Chemical, mineralogical, and physical property differences between moderately and severely eroded Illinois soils

The effects of degree of erosion in the chemical, mineralogical, and physical properties of seven Illinois soils were evaluated. At each site, separate map units of moderately and severely eroded phases of a soil series were located in the same field. For most soils studied, degree of erosion significantly reduced the organic C, and water storage porosity values of the Ap horizons. Clay mineral type estimates of the Ap horizons of severely eroded soils changed measurably as a result of thinner topsoils permitting the tillage equipment to mix underlying Bt horizon materials higher in hydrous mica or smectite into the topsoil. Successful management techniques for the restoration of the productivity of eroded soils will need to modify the chemical, mineralogical, and physical properties of the severely eroded soils. -from Authors