Experimental woodland establishment on brick clays in southern England

Abstract

A series of long-term field experiments examining a range of reclamation options for the establish-ment of woodland on Oxford Clay soil-forming materials restored after landfilling is described. Hostile soil physical and nutritional characteristics prevent normal tree survival and growth, but the experi-ments show that there are limited options to alleviate these conditions. The combined results show that tree species of alder, poplar and willow planted on loose-tipped mounds are most suited to the soil conditions, although growth is slow. Application of organic fertilizers has mixed effects.