Abstract
This report presents an estimation of six indicators of water holding potential on the basis of soil pore component using forest soil survey data of 176 soil profiles in the Shikoku District and correlative analysis between six indicators and site environmental factors. 6 indicators were closely correlated with each other. The average value (±standard deviation) of water holding capacity (=porosity of small size and medium size) of 176 sites was 147(±54)mm, and this value was smaller than those of previous reports. Correlative analysis between six indicators and site environmental factors was executed and the results were summarized as follows. Soil parent materials factor strongly affected 6 indicators (metamorphic rocks>sedimentary rocks). Three factors (soil type, soil depth and tree species) were closely connected with each other and affected some indicators (wet soil>dry soil, deep>shallow, sugi plantation>hinoki plantation). The effects of forest age and slope factors couldn't be recognized.
