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Soil function: providing raw materials

Soil function: providing raw materials

Soils can be exploited for raw material.  For example, soil can be used as:

  • a mineral resource (e.g. clay and sand extraction);
  • an organic resource (e.g. industrial peat cutting for horticulture and the whisky industry);
  • as a source of fuel e.g. peat.

Topsoil and subsoil removed during planning development and other land use changes are also a valuable resources and not just a waste to be disposed of.

Threats to this soil function as defined in the Scottish Soil Framework

Major effect

  • Sealing

Minor effect

  • Climate change: potential minimum impacts on peat growth

No effect

  • Loss of organic matter
  • Acidification and eutrophication
  • Loss of biodiversity
  • Contamination
  • Soil erosion
  • Pesticides
  • Compaction and structural damage
  • Salinisation