Toolik Lake Permanent Vegetation Plots

Walker D.A. and Barry N. 1991. Toolik Lake permanent vegetation plots: site factors, soil physical and chemical properties, plant species cover, photographs, and soil descriptions. Data Report 48, Department of Energy R4D Program, Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO.

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Soil Description, Plot SWT-53

	Classification: Histic Pergelic Cryaquoll, fine-loamy, mixed. Location: Northwest side of Toolik Lake, out of sight of the lake, at base of the north-facing toposequence between SWT-47 and SWT-58. 68°38' N, 149°38' W. Physiographic position: Toeslope of 8 percent N-facing slope. Topography: Hummocky area with solifluction features. Microrelief Height: 20 cm. Drainage: Somewhat poorly drained. Vegetation: Moist Carex bigelowii, Dryas integrifolia, Hylocomium splendens, Salix planifolia ssp. pulchra, sedge, dwarf-shrub tundra Parent material: Itkillik II glacial till. Sampled by: D.A. Walker and C. Westberg, August 10, 1989. Remarks: Ground frozen at 40 cm. Pit saturated at 21 cm. Slight evidence of grazing. Moderate animal disturbance, mostly voles (tracks, holes, etc.). Weather: Overcast, light wind. Horizons: Colors are for the wet soil. Oi 0-7 cm. Loose mat of Hylocomium splendens, Dicranum scoparium, Cassiope tetragona and litter; inorganic part of soil - sandy loam; pH = 5.8. (Sample T-132). Oe 7-12 cm. Loose mat of hemic organic material; weak medium platy structure (due to compressed organics); 30 percent recognizable plant fiber after rubbing; pH = 6.1; clear, smooth boundary. (Sample T-133). Oa 12-17 cm. Very dark brown (7.5YR 2/1.5) silty organic material, with strong brown (7.5YR 4/6) mottles at base of horizon; weak moderate platy, breaking to a weak fine granular structure; wet; smooth, slightly plastic, slightly sticky (wet); pH = 6.0; abrupt wavy boundary. (Samples T-134, T-135). A 17-40+ cm. Very dark brown (10YR 2/3) gravelly sandy loam; moderate medium subangular blocky structure; very wet; gritty, plastic, sticky (wet); pH = 5.3; est. 15 percent gravel to 3 cm diameter. (Sample T-136).
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