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Submitted to: Encyclopedia of Agrophysics
Publication Type: Other Publication Acceptance Date: 7/16/2010 Publication Date: 7/4/2011 Citation: Franzluebbers, A.J. 2011. Stratification of soil porosity and organic matter. Encyclopedia of Agrophysics. CDROM. Interpretive Summary: Stratification of soil porosity and organic matter is common under conservation agricultural systems. A scientist at the USDA-Agricultural Research Service prepared a summary of stratification of soil porosity and organic matter for the Encyclopedia of Agrophysics. The volume of soil pores and the concentration of organic matter are greatest nearest the soil surface and decline with depth. This characteristic is typical of undisturbed soils under grassland, forest, and conservation-tilled cropland. The quantity of soil organic matter is important to ecosystem functioning. However, stratification of soil organic matter appears to be even more important to ecosystem functioning. Soil quality and ecosystem functioning could be assessed with calculation of stratification ratio. This article will be useful for undergraduate and graduate students in earth science majors, as well as scientists and an informed public society. Technical Abstract: . |
