1. Important Soil Characteristics for Restoration Planning and Management

2. Physical Properties Texture Structure Porosity Bulk Density Temperature Aeration

3. Texture Sand –Largest particle size: 0.05 – 2.0 µm Silt –Middle particle size: 0.002 – 0.05 µm Clay –Smallest particle size: < 0.002 µm

4. Texture Drives moisture holding capacity –Clay holds most water –Sand holds least water Factor in ease of erosion –Sands are most easily eroded http://www.dahlias.net/dahwebpg/Soil/Soil_07.htm

5. Structure How closely bound soil particles are –Aggregate Different shapes allow for different density of compaction –Ex. Platy structure packs more particles than blocky http://www.soils.agri.umn.edu/academics/classes/soil2125/do c/s3chap1.htm

6. Structure Soil structure is important for root penetration nutrient retention Influences erodibility

7. Profile How soil stratifies over time Different for different plant communities MULL –Forms under hardwoods MOR –Forms under conifers

8. Bulk Density The mass of soil per unit volume –Kg/m 3 As compaction occurs bulk density increases –More soil in the same area High bulk density makes rooting harder

9. Temperature Important for optimum root growth & aerobic/anaerobic processes A factor of moisture and aeration As temperature increases, so does respiration

10. Chemical Properties pH Fertility Soil Water Leaching/Weathering Soil Organic Matter

11. Porosity The total volume of space in a given volume of soil occupied by air or water Air space between soil particles = “pore space” http://www.mmm-tech.de/data/pix/bodenquer_en.jpg

12. Soil pH Log 1/[H + ] Plants grow best at 6.5-7.5 To decrease pH: –Lime –Fish meal –Wood ash

13. Fertility Fertility depends on nutrient status –Soils require specific ratios of nutrients –Key nutrients for fertility are N, P & K If soil is impaired by acid deposition: –Use soil amendments such as Ca or Mg which can raise soil pH

14. Soil Water Water retained within soil pores Depends on soil: –Texture –Porosity –Bulk density Contains nutrients for plant intake

15. Leaching & Weathering How nutrients are added and removed from the soil over time Soil parent material inputs nutrients through weathering –When inputs decrease = stress or pollution present

16. Soil Organic Matter Made up of decomposed organic material –Important for moisture retention –Nutrients for plants C:N ratio –As C increases, N is depleted by decomposers

17. Biological Properties Macroflora –Plant roots Microflora –Bacteria –Fungi

18. Macroflora Plant roots in soil –Coarse –Fine

19. Microflora Bacteria: –Rhizobium Fix nitrogen –Azotobacter Members of the rhizobium family –Nitrosumonus

20. Microflora Fungi – Mycorrhizal Fungi! Ectomycorhizae Endomycorrhizae

21. Ectomycorrhizae Provides pathogen resistance –Pinaceae Pine, Spruce, Firs –Fagaceae Beech, Oak

22. Endomycorrhizae Does not provide pathogen resistance Vascular Arbuscular (VAM) –Most in NE Aceraceae –Maple Betulaceae –Birch Juglandaceae –Walnut, hickory, butternut Salicaceae –Willow, poplar