Vol. 125 (2012): Proceedings of the Florida State Horticultural Society
Ornamental, Garden & Landscape

Soil Profile Variability in an Established Residential Community

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  • Donald P Rainey,
  • Amy L Shober,
  • Gitta Shurberg
Donald P Rainey
University of Florida, IFAS, Sarasota County Extension, Sarasota, FL 34241
Amy L Shober
University of Delaware, Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, Newark, DE 19716
Gitta Shurberg
University of Florida, IFAS, Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, Soil and Water Science Department, Wimauma, FL 33598

Published 2012-12-01

Keywords

  • nutrients,
  • soil quality,
  • soil disturbance,
  • urban soils,
  • lawn and landscape,
  • landscape management
    • ...More
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Abstract

Urban soils have highly variable chemical, physical, and biological properties compared to undisturbed natural soils. The objective of this study was to describe the variability in chemical properties from soils collected from established (>10 years) residential landscapes. Composite soil samples were collected at a depth of 0 to 6 inches from lawn and landscape plant beds at 48 residential units and four park locations in Osprey, Sarasota County, FL. Composite soil samples were analyzed for pH, electrical conductivity, organic matter, total Kjeldahl nitrogen, ammonium nitrogen, nitrate nitrogen, and Mehlich 3 phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. Deep core samples were collected to a depth of 48 inches from ornamental landscape beds at 16 of the 48 residences and from two park locations using a bucket auger. Chemical and physical characteristics varied widely in residential landscapes compared to park soil. Vegetative cover influenced chemical composition and OM of soils (except pH). Landscape management practices should be addressed per individual building unit.

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