Assessing Soil Compaction on Forest Inventory & Analysis Phase 3 Field Plots Using a Pocket Penetrometer

Assessing Soil Compaction on Forest Inventory & Analysis Phase 3 Field Plots Using a Pocket Penetrometer

Author: Michael C. Amacher

Publisher:

Published: 2004

Total Pages: 18

ISBN-13:

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Soil compaction is an important indicator of soil quality, yet few practical methods are available to quantitatively measure this variable. Although an assessment of the areal extent of soil compaction is included as part of the soil indicator portion of the Forest Inventory & Analysis (FIA) program, no quantitative measurement of the degree of soil compaction is made. We tested a small, lightweight pocket penetrometer that measures soil compression strength as a simple, quantitative measure of the degree of compaction of mineral soils under forested conditions. Soil compression strengths were significantly higher in compacted trails and areas than in adjacent undisturbed locations. In contrast, no significant difference in soil compression strength was found between rutted trails and adjacent undisturbed areas. A protocol is suggested for further pilot testing of this device as part of the soil indicator assessment. The main disadvantage of this device is that many of the compacted soils had compression strengths higher than the maximum measurable value of 4.5 tons/ft2. Despite this limitation, this device can rapidly and easily distinguish between compacted and uncompacted areas in the field. Time previously spent by field crews trying to identify qualitative evidences of compaction can instead be used to provide a quantitative measure of the degree of compaction, which would strengthen the analysis and interpretation of the soil quality indicator.


Soils as an Indicator of Forest Health

Soils as an Indicator of Forest Health

Author: Katherine P. O'Neill

Publisher:

Published: 2005

Total Pages: 62

ISBN-13:

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Documents the types of data collected as part of the Forest Inventory and Analysis soil indicator, the field and laboratory methods used, and the rationale behind these data collection procedures. Guides analysts and researchers on incorporating soil indicator data into reports and research studies.


Evaluation of Soil and Rock Properties

Evaluation of Soil and Rock Properties

Author: P. J. Sabatini

Publisher:

Published: 2004-10-01

Total Pages: 392

ISBN-13: 9781410217615

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This document presents state-of-the-practice information on the evaluation of soil and rock properties for geotechnical design applications. This document addresses the entire range of materials potentially encountered in highway engineering practice, from soft clay to intact rock and variations of materials that fall between these two extremes. Information is presented on parameters measured, evaluation of data quality, and interpretation of properties for conventional soil and rock laboratory testing, as well as in situ devices such as field vane testing, cone penetration testing, dilatometer, pressuremeter, and borehole jack. This document provides the design engineer with information that can be used to develop a rationale for accepting or rejecting data and for resolving inconsistencies between data provided by different laboratories and field tests. This document also includes information on: (1) the use of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and Personal Data Assistance devices for the collection and interpretation of subsurface information; (2) quantitative measures for evaluating disturbance of laboratory soil samples; and (3) the use of measurements from geophysical testing techniques to obtain information on the modulus of soil. Also included are chapters on evaluating properties of special soil materials (e.g., loess, cemented sands, peats and organic soils, etc.) and the use of statistical information in evaluating anomalous data and obtaining design values for soil and rock properties. An appendix of three detailed soil and rock property selection examples is provided which illustrate the application of the methods described in the document.


Soil Salinity Assessment

Soil Salinity Assessment

Author: J. D. Rhoades

Publisher: Food & Agriculture Org.

Published: 1999

Total Pages: 172

ISBN-13: 9789251042816

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Determination of soil salinity from aqueous electrical conductivity; determination of soil salinity from soil-paste and bulk soil electrical conductivity; example uses of salinity assessment technology; operational and equipment costs associated with salinity instrumentation measurement techniques.


Novel Methods for Monitoring and Managing Land and Water Resources in Siberia

Novel Methods for Monitoring and Managing Land and Water Resources in Siberia

Author: Lothar Mueller

Publisher: Springer

Published: 2015-11-15

Total Pages: 758

ISBN-13: 3319244094

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This book presents an analysis of land and water resources in Siberia, initially characterizing the landscapes, their ecosystems, crucial processes, human impacts on soil and water quality, and the status quo of available research. Further chapters deal with modern monitoring and management methods that can lead to a significant knowledge shift and initiate sustainable soil and water resources use. These include soil hydrological laboratory measurement methods; process-based field evaluation methods for land and water quality; remote sensing and GIS technology-based landscape monitoring methods; process and ecosystem modeling approaches; methods of resource and process evaluation and functional soil mapping; and tools for controlling agricultural land use systems. More than 15 of these concrete monitoring and management tools can immediately be incorporated into research and practice. Maintaining the functions of great landscapes for future generations will be the reward for these efforts.


Urban and Community Forestry in the Northeast

Urban and Community Forestry in the Northeast

Author: John E. Kuser

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2006-11-14

Total Pages: 505

ISBN-13: 1402042892

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This book is a textbook for Urban/Community Forestry courses and a handbook for Shade Tree Commissions, tree wardens, State and National Forestry Services, and professional societies. It is the most complete text in this field because it addresses both culture and management, and the chapters have been written by experts who are active practitioners. The book provides observations and examples relevant to every urban center in the U.S. and elsewhere.