Type of Presentation
Poster Session
Start Date
4-12-2019 11:15 AM
End Date
4-12-2019 12:15 PM
Abstract
Soil particle composition is one of the main physical properties of soil that affects soil fertility and quality. The fractal dimension of soil particle size distribution (PSD) can be used to quantitatively evaluate the particle composition of soils. Land cover change with corresponding management practices is recognized as one important driving force affecting soil PSD alterations. The objective of this project was to determine the changes in soil PSD under four plant covers (Woodland, Wetland, Prairie, and Savannah) at the Nachusa Grasslands in North Illinois. The soil PSD was determined by their settling rates in an aqueous solution using hydrometer. The use of ASTM 152H-type hydrometer is based on a standard temperature of 20℃, a particle density of 2.65g/cm³, and units expressed as grams of soil per liter. The results qualified the texture of the samples from woodlands and prairie as loamy sand - this type of soil allows for good drainage because it is made up of sand mixed with a majority of silt and clay. The samples from wetlands and savannah were determined as sandy loam - this type of soil cannot hold significant amounts of water or nutrients. Our results demonstrated soil particle size distribution and soil quality could be affected by land cover types and relevant management activities.
Identify Grant
A 2018 Friends of Nachusa Grasslands Scientific Research Grant to Drs. Xiaoyong Chen & Mary Carrington.
A 2018 GSU University Research Grant to Drs. Xiaoyong Chen & Mary Carrington.
A 2019 GSU University Research Grant to Drs. Xiaoyong Chen & Mary Carrington.
Presentation File
wf_yes
Included in
Assessment of Soil Particle Size Distribution under Four Land Covers in Nachusa Grasslands of Northern Illinois
Soil particle composition is one of the main physical properties of soil that affects soil fertility and quality. The fractal dimension of soil particle size distribution (PSD) can be used to quantitatively evaluate the particle composition of soils. Land cover change with corresponding management practices is recognized as one important driving force affecting soil PSD alterations. The objective of this project was to determine the changes in soil PSD under four plant covers (Woodland, Wetland, Prairie, and Savannah) at the Nachusa Grasslands in North Illinois. The soil PSD was determined by their settling rates in an aqueous solution using hydrometer. The use of ASTM 152H-type hydrometer is based on a standard temperature of 20℃, a particle density of 2.65g/cm³, and units expressed as grams of soil per liter. The results qualified the texture of the samples from woodlands and prairie as loamy sand - this type of soil allows for good drainage because it is made up of sand mixed with a majority of silt and clay. The samples from wetlands and savannah were determined as sandy loam - this type of soil cannot hold significant amounts of water or nutrients. Our results demonstrated soil particle size distribution and soil quality could be affected by land cover types and relevant management activities.
Other Presentation Disciplines:
Soil property