Spatial and Spectral Relationships of Soil Properties and Microtopography: II. Density and Thickness of B Horizon

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Abstract
The effects of microtopography (<50 m) and an intertill stratigraphic sand‐gravel layer on the spatial variability of B horizon thickness, density, and mass are examined using standard, spatial, and spectral statistical methods. The relationships between A and B horizon thickness, density, and mass are also examined. Elevation and maximum surface gradient were significantly correlated to B horizon density. Microtopography parameters were not correlated to B horizon thickness or mass. The B horizon thickness and mass were significantly correlated to the depth to the intertill sand‐gravel layer. Significant autocorrelation was present in the density of the B horizon but not the A horizon. B horizon thickness and mass cycled significantly but at different frequencies than the A horizon. Spatial variability of the B horizon soil properties was related to the depth of the intertill sand‐gravel layer while the variability of the A horizon was related in large part to microtopography, especially curvature. Coherency and cospectral analysis indicated the B horizon mass had some relationship to surface curvature, but opposite correlation existed over different frequency ranges resulting in a non‐significant overall correlation. Average thickness, density, and mass of the solum did not have similar significant cycling or autocorrelation as was present in the individual horizons.