1. 11 Soil Characteristics
Conditions that impact on the development of soils
The various processes active in soils
Global variations in soil types
One Irish soil type (Brown Earths) and one sub-continental soil type (Aridisols)
Human interaction with soil characteristics in the Sahel

2. Chapter 11: Soil Characteristics
Soil-forming factors
Parent material
Climate
Topography
Biological activity
Human interference
Time

3. Chapter 11: Soil Characteristics
Soil processes
Weathering
Erosion
Leaching
Podsolisation
Laterisation
Humification
Calcification
Salinisation

4. Chapter 11: Soil Characteristics
Classification of soils
Zonal soils
Intrazonal soils
Azonal soils

5. Chapter 11: Soil Characteristics
Brown Earths (Irish soil)
Zonal soils under deciduous forest
Cool temperate oceanic climate
Most common Irish soil type
Fertile, dark brown, high humus
Crumb structure, loamy, slightly acidic, easily worked, productive
Biological activity, aerate and mix
Acidic Brown Earths: low pH
Podzolic Brown Earths: leached

6. Chapter 11: Soil Characteristics
Aridisols (sub-continental soil)
Hot dry conditions
Poorly developed
Light grey
Limited humus
Rapid growth after rainfall

7. Chapter 11: Soil Characteristics
The Sahel: soil erosion
Overgrazing
Overcropping
Deforestation
Desertification
Soil conservation