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Ponderosa Pine Productivity in Relation to Soil and Landform in Western Montana
Author(s) -
Cox G. S.,
McConnell R. C.,
Matthew L. M.
Publication year - 1960
Publication title -
soil science society of america journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.836
H-Index - 168
eISSN - 1435-0661
pISSN - 0361-5995
DOI - 10.2136/sssaj1960.03615995002400020021x
Subject(s) - productivity , lime , landform , soil series , soil water , environmental science , bedrock , forestry , geology , hydrology (agriculture) , soil science , soil classification , geography , geomorphology , paleontology , geotechnical engineering , economics , macroeconomics
Forest soil productivity for growth of ponderosa pine ( Pinus ponderosa Dougl.) in Montana west of the Continental Divide was studied. Data were obtained on 255 plots located in medium‐ to well‐stocked stands on 28 soil series and 9 landform types. Mean site indices for the soils studied ranged from 54 to 99 feet at 100 years. Effective depth of soil in which tree roots might develop was the principal factor influencing tree growth. Four depth factors limited development of roots: depth to gravel or loose sand, depth to a slowly permeable layer, depth to bedrock, and depth to lime. Areas receiving supplementary moisture from seepage or high water tables were good sites for tree growth regardless of the type of soil involved.