The influence of tree roots on soil morphology

Abstract

Morphological features which are evidently the result of disturbance frequently have been noted in soil profiles. Freezing and thawing under a periglacial climate has been advanced by various geologists to explain certain of these morphological phenomena. The present writers point out, by means of observations cited from the literature and illustrative examples obtained by personal field investigation, that tree roots cause profound and diverse disturbances which may well account for many of the morphological features of soil profiles developed under forest stands.