CHANGES IN THE STRUCTURE OF MARSH SOILS FOLLOWING DRAINAGE AND ARABLE CULTIVATION

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Abstract
Summary: Measurements of apparent density (dry bulk density) have been used to monitor structural change in gleyed alluvial soils in Norfolk following drainage and cultivation. In Waveney series silty clay loam, drained for 9 years, soil ripening has been the dominant pedological process. Apparent density has increased throughout the drained profile due to loss of water and consequent structural rearrangement. In silty clay loam alluvium, reclaimed from the Wash over a 120‐year period, soil ripening appears to be terminated after 40 years but, under continuous arable use, apparent density continues to increase in, and immediately below, the plough layer. This increase in density is accompanied by a decline in the organic‐matter content of the plough layer.

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