TABLE OF CONTENTS


ACKNOWLEDGMENTS.................................................ii

ABSTRACT.......................................................... iv

CHAPTERS

 1. INTRODUCTION...........................................1

 2. REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE................................ 3
 Introduction...................................3
 Formation Processes............................... 4
 Agricultural Productivity............................9
 Research Topics................................... 12

 3. SOIL CHARACTERIZATION................................ 15
 Introduction..................................15
 Materials and Methods ........................... 15
 Results and Discussion.......................... 17

 4. CHARACTERISTICS OF SOIL WATER MOVEMENT IN UNDISTURBED
 SOIL COLUMNS........................................... 24
 Introduction. ................................... 24
 Materials and Methods ........................... 31
 Results and Discussion .......................... 34
 Conclusions.....................................59

 5. CROP RESPONSE TO PLANTING DENSITIES AND FERTILIZER
 APPLICATION SCHEDULING............................... 61
 Introduction....................................61
 Materials and Methods ........................... 63
 Results and Discussion .......................... 66
 Conclusions........................................ 94

 6. NUTRIENT MOVEMENT IN UNDISTURBED SOIL COLUMNS...........98
 Introduction....................................... 98
 Materials and Methods .......................... 101
 Results and Discussion........................... 106
 Conclusions .................................... 137

 7. OVERALL CONCLUSIONS....................................140
 Introduction....... .............................140
 Soil Characterization ......................... 141
 Crop Response ................................. 142
 Nutrient Leaching............................... 143