Variability of Soil Physical and Chemical Properties in an Established Residential Community

Trenholm for their supportive efforts throughout this learning experience. I give special thanks to Dr. Shober, my committee chair, for her encouragement, direction and commitment. I am also appreciative to Gitta Shurberg for her assistance in the field as well as laboratory. Abstract. Urban soils have highly variable chemical, physical, and biological properties compared to undisturbed natural soils. The objective of this study was to describe the variability in chemical properties from soils collected from established (>10 years) residential landscapes. Composite soil samples were collected at a depth of 0 to 6 inches from lawn and landscape plant beds at 48 residential units and four park locations in Osprey, Sarasota County, FL. Composite soil samples were analyzed for pH, electrical conductivity, organic matter, total Kjeldahl nitrogen, ammonium nitrogen, nitrate nitrogen, and Mehlich 3 phosphorus, potassium, calcium and magnesium. Deep core samples were also collected to a depth of 48 in from ornamental landscape beds at 16 of the 48 residences and from two park locations using a bucket auger to further investigate soil variability. Chemical and physical characteristics varied widely in residential landscapes compared to park soil. Vegetative cover influenced chemical composition and organic matter (OM) of soils (except pH). Soil and landscape management practices should be addressed at the lot scale.