Soil and Landscape Hydrology in Northern Idaho
Soils in the eastern Palouse region of
northern Idaho commonly contain water-restricting subsoil horizons such as fragipans
or argillic horizons. These soils are classified as Argixerolls and Fragixeralfs.
The hydraulic conductivity of the restrictive horizons is generally less than 1
cm/day with a bulk density approaching 1.65 g/cm3. These horizons have a
significant influence on soil hydrology in the area. Perched water tables form above
the restrictive horizon as early as late November every year and remain as late as early
June. The condition in which a zone of saturation overlies unsaturated soil within 2
meters of the soil surface is defined as "episaturation" in soil taxonomy.
Several studies have been conducted to investigate episaturation in soils of the
eastern Palouse region.
Click here for a list of
references.
More Information on Perched Water Tables
