Understanding Turbary Soils: A Look Back at the History of Soil Conservation

Turbary is an archaic term that was used in the past to describe a type of soil or earth that was rich in humus, which is a dark, organic matter that is formed when plant and animal residues break down over time. The word "turbary" comes from the Latin word "turba," which means "a heap" or "a pile," and it was likely used to describe soils that were high in humus because they looked like heaps of dark, rich earth.

Turbary soils are typically deep, well-drained, and have a high water-holding capacity, making them ideal for growing a wide range of crops. They also tend to be high in nutrients and support a diverse array of microorganisms, which can help to improve soil health and fertility over time.

While the term "turbary" is no longer commonly used in modern agriculture or soil science, the concept of turbary soils remains an important part of the history of soil conservation and management.