Significance of Low-Chroma Mottles in Drained Sandy Soils in the Netherlands
1989
Poelman, J. N. B. | Wösten, J. H. M. | Bouma, J.
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 < 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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