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Introduction to Soils and Ecological Sites

Learn about the importance of gathering soils information in monitoring landscape change and differentiating ecological sites.

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Introduction to Soils and Ecological Sites

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  1. Introduction to Soils and Ecological Sites Presented by: Sarah Lamagna Ecologist, NOC

  2. Why gather soils info? We’re monitoring change over time Soils help us understand landscape change Soils help differentiate ecological sites 1956 2010 1953

  3. Ecological Sites A kind of land, defined by its soils, topography and climate that: 1) potentially produces similar kinds and amounts of vegetation 2) responds to disturbances and drivers similarly (e.g., grazing and rainfall)

  4. So what are the steps in identifying ecological sites?

  5. 1. Gather information in office • Key to Ecological Sites • Topographical Map • Soil Map • Soil Map Unit Descriptions • Ecological Site Descriptions (ESD’s) • Climate information

  6. Web Soil Survey

  7. Ecological Site Descriptions • Based on soil map units • Each soil map unit matches up with one or more ecological sites

  8. 2. Go to the field • Navigate to your site. • Find out where you are on the maps. • According to the soil map units in the area, what ecological site(s) could you be on?

  9. 3. Compare physical characteristics – DIG A PIT! • Do you have the same topography as the ESD? • Are you at the same elevation as the ESD? • Are the soil properties (esp. texture) the same as described in the soil map unit component and associated ESD?

  10. 4. Compare vegetation • What plants are on the site? • Which state or community are you in?

  11. What exactly goes in to digging a soil pit?

  12. A soil scientist helps!!!

  13. What soil properties does AIM require you to measure? Texture Coarse Fragments Color Color Percent Clay Effervescence Structure Structure Bulk Density Bulk Density Soil Horizon Depth

  14. Soil Profile Data Sheet Part of Plot Characterization Data Sheet

  15. Match each soil property with its corresponding reason for collecting it Indicator of calcium carbonate content Texture Describes entire soil ped to help determine ecological site ID Structure Indicator of the amount of organic matter which is important for water holding capacity and nutrient availability Coarse Fragments Affects soil water availability through depth that water can penetrate and residence time that water is available to plants Percent Clay Affects all soil processes and one of the most important soil properties Effervescence Affects soil water availability through infiltration, storage, and evaporation Color Important in understanding the processes of water infiltration and availability, soil stability/erodibility, and plant rooting Horizon Depth

  16. How many horizons do you see? What are the differences in soil properties between horizons?

  17. How many horizons do you see in each soil pit? Sandy Site Loamy Site

  18. How many horizons do you see in each soil pit? Sandy Site Loamy Site

  19. What differences in soil properties can you see? Sandy Site Loamy Site

  20. What differences in soil properties can you see? Sandy Site Loamy Site Sandy ClayLoam Loamy Sand Sandy Loam Fine Sandy Loam Sandy Clay Loam Calcic Petro-calcic Calcic w/ ~20% CaCO3

  21. How many horizons do you see in each soil pit?

  22. How many horizons do you see in each soil pit?

  23. What differences in soil properties can you see?

  24. What differences in soil properties can you see? Sandy Loam Silty Clay Loam Loamy Sand Silt Loam Loamy Sand Loamy Sand Calcic w/ ~20% CaCO3 Loamy Sand

  25. Soil profiles common to Oregon A horizon - High OM VERY Common Clayey Welded tuff Compaction

  26. Soil profiles common to Oregon Ash VERY Common Vertic Clay Vertic Clay Weaker Structure Welded Tuff

  27. Soil profiles common to Oregon Ash Vertic Clay – High Rock Fragment % VERY Common Welded Tuff

  28. Soil profiles common to Oregon Ash Vertic Clay VerticClay– Color change

  29. Soil Texture Flowchart

  30. Soil and ecological site resources • Web Soil Survey • SoilWebApp for iPhone and Android • Soil Series Descriptions • List of Published Soil Surveys • Approved Ecological Site Descriptions • LandPKS App for Site Characterization

  31. For more soil background info: Field Book for Describing and Sampling Soils – plus video on how to use it Factors of Soil Formation – classic book by Hans Jenny available online The Nature and Properties of Soils – book to purchase that provides a clearly written, general overview Soils: Genesis and Geomorphology – textbook to purchase

  32. Questions? Getting your hands dirty will help!

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