DOI: 10.5285/cab9f36c-075e-4359-8781-24a8488641c3
title: Topsoil physico-chemical properties from the UKCEH Countryside Survey, Great Britain, 2024

description: This dataset consists of measures of topsoil (0-15 cm) physico-chemical properties from soils sampled from 105 x 1-km squares across Great Britain in 2024 as part of a rolling soil and vegetation monitoring program of 500 1-km squares repeated every 5 years, where 2024 is the first year of a new monitoring cycle. The properties included are: pH, soil organic matter (loss on ignition, LOI), derived carbon concentration and carbon stock (soil organic carbon, SOC), soil group, soil bulk density of fine earth, soil moisture of wet soil, fine earth volumetric water content (dry), nitrogen concentration and stock, and Olsen-phosphorus concentration. These samples are co-located with a botanical survey as part of the integrated monitoring approach, which is also available on the EIDC. 

The UKCEH Countryside Survey is a unique study or 'audit' of the natural resources of the UK's countryside. The sample sites are chosen from a stratified random sample, based on a 15 by 15 km grid of GB.  Previous monitoring cycles have been carried out in 1978, 1984, 1990, 1998, 2007and 2019-2023 by the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH) and predecessors, with repeated visits to most of the squares each monitoring cycle. The countryside is sampled and surveyed using rigorous scientific methods, allowing us to compare new results with those from previous surveys. In this way, we can detect the gradual and subtle changes that occur in the UK's countryside over time. In addition to soil data, vegetation species data are also gathered by the current phase of the UKCEH Countryside Survey.

This work was supported by the Natural Environment Research Council award number NE/R016429/1 as part of the UK-SCAPE programme delivering National Capability and through the UKCEH National Capability for UK Challenges Programme NE/Y006208/1.
description: Within each of 105 x 1km sample squares, a set of soil samples were taken from up to 5 pre-determined randomly dispersed locations (where practically possible). In addition and where practically possible (and for the first time in the Countryside Survey), up to three additional soil samples were taken per 1km square, associated with linear features in proximity to one of the randomly dispersed sampling locations. These linear feature soil samples were taken from a plot associated with a hedgerow, a streamside and a boundary (maximum of one sample per plot type per square).  The soil samples analysed for soil metrics were taken using a 15 cm long soil core, from a location co-incident with vegetation surveys. 

After collection, the soil cores were refrigerated and stored until posted, usually within a couple of days, to laboratories at the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH), Bangor and Lancaster. Analysed data were transferred to secure databases at UKCEH following sample analysis.

Two additional 15cm soil cores were taken from each randomly dispersed plot and stored in the UKCEH soil bank, available for further use, along with any remaining material from soil cores used in analysis. 

For additional information, see the attached meta-data.