Influence of mines upon land and livestock in Cardiganshire

Abstract

During the years 1908–1913 inquiries with reference to the infertility of soils were frequently received from farmers in various parts of Cardiganshire. Upon examination it was found that the primary cause of infertility in most of the cases was the presence in the soil of appreciable quantities of lead. At first it was thought that only a few isolated spots were thus affected. Further investigation, however, revealed the fact that a relatively large area of what should be naturally the best land of North Cardiganshire was suffering from the same cause, and that a considerable number of farmers were of opinion that both their soils and their live stock suffered from “lead poisoning.” Consequently, it was thought advisable to make a survey of the affected land and to investigate possible remedial measures.