Gley Podzol Research Articles

Three representative UK moorland soils show differences in decadal release of dissolved organic carbon in response to environmental change

Abstract. Moorland carbon reserves in organo-mineral soils may be crucial to predicting landscape-scale variability in soil carbon losses, an important component of which is dissolved organic carbon (DOC). Surface water DOC trends are subject to a range of scaling, transport and biotic processes that disconnect them from signals in the catchment's soils. Long-term soil datasets are vital to identify changes in DOC release at source and soil C depletion. Here we show, that moorland soil solution DOC concentrations at three key UK Environmental Change Network sites increased between 1993–2007 in both surface- and sub- soil of a freely-draining Podzol (48 % and 215 % increases in O and Bs horizons, respectively), declined in a gleyed Podzol and showed no change in a Peat. Our principal findings were that: (1) considerable heterogeneity in DOC response appears to exist between different soils that is not apparent from the more consistent observed trends for streamwaters, and (2) freely-draining organo-mineral Podzol showed increasing DOC concentrations, countering the current scientific focus on soil C destabilization in peats. We discuss how the key solubility controls on DOC associated with coupled physico-chemical factors of ionic strength, acid deposition recovery, soil hydrology and temperature cannot readily be separated. Yet, despite evidence that all sites are recovering from acidification the soil-specific responses to environmental change have caused divergence in soil DOC concentration trends. The study shows that the properties of soils govern their specific response to an approximately common set of broad environmental drivers. Key soil properties are indicated to be drainage, sulphate and DOC sorption capacity. Soil properties need representation in process-models to understand and predict the role of soils in catchment to global C budgets. Catchment hydrological (i.e. transport) controls may, at present, be governing the more ubiquitous rises in river DOC concentration trends, but soil (i.e. source) controls provide the key to prediction of future C loss to waters and the atmosphere.

Comparative nutrient status of a peaty gleyed podzol and its plaggen counterpart on the Dingle peninsula in the south-west of Ireland

A comparison of the nutrient status, in terms of both major nutrients and trace elements, of a sanded plaggen soil (Mollic Eutroplaggent) on the Dingle peninsula and its adjacent identical non-sanded peaty podzolised gley (Entic Haplaquod) was carried out. The results showed that the concentration of the major elements, phosphorus and potassium, and the secondary elements, calcium, magnesium and sodium, were substantially higher in the plaggen soil than its non-sanded counterpart. The concentrations of copper, zinc, boron and cobalt were also substantially greater in the plaggen soil, but the higher concentrations of copper, zinc and boron were attributed to agricultural practices rather than the sanding process. Manganese deficiency occurs regularly in manganese-sensitive crops grown on these alkaline plaggen soils.

N, K and P deficiency in chronosequential cut summer-dry grasslands on gley podzol after the cessation of fertilizer application

With the intensification of agricultural practices, formerly species rich marginal grassland communities of high botanical value in the Netherlands have been fertilized or manured since the first part of the twentieth century. This type of land use resulted in a dramatic decrease of the original plant species-richness. In the early 1970's yearly nutrient input to many of these grasslands was ceased as a nature management practice, while hay-cropping was continued. This type of grassland management is carried out to decrease overall nutrient supplying ability of the soil to plant cover in order to restore their original high botanical richness. The effect of this management on the type and the extent of nutrient deficiency was studied by comparing the short-term shoot responsiveness of undisturbed turfs to added nutrients and the nutrient status of fieldgrown dominants of four hay-field communities which were not fertilized for 3, 7, 20 or 25 years. Contrary to expectation, hay-cropping without input of additional nutrients did not impose an increase of species-richness of grassland on gley podzol. During early vegetation change strong inadequacy of N supply and moderate inadequacy of K supply by the soil regulate (shoot) growth. P-deficiency was not established. Prolonged discontinuation of fertilizer application caused concomitant inadequate supplies of N, K and P. In the last field (25 years unfertilized), nutrient deficiencies could not be detected by shoot growth responses to added nutrients but only by a low nutrient status. It appeared that during this type of vegetation change N-deficiency is the most pronounced and that K-deficiency developes much more rapidly than P-deficiency. The strong decline in total aerial pool sizes of N, K and P also emphasizes these simultaneously occurring shifts. We conclude that cut grassland composition on gley podzol soil is regulated by co-deficiencies of at least the soil phytoavailable macronutrients nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus. The absence of change in plant species number is likely not regulated by the nutrient supplying ability of the soil. Seed dispersal from elsewhere seems to be the most important factor.

Chemical pretreatments for improving the radiocarbon dates of peats and organic silts in a gley podzol environment: Grahams Terrace, North Westland

Abstract Radiocarbon dates obtained for peats and organic silts from the high rainfall/leaching environment of North Westland have been shown to conflict with known stratigraphic evidence by yielding anomalously young dates. This study examines the effectiveness of 14 chemical pretreatment methods, including classical humus fractionation of soil organic matter, hydrolysis with mineral acids (6 M HC1 and 70% HNO3), and extraction of lipids and cellulose, in removing young carbon contaminants from peat and organic silt samples prior to radiocarbon assay. The criterion chosen for judging the effectiveness of a treatment in removing young contaminants is an increase in 14C age, with the assumption that contamination is largely due to young carbon. Chemical pretreatments were undertaken on peat and organic silt samples taken immediately above (5–0 cm) and below (0–5 cm) a layer of Kawakawa Tephra found at Grahams Terrace in North Westland. Radiocarbon dates, obtained by accelerator mass spectrometer (AMS), sho...

Effect of different drainage systems on bearing resistance of some West Coast, South Island soils

Abstract Development of extensive areas of West Coast, South Island wetland soils into pasture has led to unacceptable levels of pugging and loss of pasture production when cattle are introduced following sheep grazing. Since no quantified drainage trials had been carried out previously on the West Coast, a trial was established to test two main drainage systems, subsoiling and “humps and hollows”, with several supplementary treatments including tile drains and gravel-filled slits. The site was on a very gently sloping, weakly dissected, mainly loess-covered glacial outwash terrace in the upper Grey Valley under an annual rainfall of about 2000 mm. Gley podzols (Okarito Series) from loess were the most common soils, with smaller areas of gley soils (Maimai Series) from glacial outwash gravels. Minor areas of organic soils (Kini Series) from peat were significant in the trial area. The site was developed from pakihi vegetation to ryegrass/clover pasture, beginning in 1977. Extensive rush clumps subsequently grew there. The main field measurement made to determine the effect of drainage on bearing capacity was plate-bearing resistance. In addition, water content, dry bulk density, loss on ignition, and thickness of root mat were determined on cores taken near each measurement site. Measurements were made from 1983, before the systems were installed, to 1987. General relationships were found between water content and plate-bearing resistance for each trial plot, and for all sites with Okarito soils. Sites underlain by Kini, Maimai, and Okarito soils with peaty topsoils, had significantly lower plate-bearing resistance compared with Okarito soils with mineral topsoils on major interfluves, regardless of the drainage treatment applied. In the first year after installation, the driest parts of the hollows in the humps and hollows treatment (Okarito subsoil material) had very high bearing resistance. The trial data show that Okarito soils with mineral topsoils will withstand cattle treading without the additional drainage treatments attempted here. Detailed soil survey, with subsequent fencing and management to isolate areas with low bearing resistance, will lead to future higher productivity on such soils.

Spatial distribution of dung patches under sheep grazing

Abstract The spatial distribution of dung patches from sheep grazing pasture on a West Coast gley podzol near Greymouth was measured over four grazings in 2 years. During June four sheep stocking densities were used (900, 1200, 1500, and 1800 sheep/ha per day) with and without nitrogen (N) at 900 and 1800 sheep/ha per day. In an additional treatment, sheep were grazed for 4 days at 1800 su/ha per day on one area instead of 1 day on one-quarter of the area as for the other treatments. In October these grazings were repeated on pasture regrowth from the June grazings, but at one-third of the June stocking densities (300, 400, 500, and 600 sheep/ha per day). The spatial distribution of dung was best described by the negative binomial function. The Poisson Index which measures the aggregation of the dung patches showed that there was significantly more aggregation at the lowest stocking density than at the higher stocking densities. At the highest stocking density, grazing for 4 days resulted in more clumping...

Comparison of soil groups in North and South Westland, and the implications for land use

Abstract The soils of North and South Westland have similar properties. The main soil groups present in both regions are gleyed recent soils, gley soils, organic soils, yellow-brown earths, podzols and gley podzols. However, the proportions and distribution of these soil groups within the landscape are not the same in the two regions. Differences in time for soil formation, landform variation and climate are chiefly responsible for the differences in proportions and distribution. The generally higher rainfall in the south compared with the north is a major influence. The parent materials and vegetation types in the two regions are broadly similar. In the north, more yellow-brown earths have formed on the widespread, low and intermediate glacial outwash terraces than on the low outwash surfaces in the south. In the south, soils of the outwash surfaces are mainly gley soils, organic soils and gley podzols. More podzols are found with yellow-brown earths in hill country associations in the north than in the south. In the south, organic soils are more widely distributed and are linked with wetter, cooler conditions. Relatively young piedmont till deposits separated by outwash surfaces, flood plains, and blocks of strongly dissected hill country dominate the South Westland landscape. In contrast, till deposits are localised in the north, with extensive outwash deposits in the form of flights of terraces located between blocks of dissected hill country. The areas and types of land that are capable of sustained use differ considerably between the two regions, because of the major differences in proportions of soil groups, landscape types and amounts of rainfall. As the soil-landscape-climate system is so dynamic in South Westland, extreme care must be exercised if the indigenous vegetation cover is to be changed. Proportions of soils with greater land use versatility are higher in the north, and this is reflected by current patterns of land use.

Phosphorus requirements of grazed pasture on pakihi and recent soils of the South Island west coast

Abstract Trials on an Addison gley podzol and a Hokitika recent soil determined the production responses to applied superphosphate of pasture under sheep grazing over a 5-year period. Rates of 20 and 22 kg effective (i.e., citric acid soluble) P/ha resulted in 86 and 98% of maximum pasture production for the Addison and Hokitika soils, respectively. These rates were similar to predicted maintenance rates of 19 and 25 kg effective P/ha from the Computerised Fertiliser Advisory Scheme of the New Zealand Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries. Pasture production was maintained at Olsen P levels of 8 μg/ml for the Addison soil and 22 μg/ml for the Hokitika soil, differing from the predicted Olsen P level of 17 μg/ml. When compared with earlier mowing-only trials with clippings returned, the use of short grazing durations at high sheep stocking densities and 4–6 week regrowth intervals resulted in similar pasture yield responses to added phosphorus.

Plant communities, landforms, and soils of a geomorphically active drainage basin, Southern Alps, New Zealand

Abstract The plant commumtles in a mountainous drainage basin in the Southern Alps, Westland, New Zealand, were classified from 92 vegetation descriptions. Nine forest and shrubland communities were defined from the presence/absence of 264 species and from differences in canopy cover. Their composition and distribution, inferred from ordination and descriptions of landforms and soils, were determined primarily by the influences of mass movement disturbance and elevation. Erosional and depositional landform units of varying age and surface stability contained soils of different stages of development. Seral communities occupied well-drained and often frequently disturbed recent soils. Mature forest/shrubland dominated stable landforms characterised by yellow-brown earths or gley podzol soils. Although specific relationships of individual species with factors such as soil nutrient status are consistent with other studies in Westland, landform age and surface stability, soil depth, soil drainage, and other physical disturbances, such as treefalls, appear to be equally critical determinants.

Influence of soil redox conditions on oxidation of biotite

AbstractBiotites from three peaty gleyed podzol soil profiles on ranite bedrock were examined to investigate the oxidation of the octahedral Fe during weathering. Oxidation of these biotites as determined by Mössbauer spectroscopy shows a good correlation with thein situmeasured soil Eh values of the sampled horizons. In every soil profile the highest Eh measured is in the A horizon and the lowest in the C horizon. Similarly, biotites from the A horizons are the most oxidized compared with those from the lower horizons. In most of the samples the oxidation is accompanied by loss of K+from the lattice, as demonstrated by a moderate degree of vermiculitization.

Hypothesis on the pedogenesis of the ‘gley podzols’ of the west coast of South Island, New Zealand

SUMMARYThe gley podzols of the west coast of South Island, New Zealand, typically exhibit permanent waterlogging extending from the surface to depths of 1–3 m. Their formation is explained by a continuation of processes which give rise to Peaty Podzols with thin iron pan (Ironpan Stagnopodzols; Placaquods). Iron pans initially formed within the upper B horizon are breached by acidic reducing waters and reform at a succession of lower levels down to 3 m or more below the surface.

Application of the term “pakihi” in New Zealand— A review

Abstract The term “pakihi” is widely but loosely applied to landforms, vegetation types and soils, mainly on the West Coast of the South Island. Pakihi land is generally flat, carries a sedge/fern/restiad/rush/moss (with some manuka) vegetation community, occurs under a mean annual rainfall usually > 2200 mm, and is underlain by a variety of wet, infertile soils. Pakihi land extends from Golden Bay in north-west South Island to near Awarua Bay in Fiordland, a distance of 540 km. Twenty-two soil series or sets have been identified. They are grouped into four classes on the basis of different physical properties, and include gleyed yellow-brown earths, gley soils, gley podzols, podzols and organic soils. Various hypotheses to explain the distribution of both natural and induced pakihi vegetation are critically examined. Interactions of environmental and human factors are discussed, together with the vegetation effect on soil formation. It is postulated that local changes in amounts of water at, or very clos...

Relationships between phosphate retention,olsen and truog soil tests and the estimated short term phosphate fertiliser requirements of well established pasture

Abstract Available phosphorus (QT) determined by the Truog and Olsen methods and P retention (R) were calibrated with field trials against the mean quantity of P required annually in the three years following sampling to maintain 90% of the yield obtainable with very high rates of P. The field sites fell mainly into two groups; 15 were on yellow–brown loams of the North Island with high R levels and 34 were on yellow–grey and yellow–brown earths and gley podzols in both the South and North Islands with low R levels. Most experiments with medium R values, i.e., on yellow–brown pumice soils and on mature soils derived from basalt, were excluded because of internally inconsistent results. A model in which R and QT were treated as a composite soil test accounted for 69% and 56% of the variation in P requirements for the Truog and Olsen tests respectively. Treating soils with high R as a separate group, 73% and 48% of the variation in P requirements were accounted for by the Truog and Olsen tests respectively but on soils with low R the corresponding values were only 40% and 32%. In the low R group the negative correlation between QT and P requirements was weak, partly because on many sites low QT values were associated with low P requirements. For this reason a few ‘elite’ trials rather than QT will continue to exert the major influence on P fertiliser recommendations in this group.

THE EFFECT OF LIME, PHOSPHATE AND POTASSIUM ON THE GROWTH OF WHITE CLOVER- AND LOTUS- BASED PASTURES ON PAKIHI SOILS

A series of trials was conducted on a Mawhera gley podzol to investigate the comparative establishment and yield of white clover/ryegrass and lotus/Yorkshire fog pastures at different rates of lime, phosphate and potassium. Lotus/Yorkshire fog was superior in yield to white clover/ryegrass at all rates of lime and fertilizer, in the second and third year after sowing. This superiority was more marked at low rates of lime. The potential role of lotus as a pioneer species on pakihi soils is discussed.

OCCURRENCE AND CHARACTERISTICS OF FERROMANGANIFEROUS CONCRETIONS IN SOME SASKATCHEWAN SOILS

The distribution, composition and nature of concretions occurring in some moderately well-drained to poorly drained soils of Saskatchewan were investigated. The soils selected were: Gleyed Humo-Ferric Podzol, Orthic Luvic Gleysol, Orthic Gray Luvisol and Gleyed Gray Luvisol. The concretions range from < 0.1 to > 15 mm in diameter and are distributed throughout the sola with maximum concentrations of about 8% in Aeg and Bf horizons. The data indicate that the concretions from Gleysolic and Gray Luvisolic soils are markedly higher in Fe, Mn and P than the surrounding soil matrix; concretions from the Podzol are high in Fe but very low in Mn and P. Mn is directly related to the size of concretions whereas Fe and P contents generally increase with decreasing size of concretions. The formation of concretions and their significance in soil genesis are discussed.

Effect of phosphate fertiliser solubility on pasture growth on a gley podzol

Abstract The effect of form of phosphate on the growth of established pasture was investigated over a 3-year period on an Addison gley podzol, a soil of low phosphate retention, near Weslport. Monocalcium phosphate (90% of total P soluble in water) was compared with lime-reverted superphosphate (20% of total P soluble in water) at rates equivalent to 25 and 50 kg/ha P. The form of fertiliser had little effect on pasture production, herbage P concentration, or soil P-test values, although lime-reverted superphosphate gave higher yields in the third year of the trial. The results demonstrate a need for longer-term trials covering a wider range of phosphate fertilisers of varying solubilities and granule sizes.

IV. Westport and Motueka

Abstract Pasture growth rates are presented for two sites in northern South Island, one near Westport on a gley podzol soil, the other near Motueka on a yellow-brown earth. Growth rates were obtained from grazed pastures assessed by a standardised cutting method at regular intervals using a movable cage technique. The mean yield and standard error of individual samples over all years of measurement are given for standard dates at 14-day intervals. Pasture at the Westport site reached maximum growth in November, December, and January, with little growth from May to September. On average, 11% of the annual yield was produced during winter (Tune, July, August), 27% in spring, 44% in summer, and 18% in autumn. White clover had a similar growth pattern, but perennial ryegrass had peak growth rates in late summer and 40% of its annual yield was produced during summer. In contrast, pasture growth rates at Motueka reached a peak in spring, dropped sharply in January–February, then rose in March–April, and decreas...

Dental caries prevalence in seven soil areas of New Zealand

In a survey of 3555 children aged 5–16 yr in New Zealand, small but highly significant differences in dental caries prevalence were found between groups living in certain soil areas. Caries prevalence was highest in an area containing podzolized yellow-brown earths, gley podzols and wet yellow-brown sands, all relatively strongly-leached soils. A low prevalence of caries occurred in areas containing yellow-brown pumice soils and dry yellow-brown sands, both relatively weakly-leached soils. These findings agree closely with those of previous investigations. However, no relationship between the consumption of locally-grown vegetables or source of water supply and caries could be established within the high or low-caries areas, suggesting that local soil factors are probably not involved in the production of the geographic variations.

Relations between nutrient concentrations in plant tissues and responses of white clover to fertilisers on a gley podzol near westport

Abstract Nutrient concentrations in plant tissues were related to yield responses in three fertiliser experiments on virgin Addison sandy loam. Yield responses indicated initial requirements for vigorous growth of white clover of at least 30 cwt agricultural limestone per acre, phosphate equivalent to 9 to 12 cwt superphosphate, 3 to 4 cwt potassium chloride, about 20 lb elemental sulphur, 5 lb each of copper and zinc sulphates, and 1 oz sodium molybdate. Indicated maintenance needs were about 5 cwt limestone per acre per annum, 6 cwt superphosphate, 3 to 4 cwt potassium chloride, and 20 lb elemental sulphur. The low retentive capacity of this soil for phosphate, sulphate, potassium, and calcium, combined with a mean annual rainfall of about 100 in., led to rapid leaching losses of nutrients and therefore abnormally high maintenance needs. Associated with yield responses, N concentrations in white clover leaves (blades plus petiole) increased with increasing rates of mono-calcium phosphate, lime, sulphur,...

DISTRIBUTION OF PYROPHOSPHATE‐EXTRACTABLE IRON AND ORGANIC CARBON IN SOILS OF VARIOUS GROUPS

SummaryPotassium pyrophosphate (0.1m) removes very little Fe from crystalline Fe oxides at pH 10, but peptizes finely divided hydrous amorphous oxides and organic matter in soils.Fe and C contents of extracts from each horizon of twenty‐six British soil profiles show distinctive patterns, independent of the residual dithionite‐soluble Fe. Thus extracts of humus Fe podzols have maximum Fe and C in the B horizon, peaty gley podzol has maximum Fe in the B horizon but maximum C in the surface. These groups are differentiated from non‐podzols which have maximum pyrophosphate extractable Fe and C in the surface horizon, decreasing with depth. Intermediate patterns help to quantify differences in soils of classes having properties of more than one soil group.