Seasonal Variation in Properties of Five Forest Soils in Southwest Georgia

Selected chemical and physical soil properties were measured for 12 consecutive months on five forested sites in southwest Georgia. Surface bulk density and percent moisture, organic matter and K to 20 cm, and P to 10 cm varied significantly over time at all locations. Soil pH, Ca, Mg, and CEC to 20 cm and P at 10 to 20 cm differed significantly over time at some, but not all, sites. Periodic variation must be considered when effects of forest management and research treatments on soil chemical and physical properties are evaluated.