Tighe, M; Reid, N; Wilson, B R; McHenry, M T

Author(s)

Tighe, M

Reid, N

Wilson, B R

McHenry, M T

Publication Date

2018

Abstract

This study investigated the chemical characteristics of shallow (0-30 cm) soil profiles under shrubs in areas of dense encroachment and compared them with shallow soil profiles under nearby large trees. Consistent patterns of high soil acidity were found under shrubs, as well as lower litter alkalinity, lower relative concentrations of calcium (Ca2+), lower effective cation exchange capacity, and higher aluminium (Al3+) and sodium (Na+) in the soil profile compared with under trees. Soil pH (CaCl2) was strongly correlated with the Ca content of surface litter. These findings suggest that shrubs (which at most sites included the shrub form of tree species) cycle alkalinity differently from large and mature trees, resulting in high acidity in the shallow soil profile acidity, and possible loss of alkalinity via surface movement of material from areas of dense encroachment.

Citation

The Rangeland Journal, 40(5), p. 451-462

ISSN

1834-7541

1036-9872

Link

https://hdl.handle.net/1959.11/30607

Publisher

CSIRO Publishing

Title

High soil acidity under native shrub encroachment in the Cobar Pediplain, south-eastern Australia

Type of document

Journal Article

Entity Type

Publication

Author(s)	Tighe, M Reid, N Wilson, B R McHenry, M T
Publication Date	2018
Abstract	This study investigated the chemical characteristics of shallow (0-30 cm) soil profiles under shrubs in areas of dense encroachment and compared them with shallow soil profiles under nearby large trees. Consistent patterns of high soil acidity were found under shrubs, as well as lower litter alkalinity, lower relative concentrations of calcium (Ca<sup>2+</sup>), lower effective cation exchange capacity, and higher aluminium (Al<sup>3+</sup>) and sodium (Na<sup>+</sup>) in the soil profile compared with under trees. Soil pH (CaCl<sub>2</sub>) was strongly correlated with the Ca content of surface litter. These findings suggest that shrubs (which at most sites included the shrub form of tree species) cycle alkalinity differently from large and mature trees, resulting in high acidity in the shallow soil profile acidity, and possible loss of alkalinity via surface movement of material from areas of dense encroachment.
Citation	The Rangeland Journal, 40(5), p. 451-462
ISSN	1834-7541 1036-9872
Link	https://hdl.handle.net/1959.11/30607
Publisher	CSIRO Publishing
Title	High soil acidity under native shrub encroachment in the Cobar Pediplain, south-eastern Australia
Type of document	Journal Article
Entity Type	Publication

High soil acidity under native shrub encroachment in the Cobar Pediplain, south-eastern Australia

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