The Influence of Soil-Site Factors on Productivity of Even-Aged Red Maple Stands in Michigan and Wisconsin
File(s)
Date
1987-12Author
Haag, Carl L.
Publisher
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, College of Natural Resources
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
Sixty even-aged red maple (Acer rubrum L.) stands
were sampled throughout northern Wisconsin and
Michigan. The relationship of physical and chemical
parameters to site productivity, as measured by site
index and total above-ground biomass, was determined
through forward stepwise multiple regression. In
general, equations developed using soil physical
factors only yielded the most precise estimates when
applied to an independent data set, in addition to
being the most easily applied in a field situation.
Physical factors included in prediction equations were
related to water table depth, presence of a zone of
clay increase in the subsoil, and overall soil profile
development, particularly the spodic horizon.
Equations using chemical factors were included as well.
Through the use of cluster analysis, three
productivity groups were developed based on land type
and soil drainage. In general, differences in
productivity estimates between groups were significant.
The most productive soils (productivity group I) were
those with a sandy surface texture underlain by a
horizon with an increase in clay content and a
moderately well- to a somewhat poorly drained soil
profile. The least productive soils (productivity
group III) were well- to excessively drained, had a
coarse sandy texture throughout, a poorly developed
soil profile, and little or no Bh or Bhs horizon.
The largest forest floor nutrient pool was
associated with the group I soils. However, soil
nutrient pools displayed greater variability, with
group I soils having the greatest amount of N and K,
group II soils having the greatest amounts of Ca and
Mg, and group III soils having the most P.