Geography

Soil Research at Portsmouth

Research in soils involves the study of the degradation of agricultural soils, analysis of aggregate stability and landscape evolution and the soilscape. The research is carried out by Paul Farres and Rob Inkpen in Geography and in collaboration with colleagues within the university and at other universities and international organisations.

Degradation of Agricultural Soils

Analysing the degradation of agricultural soils involves the detailed mapping and monitoring of sediment pathways in the agricultural landscape. Current postgraduate work focuses on developing a mapping methodology and monitoring procedures for agricultural soils in east Hampshire and West Sussex area. On-going research by Paul Farres into surface crusting has resulted in a large range of experiment studies and field assessment of this phenomenon.

Aggregate Stability

Aggregate stability is vital for ensuring sustainable agriculture and forms a major focus of laboratory and experimental research.  Standard methods of stability testing are combined with detailed process studies of detachment, transport and erosive processes. Aggregates and the soil surfaces that they form are also investigated experimentally using close-range photogrammetry and laser scanning techniques.

Landscape Evolution

Recent developments in geomorphology have highlighted the significance of biogeomorphology and the persistence of micro-scale perturbations in landscape development. Analysis of processes and agents of mezzo-scale bioturbation in the local region, such as datable tree-throws provide data on the nature and rates of hillslope and soil forming processes.