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Modelling and mapping topographic variations in forest soils at high resolution: A case study

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  • Murphy, Paul N.C.
  • Ogilvie, Jae
  • Meng, Fan-Rui
  • White, Barry
  • Bhatti, Jagtar S.
  • Arp, Paul A.

Abstract

This article examines the utility of a digitally derived cartographic depth-to-water (DTW) index to model and map variations in drainage, vegetation and soil type and select soil properties within a forested area (40ha) of the Swan Hills, Alberta, Canada. This index was derived from a LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) derived digital elevation model (DEM), with at least 1 ground return per m2. The resulting DTW pattern was set to be zero along all DEM-derived flow channels, each with a 4ha flow-initiation threshold. Soil type (luvisol, gleysol, mesisol), drainage type (very poor to excessive), vegetation type (hydric to xeric) and forest floor depth were determined along hillslope transects. These determinations conformed more closely to the DEM-derived log10(DTW) variations (R2>60%) than to the corresponding variations of the widely used topographic wetness index (TWI) (R2<25%). Setting log10(DTW) thresholds to represent the wet to moist to dry transitions between vegetation, drainage and soil type enabled a high-resolution mapping of these types across the study area. Also determined were soil moisture content, coarse fragment and soil particle composition (sand, silt, clay), pH, total C, N, S, P, Ca, Mg, K, Fe, Al, Mn, Zn, and available Ca, Mg, K, P and NH4, by soil layer type and depth. Most of these variables were also more correlated with log10(DTW) than with TWI, with and without soil layer depth as an additional regression variable. These variables are, therefore, subject to topographic controls to at least some extent, and can be modelled and mapped accordingly, as illustrated for soil moisture, forest floor depth and pH across the study area, from ridge tops to depressions. Further examinations revealed that the DEM-produced DTW and TWI patterns complemented one another, with DTW delineating soils in relation to local water-table influences, and with TWI delineating where the water would flow and accumulate.

Suggested Citation

  • Murphy, Paul N.C. & Ogilvie, Jae & Meng, Fan-Rui & White, Barry & Bhatti, Jagtar S. & Arp, Paul A., 2011. "Modelling and mapping topographic variations in forest soils at high resolution: A case study," Ecological Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 222(14), pages 2314-2332.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecomod:v:222:y:2011:i:14:p:2314-2332
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2011.01.003
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Balland, Vincent & Pollacco, Joseph A.P. & Arp, Paul A., 2008. "Modeling soil hydraulic properties for a wide range of soil conditions," Ecological Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 219(3), pages 300-316.
    2. Jutras, Marie-France & Nasr, Mina & Castonguay, Mark & Pit, Christopher & Pomeroy, Joseph H. & Smith, Todd P. & Zhang, Cheng-fu & Ritchie, Charles D. & Meng, Fan-Rui & Clair, Thomas A. & Arp, Paul A., 2011. "Dissolved organic carbon concentrations and fluxes in forest catchments and streams: DOC-3 model," Ecological Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 222(14), pages 2291-2313.
    3. Zhang, C.F. & Meng, F.-R. & Bhatti, J.S. & Trofymow, J.A. & Arp, Paul A., 2008. "Modeling forest leaf-litter decomposition and N mineralization in litterbags, placed across Canada: A 5-model comparison," Ecological Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 219(3), pages 342-360.
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    1. Oberski, Tomasz & Mróz, Marek & Ogilvie, Jae & Arp, John Paul & Arp, Paul A., 2021. "Addressing potential drought resiliency through high-resolution terrain and depression mapping," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 254(C).
    2. Francesco Latterini & Rachele Venanzi & Damiano Tocci & Rodolfo Picchio, 2022. "Depth-to-Water Maps to Identify Soil Areas That Are Potentially Sensitive to Logging Disturbance: Initial Evaluations in the Mediterranean Forest Context," Land, MDPI, vol. 11(5), pages 1-13, May.
    3. Jutras, Marie-France & Nasr, Mina & Castonguay, Mark & Pit, Christopher & Pomeroy, Joseph H. & Smith, Todd P. & Zhang, Cheng-fu & Ritchie, Charles D. & Meng, Fan-Rui & Clair, Thomas A. & Arp, Paul A., 2011. "Dissolved organic carbon concentrations and fluxes in forest catchments and streams: DOC-3 model," Ecological Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 222(14), pages 2291-2313.

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