© 1966 by Institute of Chartered Foresters
Soils, Forests, and Pastures in South Wales
Soil Survey of England and Wales, Rothamsted Experimental Station Harpenden, Herts
Marginal upland soils may be used for forestry or sheep grazing. In the State Forests of South Wales a study of selective planting shows the greatest volume yield is generally obtained from Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis) planted in ridge-crest soils. Yields from Sitka spruce on ridge-flank soils are reduced by the presence of Ericaceae on upper slopes and the dryness of the soils on lower slopes. Contrary to this trend, the nutritional value of the pasture for sheep is lowest on ridge crests and increases downslope, being greatest on the Agrostis pastures of lower slopes. Further, reclamation is most economically accomplished on ridge flanks where they are not too steep. Although profit comparisons are very difficult to make, ridge slopes might be more usefully allocated to sheep grazing and ridge crests to Sitka spruce forests. To be economically viable, a forest must be large, but within any new forestry acquisitions the larger areas occupied by slope soils might be reclaimed or utilized as sheep pastures.