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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Auburn, Alabama » Soil Dynamics Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #261712
Title: Management-dependent soil property variability of Southeastern U.S. Coastal Plain plinthic kandiudults

Author
item COCHRAN, FRANK - Auburn University
item SHAW, JOEY - Auburn University
item TWARAKAVI, NAVIN - Auburn University
item Arriaga, Francisco
item Balkcom, Kipling

Submitted to: ASA-CSSA-SSSA Annual Meeting Abstracts
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/1/2010
Publication Date: 10/31/2010
Citation: Cochran, F., Shaw, J., Twarakavi, N., Arriaga, F.J., Balkcom, K.S. 2010. Management-dependent soil property variability of Southeastern U.S. Coastal Plain plinthic kandiudults [abstact]. ASA-CSSA-SSSA Annual Meeting.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: The National Cooperative Soil Survey (NCSS) defines a management or use-dependent property as a type of dynamic soil property which changes on a human time-scale due to anthropogenic disturbances (indicative of soil change). Interest in soil change and C sequestration has led to increased emphasis on the characterization and inventory of these properties. For a prime farmland map unit in the Alabama Coastal Plain, our objectives were to: 1) assess the degree of management-dependent versus use-invariant property variability, and 2) develop improved relationships between management-dependent properties and near-surface soil hydraulic properties, as these properties are fundamental to interpretations and agroecosystem function. Near-surface (0-50 cm) soil physical, chemical and hydraulic properties within Dothan (Fine-loamy, kaolinitic, thermic Plinthic Kandiudults) consociations were measured under long-term (> 10 years) conventional and conservation row cropping systems, pasture, and forest management. Pedon description and characterization were conducted at each site to quantify use-invariant variability. Control section sand and silt content, pH, CEC (on a clay basis) and depth to moderate grades of soil structure exhibited low variability (%CV < 15) while control section clay content and depth to argillic horizon, = 5% plinthite, and iron depletions with chroma = 3 demonstrated moderate variability (15 < %CV < 35). Use –dependent properties, including soil organic C (0-50 cm) and saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat), displayed greater variability (%CV > 35). Significant correlation (a=0.05) among hydraulic, management-dependent and use-invariant soil properties was observed. Pedotransfer functions were developed using both use-invariant and use-dependent properties to estimate hydraulic properties. For these Plinthic Kandiudults, use-dependent properties (e.g. bulk density and carbon pools) accounted for soil hydraulic property (e.g. Ksat) variability more so than use-invariant properties.