ABSTRACT
The three most important electrochemical properties of the soil that are affected by ooding are oxidation-reduction potential or redox potential (Eh), pH, and ionic strength (electrical conductivity) of soil pore water. Among the three electrochemical properties, Eh undergoes dynamic changes as wetlands are subjected to hydrologic uctuations. Compared with upland soils, one of the most striking characteristics of a wetland soil is its low Eh, which is a measure of electron activity or potential in the soil. Redox potential of soil is measured using a platinum electrode with a standard calomel reference electrode. In this chapter, major emphasis is placed on changes in Eh and pH in relation to biogeochemical reactions of interest in wetlands.
