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Influence of Treethrow on Soil Properties in Northern Wisconsin
Author(s) -
Meyers N. L.,
McSweeney K.
Publication year - 1995
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/sssaj1995.03615995005900030035x
Subject(s) - disturbance (geology) , linear relationship , water content , geology , bulk density , moisture , soil science , physical geography , environmental science , soil water , paleontology , materials science , geography , geotechnical engineering , composite material , mathematics , statistics
The uprooting of trees (treethrow) creates major changes in some soil properties. This study was conducted to document both the extent of treethrow activity and its influence on soil properties in northern Wisconsin. We determined the extent of treethrow at 12 localities and studied 10 of those localities in detail. We determined bulk density, particle‐size distribution, P, K, pH, and moisture status of knolls, cradles, and linear areas where recent disturbance was not obvious. The terms knoll and cradle refer to the mound and depression or pit created by treethrow disturbance. We use the term linear area to identify portions of the landscape not identified as knoll or cradle. Knolls have significantly lower bulk densities throughout the upper 90 cm, compared with adjacent cradles and linear areas. Differences in particle‐size distribution are evident to a depth of 90 cm. Potassium contents are significantly higher in cradles than knolls or linear areas. No differences in P levels or pH are evident. Monthly determinations of moisture content during two growing seasons show knolls are drier than cradles or the linear areas. In light of these sizable significant differences, it seems appropriate that disturbance in these landscapes should be identified within map units and considered in both interpretations for use and taxonomic classification.