The Grange - Geology (Soil Types)

The Grange Geology Soil Types

Types of Soils in The Grange

Soil Type 1: The west end of The Grange is near the crest of a dune. The soil is very sandy, poor in nutrients and does not hold water.		Tracks in deep sandy soil
Soil Type 2: There is a gradual transition between the soil types 1 and 3. The soil has an organic sandy soil layer, over clay.		Soil Type 3: The lower lying east side is sandy and contains the most organic matter of all the soil types. The presence of organic matter leads to higher levels of nutrients and soil moisture. This soil type is prone to waterlogging, as there is heavy clay subsoil beneath the sand.

These soil differences tend to be one of the leading factors in determining where the plant communities are placed within The Grange. It follows that the swamp scrub species, which tolerate wet conditions, dominate the east of the Reserve. Dry heathland species, which are adapted to water scarcity, dominate the west. Where there is a transition between the two distinct soils, there is a third plant community; the wet heathland.

Soil 1:
deep sand

Soil 2:
Sand over clay

Soil 3:
Organic matter,
sand over heavy clay