Significance of low-chroma mottles in drained sandy soils in the Netherlands.
1989
Poelman J.N.B. | Bouma J. | Wosten J.H.M.
Bulk densities were determined for 1365 soil horizons from 340 pedons in well and originally poorly drained sandy soils in the Netherlands with and without mottles with chroma's of 2 or less. Tile drainage constructed in the 1950's is common and has resulted in lower water-table levels. Occurrence of low-chroma mottling does, therefore, not indicate present saturation with water. However, long-lasting effects of earlier periodic saturation are evidenced by significantly higher bulk densities of mottled A, B, and C horizons with organic matter contents less than 2.5%. These higher densities restrict root development and result in different hydraulic conductivity and moisture retention characteristics as compared with unmottled horizons. Thus, low-chroma mottling can be an indicator for soil physical behavior, other than saturation, which is highly relevant for plant growth.
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