The Scottish Government

Soil organic carbon measured in samples from soil horizons in profiles

Vegetation may give some insight

Soil structure was assessed at time of sampling

Record of erosion features during soil sampling

Inherent risk of soil erosion

Heavy metal content of soils

Record of built up area at time of sampling

Sodium content is measured

Nitrogen; pH; C/N ratio; …

LCA; LCF; …

C content; Soil structure; Soil texture; pH; Clay content; Colour;

…

…

Roots and vegetation communities; …

Parent material type and lithology; …

…

…

Groundwater table; Consolidated / Unconsolidated sands; Shrinking clays; Flooding risk; Parent material; …

…

Artificial over deepening of top soil; …

NSIScot

Provide an unbiased sample to characterise or quantify soil distribution and variability at a broad, regional scale in Scotland.

The NSIScot is a subset of the National Soils Database of Scotland. The sample frame work is a 5km grid based on the National Grid of GB. The data comprise a soil profile description at each 5km intersect of the National Grid. Soil horizon samples were collected on the 10 km intersects and some 5km intersects. The bulk of the profiles were collected during field work for the 1:250 000 soil survey of Scotland. The remainder were collected in three subsequent years from areas which had previously been surveyed.

A view of the National Soils Database of Scotland.

The data are stored in Oracle® tables on a unix server at the Macaulay Institute:

• BASICINV table contains site characterisation data

Descriptions of each soil horizon (soil horizon morphology) and analytical data are contained in three tables:

• ORGANICINV table holds data on organic horizons
• MINERALINV table holds data on mineral horizons
• ANALINV table holds systematic laboratory data derived from samples taken from individual horizons. Every 10km point was sampled and some of the 5km intersects

The tables are linked by grid reference and lab numbers.

Soil surveyors employed by the Macaulay Institute.

Soil surveyors with extensive field experience of soil classification and mapping described the soil profile morphology and collected the soil horizon samples.

As for creator or author

There are some gaps in the sample cover. Samples were not collected from a number of grid intersects on Orkney. St Kilda was not visited due to cost. Soil samples were collected from some of the 5km points, although this was not in the protocol.

Grid sample covering Scotland.

Nine years: 1978 to 1987. Data were collected during Spring, Summer and Autumn.

The intersection between Ordnance Survey northing and easting grid lines at 5 km intervals was plotted onto an aerial photograph. This photograph was used to guide a soil surveyor to the sample location in the field where a soil profile was excavated, described and, at each 10km intersection, soil samples were taken. The approximate location accuracy in m was noted by the surveyor. Horizon and sample depths were recorded to the nearest cm.

The data were collected between 19 and 27 years ago. Currency depends on the temporal variation in individual attributes and we may need to break down the information into inherent / changeable. For example, sand content is inherent but organic carbon content is changeable.

Field record cards were used at some sites before the introduction of hand-held field computers. The field cards are stored at the Macaulay. Soil sample material is archived at the Macaulay in the National Soils Archive of Scotland.

Methods published in Brown et. al. 1987

The methodology for soil profile description and sampling was coordinated by the soil surveyors at regular field meetings, held jointly with the soil survey of England and Wales. Additionally, methods were discussed from time to time with soil survey organisations in the United States, Canada and Europe from the inception of the Soil Survey of Scotland.

The field description and recording methods agreed at field meetings were published (Hodgson, 2004) and were adopted by the Soil Survey of Scotland with the exception of texture classification. The grid sample plan for the sampling was agreed with the Soil Survey of England and Wales and DAFS (now SEERAD).

Location

Unique ID; National grid reference; Date of sample; Name of site; Number of site; Surveyor; Ordnance Survey Third Edition Map Sheet Number; Easting (relative to false origin of National Grid); Northing (relative to false origin of National Grid); Elevation of site (m above sea level); Site elevation in Feet; Slope of site in degrees; Slope form; Slope type; Aspect of site; Bearing in degrees; Accuracy of site location

Soil classification, mapping and sampling

Soil Association symbol; Soil Series symbol; Association/Series code; Major soil group; Major soil sub group; Soil drainage; Surface/groundwater gley subgroup; Parent material; Miscellaneous Mapping unit classification; Series Phase; Primary and secondary rock type codes; Pit base descriptor; Sample depths in cm below ground surface; Extra samples (Y if additional samples); Lab number range; Sample Batch Identification

Additional field-recorded information

Site drainage; Erosion; Vegetation classification; Presence or absence of flushing; Rock frequency; Boulder frequency

Additional information

Climate classification (after Birse); Land Capability for Agriculture; Land Capability for Forestry; Administration District code; Record type (A: Archival; I: Inventory; G: Grid; P: Partial; R: Relocated; S: Selected; T: Transect); Systems use flag; Notes; Linked soil data tables (B: BASICINV; O: ORGANICINV; M: MINERALINV; A: ANALINV; N: NIPAQUA)

Unique record ID; National grid reference of site; Horizon symbol; Depth to top of horizon (cm below ground surface); Depth to base of horizon (cm below ground surface); Horizon boundary distinctness and form; Munsell colour (field measured); Nature of organic matter; Mineral content; Moisture status; Primary structure: degree, size and type; Primary stones frequency, size and shape; Secondary stones frequency, size and shape; Primary roots frequency, size and kind; Secondary roots frequency, size and kind

Unique record ID; National grid reference of site; Unique sequence number of record; Horizon symbol; Depth to top of horizon (cm below ground surface); Depth to base of horizon (cm below ground surface); Horizon boundary distinctness and form; Munsell colours of soil matrix, soil peds, dry soil and mottles; Mottle frequency, size, contrast and sharpness; Estimated percentage mottles; Grain size estimate; Field estimate of texture; Estimated percentage silt; Estimated percentage clay; Moisture status; Consistency: wet, moist or dry; Degree of induration; Degree of cementation; Primary structure: degree, size and type; Secondary structure: degree, size and type; Primary stones: frequency, size, shape and lithology; Estimated percentage primary stones; Secondary stones: frequency, size, shape and lithology; Estimated percentage secondary stones; Primary roots frequency, size and kind; Estimated percentage primary roots; Secondary roots frequency, size and kind; Estimated percentage secondary roots

Unique lab number of sample; Horizon symbol (allocated by Analytical); Depth to top of sample (cm below ground surface); Depth to base of sample (cm below ground surface); Loss on ignition; Flag specifying USDA or BSTC analyses; Percentage International sand; Percentage International silt; Percentage International clay; Percentages of USDA or BSTC sand and silt; Calcium; Magnesium; Sodium; Potassium; Hydrogen; Sum of cations; Base saturation; pH in water; pH in Calcium chloride; Carbon; Nitrogen; C/N ratio; Organic matter; Total phosphate; Exchangeable Carbon; Pyrophosphate extractable aluminium; Extractable iron; Residual iron; Sample Batch Identification; National grid reference of site; Acetic soluble phosphorous; Data verification by Analytical Group

Copper; Zinc; Manganese; Nickel; Cadmium; Chromium; Lead

Calcium; Sodium; Potassium; Magnesium; Copper; Zinc; Iron; Manganese; Aluminium; Phosphorous; Nickel; Cadmium; Chromium; Cobalt; Lead; Strontium; Molybdenum; Titanium; Barium

Original data collected from soil pits in the field.

Directly collected primary data. Horizon nomenclature and soil classification are secondary data, interpreted from the observations.

The sample strategy comprised a square grid pattern aligned to the National Grid of Great Britain with:

Five km spacing for site and soil descriptions

Ten km spacing for soil samples (sub-set of the five km grid)

Field location was by using aerial photographs on which the grid intersect was transcribed from maps.

The data are not released in raw form since interpretation is required. Presentations are normally peer-reviewed, either for journal publication or by other agencies.

Samples were analysed prior to the drawing up of the ISO framework of standard methods. The methods for systematic analysis were documented internally at the Macaulay Institute. Archival soil sample material exists for many samples, unless it has become exhausted, and could be analysed under the current ISO9001 framework.

The data provide good estimates of means and regional variations in a range of soil properties and attributes. They inform the soil classification for Scotland and are used with soil map information to estimate the regional variation in soil properties. They are used with pedotransfer functions to derive other datasets. These data have been used to evaluate the current state of various threats to soil in this project.

The database is securely maintained and access to the data is controlled within the Macaulay by the Database Manager. Revision is rarely necessary except to correct errors.

Field recording methods were published.

The original data were collected by a peer-group of soil survey experts with in-depth knowledge of soils in the field. This expert group has largely disbanded and it is not likely that a reproducible set of results can be obtained without a field-sample training group being established. The original site has been destroyed by the sampling so any return visit will not find the same soil. Successful return visits to the sample points depend on the experience of the field worker in locating sites from features on aerial photographs. The original site location was by aerial photo interpretation of ground features, and may not occur exactly on the National Grid intersect. GPS may not be useful in re-locating the exact point. Experience suggests that the original site record will be of value in the relocation process. Spatial variability in depth and geographically impinges on reproducibility.

These are raw data.

The horizons are named and the soil is classified on site. This is an interpretation by the soil surveyor from the raw data.

This information was not collected to influence policy.

Representative Soil Profiles of Scotland

RSPS

To provide examples of the soils mapped on the 1:63 360 and 1:50 000 scale soil maps.

The RSPS is a subset of the National Soils Database of Scotland. These profiles were selected at the time of mapping by soil surveyors to characterise the soils currently being mapped. The data comprise morphological descriptions of soil profiles and constituent horizons and systematic analytical data from soil horizon samples. The information was collected during field work for the 1:63 360 and 1:50 000 scale soil survey of Scotland

These data exist in two formats, depending on date of sampling:

• Pre-1979 the information is stored on original soil profile cards
• Post-1979 the records are stored in the National Soils Database of Scotland

For pre-1979 data, analytical data and minimal site data are entered into the National Soils Database of Scotland.

For pre -1979 data, two sets of soil profile cards are stored in separate locations in the Macaulay Institute.

The National Soils Database of Scotland data are stored in Oracle® tables on a unix server at the Macaulay Institute:

• BASICINV table contains site characterisation data

Descriptions of each soil horizon (soil horizon morphology) and analytical data are contained in three tables:

• ORGANICINV table holds data on organic horizons
• MINERALINV table holds data on mineral horizons
• ANALINV table holds systematic laboratory data derived from samples taken from individual horizons. Every 10km point was sampled and some of the 5km intersects
• TRACELEM table holds trace element analysis for a subset of profiles.

The tables are linked by grid reference and lab numbers.

Soil surveyors employed by the Macaulay Institute.

Soil surveyors with extensive field experience of soil classification and mapping

As for creator or author

The main agricultural areas of Scotland, with some upland areas also covered.

1941 to date, with few records collected post-1979.

Sites were located using 1:25 000 scale Ordnance Survey maps or 1:25 000 or 1:10 000 scale aerial photographs. Photograph locations were used from around 1966. GPS equipment has been in use recently. Grid references were recorded to the nearest 100m.

The samples were obtained up to 65 years ago. Currency depends on temporal variation in individual attributes.

Soil profile descriptions were hand-written in the field and soil profile cards were typed from the field descriptions. The soil profile cards are stored at the Macaulay. Soil sample material is archived at the Macaulay in the National Soils Archive of Scotland.

Soil survey methodology evolved during the progress of the soil mapping across Scotland.

The methodology for soil profile description and sampling was coordinated by the soil surveyors at regular field meetings, held jointly with the soil survey of England and Wales. Additionally, methods were discussed from time to time with soil survey organisations in the United States, Canada and Europe from the inception of the Soil Survey of Scotland.

The field description and recording methods agreed at field meetings were published (Hodgson, 2004) and were adopted by the Soil Survey of Scotland with the exception of texture classification. Prior to the Hodgson publication, soil classification and recording methodology was published in soil memoirs, although not every map has an accompanying soil memoir.

Location

Unique ID; National grid reference; Date of sample; Name of site; Number of site; Surveyor; Ordnance Survey Third Edition Map Sheet Number; Easting (relative to false origin of National Grid); Northing (relative to false origin of National Grid); Elevation of site (m above sea level); Site elevation in Feet; Slope of site in degrees; Slope form; Slope type; Aspect of site; Bearing in degrees; Accuracy of site location

Soil classification, mapping and sampling

Soil Association symbol; Soil Series symbol; Association/Series code; Major soil group; Major soil sub group; Soil drainage; Surface/groundwater gley subgroup; Parent material; Miscellaneous Mapping unit classification; Series Phase; Primary and secondary rock type codes; Pit base descriptor; Sample depths in cm below ground surface; Extra samples (Y if additional samples); Lab number range; Sample Batch Identification

Additional field-recorded information

Site drainage; Erosion; Vegetation classification; Presence or absence of flushing; Rock frequency; Boulder frequency

Additional information

Climate classification (after Birse); Land Capability for Agriculture; Land Capability for Forestry; Administration District code; Record type (A: Archival; I: Inventory; G: Grid; P: Partial; R: Relocated; S: Selected; T: Transect); Systems use flag; Notes; Linked soil data tables (B: BASICINV; O: ORGANICINV; M: MINERALINV; A: ANALINV; T; TRACELEM); Reference to Soil Survey Memoir, and profile number in the memoir

Unique record ID; National grid reference of site; Horizon symbol; Depth to top of horizon (cm below ground surface); Depth to base of horizon (cm below ground surface); Horizon boundary distinctness and form; Munsell colour (field measured); Nature of organic matter; Mineral content; Moisture status; Primary structure: degree, size and type; Primary stones frequency, size and shape; Secondary stones frequency, size and shape; Primary roots frequency, size and kind; Secondary roots frequency, size and kind

Unique record ID; National grid reference of site; Unique sequence number of record; Horizon symbol; Depth to top of horizon (cm below ground surface); Depth to base of horizon (cm below ground surface); Horizon boundary distinctness and form; Munsell colours of soil matrix, soil peds, dry soil and mottles; Mottle frequency, size, contrast and sharpness; Estimated percentage mottles; Grain size estimate; Field estimate of texture; Estimated percentage silt; Estimated percentage clay; Moisture status; Consistency: wet, moist or dry; Degree of induration; Degree of cementation; Primary structure: degree, size and type; Secondary structure: degree, size and type; Primary stones: frequency, size, shape and lithology; Estimated percentage primary stones; Secondary stones: frequency, size, shape and lithology; Estimated percentage secondary stones; Primary roots frequency, size and kind; Estimated percentage primary roots; Secondary roots frequency, size and kind; Estimated percentage secondary roots

Unique lab number of sample; Horizon symbol (allocated by Analytical); Depth to top of sample (cm below ground surface); Depth to base of sample (cm below ground surface); Loss on ignition; Flag specifying USDA or BSTC analyses; Percentage International sand; Percentage International silt; Percentage International clay; Percentages of USDA or BSTC sand and silt; Calcium; Magnesium; Sodium; Potassium; Hydrogen; Sum of cations; Base saturation; pH in water; pH in Calcium chloride; Carbon; Nitrogen; C/N ratio; Organic matter; Total phosphate; Exchangeable Carbon; Pyrophosphate extractable aluminium; Extractable iron; Residual iron; Sample Batch Identification; National grid reference of site; Acetic soluble phosphorous; Data verification by Analytical Group

Total Barium; Total Cobalt; Total Total Copper; Total Gallium; Total Manganese; Total Molybdenum; Total Nickel; Total Phosphorous; Total Lead; Total Strontium; Total Titanium; Total Vanadium; Sum of exchangeable cations + H; Exchangeable Calcium; Exchangeable Magnesium; Exchangeable Sodium; Exchangeable Potassium; Exchangeable Hydrogen; Organic carbon; Extractable Cobalt; Extractable Chromium; Extractable Copper; Extractable Manganese; Extractable Nickel; Extractable Lead; Extractable Titanium; Extractable Vanadium; Extractable Zinc; Extractable Iron; Extractable Molybdenum

Original data collected from soil pits in the field.

Directly collected primary data. Horizon nomenclature and soil classification are secondary data, interpreted from the observations.

Samples were collected on a subjective basis. The soil profiles selected for sampling were judged to exemplify the soils mapped. Field locations were recorded from 1:25 000 scale field maps. Aerial photographs were used from around 1966 onwards in some areas.

The data are not released in raw form since expert interpretation is required in order to make the best use of the data set. Presentations are normally peer-reviewed, either for journal publication or by other agencies.

Samples were analysed prior to the drawing up of the ISO framework of standard methods. The methods for systematic analysis were documented internally at the Macaulay Institute. Archival soil sample material exists for many samples, unless it has become exhausted, and could be analysed under the current ISO9001 framework.

The data inform the soil classification for Scotland and provide ancillary data to characterise soil properties within soil mapping units.

The database is securely maintained and access to the data is controlled within the Macaulay by the Database Manager. Revision is rarely necessary except to correct errors. The soil profile cards exist in two sets stored at separate locations within the Macaulay Institute.

Field recording methods were published.

The original data were collected by a peer-group of soil survey experts with in-depth knowledge of soils in the field. This expert group has largely disbanded and it is not likely that a reproducible set of results can be obtained without a field-sample training group being established. The original site has been destroyed by the sampling so any return visit will not find the same soil. GPS may not be useful in re-locating the exact point. Experience suggests that the original site record will be of value in the relocation process.

These are raw data.

The horizons are named and the soil is classified on site. This is an interpretation by the soil surveyor from the raw data.

This information was not collected to influence policy.

Grid or Transect Studies of Soil Profiles

Provide a sample from which the spatial variability of soil properties could be estimated down to 5m distance. Characterise three soil series in Scotland and several experimental farms.

The grid or transect studies form subsets of the National Soils Database of Scotland. The data comprise a soil profile description at each sampled location. There are also analytical data from soil samples.

A view of the National Soils Database of Scotland.

The data are stored in Oracle® tables on a unix server at the Macaulay Institute:

• BASICINV table contains site characterisation data

Descriptions of each soil horizon (soil horizon morphology) and analytical data are contained in three tables:

• ORGANICINV table holds data on organic horizons
• MINERALINV table holds data on mineral horizons
• ANALINV table holds systematic laboratory data derived from samples taken from individual horizons. Every 10km point was sampled and some of the 5km intersects

The tables are linked by grid reference and lab numbers.

Soil surveyors employed by the Macaulay Institute.

Soil surveyors with extensive field experience of soil classification and mapping described the soil profile morphology and collected the soil horizon samples.

As for creator or author

Transect samples within Balrownie, Corby and Winton soil series mapping units. Grid samples were collected at 25m 100m and 1km intervals in a variety of locations across Scotland.

Transect samples in 1987.

Transect sample spacings were measured on the ground using a tape measure. Grid samples were located by plotting site locations from maps onto aerial photographs.

Currency depends on the temporal variation in individual attributes and we may need to break down the information into inherent / changeable. For example, sand content is inherent but organic carbon content is changeable.

Direct entry into database. Soil sample material is archived at the Macaulay in the National Soils Archive of Scotland.

Soil organic carbon measured in samples by loss on ignition

Direct measures of invertebrates and heterotrophic bacteria

Heavy metal content of soils (7 metals)

Urban areas were excluded from the field survey

Soil pH was measured and assessed for change0

Monitoring and Assessing Soil Quality

MASQ

To provide good quality datasets for soil invertebrate and microbial communities, soil pH and organic matter and selected heavy metals and persistent organic pollutants.

The Centre for Environmental Hydrology was funded jointly by DEFRA, EA, SNIFFER and NERC, to carry out the project MASQ: Monitoring and Assessing Soil Quality (Black et. al. 2002). This formed part of the Countryside Survey 2000 (CS2000), with samples collected in 1998 and 1999. A high proportion of soil samples were collected from the same geographical locations as those for the Ecological Survey of Great Britain (ITE1978).

Oracle®

An Oracle® database - The Countryside Survey 2000 Integrated Data System ( CIDS).

Project report - MASQ: Monitoring and Assessing Soil Quality in Great Britain.

Countryside Survey Module 6: Soils and Pollution. R&D Technical Report E1-063/TR. 2002. H I J Black, J S Garnett, G Ainsworth, P A Coward, R Creamer, S Ellwood, J Horne, M Hornung, V H Kennedy, F Monson, L Raine, D Osborn, N R Parekh, J Parrington, J M Poskitt, E Potter, N Reeves, A P Rowland, P Self, S Turner, J Watkins, C Woods and J Wright.

CEH, Funded by DEFRA, EA, SNIFFER and NERC.

ITE were instrumental in setting up the original survey in 1978.

Great Britain

Builds on the Institute of Terrestrial Ecology's National Ecological Survey of Great Britain (1978) and the Countryside Survey (1990)

Sample plots were marked on maps and then located in the field using maps and/or using markers left in 1990 with a metal detector. Once the plot was located survey poles were use tp mark out the

Data were collected in 1998 and 1999

The initial sample design in 1978 was reviewed by the scientific community at the time. Subsequent designs have been through several discussion stages.

Full protocols are in the CS2000 Field Handbook. Protocols were developed for the sampling by staff in the Soil Ecology Section at CEH Merlewood. The design was tailored to be compatible with the 1978 soil samples and to allow rapid return of samples for biological analysis. All field surveyors were trained in them prior to the sampling campaign.

Location; Environment Zone; Broad Habitats; Aggregate Vegetation Classes; Major Soil Group.

Soil pH in water; loss-on-ignition (surrogate for soil organic matter).

Heavy metals by Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectrometers ( ICP- OES): Cadmium (Cd), Copper (Cu), Chromium (Cr); Lead, (Pb), Nickel (Ni), Vanadium (V) and Zinc (Zn).

A novel analytical method was developed using GC- MS for the analysis of polyaromatic hydrocarbons ( PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls ( PCBs) and organochlorine pesticides ( OCPs).

Soil invertebrates were extracted and identified.

Numbers and functional diversity of heterotrophic bacteria were identified.

Yes. Data from field samples.

The sample frame was drawn using a range of secondary data interpreted from several sources. The analytical data are primary data.

The sampling strategy was designed to provide a restricted, stratified random sample of 1 kilometre grid squares across Great Britain. The sample strata were derived from multi-variate analysis of relief, climate, geology and settlement which yielded 32 classes. Eight sample squares were randomly selected within each of the classes for the 1978 sample. Further land classes and more sample squares have been added over the intervening years and for CS2000 there are now 40 land classes having 569 sample squares in GB with 203 in Scotland. Soil sampling was restricted to the 256 squares visited during the 1978 campaign.

Sample locations within each 1km square were selected according to protocols in the unpublished CS2000 field handbook. Top soil samples were taken with corers.

The results were presented in a scientific report to the project funders. This report is in the public domain.

Rigourous validation schemes were established for each range of determinands. Schemes are detailed in the project report.

The data are managed by the Oracle® database administrator at CEH.

Methods are detailed in an unpublished field handbook; transcripts of this are available in other reports. Analytical techniques are detailed in the project report.

The methods are described in sufficient detail for the results to be reproducible in future sampling campaigns.

This is not a synthesised product.

The initial sample frame is based on interpretation. The results of the survey are based on sample measurements.

Yes.

Soil Data in Relation to Sludge (Use in Agriculture) Regulations.
Sampling and Testing of Soil (Schedule 2, Regulation3)

None

To allow SEPA to audit sludge producers in relation to Sludge (Use in Agriculture) Regulations 1989

pH and potentially toxic element ( PTE) analysis of soils which have received sewage sludge.

Paper records. Some of the data is electronic.

Data held by SEPA Land Unit and also Agricultural Regulatory Team.

Created by sludge producers, such as Scottish Water or other PFI (Private Finance Initiative) operators and audited by SEPA.

Unknown

SEPA contribute to auditing and supplementary field inspection and analysis.

Agricultural land where sludge has been applied (since 1989)

From 1989 to present.

Grid references of fields supplied

No temporal sampling is carried out unless further sludge is applied

Data held by SEPA but soil samples are not archived.

SEPA hold the register. Additional field inspection and samples are collected by SEPA to audit the register.

Additional sampling by SEPA is sometimes carried out. This can be during a field inspection of an agricultural unit, actioned as an outcome of a SEPA audit of a sludge producer register or for enforcement purposes.

Different recording methods used by each sludge producers e.g. Scottish Water or other PFI (Private Finance Initiative) operators.

Each field that has received sludge: Location; Amounts applied; Dates of application; Dry matter; weight of sludge applied, a Nutrient analysis; Heavy metal analysis; Type of sludge.

Soil samples collected by the operator must be analysed for: pH; Cadmium; Copper; Chromium; Lead; Nickel; Zinc; Mercury.

As listed in the Code of Practice and comprise: Molybdenum; Fluoride; Selenium; Total Nitrogen; Arsenic; Total Phosphorus

Original data.

The sample frame is dictated by the locations of sludge. No control samples are collected from similar soil types with no sludge application, or from the field prior to application.

Within each field or part-field soil cores are collected by auger using the 'W' pattern protocol to provide a single composite as per Sludge Regs the soil is sampled to a depth of 25 cm and field size is no greater than 5 ha. . The spatial separation of individual composite samples partially depends on field size and shape.

Data held by SEPA Land Unit and also Agricultural Regulatory Team.

Methodology and standards as per Sludge (Use in Agriculture) Regulations 1989

Results could indicate, for example, how close to indicator levels the soil was in terms of the range of pollutants analysed.

Data are held by SEPA and attribute values verified by further sample collection. See section on SEPA Field Inspections.

The 'W' sample gives a degree of anonymity of location which may reduce reproducibility in large fields. More use of GPS could be made to locate samples to reduce the impact of autocorrelation.

This should be easily achieved as field locations are easy to re-locate. The W pattern may not be the same on subsequent visits.

No.

No.

This information is collected by SEPA to enforce the Sludge (Use in Agriculture) Regulations 1989

Soil Data in Relation to Sludge (Use in Agriculture) Regulations 1989.
Sampling and Testing of Sludge (Schedule 1, Regulation3)

None

When combined with application rates (where are these rates recorded?) can be used to determine heavy metal loadings on soils.

Nutrient and potentially toxic element ( PTE) analysis of sludges which have been applied to soils.

Paper records . Some of the data is electronic.

Data held by SEPA Land Unit and also Agricultural Regulatory Team.

Created by sludge producers, such as Scottish Water or other PFI (Private Finance Initiative) operators and audited by SEPA.

Unknown

SEPA contribute auditing and supplementary field inspection and analysis

Records detail locations of fields where the sampled sludge has been applied

From 1989 to present.

Agricultural land where sludge has been applied (since 1989)

Current at the time of sampling. The material is applied to land.

Data held by SEPA but sludge samples are not archived.

SEPA hold the register. Additional samples are collected by SEPA to audit the register.

Additional sampling by SEPA is sometimes carried out. This can be during a field inspection of an agricultural unit, actioned as an outcome of a SEPA audit of a sludge producer register or for enforcement purposes.

Different recording methods used by each sludge producers e.g. Scottish Water or other PFI (Private Finance Initiative) operators.

Date of sampling.

A representative sample of sludge must be analysed for: pH; Cadmium; Copper; Chromium; Lead; Nickel; Zinc; Mercury; Dry matter (dm); Total Nitrogen (as %dm); Total Phosphorus (as %dm).

Additional analysis as listed in the Code of Practice for: Molybdenum; Fluoride; Selenium; Ammoniacal nitrogen (NH3-N); Arsenic

Original data from sludge samples.

Primary data

No details of sample selection procedure from bulk sludge.

Data held by SEPA's Land Unit and also Agricultural Regulatory Team.

Methodology and standards as per Sludge (Use in Agriculture) Regulations 1989

Combine with application rates to determine heavy metal loading rates to soils. Could be used with current weather data to model changes in soil organic matter etc. after application.

Data are held by SEPA and attribute values verified by further sample collection.

Sludge has gone to land so not possible to reproduce the sample.

No.

No.

This information is collected by SEPA to enforce the Sludge (Use in Agriculture) Regulations 1989

Bing sites

Soil sealing

Cairngorms Geomorphology West

Not relevant as too localised and not soils data

EUrosion data

Includes land cover for 10km coastal strip among other data. Likely that any soils data will be derived from national soils data set and this proviso will apply to all European studies.

Landscape Character Assessments

Cultural heritage assessment

Landscape Character Revision 1. 1.4

The previous data reclassified / revised

Saltmarsh sites

Location of some saline soils

Sand Dune Sites

Erosion

OM decline

Rare soils

Development for Golf

Full but incomplete cover of Scotland

LCM2000

Land Cover Map 2000

Above-ground Biodiversity

Automatic / knowledge base classification of satellite images. Compatible with Broad Habitat classes defined for Biodiversity Action Plan. Accuracy concerns for heathlands and grasslands / bogs

CORINE

Sealing. Resolution / accuracy may be an issue.

Land cover derived from satellite data.

Grazing and trampling impact case studies.

Compaction

Above-ground biodiversity

Macaulay carried out work

Native Woodland Model

Uses existing soil data

Inventory of Ancient and Long-Established Woodland Sites

OM changes

Rare soil distribution

Caledonian Pinewood Inventory

Rare soil distribution.

National Inventory of Woodlands and Trees

LCS88 augmented by Forestry Commission

Dedicated Woodland

OM changes

Scottish Forestry Grant Scheme

Above-ground biodiversity

Flood management??

Scottish Forestry Grant Scheme - Fences

Scottish Semi-Natural Woodland Inventory

Rare soils

Scottish Semi-Natural Woodland Inventory on Ancient and Long-Established Woodland Sites

Rare soils

Felling Licence Applications

Catchment hydrology change

OM change

Erosion

Forest Districts

Forest Enterprise Land

Forest Plans - Approvals

Forestry Conservancies

Indicative Forestry Strategy

Intermediate Peat Bogs in Scotland

Rare soils

Peat Soils

Poor resolution

Lowland Raised Bogs

BGS Solid Geology

Original data from BGS

BGS Sand and Gravel - Midland Valley

Original data from BGS

BGS Solid Geology - Midland Valley

Original data from BGS

Environmentally Sensitive Areas

Aim to reduce the impact of threats

Less Favoured Areas

OM increasing - less ploughing?

Biological Records Centres

Higher Plants in Scotland

Rare Plants Database

Biodiversity

Rare soils/habitats

NVC Surveys

Biodiversity

Rare soil / vegetation combination

Birks and Ratcliffe Surveys

Some correspondence with NVC but requires interpretation

Local Biodiversity Action Plan ( LBAP) Areas

Groundwater Nitrate Vulnerable Zone ( NVZ)

Contamination

Historic Land Use Assessment

Cultural Heritage

Land Cover of Scotland 1988 (LCS88)

Soil Sealing

Biodiversity

Register of Species Rich Hedgerows in Scotland

Biodiversity

Scottish Wildlife Trust Wildlife Sites

Biodiversity

Surveys of the Site habitats are carried out according to SWT manual.

Scottish Wildlife Trust Reserves

Woodland Grant Scheme

Natural regeneration or neglected woodland management categories may be of use.

Scottish Soil Fertility Information System pre 1996

SSFIS1996

Analysis carried out for soils which had some fertility-related problem

Oracle table

Scottish Agricultural College

Samples collected by SAC staff or by landowner/user

Agricultural areas in Scotland. Samples are collected where a fertility lack is suspected.

Discontinued in 1996. Replaced by SSFIS1996+

Sampling carried out on a 'W' pattern within a field or unit of 5 hectares, whichever is smaller. The samples are thus accurate to an area of approximately 5 ha.

Discontinued in 1996. Replaced with a LIMS-based system. See Appendix A11.

National Grid Reference; Code for Scottish Agricultural College office nearest to the farm; Farm type (Hill; Upland; Lowland; Horticulture); Enterprise type (Dairy; Beef/sheep; Arable; Mixed; X=other); Soil series from soil maps; Year and month of receipt for analysis.

pH in water; Acetic acid extractable phosphorous (to end March 1992); Ammonium acetate/acetic acid extractable phosphorous (May 1992 onwards)

Analytical data from samples collected in the field.

Primary data.

Sampling carried out on a 'W' pattern within a field or unit of 5 hectares, whichever is smaller.

Scottish Soil Fertility Information System post 1996

SSFIS1996+

Analysis carried out for soils which had some fertility-related problem

The Soil Fertility Information System, SFIS, database was discontinued in 1996. At that time the laboratory moved over to a LIMS system which is still in use today. There were plans to migrate the data from the SFIS system to the LIMS system but unfortunately it has never been completed. One problem with the migration was the extraction methods for the soil routine method had changed from acetic acid to Modified Morgan's. (Routine P, K, Mg, Ca and Na). It had been recognised that with acidic soils the Modified Morgan's method was more appropriate. ( Pers comm. From Alister Gay, SAC)

Laboratory Information Management System

Scottish Agricultural College ( SAC)

Samples collected by SAC staff or by landowner/user

Agricultural areas in Scotland. Samples are collected where a fertility lack is suspected.

Continuation from SSFIS

Sampling carried out on a 'W' pattern within a field or unit of 5 hectares, whichever is smaller.

1996 onwards

Not recorded on a systematic basis.

Texture Classification ; Texture
Lime requirement arable; SOLRAI; Lime requirement grass; SOLRGI

Fresh pH; pH

Total nitrogen; Soil Total Carbon; Derived Organic Matter; Organic matter by LOI; Organic Matter (wet oxid); Mineralisable ammonium; Mineralisable nitrate; Nitrate nitrogen (CaSO4)

Acid soluble fluoride; Water extract. sulphate

Cation exchange capacity

ADAS pH; ADAS ext. potassium; ADAS ext. magnesium; ADAS ext. sodium; ADAS ext. phosphorus

Conductivity; Conductivity (sat. CaSO4)

Aluminium; Arsenic; Boron; Barium; Calcium; Cadmium; Cobalt; Chromium; Copper; Iron; Mercury; Potassium; Magnesium; Manganese; Molybdenum; Sodium; Nickel; Phosphorus; Lead; Sulphur; Selenium; Tin; Zinc

Aluminium; Boron; Calcium; Cobalt; Chromium; Copper; Iron; Potassium; Magnesium; Manganese; Molybdenum; Sodium; Ammonium; Nickel; Nitrate; Phosphorus; Lead; Sulphur; Nitrate; Phosphorus; Lead; Sulphur; Zinc

NH4; NO3

Analytical data from samples collected in the field.

Primary data.

Sampling carried out on a 'W' pattern within a field or unit of 5 hectares, whichever is smaller.

Trends in Pollution of Scottish Soils

TIPSS

To provide a 'snapshot in time' of the pollution loadings in some Scottish soils and provide some indication of what might be considered the background levels in more pristine environments

Scotland, like many countries in Europe, has a legacy of pollution largely emanating from the Industrial Revolution in the 19th Century, although some pollution can be traced back to even our earliest civilizations. In addition, some types of pollution have no boundaries and arrive here from other countries on the prevailing winds. In 1990, the Macaulay Institute undertook a survey of a series of surface soils from four transects across Scotland to assess the pollution caused by atmospheric deposition.. Data are presented on levels of persistent organic pollutants, such as polychlorinated biphenyls ( PCBs) and polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons ( PAHs), as well as radiocaesium and the heavy metals, cadmium, copper, lead, nickel and zinc.

Further information is available at http://www.macaulay.ac.uk/tipss, where the survey is described and maps of pollutants are displayed (pages active on 27 June 2006).

Spreadsheets

Macaulay Land Use Research Institute

Sites selection / sample collection by an experienced soil survey staff member.

None

Equal spaced intervals along four transects crossing mainland Scotland:

• North Scotland from Applecross to Caithness (8 samples)
• Central Highlands from Argyll to Buchan (8 samples)
• Central Valley from Renfrew to Angus (6 samples)
• Southern Uplands from Wigtown to Berwickshire (8 samples)

Surface soil horizons, mainly under heather moorland.

Samples were collected in 1990 and 1999. No analysis has yet been done for the 1999 sample set.

Precise locations of the sample points are confidential.

Samples are stored in the National Soils Archive of Scotland

Elevation; Vegetation type; Site photographs

Soil types

Caesium-137; polycyclicaromatic hydrocarbons ( PAHs); polychlorinated biphenyls ( PCBs); Cadmium; Copper; Zinc; Lead; Nickel

Description

Measurements made on soil samples

Primary data

Sample sites were selected to be approximately equally space along four transects aligned from south-west to north-east.

Presented on the Macaulay web site

No

No

Not relevant