Progress 10/01/04 to 09/30/09
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Descriptions of ongoing work and selected results have been presented at meetings and workshops at regional, national, and international levels. Specific meetings and professional conferences where the findings from these hydropedology projects have been disseminated included (i) the American Society of Agronomy-Crop Science Society of America-Soil Science Society of American Annual Meetings in Pittsburgh, PA, November 1-4, 2009; (ii) the American Society of Agronomy-Crop Science Society of America-Soil Science Society of American Annual Meetings in Houston, TX, October 5-9, 2008; (iii) the 1st International Conference on Hydropedology in State College, PA, July 28-31, 2008; (iv) the Northeast Regional Cooperative Soil Survey Conference, Narragansett, RI, June 2-5, 2008; (v) the American Society of Agronomy-Crop Science Society of America-Soil Science Society of American Annual Meetings in New Orleans, LA, November 4-8, 2007; and (vi) the American Society of Agronomy-Crop Science Society of America-Soil Science Society of American Annual Meetings in Indianapolis, IN, November 12-16, 2006; and the Northeast Regional Cooperative Soil Survey Conference, Bordentown, NJ, May 21-25 , 2006. The results and implications of these research efforts were communicated directly to interested parties, such as soil scientists with the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service and USDA-Forest Service. Information generated from these studies will be used to document the depth and duration of seasonally-high water tables and improve our understanding of water redistribution across typical landscapes in West Virginia. Results will be used to support forest management planning, revise soil use interpretations, and otherwise characterize water table dynamics for interpreting the presence of redoximorphic features. PARTICIPANTS: Collaborators on these projects have included numerous soil scientists and specialists with the USDA-NRCS in West Virginia and the USDA-Forest Service. Input and assistance was also received from soil scientists and other specialists with the USDA-NRCS National Geospatial Development Center in Morgantown, WV. TARGET AUDIENCES: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
Water movement over and through the soil landscape is dynamic and complex. As a consequence, development of accurate and reliable soil use interpretations at the watershed scale is often difficult and may not reflect the true nature of the interactions between soil and water at management scales. Three hydropedology-related projects were in progress during the course of this project. 1. Hydrologic and Morphologic Characterization of Seasonally-Saturated Soils for Improved Land Use Evaluation. Maximum water table recording devices were installed in 12 different soils at 11 different sites around West Virginia where soil morphology and observed or inferred hydrology do not agree, thus presenting problems for classification or interpretation. Specific sites include soils with perched water tables above fragipans, slowly permeable clay layers, or shallow bedrock. These data are helping to increase our understanding of the water table dynamics in these soils, especially water table fluctuations that occur rapidly in response to individual precipitation events. In particular, soils with fragipan subsurface horizons show much greater water table fluctuations than do the soils with shallow bedrock. 2. Phosphorus Sorption Capacity of West Virginia Soils: Spatial Assessment and in situ Leachability. A field study was conducted to assess the role of natural structure and preferential flow on the movement of phosphorus through undisturbed soil profiles of three benchmark West Virginia soils. Dye staining patterns showed preferential flow occurred in each plot of each location of each series. Preferential flow patterns are much more variable in soils that are skeletal. Stain patterns were also influenced by the presence of argillic horizons, fragipans, and lithologic discontinuities, with increased dye staining above each of these interfaces. Composite soil samples collected from the stained and unstained matrix within each horizon indicate that P levels in the stained samples were significantly higher than the unstained samples. 3. Seasonal Infiltration and Subsurface Water Dynamics across Benchmark Soil Catenas of Eastern West Virginia. A study was conducted to assess the effects of seasonality and land use practices (forest, pasture) on soil saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat) on three benchmark soils (Laidig, Clarksburg, Buchanan). Higher Ksat values are observed in Ap horizons compared to subsurface horizons, and forest sites have higher Ksat values than pasture sites. Laidig Ksat values are higher than Clarksburg, and both are higher than Buchanan. Comparisons of Ksat for a single series (Buchanan) show that only horizon and land use affect Ksat. The Ap horizons have lower bulk density, higher organic matter, less clay, and fewer rock fragments as compared to subsoil horizons (Bt and Btx). Land use differences are likely caused by compaction from animals and farm equipment. Land use by series effects are partially explained by compaction from farm equipment and animals, which lowers Ksat on pastures. Drainage class differences associated with the different series may yield the higher Ksat values on well drained Laidig sites.
Publications
- Beck JF, JA Thompson, MB Harman, P Schoeneberger, LT West, S Wills. 2009. Confidence Intervals for Estimated Saturated Hydraulic Conductivity Measured Using Compact Constant Head Permeameters. In Abstracts of the ASA-CSSA-SSSA 2009 International Meetings (November 1-5, 2009) Pittsburgh, PA. ASA, Madison, WI. [CD-ROM]
- Jones M, M Harman, JA Thompson, and EM Pena-Yewtukhiw. 2008. Seasonal Infiltration and Subsurface Water Dynamics Across Benchmark Soil Catenas of Eastern West Virginia. In Abstracts of the ASA-CSSA-SSSA 2008 International Meetings (October 5-9, 2008) Houston, TX. ASA, Madison, WI. [CD-ROM]
- Harman MB, JA Thompson, EM Pena-Yewtukhiw, and SG Carpenter. 2007. Preferential Flow Patterns and Variability in Soil Phosphorus Profile Data in Selected West Virginia Benchmark Soils. In Abstracts of the ASA-CSSA-SSSA 2007 International Meetings (November 4-8, 2007) New Orleans, LA. ASA, Madison, WI. [CD-ROM]
- Lin H, J Bouma, Y Pachepsky, A Western, J Thompson, R van Genuchten, H-J Vogel, and A Lilly. 2006. Hydropedology: Synergistic Integration of Pedology and Hydrology. Water Resources Research, 42, W05301, doi:10.1029/2005WR004085.
- Kolka, RK and JA Thompson. 2006. Wetland Geomorphology, Soils, and Formative Processes. Pp. 7-42. In D.P. Batzer and R.R. Sharitz (eds.) Ecology of Freshwater and Estuarine Wetlands. University of California Press, Berkeley, CA.
- Harman MB, JA Thompson, EM Pena-Yewtukhiw, and SG Carpenter. 2006. Preferential Flow and Phosphorus Translocation in West Virginia Benchmark Soils. In Abstracts of the ASA-CSSA-SSSA 2006 International Meetings (November 12-16, 2006) Indianapolis, IN. ASA, Madison, WI. [CD-ROM]
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Progress 01/01/08 to 12/31/08
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Descriptions of ongoing work and selected results have been presented at meetings and workshops at regional, national, and international levels. The specific meetings and professional conferences where the findings from these hydropedology projects have been disseminated included (i) the American Society of Agronomy-Crop Science Society of America-Soil Science Society of American Annual Meetings in Houston, TX, October 5-9, 2008; (ii) the 1st International Conference on Hydropedology in State College, PA, July 28-31, 2008; (iii) the Northeast Regional Cooperative Soil Survey Conference, Narragansett, RI, June 2-5, 2008; (iv) NRCS MLRA Region 13 Soil Survey Field Week in Fayette County, WV, April 28-May 2, 2008; and (v) the USDA-NRCS Major Land Resource Area Office Leaders Meeting in Morgantown, WV, August 19, 2008. The results and implications of these research efforts are were communicated directly to interested parties, such as soil scientists with the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service and USDA-Forest Service. PARTICIPANTS: Collaborators on these projects have included numerous soil scientists and specialists with the USDA-NRCS in West Virginia and the USDA-Forest Service. Input and assistance was also received from soil scientists and other specialists with the USDA-NRCS National Geospatial Development Center in Morgantown, WV. TARGET AUDIENCES: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
A watershed-scale study in cooperation with the NRCS is continuing with the purpose of assessing soil hydrology across major landforms within a single watershed in the eastern panhandle of West Virginia. Data for the study of saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat) on three benchmark soils (Laidig, Clarksburg, Buchanan) that represent regional soil conditions and land use practices (forest, pasture) was collected using compact constant head permeameters (Amoozemeters). Measurements were taken from each soil during both wet and dry seasonal conditions, from both pasture and forest, and from each A/Ap, Bt, and Btx (where present). In general, higher Ksat values are observed in Ap horizons compared to subsurface horizons, and forest sites have higher Ksat values than pasture sites. Laidig Ksat values are higher than Clarksburg, and both are higher than Buchanan. Comparisons of Ksat for a single series (Buchanan) show that only two treatments affect Ksat: horizon and land use. The Ap horizons have lower bulk density, higher organic matter, coarser texture, and fewer rock fragments as compared to subsoil horizons (Bt and Btx). Land use differences are likely caused by compaction from both animals (cattle and horses) and farm equipment. When looking at data from all three soils (wet season only), all treatments and interactions were found to have a significant effect on Ksat. For this reason, individual treatment effects cannot be discussed. Land use by series effects are at least partially explained by compaction from farm equipment and animals, which lowers Ksat on pastures. Drainage class differences associated with the different series may yield the higher Ksat values on well drained Laidig sites, which are not as susceptible to compaction as the wetter Clarksburg and Buchanan soils. Land use by horizon interactions are associated with differences in organic matter (greater in forest Ap), rock fragments (greater in forest Bt), clay content (greater in pasture Bt), and bulk density (higher in pasture Ap and Bt). Series by horizon interactions are evidenced by higher Ksat values for the Laidig samples and may be caused by higher sand and rock fragment contents in the Laidig Ap horizons. Information generated from these studies will be used to document the depth and duration of seasonally-high water tables and improve our understanding of water redistribution across typical landscapes in West Virginia. Results will be used to support forest management planning, revise soil use interpretations, and otherwise characterize water table dynamics for interpreting the presence of redoximorphic features.
Publications
- Jones, M., M. Harman, J.A. Thompson, and E.M. Pena-Yewtukhiw. 2008. Seasonal Infiltration and Subsurface Water Dynamics Across Benchmark Soil Catenas of Eastern West Virginia. In Abstracts of the ASA-CSSA-SSSA 2008 International Meetings (October 5-9, 2008) Houston, TX. ASA, Madison, WI. [CD-ROM]
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Progress 01/01/07 to 12/31/07
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Monitoring of water table fluctuations for multiple soils of local importance in West Virginia has continued for a second year in cooperation with the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) and the USDA Forest Service. We have installed 21 specially-designed monitoring wells (maximum water table recording devices, or MWTRD) in 12 different soils at 11 different sites around West Virginia where soil morphology and observed or inferred hydrology do not agree, thus presenting problems for classification or interpretation. Specific sites include: (i) soils with perched water tables above fragipans, (ii) high-elevation soils in the frigid soil temperature regime, (iii) soils with perched water tables above slowly permeable clay layers, and (iv) soils with perched water tables above shallow bedrock. The data collected to date do not permit the development of definitive conclusions about the hydrologic response of these soils. However, the data already acquired are
beginning to increase our understanding of the water table dynamics in these soils, especially water table fluctuations that occur rapidly in response to individual precipitation events. In particular, soils with fragipan subsurface horizons show much greater water table fluctuations than do the soils with moderately shallow bedrock. Data collection at these sites will continue for two to three additional years. A field study has been conducted in cooperation with the NRCS to assess the role of natural structure and preferential flow on the movement of phosphorus through undisturbed soil profiles of three benchmark West Virginia soils. To identify the active preferential flow pathways, a solution of FD&C Blue #1 dye was applied to the soil surface. The plots were excavated after two days and digital images of the dye stained soil profiles were taken to identify the active infiltration pathways. Dye staining patterns showed preferential flow occurred in each plot of each location of
each series. Preferential flow patterns are much more variable in soils that are skeletal. Stain patterns were also influenced by the presence of argillic horizons, fragipans, and lithologic discontinuities, with increased dye staining above each of these interfaces. Composite soil samples were collected from the stained and unstained matrix within each horizon. P levels in the stained samples were significantly higher than the unstained samples. A watershed-scale study in cooperation with the NRCS is continuing with the purpose of assessing soil hydrology across major landforms within a single watershed in the eastern panhandle of West Virginia. An intensive field campaign has been completed in which six pedons were sampled for full characterization. Samples have been sent to the National Soil Survey Center lab in Lincoln, NE. Data for the study of infiltration and saturated hydraulic conductivity on benchmark soils that represent regional soil conditions and land use practices is
being collected using tension infiltrometers, double ring infiltrometers, and compact constant head permeameters (Amoozemeters).
PARTICIPANTS: Approximately twenty-three (23) NRCS Staff from West Virginia, Maryland, and Virginia met in Hardy County, WV, during the week of October 1-5, 2007. Participants received training on the use of different field instruments used to measure soil hydrologic properties, including tension infiltrometers and compact constant head permeameters (Amoozemeters).
Impacts
Information generated from the water table monitoring and water dynamics studies will be used to document the depth and duration of seasonally-high water tables and improve our understanding of water redistribution across typical landscapes in West Virginia. Results will be used to support forest management planning, revise soil use interpretations, and otherwise characterize water table dynamics for interpreting the presence of redoximorphic features. Data from the phosphorus leaching study will assist in making more accurate decisions on land applications of high phosphorus wastes, such as poultry litter, thus reducing environmental hazards.
Publications
- Harman, M.B., J.A. Thompson, E.M. Pena-Yewtukhiw, and S.G. Carpenter. 2007. Preferential Flow Patterns and Variability in Soil Phosphorus Profile Data in Selected West Virginia Benchmark Soils. In Abstracts of the ASA-CSSA-SSSA 2007 International Meetings (November 4-8, 2007) New Orleans, LA. ASA, Madison, WI. [CD-ROM]
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Progress 01/01/06 to 12/31/06
Outputs
Work has continued on three hydropedology-related projects. The first ("Hydrologic and Morphologic Characterization of Seasonally-Saturated Soils for Improved Land Use Evaluation") is a traditional water table monitoring study in cooperation with the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) and the USDA Forest Service, looking at multiple soils of local importance in West Virginia where soil morphology and observed or inferred hydrology do not agree, thus presenting problems for classification or interpretation. We have installed 21 specially-designed monitoring wells (maximum water table recording devices, or MWTRD) in 12 different soils at 11 different sites around West Virginia. Specific sites include: (i) soils with perched water tables above fragipans, (ii) high-elevation soils in the frigid soil temperature regime, (iii) soils with perched water tables above slowly permeable clay layers, and (iv) soils with perched water tables above shallow bedrock.
The second ("Phosphorus Sorption Capacity of West Virginia Soils: Spatial Assessment and in situ Leachability") investigates the occurrence (or lack thereof) of deep leaching and preferential flow of phosphorus into and through the subsoil of benchmark West Virginia soils. A field study is being conducted in cooperation with the NRCS to assess the role of natural structure and preferential flow on the movement of phosphorus through undisturbed soil profiles. To date, five plots (with two replicates each), representing two benchmark soils have been analyzed through the application of dye to the soil surface. Preliminary results indicate that all plots exhibit preferential flow, with the percent area stained by dye decreasing with depth. Extractable P levels are higher in the stained soil in four of five plots, but only significantly higher in one plot. The third ("Seasonal Infiltration and Subsurface Water Dynamics across Benchmark Soil Catenas of Eastern West Virginia") involves
studies of infiltration and saturated hydraulic conductivity on benchmark soils that represent regional soil conditions and land use practices. This watershed-scale study in cooperation with the NRCS assesses soil hydrology across major landforms within a single watershed. A watershed in Hardy County, WV, has been selected for study and potential field sites have been identified.
Impacts
Information generated from the water table monitoring and water dynamics studies will be used to document the depth and duration of seasonally-high water tables and improve our understanding of water redistribution across typical landscapes in West Virginia. Results will be used to support forest management planning, revise soil use interpretations, and otherwise characterize water table dynamics for interpreting the presence of redoximorphic features. Data from the phosphorus leaching study will assist in making more accurate decisions on land applications of high phosphorus wastes, such as poultry litter, thus reducing environmental hazards.
Publications
- Harman, M.B., J.A. Thompson, E.M. Pena-Yewtukhiw, and S.G. Carpenter. 2006. Preferential Flow and Phosphorus Translocation in West Virginia Benchmark Soils. In Abstracts of the ASA-CSSA-SSSA 2006 International Meetings (November 12-16, 2006) Indianapolis, IN. ASA, Madison, WI. [CD-ROM]
- Kolka, R.K. and J.A. Thompson. 2006. Wetland Geomorphology, Soils, and Formative Processes. Pp. 7-42. In D.P. Batzer and R.R. Sharitz (eds.) Ecology of Freshwater and Estuarine Wetlands. University of California Press, Berkeley, CA.
- Lin, H., J. Bouma, Y. Pachepsky, A. Western, J. Thompson, R. van Genuchten, H.-J. Vogel, and A. Lilly. 2006. Hydropedology: Synergistic Integration of Pedology and Hydrology. Water Resources Research, 42, W05301, doi:10.1029/2005WR004085.
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Progress 01/01/05 to 12/31/05
Outputs
Three hydropedology-related projects were initiated. The first ("Hydrologic and Morphologic Characterization of Seasonally-Saturated Soils for Improved Land Use Evaluation") is a traditional water table monitoring study in cooperation with the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) and the USDA Forest Service, looking at multiple soils of local importance in West Virginia where soil morphology and observed or inferred hydrology do not agree, thus presenting problems for classification or interpretation. We have constructed and begun to install specially-designed monitoring wells (maximum water table recording devices, or MWTRD). Specific sites include: (i) soils with perched water tables above fragipans, (ii) high-elevation soils in the frigid soil temperature regime, (iii) soils with perched water tables above slowly permeable clay layers, and (iv) soils with perched water tables above shallow bedrock. The second ("Phosphorus Sorption Capacity of West
Virginia Soils: Spatial Assessment and in situ Leachability") will investigate the occurrence (or lack thereof) of deep leaching and preferential flow of phosphorus into and through the subsoil of benchmark West Virginia soils. A field study will be conducted in cooperation with the NRCS to assess the role of natural structure and preferential flow on the movement of phosphorus through undisturbed soil profiles. The third ("Seasonal Infiltration and Subsurface Water Dynamics across Benchmark Soil Catenas of Eastern West Virginia") will involve studies of infiltration and saturated hydraulic conductivity on benchmark soils that represent regional soil conditions and land use practices. This watershed-scale study in cooperation with the NRCS will assess soil hydrology across major landforms within a single watershed. Water infiltration will be measured on a variety of landforms under multiple land uses. Subsurface soil horizons thought to be aquitards or aquifers will be identified and
will be exposed in surface pits. saturated hydraulic conductivity data will be collected by compact constant head permeameters in soil core holes and by constant head infiltrometers placed directly on exposed horizontal surfaces of subsurface horizons.
Impacts
Information generated from the water table monitoring and water dynamics studies will be used to document the depth and duration of seasonally-high water tables and improve our understanding of water redistribution across typical landscapes in West Virginia. Results will be used to support forest management planning, revise soil use interpretations, and otherwise characterize water table dynamics for interpreting the presence of redoximorphic features. Data from the phosphorus leaching study will assist in making more accurate decisions on land applications of high phosphorus wastes, such as poultry litter, thus reducing environmental hazards.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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