Abstract
Aggregation is a key soil property that increases infiltration and aeration, and reduces erosion and runoff. This study sought to determine the amount and sources of aggregation in soils under four common chaparral species in southern California: bigberry manzanita (Arctostaphylos glauca Lindl.), scrub oak (Quercus dumosa Nutt.), hoaryleaf ceanothus (Ceanothus crassifolius Torr.), and chamise (Adenostoma fasiculatum H. & A.). Research was conducted at the San Dimas Experimental Forest in the San Gabriel Mountains. Total water stable aggregation, determined by wet sieving, averaged 45% in A and 40% in B horizons and differences were not significant by soil horizon or under the four vegetation species. Organic matter, roots, fungal hyphae, macrofauna, and clay all contribute to soil aggregation, but none of these is a clear, dominant, overriding factor in these soils. Development of water stable aggregation is inhibited by low densities of earthworms, relatively frequent wildfires, and soil erosion on the steep slopes in this chaparral ecosystem.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.