Distribution and Characterization of Soils Across Experimental Forests of the Southern Research Station
| Authors: | Carrie L. Kelly, Jeff W. Atkins, Carl C. Trettin |
| Year: | 2025 |
| Type: | General Technical Report |
| Station: | Southern Research Station |
| DOI: | https://doi.org/10.2737/SRS-GTR-281 |
| Source: | USDA Forest Service |
Abstract
The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service has established and maintains experimental forests and ranges across the United States and Puerto Rico; these forests are a cornerstone of the Agency’s research program. This technical report provides a characterization of the soils on 19 experimental forests in the Southeastern United States that are managed by the Forest Service, Southern Research Station (SRS). This initiative was sponsored through the SRS Experimental Forest and Range Network to enhance the basis for research, demonstration and education activities, and collaborations. These forests, stretching from North Carolina to Texas, span diverse geomorphological and climatic conditions, from coastal wetlands to mountainous regions and from subtropical to cool temperate zones. The objective of this volume is to provide a characterization of the soils considering factors such as wetland presence, weather patterns, soil taxonomy, physical and chemical properties, and geomorphic settings. Utilizing a variety of open-source online data, soils, wetland types, and topography were mapped and analyzed. Historical land use, climate, and geomorphology were also integrated into the analysis. This report serves as a foundational resource for understanding the basics of soil taxonomy and soil mapping in the SRS experimental forests. By providing a variety of information in one document, the report offers critical insights into soil formation processes in the Southeastern United States.