Pedogenesis and classification of soils in the Kenting Uplifted Coral Reef Nature Reserve, Southern Taiwan
Journal
Taiwan Journal of Forest Science
Journal Volume
19
Journal Volume
19
Journal Issue
2
Journal Issue
2
Pages
153-164
Start Page
153
End Page
164
ISSN
10264469
Date Issued
2004-06
Author(s)
Abstract
The Kenting Uplifted Coral Reef Nature Reserve (KUCRNR) is the only forest ecosystem of uplifted coral reef area which is well protected in Taiwan. No study has been conducted on soil genesis of the KUCRNR. Based on the landscape position, 5 representative soil pedons were selected in this study in order to explore the soil properties and pedogenesis. The CR-1 pedon was located at the margin between the parent rock of coral reef and sand-shale; the CR-2 and CR-5 pedons were at the top of the coral reef; and the CR-3 and CR-4 pedons were at the bottom of the coral reef. From the results, soil depths at the bottom of the coral reef were much thicker than those at the top. However, the pH values and organic carbon and carbonate contents of soils at the top of the coral reef were higher than those at the bottom. High clay contents were found in all soils because of strong illuviation of clay. Furthermore, translocation of clay and free Fe within the soil was significant. However, illuviation of clay was identified by differently oriented clay coatings in the argillic horizons by micromorphology. Calcium carbonate is being dissolved from the coral reef, but it has not reprecipitated in the soil. Based on the Soil Taxonomy, Subgroups of the 5 pedons are Lithic Hapludalf for CR-1, Typic Eutrochrepts for CR-2 and CR-5 and Typic Paleudalfs for CR-3 and CR-4.
Subjects
Clay
Free iron
Soil classification
Soil genesis
Uplifted coral reef
Type
journal article