Project Number: 5430-11120-009-23
Project Type: Specific Cooperative Agreement

Start Date: Sep 15, 2011
End Date: Sep 14, 2014

Objective:
Determine the effects of organic dominated soil (ODS) properties, climate, and management on soil crust (stability and loose erodible material), aggregate size distribution, dry aggregate stability, and surface roughness over time.

Approach:
Field sites will be established by ARS on ODS at three locations with help of cooperators in Florida. Sites will be selected to give a wide range in organic matter content (e.g., 20 to 80%). Sample approximately every two weeks to capture seasonal differences in erodibility parameters just prior to and during seasons when erosion can occur. In addition, sample immediately before and after any soil disturbing management operation and after significant precipitation or irrigation (> 12 mm). Parameters sampled will include soil crust (stability and loose erodible material), aggregate size distribution, and dry aggregate stability. Surface roughness will be measured through of surface elevations using a pin meter. Sampled soils and data will be sent to ARS lab in Manhattan for analysis.