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Application of Soil Taxonomy in Tidal Areas of the Southeastern United States
Author(s) -
Coover J. R.,
Bartelli Lindo J.,
Lynn Warren C.
Publication year - 1975
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/sssaj1975.03615995003900040034x
Subject(s) - soil water , entisol , usda soil taxonomy , salt marsh , histosol , environmental science , hydrology (agriculture) , hydric soil , wetland , geology , marsh , soil science , soil classification , ecology , oceanography , soil organic matter , soil biodiversity , biology , geotechnical engineering
Several million hectares of soils of the southeastern United States are subject to inundation by tidal action. The influence of seawater is reflected in the higher proportions of Na and Mg in these soils than in surrounding upland soils or soils in fresh water marshes. Rise in sea level and subsidence of some coastal areas have combined to submerge soils. Diagnostic features such as argillic and spodic horizons were formed prior to submergence. Sulfides have accumulated in some soils. Other soils have features resulting from continuous saturation of sediments deposited in water. Organic materials have accumulated over extensive areas. Additions to Soil Taxonomy are proposed for further testing, including subgroups of Hydraquents and Sulfaquents and halic great groups of Alfisols, Entisols, and Histosols. Field observations indicate a need for refinement of the definition of sulfidic materials. Soil surveys of tidal areas are designed to meet the needs of potential users.