Old Red Sandstone - soil for growing veg in South West Wales

Hi all

I don't know much about soil types. In fact, having only moved to Wales a couple of years ago I foolishly presumed the reddish soil in my garden was clay. But I've since learnt it is most likely Old Red Sandstone.

Does anyone know about this soil type and its suitability for growing crops? I'd love to learn more about it both generally and with regard to growing.

Interestingly, I've noticed where I've had to dig some holes recently there there is no apparent top soil as such. One hole was around 90cm deep, and another 130cm. In both there was no change in colour or texture from the top to the bottom. I'm not sure how normal it is for a soil not to have a top soil!

Any thoughts or insights most appreciated.

Many thanks

 

@Engelbert I've found these two resources useful Soilscapes soil types viewer - National Soil Resources Institute. Cranfield University
and Geology of Britain viewer | British Geological Survey (BGS)

 

Red Sandstone soil should be on the acidic side.

 

I'd love to have soil that deep I generally hit rock between 15 and 45cm.