Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting

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 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. (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. (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. (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. (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. 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. (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. (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. 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. (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. (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. (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. (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. (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. (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.

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