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Document Type

Dissertation - University Access Only

Award Date

1989

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department / School

Plant Science

First Advisor

Gary D. Lemme

Abstract

Models designed to predict the spatial distribution of pedongenic [sic] soil chemical properties within the late Wisconsin glacial moraines of the Northern Plains will aid in the understanding of landscape processes. statistical models using micro-climate data to predict key pedogenic traits were developed and validated using paired hillslopes. Sites were established on the shoulder, backslope, and footslope [sic] positions of two paired hillslopes of the Waubay National Wildlife Refuge, Day County. Soil samples were taken at 10 centimeter intervals for laboratory analyses of particle size distribution, organic carbon, pH, electrical conductivity, and percent calcium carbonate equivalents. Soil temperatures were obtained with thermistors at 10 centimeter intervals from 5 to 55 centimeters and at 20 centimeter intervals from 70 to 130 centimeters of depth. Soil volumetric moisture reading were obtained using a neutron attenuation probe at 15 centimeter intervals. Data from Hillslope 1 were used to generate regression equations for the prediction of diagnostic soil chemical properties. Principle component analysis was used to represent mean monthly soil micro-climate data. Prediction equations were generated for organic carbon, pH, electrical conductivity and calcium carbonate with R-Squares of 0.80, 0.76, 0.96 and 0.91 respectively. A second hillslope, representing the geomorphic setting of Hillslope 1, was used to validate the applicability of the models. Seven models exhibited agreement between predicted and actual values organic carbon at the backslope and footslope positions, pH at the shoulder position, calcium carbonate equivalents at all positions, and electrical conductivity at the backslope position. Pedogenic models can be applied in the estimation of key diagnostic traits. The models generated proved applicable for determinations of mollic epipedons and depth to carbonates. The development of pedogenic regression models is the initial step in the formulation of process based models that will predict soil development under varied environmental and geomorphic conditions. Process models will provide resource managers with tools to test the impacts of various management scenarios prior to implantation [sic]. The models developed in this study contributed to the identification of parameters necessary for the development of process based models in the Northern Glacial Plains.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Soil formation -- Mathematical models
Soils -- Analysis

Format

application/pdf

Publisher

South Dakota State University

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