I am studying the decline of the Atlas Cedar.
For the soil I will do the following analysis: granulometry, apparent density, total porosity, and water holding capacity.
Will studying these properties help me to understand the soil-side of the declining Atlas Cedar phenomenon? If not, any other suggestions?
Is it possible that only the physical analysis would answer the question of decline?
I think you can also include gas (permeability and diffusivity) and water flow (hydraulic conductivity) measurements if you have the equipment. However, I doubt if only the physical analyses can answer the question of decline, unless you have acute densification of the soil - which will be reflected in high bulk density, and low gas and water flow.
Thank you Sr. Emmanuel.
I excluded the chemical analysis because (cedar adapts to any soil they colonize easily (Boudy 1952 and Lepoutre, 1963).
Yes, the field observation and the creation of path in the forest have shown that the soil is compact (why? Region suffers a lack of regeneration of cedar, while the observation along the path, the existence of a beautiful cedar regeneration.
@+
From a physical side look at the spatial component of multiple sample locations by recording slope gradient, slope aspect, Topographic Wetness Index, general land scape position, surface horizon thickness, morphology of the soil profile (field description of a soil pit) elevation, etc. as any of these factors could prove useful. If its an environmental issue the change may be more or less sever depending on some of these factors. Think in terms of how you can model any discoveries you make and identify contributing or controlling topographic factors or at least factors who have a strong co-linearity with the true controlling factors. If you collect that data it could make extrapolation of any findings much easier.
I think it is important to know differences in your area of study as topography, solar radiation, rainfall, sunny/shady areas, soil types...Nevertheless, there is some aspects that could be included: changing in the surronding vegetation; geobotanical and plant associations; soil erosion; changes in land uses near the area; last decade climatic conditions changes; etc. Finally, some aspect (physico-chemical and chemical ones) could be explored also: pH; C/N; OM; CEC; Nutrients content in soil; soil water retention; humidity....
Dear Beloula,
In my point of view, you should also determine van Genuchten parameters which shows the soil water tension curve. These parameters are essential for almost all models which applied in soil research.
Salut Salima
En ma qualité de pédologue, je trouve que les analyses physiques dont tu parles sont largement suffisant pour ton cas d'étude. Peut être il faut connaitre aussi la profondeur et l'humidité du sol. La porosité totale ou la densité apparente c'est pareil! Il A quoi bon de les tester les deux.
Bon courage
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