A study of some soil properties in relation to the invasion of native pastures by Bothriochloa ambigua S.T. Blake

Abstract

Soil samples at 1-in. intervals to a depth of 6 in. were obtained from six paired stands of Bothriochloa ambigua S. T. Blake and of Danthonia spp. at each of three sites. Determinations of moisture equivalent, pH, and total nitrogen were made on all samples, organic carbon on the 07ndash;1 in. samples, and mechanical analyses on the 0–1 in., 4–5 in., and 5–6 in. samples. Significant differences were found between the soils of the two communities in moisture equivalent, organic carbon, and per cent. silt + clay at 0–1 in.; in pH at 0–1 in., 3–4 in., and 5–6 in.; and in total nitrogen at all depths except 4–5 in. The results are discussed in relation to the effect of B. ambigua on the soil and the possibility that certain soil conditions favour invasion of native pastures this species.