Quantifying forest soil physical variables potentially important for site growth analyses

• Published in: Southern journal of applied forestry Vol. 28; no. 1; pp. 5 - 11
• Main Authors: Kush, J.S, Pitt, D.G, Craul, P.J, Boyer, W.D
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Bethesda Oxford University Press 01.02.2004
• Subjects: accuracy; equations; forest soils; forests; Pinus palustris; quantitative analysis; sampling; soil heterogeneity; soil physical properties; statistical analysis; tree growth
• ISSN: 0148-4419; 1938-3754
• DOI: 10.1093/sjaf/28.1.5

Accurate mean plot values of forest soil factors are required for use as independent variables in site-growth analyses. Adequate accuracy is often difficult to attain because soils are inherently widely variable. Estimates of the variability of appropriate soil factors influencing growth can be used to determine the sampling intensity required to secure accurate mean plot values. A study was conducted to determine the plot means and variation of bulk density, texture, and gross moisture weights within plots associated with the longleaf pine (Pinus palustris Mill.) forest type in south Alabama. Included in the study were three different soil series (Troup, Norfolk, and Esto), at each of three topographic positions (lower, mid, and upper slope). Soil texture was the most variable among the properties studied and gross moisture weights the least variable. Results provide a means of estimating forest soil sampling intensity for use in site growth analyses.