Forty Years of Soil Formation in a South Georgia, USA Borrow Pit

Abstract

This study investigated soil properties in a sand borrow pit in southern Georgia, USA that was used in 1961 and then abandoned with no efforts at reclamation and compares those developing soils to natural soils surrounding the pit. There are distinct vegetative zones within the pit; three are included in this study. Soil samples were collected and described using standard techniques and analyzed for bulk density, C content, texture, pH, and penetration resistance. Piezometers and thermometers were installed to track water levels and soil temperature. Rates of leaf litter accumulation and pit revegetation were determined, and a detailed topographic map of the pit was prepared. Although soil formation over only 41 yr is slight, there are distinct differences in the soils between the vegetative zones that were studied. Soil differences are attributed to differences in topographically controlled access to water and bulk density/penetration resistance, which infl uence vegetative growth and litter accumulation. Study of surrounding developed soils reveals that soils within the pit still have a signifi cant amount of development remaining before they reach equilibrium with the natural environment. Peer Reviewed Papers