Water table depths and color patterns in Spodosols of two hydrosequences in Northern Michigan, USA

Relationships between soil color patterns and depth and duration of water tables were studied using piezometers in two hydrosequences of Spodosols. Most mottles in E and B horizons appeared to reflect differences in eluviation and illuviation, respectively. Color indices developed for Udalfs, Aqualfs, Aquolls and Aquepts were not helpful in relating soil color patterns in these Spodosols to water saturation. Redoximorphic features were identified with difficulty in most saturated horizons. Low Fe content in spodic horizons was a good indicator of water saturation. Landscape position was also useful in ranking length of saturation in the soils of each hydrosequence. Water saturation appeared to hinder translocation of Al and Fe in these soils.