Effects of Stemflow Water on a Miami Soil Under a Beech Tree: II. Chemical Properties

Abstract

AbstractEffects of the stemflow component of the biohydrologic soil forming factor on chemical properties of a Miami soil were investigated. Chemical analyses were made on horizons from soil profiles sampled in radial trenches emanating from the stem of a large American beech tree, at four distances from the stem. Data were subjected to analysis of variance using a two‐way classification with four replications and means were tested with Duncan's Multiple Range Test.A beech tree was selected for the study in order to maximize the intensity of the biohydrologic factor (because of the large amount of stemflow associated with this species). Stemflow water was collected periodically for volume measurements and chemical analyses.Stemflow water from the beech tree had a very high content of organic C; moderately high quantities of Ca and K; small quantities of Na, Mg, and P; and very small quantities of Al, Fe, and Mn. Stemflow water created a much wetter environment, of highly enriched water, in soil contiguous to the stem than that prevailing in soil farther from the stem. This resulted in very pronounced effects on chemical properties of the soil under the tree. In A horizons there were progressive increases inward toward the stem in organic C, total N, exchangeable acidity, exchangeable K, CEC, and free Fe2O3; and progressive inward decreases in pH, exchangeable Ca, exchangeable Mg, and base saturation. In B horizons there were progressive inward decreases in pH, exchangeable Ca, exchangeable Mg, exchangeable K, CEC, base saturation, and free Fe2O3.