The only way to understand soil, is to dig and feel it. For UVa Introduction to Soil Science EVSC 4270 and Advance Soil Science EVGE 7270, students had the opportunity to visit the Morven Farm to learn about the legacy of impacts on the soils.
Instead of finding a well developed A horizon, we find a deep red, clay rich Bt horizon at the surface. This is a testament to the harsh treatment and massive soil erosion that has occurred.
Even though there are 50 to 70 year old forest stands boasting impressive oak trees, their soils still bear their pasture and cropland pasts.