The fate of artifacts incorporated into the ploughsoil is considered in terms of two soil mark sites near Winchester, Hampshire. Ploughsoil and subsoil analyses indicate that dispersal of soil material is limited at the present time and under mould board ploughing techniques. The origin of soil marks underlain only by bedrock is also considered and evidence indicates that such soil marks may appear as ground surface expressions of ditches. Such soil marks may be only short lived if plough depth continues to increase. -- AATA