Solarization Effects on Chemical Properties of Soils Under Kudu (Pueraria Montana) Invasion Nicole Gilbert Clemson University, [email protected]
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Clemson University TigerPrints All Theses Theses 12-2008 Solarization effects on chemical properties of soils under kudu (Pueraria montana) invasion Nicole Gilbert Clemson University, [email protected] Follow this and additional works at: https://tigerprints.clemson.edu/all_theses Part of the Soil Science Commons Recommended Citation Gilbert, Nicole, "Solarization effects on chemical properties of soils under kudu (Pueraria montana) invasion" (2008). All Theses. 501. https://tigerprints.clemson.edu/all_theses/501 This Thesis is brought to you for free and open access by the Theses at TigerPrints. It has been accepted for inclusion in All Theses by an authorized administrator of TigerPrints. For more information, please contact [email protected]. SOLARIZATION EFFECTS ON CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF SOILS UNDER KUDZU (PUERARIA MONTANA) INVASION A Thesis Presented to the Graduate School of Clemson University In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree Master of Science Forestry Resources by Nicole Elizabeth Gilbert December 2008 Accepted by: Dr. Elena A. Mikhailova, Committee Chair Dr. Karen C. Hall Dr. William C. Bridges Dr. Patricia A. Layton ABSTRACT Solarization is an effective method for managing small areas with kudzu (Pueraria montana ) invasions that may alter soil chemical properties. Conducted from 2005 to 2007 at the Clemson University Experimental Forest in Clemson, South Carolina on a Cecil clay loam (fine, kaolinitic, thermic Typic Kanhapludult), this study compares soil chemical properties under thermally-treated and non-treated plots at different depths invaded by Kudzu. The experimental factors of treatment and depth were arranged in a factorial treatment design with 15 treatments arranged in a split plot design. The five thermal treatments were the whole plot factors which were arranged in a randomized complete block experiment design, and the depths (0-10, 10-20, 20-30 cm) were included as a split plot factor. A model was developed for the design, and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used to determine if there were significant main effects or interactions of treatment and depth. Fischer’s Least Significant Difference (LSD) test was used to determine if there were significant differences among specific pairs of means. Plots invaded by Kudzu had significant increases in pH, nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), calcium (Ca), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), boron (B) and base saturation with lower carbon-to-nitrogen (C/N) ratio compared to bare soil at all sampling depths. Kudzu plots treated with translucent polyethylene sheeting showed significant increases in pH, P, potassium (K), Mn, and Cu as well as lower C/N ratio and magnesium (Mg) and sodium (Na) content compared to bare soil at all sampling depths. Plant analysis demonstrated kudzu’s stem and leaf parts contain higher concentrations of Mn, B, K, P, ii zinc(Zn), Cu, and sulfur (S) than root tissue, with roots having higher concentrations of Mg and iron (Fe). Results show that kudzu invasion had significant effects on soil chemical properties by nutrient uplift and solarization released these nutrients from decomposing plant tissue. iii ACKNOWLEDGMENTS The following people and organizations have contributed to this study: the Kudzu Coalition of Spartanburg, SC, the Clemson University Experimental Forest, Casey H. Newton, Christopher J. Post, Mark A. Schlautman, and S. Knight Cox. Special thanks is given to the Clemson University Department of Forestry and Natural Resources for their diligence in making sure this project was continued after the untimely death of Dr. Larry Nelson. Thanks to Steve Hall, Bryan Baker, and Keenan Adams for assisting with plant and soil sampling. Financial support was provided by a Clemson University Integrated Pest Management (CUIPM) grant. Technical Contribution No. 5332 of the Clemson University Experiment Station. iv TABLE OF CONTENTS Page TITLE PAGE.....................................................................................................................i ABSTRACT..................................................................................................................... ii ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ...............................................................................................iv LIST OF TABLES...........................................................................................................vi LIST OF FIGURES ....................................................................................................... vii CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................1 2. MATERIALS AND METHODS..........................................................................8 Study Area ......................................................................................................8 Historical Land use Analysis ..........................................................................9 Plant Sampling and Analysis ........................................................................10 Plant Statistical Analysis...............................................................................14 Soil Sampling and Analysis..........................................................................14 Soil Statistical Analysis ................................................................................16 3. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION.........................................................................17 Weather.........................................................................................................17 Historical Land use .......................................................................................17 Plant Chemical Composition ........................................................................18 Soil Chemical Composition ..........................................................................19 CONCLUSION...............................................................................................................58 LITERATURE CITED ...................................................................................................60 APPENDICES ................................................................................................................64 v LIST OF TABLES Table Page 2.1 Monthly total precipitation (mm) and monthly average maximum and minimum temperature ( °C) from Clemson University, Pickens County, SC. ...........................................................................12 3.1 Mean mineral value of kudzu in July 2007............................................................21 3.2 Analysis of variance for the effects of treatment and depth on soil chemical properties (mg kg -1). Summer 2007............................................23 vi LIST OF FIGURES Figure Page 2.1 Aerial photographs of the study area from the years: a) 1938: Old field with agricultural terraces, b) 1965: Abandoned field with kudzu invasion, c) 2006: Abandoned field with continued growth of kudzu....................................................................11 2.2 Experimental layout (modified from Newton, 2008) ............................................13 3.1 Soil pH comparisons (mean values and standard errors) among treatments and depths.................................................................................22 3.2 Nitrogen concentrations (%) comparisons (mean values and standard errors) among treatments and depths.......................................................26 3.3 Carbon concentrations (%) comparisons (mean values and standard errors) among treatments and depths.......................................................28 3.4 Carbon-to-nitrogen ratio comparisons (mean values and standard errors) among treatments and depths.......................................................30 3.5 Nitrate (ppm) comparisons (mean values and standard errors) among treatments and depths .....................................................................32 3.6 Phosphorus (mg kg -1) comparisons (mean values and standard errors) among treatments and depths.......................................................34 3.7 Potassium (mg kg -1) comparisons (mean values and standard errors) among treatments and depths ......................................................36 3.8 Calcium (mg kg -1) comparisons (mean values and standard errors) among treatments and depths ......................................................38 3.9 Magnesium (mg kg -1) comparisons (mean values and standard errors) among treatments and depths................................................40 3.10 Zinc (mg kg -1) comparisons (mean values and standard errors) among treatments and depths ......................................................42 3.11 Manganese (mg kg -1) comparisons (mean values and standard errors) among treatments and depths................................................45 vii List of Figures (Continued) Figure Page 3.12 Copper (mg kg -1) comparisons (mean values and standard errors) among treatments and depths.......................................................47 3.13 Boron (mg kg -1) comparisons (mean values and standard errors) among treatments and depths.......................................................49 3.14 Sodium (mg kg -1) comparisons (mean values and standard errors) among treatments and depths.......................................................51 3.15 Total Base Saturation (%) comparisons (mean values and standard errors) among treatments and depths .....................................................................................................................53