In Figure 7.34, a five-year-old site shows the beginning of development of wetland soils. The variation in bulk density attributed to soil water content and soil organic matter is below the mean. And, the percent soil organic matter attributed to soil water content is below the average. The slope of regression suggests that there has been little change from the drier to the wetter parts of the system. The community wetland status of this site falls below the mean. This site shows potential for developing into a wetland, but determining if it can be a forested wetland will require information on tree growth. Both Figures 7.35 and 7.36 depict sites where wetland soil development is noticeable. Comparing Figure 7.35 or 7.36 with Figure 7.37, it is apparent that more than time is required to develop wetland soils. Although the site depicted in Figure 7.37 is 19 years old, the conditions at this site have resulted in lower levels of soil development. Soil water content and soil organic matter are lower, and bulk density is higher in this site, than in the 10 and 15 year old sites. This does not necessarily mean that the 19- year-old site is not a wetland. It is suggested that rate of development is slower and the slower rate of development is in some way attributable to site hydrology and vegetative productivity. 7-111