Annual/Termination Reports:

[04/27/2011] [01/03/2012] [09/04/2012] [08/25/2013]

Report Information

Participants

Brief Summary of Minutes

Accomplishments

Publications

Impact Statements

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Report Information

Participants

Patrick Drohan (The Pennsylvania State University) patdrohan@psu.edu;
John Galbraith (Virginia Tech) john.galbraith@vt.edu;
Ray Knighton (USDA-NIFA) RKNIGHTON@NIFA.USDA.GOV;
Maxine Levine (USDA-NRCS) maxine.levin@wdc.usda.gov;
Henry Lin (The Pennsylvania State University) henrylin@psu.edu;
Monday Mbila (Alabama A&M University) monday.mbila@aamu.edu;
Marty Rabenhorst (Univ. Maryland) mrabenho@umd.edu;
Mickey Spokas (Univ. Massachusetts);
Mark Stolt (Univ. Rhode Island) mstolt@uri.edu;
Jim Thompson (West Virginia State University) James.Thompson@mail.wvu.edu;
Bruce Vasilas (Univ. Delaware) bvasilas@udel.edu;
Jon Wraith (Univ. New Hampshire) Jon.Wraith@unh.edu

Brief Summary of Minutes

Participants:

Patrick Drohan (The Pennsylvania State University) patdrohan@psu.edu
John Galbraith (Virginia Tech) john.galbraith@vt.edu
Ray Knighton (USDA-NIFA) RKNIGHTON@NIFA.USDA.GOV
Maxine Levine (USDA-NRCS) maxine.levin@wdc.usda.gov
Henry Lin (The Pennsylvania State University) henrylin@psu.edu
Monday Mbila (Alabama A&M University) monday.mbila@aamu.edu
Marty Rabenhorst (Univ. Maryland) mrabenho@umd.edu
Mickey Spokas (Univ. Massachusetts)
Mark Stolt (Univ. Rhode Island) mstolt@uri.edu
Jim Thompson (West Virginia State University) James.Thompson@mail.wvu.edu
Bruce Vasilas (Univ. Delaware) bvasilas@udel.edu
Jon Wraith (Univ. New Hampshire) Jon.Wraith@unh.edu

Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting

The 2011 meeting of the NE-1038 Multi-State Project Technical Committee was held at the San Antonio Convention Center San Antonio, Texas on October 16, 2011. Following introductions, project leader Mark Stolt (Univ. RI) opened the meeting at 11 AM by providing an overview of the projects three major objectives and how the work to date has supported the project.

Outreach Activities

Mark Stolt provided an overview of the past years outreach activities. These included:

1. The Graduate Student Pedology Field Tour was held in Rhode Island, and 37 people attended, including State Conservationists from RI and CT. Photos from this tour are available on Jim Turenne's WWW site: https://picasaweb.google.com/JimTurenne/2011NortheastPedologyTour?authuser=0&feat=directlink
2. Mark Stolt and Marty Rabenhorst (Univ. MD) conducted independent assessments of the Ability of Hydric Soil Practitioners to Estimate Soil Organic Carbon Content in the Mid-Atlantic and New England regions using members of the regional hydric soil technical committees.

Discussion of Soil Carbon field assessment:
a. Henry Lin suggested sets of standards be created for practice; Bruce Vasilas suggested this be brought to the field.
b. Henry Lin inquired if the upper expected accuracy was 70%; Mark Stolt and Marty Rabenhorst were not sure without further testing, but noted that Mark's student Matt Richardson was exceedingly competent at the method. This was attributed to practice with samples.
c. Marty noticed that having knowledge of the soils bulk density was important for accurate estimation, and suggested that perhaps the use of a field scale could help achieve this accuracy?
d. Maxine Levine noted that collaborative opportunities exist with the Soil Survey program to use their new VNIR equipment in these activities.

Research Activities
Four themed sessions were held focused on the multistate project participants related research.

I--Remote Sensing of Wetlands and Wetland Conditions
1. Predicting potentially wet soils in Pennsylvania using LiDAR (Patrick Drohan)
2. Using LiDAR to determine hydroperiod effects on soil properties in Delmarva Bay Wetlands (Marty Rabenhorst)
3. Developing wetness indices using LiDAR and Landsat imagery to detect wet soils and Landsat time-series and Z-score to detect wetland disturbance (John Galbraith)
4. Regional approach to soil organic carbon inventory using legacy data and pedometric techniques (Jim Thompson)
5. Soil hydrology dynamics in the Shale Hills Catchment (Henry Lin)
6. Conclusions and next steps:
a. Patrick Drohan was asked by Mark Stolt if he thought of proposing that the fragipan diagnostic horizon be dropped from Soil Taxonomy (fragic properties would remain). Patrick liked this idea, and felt a proposal could be devised to do so. Part of the justification of doing this is the fact that in soils with fragic properties, or fragipans, the hydrologic limitation is met regardless of the classification. Part of the justification for dropping the fragipan diagnostic subsurface horizon is the difficulty/ambiguity in recognizing there is a pan that meets all diagnostic subsurface horizon criteria. Jim Thompson offered research sites from West Virginia to help explore this issue.
b. Given the number of LiDAR projects, project members felt there was potential for more collaboration, and potential review papers outside of soil science journals.

II--Hydric Soil Indicators for Problem Soils and Systems
1. Presence/absence of the Piedmont flood plain hydric soils indicator in the S. piedmont Valley & Ridge Provinces (John Galbraith)
2. Hydric soil indicators for predicting hydroperiod (Bruce Vasilas)
3. Hydroperiod and field indicators of some North Alabama soils (Monday Mbila)
4. Red parent material indicator (Mark Stolt or Marty Rabenhorst)
5. Shallow spodic hydric soils (Bruce Vasilas)
6. Mesic spodic proposed indicator (Mark Stolt)
7. Recognizing hydric soils in Holocene age dunal landscapes (Marty Rabenhorst)
8. Conclusions and next steps
a. Discussion took place on potential data sharing between Delaware and Maryland in regards to the shallow spodic hydric soils research.
b. Discussion took place on expanded research on the mesic spodic indicator beyond New England. There is a potential for more research in Pennsylvania, Delaware, West Virginia, and Virginia.
c. Discussion took place on expansion of projects evaluating red parent materials in Pennsylvania and Virginia.

III--Subaqueous Soils
1. Anthropogenic subaqueous soils (Patrick Drohan)
2. Freshwater subaqueous soils (Mark Stolt)
3. Building interps for estuarine SAS (Mark Stolt)
4. Conclusions and next steps
a. Extensive discussion took place on the classification of freshwater hydric soils. Patrick Drohan presented several potential classifications for former subaerial Ultisols. There was debate as to whether this was an accurate reflection of genesis, or whether that mattered. Some felt that the classification should represent the pathway of soil formation, and the notion of a subaerial soil now flooded, did not accurately portray the subaqueous pathway in an anthropogenic environment. Others felt this was not a problem. Drohan will put forth a proposal to add the use of Wass to other Orders beyond Histosols and Entisols; the recent discovery of Inceptisols in Rhode Island subaqueous environments may also result in the addition of Wass.
b. Patrick Drohan mentioned the expansion of projects in Pennsylvania, and work on E. Coli that might make funding more successful in all subaqueous soil research.

IV--Soil Organic Carbon
1. Carbon across the landscape--Subaqueous, riparian-upland (Mark Stolt)
2. Carbon Pools, Sequestration, and Spatial Distribution in a Forested Catchment (Henry Lin)
3. Prediction of C pools in Natural vs Anthropogenic Landscapes (Patrick Drohan)
4. Sequestration and Stocks of Piedmont Slope Wetlands (Bruce Vasilas)
5. Sequestration and stocks in Vernal Pools (Mickey Spokas)
6. Carbon storage and sequestration in Delmarva Bays and Barrier Islands (Marty Rabenhorst)
7. Conclusions and next steps

a. Some discussion took place regarding the changes in carbon pools due to human activity. Ray Knighton noted that the nitrogen analyses with our carbon accounting would be a good addition, and perhaps make funding more likely from NIFA.

b. Some discussion took place on the idea that line of research is a good crossover into the ecology field, and could be used as a way to reach out to ecologists to show them what soil science can contribute

Comments and suggestions from project administrators (Jon Wraith and Ray Knighton)
1. Substantial discussion took place as to whether a two day or shorter meeting was needed, and whether we could meet in conjunction with another meeting.
a. Several in attendance felt the costs of going to multiple meetings were prohibitive, and that working within the timeframe of another meeting was helpful to keep costs down.
b. Henry Lin inquired as to how many Multistate Project groups met for more than one day; it seems the Physics group is the best example.
c. There was debate as to whether graduate students should participate. One potential problem with their participation is added costs.
d. The Project Administrators suggested a one day meeting was likely sufficient for our group.
2. Discussion took place on the status of NIFA funding. Our project administrators noted that NIFA funding and staff could face significant cuts in the coming year.
3. Our project administrators suggested we incorporate research focusing on assessing carbon changes across the landscape and reactive nitrogen.
a. The addition of reactive nitrogen into our research would be beneficial, and perhaps increase funding success with proposals.
b. In addition, research on climate change adaptation and mitigation was popular for funding, and fit our general area of research.
c. One potential question for the group is what are the baseline carbon pools in these systems we are studying?
d. A potential program to focus on is the critical thresholds/foundational program (this may change under new leadership at NIFA).

The next meeting site and time period was not determined. One suggestion was prior to the Northeast Regional Soil Survey Conference in Maine. Maxine Levine offered us a space for the meeting if we chose to use that venue.

Meeting adjourned at 4:30 pm.

Minutes prepared by Patrick Drohan, Pennsylvania State University.

Accomplishments

Accomplishments<br /> <br /> Objective 1. Evaluate the potential use of field indicators of hydric soils to characterize wetland hydroperiods with respect to frequency, depth, and duration of water table fluctuations; test the effectiveness of proposed hydric soil indicators to identify 'problem hydric soils'; test monitoring protocols used to identify reducing conditions to determine if they are effective within a range of soil conditions within the northeast; and investigate the hydraulic properties of hydromorphic soils with episaturation.<br /> <br /> (MD) In culmination of 10+ years of work coordinated with the Mid-Atlantic Hydric soils committee, we finally completed the proposal for new field indicator F21 (Red Parent Materials) which was to replace TF2. Work at sites in Maryland, Pennsylvania and West Virginia indicated that the threshold levels of redoximorphic features specified in the TF2 indicator were too low for the proof positive requirement of Field Indicators of Hydric Soils, so TF2 was modified in the development of the F21 indicator to ensure that it identified only soils known to be hydric. Barrier islands represent a key ecosystem for marine and terrestrial species; of particular importance are freshwater ponds and wetlands found throughout the islands. We initiated a study to examine the morphology and hydrology of soils along topographic transects in different landscape units. Through this work we hope to 1) understand how hydrology is reflected in the soil morphology, and 2) identify morphological properties that can be used to positively identify hydric soils in these settings. The primary study site for this work is Assateague Island National Seashore. Representative transects have been identified and instrumented to document water table levels and reducing conditions in soils.<br /> <br /> (PA) Five hillslopes across the Conewago Creek watershed were instrumented with soil moisture and temperature sensors, and piezometers above within/below the fragipan. Water tables are being monitored in order to determine periods of the year when surface or near-surface saturation occurs. These data are being used to calibrate a LIDAR based model of potential surface wetness, which can be used to predict spatial occurrences of hydric soils, carbon hot spots, and landscape positions prone to saturation excess. A similar study is being conducted across shallow and deep natural gas development sites. Results are being field-verified to determine the models effectiveness to identify un-mapped wetlands and landscapes where gas infrastructure could have a detrimental environmental effect. <br /> <br /> (DE) A field project was initiated in 2011 to determine the range in water table characteristics for a hydrogeomorphic sequence that includes shallow spodics, and to develop a test indicator for consideration as a Field Indicator of Hydric Soils to identify poorly drained shallow spodics. A transect was established across an area that has never been plowed and is unaffected by drainage ditches. The soils, driest to wettest include Pepperbox (Arenic Paleudults), Klej (Aquic Quartzipsamments), Atsion (Aeric Alaquods), and Mullica (Typic Humaquepts). Five plots were established along the transect. Automated water table monitoring wells (pressure transducers) were installed and full soil descriptions conducted in each plot. IRIS tubes will be installed in March 2012. A field project was conducted at 24 Piedmont slope wetlands to determine if Field Indicators of Hydric Soils can be used to characterize hydroperiod. Water table data were collected daily for a minimum of 30 months by automated monitoring wells. Field Indicators found at multiple sites included: F3, Depleted matrix; A11, Depleted below dark surface; F6, Redox dark surface; and A3, Black histic. Sites with indicator F3 commonly also had indicator A11, so the two sets were combined. Hydroperiod for each indicator set were analyzed for the number of times annually the water rose to or above the depths of 0 cm and 15 cm (0, 15), and then fell below each depth (annual fluctuation number), and the percentage of the year that the water table was at or shallower than 0 cm and 15 cm (% exceedence). Annual fluctuation numbers (0, 15) for each indicator class were: F3/A11-8, 9; F6-5, 4; A3-2, 2. Percentage exceedence values (0, 15) were: F3/A11-19, 58; F6-55, 81; A3-81, 97. These results indicate that Field Indicators can be used in rapid assessment programs to characterize hydroperiods.<br /> <br /> (RI) Three sites were instrumented and monitored in Rhode Island and Massachusetts to test the proposed Mesic Spodic hydric soil test indicator (TA-6). The New England Hydric Soil technical Committee visited the sites during a field tour led by Mark Stolt, Jim Turenne (NRCS), and Peter Fletcher (retired NRCS). All three sites met the TA-6 indicator. Hydrology and reducing conditions met National Technical Hydric Soil Standards. Continued monitoring will need to be completed before data can be forwarded to the National Technical Committee for their review. The former TF-2 indicator for soils with Red Parent Materials has been replaced in with F-21 in the National Hydric Soils Indicators. The two sites in New England being monitored for testing of TF-2 were evaluated based on the new F-21 indicator. The F-21 indicator worked for some of the hydric soils at one of the sites (Auer Farm). The F-21 indicator failed at the second site (Wadsworth Estate) which was visited and discussed during the NE Graduate Student Pedology Field Tour. Further evaluation of TF-2 and F-21 is needed in New England.<br /> <br /> Objective 2. Initiate the development of a set of subaqueous soil-based use and management interpretations for applications in shallow-subtidal habitats of the northeast; investigate the spatial extent freshwater subaqueous soils in riverine settings in the northeast; and document the physical, chemical, and morphological properties of freshwater subaqueous soils. <br /> <br /> (PA) Work continues on Black Moshannon Lake to more closely examine the pedogensis and classification of freshwater subaqueous soils in an Appalachian Plateau impoundment. These soils are not accommodated under the new subaqueous taxa introduced last year in Soil Taxonomy because of the presence of cambic horizons, fragipan characteristics, and histic and umbric epipedons. As such, we proposed new subaqueous classifications: Histic Frasiwassept (subaerial: Typic Humaquept); Typic Frasiwassept (subaerial: Typic Endoaquept); and Fragic Frasiwassept (subaerial: Typic Endoaquept). The proposed classifications are presented in a manuscript currently in review at Soil Use and Management. Work has begun on a second former water body (Lake Perez), which was recently drained for dam maintenance. LIDAR data of the drained lake were acquired to map landscape units and identify areas within the lake to sample for soil description and characterization. Lake Perez is scheduled to be refilled in Spring 2012.<br /> <br /> (RI) Work continued to build interpretations for estuarine subaqueous soils. This year experiments were established to test for the best soils for oyster aquaculture, whether on-the-bottom had the same success and soil effects as in-tray aquaculture, and if certain soils were better for settling of oyster larvae for restoring oyster stocks. Sedimentation rates were determined to test if some sites would be poor sites because of siltation effects. Dredged areas were sampled to examine effects on soil ecology and their response time in recovering after dredging. Freshwater subaqueous soils in natural and impounded water bodies were characterized and classified to investigate if there were differences between the two types of ecosystems. Histosols (Fraasiwassits) dominated most of the six sites being studied. Histic epipedons were found in a number of locations, some as a function of invasive species, suggesting under current Soil Taxonomy the subaqueous Inceptisols (Wassepts) need to be recognized. Freshwater and estuarine subaqueous soils were featured during the NE Graduate Student Pedology Field Tour.<br /> <br /> Objective 3. Quantify and better understand carbon pools in a range of hydromorphic, wetland, created wetland, and subaqueous soil settings; test the relationship between surface soil C and field indicators of hydric soils; and test the application of various digital geospatial analysis tools and related statistical analysis to model C-pools across the landscape based on point and polygonal carbon data.<br /> <br /> (PA) Work has begun to examine differences in SOC pools among States of Ecological Sites in MLRA 127 and 140. Pools are being estimated to depths of 40 cm (International Panel on Climate Change depth of interest) and to 1 m. <br /> (DE) A field project has been completed with the initial objectives of 1) assessing soil organic carbon (SOC) levels and profile distribution in 22 Piedmont slope wetlands, and 2) identifying rapid assessment variables for SOC levels. Mean SOC stock was 38 kg/m2. Soil profile distribution of SOC was 47% in the subsoil (not including Ab and Ob horizons), 19% in Ab and Ob horizons, and 34% in surface O and B horizons. No rapid assessment variables were identified as significant for SOC as there were poor statistical relationships between SOC and taxonomic subgroup, geomorphic position, or hydroperiod class.<br /> <br /> (WV) Work continued on the development and application of improved methodologies to map the spatial variability of SOC stocks at regional scales. Spatial disaggregation techniques and soil-landscape modeling are being used to develop spatially-explicit regional models of SOC variability using data from existing databases, including the USDA-NRCS Soil Survey Geographic (SSURGO) database. Disaggregated map data yields different SOC estimates. For example, for a case study in the Eastern Allegheny Plateau and Mountains, the disaggregated data predicted a 6% higher average SOC content compared to the published SSURGO data for the area.<br /> <br /> (MA) We are examining carbon stocks within a range of vernal pools in glaciated landscapes to determine the effects of landscape setting, hydrology, and parent materials on carbon stocks. Study sites were stratified by parent materials: alluvium, outwash, ice-contact stratified, and lacustrine. Three replicates of the four parent materials were established for a total of 12 study sites. Soils were sampled to at least 50 cm at three landscape settings: the basin of the vernal pool, at the boundary between the vernal pool and upland, and in the adjacent upland. <br /> <br /> (MD) Work continued on quantifying soil organic C pools in Delmarva Bay landscapes. A strategy using paired comparisons was devised to evaluate the effects of agricultural drainage and cultivation on soil carbon stocks. Soil organic C stocks were substantially (and significantly) greater in natural Delmarva Bay landscapes when compared with agriculturally impacted Delmarva Bay landscapes. Observed carbon differences in the better drained rim positions were interpreted to be the results of vegetation changes (from forest to annual agricultural monocultures) and cultivation. Even greater differences in soil carbon attributed to land used were observed among the wetland (basin) landscape positions, which also had significantly greater soil carbon in the natural sites vs the agricultural sites. Lower carbon stocks in the agriculturally cultivated basins positions were attributed both to drainage creating more oxidizing conditions, as well as the vegetational changes. Studies are currently underway to quantify soil carbon stocks in barrier island landscapes. It is anticipated that the two primary factors governing soil carbon pools in these settings will be 1) landscape age or stability and 2) topographic position, which will be closely related to the depth to the soil water table.<br /> <br /> (RI) Carbon stocks and sequestration rates continued to be studied in New England across the landscape. Based on multiple indices to identify land use periods and dates in southern New England riparian soils the majority of the soil organic carbon (SOC) stored in regional first and second order riparian soils is of post-colonial origins. Net SOC sequestration rates (ranging from 0.2 to 2.6 Mg C ha-1 yr-1) showed an approximate 200-fold increase since pre-colonial times. Average rates (modern mean of 0.81 Mg C ha-1 yr-1) and (colonial-agrarian mean of 0.53 Mg C ha-1 yr-1) were similar to upland forests in our previous studies. Freshwater subaqueous soil carbon stocks were found to be similar to subaerial soils. Sequestration rates of these subaqueous soils are still being determined.

Publications

Andrews, D.M., H.S. Lin, Q. Zhu, L. Jin, and S.L. Brantley. 2011. Dissolved organic carbon export and soil carbon storage in the Shale Hills Critical Zone Observatory. Vadose Zone Journal 10:943954.<br /> <br /> Castellano, M.J., J.P. Schmidt, J.P. Kaye, C. Walker, C. Graham, H.S. Lin, and C. Dell. 2011. Hydrological controls on heterotrophic soil respiration across an agricultural landscape. Geoderma 162:273-280.<br /> <br /> Graham, C., and H.S. Lin. 2011. Controls and frequency of preferential flow occurrence: A 175-event analysis. Vadose Zone Journal 10:816831.<br /> <br /> Harman, M.B., J.A. Thompson, E.M. Pena-Yewtukhiw, L.M. McDonald, and J. Beard. 2011. Preferential flow in pastures on benchmark soils in West Virginia. Soil Science, 176: 509-519.<br /> <br /> Hetu, M. L. and M. C. Rabenhorst. 2010. Assessing Reducing Conditions in Soils along a Topohydrosequence. Abstract. Annual Meetings of the Soil Science Society of America. Long Beach, CA.<br /> <br /> Hetu, M. L. and M. C. Rabenhorst. 2010. Effects of Carbon and Temperature on Time to become Reducing: A Mesocosm Study. Abstract. Annual Meetings of the Soil Science Society of America. Long Beach, CA.<br /> <br /> Jin, L., D. M. Andrews, G. H. Holmes, H.S. Lin, and S. L. Brantley. 2011. Opening the black box: Water chemistry reveals hydrological controls on weathering in the Susquehanna Shale Hills Critical Zone Observatory. Vadose Zone Journal 10:928942.<br /> <br /> Lin, H.S., J. Hopmans, and D. Richter (Editors). 2011. Interdisciplinary Sciences in the Critical Zone Observatories. Vadose Zone Journal special issue. 10:781-987.<br /> <br /> Lin, H.S. 2011. Three principles of soil change and pedogenesis in time and space. Soil Science Society of America Journal 75: 20492070.<br /> <br /> Lin, H.S. 2011. Hydropedology: Towards new insights into interactive pedologic and hydrologic processes in the landscape. Journal of Hydrology 406:141145.<br /> <br /> Lin, H.S., J. Hopmans, and D. Richter. 2011. Interdisciplinary sciences in a global network of Critical Zone Observatories. Vadose Zone Journal 10:781785.<br /> <br /> Rabenhorst, M. C. 2010. Visual Assessment of IRIS Tubes in Field Testing for Soil Reduction. Wetlands 30:847852. <br /> <br /> Rabenhorst, M. C. and M. H. Stolt. 2010. Perspectives on the Sampling and Processing of Soils from Tidal Marsh and Subaqueous Environments. Abstract. Annual Meetings of the Soil Science Society of America. Long Beach, CA.<br /> <br /> Ricker, M.C., S.W. Donohue, M.H. Stolt, and M.S. Zavada. 2011. Development and application of multi-proxy indices of land use change for riparian soils of southern New England, USA. Ecological Applications (in press).<br /> <br /> Stolt, M.H., and M.C. Rabenhorst. 2011. Subaqueous Soils. In Y. Li and M.E. Sumner (eds.) Handbook of Soil Science, 2nd edition. CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL.<br /> <br /> Salisbury, A., and M.H. Stolt. Estuarine subaqueous soil temperature. Soil Science Society of America Journal (in press).<br /> <br /> Stolt, M., M. Bradley, J. Turenne, M. Payne, E. Scherer, G. Cicchetti, E. Shumchenia, M. Guarinello, J. King, J. Boothroyd, B. Oakley, C. Thornber, and P. August. 2011. Mapping Shallow Coastal Ecosystems: A Case Study of a Rhode Island Lagoon. Journal of Coastal Research 27:1-15.<br /> <br /> Takagi, K. and H.S. Lin. 2011. Temporal evolution of soil moisture spatial variability in the Shale Hills catchment. Vadose Zone Journal 10:832842.<br /> <br /> Zhu, Q., and H.S. Lin. 2011. Impacts of soil properties, terrain attributes, and crop growth on soil moisture in an agricultural landscape. Geoderma 163:4554.

Impact Statements

1. Personnel from this Multistate Project have provided soil characterization data to the USDA-NRCS for their nation-wide soils data base.
2. Graduate students and USDA-NRCS soil scientists and leaders were trained during the NE Regional Pedology Field Tour.
3. Over 20 members of the Mid-Atlantic and New England Hydric Soil Technical Committees were trained to better estimate SOC contents and identify mineral, mucky-mineral, and organic soil materials.
4. National hydric soil indicator F-21 was submitted by Multistate Project participants and approved for use.
5. Research in Pennsylvania has documented that Marcellus Shale drilling infrastructure is changing surface hydrology across landscapes. This research can help to identify areas of the landscape where surface water movement is altered, and which may affect existing wetlands, road placement/maintenance, vegetation, amphibian habitat, and carbon storage.
6. Pennsylvania LiDAR modeling, focused on predicting saturation excess across the landscape, is laying the foundation for development of a landscape based, real time, internet weather forecasting tool to help farmers determine when fertilizer should be applied in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed.
7. Drohan has been appointed to Pennsylvanias Department of Conservation and Natural Resource Gas Task Force, and has presented his Marcellus hydrologic landscape change research to the task force.

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Report Information

Participants

Drohan, Patrick (patdrohan@psu.edu) - The Pennsylvania State University
Galbraith, John (john.galbraith@vt.edu) - Virginia Tech
Rabenhorst, Marty (mrabenho@umd.edu) - University of Maryland
Stolt, Mark (mstolt@uri.edu) - University of Rhode Island
Thompson, Jim (james.thompson@mail.wvu.edu) - West Virginia University
Vasilas, Bruce (bvasilas@udel.edu) - University of Delaware

Brief Summary of Minutes

Accomplishments

Objective 1. Evaluate the potential use of field indicators of hydric soils to characterize wetland hydroperiods with respect to frequency, depth, and duration of water table fluctuations; test the effectiveness of proposed hydric soil indicators to identify 'problem hydric soils'; test monitoring protocols used to identify reducing conditions to determine if they are effective within a range of soil conditions within the northeast; and investigate the hydraulic properties of hydromorphic soils with episaturation.<br /> <br /> (VA) Hydric Soils in the Mid-Atlantic: Indicator F-19 has been confirmed at multiple sites in LRR S and N and P. These data will be written up and presented to Lenore Vasilas to request extended approval for that indicator. An approach to find anthropogenic hydric soils by identifying sinks using the topographic wetness index was tested. A field study in a Triassic Basin near Manassas, VA confirmed that almost all sites identified as sinks are actually the head of drains that have been cut off by a road or railroad or other anthropogenic landform. About 25-33% of these areas contain hydric soils, regardless of what they were originally mapped by USDA-NRCS. These areas are likely wetland mitigation sites. A study to test the use of IRIS tubes in the fall of the year was successful. IRIS tube results according to the National Technical Standard agreed with redox probe readings, alpha-alpha dypyridil indicator strips, and observed water tables in fall months before multiple killing frosts. The IRIS tube data failed to meet the NTS requirement after the killing frost, but may meet the requirement proposed by Dr. Martin Rabenhorst. <br /> <br /> (MD) Hydromorphology of Holocene Dunal Landscapes: This work in being led by doctoral candidate Annie Rossi with study sites focused on Assateague Island. Ten transects have been identified in barrier core and overwash landscapes with each transect extending between hydric and non-hydric soils. Soils have been instrumented to document water table levels and IRIS tubes have been used to document soil reduction at all sites. Comparisons will be made between soil morphology and the data collected for water tables and soil reduction in an attempt to identify some morphological feature(s) that may be useful in recognizing hydric soils in the young dunal landscapes. <br /> Hydroperiod Effects on Soil Properties of Delmarva Bay Wetlands: Using remotely sensed data and LiDAR data with topographic models, depressional wetlands on the Delmarva Peninsula were differentiated into two groups based on whether they were wet not only in normal years but also in dry years. Morphological examination by MS student Dan Fenstermacher demonstrated that those sites where wetland conditions persist even in dry years have stronger expression of O and A horizons and store significantly greater amounts of organic carbon. Future efforts by MS student Chris Palardy will examine microtopographic variations in both natural and restored wetland sites with regard to processes leading to the accumulation of soil organic carbon. <br /> <br /> (RI) Three sites are being monitored in Rhode Island and Massachusetts to test the proposed Mesic Spodic hydric soil test indicator (TA-6). The former TF-2 indicator for soils with Red Parent Materials has been replaced in with F-21 in the National Hydric Soils Indicators. The two sites in New England have been monitored for testing of TF-2 over the last 2 years. Three additional sites were added this year for monitoring. A proposed hydric soil indicator for New England red-parent material hydric soils is being developed.<br /> <br /> (PA) Five hillslopes across the Conewago Creek watershed were instrumented with soil moisture and temperature sensors, and piezometers above within/below the restricting layer. Water tables are being monitored in order to determine periods of the year when surface or near-surface saturation occurs. These data are being used to calibrate a LIDAR based model of potential surface wetness, which could be used to predict spatial occurrences of hydric soils, carbon hot spots, and landscape positions prone to saturation excess. Results are being field-verified to determine the models effectiveness to identify un-mapped wetlands and landscapes where natural gas infrastructure could have a detrimental environmental effect. Across northern Pennsylvania we are quantifying hydrologic change on multiple elements of shale-gas infrastructure. Data being collected will be used to train PA DCNR Bureau of Forestry personal in the application of field protocols specific to monitoring soil and hydrologic change due to shale-gas infrastructure development.<br /> <br /> (DE) A field project was initiated in 2011 to determine the range in water table characteristics for a hydrogeomorphic sequence that includes shallow spodics, and to develop a test indicator for consideration as a Field Indicator of Hydric Soils to identify poorly drained shallow spodics. A transect was established across an area that has never been plowed and is unaffected by drainage ditches. The soils, driest to wettest include Pepperbox (Arenic Paleudults), Klej (Aquic Quartzipsamments), Atsion (Aeric Alaquods), and Mullica (Typic Humaquepts). Five plots were established along the transect. Automated water table monitoring wells (pressure transducers) were installed and full soil descriptions conducted in each plot. IRIS tubes were installed in March, 2012.<br /> <br /> (WV) Efforts continue to monitor soil hydrology within a small (~50 ha) headwater watershed in the Eastern Allegany Plateau and Mountains (MLRA 127) of north-central West Virginia. The watershed is dominated by soils with a water-restrictive fragipan, and the observed soils are benchmark soils that are representative of fragipan soils throughout the region. With almost three years of data now available, enough information is becoming available to assess seasonal and landscape influences on the frequency, depth, and duration of episaturation, and relate these water table dynamics to observed and measured soil physical and morphological properties. Concept models of seasonal hydrology across this landscape, including multiple perched water tables, have been developed.<br /> <br /> Objective 2. Initiate the development of a set of subaqueous soil-based use and management interpretations for applications in shallow-subtidal habitats of the northeast; investigate the spatial extent freshwater subaqueous soils in riverine settings in the northeast; and document the physical, chemical, and morphological properties of freshwater subaqueous soils. <br /> <br /> (RI) Work continued to build interpretations for estuarine subaqueous soils. Soil type was shown to significantly affect oyster growth for in-tray aquaculture. This years experiments were established to test for the best soils for oyster aquaculture on-the-bottom using oysters larger than 6 cm from last years in-tray experiments. Sedimentation rates suggested that food sources were sufficient for oyster growth and that siltation effects are still questionable. Certain sites are being monitored again this year. This years focus is on pH issues related to ocean acidification from seasonal oxidation of sulfidic materials at the soil surface and effects on oyster recruitment and larval shell formation. Five new soil series were proposed and accepted by the Soil Survey Division of the USDA-NRCS for use in mesic freshwater soils in the northeast. Soil classification of subaqueous soils continued.<br /> <br /> Objective 3. Quantify and better understand carbon pools in a range of hydromorphic, wetland, created wetland, and subaqueous soil settings; test the relationship between surface soil C and field indicators of hydric soils; and test the application of various digital geospatial analysis tools and related statistical analysis to model C-pools across the landscape based on point and polygonal carbon data.<br /> <br /> (MD) Work on carbon in Holocene dunal landscapes is being led by doctoral candidate Annie Rossi with study sites focused on Assateague Island. The main objectives are: 1) to document and understand organic C dynamics in soils on barrier island landscapes; 2) to evaluate the effects of landscape stability and age; 3) to assess the effects of topographic position and water tables. Soils have been sampled and carbon stocks are being measured. This coming year, efforts will be focused on estimating biomass inputs through collecting litterfall and measuring biomass. Samples will also be collected for OSL dating. <br /> <br /> (RI) Carbon stocks and sequestration rates continued to be studied across the landscape in New England. Freshwater subaqueous soil carbon stocks were found to be similar to subaerial soils. Sequestration rates of these freshwater subaqueous soils were similar to or greater than subaerial landscapes (0.5 to 1.2 Mg C ha-1 yr-1). Total Pb concentrations are being measured at 2.5 cm intervals (5 cm for soil materials deeper than 50 cm) to use as a marker for the year 1900. This stratigraphic marker will be used to estimate C-sequestration rates for estuarine subaqueous soils. <br /> <br /> (PA) Work has begun to examine differences in soil organic carbon pools among States of Ecological Sites in MLRA 127 and 140. Pools are being estimated to depths of 40 cm (International Panel on Climate Change depth of interest) and to 1 m. <br /> <br /> (WV) Efforts continue to produce raster-based digital soil property maps to support modeling at regional and continental scales as part of the GlobalSoilMap initiative. The soil properties of interest are organic carbon, particle size distribution (sand, silt, clay, coarse fragments), soil pH, effective cation exchange capacity, bulk density, available water capacity, depth to bedrock, and depth to limiting layer. Soil property estimates will be made at six depth increments (05 cm, 515 cm, 1530 cm, 3060 cm, 60100 cm and 100200 cm), and will be accompanied by estimates of uncertainty. The primary data source for preliminary data products for the United States component of GlobalSoilMap is the 1:250,000-scale State Soil Geographic (STATSGO2) database. Equal-area spline functions were applied to the soil components of STATSGO2 map units in order to obtain estimates of soil properties at the standard depth increments. Using these estimates, weighted means for each soil property were calculated for each STATSGO2 map unit at each depth increment. In addition, we have produced metadata maps, which are essential for avoiding misunderstandings about reported soil property values.<br />

Publications

Bakken, J.M., and M.H. Stolt. 2011. Soil Survey Investigations of Freshwater Subaqueous Soils: Carbon Accounting and Invasive Species. Abstracts. Annual Meetings of the Soil Science Society of America, San Antonio, TX.<br /> <br /> Drohan, P.J., and M. Brittingham. Topographic and soil-specific challenges facing shale gas development in the northcentral Appalachians. Soil Science Society of America Journal, doi:10.2136/sssaj2012.0087<br /> <br /> Drohan, P. J., M. Brittingham, J. Bishop and K. Yoder. 2012. Early trends in landcover change and forest fragmentation due to shale-gas development in Pennsylvania: a potential outcome for the northcentral Appalachians. Environmental Management 49:1061-1075.<br /> <br /> Erich, E., and P.J. Drohan. 2012. Genesis of freshwater subaqueous soils following flooding of a subaerial landscape. Geoderma 179-180:53-62. <br /> <br /> Odgers, N.P., Z. Libohova and J.A. Thompson. 2012. Equal-area spline functions applied to a legacy soil database to create weighted-means maps of soil organic carbon at a continental scale. Geoderma 189-190:153-163.<br /> <br /> Rabenhorst, M.C., and M.H. Stolt. 2012. Subaqueous Soils: Pedogenesis, Mapping, and Applications. pp. 173204. In: Lin, H. (Ed.), Hydropedology: Synergistic Integration of Soil Science and Hydrology. Academic Press, Waltham, MA. <br /> <br /> Rabenhorst, M. C., and M. H. Stolt. 2012. Field estimations of soil organic carbon. Soil Science Society of America Journal 76:1478-1481.<br /> <br /> Ricker, M., B.G. Lockaby, and M.H. Stolt. 2011 Soil Carbon Pools In Forested Riverine Landscapes. Abstracts. Annual Meetings of the Soil Science Society of America, San Antonio, TX.<br /> <br /> Stolt, M.H., and M.C. Rabenhorst. 2011. Evaluation of the Ability of Hydric Soil Practitioners to Estimate the Quantity of Soil Organic Carbon. Abstracts. Annual Meetings of the Soil Science Society of America, San Antonio, TX. <br /> <br /> Stolt, M.H. 2011. Rapid Carbon Accounting In Soil Survey: Effects of Methodology On Estimates of Soil Organic Carbon Stocks. Abstracts. Annual Meetings of the Soil Science Society of America, San Antonio, TX. <br /> <br /> Thompson, J.A., S. Roecker, S. Grunwald, and P.R. Owens. 2012. Digital Soil Mapping: Interactions with and Applications for Hydropedology. p. 665-709. In: Lin, H. (ed.), Hydropedology: Synergistic Integration of Soil Science and Hydrology. Academic Press, Waltham, MA.<br /> <br />

Impact Statements

1. Personnel from this Multi-State Project provided soil characterization data to the USDA-NRCS for their nation-wide soils data base.
2. Hydric soil scientists and USDA-NRCS soil scientists and leaders were trained during our outreach activities.
3. Five new soil series were proposed and accepted by the Soil Survey Division of the USDA-NRCS for use in mesic freshwater soils in the northeast.
4. Hydropedology research done in Pennsylvania by Dr. Drohan on the Footprint of Fracking was featured in the international CSA News science section.
5. The national Coastal and Marine Ecological Classification Standard was FGDC-approved. Our work insured that within the document the soils approach to classify shallow water substrate is an acceptable standard and that it is recommended that the subaqueous soils approach to classification be used when use and management interpretations are to be made.

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Report Information

Participants

See attached minutes.

Brief Summary of Minutes

See attached.

Accomplishments

Objective 1. Evaluate the potential use of field indicators of hydric soils to characterize wetland hydroperiods with respect to frequency, depth, and duration of water table fluctuations; test the effectiveness of proposed hydric soil indicators to identify 'problem hydric soils'; test monitoring protocols used to identify reducing conditions to determine if they are effective within a range of soil conditions within the northeast; and investigate the hydraulic properties of hydromorphic soils with episaturation.<br /> <br /> (VA) Studies of hydric soil indicator F-19; identifying anthropogenic hydric soils using the Topographic Wetness Index; and the use of IRIS tubes in the fall of the year were completed and publications are currently in preparation. <br /> <br /> (MD) Hydromorphology of Holocene Dunal Landscapes: Because of difficulties in identifying hydric soils in Holocene-aged barrier island landscapes we initiated a study to possibly develop field indicators that could be used to effectively recognize hydric soils in these environments. Efforts led by Doctoral candidate Annie Rossi focused on studying water tables, reducing conditions and morphology in soils along ten topographic transects at Assateague Island National Seashore. Hydric soils were best identified by the presence of soil colors with chroma less than 2 in mineral soils, or the presence of at least 1 cm of muck (Oa horizon) with a chroma of 2 or less. This has led to a proposed revision to hydric soil field indicator A9 (1.0 cm muck) and also of a new indicator, both of which will be restricted for use in Holocene-aged barrier island landscapes. <br /> <br /> Properties and Processes Affecting Soil Functions in Natural and Restored Wetlands: Working in conjunction with the ARS, MS student Chris Palardy is studying soil properties of ten restored and five natural depressional wetlands on the Delmarva Peninsula, and how these properties relate to the performance of wetland soil functions. A major focus of research will be the interplay of topography and hydroperiod on wetland function with regard to processes leading to the accumulation of soil organic carbon. At each site, plots along three replicate transects will be instrumented and monitored. Soil reduction is being assessed using IRIS tubes and organic matter decomposition is being documented using a buried stick method. These data will be related to soil carbon stocks to be determined in each plot. The degree of soil compaction will also be evaluated by using a handheld penetrometer. We anticipate that gaining a better understanding of soil function in restored wetlands and the degree to which compaction effects caused by construction may persist following restoration activities. <br /> <br /> (RI) Three sites continued to be monitored in Rhode Island and Massachusetts to test the proposed Mesic Spodic hydric soil test indicator (TA-6). The former TF-2 indicator for soils with Red Parent Materials has been replaced in with F-21 in the National Hydric Soils Indicators. The two sites in New England have been monitored for testing of TF-2 over the last 2 years. Three additional sites were added last year for monitoring. Both years monitoring suggested that the Tf-2 indicator was a better approach than F-21 for identifying hydric soils in these parent materials. A proposed hydric soil indicator for New England red-parent material hydric soils is being developed.<br /> <br /> (PA) Five hillslopes across the Conewago Creek watershed, one in the Spring Creek watershed, one in the Spruce Creek watershed, one in Anderson Creek watershed, and three in the Octoraro Creek watershed have been instrumented with soil moisture and temperature sensors, and piezometers above within/below the restricting layer. Water tables are being monitored in order to determine periods of the year when surface or near-surface saturation occurs. These data are being used to calibrate a GPR/EM/LiDAR based model of potential surface wetness, which can be used to predict spatial occurrences of hydric soils, carbon hot spots, and landscape positions prone to saturation excess. Results are being field-verified to determine the models effectiveness to identify un-mapped wetlands and landscapes where gas infrastructure could have a detrimental environmental effect. Across northern Pennsylvania we are quantifying hydrologic change on multiple elements of shale-gas infrastructure. Data being collected will be used to train PA DCNR Bureau of Forestry personal in the application of field protocols specific to monitoring soil and hydrologic change due to shale-gas infrastructure development. Across Northern Pennsylvania we are developing a hydric soil prediction model based on LiDAR derived landscape metrics.<br /> <br /> (DE) Efforts continue to determine the range in water table characteristics for a hydrogeomorphic sequence that includes shallow spodics, and to develop a test indicator for consideration as a Field Indicator of Hydric Soils to identify poorly drained shallow spodics. A transect was established in 2011 across an area that has never been plowed and is unaffected by drainage ditches. The soils, driest to wettest include Pepperbox (Arenic Paleudults), Klej (Aquic Quartzipsamments), Atsion (Aeric Alaquods), and Mullica (Typic Humaquepts). Five plots were established along the transect. Unlike 2012 which had below average precipitation, 2013 has had near average precipitation. IRIS tubes were installed in January 2013 and pulled in late April after the water tables dropped significantly.<br /> <br /> (WV) Efforts continue to monitor soil hydrology within a small (~50 ha) headwater watershed in the Eastern Allegany Plateau and Mountains (MLRA 127) of north-central West Virginia. The watershed is dominated by soils with a water-restrictive fragipan, and the observed soils are benchmark soils that are representative of fragipan soils throughout the region.<br /> <br /> (MA) Six vernal pools in two landscape settings have been instrumented with redox probes (3 replicate probes at 3 different depths  15, 30, and 45 cm), wells, nested piezometers (50 and 100 cm) and temperature probes at 25 and 50 cm depths, Data were collected for 24 months consecutively. Four soil pits within each pool were dug, logged and samples taken for textural analysis, organic matter content, pH measurement. Each pit location was used for application of the Regional Hydric Soil Indicators. A MS Thesis of the data and a refereed manuscript are in progress for submittal in August and early fall, respectively.<br /> <br /> Objective 2. Initiate the development of a set of subaqueous soil-based use and management interpretations for applications in shallow-subtidal habitats of the northeast; investigate the spatial extent freshwater subaqueous soils in riverine settings in the northeast; and document the physical, chemical, and morphological properties of freshwater subaqueous soils.<br /> <br /> (RI) Work continued to build interpretations for estuarine subaqueous soils. Soil type was shown to significantly affect oyster growth in-tray aquaculture. Some sites followed previous models where courser soils had higher growth rates. Other sites did not, suggesting that ecosystem stressors from other sources may complicate soil-shellfish growth relationships. Sedimentation rates suggested that food sources were sufficient for oyster growth and that siltation effects are still questionable. Selected sites are being monitored again this year. Last year experiments were established to test for the best soils for oyster aquaculture on-the-bottom using oysters larger than 6 cm from the previous years in-tray experiments, and those studies will continue this year. Studies of coastal acidity continue at selected sites to identify coastal acidity stressors on shellfish and which soils may be the most important to recognize for coastal acidification.<br /> <br /> (PA) Sampled former subaqueous soils across the now drained Penn State reservoir, Lake Perez. Former subaqueous landforms have been mapped, soil morphology described and classified, and elemental XRF analysis completed. We are now determining LOI carbon and pH. A second sampling campaign will begin late-summer 2013 to determine patters of total and methyl Hg across the drained lake-bed. The lake will be refilled Spring 2014 and we will re-sample sampling post-filling.<br /> <br /> Objective 3. Quantify and better understand carbon pools in a range of hydromorphic, wetland, created wetland, and subaqueous soil settings; test the relationship between surface soil C and field indicators of hydric soils; and test the application of various digital geospatial analysis tools and related statistical analysis to model C-pools across the landscape based on point and polygonal carbon data.<br /> <br /> (MD) Carbon in Holocene Dunal Landscapes. This project focused on Assateague Island is being led by Doctoral candidate Annie Rossi. The primary research objectives are: to document and understand organic C dynamics in soils on barrier island landscapes; to evaluate the effects of landscape stability and age; to assess the effects of topographic position and water tables. Soils have been sampled and carbon stocks have been measured. This year we have been collecting litterfall and measuring biomass in an effort to estimate organic carbon inputs to these systems. We are currently in the process of analyzing these samples for OC. Samples were also collected this year for OSL dating and we are currently awaiting those results.<br /> <br /> (RI) Total Pb, Zn, and As concentrations were measured at 2.5 cm intervals (5 cm for soil materials deeper than 50 cm)in 35 subaqueous soil cores to establish a record of deposition with 3 estuaries from 1900 to the present time. Lead and Zn showed similar trends with depth suggesting either could be used as a stratigraphic marker. Arsenic appeared at elevated levels in finer textured materials and proved to be an excellent marker when found in high enough concentrations (>15 ppm). The depths to background levels of Pb and Zn were used to establish the subaqueous soil surface for the year 1900. This stratigraphic marker was used to estimate C-sequestration rates for estuarine subaqueous soils. Significant differences in soil organic carbon sequestration rates were identified among subaqueous soils. Some rates were higher than forest ecosystems.<br /> <br /> (PA) Work has ongoing to examine differences in SOC pools among States of Ecological Sites in MLRA 127 and 140. Pools are being estimated to depths of 40 cm (International Panel on Climate Change depth of interest) and to 1 m. We are also investigating differences in SOC pools across historic, conventional and unconventional gas infrastructure disturbed landscapes.<br /> <br /> (MA) Soil organic matter analyses were conducted on 24 soil profiles for all horizons. Where possible, data were compared to water table level and redox state at similar depths. Data analysis is ongoing and will be presented in a MS Thesis in August, 2013.<br /> <br /> (WV) Efforts continue to produce raster-based digital soil property maps to support modeling at regional and continental scales as part of the GlobalSoilMap initiative. The soil properties of interest are organic carbon, particle size distribution (sand, silt, clay, coarse fragments), soil pH, effective cation exchange capacity (ECEC), bulk density, available water capacity, depth to bedrock, and depth to limiting layer. <br />

Publications

Bickford, W.A., B.A. Needelman, R.R. Weil, and A.H. Baldwin. 2012. Vegetation response to prescribed fire in Mid-Atlantic brackish marshes. Estuaries and Coasts 35:1432-1442. DOI: 10.1007/s12237-012-9538-3<br /> <br /> Bickford, W.A., A.H. Baldwin, B.A. Needelman, and R.R. Weil. 2012. Canopy disturbance alters competitive outcomes between two brackish marsh plant species. Aquatic Botany 103:2329. DOI: 10.1016/j.aquabot.2012.05.006<br /> <br /> Brubaker, K. M., Myers, W. L., Drohan, P. J., Miller, D. A., & Boyer, E. W. 2013. The Use of LiDAR Terrain Data in Characterizing Surface Roughness and Microtopography. Applied and Environmental Soil Science, http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2013/891534.<br /> <br /> Buda, A. R., Kleinman, P. J. A., Feyereisen, G. W., Miller, D. A., Knight, P. G., Drohan, P. J., & Bryant, R. B. 2013. Forecasting runoff from Pennsylvania landscapes. Journal of Soil and Water Conservation, 68:185-198.<br /> <br /> Drohan, P., & Brooks, R. P. 2013. Hydric Soils Across Pennsylvania Reference, Disturbed, and Mitigated Wetlands. In Mid-Atlantic Freshwater Wetlands: Advances in Wetlands Science, Management, Policy, and Practice (pp. 129-157). Springer New York.<br /> <br /> Drohan, P. J., Brittingham, M., Bishop, J., & Yoder, K. 2012. Early trends in landcover change and forest fragmentation due to shale-gas development in Pennsylvania: A potential outcome for the northcentral Appalachians. Environmental management, 49:1061-1075. <br /> <br /> Geatz, G.A., B.A. Needelman, R.R. Weil, and J.P. Megonigal. 2013. Nutrient availability and soil organic matter decomposition response to prescribed burns in Mid-Atlantic brackish marshes. Soil Science Society of America Journal. (In Press).<br /> <br /> Kayastha, N., Thomas, V.A., and J.M. Galbraith. 2012. Monitoring wetland change using inter-annual Landsat time-series data. Published online: 30 October 2012. Wetlands (2012) 32:11491162. DOI 10.1007/s13157-012-0345-1.<br /> <br /> Needelman, B.A., S. Bosak, S. Emmitt-Mattox, and C. Lyons (eds.). 2012. Creating Resilient Coasts: Coastal Habitat Restoration for Adaptation and Mitigation of Climate Change Impacts. Restore America's Estuaries, Washington, DC. <br /> <br /> Needelman, B.A. 2012. Overview of Coastal Habitats. In: B.A. Needelman, J. Benoit, S. Bosak, and C. Lyons (eds.) Restore-Adapt-Mitigate: Responding to Climate Change Through Coastal Habitat Restoration. Restore Americas Estuaries, Washington, D.C., pp.7-13.<br /> <br /> Needelman, B.A. 2012. Climate change and coastal habitats. In B.A. Needelman, S. Bosak, S. Emmitt-Mattox, and C. Lyons (eds.) Creating Resilient Coasts: Coastal Habitat Restoration for Adaptation and Mitigation of Climate Change Impacts. Restore America's Estuaries, Washington, DC, p. 14-22. <br /> <br /> Needelman, B.A., and J.E. Hawkes. 2012. Mitigation of greenhouse gases through coastal habitat restoration. In B.A. Needelman, S. Bosak, S. Emmitt-Mattox, and C. Lyons (eds.) Creating Resilient Coasts: Coastal Habitat Restoration for Adaptation and Mitigation of Climate Change Impacts. Restore America's Estuaries, Washington, DC, p. 49-57.<br /> <br /> Needelman, B.A. 2013. What Are Soils? Nature Education Knowledge 4(3):2. http://www.nature.com/scitable/knowledge/library/what-are-soils-67647639<br /> <br /> Poffenbarger, H., B.A. Needelman, and J.P. Megonigal. 2011. Salinity influence on methane emissions from tidal marshes. Wetlands 31:831-842.<br /> <br /> Rabenhorst, M. C., M. Matovich and A. Rossi. 2012. Visual Assessment of Low Chroma Soil Colors. Soil Sci. Soc. Am. (Cincinnati, OH) Oct 21 - 24, Annual Meeting Abstr.<br /> <br /> Rossi, A. M. and M. C. Rabenhorst. 2012. Soil Carbon Storage in Barrier Island Landscapes as a Function of Topography and Landform. Soil Sci. Soc. Am. (Cincinnati, OH) Oct 21 - 24, Annual Meeting Abstr.<br /> <br /> Richardson, M., and M.H. Stolt. 2013. Measuring soil organic carbon sequestration in aggrading temperate forests. Soil Science Society of America Journal (in press).<br /> <br /> Ricker, M.C., M.H. Stolt, S.W. Donohue, Blazejewski, G.A., and M.S. Zavada. 2013. Soil organic carbon pools in riparian landscapes of southern New England. Soil Science Society of America Journal (in press).<br /> <br /> Vasilas, L. and B. Vasilas. 2013. Identification of Hydric Soils. In J. Anderson, W. Conway, and A. Davis (eds.) Wetland Techniques. Bentham Science Publishers. In press.<br /> <br /> Vasilas, B., M. Rabenhorst, J. Fuhrmann, A. Chirnside, S. Inamdar. 2013. Wetland Biogeochemistry Techniques. In J. Anderson, W. Conway, and A. Davis (eds.) Wetland Techniques. Bentham Science Publishers. In press.<br />

Impact Statements

1. A long-term goal of the hydropedology project activities is to increase the amount of data for soils that are underrepresented in the national soils database. These are typically the hydric and subaqueous soils that are difficult to sample. We provided soil characterization data to the USDA-NRCS for their nation-wide soils data base for both hydric and subaqueous soils. Such data are critical to landscape and region-wide modeling efforts to understand a range of environmental impacts on ecosystem services that soils provide such as denitrification, carbon sequestration, and nutrient sinks.
2. A project objective is to increase knowledge of soil organic carbon. These studies are critical to modeling global carbon stocks and developing strategies to increase carbon sequestration in soils which may minimize the effects of greenhouse gases such a carbon dioxide on global warming. NE1038 participants were awarded NRCS Rapid Carbon Assessment project (Stolt) and understanding SOC dynamics in coastal landscapes (Rabenhorst) grants.
3. On an areal basis wetlands are the most efficient ecosystems at storing SOC. Our studies of these ecosystems provide some of the few feedbacks of global change and management on SOC pools. Dr Needelmans research and outreach of marsh restoration and management is providing coastal MD communities an understanding of sea level rise impacts on the marshes they depend upon. If marsh soils store biomass and SOC they may be able to maintain their ecosystem status as sea level continues to rise, if not the marsh will disappear.
4. Fracking of shales for oil and natural gas is a critical national environmental concern. Since water is critical in all aspects of the procedure, and considerable disturbance of the landscape occurs during the development of pads for fracking wells, understanding the effects of this disturbance on wetlands and the regional hydrology is critical to protecting our natural resources and the environment. Dr Drohans work on the hydropedology project has resulted in additional funding toward understanding the impacts of fracking on wetlands and the associated hydrology.
5. An important NE1038 role is to continue to train hydric soil scientists, USDA-NRCS soil scientists, and the leaders of these groups. In the end, these scientists provide the bulk of the hydric soils training and regulatory science to the professional community. As a part of our outreach activities we continued to effectively train these soil scientists. The NE1038 project allows for consistent engagement and experiential training across the region which is critical to the understanding of hydric soil identification.

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