230 



P. L. Gersper et al. 



TABLE 7-2 



Mean (x) and Coefficient 

 of Variation (CJ for 

 Cations (meg m'^) in Soil 

 Solution Extracted from 

 the Upper 15 cm of Soil 

 in Moist Meadow, 1970 

 (n = 60) and 1971 (n = 90) 



The concentrations of soluble cations change markedly between 

 years as well as throughout the season. Sampling in a mesic meadow site 

 in 1970 and 1971 revealed changes in yearly averages up to 40% (Table 

 7-2), Averages of every nutrient were higher in 1971 than in 1970. The 

 summer of 1971 was warmer and wetter than 1970. This may have pro- 

 duced an increase of mineral nutrients in solution due to increased min- 

 erahzation of organic materials, or increased leaching of canopy and Utter 



Wet Moist 



Meadow 



Basin 



Trough Rim 

 Polygon 



Top 



FIGURE 7-8. Average concentrations of cations in 

 solution extracted from the upper 10 cm of soils in 

 1972. 



