BRO - Soil Map (SGM)

This dataset shows various aspects of the updated Soil Map of the Netherlands, scale 1 : 50 000 (version 2021) and related files, such as: - the soil types; - the areas where associations of soil types occur; - peculiarities in the soil layers within a depth of 40 cm; - peculiarities in the soil layers deeper than 40 cm; - the peat thicknesses; - and areas with buildings and water. Compared to the previous version of the soil map, the information on the peat areas has been updated and the table with the attributes has also been changed. This version does not contain the information about the groundwater levels (Gt, these can be found together with other groundwater level depth characteristics in a separate dataset, the 'Model Groundwater Level Depth', before the BRO becomes available no later than 1/1/2022). The soil map provides spatial information about the soil structure up to a global depth of 1 metre. This information relates to the nature and composition of the topsoil (soil type) with a further subdivision according to soil formation, peat type, deviating layers in the profile and the presence of lime. It was necessary to update the soil map of the peat areas because the oxidation of organic matter in the peat soils and marshy soils causes changes, as superficial peat layers gradually decompose. As a result, peat soils can change into marshy soils and marshy soils into mineral soils. Since the first recording of the soil map, many built-up areas have been added due to urban expansion and new industrial areas. The built-up areas of some size are indicated separately on the original soil map. During the update, a soil code was established for the newly built-up areas. The boundaries of the current buildings are included in a separate file. In built-up areas, the soil structure may deviate from the soil code, because drastic soil improvement works were carried out during construction preparation. This should be taken into account when using the data. In addition, extensive tillage has been carried out in many areas in the Netherlands. The original soil map contained a "SHOVEL" attribute that provided information about disturbance in the soil profile. In 2010, these areas with interventions were extensively inventoried and mapped. These excavations have now been included in a separate file (excavated soils). The update related to the areas with marshy soils and thin peat soils in the Netherlands and the peat meadow areas with thick peat soils in the province of Friesland. In total, approx. 400,000 ha has been updated. With the exception of a fragment in South-East Drenthe, the update was realized using digital soil mapping (DBK). In South-East Drenthe, the update was carried out by means of an extensive field inventory, as was also the case for the first recording of the soil map. (more information about the working method can be found under Quality)