Soil properties associated with vegetation patches in a pinus ponderosa bunchgrass mosaic.

Kerns, Becky K. and Moore, Margaret M. and Timpson, Michael E and Hart, Stephen C. (2003) Soil properties associated with vegetation patches in a pinus ponderosa bunchgrass mosaic. Western North American Naturalist, 63 (4). pp. 452-462. ISSN 1527-0904

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Abstract

Since Euro-American settlement, fire exclusion and other factors have dramatically altered interior western coniferous forests. Once open and parklike, present day structure in many southwestern Pinus ponderosa forests consists of dense stands of young, small-diameter trees, with small patches of larger, old trees, and relict open bunchgrass areas. Our objectives were to assess differences in soil properties associated with these different vegetation patches. We examined soil morphological characteristics, pH, organic C concentration, total N concentration C:N ratio, and phytolith concentration from profiles within 6 transects (18 soil pedons) crossing patches of dense stands of small-diameter trees, patchs of old-growth trees, and open grassy areas. Results indicate that old-growth plots had significantly lower A horizon pH and thicker 0 horizons than grass plots. In general, we found vegetation patches had statistically similar C and N concentrations and C:N ratios for A and B horizons; however, C in the A horizon was positively correlated with 0 horizon accumulation (r2 = 0.79). Greater accumulation of organic C in the A horizon of forested areas contrasts with commonly reported results from mesic, mid-continental prairie forest ecosystems but is typical for many arid semiarid, and humid savanna ecosystems. Phytolith concentration was similar among old-growth pine, dense younger pine, and open grassy plots; the lack of a spatial pattern in phytolith distribution could indicate that grass cover was more spatially continuous in the past. Additionally this interpretation is consistent with current theories regarding historical vegetation change in these forests.

Item Type:	Article
Keywords:	Soil, ERI Library
Subjects:	G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GE Environmental Sciences S Agriculture > SD Forestry
NAU Depositing Author Academic Status:	Faculty/Staff
Department/Unit:	Research Centers > Ecological Restoration Institute Research Centers > Merriam-Powell Center for Environmental Research College of Engineering, Forestry, and Natural Science > School of Forestry
Date Deposited:	26 Jan 2016 20:06
URI:	http://openknowledge.nau.edu/id/eprint/1434

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