Important Soil Characteristics for Restoration Planning and Management

Physical Properties Texture Structure Porosity Bulk Density Temperature Aeration

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

Texture Drives moisture holding capacity –Clay holds most water –Sand holds least water Factor in ease of erosion –Sands are most easily eroded

Structure How closely bound soil particles are –Aggregate Different shapes allow for different density of compaction –Ex. Platy structure packs more particles than blocky c/s3chap1.htm

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

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

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

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

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

Porosity The total volume of space in a given volume of soil occupied by air or water Air space between soil particles = “pore space”

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

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

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

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

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

Biological Properties Macroflora –Plant roots Microflora –Bacteria –Fungi

Macroflora Plant roots in soil –Coarse –Fine

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

Microflora Fungi – Mycorrhizal Fungi! Ectomycorhizae Endomycorrhizae

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

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