Limestone Lowland Landscapes

Carboniferous Limestone
Copyright Paul Hackney, Ulster Museum. Source: www.habitas.org.uk/flora.

The majority of Ireland is comprised of lowlands, which are areas less than 150m above sea level, with limestone lowlands accounting for 1.67 million hectares of this, almost ¼ of the total land area of Ireland. Luvisols are the most common soils in the limestone lowlands of Ireland, making up 60.6% with the remainder being subsidiaries of Brown Earth soils, Surface Water Gleys and a small proportion of Humic Rendzinas which are mainly found in the Burren, Co. Clare.

Underlying the midlands of Ireland is a central plain of carboniferous limestone, this limestone is the parent material which allows for the development of limestone soils, along with peat. Limestone lowland soils are found in every county in Ireland, with the largest amounts in Galway (16.1%), Tipperary (10.8%) and Meath (9.1%). See the exact soil types of the lowlands in your county using Teagasc’s interactive map here.

The type of soil in a country can determine its economy, and how successful it can be in certain areas. For example, the calcium rich soil and temperate climate of the Irish limestone lowlands leads to ideal conditions for thoroughbred horses, which Ireland is a world leader at producing. It is the nutrients available in the grass grown on limestone soils which is regarded as being excellent for the development of young foals’ bones. The soils are also typically well-drained, meaning they are ideal for grass growth and grazing for other animals like cows and sheep. If the soils are well-managed and aren’t overstocked they can be grazed for most of the year if the weather allows. These soils are also good for tillage crops, as long as they are well managed and looked after. Though these soils are not typically used for forestry in Ireland, most forest species would be able to grow well on them. Other soils which are less suitable for agriculture include Groundwater Gleys which are poorly drained and are therefore limited in their use. In order for agricultural production to be successful on these soils intensive management and drainage is required, otherwise they are useful for forestry.  

Note: this information is partly adapted from The Soils of Ireland.