The Afforestation of the Culbin Sands

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Abstract
A comparison was made of an unplanted area and corresponding areas planted with Pinus laricio for 10 and 20 years. Changes in the ground and microflora were recorded. The percentage volumes of sand, water and air were determined, and estimations of available nutrients, C and N, per unit volume of soil down to rooting depth were made. Afforestation results in a loss of available nutrients from the lowermost part of the soil profile, and an increase in the upper soil. Competition for water limits tree growth, and the plant and soilwater relationships were examined. There is a considerable loss of water by transpiration from the planted areas.