Irrigation Experiments on a Scottish Hill Pasture

Abstract
The work was carried out on several soil types with water from several different springs, some from basic and others from acid rocks. Descriptions and chemical data relating to the soils, and chemical analyses and conductivity measurements of water samples are given. Irrigation has had the effect, in certain cases very marked, of raising pH of the soil, increasing the exchangeable Ca, and reducing the amt. of Ca required to bring the pH of the soil to a definite figure. Agrostis spp., Festuca rubra, Holcus lanatus, Trifolium repens, and Poa trivialis were encouraged by the treatment. Festuca ovina, Deschamp-sia flexuosa, Galium saxatile, and Vaccinium myrtillus were reduced. Nardus stricta, where abundant, also suffered reduction. The marked changes in reaction and Ca content brought about in the soil through flushing have played an important part in modifying the vegetation, increasing its amt. and rendering it more palatable to stock. The low content of P2O5 in all the areas studied except one has probably restricted the amt. of improvement in the pasture. Flushing certain soils with suitable water can bring about the same result as an application of lime, and attention is drawn to the possibility of a more extensive use of flushing as a method of improving hill pastures.