Prairies Improve Soil Quality in Urban Landscapes
Soil Science and Land Management Aaron Richardson
Urban soils provide important regulating ecosystem services, such as stormwater management and carbon storage, for populations living in urban environments. These soils are influenced by both natural processes and anthropogenic activities, leading to diverse ecosystems and varying soil quality within the urban setting. The vegetation growing in a soil is one natural process that alters soil quality; however, the magnitude of its impact on soil quality in urban environments remains unknown. We sampled the surface horizon from ten urban prairies and adjacent turf grass landscapes in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, and measured seven soil quality indicators. A weighted additive soil quality index was created by scoring (1-5) measured values of soil indicators and weighting them based on the distribution of our data and their perceived importance to soil health. We found that topsoil depth increased and bulk density decreased under prairie treatment when compared to soils under turf vegetation, while others, such as pH and wet aggregate stability, remained unchanged. By increasing topsoil depth with prairie vegetation, these sites are increasing the quantity of soil with improved structure and fertility. Our results display a trend suggesting surface soil horizons are not increasing in quality; rather, increasing in quantity when planted and managed as urban prairies. Considering the impact vegetation has on soil health, urban green space can be managed to improve both soil quality and function, thereby increasing soil carbon storage, improving stormwater management, and enhancing urban aesthetics.
Advisors: Bryant Scharenbroch, Ph.D.
Subject Area: Soil Science
Type: Oral
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Jim and Katie Krause CNR Student Research Symposium
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