Soil changes associated with development of vegetation on an ultramafic scree, northwest Otago, New Zealand

Abstract

Chemical and physical properties of soil beneath four plant communities, ranging from pioneer phase through to low forest, on an ultramafic scree are described. The soils are weakly developed and reflect the chemistry of the parent material in having very high amounts of magnesium and nickel and low concentrations of the other macronutrients. Floristic diversity and vegetation stature increase with improving soil nutrient status and declining heavy metal availability, particularly in organic horizons.