Organic

ORGANIC
Occur in wetland sites, as peat or forest litter.

• Very rare for farm forestry to occur on these sites - 'needs' are amenity trees, wetland development or protection, possibly shelterbelt.
• Special landscape site, often drained, originally wetland environment.
• Very low bulk density, but has low bearing strength, therefore roads need foundation design.
• High shrinkage potential when dry.
• Low pH, acidic.
• Low natural soil nutrient status with potential deficiencies in potassium, nitrogen, sulphur, and phosphate, and trace elements selenium, copper, and molybdenum. Respond well to lime.
• Natural fertility is related to hydrology eg. higher fertility. Organic soils are reliant on groundwater bringing in nutrients from surrounding mineral soils.

• Very poorly drained with low aeration.
• Plant-available water ranges from moderate to high.

• Excellent. Soils are consistently deeper than 60cm. Allows trees to tap the nutrient reserves and moisture zones.