WRCCRF and T. T. Munger Soils Survey

Local geology is characterized by volcanic rocks and deposits of Micocene/Oligocene and Quaternary age, as well as intrusive rocks of Miocene age. Soils are medial, mesic, Entic Vitrands, that are deep (2-3 m), well drained, loams and silt loams, generally stone free, and derived from mixed volcanic ejecta (1) (Stabler Series http://soils.usda.gov/). WRCCRF soil pH rages from 4.9 to 5.7 and bulk density in the upper 20 cm is between 0.9 and 0.92 g cm^-3(2).   

1. Shaw, D. C., J. F. Franklin, K. Bible, J. Klopatek, E. Freeman, S. Greene, and G. G. Parker. Ecological setting of the Wind River old-growth forest. Manuscript accept to Ecosystems. 2002.

2. Klopatek, J. M. 2002. Belowground carbon pools and processes in different age stands of Douglas-fir. Tree Physiology. 22: 197-204.

In July of 1995, eight soil pits were installed within the Thornton Taft Munger Research Natural Area to provide data on soil characteristics. Mark Harmon, Oregon State University, created the research design and oversaw field work. Construction of the soil pits was conducted by Suzanne Remillard and her field crew. Soil profiles were subsequently described by C. T. Dyrness and Joel Norgren. Pit face (sample face) were located on uphill side. The complete soil description for each pit are archived in the FSDB Soils Data Base (code SP01) profile numbers 358 through 365 and are reproduced below.

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