Torgersen, C. E.; Jones, J. A.; Moldenke, A. R.; LeMaster, M. P. 1995. The spatial heterogeneity of soil invertebrates and edaphic properties in an old-growth forest stand in western Oregon. In: Collins, H. P.; Robertson, G. P.; Klug, M. J., eds. The significance and regulation of soil biodiversity. The Netherlands: Kluwer Academic Publishers: 225-236.
Geostatistical tools, the semi-variogram and correlogram, were used to compare spatial heterogeneity and patternsof soil microarthropods, 0-horizon depth, moisture content, temperature, and pH in two contrasting forest standsnear the H.J. Andrews Experimental Forest, Oregon for June of 1992 and 1993. Two adjacent research plots weresampled: one plot consisted of a heterogeneous mix of age classes with a high density of old-growth Douglas-fir(Pseudotsuga menziesii); the other plot was dominated by a homogeneous post-fire stand of Douglas-fir regrowthwith a low density of old-growth trees. Spatial analysis revealed distinguishable differences between old growth andregrowth forest and between sampled years. In the hot dry spring of 1992, short range variability and patches (0 to5 m), especially in pH, moisture, 0-horizon depth, and faunal census, were more pronounced in the homogeneousregrowth plot, whereas long range patterns (17 to 22 rh) were more pronounced in the heterogeneous old growthplot. In the cold wet spring of 1993 both old growth and regrowth forest plots had only short range variation.