Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Finally‚ the rapid temperature decreases that occur between 1400 h and 2000 h and
from 0400 to 0800 h can have important consequences for soil-dwelling animals since
free water may condense in soil‚ given the constant saturation of the air-filled porosity.
This is illustrated by the biomodal pattern of daily surface casting by two endogeic
earthworms in African savannas at Lamto (Côte d'Ivoire): peaks in casting occurred
at 1800 to 2100 h and again at 0600 h following two daily falls in temperature
(Lavelle‚ 1978).
In a way analogous to diurnal temperature changes‚ seasonal variation in energy input
to the soil surface strongly influences soil temperatures. However‚ seasonal depth changes
penetrate to depths of some metres (Figure I.22) and lag behind those at the surface
producing maxima (and minima) at depth later in the year than those at the surface.
Further‚ the amplitude of seasonal temperature variation is progressively damped with
increasing depth in the solum.
Search WWH ::




Custom Search