The influence of soil compaction in explaining spatial heterogeneity of different larch forest types: a preliminary study

Abstract

Compacted soil has an adverse effect on plant roots and affects water and nutrient availability. However, different degrees of soil compaction may be suitable for growth and development of different understory species. This study determined whether soil compaction could explain characteristics of 10 different Dahurian larch (Larix gmelinii Rupr.) forest types in the Daxing’anling area. The relationship of soil compaction to soil depth was also studied. Forty-five tests were conducted on soil compaction of the 10 forest types with multiple comparisons, of which five showed no significant differences. At different soil depths, there were significant differences in soil compaction among forest types. The correlation between the degree of soil compaction and depth was positive and significant. The Larix gmelinii—shrub forest type, L. gmelinii—herb forest type, and L. gmelinii—swamp forest type were significantly different in soil compaction according to soil depth. This research indicates that, as a physical property, soil compaction may be used to explain forest distribution spatial variabilities.