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Hydrologic Characteristics of Three Soils Supporting Natural Hardwoods, Planted Red Pine, and Old Field Plant Communities¹

ABSTRACT

An investigation conducted during 1958 to 1961 compared hydrologic characteristics of the Hagerstown, Calvin-Edom, and Dekalb soils under natural hardwoods, planted red pine, and old field plant communities. Infiltration of simulated rainfall, water percolation, and soil properties were investigated. Other than surface organic matter accumulations and rooting habits, there were no significant differences in physical properties of soil profiles under old field and red pine cover. Hardwood soil profiles differed materially from old field and red pine soil profiles, with organic matter, porosity, and water-stable aggregates being higher and bulk density lower in the upper horizons under hardwoods. Average wet-run infiltration capacity was 33% higher under red pine than under old field cover, while infiltration under hardwoods exceeded that under red pine by only 7%. Infiltration was less variable under red pine and hardwoods than under old field cover. Vegetational influences affecting water percolation were exerted primarily through their effect on soil porosity. Noncapillary porosity was more closely related to variations in soil permeability than were total porosity or aggregate stability.

¹ Authorized for publication on Jan. 5, 1962, as paper No. 2628 in the Journal Series of the Pennsylvania Agr. Exp. Sta., University Park.

² Associate Professor of Forestry and Professor of Soil Technology, respectively, The Pennsylvania State University.

Received for publication January 15, 1962. Accepted for publication February 8, 1962.