IE GSI GSNI Geochemistry Shallow Topsoil ‘A’ Data Ireland ITM Viewer

Topsoil is the upper surface layer of the soil. This data shows the type and the amount of chemicals in topsoil across the northern half of Ireland. The chemicals in the soil can be natural or made by humans. The data also tells us how much organic carbon is in the soil and the pH of the soil. Testing these soils helps us learn about where they came from or how they were made. This data allows us to map both the changing values of these chemicals and soil types across the country.

Knowing about the chemistry of soils is important for many people and industries. This data will help in land-use planning, mapping of natural resources, help to understand the impact of farming on the environment, and aid policy. Higher amounts of some chemicals in soils may also affect human and livestock health.

Farmers need to know the chemistry of their soils to understand the quality and fertility of the soils. This helps them decide if they should use fertilisers or not. This can improve the health of their animals and quality of their crops.

Soils can affect the quality of drinking water. If the quality of water is affected, it may need to be treated before people or animals can drink it.

The chemistry of soils can also help people looking for minerals. Minerals are materials taken from the ground used for things we need from mobile phones to the stones used to build roads and houses.