Deborah Deraedt

Distribution of the morphological and chemical properties of a soil along a forested slope

Plant productivity is partly dependent on soil fertility ,w hich is why it is important to kno wt he distribution of the chemical and morphological properties of the soil. The study was conducted at an experimental site located on as teep forested slope planted with conifers. Consequently ,p rior to the study of variations in soil and vegetation characteristics over time, we analysed the chemical and morphological properties along the slope. Eight pits were dug and sampled by horizon. Root density ,b ulk density and stone content measurements were performed as well as the analysis of the soil chemical properties (pH, K, Mg, Na ,C aa nd Pc ontent). The results confirm the significance of vertical differentiation as one move sa long the profile.

Distribution des propriétés morphologiques et chimiques d’un sol le long d’un versant forestier

Dans la région ardennaise, la plupart des zones boisées se trouvent sur des terrains dont la pente est relativement importante. La productivité d’une parcelle forestière étant au centre des préoccupations des sylviculteurs, il est intéressant de connaître exactement les paramètres qui peuvent l’influencer et leur évolution le long d’un versant, qu’ils soient du domaine de l’hydrologie, de la pédologie ou autre.