Digital Soil Information System for Ireland – Scoping Study

Abstract

In light of the demands for soil protection on a regional basis, there is a need to support policy with a harmonised soil information system in order to maintain a sustainable agro–environmental economy and fulfil policy requirements at national and European levels. In Ireland, soil data exist in variable forms and complete coverage at 1:250,000 – the target scale identified at European level – does not exist. The terms of reference for this scoping study were to investigate the feasibility of producing a 1:250,000 digital soil map and to consider a specification for a digital soil information system which would serve as the framework technology underpinning the 1:250,000 map. The approach included reviewing procedures and mapping methods proposed at European level, a review of soil information systems from around the world, a review of existing Irish soil data, and an expert consultation exercise with national and international soil experts.