Skip to main content
ARS Home » Southeast Area » Oxford, Mississippi » National Sedimentation Laboratory » Water Quality and Ecology Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #128892
Title: THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SOIL TEXTURE/MOISTURE REGIME AND SURVIVAL OF WILLOW POSTS PLANTED FOR RIVERBANK RESTORATION

Author
item SCHAFF, S - UNIVERSITY OF MEMPHIS
item PEZESHKI, S - UNIVERSITY OF MEMPHIS
item Shields Jr, Fletcher

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/15/2001
Publication Date: 9/15/2001
Citation: Schaff, S.D., Pezeshki, S.R., Shields, F.D., Jr. The relationship between soil texture/moisture regime and survival of willow posts planted for riverbank restoration. Society of Wetland Scientists 22nd Annual Conference. 2001. Poster Abstracts p. 18.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Field plots were established to study the relationship between soil conditions and survival of black willow (Salix nigra) posts planted for riverbank erosion control along Harland Creek (HC) and Twentymile Creek (TC) in Mississippi. Both sites had a wide range of soil texture and moisture regimes. Posts, 3 m long and 8 cm diameter at the base, were harvested from local trees and planted at the restoration sites. Soil conditions of texture, water regime, redox potential (Eh) and willow survival and growth were monitored. At the HC site, optimum conditions for growth were provided at moderate elevations characterized by groundwater levels that fluctuated around 50 to 60 cm beneath the soil surface. In contrast, posts located at higher elevations suffered from soil moisture deficits while posts located at the bank toe were adversely affected by reducing soil Eh conditions. Data from the TC site indicated a close relationship between soil texture and moisture and survival. Post grown in silty-clay soils displayed low survival and growth in comparison to those grown in sandy soils. Locations along the creek characterized by sandy soils, adequate moisture, and well-drained conditions displayed higher survival and growth. Soil texture and moisture regime were key factors affecting survival and growth of willow posts at both restoration sites.