Factors Controlling the Formation of Oxidized Root Channels: A Review and Annotated Bibliography
Abstract
Although root plaques and associated oxidized root channels are used for wetland identification as field indicators of wetland hydrology, little information is available concerning their reliability and the environmental and biotic factors controlling their formation. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to (a) provide an annotated bibliography of literature concerning root iron plaques, (b) describe and evaluate the current state of knowledge of the factors controlling the formation of iron plaques, and (c) recommend research to address information gaps. Both abiotic and biotic factors control the presence and degree of iron plaque formation. The most important abiotic factor is the availability of soil iron. However, the effect of site-variation in soil physico-chemical characteristics, e.g., texture, organic matter, pH, Eh, and soil fertility, on iron availability and the formation and persistence of root plaque and oxidized root channels have not been adequately investigated. Although the oxidizing capacity of the plant root is the most important biotic factor controlling plaque formation, only a limited number of wetland species have been evaluated for this ability; therefore, species-specific differences are generally unknown. Unlike some of the other hydrologic indicators used in wetland delineation (e.g., water marks on trees or sediment deposits), root plaques and oxidized root channels indicate soil saturation for a sufficient period to produce anaerobic soil conditions (Continued) Iron plaque, Root oxygen loss, Wetland hydrologic indicators. Root concretions, Water logging, Root deposits, Wetland delineation,
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1993
- Accession Number
- ADA270214
Entities
People
- Irving A. Mendelssohn
Organizations
- Louisiana State University