The effects of bioturbation on soil processes and sediment transport

Emmanuel J. Gabet, O. J. Reichman, Eric W. Seabloom

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

339 Scopus citations

Abstract

Plants and animals exploit the soil for food and shelter and, in the process, affect it in many different ways. For example, uprooted trees may break up bedrock, transport soil downslope, increase the heterogeneity of soil respiration rates, and inhibit soil horizonation. In this contribution, we review previously published papers that provide insights into the process of bioturbation. We focus particularly on studies that allow us to place bioturbation within a quantitative framework that links the form of hillslopes with the processes of sediment transport and soil production. Using geometrical relationships and data from others' work, we derive simple sediment flux equations for tree throw and root growth and decay.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)249-273
Number of pages25
JournalAnnual Review of Earth and Planetary Sciences
Volume31
DOIs
StatePublished - 2003

Keywords

  • Burrowing
  • Geomorphology
  • Landscape evolution
  • Soil production
  • Tree throw

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