HYDRIC SOIL EVALUATION FOR EXPANSION OF THE CUTSHAW BOG, CHEROKEE NATIONAL FOREST, GREENE COUNTY, TENNESSEE

Wetlands are ecologically and economically important land cover, and constitute a small portion of Tennessee's total area. Previous studies estimated Tennessee has lost approximately 60% percent of its original, pre-European settlement wetlands. Using hydric soil characteristics, this study evaluated the wetland soil characteristics and spatial extent of sedimentation disturbance in the Cutshaw Bog in Cherokee National Forest, Greene County, TN. This study represented a baseline hydric soil analysis to better plan and implement wetland restoration activities and maintain aquatic ecosystems that provide a habitat to many rare species and contribute to watershed health. A uniform grid of 64 cells, 50 X 50 sq. meters each, was selected and overlain on the 163,864 sq. meter (40.5-acre) wetland. Core and bulk samples were taken from each of the grid plots where soil hydric properties and indicators were evaluated in the field. Soil physical (texture, bulk density, moisture content) and chemical (pH, cation exchange capacity, % base saturation, Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Iron, Calcium, and Total Carbon Content) properties were then evaluated in the laboratory. Additionally the presence and extent of extraneous coarse-grained soils eroded from the vicinity were measured and logged. The results indicated about half the proposed wetland expansion are contained hydric soil characteristics. The presence of hydric soils was correlated with soil physicochemical properties including iron and phosphorus concentrations, moisture content, and pH level. Additionally, lenses of 5-10 cm thick, eroded, coarse sand deposited from a portion of an unpaved road restricted wetland growth within the southern portion of the bog. The study indicated while a significant part of the study area can develop into future wetlands, the rest sit on well-drained forest soil in slopped topography. Based on these findings the Cutshaw Bog’s area could be expanded within the surrounding present hydric soils and expanded further upon removal of sand lenses in the southern part of the bog.