Evaluation of Soil Nutrients p.H, and Organic Matter in Rangelands Dominated by Western Juniper

Abstract

Esrablishmenf of{estern junipet (luniperus occidentdlis Hook) in saseb.ush'steppeofcentral Oregon appears !o have affectd the distribution of total N, organic matter, Ca, K, and pH.Compared to interspac soils and soils under juvenile trees, soil Ca, K, and pH were significantly higher under maiure trees.Highesr concentrations of total N and organic natter were found in upper soil layers under juvenile canopies.Thus, inyasion of {estern juniper changes mineral cycling in microenvironmenls beneath tbe canopy.Further, these changes occur in such a way as to apparently enhance rhe competitiyeness ofnestern ju.iper with other herbaceous veeetation.