Soils

Abstract

Edaphic and climatic characteristics of a site quite well define the quality of that site for plant growth. The importance of soil characteristics to the growth and well-being of aspen in the West is apparent from observations by many authors, from inferences resulting from work with other trees and agricultural crops, and from detailed study of aspen soils and site quality in the Lake States. However, there are not many descriptions of aspen-soil-site relations in the West. Only in recent years has enough soil survey information been collected from the forested areas of the West to define the soil series, and sometimes types and phases, upon which quaking aspen is found. Assessment of site quality is just beginning. For example, recent county soil surveys in Utah include information on forest productivity, including site indexes for aspen (Campbell and Lacey 1982, Carley et al. 1980).

Parent Publication

• Aspen: Ecology and management in the western United States

Citation

Jones, John R.; DeByle, Norbert V. 1985. Soils. In: DeByle, Norbert V.; Winokur, Robert P., editors. Aspen: Ecology and management in the western United States. USDA Forest Service General Technical Report RM-119. Rocky Mountain Forest and Range Experiment Station, Fort Collins, Colo. p. 65-70