Variation of Soil Physical Properties within a Soil Series across Prairie and Woodland Ecosystems

This research compares soil physical properties within the same soil series in different ecosystem types, specifically prairie and woodland. Soil probe samples were taken to determine depth of soil horizons, soil color, and soil texture. Bulk density and infiltration rate also were measured. Results were compared between samples taken from the different ecosystem types and also to the official USDA soil series description of this soil, a silty clay loam. Any large differences in soil physical properties between the two areas would indicate a relationship between the soil properties and ecosystem type. Of the commonly accepted soil forming factors, the relevant variables in this research include biological activity and position in the landscape. Human activity also may be a factor based on evidence of previous development in the area. The expected results are that differences will be exhibited in the depth of the organic layer, soil horizon color, and in bulk density. This suggests that there may be a relationship between ecosystem type and soil physical properties in this soil series.