Scattered paddock trees, litter chemistry, and surface soil properties in pastures of the New England Tablelands, New South Wales
S. Graham A B , B. R. Wilson C E , N. Reid A and H. Jones DA Ecosystem Management, University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia.
B Current address: NRM SEQ Inc, PO Box 13204, George Street, Brisbane, Qld 4003, Australia.
C New South Wales Department of Infrastructure Planning and Natural Resources, PO Box U245, Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia.
D New South Wales Department of Infrastructure Planning and Natural Resources, PO Box 3720, Parramatta, NSW 2124, Australia.
E Corresponding author. Email: brian.wilson@dipnr.nsw.gov.au
Australian Journal of Soil Research 42(8) 905-912 https://doi.org/10.1071/SR03065
Submitted: 13 May 2003 Accepted: 19 July 2004 Published: 14 December 2004
Abstract
Scattered paddock trees are widespread throughout rural Australia but their effect on soil conditions has received only limited research attention. This study investigated the influence of 3 Eucalyptus species on surface soil properties on different parent materials at both stocked and unstocked sites on the Northern Tablelands of New South Wales. Mineral soil samples to a depth of 5 cm were collected at intervals up to twice the canopy radius away from tree trunks and litter samples were collected at corresponding points. Mineral soils were analysed for pH (CaCl2), organic carbon (C), and extractable phosphorus (P) concentration, while for the litter samples, P, sulfur, cations, and ash alkalinity were determined. Stocking with sheep and cattle increased surface soil acidity and C and P concentrations at each location. However, soils under E. melliodora and E. viminalis showed higher pH and increased C and P concentrations close to the tree stem irrespective of grazing. Soils under E. caliginosa, while having similar patterns of C and P, showed variable acidity patterns with instances of lower pH close to the tree stem. Spatial patterns in soil acidity were associated with the ash alkalinity of litter, indicating litter as a source of alkalinity addition to the soil surface, although different patterns of soil pH could not be fully explained by litter ash alkalinity alone. The close correlation of litter Ca content with ash alkalinity suggests that this element might be a suitable indicator of the acid amelioration capacity of different tree species.
Additional keywords: scattered trees, soil pH, soil carbon, ash alkalinity, grazing, stocking.
Acknowledgements
The authors gratefully acknowledge the assistance of the various landholders in the Armidale region by allowing access to their land for soil sampling. Thanks to David Dight and Vicki Fermor for advice and assistance with laboratory analysis. Thanks also to the 3 anonymous reviewers whose comments greatly improved the presentation of this work.
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