Seasonal variation in penetration resistance and shear strength of three rainforest soils from northeastern Queensland

Level 1 General description

Purpose:

To determine the level of seasonal variation of penetration resistance and shear strength evident in varying soil types.

Methods (brief)

Penetration resistance and shear strength were measured in three contrasting soils; two that supported mature rainforest with the other supporting a secondary, closed-canopy forest. Data was assessed against soils that supported ratoon crops of sugarcane.

Key findings (brief)

• Significantly increased penetration resistance with increasing bulk density was observed, although the variance accounted for by this variable was small; and
• Penetration resistance is related to gravimetric soil water content.

Location

Pin Gin Hill 17^o 33’S 145^o 58’E

Related studies

The same study was carried out on sites at:

BSES, Tully 17^o58’S 145^o 55’E

Cowley 17^o40’S 146^o 02’E

level 2, level 3, level 4 and level 5