Research Accomplishment Reports 2007

Hydropedology: Genesis, Properties, and Distribution of Hydromorphic Soils

A.D. Karathanasis
Department of Plant and Soil Sciences

 

Project Description

The goals of this project are to assess morphological, hydrological, and physicochemical characteristics and processes controlling the distribution and behavior of hydromorphic soils. Our contribution to this project involved the evaluation of soil morphology, physical/chemical characteristics, hydrology and pore water geochemistry of three mountain wetlands in southeastern Kentucky. The findings of the study suggest that although all three wetlands shared similar geologic and climatic conditions in close geographic proximity, each exhibited distinct hydrologic, edaphic, and water geochemistry features emphasizing their uniqueness in their creation and preservation.

Impact

Information generated by this research project will be of general utility in better understanding the formation, distribution, and management of these soils as well as develop more consistent criteria for their identification.

Publications

Thompson, Y.L., B. C. Sandefur, and A.D. Karathanasis. 2007. Hydrologic and Edaphic Characteristics of three Mountain Wetlands in Southeastern Kentucky, USA. Wetlands 27: 174-188.

Thompson, Y.L., B. C. Sandefur, A.D. Karathanasis and E.M. D'Angelo. 2008. Redox Potential and Seasonal Porewater Geochemistry of Three Mountain Wetlands in Southeastern, Kentucky, USA. Aquatic Geochemistry (in press).