Effects of Flooding on Soil Fertility at the Microtopographical Scale.

Current climate change projections predict that precipitation in the Northeast will have less snow, more rain during the winter months, heavier rainfall, and more periods of drought.  This study aims to find if any correlation exists between soil fertility and prolonged saturation events on a microtopgraphical scale (range of 15 c.m.-30 c.m. in depth in a 50 meter wide agricultural field depression).  Preliminary 2012 and 2013 data analysis suggests there is a correlation of Fe and Mn elements with small changes in elevation after snowmelt, but not after the two wettest consecutive months recorded in Vermont or during typical drier field conditions.   The 300+ samples taken during the 2014 season after snowmelt and soon after field conditions were dry enough to mechanically cultivate will elucidate on previous findings.  The results may help inform future best management practices as they relate to a changing climate.