The Influence of Land use and Vegetation on Soil Physical and Chemical Characteristics.

Abstract

This dissertation investigates, ‘The influence of land use and vegetation on soil physical and chemical characteristics’. This study took place on a Lancashire farm during November 2011, which has been experiencing problems with its yield. Samples were collected from three different zones on the farm and taken to the laboratory for testing, these zones where typical of the varying land use within the farm. Information and statistical data was gathered in the field for example colour and depth of each individual soil pit. Knowledge was also gained about the wider area such as the management techniques including mechanical intervention used across the farm as a whole.
The results identified that the soil was lacking in specific nutrients and that this was linked to the soils pH. It was recommended to the farmer that lime is to be spread on the fields more frequently in order to improve the soil properties and to boost yield. It was also suggested that to leave land fallow for as long as possible to allow the soil to naturally recover from the high impact of machine and animal alike. Compaction was also examined and found that zone three had the most compact soil which was related to the high volume of mechanic interference over sustained periods of time. Throughout the study it becomes increasing obvious that soil properties are linked to each other and the impact it has upon productivity.