Biogeomorphological influence of the Hawaiian silversword (Argyroxiphium sandwicense DC.) on soil erosion in Haleakala (Maui,Hawai'i)

Soils were examined at 2505 m elevation in Haleakala's crater (Maui, Hawai?i) beneath 50 adult Hawaiian silversword plants (Argyroxiphium sandwicense DC.); mean canopy diameter was 42.0 cm. Exposed volcanic Inceptisols (Andic Humitropepts) seem significantly eroded beyond the dense rosette crowns, but remain unaffected below plants. Rosettes are perched on isolated basal soil mounds or pedestals 27–121 mm high (mean: 77.5 mm). Geomorphic field response of soils below rosettes and adjacent (∼ 100 cm apart) bare soils differs. Infiltration rates are higher under plants (mean: 158.7 mm/min) than in exposed control soils (60.0 mm/min). Soils below silverswords also show greater shear strength (146.1 g/cm²) and compressibility (2.795 kg/cm²) than unprotected soils (36.1 g/cm², and 0.108 kg/cm², respectively). Soil in the plant mounds contains more organic matter; this has influenced other pedological properties, which also differ substantially between sampling positions. Substrate under plants has a porosity ∼ 53% higher than exposed soil, while bulk density is 62% higher in soil outside the plant crown. The observed microtopographic differences are ascribed to greater soil erosion by rainsplash and runoff outside the silversword canopy. The dense rosette crown effectively intercepts raindrops; soils beneath plants also have a high surface cohesiveness provided by a dense network of fine plant rootlets and partially decomposed organic material. Higher runoff rates occur on the less permeable substrate beyond rosettes, which is affected by soil crusting.