Neoformation of clay in lateral root catchments of mallee eucalypts: a chemical perspective.

Background And Aims: A previous paper (Annals of Botany 103: 673-685) described formation of clayey pavements in lateral root catchments of eucalypts colonizing a recently formed sand dune in south-west Western Australia. Here chemical and morphological aspects of their formation at the site are studied.

Methods: Chemical and physical examinations of soil cores through pavements and sand under adjacent heath assessed build-up of salts, clay and pH changes in or below pavements.