The possibility of afforesting soils of the old red sandstone in Ireland.

Abstract

The soils of the Old Red Sandstone formation of the Devonian period are widely distributed in the south and south-west of Ireland. As they are, practically speaking, unproductive, their afforestation has been under consideration for many years. It is an open question whether it could be carried out by means which would be economically justified or whether it would be possible at all. After many unsuccessful experiments it seems generally agreed that the soils in their present state are quite unsuited for afforestation and that some fundamental improvement would be necessary. What form this improvement should take is disputed...