RELIEF AND MICROCLIMATE AS RELATED TO SOIL PROPERTIES

Abstract

This study was undertaken to determine the influence of relief and microclimate on soil properties. Seven sites were chosen at different positions on the north- and south-facing slopes of a moderately rolling till knob. Physical, chemical and mineralogical analyses were conducted to characterize the soils at each of the sites. The vegetation of the area was described and soil temperatures and moisture were monitored at four depths. Redox potential and pH were measured to detect seasonal variations. Data for oxalate and dithionite-extractable iron and aluminum, cation exchange capacity, and X-ray diffraction showed only minor differences among the seven pedons along the slope faces. Soil temperature was higher on the south-facing slope than on the north-facing slope and air temperature was usually higher than soil temperature at the 10-cm depth. Soil moisture regime varied with position in the landscape. The soil on the north-facing slope was generally more moist than the soil on the south-facing slope. Redox potential varied seasonally and appeared to be related to the moisture content of the soil.