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Soil Chemical Patterns under Eastern Oregon Plant Communities Dominated by Big Sagebrush¹

ABSTRACT

The objectives of this study were (i) to examine soil nutrient patterning in eastern Oregon plant communities dominated by subspecies of Artemisia tridentata Nutt., and (ii) to compare soil nutrient levels between adjacent sites characterized by contrasting amounts of sagebrush and perennial grasses. Horizontal and vertical soil chemical patterns were evident on all sites. Surface concentrations of nutrients were greates tunder shrubs in comparison to interspace and grass influenced soils. Values of total N, organic matter, K, and P tended to decrease with depth, while Mg concentrations generally increased in lower soil horizons. Soil pH was generally lower in upper soil horizons. Soil chemical differences between shrub, interspace and bunchgrass influenced soils became less distinct with increased soil depth. Differences in soil chemical levels between sites with a high proportion of perennial grasses to shrubs and sites with a low proportion of perennial grasses to shrubs were noted. However, no consistent patterns were evident.

¹ This research was a cooperative effort and jointly supported by the USDA, Agricultural Research Service, Eastern Oregon Agric. Res. Center, Squaw Butte Station, and Dep. of Rangeland Resources, Oregon State Univ. Agric. Exp. Stn. Tech. Paper no. 7132, Oregon Agric. Exp. Stn.

² Assistant Professor, Dep. of Rangeland Resources, Oregon State Univ., Corvallis, OR 97331, Associate Professor, Eastern Oregon Agric. Res. Cent., Squaw Butte Station, Star Rt. 1-4.51 Hwy. 205, Burns, OR 97720, and Regional Forest Ecologist, Regional Office, U.S. Forest Service, Fed. Office Building, 324-25th St., Ogden, UT 84401, respectively. Reprint requests should be sent to Dr. Doescher.

Received for publication March 28, 1983. Accepted for publication December 6, 1983.

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