Soil Conditions Inspiring Meadows

Dr David Lawson Grassland Agronomist

david.lawson@sruc.ac.uk

01738 636611

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Project success

• The condition of the soil will have a major impact on the ability to

successfully create a wildflower meadow.

• Will discuss factors to take into consideration during planning

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Proposed use of meadow

What will the area be used for and access for the public. If regular public access :- • Site drainage will be important;

• Check wetness of soil conditions in both summer and winter.

• Is there a drainage scheme on the site---check for outflows

• Overview using Google Maps and /or drones can sometimes spot

drain lines.

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Proposed use of meadow

Wet conditions indicated by rushes

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Existing vegetation

• Firstly check the existing vegetation. There may be useful species already present but will also indicate what other type of wildflower will thrive.

• In particular check the grass species. The more vigorous grasses

such as perennial ryegrass will simply smother out flowers; whereas species such as Red fescue will complement flowers.

Perennial ryegrass

.

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Test the Soil

• Test the soil for its fertility status . A nutrient rich soil will promote vigorous, agricultural-type grasses. In addition soil pH (acidity or alkalinity) will massively affect species establishment.

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Soil pH

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Test the Soil

If the site is on previous industrial land it will be necessary to check for potentially toxic elements; in terms of plant, animal and human health.

eg arsenic, lead, copper, cadmium.

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Addressing soil fertility

Normally want to reduce fertility: • Take a few hay crops from the existing vegetation;

• Most of the soil fertility is near the surface; invert the soil.

• Scrape off the surface by intensely scarifying

• Acidify the surface to reduce pH.

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Addressing soil fertility

In some cases (especially industrial sites) it may be necessary to increase fertility. • Compost application

• Fertiliser application (after soil testing)

• If soil is very acid (less than 4.8) lime may need to be applied.

However, don’t overdo it

Potential Carbon Sequestration Inspiring Meadows

Dr David Lawson Grassland Agronomist

david.lawson@sruc.ac.uk

01738 636611

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Soil Carbon

• It is now realised that soils play a major role in storing carbon.

• In UK :

• Accumulating carbon is accumulating soil organic matter

Land use Carbon sequestered kg/ha/yr

Grassland 240 ( +/- 200)

Forestry 110 (+/- 4)

Arable Loses 140 (+/- 100)

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Soil carbon

• A summary of 74 international studies :-

Change in land use Change in soil carbon

Native forest to grassland + 8%

Arable to grassland +19%

Grassland to deciduous forest 0

Grassland to conifer forest -15%

Grassland to arable -59%

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ProGrass project

Vegetation from low maintenance areas being processed to produce methane gas as a source of renewable energy.

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Larger scale energy production in Austria

Grass grown to produce methane which is then compressed to produce a vehicle fuel

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david.lawson@sruc.ac.uk