Soils in Ireland

Waterford farm

This is an aerial photograph of a ferm in Waterford. You can see the lay out of the fields because they photograph was taken from high in the air.

Irish Farmers' Journal

Waterford farm
Irish Farmers' Journal

Waterford farm

This is an aerial photograph of a ferm in Waterford. You can see the lay out of the fields because they photograph was taken from high in the air.

Irish Farmers' Journal

Enlarge image

One of the most important influences on a farm is the type of soil it has. Different plants grow in different soils. Brown soils are the most common soil type in Ireland. Brown soils are rich and fertile. They are found mostly in the Midlands and the eastern counties.

Another soil type found in Ireland is peaty soil. You will spot it when you see a layer of turf or peat at the surface. Peaty soils are quite wet and are acidic. Bog cotton and heather as well as coniferous trees can grow in these soils but most plants cannot. Peaty soils are found in some parts of the midlands and also in many parts of the west, north and south of Ireland. They are especially common in places where there is a high amount of rainfall. Peaty soils are not very fertile and because of this they are not very good for crop farming.

Sand and land

This is a photograph of a coastal area with sandy type soil.

Matthew Ronan Collection, Wexford County Libraries Local Studies

Sand and land
Matthew Ronan Collection, Wexford County Libraries Local Studies

Sand and land

This is a photograph of a coastal area with sandy type soil.

Matthew Ronan Collection, Wexford County Libraries Local Studies

Enlarge image

Other soils which are waterlogged are called gley soil. They have a lot of clay and are usually a light grey colour. You will often know where this type of soil is if you see rushes growing. Land with this type of soil is usually used for grazing animals. Gley soil can be drained and improved but it is expensive to do this as you have to dig drains for the water and add lime to reduce the acid. Many farmers prefer to use the land for rough grazing for sheep and goats.