Organic soil surveys across Flanders

This dataset contains geospatial data of organic soils in wetlands and valleys across the Flemish region (Belgium). It is a compilation of several surveys, mainly commissioned by Agentschap voor Natuur en Bos (ANB), Vlaamse Milieumaatschappij (VMM) and Natuurpunt to map the presence of shallow organic soil layers for conservation purposes. Organic layer depth was mapped by pushing a (pvc) rod into the organic ground until it hits a resistance or mineral layer, then recording the depth and the geographical position with a handheld gps. This method allows a quick and cost-effective survey of large shallow carbon stocks. At several locations additional auger boring sample data and electrical conductivity-probe sample data was included in the dataset. Since the majority of the samples were not analysed on carbon content, soils were defined as "organic soils".<br> <br> Dataset maintained by the Research Institute for Nature and Forest/INBO