Delineations of Applinq, Cecil, and Davidson soils were
sampled on a grid pattern (4 to 9 m spacings), using a
bucket auger, to determine their modal character and
variability with regard to various chemical and
morphological parameters. Delineations were located on
south-southwest facing, 5 to 12% slopes, in gently rolling
landscapes that typify the Virginia Piedmont. Appling soils
had the thickest A horizons and sola and were highest in A
horizon P but were lowest in A horizon pH, K, Ca, Mg, and
organic matter and B horizon pH, P, K, Ca, and Mg. Cecil
soils were highest in A and B horizon pH and in B horizon P,
K, and Mg, but had the thinnest sola. Davidson soils were
highest in A and B horizon Ca and in A horizon organic
matter but were lowest in A horizon P. Soil variability was
considerable at all sites, with A horizon thickness and pH
and B horizon P and K varying the most over short distances.
Subsequent to the grid sampling study, we dug soil pits in
areas in which approximately modal soil characteristics had
been observed. pit studies revealed negative effects of
agriculture upon these soils; A horizons were high in clay,
had high bulk densities, and had low organic matter
contents. Predictably, tilth was poor. pit studies also
showed that locally supplied colluvial materials cover a
significant portion of the upland Piedmont soilscape. Of 18
pedons studied, 12 appeared to be formed in colluvial
materials. However, colluvium-derived soils were usually
distinguished from their residual counterparts only by the
presence of a stone line that roughly paralleled the present
soil surface at depths of 0 to 2 m. Therefore, these
colluvial inclusions should rarely affect soil
interpretations for Appling, Cecil, and Davidson map units.
next to an author's name indicates that all files or directories associated with their ETD are accessible from the Virginia Tech campus network only.
![[VT]](http://scholar.lib.vt.edu/images/ETD-db/restricted.gif)
