Two basically different types, basin and blanket peat, occur in the country but only basin peats are found in Co. Meath. Two types of basin peat occur namely Raised Bog Peat and Fen Peat.

Raised Bog Peat Under suitable climatic conditions raised bog peat may be built up on top of fen peat. As the depth of fen peat increases, its living vegetation is less influenced by groundwater and more dependent on atmospheric precipitation as a source of moisture. This change in

57 Unreclaimed Cutover & Reclaimed Reclaimed Unreclaimed Raised Bog Unreclaimed Cutover Fen Fen (Allen Series) Raised Bog (Gortnamona (Banagher (Pollardstown (Turbary Series) Series) Series) Clonsast and Boora* Complexes) *Boora complex occurs only to a limited extent in Co. Meath and is not shown on the soil map. Fig. 8: Relationship of different peat soils in Co. Meath within overall classification scheme. moisture supply results in the growth and development of a raised bog with its charac­ teristic convex surface and acid plant remains. The profile usually consists of a basal layer of fen or woody fen peat overlain by a layer of acid ombrogenous peat characterised mainly by its high content of Sphagnum mosses, variable quantities of bog cotton (Eriophorum spp.) and ericaceous remains (CallunaJ. In their natural state fen peats vary considerably in depth and are typically acid in reaction. Extensive areas of raised bog in Co. Meath have been cut-over and large areas on the western border are under development by Born na Mona for sod and milled peat. The relationship of different peat soils in the county is shown above. Allen Series This series occupies 0.81% (4,638 acres; 1,877 ha) of the county. In the unreclaimed state peat depth can reach 5.0 m. The basal peat layer, which is generally highly humified and locally termed 'block peat,' consists of remains of plants which grew under the in­ fluence of base-rich ground waters. This layer is overlain by a variable thickness of acid peat mostly composed of Sphagnum moss with cyperaceous and ericaceous plant remains. The profile is comprised of alternating layers of variably humified Sphagnum mosses. Fibre contents vary over short distances from less than 35% for Sphagnum cuspidatum peat to over 75% for other poorly-humified Sphagnum species. Little profile development has taken place and the soil is typical of an initial raw peat soil. The profile is wet throughout (85 to 91% water), and in the undrained stage, the water-table is very close to the surface. At the outer edges of the raised bog, where localised drainage has been carried-out to facilitate manual turf-cutting, the profile may be somewhat drier. Soil suitability: In their natural state, no physical 'ripening' i.e., loss of water and aeration of profile, has taken place and the soils are unsuited to any type of agricultural enterprise. However, with drainage, liming and fertilizing, grass production and forestry are feasible. Gortnamona Series Where some of the raised bogs have been drained, levelled and reclaimed they are mapped

58 as the Gortnamona Series. This series occupies 1.64% (9,420 acres; 3,812 ha) of the county. The soil profile usually consists of a layer of acid strippings ("top sod") of variable thickness (100 to 150 cm) over basin peat (wood or fen plant remains). The drier surface is colonised by heathers (Calluna-Erica spp.) and bog cottons (Eriophorum spp.) with Eriophorum angustifolium and Sphagnum spp. in the wetter areas. Soil suitability: These areas have a definite potential for afforestation, grassland, and, in some instance, a range of crops such as cereals, carrots and celery. Cropping potential depends on the proximity of a drainage outfall and is therefore, often restricted to the outer edges of bog areas, except in the case of large Bord na Mona developments. With suitable drainage and management the physical nature of such soils presents little or no difficulty and nutritional problems are also easily overcome with constant monitoring.

Fen Peat This peat type formed under the influence of base-rich groundwater and is composed mainly of the remains of reeds, sedges and other semi-aquatic or woody plants. Variations in concentration of the component plant remains depend on the topographic situation and nutrient content of the water supply. Peat soils of this type occur in river valleys and interdrumlin hollows. They have been mapped as one group but vary somewhat in botanical composition, nutrient status and soil reaction. Two fen peats occur in Meath. One is unreclaimed fen peat (Pollardstown series) and the other is reclaimed fen peat (Banagher series).

Pollardstown Series This series consists of unreclaimed poorly drained fen peat and occupies only 0.03% (146 acres; 59 ha) of the county. It is limited in extent since almost all the fen peat has been drained, with only the small area constituting this series left in its original con­ dition. Soil suitability: In its present condition this soil is not suitable for agriculture but has potential for amenity or wild life conservation. When reclaimed it has a similar potential to the Banagher Series.

Banagher Series This series consists of reclaimed fen peat and occupies 1.49% (8,577 acres; 3,471 ha) of the county. It occurs not only as large individual units but also within many of the soil complexes which predominate in the kame and kettle topography. Most of the small streams within these complexes are surrounded by Banagher Series. It is formed under base-rich ground-water conditions and the plant community is characteristically minero- trophic. The profile has an organic surface horizon with well-developed structure and abundant roots. Mineral materials present in some places indicate that 'marling' was carried out to improve fertility. Structure disimproves with depth and root content also decreases rapidly in the sub-surface horizon. The permanent watertable occurs at around 70 cm below the surface. Soil suitability: These soils have a moderately wide use-range. Frost hazard and low base status are the main problems. The present land-use tends to be rough with rushes and

59 sedges dominating the vegetation. Where the water courses are cleaned and the watertable lowered, production can be improved considerably. Where major and minor elements are kept at an adequate level moderately high yields of grass can be obtained. Vegetable crops such as carrots, celery and brassicas can be produced successfully although an awareness of frost incidence is necessary.

Peat Complexes Qonsast Complex Since the late nineteen-thirties, Bord na Mona (Irish Peat Development Authority) has developed large expanses of raised bog (Allen series) for the production of sod and milled peat. The removal of sod peat, which is typified by the method used at Clonsast bog, Co. Offaly, gives rise to peat soils which have been mapped as the Clonsast Complex. This complex occupies 0.10% (588 acres; 238 ha) of county Meath. The natural profile sequence, as described for the Allen series, is materially altered by peat production since the major part of the peat profile is removed. In most cases the lowest peat layer is left unaltered but in sod peat areas it is covered by a 50 cm layer of poorly-humified acid Sphagnum peat strippings cut from the original surface layer. Soil suitability: The suitability of the Clonsast complex is basically dependent on the depth and type of peat which remains after production has ceased and on the type of sub-peat "soil". Various enterprises are being experimentally evaluated at the present time to assess their suitability for forestry, biomass, grassland and horticultural crops, in­ cluding vegetables and nursery stocks. In the overall evaluation of these areas the amenity aspect warrants special consideration. However, the selection of the particular land-use enterprise to be followed will depend largely on soil type and future economic and social circumstances.

Turbary Complex When some raised bog areas are manually cut-over but not reclaimed because of a high watertable, the area is mapped as the Turbary Complex. These areas consist of both wet and dry peat, some having a few centimetres of soil developed, while others remain under water. The complex occupies 0.61% (3,526 acres; 1,427 ha) of the county. Soil suitability: These areas are unsuited to agricultural development.

60 CHAPTER 5

SOIL SUITABILITY

Soil suitability classification is essentially a grouping of soils according to the potential use or uses to which they are most adaptable, and is based principally on the significance of the more permanent characteristics of the soil. A further step in the suitability classific­ ation consists of an assessment of the production potential of each soil, for the normal range of farm and forest crops, under defined management standards. This provides the essential link between the physical and economic aspects of the use of soils. However, for

Plate 19: Horse breeding is an important enterprise on the Dunboyne and Ashbourne series in east Meath.

61 this purpose reliable quantitative data on the productive capacity of each soil are required; these can only be provided by detailed field experimentation and yield observations over a number of years on sample areas representative of the particular soil. So far, the only information of this nature available within the county is confined to forestry on certain soil series and to pasture production. These quantitative assessments are presented for forestry potential and grazing capacity but apart from these the system of soil suitability evaluation used is a qualitative, rather than a quantitative, appraisal of the potentialities of the different soils in the county. Although the physical, chemical and biological properties of the soil merit foremost consideration in assessing soil suitability, environmental factors such as elevation, aspect and local climate, must also be taken into account. For instance, local features such as exposure to strong winds and late spring frosts can limit forest tree growth no matter how deep and fertile the soils may be. In general statements concerning soil suitability one must bear in mind, therefore, that environmental and other factors can influence con­ siderably the economics of production and hence can modify the use-range to which the soils are otherwise ideally suited. Furthermore, the concept of land quality has changed radically in recent years. With modern fertiliser technology, natural nutrient fertility problems in soils have become subordinate to physical ones such as defective natural drainage, lieavy' texture and poor structure, which are more difficult and more costly to rectify. Besides, farm labour is no longer abundant, and its replacement by mechanisation has drastically altered the feasible cultural and management practices of many soils.

Suitability for Grassland and Cultivation

M. J. Gardiner and T. Radford

Suitability classification * A widely-used system for the interpretation of soil survey data from the point of view of land classification consists of assessing the capacity of each soil unit for permanent sus­ tained production, and arranging the units according to the U.S.D.A. system of Land Capability Classification (1). This is a standard eight class system in which classes I to IV are suited to cultivated crops, classes V to VII are suited to grazing and forestry and class VIII is suited only to wild life. The U.S.D.A. system emphasises the adaptability of a soil for a range of uses and implies a hierarchy of use capacity viz. cropping, grazing, forestry. In relation to land use practice in Ireland this hierarchy is not relevant as the priority use of land is dairy live­ stock production which has a large grazing component. Since economic priorities change with time, value judgements based on economic criteria should be excluded as far as possible from a technical land classification. The system adopted in Ireland is to evaluate the degree of suitability of each soil unit for a set of uses, viz. cultivation and grassland, where all types of use have equal

*This classification scheme has already been outlined by Diamond et al in Soils of Co. Westmeath, 1977.

62 rank. This system could be extended to include suitability for forestry or urban develop­ ment where appropriate. Choice of optimum use of a soil unit could be derived at any time from the suitability classification by assigning a weighting to each type of use based on the prevailing economic circumstances. Soil suitability depends largely on the physical properties of the soil and the environ­ ment. These are rarely ideal and the limitations affect productivity and cultural practices. The degree of limitation is assessed from such factors as elevation (e), wetness (w), drought (d), liability to flooding (f), slope (s), rockiness (r), textural and structural pro­ perties affecting tilth and susceptibility to poaching (t). On the basis of these factors the soils are grouped into five classes designated A, B, C, D, E, for grassland and I, II, III, IV, V, for cultivation. Productivity is the dominant criterion in the ranking of suitability for grassland and the suitability classes A, B, C, D, E parallel the grazing capacity classific­ ation. In the case of cultivation the dominant criterion is the effect of soil properties on the ease of cultivation. In the legend the suitability classes are divided into sub-classes by principal limiting factors. Sub-classes are indicated by a subscript which indicates the type of limitation, for example w = wetness, s = slope, etc. The degree of limitation increases from the higher to the lower categories. Every map separation can be represented by the class letter for grassland, the class number for cultivation and the subscript letter for kind of dominant limitation e.g., (1) Al d indicates class A for grassland, Class I for cultivation and liability to drought as the dominant limitation. (2) CIII w indicates Class C for grassland, Class III for cultivation and wetness as the dominant limitation.

Suitability classification of County Meath soils For grassland, 36.8% of the soils are placed in Class A; their principal limitations vary from slopes which make machinery use less easy, slight drought in dry periods, slight susceptibility to poaching and moderate elevations which reduce yields. They are sub­ divided into Classes II and III for cultivation but none are placed in Class I. The Patricks- well and Kells soils have slight slope problems and slight drought problems respectively. The Dunboyne, Elton and Rathowen (non-drumlin area) have slight tilth problems associated with heavy, textures while in addition the Dunboyne Shaley Phase has elevation and slope problems (Table 7). About 413% of the soils are placed in Class B for grassland. The principal limitation consists of slopes which interfere with easy machinery use. These slopes are associated with the Baggotstown and Ladestown soils in particular as well as with the Patrickswell and Elton components and the soils of the Boyne terraces. About 12.9% of soils have been placed in Class II for cultivation. In addition to slope problems the Baggotstown and Ladestown soils also have drought problems. The Mortars- town soil has a tilth problem associated with its heavy texture while the Derk Shaley Phase has a rock outcrop problem. Because of the more frequent occurrence of slopes which interfere with machinery use the Rathkenny, Rathowen (drumlin area), Glane, Patrickswell-Ladestown, Rathowen- Ladestown, Dunboyne-Ladestown and Rathowen Cherty Phase have been placed in Class III for cultivation. The latter soil also has a tilth problem due to heavy texture. Wetness

63 TABLE 7: Soil suitability for grassland and cultivation - Co. Meath

Suitability Class Principal Area % of total Grassland Cultivation limitations* hectares land area Mapping unit

A II s,d 26,510 11.38 Patrickswell, Kells (east) II t 51,403 22.07 Dunboyne, Elton, Rathowen (non drumlin) III e,s, t 7,803 3.35 Dunboyne Shaley Phase

B II s 10,329 4.43 Patrickswell-Baggotstown-Elton, Boyne (terraces) s, d 18,944 8.14 Kells (west), Baggotstown, Ladestown d 259 0.11 Dunboyne Gravelly Phase t 352 0.15 Mortarstown r 231 0.10 Derk Shaley Phase III s,e 825 0.35 Rathkenny s, t 6,634 2.85 Rathowen (drumlin), Glane s, d 4,744 2.04 Ratrickswell-Ladestown, Rathowen-Ladestown, Dunboyne- Ladestown t, s 86 0.04 Rathowen Cherty Phase t,w 4,437 1.90 Dunboyne-Ashbourne, Dunboyne-Ashboume Shaley Phase Rathowen-Street w, t 40,687 17.46 Ashbourne, Ashbourne Shaley Phase s, d, t, w 8,757 3.76 Ladestown-Rathowen-Banagher

C III w, t 10,489 4.50 Howardstown, Boyne Alluvium IV d,s 17 0.01 Ballincurra d.r 195 0.08 Patrickswell Lithic Phase e,s 635 0.27 Rathkenny Moderately Steep Phase w 8,261 3.54 Dunsany, Ballyshear, Mylerstown, Gortnamona,** Banagher,** Clonsast** w, t 12,187 5.23 Street (non-drumlin) w, d 687 0.30 Street-Ladestown-Banagher w,f 4,180 1.79 Camoge, Feale TABLE 7: Soil suitability for grassland and cultivation - Co. Meath (continued)

Suitability Class Principal Area % of total Grassland Cultivation limitations* hectares land area Mapping unit D IV w 327 0.14 Drombanny V e,s 40 0.02 Slievebeag w, s 8,125 3.49 Street (drumlin)

E V d 107 0.05 Seafield r, s 300 0.13 Knockeyon r,d 198 0.09 Burren s,d 328 0.14 Baggotstown-Crush w 3,363 1.44 Allen, Pollardstown, Turbary

Variable

AH X CHI s, w 790 0.34 Patrickswell-Howardstown

*d = drought; w = wetness; s = slope; f • liability to flooding; e = elevation; r = rockiness; t = textural and structural properties affecting tilth and sus- ceptibility to poaching; **It is assumed that these peat soils have been drained and reclaimed. Plate 20: The medium to heavy-textured soils of the Rathowen series on gently un­ dulating topography in the south-west have a high yield potential in winter cereals.

Plate 21: The Kells series is well suited to tillage but in the west of the county (Kells- Moynalty-Crossakeel), where the micro topography is somewhat broken, it is placed in tillage suitability class II.

66 and tilth problems are associated with the remainder of the soils in this class and in addition there are slope and drought problems in the Ladestown-Rathowen-Banagher Complex. Some 15.7% of the soils have been placed in Class C for grassland. None of these occur in Classes I or II for cultivation but they are separated into Classes III and IV. Those of Class III comprise 4.5% (Howardstown and Boyne alluvium) and have wetness as the principal limitation but they are also heavy in texture and have a tilth problem. The remainder (11.2%) are placed in Class IV for cultivation. The most widespread limitation here is wetness associated with the gley and peat soils whilst the Ballincurra and Patricks- well Lithic Phase have drought problems and the Rathkenny Moderately Steep Phase soils have elevation and slope problems. Only 3.6% of the soils have been placed in Class D for grassland. The Drombanny soils which have severe wetness are placed in Class rv for cultivation whilst the Slievebeag and Street (drumlin area) soils are placed in Class V. The former have elevation and slope limitations whilst the latter have wetness and slope. Grassland Class E soils cover only 1.8% of the county and all have been placed in Class V for cultivation. Their limitations include drought, rock outcrop, slope and wetness.

Suitability for Forestry

M. Bui fin

The species suitable to each soil series along with the main limitations of the various soils for timber production are given in Table 8. Most of the soils in Co. Meath are very suitable for a wide range of species, both hardwood and conifer. Only a few soils, of small extent, present major problems for tree growth, in particular, Knockeyon, Crush, Burren and Rathkenny Moderately Steep Phase. The peat and peat influenced soils around the raised bogs, again present problems for many of the hardwoods but are quite suitable for conifer tree growth. Exposure to cold east winds may be a problem for most species on the hills that lie close to the coast. An estimate of yield for the most productive species is given in column 5 of Table 8. Yield is given as an estimate of the possible potential yield of Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis) for each soil series. Sitka spruce is chosen because it is currently the major timber tree in Irish forestry; it can be easily established and grown satisfactorily under a wide range of conditions. Its primary requirement is for adequate moisture; Sitka rarely does well where annual rainfall is less than 100 cm (40 inches). Thus, many areas in east Meath may not be suitable for Sitka but they will be suitable for other productive conifers such as Douglas fir, larch, Grand fir and also for hardwoods. Sitka currently accounts for 64% of the planting programme of the Forest and Wild­ life Service. Thus, this tree gives the best indication of productivity over a wide spectrum of soil types. While Sitka spruce grows well on a wide variety of soil types this does not exclude the use of other species. The choice of species really depends on the end use of the plantation, whether it is for timber, firewood, shelter or amenity. Final choice of

67 TABLE 8: Soil suitability for forestry - Co. Meath

Possible potential Suitability yield cu.m. per class Series and Phases Suitable species Main limitations ha per annum Area hectares % of county

Elton, Mortarstown All species None 18-24 82,551 35.428 Patrickswell, Rathowen Dunboyne, Dunboyne Very Good Shaley Phase Dunboyne Gravelly Phase All species None 16-24 27,889 11.962 Rathowen Cherty Phase, Kells

Ashbourne, Ashbourne No limitation for spruce, 16-24 61,542 26.414

Shaley Phase, other species may be limited Howardstown, Street by poor drainage Ballincurra, Derk Some hardwoods Somewhat shallow, 16-20 2,415 1.036 Good Shaley Phase, Patrickswell droughty Lithic Phase, Ladestown, Rathkenny Baggotstown Some hardwoods Coarse material, liable 14-20 169 0.73 to drought

Camoge, Dunsany, Some hardwoods, Poor drainage, 14-22 4,409 1.891 Feale spruce liable to flood Moderate Bally shear, Conifers Shallowness, high 12-20 511 0.218 Mylerstown pH.edge of bog Rathkenny Mod. Some hardwoods, Shallowness 870 0.373 Steep Phase, Glane* conifers TABLE 8: Soil suitability for forestry - Co. Meath (Continued)

Possible potential Suitability yield cu.m. per class Series and Phases Suitable species Main limitations ha per annum Area hectares % of county

Slievebeag, Conifers Variable conditions 12-20 40 0.017 Drumbanny Conifers Peat over marl 12-22 327 0.140 Poor Allen, Gortnamona Conifers Variable conditions 12-18 10,884 4.668 Banagher, Pollaxdstown nutrient deficiencies, Clonsast,* Turbary* frost

Knockeyon Conifers, some Very shallow soils 6-18 498 0.343 Very Poor Burren, Crush* hardwoods of variable pH Seafield Pines Very variable 6-12 107 0.046 conditions, drought

Variable Complexes As for individual As for individual - 40,218 17.270 soils soils •Shown only as part of a soil complex. species should be taken on the advice of local advisors or foresters of the Forest and Wildlife Service. The use of trees for shelter, particularly along the exposed east coast area, is recommended both for domestic houses and farm buildings. The range of yield classes for each soil series is shown in Table 8. Yield class is the method used in forestry to indicate site productivity. It is a measure which takes in not only soil productivity but other site factors such as elevation, aspect and, indirectly, climate factors such as rainfall, temperature and windspeed. The yield class of a particular stand of trees is determined from its height/age relation­ ship: the taller the trees at a given age the greater their yield class. Yield class is expressed as the average volume production per hectare per annum of a stand of trees over a full rotation. Thus, if a 45 year old stand of Sitka spruce produces a total of 1,080 cubic metres of timber it will be classed as yield class 24 i.e. the average annual production was 24 cubic metres per hectare per annum. The British Forestry Commission Management Tables for Sitka spruce show a range of yield classes from 6 to 24 cubic metres per hectare per annum (2). A recent study of Sitka spruce production in Co. Leitrim showed higher production levels than the British figures for the wet mineral lowland soils (3). It is possible, therefore, that the projected upper limits of production on the gleyed soils in northwest Meath—Street (drumlin)—may be conservative. The table shows that at least 75% of Meath has a good to very good potential for tree production. Much of the soil complex areas would also have very high production levels, thus indicating that between 80 to 90% of the county is highly productive for forestry.

REFERENCES

1. Klingebiel, A. A. and Montgomery, P. H. 1961. Land Capability Classification, U.S. Dept. Agric, Soil Conservation Agric. Handbook No. 210. 2. Hamilton, G. J. and Christie, J. M. 1971, Great Britain Forestry Commission Booklet No. 34, HMSO. 3. Bulfin, M., Gallagher, G. and Dillon, J. 1973. Leitrim Resource Survey, Part 1, An Foras Taluntais.

70 CHAPTER 6

QUANTITATIVE GRAZING CAPACITY OF SOILS

J. Lee

The objective of this part of the report is to determine the potential of the county and of different regions within it for livestock based on grass production and utilisation. Such quantitative measurements are possible only when the nature of the soil and climate are known and when pasture and animal production experimental data are available. The completion of the soil survey of the county has now made this possible. By comparing the potential targets thus obtained with present livestock numbers, the possible im­ provements in livestock density can be ascertained.

Trend in grazing livestock numbers Grazing livestock numbers for each of the years 1958 to 1977 were obtained from the agricultural returns of the Central Statistics Office. Stock numbers were converted to standardised livestock units (L.U.). The results are shown in Table 9. The number of livestock units increased by 26% which is 17% below the national average increase of 43% which took place over the same period. It is significant that in 1973 the number of livestock units in Meath was 11% above the 1977 figure.

TABLE 9: Grazing livestock units in Co. Meath (1958-1977)

Year No. ofL.U.(OOO) Year No. of L.U. (000)

1958 227.44 1968 270.89 1959 236.14 1969 275.39 1960 247.46 1970 278.52 1961 240.64 1971 281.27 1962 243.99 1972 295.69 1963 254.81 1973 318.00 1964 259.30 1974 313.90 1965 281.00 1975 300.40 1966 280.91 1976 291.70 1967 278.85 1977 287.70

Present graxmg livestock numbers In 1975, there were 300,400 grazing livestock units in the county representing an average of 150 L.U./100 ha (60 L.U./100 acres) of land devoted to grazing livestock. This com-

71 pares to a national average stocking rate of approximately 133 L.U./lOO ha (54 L.U./lOO acres) in 1975. The pattern of livestock density is not uniform throughout the county. This is illustrated by stocking rates well below the county average on Street (drumlin) series particularly in the north of the county. Table 10 indicates the composition of the grazing livestock population in the county compared with the national pattern. It is clear that the proportion of dairy cows is well below the national average while the reverse is true for the 'other cattle' category. The ratio of dairy cows to beef cows in the county is 75 : 25 corresponding closely to the national average. However, this ratio is not uniformly distributed throughout the county.

TABLE 10: Composition of grazing livestock categories in Meath and Republic of Ireland

% of total L.U. 1975

Dairy cows and heifers in calf Other cattle Sheep Horses

Meath 20.6 70.9 7.0 1.5 Republic of Ireland 28.4 61.3 9.0 1.3

The proportion of dairy to beef cows can range from 94 : 4 in the District Electoral Division (D.E.D.) of Donaghpatrick, north of Navan to 36 : 64 in the D.E.D. of Moylagh south of Oldcastle. However, for the most part, dairy cows comprise 70-90% of the cow herd. Cattle production (as distinct from dairying) is fairly uniformly distributed through­ out the country. However, concentration of this enterprise is comparatively low on the poorly drained Street (drumlin) series north of Nobber and comparatively high on Ash­ bourne and Dunboyne series in the south-east extremity of the county. Cattle concentr­ ation is also relatively high in north-west Meath on Patrickswell/Baggotstown/Elton and on Ladestown/Rathowen/Banagher complexes. Land devoted to dairying is relatively highly concentrated on Street (drumlin) series in north Meath. Tillage cropping is com­ paratively highly concentrated in the relatively low rainfall zone of east Meath and is par­ ticularly associated with Dunboyne series and the eastern component of Ashbourne series.

Gross grazing capacity of soils The physical output data necessary for evaluation of the grazing capacity of the different soils in Meath were extrapolated from experimental sites to related areas defined by soil and climate. The grazing capacity estimates for the soil series and complexes are set out in Table 11 and their distribution is shown on the accompanying grazing capacity map. The estimates are based on nitrogenous fertiliser inputs of 48 kg and 230 kg/ha (43 lb and 206 lb/acre) together with adequate phosphorus and potassium. Artificial drainage of wet soils is assumed. Pasture dry matter production data from experimental sites in the Central Plain of Ireland provide the basis for the grazing capacity estimates for the well drained soil series and complexes. In addition to the pasture data, animal production data from An Foras Taluntais Research Centre at Grange were also used. Grassland productivity research indicates that pastures on well drained soils in the

72 Plate 22. South of Nobber soils of the Rathowen series occur on subdued drumlin topography. south of Ireland have a 5% advantage or so in annual dry matter production over com­ parable soils such as Patrickswell series in Meath. The southern part of the country has a climatic advantage for early growth of grass particularly. This is reflected in the target date of grazing commencement, which is the middle of April in Meath compared to early to middle March in the south. The grazing capacity estimates for the gley soils are based on the extrapolation of animal production data from An Foras Taluntais Research Stations at Mullinahone and Herbertstown in addition to pasture output data from experimental sites. The grazing capacity estimate for the Street (drumlin) series in north Meath is derived from pro­ duction data from An Foras Taluntais Research Station at Ballinamore. The estimates for the reclaimed peats are based on animal production data from An Foras Taluntais Peatland Research Station at Lulfymore. The soil complexes and particularly those including wet mineral and peat components present problems from a grazing potential evaluation viewpoint. The grazing capacity estimates are, of necessity averages for the complexes and may not be applicable to the entire area of any complex because of possible geographic variation in the balance of components within a particular complex. Similarly because of mapping limitation the estimates for some series, while applicable to the major extent of the series may not necessarily be applicable to its entire area.

73 TABLE 11: Grazing capacity of Co. Meath soils

48 kg N/ha 230 kg N/ha

Grazing capacity Gross grazing Grazing capacity Gross grazing Soils Area ha L.U./lOOha capacity (L.U.) L.U./lOOha capacity (L.U.)

Dunboyne 23,959 215 51,512 269 64,450 Dunboyne Shaley Phase 7,803 215 16,777 269 20,990 Elton 1,438 215 3,092 269 3,868 Patrickswell 16,594 215 35,677 269 44,638 Kells (East) 9,916 215 21,319 269 26,674 Rathowen (non-drumlin) 26,006 210 54,613 264 68,656 Rathowen Cherty Phase 86 210 181 264 227 Rathowen (drumlin) 6,399 203 12,990 252 16,125 Kells (West) 17,628 203 35,785 252 44,423 Mortarstown 352 203 715 252 887 Baggotstown 169 203 343 252 426 Dunboyne Gravelly Phase 259 203 526 252 653 Ladestown 1,147 198 2,271 247 2,833 Patrickswell/Ladestown 1,043 207 2,159 257 2,681 Dunboyne/Ashbourne 3,644 200 7,288 249 9,074 Dunboyne/Ladestown 183 205 375 257 470 Dunboyne/Ashbourne Shaley Phase 205 200 410 249 510 Patrickswell/Baggotstown/Elton (East) 3,972 207 8,222 257 10,208 Patrickswell/Baggotstown/Elton (West) 5,957 198 11,795 247 14,714 Ladestown/Rathowen/Banagher 8,757 185 16,200 227 19,878 Rathowen/Ladestown 3,518 185 6,508 227 7,986 TABLE 11: Grazing capacity of Co. Meath soils (Continued)

48 kg N/ha 230 kg N/ha

Grazing capacity Gross grazing Grazing capacity Gross grazing Soils Area ha L.U./lOOha capacity (L.U.) L.U./100 ha capacity (L.U.)

Rathowen/Street 588 193 1,088 237 1,393 Rathkenny 825 185 1,526 227 1,873 Ashbourne 40,402 185 74,744 227 91,713 Ashbourne (Shaley Phase) 285 185 527 227 647 Glane 235 185 435 227 533 Derk (Shaley Phase) 231 185 427 227 524 Rathkenny (Mod Steep Phase) 635 175 1,111 207 1,314 Ballyshear 93 173 161 212 197 Camoge 2,686 173 4,647 212 5,694 Dunsany 229 173 396 212 485 Feale 1,494 173 2,585 212 3,167 Howardstown 543 173 939 212 1,151 Mylerstown 418 173 723 212 886 Street (non-drumlin) 12,187 173 21,084 212 25,836 Boyne Alluvium 10,346 173 17,899 212 21,934 Street/Ladestown/Banagher 687 183 1,241 227 1,559 Gortnamona 3,812 173 6,595 212 8,081 Banagher 3,471 173 6,005 212 7,359 Patrickswell/Howardstown 790 173 1,367 212 675 Clonsast 238 173 412 212 505 Patrickswell (Lithic Phase) 195 183 357 222 433 Street (drumlin) 8,125 158 12,838 198 16,088 Drombanny 327 148 484 188 615 Burren 198 124 246 246 Knockeyon 300 124 372 372 Ballincurra 17 136 23 23 Baggotstown/Crush 328 124 407 407

Gross Total 228,720* 447,397 555,081 "Exclusive ol Seafield, Slievebeag, Allen, Pollardstown and Turbary unclassified. Plate 23: On the Animal Production Research Centre of An Foras Taluntais (above) Grange, the Dunboyne and Ashbourne series predominate.

Because of inaccessibility to mechanisation the grazing capacity of Burren, Ballincurra and Knockeyon series are based on natural production. This factor is also taken into consideration in estimating the grazing capacity of a number of soil series and com­ plexes such as Rathkenny (Moderately Steep Phase) and complexes containing Crush and Ladestown series. Table 12 defines and shows the extent of the grazing capacity classes in the county.

TABLE 12: Extent and definition of grazing capacity classes in Co. Meath

LU/100 acres LU/lOOha

43 1b 2061b Grazing capacity 48 kg 230 kg Area Percent N/acre N/acre class N/ha N/ha (hectares) total area

85-90 107-112 A2 210-222 264-276 85,699 36.91 80-85 102-107 Bl 197-210 252-264 35,104 15.12 75-80 92-102 B2 185-197 227-252 60,798 26.17 70-75 82- 92 CI 173-185 202-227 37,824 16.29 60-65 - Dl 148-173 - 8,452 3.64 25-55 - El 62-148 - 843 0.36 - - Unclassified - - 3,510 1.51

76 Net grazing capacity-comparison with 1977 livestock numbers Table 13 shows the net grazing capacity of the county and Table 14 compares live­ stock numbers (1977) with possible stocking estimates.

TABLE 13: Net grazing capacity of Co. Meath

Area Grazing capacity (L.U.)

Ha Acres 48 kg N/ha 230 kg N/ha

Lowland and hill 221,199 346,725 434,385 539,136 Reclaimed peat and Clonsast complex 7,521 18,577 13,012 15,945 Less Urban roads, fences etc. 16,356 40,400 32,162 39,923 Tillage crops not devoted to livestock (1975) 17,692 43,700 34,790 43,184 Forest 1,498 3,700 2,220 2,960 NET 193,321 477,502 378,225 469,014

TABLE 14: Livestock numbers (1977) and possible stocking estimates

Possible total

Livestock No. (1977) (L.U.) 48 kg N/ha 230 kg N/ha

287,700 378,200 469,000

Under a moderate level of grassland management (48 kg N/ha) livestock numbers in the county could be expanded by 31% whereas under intensive management (230 kg N/ha) an increase of 63% in number of livestock units is technically possible. The average grazing capacity of the mineral soils is approximately 200 L.U. and 245 L.U./lOO ha (80 and 100 L.U./lOO acres) under the low and high nitrogen inputs respectively.

77 CHAPTER 7

TRACE ELEMENTS - CO. MEATH

P. J. Parle and G. A. Fleming

Trace elements are found in varying amounts in most soils. Ranges of total contents for normal Irish soils are shown in Table 15. The inherent contents of trace elements in a soil depend largely on the nature and in particular on the mineral composition of the parent material, while the distribution within a profile is conditioned by soil forming processes such as weathering, leaching and organic matter accumulation. These processes coupled with such factors as pH, drainage status, and hydrous oxide content affect the availability of trace elements to varying degrees.

TABLE 15: Normal ranges of some trace elements in Irish soils (total contents)

Element Range (fJgg -l) Element Range (fjgg -l)

Cadmium 0.2 - 1.0 Molybdenum 0.2 -5 Chromium 2 -200 Nickel 5 -100 Cobalt 1 -25 Selenium 0.1 -2 Copper 2 -70 Silver 0.1 - 1 Gallium 5 -70 Tin 1 - 10 Lead 2 - 150 Titanium 1,000- 10,000 Manganese 25 - 3,000 Vanadium 20 - 200 Zinc 10 -200

Extractable copper, molybdenum, zinc, manganese and boron data on the various soils of Co. Meath are given in Table 16, while total selenium, cobalt and manganese values are shown in Table 17. The data provided a guide to the availability of some nutritionally important trace elements to plants and indirectly to grazing stock. The soil values below which deficiencies might be expected to occur are as follows: copper and zinc —1.0 /Jgg-1 (EDTA extractable), molybdenum-0.01 /igg-1 (Grigg's reagent), manganese —40 Mgg-1 (easily reducible) boron -1.0 jugg"1 (water soluble). Availability of cobalt is largely dependent on the manganese level in the soil. It must be stressed, however, that these figures can only be regarded as broad guidelines. More precise inform­ ation for different soils can only be achieved after calibration experiments linking ex-

79 TABLE 16: Trace Elements - extractable contents/igg - l

Great Soil Group Soil Series No. samples Horizon PH Cu Mo Zn Mn B

Brown Earth Baggotstown 2 A 6.4 7.7 0.43 8.9 330 2.6 6.4 7.9 0.51 4.8 510 3.3 Ballincurra 1 A 6.7 2.2 0.36 3.5 430 2.8 Derk Shaley Phase 1 A 5.5 3.7 0.36 8.4 - 2.7 Kells 1 A 4.8 5.0 0.32 3.3 230 2.6 Ladestown 2 A 7.0 8.1 0.47 7.2 300 2.3 7.2 4.0 0.07 5.3 270 2.8 Rendzina Burren 1 A 7.2 4.2 0.29 9.6 420 3.8 Grey Brown Podzolic Dunboyne 1 A 5.8 7.5 0.51 3.5 205 2.8 Dunboyne Gravelly Phase 1 A 7.0 11.3 0.41 8.4 310 2.3 Dunboyne Shaley Phase 3 A 5.0 15.3 0.36 50.0 340 2.5 5.7 7.3 0.36 6.6 220 2.2 5.5 6.7 0.36 10.8 180 1.3 Elton A 4.5 4.8 0.85 6.6 320 1.6 Mortarstown A 6.0 7.4 0.51 10.9 720 3.1 Patrickswell A 6.8 7.4 0.29 3.7 300 3.9 Rathowen A 4.2 3.4 0.85 4.7 230 0.9 Rathowen Cherty Phase A 6.3 13.8 0.51 10.9 290 2.5 TABLE 16: Trace Elements - extractable contents/igg-1 (Continued)

Great Soil Group Soil Series No. samples Horizon PH Cu Mo Zn Mn B

Podzol Slievebeag A 4.5 _ _ 5.0 Gley Ashbourne A 6.2 10.5 0.29 8.4 145 4.3 Ashbourne Shaley Phase A 6.8 8.2 0.29 3.7 100 2.0

Drombanny 02 7.1 8.5 0.32 20.5 100 2.6 Al 7.6 5.0 0.29 2.5 45 2.0 Aca 8.0 2.2 0.54 1.0 25 1.3 Cl 7.4 2.5 0.89 4.7 35 1.0 DC Dunsany All 7.0 18.8 1.43 7.6 220 3.4 A12 7.8 11.8 1.78 4.0 215 3.7 Bh 7.9 8.4 0.51 3.0 380 2.4 Bcal 8.6 1.5 0.14 1.8 75 2.6 Bca2 8.5 \J 0.78 1.8 35 2.3 Cl 8.3 4.<> 0.32 2.4 170 1.2 Feale A 6.8 5.7 0.18 3.0 155 6.7 Howardstown A 6.9 3.0 0.82 7.2 75 4.2 Street 2 A 6.6 3.1 0.11 4.2 100 1.8 4.5 13.8 0.36 4.0 120 1.2 Complex Glane (component 1) A 6.5 19.3 2.2 65.0 310 2.3 Boyne Alluvium (poorly drained) A 6.9 _ 1.5 _ _ _ TABLE 17: Trace Elements - total contents jugg~ *

Great Soil Group Soil Series No. samples Horizon PH Se Co Mn

Brown Earth Baggotstown 2 A 6.4 0.5 8.4 1,300 6.4 0.7 9.6 850 Ballincurra 1 A 6.7 0.5 8.4 1,300 Derk Shaley Phase 1 A 5.5 0.25 10.8 890 Kells 1 A 4.8 - 6.0 650 Ladestown 2 A 7.0 0.4 9.4 890 oo 7.2 1.2 8.0 625 10 Rendzina Burren 1 A 7.2 0.12 8.0 1,300 Grey Brown Podzolic Dunboyne 1 A 5.8 0.6 8.8 590 Dunboyne Gravelly Phase 1 A 7.0 0.7 8.8 950 Dunboyne Shaley Phase 3 A 5.0 1.8 6.8 575 5.7 0.4 8.4 575 5.5 0.6 11.6 665 Elton A 4.5 0.7 10.0 600 Mortarstown A 6.0 0.5 12.0 1,750 Patrickswell A 6.8 0.7 8.4 865 Rathowen A 4.2 1.9 3.2 235 Rathowen Cherty Phase A 6.3 0.2 6.4 815 TABLE 17: Trace Elements - total contents /igg" 1 (Continued)

Great Soil Group Soil Series No. samples Horizon PH Se Co Mn

Podzol Slievebeag A 4.5 1.6 260 Gley Ashbourne A 6.2 1.5 7.2 475 Ashbourne Shaley Phase A 6.8 0.7 7.2 360 Drombanny All 7.1 3.4 9.6 500 Al2 7.6 3.8 8.0 350 Aca 8.0 1.5 2.6 200 Cl 7.4 2.7 3.6 310 8 Dunsany All 7.0 8.4 11.6 915 Al2 7.8 7.2 15.2 1,180 Bh 7.9 14.4 15.0 1,750 Bcal 8.6 15.4 3.0 360 Bca2 8.5 3.3 6.0 565 Cl 8.3 2.8 12.4 625 Gley Feale A 6.8 0.60 16.0 890 Howardstown A 6.9 0.60 2.8 125 Street 2 A 6.6 0.08 8.4 300 4.5 0.23 7.2 310 Complex Glane (component 1) 1 A 6.5 1.2 8.4 875 tractable levels with plant uptake. Nevertheless, the figures can be used to focus attention on likely anomalous areas and to indicate when corrective measures are advisable. In practice molybdenum toxicity is probably the most important trace element problem. Soils analysing above 0.3 /zgg~1 should be regarded as suspect. The lime status is important here and guidance should be sought regarding the interpretation of soil Mo analytical data.

Selenium and Molybdenum Abnormally high levels of selenium occur in certain soils of Co. Meath and are the result mainly of two factors, one related to the nature of the soils themselves and the other to drainage water associated with certain black shales of Namurian age. The soils are generally low lying, poorly drained, rich in organic matter and neutral to alkaline in reaction. Many of them have formed in depressions once occupied by lakes of mostly glacial origin. The depressions were filled with sediment eroded from surrounding Namurian formations. Cycles of plant growth and decay resulted in the accumulation of a range of trace elements but mainly selenium amd molybdenum. The situation also obtains in portions of river alluvia. Three soils are known to be affected, the Drombanny and Dunsany series and the Complex mapped as Boyne Alluvium. The first Irish report of an animal disorder which is now recognised to be selenium toxicity was by Fream (1890) who described the symptoms of animals grazing "the poisoned lands of Meath". Fleming (1962), Kiely & Fleming (1969, 1978) and Crinion (1980) have further delineated the selenium toxic areas of County Meath. While selenium toxic levels tend to be confined to organic soils, molybdenum which has the same black shale source, is quite ubiquitous and is found across a wide range of Co. Meath soils at varying levels dependent on the extent of the influence of the black shales on the parent material. An estimate of the extent of the molybdeniferous soils of the county is shown in Fig. 9. These soils were delineated having regard to (1) the extractable Mo values in Table 16, (2) the stream sediment studies of Kiely and Fleming (1969, 1978) (3) a survey of advisory soil data for the area collected over a period of years, and (4) from the delineation of soil types in the course of the Soil Survey of the county. The following mapped soils have been found to be potentially molybdeniferous— Baggotstown, Ballincurra, Ladestown, Dunboyne, Dunboyne-gravelly phase, Dunboyne- shaley phase, Elton, Mortarstown, Rathowen, Rathowen-cherty phase, Howardstown, Drombanny, Dunsany, Boyne Alluvium, Glane, Dunboyne—Ashbourne Complex, Dun­ boyne—Ashbourne shaley phase. Areas within the Ashbourne series and within the Rathowen—associated Complexes could also have elevated molybdenum values depending on the degree of shale influence. It is important, however, to realise that the whole area mapped is not molybdeniferous but rather that within the area, toxic soils occur leading in turn to an induced copper-deficiency especially in young cattle. Where this occurs or is suspected, advice should be sought before any application of lime. Application of sulphur would also exacerbate the molybdenum — induced copper deficiency but in practice sulphur is usually not limiting on the heavy-textured soils which are usually those with elevated levels of molybdenum. With regard to drainage two points must be borne in mind. Poorly drained soils in-

84 Fig. 9: Molybdenif erous areas in Co. Meath. Pastures on soils in these areas may contain high levels of molybdenum. Advice should be sought before liming.

variably contain more available Mo than their freely drained counterparts and the same can be said with regard to Se. Where arterial drainage in seleniferous or molybdeniferous areas is being carried out the spreading of spoil may cause a definite hazard in that molybdenum and/or selenium bearing material may be dredged and subsequently cause problems. Herbage analysis of pastures sown on such material should be sought before animals are allowed to graze on such soil strips.

Cobalt The high manganese content of most of the County Meath soils will reduce the availability of cobalt to such a degree, that the pasture may well have inadequate levels to satisfy animal requirements particularly those of young lambs. The application of cobalt sulphate to pasture is unlikely to be of benefit for the above reason, except on the following soils-Howardstown, Rathowen, Street, Ashbourne and Slievebeag. Poole et al (1974) have obtained responses to cobalt dosing in Co. Meath on soils which were once con­ sidered adequately supplied with cobalt. Cobalt application trials on soils in Co. Meath have shown that very low herbage Co levels may be prevalent. In particular, areas around Oldcastle, Headfort and Wilkinstown had quite low levels of Co in the herbage but

85 because of the high soil levels of Mn obtaining, soil application of cobalt-sulphate at normal rates (2 kg per hectare) have only minimal benefit. In such areas direct treatment of animals is advised. All soils of the county appear to have satisfactory levels of copper, zinc, manganese and boron.

REFERENCES

1. Crinion, R. A. P. 1980. Distribution of selenium intoxication in County Meath-a retrospective study.Ir. vet. J. 34: 123-127. 2. Fleming, G. A. 1962. Selenium in Irish soils and plants. Soil Sci 94: 28-35. 3. Fream, W. 1890. The herbage of pastures. Jl. R. agric. Soc. 1, Ser. 3, 384-392. 4. Kiely, P. V., and Fleming, G. A. 1969. Geochemical Survey of Ireland, Meath-Dublin area. Proc. R. Ir. Acad. 68B: (1), 1-28. 5. Kiely, P. V. and Fleming, G. A. 1978. Geochemical Survey of Ireland, Westmeath-Meath area. Proc. R. fr. Acad. 78B: (13), 193-212. 6. Poole, D. B. R., Moore, L., Finch, T. F., Gardiner, M. J. and Fleming, G. A. 1974. An unexpected occurrance of cobalt pine in lambs in north Leinster. Ir. J. agric. Res. 13: 119-122.

Analytical Methods

Byrne, E., 1979. Chemical Analysis of Agricultural Material, An Foras Taluntais, Dublin 194 pp. Lane, J. C, 1966. Determination of selenium in soil and biological materials. Ir. J. agric. Res. 5: 177-183.

86 APPENDIX I

DEFINITION OF TERMS USED IN PROFILE DESCRIPTIONS* AND ANALYSES

Texture

Soil texture refers to the relative proportions of the various size particles in the mineral fraction of a soil. More especially, it refers to the relative proportions of clay, silt and sand in the mineral fraction less than 2 millimetres in diameter. Texture, which is one of the more important of the soil's physical characteristics, influences such factors as moisture retention, drainage and tilling properties of soils, their resistance to damage by stock and heavy machinery and earliness of crop growth. Classes of texture are based on different combinations of sand, silt and clay; the proportions of these are determined by mechanical analyses in the laboratory. The basic textural classes in order of increasing proportions of the finer separates are sand, loamy sand, sandy loam, silt loam, silt, sandy clay loam, clay loam, silty clay loam, sandy clay, silty clay and clay. Definitions of the basic classes in terms of clay (less than 0.002 mm), silt (0.002 to 0.05 mm) and sand (0.05 to 2.0 mm diameter size) are presented in graphic form (Fig. 10).

Field estimation of soil textural class The estimation of soil textural class is made in the field by feeling the moist soil between the fingers. The field estimation is checked in the laboratory. In arriving at an estimation in the field the following considerations are taken into account: Sand: Sand is loose and single grained. The individual grains can readily be seen and felt. Pressed when moist, a weak cast may be formed which easily crumbles when touched. Sandy Loam: A sandy loam contains much sand but has adequate silt and clay to make it somewhat coherent. If squeezed when moist, a cast can be formed that bears careful handling without breaking. Loam: A loam has roughly equal proportions of sand, silt and clay. If squeezed when moist, a cast is formed which can be handled quite freely without breaking. Silt Loam: A silt loam contains a moderate amount of sand, a relatively small amount of clay and more than half the particles of silt size. A cast can be formed which can be freely handled without breaking, but when moistened and squeezed between thumb and finger it does not 'ribbon' but gives a broken appearance.

•The terms and definitions used here are essentially those of the Soil Survey Manual, U.S.D.A. Hand­ book No. 18, Washington, D.C., 1951.

87 Fig. 10: Chart showing the percentages of clay (< 0.002 mm) silt (0.05-0.002 mm) and sand (2.0-0.05 mm) in the basic soil texture classes (after Soil Survey Manual, USD A Handbook No. 18, Washington DC 1951).

Clay Loam: A clay loam contains more clay than a loam and usually breaks into clods or lumps that are hard when dry. In the moist state it is plastic and can be formed into a cast which can withstand considerable handling. When kneaded in the hand, it does not crumble readily, but tends to work into a heavy compact mass. Clay: A clay has a preponderance of finer particles, contains more clay than a clay loam and usually forms hard lumps or clods when dry, but is quite plastic and sticky when wet. When pinched out between thumb and finger in the moist state it forms a long, flexible 'ribbon.'

General grouping of soil textural classes Often it is convenient to refer to texture in terms of broad groups of textural classes. Although the terms 'heavy' and 'light' have been used for a long time in referring to fine-and coarse-textured soils, respectively, the terms are confusing as they do not bear any relation to the weight of soil; these terms arose from the relative traction power required for ploughing. An outline of acceptable terms is as follows:

88 General terms Basic soil textural class Sandy Soils Coarse-textured soils Sands Loamy sands Moderately coarse-textured soils Sandy loams

Loams Loamy Soils Medium-textured soils Silt loams Silts

Clay loams Moderately fine-textured soils Sandy clay loams Silty clay loams

Sandy clays Clayey Soils Fine-textured soils Clays

Structure

Soil structure refers to the aggregation of primary soil particles into compound particles, which are separated from adjoining aggregates by surfaces of weakness. An individual natural soil aggregate is called a ped. The productivity of a soil and its response to management depend on its structure to a large extent. Soil structure influences pore space, aeration, drainage conditions, root development and ease of working. Soils with aggregates of spheroidal shape have a greater pore space between peds, are more permeable and are more desirable generally than soils that are massive or coarsely blocky. Field descriptions of soil structure indicate the shape and arrangement, the size and the distinctness and durability of the aggregate. Shape and arrangement of peds are designated as type of soil structure; size of peds, as class; and degree of distinctness, as grade.

Type There are four primary types of structure: a) Platy—with particles arranged around a plane and faces generally horizontal b) Prismlike—with particles arranged around a vertical line and bounded by relatively flat vertical surfaces c) Blocklike-with particles arranged around a point and bounded by relatively flat or curved surfaces that are not accommodated to the adjoining aggregates. d) Spheroidal -with particles arranged around a point and bounded by curved or very irregular surfaces that are not accomodated to the adjoining aggregates.

Each of the last three types has two subtypes. Under prismlike, the two subtypes are prismatic (without rounded upper ends) and columnar (with rounded ends). The two subtypes of blocklike are angular blocky (with sharp-angled faces) and sub-angular blocky (with rounded faces). Spherodial is subdivided into granular (relatively non-porous) and crumb (very porous).

Qass Five size-classes are recognised in each type. The size limits of these vary for the four primary types given. A type description is generally qualified by one of the following class distinctions; very fine, fine, medium, coarse and very coarse.

Grade Grade is the degree of aggregation or strength of the structure. In field practice, it is determined mainly by noting the durability of the aggregates and the relative proportions of aggregated and non-aggregated material when the aggregates are disturbed or gently crushed. Terms for grade of structure are as follows: 0. Structureless—No observable aggregation. This condition is described as massive if coherent and single grain if noncoherent. 1. Weak-Poorly formed indistinct peds which, when disturbed, break down into a mixture comprising some complete peds, many broken units and much non- aggregated material. 2. Moderate—Many well-formed, moderately durable peds that are not so apparent in the undisturbed soil. When disturbed, however, a mixture of many complete peds, some broken peds and a little non-aggregated material is evident. 3. Strong-Structure characterised by peds that are well formed in undisturbed soil, and that survive displacement to the extent that when disturbed, soil material consists mainly of entire peds, with few broken peds and a little non-aggregated material.

The appropriate terms describing type, class and grade of structure are combined in that order to give the structural description, e.g., moderate, medium sub-angular blocky; weak, fine crumb.

Porosity

Porosity of a soil is conditioned by the shape, size and abundance of the various crevices, passages and other soil cavities which are included under the general name of soil pores. In this bulletin, porosity refers mainly to the voids between the soil structural units which is strictly the structural porosity. Soil porosity is influenced largely by type of structure; it is also influenced by rooting and by the activity of earthworms and other soil macro- organisms. Porosity determines, to a large extent, the permeability rate in the soil and the air to water ratio prevailing and is thus of considerable importance with regard to soil aeration and drainage regime.

90 Consistence

Soil consistence is an expression of the degree and kind of cohesion and adhesion or the resistance to deformation and rupture that obtains in a soil. Interrelated with texture and structure, and strongly influenced by the moisture condition of the soil, this characteristic is most important in developing a good tilth under cultivation practices. On account of the strong influence of moisture regime, the elevation of soil consistence is usually con­ sidered at three levels of soil moisture - wet, moist and dry.

Consistence when wet A. Stickiness: Stickiness expresses the extent of adhesion to other objects. To evaluate this feature in the field, soil material is pressed between thumb and finger and its degree of adhesion noted. Degrees of stickiness are expressed as follows: 0. Non-sticky: On release after pressure, practically no soil material adheres to thumb or finger. 1. Slightly sticky: After pressure, soil material adheres to thumb and finger but comes off one or the other rather clearly. 2. Sticky: After pressure, soil material adheres to both thumb and finger and tends to stretch somewhat and pull apart rather than pull free from either digit. 3. Very sticky: After pressure, soil material adheres strongly to both thumb and finger and is decidedly stretched when they are separated.

B. Plasticity: Plasticity is the ability to change shape continuously under applied stress and to retain the impressed shape on removal of the stress. To evaluate in the field the soil material is rolled between thumb and finger to form a Svire.' 0. Non-plastic: No wire formable. 1. Slightly plastic: Wire formable; soil mass easily deformed. 2. Plastic: Wire formable; moderate pressure required to deform soil mass. 3. Very plastic: Wire formable; much pressure required to deform soil mass.

Consistence when moist To evaluate in the field, an attempt is made to crush in the hand a mass of soil that appears moist. 0. Loose: Noncoherent. 1. Very friable: Soil material crushes under very gentle pressure but tends to cohere when pressed together. 2. Friable: Soil material crushes easily under gentle to moderate pressure between thumb and finger and tends to cohere when pressed together. 3. Firm: Soil material crushes under moderate pressure between thumb and finger but resistance is distinctly noticeable. 4. Very firm: Soil material crushes under strong pressure; barely crushable between thumb and finger.

91 Consistence when dry To evaluate, an air-dry mass of soil is broken in the hand. 0. Loose: Noncoherent. 1. Soft: Soil is fragile and breaks to powder or individual grains under very slight pressure. 2. Hard: Soil can be broken easily in the hands but it is barely breakable between thumb and finger. 3. Very hard: Can normally be broken in the hands but only with difficulty.

Cementation Cementation of soil material refers to a brittle, hard consistence caused by various cement­ ing substances. Different degrees of cementation occur. 1. Weakly cemented: Cemented mass is brittle but harder than that which can be shattered in the hand. 2. Strongly cemented: Cemented mass is brittle but harder than that which can be shattered in the hand; it is easily shattered by hammer. 3. Indurated: Very strongly cemented; brittle; does not soften when moistened and is so extremely hard that a sharp blow with a hammer is required for breakage.

General Analyses

PH pH is a measure of soil acidity or alkalinity. A soil having a pH of 7.6 to 83 is moderately alkaline; pH 7.1 to 7.5, slightly alkaline; pH 7.0, neutral; pH 6.6 to 6.9, nearly neutral; pH 6.0 to 6.5, slightly acid; pH 5.3 to 5.9, moderately acid; pH 4.6 to 5.2, strongly acid; and pH below 4.5, very acid.

Total Neutralising Value (TNV) This is an index of the level of carbonates present in a soil. These carbonates modify the solubility of other nutrients. Soils showing positive TNV values in the surface horizons contain adequate or excess neutralising materials and are not in need of liming.

Carbon and Nitrogen The level of organic carbon indicates the amount of organic matter in a soil (C x 1.72 = organic matter). The content and nature of organic matter are of fundamental importance. Due to its high cation exchange capacity, organic matter acts as a reservoir for plant nutrients, which are gradually released to meet the requirements of the growing plant. At the same time, acid humus supplements the supply by influencing the extraction of nutrients from the mineral fraction of soils. Organic matter creates favourable physical conditions for crop growth; it promotes granulation of structure by reducing plasticity, influences cohesion and increases the water-holding capacity of the soil. Organic matter in the surface also influences the temperature of soils and, thus, seasonal growth. Depending on organic carbon content, soils are classified as follows: over 30% peats; 20 to 30% peaty; 10 to 20% slightly peaty; and those with 7 to 10% are usually referred to as 'organic' In the case of the terms 'peaty,' 'slightly peaty,' and 'organic,' the mineral

92 textural class is included in the definition of the soil, e.g., peaty sandy loam; slightly peaty clay loam; organic loam. The surface horizon of mineral soils in Ireland normally contains 3 to 6% organic carbon. Nitrogen, which is normally present in soils in relatively small amounts, is extremely important as a plant nutrient. It is easily leached from the soil and supplies need to be constantly replenished. The ratio of carbon to nitrogen (C/N ratio) indicates generally the degree of decomposition of organic matter; a ratio between 8 and 15 is considered satisfactory and indicates conditions favourable to microbial activity. Ratios higher than 15 are associated with a slower decomposition rate and with the accumulation of raw organic matter or, in more extreme cases, with peat development, and are indicative of unfavourable conditions for microbial activity.

Cation Exchange Capacity The cation exchange capacity, in its simplest terms, is an index of the capacity of a particular soil to adsorb and release cations such as hydrogen, calcium, magnesium, sodium and potassium. It is an indication of the ability of the soil to supply important nutrients to the growing plant, and of the crop response that can be expected to added nutrients in manurial amendments. The exchange capacity is governed chiefly by the organic matter and clay contents of the soil. Soils with high organic matter content usually have a high cation exchange capacity (25 to 40 meq/100 g of soil). The cation exchange capacity of a soil low in, or devoid of, organic matter is generally less than 12 meq/100 g; here it is conditioned chiefly by the clay fraction. Light sandy soils containing little organic matter or clay usually have a very low cation exchange capacity and, consequently, a low potential for retaining applied plant nutrients; hence the necessity for relatively frequent fertiliser dressings on these soils. Heavier textured soils, on the other hand, usually have a high cation exchange capacity and are capable of adsorbing and retaining larger quantities of applied nutrients especially calcium and potassium; the nutrients are slowly released to meet the needs of growing plants. On such soils, therefore, fertiliser and lime applications can be larger and less frequent.

Percentage Base Saturation The base saturation of the exchange complex of a soil is obtained by determining the total exchangeable bases (plant nutrients such as calcium, potassium, sodium, magnesium) and expressing the figure obtained as a percentage of the cation exchange capacity. As such it is an index of the base status of the soil. The natural base status of a soil is inherited from the parent material but may be modified subsequently by weathering, leaching and other influences including cultural practices. Where the parent material is base-rich and leaching has not been excessive, the rate of release of bases by weathering is sufficient to offset losses through leaching, cropping and other outlets and to provide for a high base status profile. However, where rainfall is heavy and evapotranspiration low, or where the coarse nature of the soil permits excessive leaching, or where large amounts of bases are removed by intensive cropping, the base content of a soil may be considerably depleted. Low base status may also be an inherent characteristic of soils related to the acid nature of the parent material.

93 The base status of acid soils can be improved by liming, the amount necessary being determined by (a) the ability of the soil to adsorb bases—the cation exchange capacity - (b) the prevailing base status and (c) the desired base status. Certain fertilisers, also supplement the base status of the soil. Many of the soils in County Meath are derived from base-rich parent materials, e.g., limestone-rich glacial drift, but due to leaching the bases have been removed in many cases and especially from the upper horizons. Others are inherently acid. Application of lime would be a prerequisite to increased crop production on these soils.

Free Iron A localised accumulation of free iron in a soil profile (Bir horizon), as is evident in brown- podzolic and podzol soils, indicates that leaching and podzolising processes have been operative. On the other hand, a uniform distribution of free iron throughout a profile, as is the case in the Brown Earths, indicates that the soils have not been strongly leached.

Summary of analytical methods Particle Size Analysis: Determined by the International Pipette Method as described by Kilmer and Alexander (1949), using sodium hexametaphosphate as dispersing agent. pH: Determined on 1.2 soil/water suspension using a glass electrode. Total Neutralising Value: Determined on a HC1 extract using phenolphthalein as indicator and titrating against NaOH, CaC03 was used as a 100% standard. Cation Exchange Capacity: Determined by the method of Mehlich (1948). Soil was leached with buffered BaCl2 to displace exchangeable cations, Ba displaced by CaCl2, and K2Cr04 was used in the colorimetric estimation. Total Exchangeable Bases: Extracted by method of Mehlich (1948). Ca, Na, K and Mg estimated by atomic absorption. Organic Carbon: Estimated by the Walkey-Black dichromate oxidation method as de­ scribed by Jackson (1958). Values read on spectophotometer. Total Nitrogen: Estimated by a modification of the method of Piper (1950) by digesting soil with cone. H2S04 using selenium as a catalyst, distilling into boric acid and titrating with HC1. Free Iron: Extracted with buffered sodium hydrosulphite (Mehra and Jackson, 1960). Fe determined colorimetrically using o-phenanthroline.

REFERENCES

Jackson, M. L. 1958. Soil Chemical Analysis, Prentice-Hall Inc., New Jersey, U.S.A. Kilmer, V. J. and Alexander, L. T. 1949. Methods of making mechanical analysis of soils. Soil Sci. 68: 15-24. Mehlich, A. (1948). Determination of cation and anion-exchange properties of soils. Soil Sci. 66: 429-436. Mehra, O. P. and Jackson, M. L. 1960. Iron oxide removal from soils and clays by a dithionitecitrate system buffered with sodium bicarbonate. Clays Clay Miner, 5: 317-327. Piper, C. S. 1950. Soil and Plant Analysis. Inter Sci. Pub. Inc. New York.

94 APPENDIX II PROFILE DESCRIPTIONS AND ANALYSES Seafield Series* Topography: Rolling in subdued wind-blown sandhills Slopef: 5° Altitude: 6mO.D. Drainage: Excessive Parent Material: Wind-blown sands Great Soil Group: Regosol Horizon Depth (cm) Description Al 0-15 Sand; dark grey (10 YR 4/1); single gr roots; calcareous; clear, smooth boundary: CI 15-28 Sand; grey (10 YR 5/1); single grain structure; friable; few roots; calcareous; clear smooth boundary: C2 28-36 Sand; greyish-brown (10 YR 5/2); single grain structure; friable; few roots; calcareous; clear, smooth boundary: Ab 36-58 Sand; very dark grey (10 YR 3/1); single grain structure; friable; few roots; calcareous; clear, smooth boundary: Cb 58-91 Sand; dark greyish-brown (10 YR 4/2); single grain structure; friable; few roots; calcareous.

TABLE 1: Analytical data

Particle size analysis c >f mineral fraction** Organic fraction

Coarse Fine Free Horizon sand% sand % Silt% Clay % PH C% N% C/N iron %

Al 58 39 2 1 8.2 0.8 0.09 8.9 0.2 CI 63 34 2 1 8.3 0.5 0.05 10.0 0.2 C2 73 25 1 1 8.3 0.6 0.05 12.0 0.2 Ab 65 31 3 1 8.1 1.1 0.09 12.2 0.2 Cb 68 30 1 1 8.6 0.3 0.03 10.0 OJ *From Soils of Co. Clare, p. 210. tThis figure refers to slope at profile site and not to surrounding landscape. ••Coarse sand 2.0-0.20 mm; Fine sand 0.20-0.05 mm; Silt 0.05-0.002 mm; Clay < 0.002 mm. Re­ presents the composition of the mineral fraction when organic matter and carbonates have been removed.

95 Knockeyon Series*

Topography: Hilltop in hilly topography Slope: 16° Altitude: 216mO.D. Drainage: Excessively drained Parent Material: Chert beds in limestone Great Soil Group: Lithosol

Horizon Depth (cm) Description Al 0-20 Organic silt loam; dark gre yish brown (10 YR 4/2); strong, fine to medium crumb structure; dry firm; roots throughout; clear irregular boundary: 20+ Cherty bedrock.

TABLE 2: Analytical data

Particle isiz e analysis of mineral fraction Organic fraction

Coarse Fine Free Horizon sand % sand % Silt % Clay % PH C % N % C/N iron%

Al 18 5 51 26 5.1 10.2 ND ND 0.6

ND = Not Determined. *From Soils of Co. Westmeath, p. 78.

96 Knockeyon Series - Slightly Peaty Podzol Variant

Topography: Hill slope Altitude: 155 mO.D. Drainage: Well drained Parent Material: Hill wash from chert hillslope with some limestone and shale Great Soil Group: Podzol

Horizon Depth (cm) Description Al 0-15 Slightly peaty gravelly silt loam; very dark brown (10 YR 2/2); weak, very fine, crumb; moist friable; clear, smooth boundary: A2 15-28 Gravelly silt loam; pale brown (10 YR 6/3) weak very fine crumb; moist friable almost loose; clear wavy boundary: B2irl 28 Iron pan. B2ir2 28-48 Gravelly silt loam; yellowish brown (10 YR 5/6); weak, fine, sub- angular blocky structure; moist loose; clear wavy boundary: 48 + Gravelly loam; dark yellowish brown (10 YR 4/4); weak, fine, angular blocky structure; moist slightly plastic.

TABLE 3: Analytical data

Particle size analysis of mineral fraction Organic fraction

Coarse Fine Free Horizon sand% sand % Silt% Clay % PH C% N% C/N iron %

Al 22 9 56 13 4.6 11.4 0.74 15.4 0.7 A2 20 13 58 9 4.7 0.9 0.10 9.0 0.3 B2ir 15 13 57 15 5.2 1.2 0.11 10.9 2.0 C 23 10 43 24 6.7 1.1 0.14 - 2.5 Baggotstown Series

Topography: Near top of kame Slope: 5° Drainage: Excessively well drained Parent Material: Fluvioglacial material of limestone, calcareous shale, sandstone and shale composition Great Soil Group: Brown Earth of high base status.

Horizon Depth (cm) Description A 0-14 Gravelly loam; dark greyish brown (10 YR 4/2); moderate fine, crumb structure; moist friable; very many roots; clear, smooth boundary: (B) 14-30 Gravelly loam; brown (10 YR 5/3); moderate fine, crumb structure; moist friable; many diffuse roots; clear, wavy boundary: C 30-60 Gravelly sandy loam to loamy sand; overall grey colour which is varied by the gravel; single grain structure; moist, loose.

TABLE 4: Analytical data

Particle size analysis of mineral fraction Organic fraction

Coarse Fine Free Horizon sand % sand % Silt£ Clay% PH C% N% C/N iron %

Al 32 14 30 24 e.4 5.4 0.56 9.6 1.3 (B) 33 12 30 25 7.2 2.6 0.24 10.8 1.3 C 53 25 12 10 7.7 0.2 - - 0.7

98 Baggotstown Series - Deep Variant

Topography: Kame and kettle with slopes up to 8° Slope: 5° Drainage: Excessively drained Parent Material: Gravels composed of limestone, calcareous shale and shale Great Soil Group: Brown Earth.

Horizon Depth (cm) Description All 0--13 Gravelly loam; dark greyish brown (10 YR 4/2); weak fi in a moderate medium, subangular blocky structure; moist friable; root mat present; clear and smooth boundary: A12 13-3S Gravelly loam; dark brown (10 YR 3/3); weak fine, subangular blocky structure; moist slightly plastic; many branched roots present; clear, wavy boundary: (B) 35-57 Gravelly loam; brown to dark brown (75 YR 4/4); weak medium to fine, subangular blocky structure; moist friable; many roots. clear, wavy boundary: B3 57-76 Gravelly sandy loam; dark yellowish brown (10 YR 4/4); single grain; moist friable; few roots; clear and smooth boundary: CI 76-98 Gravelly sandy loam to loamy sand; dominantly dark grey brown; single grain; moist.

TABLE 5: Analytical data

Particle size analysis of mineral fraction Organic fraction

Coarse Fine Free Horizon sand % sand% Silt% Clay% PH C% N% C/N iron %

All 27 17 31 25 6.4 4.1 0.45 9.1 1.4 A12 21 20 35 24 5.7 4.0 Oil 7.8 1.1 (B) 34 17 29 20 7.0 0.4 - - 1.2 B3 55 16 16 13 7.0 0.1 - - 0.9 CI 61 17 13 9 7.0 0.1 - - 0.8

99 Ballincurra Series

Topography: Hillslope on limestone scarp face Slope: 10° Drainage: Well to excessively drained Parent Material: Till of limestone composition with some shale and sandstone over limestone bedrock Great Soil Group: Brown Earth of high base status

Horizon . Depth (cm) Description 0-16, Gravelly clay loam; dark yellowish brown (10 YR 4/4); moderate fine crumb structure; plentiful roots with a root mat near surface; gradual boundary: 16-32 Clay loam to loam with occasional gravel; dark yellowish brown (10 YR 4/4); moderate, medium fine crumb structure; moist friable; abrupt irregular boundary: 32 + Limestone bedrock.

TABLE 6: Analytical data

Particle size analysis of mineral fraction iOrgani c fraction

Coarse Fine Free Horizon sand % sand % Silt% Clay % PH C% N% C/N iron%

A 6 31 32 31 6.7 6.6 0.56 11.8 1.6 B 11 25 37 27 7.6 3.5 0.37 9.5 1.7

100 Derk Series — Shaley Phase

Topography: Undulating hill land Slope: 3° Altitude: 61 m O.D. Drainage: Well drained Parent Material: Glacial till dominantly of basalt, with some limestone and shale Great Soil Group: Brown Earth.

Horizon Depth (cm) Description Al 0- 14 Gravelly loam; dark brown (10 YR 3/3); moderate fine, a structure; moist plastic; root mat well developed; clear smooth boundary: A3 14-30 Gravelly loam; dark brown (10 YR 3/3); moderate fine, crumb structure; moist friable; plentiful, well developed root system; clear, smooth boundary: (B) 30-40 Gravelly loam; dark yellowish brown (10 YR 4/4); moderate fine to medium, subangular blocky structure; moist friable some branched roots present; clear, smooth boundary: 40-72 Gravelly loam, stony below 60 cm; brown to dark brown (7.5 YR 4/4); weak fine, subangular blocky structure; moist plastic; some few roots present.

TABLE 7: Analytical data

Particle size analysis of mineral fraction Organic fraction

Coarse Fine Free Horizon sand % sand % Silt% Clay% PH C% N% C/N iron %

Al 15 18 43 24 5.5 4.2 0.39 10.8 1.1 A3 17 17 43 23 5.6 2.4 0.24 10.0 1.2 (B) 17 19 41 23 5.7 1.3 0.09 14.4 1 J C 19 24 43 14 5.9 0.5 - - 1.3

101 Derk Series - Lithosol Variant

Topography: Undulating hill land (rocky knolls) Slope: 5° Altitude: 61 mO.D. Drainage: Well drained Parent Material: Basalt rock Great Soil Group: Lithosol

Horizon Depth (cm) Description A 0-9 Gravelly slightly peaty clay loam; dark brown (7 JS YR 3/2); mod­ erate fine crumb structure; moist friable; a fine root mat; clear and abrupt boundary: <9 Basalt bedrock.

Kells Series

Topography: Rolling topography Slope: 2° Drainage: Well drained Parent Material: Till composed principally of lower Palaeozoic shales, sandstones and siltstone Great Soil Group: Brown Earth of low base status

Horizon Depth (cm) Description Al 0-15 Channery loam; very dark greyish brown to dark brown (10 YR 3/2 to 3/3); moderate medium, subangular blocky to coarse crumb structure; moist friable; slightly sticky, slightly plastic when wet; abundant roots; clear, smooth boundary: (B) 15-35 Channery loam; strong brown (7.5 YR 5/6); weak medium sub- angular blocky structure; moist friable; few roots; clear, wavy boundary: C 35-45 Channery sandy loam to loam; yellowish brown (10 YR 5/6); moist loose; no roots; abrupt boundary: R 45 Shale bedrock.

TABLE 8: Analytical data

Particle size analysis of mineral fraction Drganic fraction

Coarse Fine Free Horizon sand % sand % sat % Clay% PH C% N% C/N iron%

A 14 34 33 19 4.8 43 0.40 11.2 0.7 (B) 16 31 38 15 5.3 0.7 - - 0.9 C 25 28 39 8 5.1 0.2 - - 0.6

102 Ladestown Series

Topography: Kame in steep kame and kettle topography Slope: 15° Altitude: 97 m O.D. Drainage: Well to excessively drained Parent Material: Fluvioglacial materials of limestone, shale and chert composition Great Soil Group: Brown Earth.

Horizon Depth, (cm) Description A 0-18 Gravelly clay loam; dark brown (10 YR 3/3); weak fine crumb structure; moist friable; clear, wavy boundary: (B) 18-32 Gravelly silty clay loam to clay loam; dark brown (10 YR 3/3); weak fine, subangular blocky structure with some crumb; moist friable; clear smooth boundary: 32-60 Gravelly loam; greyish brown (10 YR 5/2); overall colour with individual colours of the gravel; single grain to weak fine, sub- angular blocky structure; moist friable.

TABLE 9: Analytical data

Particle size analysis of mineral fraction Organic fraction

Coarse Fine Free Horizon sand % sand% Silt % Clay% PH C% N% C/N iron %

A 20 6 45 29 7.2 4.1 0.46 8.9 2.3 (B) 12 7 47 34 7.3 1.2 0.16 7.5 2.7 C 37 4 33 26 7.6 0.6 - - 1.3

Burren Series

Topography: Hillslope beside limestone scarp Slope: 2° in a 15° slope Drainage: Well to excessively drained Parent Material: Carboniferous limestone bedrock Great Soil Group: Rendzina.

Horizon Depth (cm) Description A 0-10 Slightly peaty clay loam to loam, very dark greyish brown (10 YR 3/2); strong fine, crumb structure; moist slightly friable, slightly plastic; plentiful roots in a root mat; abrupt boundary: R 10 Carboniferous limestone bedrock. TABLE 10: Analytical data

Particle size analysis of mineral fraction Organic fraction

Free Horizon sand% sand % Silt% Clay% PH C% NVr C/N iron %

A 3 30 39 28 7.2 14.0 1.02 13.7 1.3

103 Dunboyne Series

Topography: Flat Slope: 0-1° Altitude: 32mO.D. Drainage: Moderately well to well drained Parent Material: Calcareous till of Irish Sea provenance intermixed with limestone and shale Great Soil Group: Grey Brown Podzolic.

Horizon Depth (cm) Description All 0-23 Loam; dark brown (10 YR 3/3); moderate, medium subangular blocky structure with some crumb; moist friable, slightly plastic;root medium to 10 cm; plentiful below this; common, very fine, con­ tinuous pores; clear smooth boundary: A12 23-40 Gravelly loam; dark brown (10 YR 3/3); weak, coarse subangular blocky structure; moist slightly plastic, slightly friable; plentiful roots to 30 cm with a few branched roots below; clear smooth boundary: B2tl 40-67 Gravelly clay loam; brown to dark brown (7.5 YR 5/4 to 4/4); prismatic breaking down into weak subangular blocky structure; moist plastic; few branched roots; indistinct boundary: B2t2 67-82 Clay loam with pockets of sandy clay loam; dark brown (10 YR 3/3); massive, moist plastic slightly friable; few branched roots; clear smooth boundary: 82-100 Gravelly sandy clay; dark yellowish brown (10 YR 3/4); with fine, few, faint mottles, strong brown (7.5 YR 3/8); massive structure; wet plastic and slightly sticky; no roots apparent.

TABLE 11: Analytical data

Particle size analysis of mineral fraction

Coarse Fine Free Horizon sand % sand % Silt% Clay% PH C% N% C/N iron %

All 22 22 32 24 5.8 2.4 0.29 8.3 1.1 A12 21 20 35 24 6.9 0.9 - 1.4 B2tl 18 22 27 33 7.2 0.5 - - 2.1 B2t2 14 20 27 39 7.2 0.5 - - 1.9 C 18 37 18 27 7.5 0.5 - 1.9

104 Dunboyne Series

Horizon Depth (cm) Description All 0-20 Clay loam; dark greyish-brown (10 YR 4/2); moderate, medium crumb structure; friable; very few, small, faint reddish-brown mottles; abundant, diffuse roots; boundary gradual to:- A12 20-41 Loam to clay loam; dark greyish-brown (10 YR 4/2); moderate, medium crumb structure; friable; abundant diffuse roots; boundary gradual to:- B2t 41-61 Clay loam; dark greyish-brown (10 YR 4/2); weak, fine to medium subangular blocky structure; friable; plentiful diffuse roots; boundary gradual to:- 61-81 Clay loam; dark greyish-brown (10 YR 4/2); weak, fine to medium subangular blocky structure; friable; some roots.

TABLE 12: Analytical data

Particle size analysis of mineral fraction Organic fractior i

Coarse Fine Free Horizon sand % sand % sat % Clay% PH C% N% C/N iron%

All 12 16 41 31 6.4 3.1 0.32 9.7 1.88 A12 13 18 46 23 6.5 1.3 0.13 10.0 2.10 B2t 12 13 43 32 6.6 1.0 - - 2.69 C 13 15 41 31 6.8 1.0 - - 2.37 Dunboyne Series — Gravelly Phase

Topography: Very gently undulating - almost flat Slope: 0-1° Altitude: 30mO.D. Drainage: Well to excessively drained Parent Material: Gravelly drift composed of limestone and shale of Irish Sea provenance Great Soil Group: Grey Brown Podzolic.

Horizon Depth (cm) Description All 0-17 Gravelly loam; dark brown (10 YR 3/3); moderate medium sub- angular blocky to fine crumb structure; moist friable; root mat to 13 cm and plentiful below this; clear smooth boundary: A12 17-31 Gravelly loam; dark brown (10 YR 3/3); weak medium to weak fine, subangular blocky structure; moist friable; plentiful roots; clear smooth boundary: Bl 31-70 Gravelly loam; dark brown (7.5 YR 3/2); weak, medium subangular blocky structure; moist friable and slightly plastic; plentiful roots; clear smooth boundary: B2t 70-84 Very gravelly clay loam; very dark greyish brown (10 YR 3/2); weak fine, subangular blocky structure to single grain; moist friable; slightly plastic; very few roots; abrupt boundary: 84 + Gravel.

TABLE 13: Analytical data

Particle size analysis of mineral fraction Drganic fraction

Coarse Fine Free Horizon sand% sand % Silt % Clay% PH C% N% C/N iron %

All 20 17 38 25 7.0 3.1 0.30 10.0 1.2 A12 19 16 42 23 7.4 1.3 0.14 9.3 1.2 Bl 24 14 37 25 7.7 0.8 - - 1.4 B2t 29 11 32 28 7.8 0.8 - - 2.0

106 Dunboyne Series — Namurian Shaley Phase

Topography: Gently rolling Slope: 2° Altitude: 61 mOJ). Drainage: Moderately well to well drained Parent Material: Glacial till of Irish Sea provenance intermixed with Namurian shales and limestone Great Soil Group: Grey Brown Podzolic.

Horizon Depth (cm) Description All 0--12 Gravelly clay loam; yellowish brown (10 YR 3/4), weak, fine crumb structure; moist slightly plastic and slightly friable; root mat present; clear, smooth boundary: A12 12-46 Gravelly loam; dark yellowish brown (10 YR 4/4); weak, fine crumb with subangular block structure; moist friable; plentiful branching roots; clear smooth boundary: Bl 46-63 Gravelly loam; yellowish brown (10 YR 5/8), weak, fine subangular blocky structure; moist friable; many roots present with a pre­ dominantly vertical axis; clear smooth boundary: B2t 63-80 Gravelly clay loam; dark yellowish brown (10 YR 4/4); weak, medium subangular blocky structure; moist plastic; many roots; clear, wavy boundary: 80-98 Gravelly clay loam; brown (10 YR 5/3); massive; moist plastic; no roots.

TABLE 14: Analytical data

Particle size analysis of mineral fraction Organic fractior i

Coarse Fine Free Horizon sand % sand % sat % Clay% PH C% N% C/N iron .

All 13 24 36 27 5.7 3.8 0.42 9.1 1.2 A12 18 26 34 22 65 1.2 0.14 8.6 1.1 Bl 19 25 34 22 7.0 0.3 - - 1.2 B2t 14 18 36 32 7.9 0.5 - - 1.9 C - - - - 7.6 0.4 - - 1.6

107 Dunboyne Series - Lower Palaeozoic Shaley Phase

Topography: Undulating on shale ridge Slope: 2° Altitude: 107 m O.D. Drainage: Moderately well to well drained Parent Material: Till of Irish Sea provenance intermixed with Lower Palaeozoic shale and limestone Great Soil Group: Grey Brown Podzolic.

Horizon Depth (cm) Descript on All 0-10 Slightly gravelly loam to clay loam; brown to dark brown (10 YR 4/3); moderate medium to fine, crumb structure; moist friable; clear, smooth boundary: A12 10-28 Slightly gravelly loam; dark brown (10 YR 3/3 to 4/3); moderate medium, subangular blocky structure breaking into medium moderate crumb; pinholes apparent; moist friable; clear, smooth boundary: Bl 28-58 Loam to clay loam; yellowish brown (10 YR 5/6); moderate, medium coarse subangular blocky structure breaking to moderate fine crumb; moist friable; clear, smooth boundary: B2t 58-81 Clay loam with pieces of shale; brown to dark brown (10 YR 4/3); weak, coarse prismatic structure; moist friable; slightly plastic; clear, smooth boundary: C 81-95 Channery clay loam; the whole horizon interspersed with shale beds; massive; moist plastic;gradual boundary: R 100 Early Palaeozoic shale bedrock.

TABLE 15: Analytical data

Particle size analysis of mineral fraction (Drgani c fractior i

Coarse Fine Free Horizon sand% sand% Silt% Clay% PH C% N9S C/N iron%

All 15 16 42 27 5.5 2.9 0.32 9.1 1.2 A12 18 14 43 25 5.8 1.0 0.13 7.7 1.3 Bl 17 14 42 27 5.8 0.7 - - 1.5 B2t 11 12 44 33 6.0 0.5 - - 1.6 C 24 10 29 37 6.2 0.5 - - 1.8

108 Elton Series

Topography: Undulating to flat Slope: 4° Altitude: 90mO.D. Drainage: Well drained Parent Material: Till composed dominantly of limestone with some shale and sand­ stone Great Soil Group: Grey Brown Podzolic.

Horizon Depth (cm) Description All 0-10 Gravelly loam; brown to dark brown (10 YR 4/3) with few fine, faint mottles of strong brown (7.5 YR 5/8); moderate, fine to medium, crumb structure; friable; root mat well developed; clear, smooth boundary: A12 10-28 Gravelly loam; dark yellowish brown (10 YR 4/4); weak, medium crumb structure; friable; plentiful roots; clear, smooth boundary: A13 28-42 Loam to sandy clay loam; dark brown (10 YR 3/3) on surface of peds and brown (10 YR 5/3) inside peds: pinhole structure: weak medium crumb to weak, fine subangular blocky structure; dry friable; many roots; clear, smooth boundary: A2 42-69 Gravelly sandy loam; brown to dark brown (7.5 YR 4/4); weak fine, subangular blocky to a very fine crumb structure; moist friable slightly plastic; some roots; clear, smooth boundary: B2t 60-90 Gravelly loam; dark brown (10 YR 3/3); weak prismatic to fine weak, subangular blocky structure; moist plastic; many grass roots; clear, smooth boundary: 90-127 Clay loam; dark brown (10 YR 3/3); yellowish brown (10 YR 5/6) and grey in common fine faint mottles; massive; moist plastic: no roots.

TABLE 16: Analytical data

Particle size analysis of mineral fraction Organic fraction

Coarse Fine Free Horizon sand % sand% sat % Clay% PH C% N% C/N iron

All 17 27 31 25 4.5 3.8 0.40 9.5 1.4 A12 19 25 31 25 6.1 1.4 0.12 10.8 1.5 A13 19 26 29 26 55 0.9 0.13 6.9 1.4 A2 14 39 29 18 5.5 0.6 - - 1.3 B2t 14 21 41 24 5.9 0.6 - - 2.0 C 13 17 38 32 6.7 0.4 - - 2.3

1 \Jy Mortarstown Series

topography: Gently rolling Slope: 0° Altitude: 85 m O.D. Drainage: Moderately well to well drained Parent Material: Till composed of limestone and some Palaeozoic and Carboniferous shales Great Soil Group: Grey Brown Podzolic.

Horizon Depth (cm) Description All 0-19 Clay loam; dark yellowish brown (10 YR 3/4); moderate to strong, fine to medium subangular blocky structure; moist friable; root mat;gradual boundary: A12 19-33 Clay loam; dark yellowish brown (10 YR 3/4) on outside of peds, brown to dark brown on inside (10 YR 4/3); moderate medium to coarse subangular blocky; moist friable; plentiful roots; gradual boundary: Bll 33-43 Silty clay loam with gravel; brown to dark brown (10 YR 4/3); weak, fine to medium subangular blocky structure; moist; friable; some roots; clear, wavy boundary: B12 43-61 Silty clay loam, stoneless; yellowish brown (10 YR 5/4); weak, coarse, prismatic structure breaking down to subangular blocky; moist stiff to friable; few roots along structural cracks; clear, wavy boundary: B2t 61-97 Silty clay; brownish yellow (10 YR 6/6); massive to coarse prism­ atic; moist plastic; few roots down structural cracks; clear, wavy boundary: B3 97-122 Silty clay with gravel; pale brown (10 YR 6/3) on prism faces and brownish yellow (10 YR 6/6) inside; weak coarse prismatic structure to massive at base; moist plastic; gradual boundary: 122-155 Gravelly silty clay; as above but with many MnC«2 mottles and gleyed throughout with pale brown (10 YR 6/3) and reddish yellow (75 YR 7/8) mottles.

TABLE 17: Analytical data

Particle isiz e analysis of mineral fraction Organic fraction

Coarse Fine Free Horizon sand % sand% Silt % Clay % PH C% N% C/N iron%

All 10 13 46 31 6.0 4.4 0.49 9.0 2.3 A12 10 13 44 33 7.6 2.0 0.25 8.0 2.3 Bll 8 11 48 33 7.6 1.6 0.19 8.4 2.3 B12 2 3 58 37 7.5 0.4 - - 2.3 B2t 1 2 52 45 7.4 0.4 - - 2.0 B3 1 2 55 42 7.4 0.3 - - 2.6 C 1 1 53 45 7.4 0.3 - - 2.3

110 Patrickswell Series

Topography: Gently undulating Slope: 5° Altitude: 76mO.D. Drainage: Well drained Parent Material: Limestone dominated till with an admixture of shale and some sandstone Great Soil Group: Grey Brown Podzolic.

Horizon Depth (cm) Description All 0-24 Gravelly loam; brown i rk brown (10 YR 4/3); moderate medium subangular blocky structure; moist friable; a well developed root mat; abrupt, smooth boundary: A12 24-45 Gravelly loam; dark yellowish brown (10 YR 4/4); moderate medium subangular blocky structure; moist friable and slightly stiff; plentiful vertical roots; clear, smooth boundary: B2tl 45-58 Gravelly loam; brown to dark brown (10 YR 4/3); moderate or weak fine medium subangular block structure; moist friable slightly plastic; some roots; clear, smooth boundary: B2t2 58-72 GraveUy loam; dark brown (10 YR 3/3); massive to weak, fine, sub- angular blocky structure; moist friable; very few roots; clear, wavy boundary: 72 + Gravelly loam; pale brown (10 YR 6/3); massive; moist friable to plastic; very few roots visible.

TABLE 18: Analytical data

Particle size analysis of mineral fraction Organic fraction

Coarse Fine Free Horizon sand % sand % Silt% Clay% PH C% N% C/N iron 7c

All 19 20 44 17 6.8 2.3 0.24 9.6 1.1 A12 15 18 48 19 6.6 0.5 - - 1.2 B2tl 15 14 48 23 6.9 0.4 - - 1.4 B2t2 17 20 38 25 7.2 0.4 - - 1.6 C 18 20 48 14 8.3 0.3 - 0.9

111 Patrickswell Series - Lithic Phase*

Topography: Stepped hillside above drumlin-filled valley Slope: 2° Altitude: 46mO.D. Drainage: Well drained Parental Material: Drift of Midlandian age composed of Carboniferous limestone, with some sandstone and shale Great Soil Group: Minimal Grey Brown Podzolic.

Horizon Depth (cm) Description All 0-10 Clay loam; strong brown (7.5 YR 5/8) and grey (10 YR 5/1); common, fine and distinct mottles; weak, fine crumb to weak, fine subangular blocky structure; moist friable to moist, slightly plastic; root mat; gradual, smooth boundary: A12 10-23 Gravelly clay loam; brown to dark brown (10 YR 4/3); weak, fine to medium subangular blocky structure; friable; abundant roots; gradual, smooth boundary: Bl 23-43 Gravelly clay loam; <\aik yellowish-brown (10 YR 4/4); weak, medium to fine subangular blocky structure; friable; plentiful roots; gradual, smooth boundary: B2t 43-64 Stony clay loam; brown to dark brown (7.5 YR 4/4); weak, medium subangular blocky structure; moist plastic; many roots; clay skins apparent on the peds; abrupt, irregular boundary: IIR Below 64 Limestone bedrock.

TABLE 19: Analytical data

Particle size analysis of mineral fraction {Drgani c fraction

Coarse Fine Free Horizon sand % sand % Silt% Clay % PH C% N% C/N iron%

All 11 17 42 30 5.6 4.2 0.51 8.2 2.3 A12 13 17 41 29 5.0 2.7 0.36 7.5 2.6 Bl 12 16 40 32 5.1 1.3 - - 3.2 B2t 8 14 43 35 5.4 1.1 - - 3.6

*From Soils of Co. Clare, p. 138.

112 Rathowen Series

Topography: Gently rolling Slope: 1° Altitude: 67 m O.D. Drainage: Moderately well to well drained Parent Material: Till of predominantly limestone composition with an admixture of shaley limestone and Lower Palaeozoic shale Great Soil Group: Grey Brown Podzolic.

Horizon Depth (cm) Description Ap 0-18 Gravelly loam; brown to dark brown (10 YR 4/3); weak, fine to medium crumb structure; moist friable; abundant roots; clear, smooth boundary: A12 18-46 Gravelly loam; brown to dark brown (10 YR 4/3); moderate medium subangular blocky structure; moist friable; plentiful roots; gradual, smooth boundary: B2t 46-64 Gravelly clay loam; yellowish brown (10 YR 5/4); moderate medium subangular blocky structure; moist friable; few roots; gradual, smooth boundary: B3 64-89 Gravelly loam; dark yellowish brown (10 YR 3/4); weak, fine to medium subangular blocky structure; very friable;fewroots;gradual, smooth boundary: CI 89 + Loam; yellowish brown (10 YR 5/4); weak, fine subangular blocky structure; moist very friable; no roots.

TABLE 20: Analytical data

Particle size analysis of mineral fraction Organic fraction

Coarse Fine Free Horizon sand % sand% Silt% Clay% PH C% N% C/N iron ri

Ap 13 23 41 23 4.2 2.8 0.24 11.7 0.9 A12 12 21 45 22 5.3 1.1 0.12 9.2 0.9 B2t 10 18 44 28 5.5 0.8 - - 0.9 B3 15 25 46 14 5.6 0.4 - - 0.9 C 25 25 40 10 6.1 0.3 - - 0.9

113 Rathowen Series - Cherty Phase

Topography: Almost flat area in front of recessional moraine Slope: 1° Altitude: 128mO.D. Drainage: Moderately well drained Parent Material: Limestone, chert and shale till Great Soil Group: Minimal Grey Brown Podzolic.

Horizon Depth (cm) Description All 0-20 Gravelly silt loam; dark greyish brown (10 fine to medium, subangular blocky structures; moist friable; root mat in top 10 cm; plentiful below this level; gradual, smooth boundary: A12 20-37 Gravelly silt loam; brown to dark brown (10 YR 4/3); moderate fine to medium, subangular blocky structure; moist friable; few roots; gradual, smooth boundary: Bl 37-56 Gravelly loam; dark greyish brown (10 YR 4/2); moderate medium subangular blocky structure; moist friable; few roots; gradual, smooth boundary: Bt 56-96 Gravelly loam; dark greyish brown to greyish brown (10 YR 4/2 to 5/2); weak, medium subangular blocky structure; moist friable and slightly sticky; very few roots; gradual, smooth boundary: 96-106 Gravelly loam; brown (10 YR 5/3); weak, medium subangular blocky structure; moist friable; no roots.

TABLE 21: Analytical data

Particle isiz e analysis of mineral fraction iOrgani c fraction

Coarse Fine Free Horizon sand % sand % Silt% Clay% PH C% N% C/N iron%

All 16 11 51 22 6.3 3.0 0.30 10.0 1.2 A12 14 13 51 22 6.0 1.0 0.12 8.3 1.5 Bl 16 15 47 22 6.2 0.6 - - 1.7 Bt 15 15 46 24 8.2 0.5 - - 1.5 C 17 17 44 22 8.3 0.2 - - 0.9

114 Rathowen Series — Brown Earth Variant

Topography: Rolling kame and kettle on edge of drumlin belt Slope: 2° Altitude: 76mO.D. Drainage: Well drained Parent Material: Glacial till of Lower Palaeozoic shale and limestone composition Great Soil Group: Brown Earth.

Horizon Depth (cm) Description All 0-13 Gravelly clay loam; dark greyish brown (10 YR 4/2); moderate fine, subangular blocky structure; moist friable; abundant roots developing towards a root mat; gradual, smooth boundary: A12 13-35 Gravelly loam to clay loam; dark greyish brown (10 YR 4/2); moderate to strong, fine subangular blocky structure; moist friable; abundant roots; clear, smooth boundary: (B)l 35-60 Gravelly loam; brown to dark brown (10 YR 4/3);moderate,medium to coarse subangular blocky structure; moist friable, few roots; clear, smooth boundary: (B)2 60-85 Gravelly loam; brown to dark brown (10 YR 4/3); weak, medium subangular blocky structure; very friable; few roots; clear, smooth boundary: 85-107 Gravelly silt loam; yellowish brown (10 YR 5/4); weak, coarse, subangular blocky structure; firm to friable; no roots.

TABLE 22: Analytical data

Particle isiz e analysis of mineral fraction Organic fractior i

Coarse Fine Free Horizon sand % sand % SUt% Clay% PH C% N% C/N iron 7c

All 9 16 46 29 5.1 4.2 0.43 9.8 1.4 A12 10 17 46 27 6.4 1.1 0.15 7.3 1.4 (B)l 9 25 45 21 7.U 0.5 - - 1.4 (B)2 5 25 49 21 7.1 0.3 - - 1.5 C 4 9 65 22 7.9 0.2 - - 1.3

115 Rathkenny Series

Topography: Kame and kettle topography Slope: 6° Altitude: 92mO.D. Drainage: Well drained Parent Material: Glacial drift composed of Lower Palaeozoic shale with some sand­ stone and siltstone Great Soil Group: Brown Podzolic.

Horizon Depth (cm) Description Al 0-28 Organic channery clay loam; very dark greyish brown (10 YR 3/2); weak, fine crumb; moist friable and slightly sticky; abundant roots; clear, wavy boundary: B2irl 28-45 Channery clay loam; brown (7.5 YR 5/4); moderate, fine subangular blocky structure breaking to crumb; moist friable to slightly sticky; common rooting; gradual wavy boundary: B2ir2 45-95 Channery loam to sandy loam; strong brown (7.5 YR 5/8); weak, fine subangular blocky structure breaking into crumb; moist friable slightly sticky; few roots present; gradual, wavy boundary: Below 95 Channery sandy loam to loamy sand.

TABLE 23: Analytical data

Particle isiz e analysis of mineral fraction iDrgani c fraction

Coarse Fine Free Horizon sand % sand% Silt% Clay% PH C% N% C/N iron %

Al 25 16 30 29 4.4 8.5 0.64 _ 1.4 B2irl 19 17 35 29 4.9 2.5 0.15 - 2.6 B2ir2 38 14 30 18 5.5 1.5 0.10 - 1.6 C 46 30 17 7 5.4 0.5 - - 0.9

116 Rathkenny Series - Sandy Variant

Topography: Hill top Slope: 7° Altitude: 183mO.D. Drainage: Well drained Parent Material: Upper Carboniferous sandstone Great Soil Group: Brown Podzolic.

Horizon Depth (cm) Description Al 0-44 Sandy loam to loamy sand; brown to dark brown (10 YR 4/3); weak, fine crumb structure; very friable almost loose; abundant roots; clear, smooth boundary: B2 44-58 Sandy loam: brown to dark brown (7.5 YR 4/4); single grain, to weak fine crumb; dry loose; few roots throughout; clear, smooth boundary: B2ir 58-74 Sandy clay loam to sandy loam; yellowish red (5 YR 5/8); single grain; dry loose; very few roots; clear irregular boundary: R Below 74 Sandstone bedrock.

TABLE 24: Analytical data

Particle size analysis of mineral fraction 1Organi c fraction

Coarse Fine Free Horizon sand % sand % Silt% Clay% PH C% N% C/N iron%

Al 59 19 11 11 5.2 2.4 0.22 10.9 0.9 B2 52 21 16 11 4.8 1.7 0.17 10.0 1.3 B2ir 56 21 2 21 5.8 0.6 - - 1.6

117 Slievebeag Series

Topography: Sleep hil'slope Altitude: 228mO.D. Aspect: North Drainage: Excessive Parent Material: Till intermixed with hillwash, both derived from Lower Palaeozoic shales Great Soil Group: Podzol.

Horizon Depth (cm) Description O 7-0 Peat, well humified, black, clear and regular Al 0-8 Slightly peaty loam; black; massive; moist sticky; abrupt, clear boundary: A2 8-16 Loam; brown to dark brown (10 YR 4/3); massive; moist sticky; clear abrupt boundary: B2ir 16-36 Loam to clay loam; yellowish brown (5 YR 5/8) on outside of peds and strong brown (7.5 YR 5/8) inside the peds; weak, very fine crumb; moist sticky; clear and gradual boundary: 36-82 Gravelly sandy loam; brownish yellow (10 YR 6/8); weak, very fine crumb to single grain; moist friable; slightly sticky when wet.

TABLE 25: Analytical data

Particle:siz e analysis of mineral fraction Organic fraction

Coarse Fine Free Horizon sand % sand % Silt% Clay% PH C% N% C/N iron%

0 _ _ 4.5 28.0 0.1 Al 17 32 31 20 4.0 13.8 - 0.2 A2 14 31 37 18 4.2 4.4 - - 0.2 B2ir 13 27 33 27 4.6 1.0 - - 1.9 C 21 35 31 13 4.8 0.6 - 1.2

118 Ashbourne Series

Topography: Flat Slope: 1° Altitude: 107mO.D. Drainage: Imperfect to poor Parent Material: Till of Irish Sea provenance with an admixture of limestone and shale Great Soil Group: Gley.

Horizon Depth (cm) Description All 0-18 Clay loam; dark brown (10 YR 3/3); moderate,fine crumb structure; moist plastic; plentiful roots; clear, smooth boundary: A12g 18-31 Silty clay loam to silty clay; brown and yellowish brown (10 YR 5/3 to 5/4); with many fine, faint mottles; weak, fine subangular blocky structure; moist plastic; few roots; clear, smooth boundary: Big 31-52 Gravelly clay loam; grey, brownish yellow and yellowish brown (10 YR 5/1, 6/6 and 5/4) in many fine, faint mottles; weak, fine subangular blocky structure; moist friable slightly plastic; many fine roots; clear, smooth boundary: B2irg 52-58 Clay loam; grey, brownish yellow, and dark grey (10 YR 5/1, 6/6 and 2.5 Y N4/-) in many fine and distinct mottles; massive or columnar breaking to weak, fine subangular blocky structure; moist plastic; few roots; abrupt, smooth boundary: CI 58-99 Gravelly clay loam to silty clay loam; brownish yellow and dark grey (10 YR 6/6 and 25 Y N4/-) and a small area of grey (10 YR 5/1); in many, medium and distinct mottles; massive; moist plastic; no roots.

TABLE 26: Analytical data

Particle size analysis of mineral fraction Organic fraction

Coarse Fine Free Horizon sand % sand % Silt% Clay% PH C% N% C/N iron %

All 7 19 38 36 6.2 4.8 0.47 10.2 2.0 A12g 5 11 44 40 7.7 1.6 0.20 8.0 1.1 Big 12 11 46 31 7.6 0.9 - - 0.7 B2irg 10 13 45 32 7.7 0.6 - - 2.5 Clg 9 11 42 38 8.5 0.5 - - 1.7

119 Rathkenny Series

Topography: Kame and kettle topography Slope: 6° Altitude: 92 m O.D. Drainage: Well drained Parent Material: Glacial drift composed of Lower Palaeozoic shale with some sand­ stone and siltstone Great Soil Group: Brown Podzolic.

Horizon Depth (cm) Description Al 0-28 Organic channery clay loam; very dark greyish brown (10 YR 3/2); weak, fine crumb; moist friable and slightly sticky; abundant roots; clear, wavy boundary: B2irl 28-45 Channery clay loam; brown (7.5 YR 5/4); moderate, fine subangular blocky structure breaking to crumb; moist friable to slightly sticky; common rooting; gradual wavy boundary: B2ir2 45-95 Channery loam to sandy loam; strong brown (7.5 YR 5/8); weak, fine subangular blocky structure breaking into crumb; moist friable slightly sticky; few roots present;gradual, wavy boundary: Below 95 Channery sandy loam to loamy sand.

TABLE 23: Analytical data

Particle:siz e analysis of mineral fraction IDrgani c fraction

Coarse Fine Free Horizon sand % sand % sat % Clay% PH C% N% C/N iron %

Al 25 16 30 29 4.4 8.5 0.64 1.4 B2irl 19 17 35 29 4.9 2.5 0.15 - 2.6 B2ir2 38 14 30 18 5.5 1.5 0.10 - 1.6 C 46 30 17 7 5.4 0.5 - - 0.9

116 Rathkenny Series — Sandy Variant

Topography: Hilltop Slope: 7° Altitude: 183mO.D. Drainage: Well drained Parent Material: Upper Carboniferous sandstone Great Soil Group: Brown Podzolic.

Horizon Depth (cm) Des Al 0-44 Sandy loam to loamy sand; b weak, fine crumb structure; very friable almost loose; abundant roots; clear, smooth boundary: B2 44-58 Sandy loam: brown to dark brown (7.5 YR 4/4); single grain, to weak fine crumb; dry loose; few roots throughout; clear, smooth boundary: B2ir 58-74 Sandy clay loam to sandy loam; yellowish red (5 YR 5/8); single grain; dry loose; very few roots; clear irregular boundary: R Below 74 Sandstone bedrock.

TABLE 24: Analytical data

Particle size analysis of mineral fraction 1Organi c fraction

Coarse Fine Free Horizon sand % sand % Silt % Clay% PH C% N% C/N iron %

Al 59 19 11 11 5.2 2.4 0.22 10.9 0.9 B2 52 21 16 11 4.8 1.7 0.17 10.0 1.3 B2ir 56 21 2 21 5.8 0.6 - - 1.6

117 Slievebeag Series

Topography: Sleep hillslope Altitude: 228mO.D. Aspect: North Drainage: Excessive Parent Material: Till intermixed with hillwash, both derived from Lower Palaeozoic shales Great Soil Group: Podzol.

Horizon Depth (cm) Description 0 7-0 Peat, well humified, black, clear and regular Al 0-8 Slightly peaty loam; black; massive; moist sticky; abrupt, clear boundary: A2 8-16 Loam; brown to dark brown (10 YR 4/3); massive; moist sticky; clear abrupt boundary: B2ir 16-36 Loam to clay loam; yellowish brown (5 YR 5/8) on outside of peds and strong brown (7.5 YR 5/8) inside the peds; weak, very fine crumb; moist sticky; clear and gradual boundary: 36-82 Gravelly sandy loam; brownish yellow (10 YR 6/8); weak, very fine crumb to single grain; moist friable; slightly sticky when wet.

TABLE 25: Analytical data

Particle size analysis of mineral fraction Organic fraction

Coarse Fine Free Horizon sand % sand % Silt% Clay% PH C% N % C/N iron%

0 _ _ 4.5 28.0 _ _ 0.1 Al 17 32 31 20 4.0 13.8 - - 0.2 A2 14 31 37 18 4.2 4.4 - 0.2 B2ir 13 27 33 27 4.6 1.0 - 1.9 C 21 35 31 13 4.8 0.6 - 1.2

118 Ashbourne Series

Topography: Flat Slope: 1° Altitude: 107mO.D. Drainage: Imperfect to poor Parent Material: Till of Irish Sea provenance with an admixture of limestone and shale Great Soil Group: Gley.

Horizon Depth (cm) Description All 0-18 Clay loam; dark brown (10 YR 3/3); moderate,fine crumb structure; moist plastic; plentiful roots; clear, smooth boundary: A12g 18-31 Silty clay loam to silty clay; brown and yellowish brown (10 YR 5/3 to 5/4); with many fine, faint mottles; weak, fine subangular blocky structure; moist plastic; few roots; clear, smooth boundary: Big 31-52 Gravelly clay loam; grey, brownish yellow and yellowish brown (10 YR 5/1, 6/6 and 5/4) in many fine, faint mottles; weak, fine subangular blocky structure; moist friable slightly plastic; many fine roots; clear, smooth boundary: B2irg 52-58 Clay loam; grey, brownish yellow, and dark grey (10 YR 5/1, 6/6 and 2.5 Y N4/-) in many fine and distinct mottles; massive or columnar breaking to weak, fine subangular blocky structure; moist plastic; few roots; abrupt, smooth boundary: CI 58-99 Gravelly clay loam to silty clay loam; brownish yellow and dark grey (10 YR 6/6 and 2.5 Y N4/-) and a small area of grey (10 YR 5/1); in many, medium and distinct mottles; massive; moist plastic; no roots.

TABLE 26: Analytical data

Particle size analysis of mineral fraction Organic fraction

Coarse Fine Free Horizon sand % sand % Silt% Clay% PH C7r N% C/N iron %

All 7 19 38 36 6.2 4.8 0.47 10.2 2.0 A12g 5 11 44 40 7.7 1.6 0.20 8.0 1.1 Big 12 11 46 31 7.6 0.9 - - 0.7 B2irg 10 13 45 32 7.7 0.6 - - 2.5 Clg 9 11 42 38 8.5 0.5 - - 1.7

119 Ashbourne Series - Shaley Phase

Topography: Very gently undulating Slope: 2° on a slight rise in a flat field Altitude: 46mO.D. Drainage: Poorly drained Parent Material: Till of Irish Sea origin with a strong influence of Namurian shale Great Soil Group: Gley.

Horizon Depth (cm) Description Allg 0-8 Gravelly loam; brown to dark brown (10 YR 4/3) with yelkn red (5 YR 5/6); root channels in fine, few, faint mottles; weak, fine crumb structure with subangular blocky; moist friable; dense root mat; clear, smooth boundary: A12g 8-24 Loam with gravel; pale brown (10 YR 6/3) and yellowish red (5 YR 5/6) in fine, faint, few mottles; weak, fine crumb structure; moist plastic; plentiful, well developed roots; clear, wavy boundary: Bl(ir)g 24-45 Gravelly loam; light brownish grey (10 YR 6/2) and greyish brown (10 YR 5/2) in fine, faint few mottles; massive structure; moist plastic; some roots; clear, smooth boundary: B2(ir)g 45-83 Gravelly loam to clay loam; light brownish grey (10 YR 6/2) and reddish yellow (7.5 YR 6/6) in many, medium and distinct mottles; weak prismatic structure breaking into weak fine subangular blocky structure; moist plastic; some roots present; clear, wavy boundary: Cg 83-105 Gravelly sandy loam; light brownish grey (10 YR 6/2) and yellowish brown (10 YR 5/6) in many medium distinct mottles; massive to single grain; moist slightly stiff, slightly friable.

TABLE 27: Analytical data

Particle size analysis of mineral fraction Organic fraction

Coarse Fine Free Horizon sand % sand% Sflt% Clay% PH C% N% C/N iron%

Allg 15 21 39 25 6.8 4.1 0.43 95 0.9 A12g 14 23 38 25 5.7 1.6 0.20 8.0 1.1 Bl(ir)g 16 22 37 25 5.9 0.5 - - 1.4 B2(ir)g 21 18 35 26 6.1 02 - - 1.5 Cg 29 29 31 11 7.1 0.1 - - 0.9

120 Ballyshear Series*

Topography: Almost level Slope: 0° Altitude: 80mO.D. Drainage: Poorly drained Parent Material: Limestone drift Great Soil Group: Podzolic Gley

Horizon Depth (cm) Description 02 0--20 Organic loamloam;; 1blac k (10 YR 2/1); moderate to fine crumb, moist friable; plentiful roots, abrupt, smooth boundary: A2 20-36 Gravelly loam; greyish brown (10 YR 5/2); massive structure; moist slightly plastic to slightly friable; some roots present; clear, smooth boundary: Btg 36-50 Gravelly clay loam; very dark greyish brown (10 YR 3/2) with common, fine, faint mottles of yellowish brown (10 YR 5/6); weak, medium angular blocky structure; moist plastic, very few roots, clear, smooth boundary: 50+ Gravelly loam; the overall colour is very dark grey (10 YR 3/1); single grain structure; moist loose; no roots.

TABLE 28: Analytical data

Particle size analysis of mineral fraction Organic fraction

Coarse Fine Free Horizon sand % sand% Silt% Clay% PH C% N% C/N iron%

02 22 12 42 24 6.3 8.1 0.66 12.3 1.7 A2 21 17 40 22 7.6 1.6 0.16 10.0 0.6 Btg 22 10 31 37 7.9 0.9 0.09 10.0 0.5 C 38 8 36 18 8.0 0.4 - - 0.4

•From Soils of Co. Westmeath, p. 80.

121 Howardstown Series

Topography: Very gently undulating Slope: 1-2° Altitude: 115mO.D. Drainage: Poorly drained Parent Material: Limestone till with some shale and sandstome Great Soil Group: Podzolic Gley

Horizon Depth (cm) Description Al 0-10 Gravelly silt loam; greyish brown (10 YR 5 ./ root channels of dark reddish brown (5 YRl 3/4) to reddish brown (5 YR 4/4); weak, fine crumb structure; wet plastic to slightly friable; root mat present; clear, smooth boumdary: A2g 10-20 Gravelly loam; greyish brown (10 YR 5/2) with many fine root channels of dark reddish brown (5 YR 3/4) to reddish brown (5 YR 4/4); weak, fine subangular blockcy to crumb structure; moist friable; plentiful roots; clear, smooth boundary: B2tg 20-47 Gravelly clay loam; greyish brown (10 YR '5/2) and brown to dark brown (7.5 YR 4/4) in many, medium, 'distinct mottles; weak, coarse subangular blocky structure witln a tendency towards prismatic; moist plastic; few roots; clear and smooth boundary: B3g 47-82 Gravelly silty clay loam; grey (2.5 Y N5!/-) and strong brown (7JS YR 5/8) in many, medium, distinct mottles; massive to coarse prismatic; moist slightly plastic and friable ; very few roots; clear, smooth boundary: Cg 82-104 Gravelly loam; grey and brownish yellow (10 YR 5/1 and 6/8) in many, fine,distinct mottles; weak, fine subaingular blocky structure; moist plastic; no roots.

TABLE 29: Analytical data

Particle isiz e analysis of mineral fraction Organic firaction

Coarse Fine Free Horizon sand% sand % Silt% Clay% PH C% N9K C/N iron%

Al 13 14 55 18 6.9 6.8 0.6 1 11.1 0.4 A2g 20 14 44 22 6.0 2.5 0.2<6 9.6 0.6 B2(ir)tg 15 18 34 33 7.0 0.6 - - 1.5 B3g 5 14 52 29 7.9 0.3 - - 0.8 Cg 20 16 44 20 7.9 0.1 - - 1.1

122 Mylerstown Series*

Topography: Very gently rolling Slope: 0° Altitude: 83mO.D. Drainage: Poorly drained Parent Material: Limestone - shale drift Great Soil Group: Podzolic Gley

Horizon Depth (cm) Description A 0-15 Gravelly silt loam, gravel is very fine; dark brown (7.5 YR 3/2); a weak, fine crumb in subangular blocky structure; moist friable; a root mat to 9 cm and plentiful to 15 cms; clear, smooth boundary: Btg 15-34 Gravelly clay loam, gravel is not so fine as in A; dark grey (10 YR 4/1) with common fine, distinct mottles of brown and yellowish brown, weak fine subangular blocky structure; moist plastic; some roots present; clear, smooth boundary: Cg 34 + GraveUy loam; grey (2.5 Y N5/-) and dark grey (2.5 Y N/4-) with many, fine faint mottles of brown and yellowish brown; massive though broken by gravel; moist plastic with very few roots.

TABLE 30: Analytical data

Particle size analysis of mineral fraction Drganic fraction

Coarse Fine Free Horizon sand% sand % Silt% Clay% PH C% N% C/N iron %

A 17 12 64 7 6.2 6.1 0.58 10.5 0.6 Btg 20 12 40 28 6.5 1.7 0.14 12.1 0.6 Cg 25 12 44 19 6.9 0.4 - - 0.4

*From Soils of Co. Westmeath, p. 83.

123 Street Series

Topography: Undulating Slope: - 1° Altitude: 122mO.D. Drainage: Poorly drained Parent Material: Till of shale limestone and some sandstone composition Great Soil Group: Gley.

Horizon Depth (cm) Description Allg 0--10 Shaley or channery clay loam; greyish brown (10 Y] common, fine, distinct mottles of strong brown (7.5 YR 5/8); weak, fine crumb structure; moist friable and slightly plastic; clear, smooth boundary: A12g 10-27 Shaley clay loam; light brownish grey to brownish grey (10 YR 6/2: 5/2); with common, fine, distinct mottles of strong brown (7.5 YR 5/8); weak to moderate medium, subangular structure; moist friable slightly plastic; clear, smooth boundary: B2(ir)g 27-54 Shaly loam with definite pockets of clay loam; light brownish grey (10 YR 6/2) with many, coarse, prominant mottles, strong brown (7.5 YR 5/8); weak medium prismatic structure; moist plastic, slightly friable; clear, smooth boundary: B3g 54-74 Gravelly, shaley clay loam; grey to light grey (2.5 YR N6/-) with many coarse prominent mottles of reddish yellow (7.5 YR 6/8); massive; moist plastic Cg 74 + Shaley clay loam; grey to light grey (2.5 YRN6/-); massive structure; moist plastic.

TABLE 31: Analytical data

Particle size analysis of mineral fraction iDrgani c fractior i

Coarse Fine Free Horizon sand% sand % Silt % Clay% PH C% N% C/N iron%

Allg 7 14 42 37 4.3 6.4 0.70 9.1 A12g 7 14 44 35 4.8 2.3 0.26 8.8 - B2(ir)g 9 17 47 27 5.9 0.3 - - - B3g 17 13 36 34 6.4 0.3 - - - Cg 18 14 34 34 6.9 0.3 - - -

124 Street Series - New Red Sandstone Variant

Topography: Drumlin Slope: 2° Altitude: 123 mOD. Drainage: Poorly drained Parent Material: New Red Sandstone and shale till Great Soil Group: Podzolic Gley

Horizon Depth (cm) Descr Allg 0--10 Channery clay loam; dark greyish red root channels (5 YR 4/6); weak, very fine crumb structure; dry friable; root mat present; many fine to very fine pores; clear, smooth boundary: A12g 10-23 Channery clay loam; brown (10 YR 5/3); with yellowish red (5 YR 4/6); root channels; weak, medium to fine crumb structure; moist friable; plentiful roots to 18 cm and few below; many fine to very fine pores; clear, smooth boundary: Big 23-48 Channery clay loam; light brownish grey (10 YR 6/2); and yellowish red (5 YR 4/6); in many, small distinct, mottles on a brown (10 YR 5/3) background; weak, medium prismatic to 27 cm; massive below; moist slightly plastic, slightly sticky to 27 cm and slightly friable below; very few pores; few roots; abundant mica; clear, smooth boundary: B2g 48-67 Channery clay loam; grey (2.5 YR N5/-) and yellowish red (5 YR 5/8) in fine, frequent, distinct mottles; massive; moist plastic; very few roots and pores; clear, smooth boundary: Clg 67-84 Channery clay loam; colour as in B2 irg with additional mottle of very dark greyish brown (10 YR 3/2); massive; no roots; moist plastic.

TABLE 32: Analytical data

Particle size analysis of mineral fraction Organic fracti on

Coarse Fine Free Horizon sand % sand % sat % Clay% PH C% N% C/N iron %

Allg 16 24 31 29 45 4.3 0.36 11.9 2.1 A12g 13 26 32 29 5.5 1.9 0.18 10.6 2.4 Big 15 22 31 32 5.3 1.3 0.14 9.3 2.6 B2(ir)g 11 17 37 35 5.1 0.7 - - 2.8 Clg 13 21 36 30 5.4 0.6 - - 2.9

125 Street Series - Podzolic Gley Variant

Topography: Drumlin Slope: 3° Altitude: 153mO.D. Drainage: Poorly drained Parent Materials: Till of shale, limestone and some sandstone composition Great Soil Group: Gley.

Horizon Depth (cm) Description Al 0--13 Channery clay loam; greyish brown (2.5 Y 5/2); weak, moist plastic; many roots; abrupt, smooth boundary: A2g 13-36 Channery loam; grey to light grey (10 YR 6/1); with few, medium, faint mottles of strong brown (7.5 YR 5/8); massive to prismatic structure; moist slightly stiff and slightly loose; vertical roots present; clear, smooth boundary: A3g 36-49 Channery loam; light grey (25 Y N7/-) with many medium and faint mottles of strong brown (7.5 YR 5/6); B2(ir)g 49-63 Channery loam; strong brown (7.5 YR 5/8) with many, obvious and distinct mottles of light grey (2.5 Y N7/-); there is a finer texture in the grey mottle than in the brown; massive to prismatic; moist plastic; few roots present; clear, smooth boundary: B3g 63-96 Channery loam; reddish brown (10 YR 5/8) and light grey (2.5 Y N7/-) in few small and faint mottles with a finer texture in the latter and coarser in the reddish brown; massive; moist plastic; very few roots; gradual boundary: Clg 96-119 Channery loam to clay loam; grey (2.5 Y N6/-) with brownish yellow (10 YR 6/6) in large, many and distinct mottles; massive; moist plastic; no roots.

TABLE 33: Analytical data

Particle size analysis of mineral fraction Organic fraction

Coarse Fine Free Horizon sand % sand% Silt% Clay% PH C% N% C/N iron%

Al 8 20 46 26 6.6 5.6 0.42 13.3 0.7 A2g 14 30 38 18 6.1 0.6 - - 0.8 A3g 16 22 40 22 6.6 0.2 - 1.4 B2(ir)g 12 19 44 25 6.7 0.2 - 2.1 B3g 15 17 43 25 7.0 0.1 - 1.7 Clg 13 22 38 27 7.0 02 - 0.9

126 Camoge Series

Topography: River flat Slope: 0° Altitude: 104mO.D. Drainage: Poorly drained Parent Material: Alluvium derived from limestone till with some shale Great Soil Group: Gley

Horizon Depth (cm) Description Al 0-16 Silty clay loam; dark brown (10 YR 3/3); weak, fine crumb in moderate subangular blocky structure; moist plastic; many fine roots, almost a mat; clear, smooth boundary: B2g 16-47 Silt loam; dark grey (10 YR 4/1) with common, fine, faint mottles of brown; massive to prismatic; moist plastic; clay skins present on vertical faces; very few roots; clear, smooth boundary: Clg 47-57 Gravelly silt loam; grey (10 YR 5/1) with few, fine faint mottles of light yellowish brown (10 YR 6/4); weak, fine angular blocky to massive; in the fine state is is wet plastic and in the coarse it is friable; very few roots; gradual boundary: C2g 57 + Silt loam; grey (10 YR 5/1) intermixed with light grey (10 YR 7/1) with common, medium and faint mottles of light yellowish brown; massive; wet plastic; no roots.

TABLE 34: Analytical data

Particle ;ize analysis of mineral fraction Organic fraction

Coarse Fine Free Horizon sand% sand% Silt% Clay% PH C% N% C/N iron %

Al 3 10 56 31 5.6 6.2 0.58 10.7 0.8 B2g 3 25 53 19 6.4 2.2 0.22 10.0 0.6 Clg 12 20 56 12 8.2 0.6 - - 0.2 C2g 7 14 61 18 8.3 0.5 - - 0.3 •From Soils of Co. Westmeath, p. 86.

127 Drombanny Series

Topography: Flat interdrumlin area Slope: 0° Altitude: 70 m O.D. Drainage: Poorly drained Parent Material: Alluvium and marl derived mainly from limestone Great Soil Group: Gley

Horizon Depth (cm) Description O 15-0 Slightly peaty loam; very dark greyish brown (10 YR 3/2); moderate fine crumb structure; moist plastic; dense root mat; clear, smooth boundary: Al 0-18 Organic clay loam to clay; dark grey (10 YR 4/1) with vertical streaks of dark reddish brown (2.5 YR 2/4); weak, medium pris­ matic structure; moist plastic slightly sticky; many roots present, mostly vertical; abrupt smooth boundary: IIAca 18-32 White marl (10 YR 8/2) with shell fragments; massive structure; wet sticky; very few roots; gradual boundary: IIBca 32-54 White marl (10 YR 8/2) with lamination of grey (10 YR 5/1) and with vertical staining of strong brown (7.5 YR 5/6); weak, fine laminar structure; wet plastic and slightly sticky; no roots.

TABLE 35: Analytical data

Particle

Coarse Fine Free Horizon sand % sand% Silt% Clay% PH C% N% C/N iron%

O 16 28 31 25 7.1 17.0 1.35 12.6 1.6 Al 5 16 37 42 7.6 7.3 0.62 11.8 2.1 A2ca 3 14 27 56 8.0 2.3 - - 0.8 B2ca 7 14 43 36 7.4 4.4 - - 0.8

128 Dunsany Series

Topography: Flat Slope: 0° Altitude: 72mO.D. Drainage: Poorly drained Parent Material: Alluvium derived from Carboniferous limestone, shale and sand stone Great Soil Group: Gley

Horizon Depth (cm) Description All 0--15 Clay; dark brown (10 YR 3/3); weak, coarse subangular block\ structure at 15 cm; this breaks above this level to weak, fine sub- angular blocky; moist friable; surface root mat present; gradual boundary: A12 15-35 Clay with occasional angular gravel; brown (10 YR 5/3); weak, medium to coarse prismatic breaking to weak, fine subangular blocky structure; moist friable; plentiful well distributed roots; clear, smooth boundary: Bh 35-40 Clay; brown to dark brown (10 YR 4/3) with common, medium, distinct mottles of very dark brown (10 YR 2/2); moderate, medium subangular blocky structure; moist slightly plastic and slightly sticky; plentiful well distributed roots; abrupt but minutely irregular boundary: Bcal 40-50 White marl (10 YR 8/2) with very fine, common mottles of brown (10 YR 5/3); the brown mottles are vertical root channels; massive to single grain; moist friable; plentiful roots; clear and smooth boundary: Bca2 50-61 Light grey marl (10 YR 7/2) with common, medium, distinct mottles of white (10 YR 8/2) and brown (10 YR 5/3); massive to single grain; moist friable; clear, smooth boundary: 61-75+ Loam; brown to dark brown (10 YR 4/3) and dark grey (2.5 Y 4/4) in interbedded layers of alluvium, silt, silty clay and fine sand in thin beds as lake alluvium.

TABLE 36: Analytical data

Particle size analysis of mineral fraction O rganic fraction

Coarse Fine Free Horizon sand % sand% Silt % Clay % PH C% N % C/N iron

All 8 9 39 44 7.0 5 0 _ _ _ A12 7 7 35 51 7.8 2.8 - - Bl 2 3 38 57 7.9 3.6 - - - Bcal 0 25 50 25 8.6 - - - Bca2 5 40 30 25 8.5 - - - C 2 24 49 25 8.3 - - -

129 Feale Series

Topography: Flat Slope: 0° Altitude: 49 m O.D. Drainage: Poorly drained Parent Material: Alluvium of predominantly shale and limestone composition Great Soil Group: Gley

Horizon Depth (cm) Description Al 0-7 Silty clay loam; dark grey (10 YR 4/1); weak, fine crumb sti moist friable and slightly plastic; well developed root mat present; abrupt, smooth boundary: A2g 7-15 Gravelly silty clay; grey (10 YR 5/1) with fine, medium obvious root channels of reddish brown (5 YR 5/4); massive structure breaking to very weak medium subangular blocky; moist slightly stiff, slightly friable; few roots present; clear smooth boundary: HAlg 15-27 Silty clay; grey (10 YR 5/1) with strong brown (7.5 YR 5/6) in fine, frequent obvious root channels with black manganese stains also; weak prismatic structure; moist friable; few roots present; abrupt, smooth boundary: IIA2g 27-39 Silty clay; grey (10 YR 5/1) and yellowish red (5 YR 5/6) in fine, frequent distinct mottles; coarse, strong prismatic structure; moist slightly plastic and sticky; few vertical roots; manganese stains present; abrupt smooth boundary: IIBg(ir) 39-64 Silty clay; light brownish grey (10 YR 6/2), pale brown (10 YR 6/3) and brownish yellow (10 YR 6/6) in fine, frequent and distinct mottles; coarse, strong, prismatic structure; moist sticky and plastic; very few vertical roots; water table at 43 cm.

TABLE 37: Analytical data

Particle

Coarse Fine Free Horizon sand % sand% Silt% Clay% PH C% N% C/N iron%

Al 3 4 55 38 6.8 2.4 0.27 8.9 2.6 A2g 4 6 48 42 6.3 2.4 0.30 8.0 1.6 HAlg 6 7 43 44 5.6 4.1 0.50 8.2 1.6 HA2g 4 6 47 43 6.2 1.9 0.24 7.9 1.6 HBg(ir) 3 5 44 48 6.4 - - - 1.9

130 Feale Series - Dry Variant

Topography: Gentle rise in alluvial flat Slope: 1° Altitude: 49 m O.D. Drainage: Imperfect Parent Materials: Alluvium of predominantly shale and limestone origin Great Soil Group: Regosol

Horizon Depth (cm) Description All 0-7 Clay loam; brown to dark brown (10 YR 4/3); wea structure; moist friable; poorly developed root mat; clear, smooth boundary: A12 7-13 to49 Clay loam with occasional gravel; brown to dark brown (7.5 YR 4/4); weak, medium to fine subangular blocky structure with crumb; moist friable; poorly developed rooting; clear, wavy boundary: C(ir)g 31to49-74 Silty clay loam; brown (10 YR 5/3) with strong brown (7.5 YR 5/6) and manganese in many,fine,distinct mottles;massive structure; moist sticky and slightly plastic; very few roots; clear, smooth boundary: C2g 74-94 Clay to clay loam; pale brown (10 YR 6/3) and yellowish brown (10 YR 5/6) and manganese nodules in fine, frequent, distinct mottles; massive structure; moist plastic; almost rootless; clear, smooth boundary: 94 A manganese and iron pan C3g 94-111 Loam; light brownish grey (10 YR 6/2) with brownish shading throughout; massive with vertical channels with no oxidation margins or clay movement; wet plastic; no roots.

TABLE 38: Analytical data

Particle size analysis of mineral fraction Organic fraction

Coarse Fine Free Horizon sand % sand% Silt% Clay% PH C% N% C/N iron%

All 6 18 41 35 6.0 8.2 0.83 9.9 1.6 A12 5 20 41 34 5.0 3.4 0.39 B.7 1.3 C(ir)g 6 12 52 30 5 JS 1.6 0.23 7.0 5 .n C2g 9 18 33 40 4.5 0.4 - - 3.3 C3g 18 28 32 22 5.9 0.2 - - 0.5

131 Boyne Alluvium - Poorly Drained Component

Topography: Flat Slope: 0-1° Altitude: 9 m O.D. Drainage: Poorly drained Parent Material: Alluvium of Boyne River Great Soil Group: Gley

Horizon Depth (cm) Description All 0-12 Silt to silt loam; dark ye wish brown (10 YR 3/4); coarse platey with weak fine blocky structure; moist stiff and slightly plastic; root mat present; clear smooth boundary: A12 12-56 Silty clay loam; dark greyish brown (10 YR 4/2) with streaks of weak red (2.5 YR 4/2); and occasional blobs of dusty red (10 YR 3/3); weak, coarse platey structure; moist stiff, slightly plastic; few roots present; clear smooth boundary: All 56-93 Sandy loam; dark grey with many, fine, distinct mottles of dusky red (10 YR 3/3) massive; very few roots; clear, smooth boundary; flat and conic spiral shells plentiful CU 93 + Sandy loam to loam; dark grey (2.5 Y/4); single grain; moist friable; no roots.

TABLE 39: Analytical data

Particle >ize analysis of mineral fraction Organic fraction

Coarse Fine Free Horizon sand % sand% Silt % Clay % PH C% N% C/N iron%

All 1 5 82 12 8.3 2.1 0.16 13.1 2.4 A12 1 1 67 31 8.4 1.0 0.13 7.7 2.4 All 18 33 33 16 7.9 3.1 0.33 9.4 1.1 CU 15 36 35 14 7.9 1.1 0.14 7.9 0.9

132 Boyne Alluvium - Organic Component

Topography: Flat Slope: 0° Altitude: 66 m 0. D. Drainage: Poorly drained Parent Material: Boyne alluvium Great Soil Group: Organic Regosol

Horizon Depth (cm) Description Al 0--40 Organic sandsandyy 1loam ; black (10 YR 2/1); weak, fine to medium crumb structure; moist friable; excellent grass root system; gradual smooth boundary: A/C 40-55 Organic sandy loam to loam; very dark brown (10 YR 2/2); weak, coarse breaking to weak, very fine crumb structure; moist friable; some roots .present; clear smooth boundary: CI 55-70 Gravelly sandy loam; very dark brownish grey (10 YR 3/2) but the particular colour is that of the gravel; single grain; moist friable to moist loose; few roots; abrupt and smooth C2g 70 + River gravel.

TABLE 40: Analytical data

Particle size analysis of mineral fraction Drganic fraction

Coarse Fine Free Horizon sand % sand% Silt% Clay% PH C% N% C/N iron %

Al 34 13 49 4 5.8 9.8 0.63 15.6 0.5 A/C 42 11 40 7 6.0 7.6 0.44 17.3 0.4 CI 50 18 24 8 6.5 2.7 0.15 18.0 0.3

133 Boyne Alluvium - Well Drained Component

Topography: River flat Slope: 0-1° Altitude: 14mO.D. Drainage: Well drained Parent Material: Boyne alluvium Great Soil Group: Regosol

Horizon Depth (cm) Description All 0-9 Loam; dark brown (10 YR 3/3); weak, medium crumb breaking to moderate, fine subangular blocky structure; moist friable; root mat well developed; abrupt, smooth boundary: A12 9-33 Sandy loam; brown to dark brown (10 YR 4/3); coarsely laminated to weak, fine crumb structure; moist friable; plentiful grass roots; clear, smooth boundary: CI 33-44 Sandy loam; dark brown (10 YR 3/3); very weak, fine crumb to single grain; moist friable, some roots present; abrupt smooth boundary: C2 44-60 Gravelly sandy loam; dark yellowish brown (10 YR 3/4); weak, fine crumb to subangular blocky structure; moist friable; still some roots present but dying out; clear smooth boundary: C3g 60-80 Gravelly loam; very dark greyish brown (2.5 Y 3/2) with few, fine, faint mottles of yellowish brown (10 YR 5/6); massive; wet plastic; and slightly sticky; one or two roots apparent.

TABLE 41: Analytical data

Particle >ize analysis of mineral fraction Organic fraction

Coarse Fine Free Horizon sand % sand% Silt% Clay% PH C% N% C/N iron%

All 21 29 29 21 7.6 6.4 0.61 10.5 1.2 A12 28 28 27 17 7.8 2.8 0.26 10.8 1.1 CI 41 19 23 17 7.9 1.4 0.20 7.0 1.2 C2 37 20 30 13 7.7 1.1 0.14 8.0 1.2 C3g 27 23 31 19 7.8 0.9 - - 1.5

134 Boyne Alluvium — Terrace Component

Topography: Terrace in wide incised valley Slope: 1-2° Altitude: 26mO.D. Drainage: Well drained Parent Material: Glacial outwash of Boyne alluvium Great Soil Group: Brown Earth

Horizon Depth (cm) Descrif All 0-20 Gravelly loam; brown to dark b brown root channels (7.5 YR 5/6); weak, fine crumb structure; moist friable; root mat to 12 cm; clear, smooth boundary: A12 20-40 GraveUy loam; dark brown (7.5 YR 3/2); weak, fine crumb with some subangular blocky structure; moist friable; plentiful roots; clear, smooth boundary: (B) 40-58 Gravelly loam; dark brown (7.5 YR 3/2); weak, fine subangular blocky structure with occasional crumb; moist friable; few roots; clear, smooth boundary: 58-86 Gravelly loam; very dark brown to very dark greyish brown (10 YR 2/2-3/2); weak, fine subangular blocky structure to single grain; moist very friable to loose; very few roots.

TABLE 42: Analytical data

Particle size analysis of mineral fraction Organic fraction

Coarse Fine Free Horizon sand % sand% Silt% Clay% PH C% N% C/N iron %

All 20 19 35 26 5 J 3.2 0.42 7.6 1.5 A12 20 17 37 26 5.5 1.8 0.20 9.0 1.5 (B) 22 16 36 26 5.9 1.1 0.09 12.2 1.7 C 34 11 31 24 7.1 0.6 - - 1.5

135 Glane Complex - Component 1 (Brown Earth)

Topography: Crest of hill Altitude: 149 m O.D. Drainage: Well drained Parent Material: Namurian shale of Carboniferous era Great Soil Group: Brown Earth

Horizon Depth (cm) Description A 0-15 Organic clay loam in gTavel; very dark greyish brown (10 YR 3/2); moderate, fine crumb to grandular structure; moist slightly plastic and slightly friable; clear smooth boundary: (B) 15-38 Clay loam without gravel; very dark greyish brown to dark brown (10 YR 3/2 to 3/3); moderate, fine subangular blocky structure; moist; slightly plastic and slightly friable; clear abrupt boundary with shales. 38 Namurian shale.

TABLE 43: Analytical data

Particle size analysis of mineral fraction Organic fraction

Coarse Fine Free Horizon sand % sand% Silt % Clay % PH C% N% C/N iron %

A 21 10 38 31 6.2 63 0.65 10.0 2.8 (B) 20 12 36 32 6.0 2.8 0.31 9.0 2.9

136 Glane Complex — Component 2* (Brown Earth-Deeper Phase)

Topography: Crest of hill Altitude: 148mO.D. Drainage: Well drained Parent Material: Namurian shale of Carboniferous era Great Soil Group: Brown Earth

Horizon Depth (cm) Description Al 0-18 Slightly peaty clay loam without gravel: very dark brown (10 YR 2/2); moderate, fine crumb structure; moist friable, slightly plastic; clear smooth boundary: (B) 18-40 Clay loam with occasional horizontal gTavel layers; very dark greyish brown (10 YR 3/2); fine angular blocky structure in part but developing into coarse angular in lower part of horizon; moist stiff and slightly plastic; graded boundary: B3 40-49 Gravelly clay loam; very dark greyish brown (10 YR 3/2); weak, fine subangular blocky structure; moist friable; smooth abrupt boundary with shales below 49 Namurian shale.

Glane Complex - Component 3 (Dunboyne Series Shaley Phase)

Topography: Hill rising abruptly from lowlands Altitude: 145 m O.D. Drainage: Well drained Parent Material: Thin coating of till with a preponderance of Namurian shale Great Soil Group: Grey Brown Podzolic

Horizon Depth (cm} Description A 0-13 Loam, weak, fine crumb structure; very dark greyish brown (10 YR 3/2); moist plastic; root mat; clear abrupt boundary: Bt 13-29 Channery loam to clay loam; dark yellowish brown (10 YR 3/4); moderate fine, subangular blocky structure; moist friable, slightly plastic; plentiful rooting; gradual boundary: 29-49 Channery loam; dark yellowish brown (10 YR 3/4) in soil with 10 YR 4/4 in the shale, moderate, weak subangular blocky structure; moist plastic; some roots; gradual boundary with shales. 50 Namurian shale. TABLE 44: Analytical data

Particle i size analysis of mineral fraction Organic fractioi i

Coarse Fine Free Horizon sand% sand% Silt% Clay% PH C% N% C/N iron r'(

A 26 14 38 22 5.0 5 J 0.60 9.2 1.9 Bt 27 12 34 27 5.5 2.5 0.32 7.8 1.8 C 19 17 44 20 6.5 1.7 0.18 9.4 2.0

*No analyses are given for this profile which is similar to Component 1 except for its greater depth.

137 Crush Series

Topography: At crest of esker Slope: 1° above 15° Altitude: 81 mO.D. Drainage: Excessively drained Parent Materials: Limestone and shale gravels Great Soil Group: Rendzina

Horizon Depth (cm) Description Al 0--14 Sandy loam to sandy clay loam; very dark greyish brown (10 YR 3/2); coarse, weak crumb structure breaking readily into fine strong crumb; moist friable; many grass roots in a mat interspersed with roots of bushes, clean, smooth boundary CI 14 + Sand to loamy sand; grey (10 YR 5/1); this is the background colour of the varied sand grains; sand; singlegrain with a tendency towards fine, weak crumb structure; moist; loose; no roots

TABLE 45: Analytical data

Particle isiz e analysis of mineral fraction Organic fraction

Coarse Fine Free Horizon sand% sand% Silt % Clay % PH C% N% C/N iron%

Al 55 8 18 19 6.8 8.0 0.73 11.0 0.9 CI 69 18 11 2 8.7 0.2

138 Allen Series

Classification: Histosol Vegetation: Calluna vulgaris (heather) dominant with Sphagnum mosses Topography: Hollow in rolling landscape Drainage: Permeable to 30 cm and poor below Parent Material: Ombro trophic peat

Horizon Depth (cm) Description Oel 0-9 Yellowish red (7.5 YR 5/6) and dark brown (5 YR 3/2); hemic with strong vegetation fragments; hemic; Sphagnum peat; on squeezing only water excluded; clear boundary to: Oal 9-26 Dark reddish brown (5 YR 3/4); sapric; humified cyperaceous peat; only slightly turbid water passes through fingers; abrupt wavy boundary to: Oe2 26-59/68 Dark reddish-brown (5 YR 3/2); hemic; cyperaceous peat Eriophorum dominant with Sphagnum; very turbid water passes through fingers on squeezing; abrupt, regular boundary to: Oe3 59-107 Dark reddish-brown (5 YR 2/2); hemic; Sphagnum /Calluna peat; on squeezing turbid water passes through fingers. Oil 107-130 Dark reddish-brown (5 YR 2/2); fibric Sphagnum peat; only turbid water passes through fingers on squeezing.

TABLE 46: Analytical data

Avail. nutr. (ppm) Depth Moisture W.H.C. Ash Db Fibre pH Hor. (cm) (%) (%) (%) (g/cc) (%) (H20) P.I. N% P K Mg

Oel 0-9 81.6 n.d. 2.9 n.d. 20 3.12 6 1.20 6 14 276 Oal 9-26 86.3 944 3.0 0.103 4 3.18 7 1.16 - - - Oe2 26-59 89.0 1,098 2.2 0.090 10 3.58 7 0.82 6 26 403 Oe3 59-107 91.0 1,187 1.6 0.085 20 3.58 7 0.50 5 20 498 Oil 107-130 93.0 1,598 1.6 0.062 50 3.72 7 0.80 3 13 208

W.H.C. = Water holding capacity Db = Bulk density at saturation P.I. = Pyrophosphate index indicates degree of oxidation or humification.

139 Banagher Series

Classification: Histosol Vegetation: Lolium perenne (Ryegrass) Poa annua (Annual Meadow grass) Ranunculus (Buttercup) Topography: Flat in valley Drainage: Good Parent Material: Minerotrophic peat with alluvium Gr. Water: Very deep Root Distribution: Well distributed throughout profile

Horizon Depth (cm) Description Oap 0-22 Dark reddish-brown (5 YR 2/2); well humified peat with little or no plant remains recognisable; sapric; strongly marled in past; abrupt boundary to: Oal 22-59 Black to dark reddish brown (5 YR 2/1.5); with interstratified dark reddish brown (5 YR 3/3) patches; sapic; well humified; many large bits of wood; clear boundary to: Oa2 59-79 Black (5 YR 2/1); sapric; well humified; some peat extruded on squeezing, much turbid water; water table at 79 cm.

TABLE 47: Analytical data

Avail, nutr. (ppm) Depth Moisture W.H.C. Ash Db Fibre pH

Hor. (cm) (%) (%) (%) (g/cc) (%) (H20) P.I. N% P K Mg

Oap 0-22 55.2 239 65.0 0.493 5.78 1.06 13 38 201 Oal 22-59 686 0.15 1.60 11 40 142 Oa2 59-79 85.5 731 12.4 0.15 5.79 1.24 7 19 195

140 Gortnamona Series

Classification: Histosol Vegetation: Dactylis glomerata (Cocksfoot), Ulmaria filipendula (Meadow sweet), and Urtica dioeca (Nettle) Topography: Flat Parent Material: Ombrotrophic peat Root Distribution: Good in Oap, moderate in Oal

Horizon Depth (cm) Description Oap 0-33 Black (5 YR 2/1); sapric; no plant remains visible, strong, fine crumb structure; well humified; much marling carried out, egg shells at 30 cm; abrupt smooth boundary to: Oal 33-59 Black (5 YR 2/1); sapric; well humified, strong, fine subangular structure; very few plant remains; abrupt, smooth boundary to: Oa2 59-80 Strong brown (5 YR 5/8) turning rapidly on exposure to black (5 YR 2/1); sapric; greasy cyperaceous, small amount of peat exudes between fingers on squeezing.

TABLE 48: Analytical data

Avail, nutr. (ppm) Depth Moisture W.H.C. Ash Db Fibre pH Hor. (cm) (%) (%) (%) (g/cc) (%) (H20) P.I. N % Mg

Oap 0-33 58.2 260 53.8 0.468 4 7.30 1 0.64 9 16 390 Oal 33-59 85.9 835 12.0 0.120 10 5.80 5 0.88 10 19 474 Oa2 59-80 85.6 1,072 6.0 0.092 12 5.30 6 0.82 8 18 353

141 APPENDIX HI

M.J. Gardiner and T. Radford

CLASSIFICATION OF COUNTY MEATH SOILS ACCORDING TO AMERICAN SYSTEM: SOIL TAXONOMY

In presenting the information collected in the course of the soil survey, it is desirable that the characteristics of the different soils and their relationships to one another be set forth in a systematic manner. In devising a system of soil classification, the requirements of those who apply the information in a practical manner in various land use practices and of those interested in the scientific study of soils must be kept in mind. In an attempt to meet the requirements of practical users, the main criterion followed in this Bulletin has been that of choosing a system of soil classification and nomenclature with which practical users are most familiar. For this reason, the system used is that which has been evolved principally in Europe and which has been commonly used in this country. Scientific interests require more exact principles. The criteria used to distinguish classes of soils and the names used to identify these must be rigidly defined. While the older systems of classification satisfy these requirements in many cases, nevertheless, difficulties arise since the definitions and names of classes are often incomplete and can vary from country to country. In addition, the nomenclature used can be rather ambiguous; due to lack of precise definition and correlation, similar soils may be named differently or different soils may be included under the same class name. In recent years a system of soil classification has been developed in the United States* in which it was attempted tc correlate soils as a broad spectrum, to select and define the criteria to be used in distinguishing soil classes, to define the limits of any property in a particular class and to establish a new terminology based on classical Greek and Latin roots. On account of the explicit definitions of soil classes, the new system provides a useful framework for correlating the soils with those of other countries and also for correlating the soils of County Meath with those of other counties. The classification of the Soils of County Meath according to the new American system (Soil Taxonomy) is shown in Table 1. The soils are confined to six Orders: Entisol. Inceptisol, Alfisol, Mollisol, Spodosol and Histosol. These are further divided into Sub- Orders, Great Groups and, in most cases, Sub-Groups. Definitions of the various classes are available elsewhere* and are not given here. At the Order level, soils of recent origin have been classified as Entisols. Included are

*Soil Taxonomy, U.S.D.A., Agricultural Handbook 436, 1975.

143 TABLE 1: Classificiation of Soils according to American system: Soil Taxonomy

Order Sub-Order Great group Subgroup Mapping Unit

Entisol Aquent Haplaquent Typic Haplaquent Camoge, Feale, Dunsany Mollic Haplaquent Drombanny, Boyne Alluvium (Organic Component) Fluvaquent Typic Fluvaquent Boyne Alluvium (Poorly drained component) Fluvent Udifluvent Typic Udifluvent Boyne Alluvium (Well drained component) Aquic Udifluvent Feale Dry Variant Orthent Udorthent Lithic Udorthent Knockeyon, Derk Lithosol Variant Psamment Quartzipsamment Typic Quartzipsamment Seafield

Inceptisol Aquept Haplaquept Typic Haplaquept Ashbourne, Ashbourne Shaley Phase, Street, Street New Red Sandstone Variant Ochrept Eutrochrept Typic Eutrochrept Baggotstown, Ladestown, Boyne Alluvium (Terrace Component). Baggotstown Deep Variant, Rathowen Brown Earth Variant Lithic Eutrochrept Ballincurra Dystrochrept Typic Dystrochrept Kells, Derk Shaley Phase Lithic Dystrochrept Glane Complex (Component 1) Umbric Dystrochrept Glane Complex (Component 2) TABLE 1: Classificiation of Soils according to American system: Soil Taxonomy (Continued)

Order Sub-Order Great group Sub-group Mapping Unit

Alfisol Aqualf Ochraqualf Typic Ochraqualf Howardstown, Street Podzolic Gley Variant Umbric Ochraqualf Mylerstown Mollic Albaqualf Ballyshear Udalf Hapludalf Typic Hapludalf Dunboyne, Dunboyne Gravelly Phase, Dunboyne Shaley Phase, Elton, Mortarstown, Patrickswell, Rathowen, Rathowen Cherty Phase Lithic Hapludalf Patrickswell Lithic Phase Mollic Hapludalf Glane Complex (Component 3)

Mollisol Rendoll - Lithic Rendoll Burren, Crush (Baggotstown/Crush complex)

Spodosol Orthod Haplorthod Entic Haplorthod Rathkenny Sandy Variant Typic Haplorthod Slievebeag, Rathkenny, Rathkenny Moderately Steep Phase Placorthod Knockeyon Podzol Variant

Histosol Hemist Medihemist Typic Medihemist Allen Saprist Medisaprist Typic Medisprist Gortnamona, Banagher the alluvial soils and the Knockeyon and Seafield series and the Derk Lithosolic Variant. The alluvial soils fall into the Sub-Orders Aquent and Fluvent while the Seafield series falls into the Sub-Order Psamment and the others into the Sub-Order Orthent. The Order Inceptisol includes soils which previously in this Bulletin have been called Gleys and Brown Earths. The Gley soils included are separated from the Brown Earths at the Sub-Order level, the former falling into the Aquepts and the latter into the Ochrepts. All the Aquepts have been classified as Haplaquepts at the Great Group level. The Ochrepts are sub-divided into Eutrochrept and Dystrochrept Great Groups with the more base-rich Brown Earths falling into the former and the medium and low base- status Brown Earths into the latter. Further division is made in each of these Great Groups at the Sub-Group level. The Kells series has been classified as a Typic Dystrochrept although it is recognised that because of depth limitation some of these soils would be Lithic Dystrochrepts. On the other hand the Patrickswell Lithic Phase has been classified as a Lithic Hapludalf because most of these soils are shallow although the profile included is greater than 50 cm depth. The Order Alfisol includes those soils previously called Grey-Brown Podzolic and some which were called Gley. In this Order natural drainage differences are distinguished at the Sub-Order level, the Gley falling into the Aqualfs and the well-drained Grey Brown Podzolics into the Udalfs. There is further sub-division of the Aqualfs at the Great Group and Sub-Group levels. Within the Udalfs all the soils are classified as Hapludalfs at the Great Group level but are further sub-divided at the Sub-Group level. The Order Mollisol includes soils that have a mollic epipedon. Only the shallow Burren series and the Crush component of the Baggotstown-Crush Complex fall into this Order. The Order Spodosol includes all the soils which have been previously classed as Podzol and Brown Podzolic. All the Brown Podzolic soils as well as the Slievebeag Podzol are in one Sub-Order (Orthod) and in one Great Group (Haplorthod) but are split at the Sub- Group level into Typic and Entic Haplorthods. The Slievebeag Series is classified as a Haplorthod although there is an iron pan in these soils in places. However, it is regarded as too intermittant to justify placing the soils in the Placorthod Great Group. The Order Histosol includes the peats. At the Sub-Order level they are divided into Hemist and Saprist. The Allen series is classified as a Typic Medisaprist at the Sub-Group level. Profile descriptions were not available for the Pollardstown, Clonsast and Turbary peats, so they have not been classified.

146 ADDITIONAL ANALYTICAL DATA

Seafield Series

meq/lOOg

Horizon CEC TEB Base saturation % T.N.V.

Al 4.4 _ 31.2 CI 3.6 - 34.0 C2 3.0 - 56.6 Ab 8.4 - 33.4 Cb - 31.9

Baggotstown Series

meq/lOOg

Horizon CEC TEB Base saturation % T.N.V.%

A 34.4 30.9 90 (B) 24.6 25.2 Sat. 6.6 C 5.6 6.7 Sat. 16.7

Ballinacurra Series

meq /100g

Horizon CEC TEB Base saturation % T.N.V.%

A 47.6 29.9 63 B 30.4 30.6 Sat. 4.5

Derk Series - Shaley Phase

meq/100 g

Horizon CEC TEB Base saturation % T.N.V.%

Al 31.4 6.7 21 _ A3 27.4 5.7 21 - (B) 23.2 6.1 26 - C 21.4 4.2 20 - CEC = Cation Exchange Capacity; TEB = Total Exchangeable Bases; TNV • Total Neutralising Value.

147 Kells Series

meq/lOOg

Horizon CEC TEB Base saturation % T.N.V.

A 32.4 9.9 30 (B) 14.4 1.5 10 C 7.8 0.4 5

Burren Series

meq/lOOg

Horizon CEC TEB Base saturation % T.N.V. %

59.6 42.2 71 5.7

Dunboyne Series

meq/lOOg

Horizon CEC TEB Base saturation % T.N.V.%

All 25.2 13.7 54 _ A12 22.4 11.9 53 - B2tl 16.1 11.7 73 - B2t2 19.4 16.2 84 - C 16.2 12.9 79 -

Dunboyne Series - Shaley Phase (Namurian)

meq/lOOg

Horizon CEC TEB Base saturation % T.N.V.%

All 29.4 16.6 56 A12 18.4 13.3 72 Bl 9.0 7.3 82 03 B2t 19.0 13.5 71 0.5 C 14.0 15.3 Sat. 5.7

148 Dunboyne Series - Shaley Phase (Silurian)

meq/lOOg

Horizon CEC TEB Base saturation % T.N.V. %

All 26.6 14.4 54 _ A12 18.4 8.5 46 - Bl 16.2 7.1 44 - B2t 14.0 9.0 65 - C 18.4 14.1 77 -

Dunboyne Series - Gravelly Phase

meq/lOOg

Horizon CEC TEB Base saturation % T.N.V. %

All 29.4 20.8 71 _ A12 21.8 16.7 77 - Bl 18.4 15.3 83 - B2t 19.2 16.4 85 — C

Elton Series

meq/lOOg

Horizon CEC TEB Base saturation % T.N.V. %

All 29.2 8.9 31 _ A12 20.0 5.7 28 - A13 18.8 6.0 32 - A2 16.2 4." 29 - B2t 16.8 7.9 47 - C 16.2 11.8 73 -

Mortarstown Series

meq/lOOg

Horizon CEC TEB Base saturation % T.N.V. %

All 43.6 26.0 60 A12 32.0 28.5 89 2.6 Bll 26.8 23.4 87 2.3 B12 15.4 14.0 91 4.2 B2t 16.4 16.3 99 5.8 B3 21.6 20.7 96 0.3 C 20.9 20.8 99 0.3

149 Patrickswell Series

meq/lOOg

Horizon CEC TEB Base saturation % T.N.V. %

All 19.4 13.8 71 A12 9.4 5.9 62 — B2tl 9.4 6.4 68 - B2t2 10.0 9.2 92 1.5 C 6.8 8.4 Sat. 26.6

Patrickswell Series - Lithic Phase

meq/lOOg

Horizon CEC TEB Base saturation % T.N.V. %

All 31.0 A12 24.6 Bl 25.6 B2t 20.8

Rathowen Series

meq/lOOg

Horizon CEC TEB Base s>atu r T.N.V. %

AP 27.4 5.7 21 A12 26.6 5.6 21 B2t 19.0 6.3 33 B3 9.8 2.7 28 C 7.4 2.8 38

Rathowen Series - Cherty Phase

meq/lOOg

Horizon CEC TEB Base saturation % T.N.V. %

All 23.2 18.2 78 A12 14.2 6.6 46 - Bl 14.0 8.8 63 - Bt 11.4 11.9 Sat. 4.2 C 9.0 9.3 Sat. 29.9

150 Rathowen Series - Brown Earth Variant

meq/lOOg

Horizon CEC TEB Base saturation % T.N.V. %

All 32.0 22.5 47 _ A12 23.2 14.2 61 - (B)l 12.2 8.8 72 1.4 (B)2 13.4 10.6 79 1.0 C 13.0 12.2 94 1.3

Rathkenny Series

meq/lOOg

Horizon CEC TEB Base saturation % T.N.V. %

Al 73.6 6.1 8 _ B2irl 35.8 1.6 5 - B2ir2 36.4 1.4 4 - C 10.6 0.5 5 -

Rathkenny Series - Sandy Variant

meq/lOOg

Horizon CEC TEB Base saturation % T.N.V. %

Al 20.8 4.6 22 B2 18.2 2.8 16 - B2ir 13.6 1.1 8 -

Slievebeag Series

meq/lOOg

Horizon CEC TEB Base saturation % T.N.V. %

O 96.4 16.9 18 Al 59.6 0.8 1 - A2 29.8 0.1 1 - B2ir 18.2 0.0 1 - C 12.4 0.0 1 -

151 Ashbourne Series

meq/lOOg

Horizon CEC TEB Base saturation % T.N.V. %

All 36.8 32.6 88 _ A12g 25.8 24.0 93 7.5 Big 23.2 20.9 90 2.0 B2irg 17.6 17 4 99 3.2 Clg 15.6 15.6 Sat. 27.1

Ashbourne Series ~ Shaley Phase

meq/lOOg

Horizon CEC TEB Base saturation % T.N.V. %

Allg 32.0 20.3 64 _ A12g 21.8 8.3 38 - Bl(ir)g 14.0 8.3 60 - B2(ir)g 13.6 9.6 71 - Cg 8.8 8.1 92 -

Drombanny Series

meq/lOOg

Horizon CEC TEB Base saturation % T.N.V. %

O 113.6 116.7 Sat. 14.0 Al 35.2 37.4 Sat. 34.0 HAca 73.0 HBca 75.0

Dunsany Series

meq/lOOg

Horizon CEC TEB Base saturation % T.N.V. %

All 352 4.7 A12 34.4 10.9 Bl 38.8 16.4 Bcal 41.3 Bca2 93.3 C 77.4

152 Feale Series

meq/lOOg

Horizon CEC TEB Base saturation % T.N.V. %

Al 34.4 25.1 73 _ A2g 33.6 21.3 63 - IIAlg 36.8 21.1 60 - IIA2g 30.6 22.2 72 - IIBg(ir) 49.2 37.3 76 -

Feale Series - Dry Variant

meq/lOOg

Horizon CEC TEB Base saturation % T.N.V. %

All 38.8 24.0 62 A12 33.6 2.6 8 C(ir)g 29.8 4.6 16 C2g 32.0 12.7 40 C3g 17.6 12.9 73

Howardstown Series

meq/lOOg

Horizon CEC TEB Base saturation % T.N.V. %

Al 33.6 20.1 60 A2g 17.6 4.4 25 - B2(ir)tg 15.0 11.3 75 - B3g 5.8 8.4 Sat. 49.4 Cg 7.0 7.3 Sat. 46.2

Street Series

meq/lOOg

Horizon CEC TEB Base saturation % T.N.V. %

Allg 352 16.7 47 A12g 24.6 7.1 29 - B2(ir)g 12.2 6.8 55 - B3g 21.8 13.9 64 - Cg 20.0 15.0 75 -

153 Street Series - Podzolic Gley Variant

meq/lOOg

Horizon CEC TEB Base saturation % T.N.V. %

Al 34.0 23.9 70 _ A2g 9.0 5.1 57 - A3g 9.8 7.7 78 - B2(ir)g 10.8 9.2 85 - B3g 11.0 10.5 96 1.0 Clg 10.4 10.3 99 1.0

Street Series - New Red Sandstone Variant

meq/lOOg

Horizon CEC TEB Base saturation T.N.V. %

Allg 30.6 9.1 30 A12g 23.8 8.3 35 Big 29.2 6.7 23 B2(ir)g 19.4 5.9 30 Clg 18.2 6.5 35

Boyne Alluvium - Poorly drained component

meq/lOOg

Horizon CEC TEB Base saturation % T.N.V. %

All 17.6 18.4 Sat. 16.3 A12 21.4 21.7 Sat. 16.8 IIAl 34.4 31.8 92 21.7 IIC1 16.2 17.4 Sat. 12.9

Boyne Alluvium - Well drained component

meq/lOOg

Horizon CEC TEB Base saturation % T.N.V. %

All 41.6 40.8 98 23.7 A12 30.6 28.9 94 10.2 CI 25.2 21.6 86 2.2 C2 22.4 20.6 92 - C3g 32.8 24.9 76 -

154 Boyne Alluvium - Terrace component

meq/lOOg

Horizon CEC TEB Base saturation % T.N.V. %

All 36.4 8.0 22 A12 35.8 8.9 29 - (B) 30.6 9.1 38 - C 23.8 14.0 67 2.4

155 SOIL SERIES INDEX

Allen 58 Ballincurra 25, 26 Profile description and analyses 139 Profile description and analyses 100, 147 Classification 20,145 Classification 20, 144 Drainage 22 Drainage 22 Forest potential 69 Forest potential 68 Suitability 58,65 Stock carrying capacity 75 Suitability 26 Ashbourne 40 Trace elements 80,82 Profile description and analyses 119, 152 Classification 20,144 Ballyshear 42 Drainage 22 Profile description and analyses 121 Forest potential 68 Classification 20, 144 Stock carrying capacity 73 Drainage 22 Suitability 41,64 Forest potential 68 Trace elements 81, 83 Stock carrying capacity 75 Suitability 42 Ashbourne Shaley Phase 42 Profile description and analyses 120,152 Banagher 59 Classification 20,144 Profile description and analyses 140 Drainage 22 Classification 20,145 Forest potential 68 Drainage 22 Stock carrying capacity 75 Forest potential 69 Suitability 42,64 Stock carrying capacity 75 Trace elements 81,83 Suitability 59

Baggotstown 25 Bun-en 29 Profile description and analyses 98,147 Profile description and analyses 103,148 Classification 20,144 Classification 20, 145 Drainage 22 Drainage 22 Forest potential 68 Forest potential 69 Stock carrying capacity 74 Stock carrying capacity 75 Suitability 25,64 Suitability 29, 65 Trace elements 80, 82 Trace elements 80, 82

Baggotstown - Deep Variant 25 Camoge 45 Profile description and analyses 99 Profile description and analyses 127 Classification 25,144 Classification 20, 144 Suitability 25 Drainage 22

157 Forest potential 68 Dunboyne Gravelly Phase 30 Stock carrying capacity 75 Profile description and analyses 106,149 Suitability 45 Classification 20,145 Drainage 22 Forest potential 68 Crush 50 Stock carrying capacity 74 Profile description and analyses 138 Suitability 31 Classification 20,145 Trace elements 80,82 Drainage 22 Forest potential 69 Dunboyne Shaley Phase 31 Suitability 50 Profile description and analyses 107,108, 148, 149 Derk Shaley Phase 26 Classification 20,145 Profile description and analyses 101,147 Drainage 22 Classification 20,144 Forest potential 68 Drainage 22 Stock carrying capacity 74 Forest potential 68 Suitability 32 Stock carrying capacity 75 Trace elements 80, 82 Suitability 26 Trace elements 80,82 Dunsany 46 Profile description and analyses 129,152 Classification 20,144 Derk-Lithosol Variant 27 Drainage 22 Profile description and analyses 102 Forest potential 68 Classification 27 Stock carrying capacity 75 Suitability 27 Suitability 46 Trace elements 81,83 Drombanny 45 Profile description and analyses 128,152 Elton 32 Classification 20,144 Profile description and analyses 109,149 Drainage 22 Classification 20,145 Forest potential 69 Drainage 22 Stock carrying capacity 75 Forest potential 68 Suitability 45, 65 Stock carrying capacity 74 Trace elements 81,83 Suitability 32 Trace elements 80, 82 Dunboyne 30 Profile description and analyses 104, 105 Feale 46 148 Profile description and analyses 130,153 Classification 20,145 Classification 20, 144 Drainage 22 Drainage 22 Forest potential 68 Forest potential 68 Stock carrying capacity 74 Stock carrying capacity 75 Suitability 30 Suitability 47 Trace elments 80, 82 Trace elements 81, 83

158 Feale Dry Variant 47 Ladestown 28 Profile description and analyses 131,153 Profile description and analyses 103 Classification 47, 144 Classification 20,144 Drainage 22 Forest potential 68 Gortnamona 58 Stock carrying capacity 74 Profile description and analyses 141 Suitability 29 Gassification 20,145 Trace elements 80,82 Drainage 22 Forest potential 69 Mortarstown 33 Stock carrying capacity 75 Profile description and analyses 110,149 Suitability 59 Classification 20,145 Drainage 22 Howardstown 42 Forest potential 68 Profile description and analyses 122,153 Stock carrying capacity 74 Classification 20,145 Suitability 33 Drainage 22 Trace elements 80,82 Forest potential 68 Stock carrying capacity 75 Mylerstown 43 Suitability 43 Profile description and analyses 123 Trace elements 81, 83 Classification 20,144 Drainage 22 Kells 27, 28 Forest potential 68 Profile description and analyses 102,148 Stock carrying capacity 75 Classification 20,144 Suitability 43 Drainage 22 Forest potential 68 Patrickswell 33 Stock carrying capacity 74 Profile description and analyses 111,150 Suitability 28 Classification 20, 145 Trace elements 80,82 Drainage 22 Forest potential 68 Knockeyon 23 Stock carrying capacity 74 Profile description and analyses 96 Suitability 33 Classification 20 Trace elements 80, 82 Drainage 22 Forest potential 69 Patrickswell Lithic Phase 34 Stock carrying capacity 75 Profile description and analyses 112,150 Suitability 23,65 Classification 20, 145 Drainage 22 Forest potential 68 Knockeyon Slightly Peaty Podzol Variant Stock carrying capacity 75 23 Suitability 34 Profile description and analyses 97 Classification 23,145 Pollardstown 59 Suitability 23 Classification 20

159 Drainage 22 Trace elements 80, 82 Forest potential 69 Suitability 59,65 Rathowen Brown Earth Variant 36 Profile description and analyses 115,151 Rathkenny 36 Classification 20,144 Profile description and analyses 116, 151 Drainage 22 Classification 20, 145 Suitability 36 Drainage 22 Forest potential 68 Seafield 23 Stock carrying capacity 75 Profile description and analyses 95,147 Suitability 37 Classification 20, 144 Drainage 22 Rathkenny Moderately Steep Phase 37 Forest potential 69 Classification 20,145 Suitability 23,65 Drainage 22 Forest potential 68 Slievebeag 39 Stock carrying capacity 75 Profile description and analyses 118,151 Suitability 37 Classification 20,145 Drainage 22 Rathkenny Sandy Variant 37 Forest potential 69 Profile description and analyses 117,151 Suitability 39,65 Classification 37,145 Trace elements 81, 83 Suitability 37 Street 43 Rathowen 34 Profile description and analyses 124,153 Profile description and analyses 113,150 Classification 20,144 Classification 20,145 Drainage 22 Drainage 22 Forest potential 68 Forest potential 68 Stock carrying capacity 75 Stock carrying capacity 74 Suitability 43,65 Suitability 35 Trace elements 81, 83 Trace elements 80, 82 Street New Red Sandstone Variant 44 Rathowen Cherry Phase 35 Profile description and analyses 125,154 Profile description and analyses 114,150 Classification 44,144 Classification 20,145 Suitability 44 Drainage 22 Forest potential 68 Street-Podzolic Gley Variant 43 Stock carrying capacity 74 Profile description and analyses 125,154 Suitability 36 Classification 145

160 SOIL COMPLEXES INDEX

Baggotstown-Crush 50 Dunboyne-Ashbourne Shaley Phase 55 Stock carrying capacity 75 Stock carrying capacity 74 Suitability 50,65 Suitability 55

Boyne-poorly drained 52 Dunboyne-Ladestown 56 Profile description and analyses 132,154 Stock carrying capacity 74 Classification 144 Suitability 56 Stock carrying capacity 75 Suitability 54 Glane 56 Boyne-organic 53 Profile description and analyses 136, 137 Profile description and analyses 133 Classification 144 Classification 144 Forest potential 68 Stock carrying capacity 75 Stock carrying capacity 75 Suitability 54 Suitability 57 Trace elements 81,83

Boy ne—well drained 53 Ladestown—Rathowen—Banagher 50 Profile description and analyses 134,154 Stock carrying capacity 74 Classification 144 Suitability 51 Stock carrying capacity 75 Suitability 54 Patrickswell -Baggotstown -Elton 49 Stock carrying capacity 74 Boyne-terrace 53 Suitability 50 Profile description and analyses 135,155 Classification 144 Stock carrying capacity 75 Patrickswell—Howardstown 57 Suitability 54 Stock carrying capacity 75 Suitability 57,65 Clonsast 60 Forest potential 69 Patrickswell-Ladestown 48 Stock carrying capacity 75 Stock carrying capacity 74 Suitability 60 Suitability 49

Dunboyne-Ashbourne 5 5 Rathowen—Ladestown 51 Stock carrying capacity 74 Stock carrying capacity 74 Suitability 55 Suitability 51

161 Rathowen-Street 56 Suitability 56 Stock carrying capacity 75 Suitability 56 Turbary 60 Street-Ladestown-Banagher 56 Forest potential 69 Stock carrying capacity 75 Suitability 60, 65

162