Variations in sonte chemical and physical properties of three related soil types: Dannevirke silt loam, Kiwitea silt loam, and Marton silt loam

Abstract

Abstract Water content, wet and dry bulk density, plastic limit, liquid limit, clay content, total P, K-supplying power (Kc), cation exchange capacity (CEC), and exchangeable K, Ca, and Mg determinations were carried out on soil core samples from three 0.1-ha sampling sites on the Dannevirke silt loam, Kiwitea silt loam, and Marton silt loam soil types. The variation in the results obtained was then examined, using two-way analyses of variance, to determine core and depth effects and coefficients of variation (CV). Estimates were also made of the sample numbers required to be 95% certain that the population mean was within ± 10% of the sample mean thus obtained. Exchangeable K, Ca, and Mg were the most variable, CVs ranging from 5% to 60%. The remaining parameters had CVs ranging from 2% to 12%, wet and dry bulk density, clay content, liquid limit, and plastic limit generally being less variable than CEC, Kc, and total P. When results were expressed on a weight basis it was found that all three soil types...