Mountain Soils and Vegetation in the Owen Range, Nelson

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Abstract
Mountain soils were observed in situ at vegetation sampling sites in the Owen Range, Western Nelson. Rooted topsoils were collected at 10 sites in shrubland on marble and at 10 sites in grassland on each of marble and schist. Lower horizons were sampled at some of these sites. All samples were measured for pH, cation-exchange capacity, and exchangeable calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium levels. Topsoils only were analysed for organic carbon content, total nitrogen content, and proportions of clay, silt, fine ana coarse sand. Soils formed on schist were found to have relatively uniform morphology and chemistry. Soils formed on slopes of 20° or steeper are loamy sands, and soils on easier slopes are silt loams; all arc extremely cation-deficient and acid. One profile of these is described. The soils formed on marble vary greatly in morphology and chemistry, and four distinctive profiles of these are described; they are calcium-rich, calcium-deficient, mineral, and peaty soils. Factors influencing development of the various soils arc discussed, distinctive soils are compared with similar previously-described soils, and distributions of them in the Owen Range are outlined.

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