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Table 3 Structural characteristics of soil profile

From: Soil-plant co-stimulation during forest vegetation restoration in a subtropical area of southern China

Restoration periods

Solum

Soil layers (cm)

Color

Texture

Structure

Moisture

Soil compaction

Root quantity

Gravel content (%)

4–5 years

A

0–14

dull red-reddish brown

sandy loam-light loam

granular

wet

tight

a little

18

B

14–43

reddish brown-yellow brown

sandy loam-light loam

granular

wet

tight

nothing

16

C

>  43

yellow brown-reddish brown

sandy loam-light loam

granular

damp

tight

nothing

20

10–12 years

A

0–19

dark brown-yellow brown

light loam

granular

wet

more porous

middle

42

B

19–72

white yellow-tan

light loam

granular

wet

more tight

nothing

49

C

>  72

white yellow-tan

light loam

granular

damp

tight

nothing

53

45–46 years

A

0–21

dark yellow-reddish brown

sandy loam-light loam

micro-aggregates

wet

more tight

middle

14

B

21–72

tan-reddish brown

sandy loam-light loam

micro-aggregates

wet

tight

a little

13

C

>  72

yellow-reddish brown

sandy loam-light loam

block cloddy

damp

tight

nothing

15

Old growth forest

A

0–18

dark brown-dull brown

light loam

micro-aggregates

wet

more porous

middle

18

B

18–105

yellow brown-reddish brown

light loam

micro-aggregates

more wet

more tight

a little

29

C

>  105

reddish brown

light loam

micro-aggregates

more wet

tight

a little

41

  1. A: Humus horizon; B: Settled layer; C: Parent material