Soil Science Society of America Journal · 1989 · 318 citations · 0 references
AgricultureEarth SciencesSoil SciencesSoil ChemistrySoil ScienceSoil-water RelationsIron OxidesWetland BiogeochemistryWetland EcologyWetland FunctionWetland HydrologyWetland Soil BiogeochemistryAnaerobic Soil ConditionsAnaerobic Zones In WetlandsField Measurement TechniquesField MeasurementsField StudiesPlatinum ElectrodesRedox Reactions In WetlandsWetland Monitoring
Delineating wetlands from nonwetlands in seasonally inundated ecosystems is difficult and requires soil function data. The authors developed field techniques—including diffusion chambers with polarographic probes, platinum electrode redox sensors, piezometers, and dipyridyl assays—to directly measure soil O₂, redox potential, water‑table depth, and ferrous iron. Field studies show that these soil parameters are diagnostic, dynamic, and useful for wetland delineation.
Abstract Delineating wetlands from nonwetlands in seasonally inundated ecosystems is often difficult and requires data on soil functions and attributes. Techniques (including equipment design, construction, and installation) for assessing wetland soil attributes have been developed that allow direct field measurements of soil O 2 content, oxidation‐reduction potential, water‐table depth, and presence of ferrous iron. Soil O 2 content is measured from diffusion chambers with a specially fitted polarographic probe. Redox potential is measured with permanently installed platinum electrodes and a voltmeter. Determination of water‐table depth may require piezometers in addition to unlined observation wells. The presence of ferrous iron can be detected with α, α,‐dipyridyl and indicates anaerobic conditions, although interpretation and extrapolation of results must be carefully made. These parameters are particularly diagnostic and results of field studies reveal their dynamic nature and utility in wetland delineation efforts.