Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
Barratt also briefly considered some humus forms of poorly drained grassland
soils. Her samples were also principally variants of mor, but in general little seems to
have been written about the soil biology of natural wetland habitats in Britain.
Finally, we can look at how systematic variation in soil moisture conditions is
reflected in grassland vegetation. This effect is clearly seen in old meadows that show
a wave-like sculpturing known as ridge-and-furrow. Winter snow lying in the fur-
laid out originally for tillage, partly as a means of apportioning land among villa-
gers, and partly for draining clay soils to make them more easily manageable. It was
largely concentrated in the English Midlands, though it also occurred in some north-
ern counties and the lowlands of Scotland and Wales. Modern archaeological and
historical research has now removed much of the uncertainty that existed until quite
recently about the origin of ridge-and-furrow, and anyone interested in this subject
should read David Hall's scholarly little topic. The accumulated evidence points to
an 8th or 9th century origin, though ridge-and-furrow continued to be produced up
to Victorian times when steam ploughs were used. Subsequently, the land was turned
back to grass, and, in some cases, has remained in this condition for several centuries
so these sites are now good examples of semi-natural habitats. Today, they often have
special conservation value for their rich assemblages of plants including conspicuous
species such as ox-eye daisy, cowslip, buttercups and orchids. This floristic diversity
results from three factors - variability in soil conditions, consistent management over
long periods, and the non-use of fertilizers and herbicides.
