Rainfall in the heaviest in upland areas and leading to waterlogging
Glaciers that formed during the Pleisocene period made the land bare and infertile.
Heavy rainfall has led to the development of poor infertile soils due to leaching, erosion and waterlogging. Upland ares in the region receive 2500mm of rain and lowland receive 1100mm per year
Only 0.5% of productive farmland in the West in used for growing cereals
Peat soils cover most of the region which are prone to waterlogging and limit agriculture to sheep and cattle rearing
Relief rainfall occurs in upland areas as the warm prevailing south-westerly winds absorb moisture. At mountain ranges in the west, it is forced to rise, cooling and condensing it, leading to heavy rainfall.
Silage must be given to animals for many months in the year as the cold temperatures mean they cannot stay outdoors. This adds to farm expenses and reduces income.
Relief and Drainage
The upland terrain, that have occurred due to the Caledonian folding period is unsuitable for agriculture.
Climate
Lower temperatures, winters average 6C while summers are cool, averaging 15C. This limits tillage farming.
Rainfall in the heaviest in upland areas and leading to waterlogging
