bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
RAINFALL EROSION INDICES FOR CANADA EAST OF THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS
Authors: WALL G. J. , GREUEL J. , DICKINSON W. T.
Published: March 2010

The use of the universal soil loss equation in Canada to estimate soil loss potential for soil and water conservation planning purposes has been limited by the lack of published rainfall erosion indices and by the arduous procedure generally accepted for determination of these indices. This study was conducted to develop and test relatively simple methods to develop annual rainfall erosion indices and associated seasonal distribution patterns. An approach to the determination of a rainfall-runoff factor to accommodate the effect of winter conditions has also been included. The relatively simple techniques for estimating average annual rainfall erosion indices and seasonal distribution patterns of rainfall erosion have been found to yield comparable values to those determined by more tedious methods. These erosion indices and associated distribution patterns have proven useful for the development of a first approximation of rainfall erosion maps for Canadian locations east of the Rocky Mountains. Key words: Rainfall erosion indices, USLE
UPTAKE OF NATURALLY OCCURRING RADIOISOTOPES BY VEGETATION IN A REGION OF HIGH RADIOACTIVITY
Authors: MAHON D. C. , MATHEWES R. W.
Published: March 2010

The accumulation of four naturally occurring radionuclides of the 238U series, uranium, 226Ra, 210Pb and 210Po, in 15 species of native plants was investigated. Of the plants sampled some accumulated, but none concentrated uranium or 226Ra. Grouseberry (Vaccinium scoparium Leiberg) appeared to concentrate 210Pb and 210Po. There were marked seasonal variations in the accumulation of uranium by grass (Calamagrostis rubescens Buckl.), and of 210Pb and 210Po by grass and fireweed (Epilobium angustifolium L.). High positive correlations between soil and vegetation radionuclide content were found for uranium in fireweed and grouse-berry in spring, 226Ra in willow (Salix scouleriana L.) in spring, and uranium in fireweed in summer. Key words: Radionuclides, soils, vegetation, uptake, bioconcentration
INTERMITTENT INFILTRATION AND EVAPORATION FROM SOIL COLUMNS
Authors: MUSTAFA M. A. , JONG R. DE , HAYHOE H. N. , TOPP G. C.
Published: March 2010

Varying total amounts of water (160 and 320 mm) were infiltrated into 60-cm columns of air-dry saline sodic clay soil. The intervals between irrigation applications were varied from 5 to 20 days. The soil columns were subjected to a potential evaporation rate of 4.8 mm∙day−1 in a growth room. The cumulative evaporation followed a square root of time response, similar to that found by others for non-saline soils of coarser texture. An analytical solution of the Richards’ equation gave satisfactory (± 10%) prediction of cumulative evaporation at the end of the experiment as long as water was added in amounts of 40 mm or more per irrigation. The numerical solution to the Richards’ equation gave satisfactory estimates of evaporation for the latter stages of the experiment, but in the earlier stages it underestimated evaporation because of the too deep distribution of water in the soil given by this model. The neglect of hysteresis was invoked to explain the discrepancy between observed and predicted soil water content profiles. The "versatile soil moisture budget" empirical model also gave satisfactory prediction of evaporation but the successful prediction of water content profiles depended on "field capacity" values measured in situ. Key words: Soil moisture, modelling, water budgets, Richards’ equation
ATRAZINE: THE IMPACT OF PERSISTENT RESIDUES IN SOIL ON SUSCEPTIBLE CROP SPECIES
Authors: FRANK R. , SIRONS G. J. , ANDERSON G. W.
Published: March 2010

Field investigations between 1970 and 1980 revealed frequent carry-over residues of atrazine (2-chloro-4-ethylamino-6-isopropylamino-s-triazine) and its major metabolite, N-de-ethyl atrazine (2-chloro-4-amino-6-isopropylamino-s-triazine) in soils and many were associated with visible crop damage. Susceptible crops in rotation with corn appeared to tolerate a carry-over of 0.1 mg/kg Σ-atrazine (atrazine plus metabolite) under field conditions. Where the carry-over residues were above 0.1 mg/kg the severity of injury appeared to be related to the amount of residue, the soil type, the crop species, and the weather conditions. A growth cabinet experiment was designed to study the response of five susceptible crop species to simulated carry-over levels of atrazine between 0.05 and 0.70 mg/kg active ingredient added to a sandy loam, a loam and an organic loam soil, that contained 1.0, 3.5 and 10% organic matter (OM), respectively. Additions of as little as 0.10 mg/kg atrazine to soils with 1.0 and 3.5% OM caused visible injury to develop on the foliage of all five crop species. Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) appeared to be the most sensitive crop species, being affected by atrazine at 0.05 mg/kg. On soils with 10% OM the phytotoxic effects of atrazine were considerably reduced and all five crops tolerated residue levels up to 0.70 mg/kg without serious injury. Key words: Atrazine, N-de-ethyl atrazine, residue, crops, field, growth chamber
THE BROOKSTON SERIES IN SOUTHWESTERN ONTARIO: CHARACTERISTICS, CLASSIFICATION AND PROBLEMS IN DEFINING A SOIL SERIES
Authors: EVANS L. J. , CAMERON B. H.
Published: March 2010

Forty-six soils originally mapped as belonging to the Brookston series were sampled in southern Ontario. Using current taxonomic criteria only 27 of the original group of soils belong to the Brookston Family. This family can now be defined as Orthic Humic Gleysol, fine clayey, illitic, alkaline, strongly calcareous, mild subaquic. Using a multivariate clustering procedure (CLUSTAN) a group of 12 soils was finally allocated to the Brookston series. The confusion between soil map units and taxonomic units and the changing concept of the soil series are largely believed responsible for the wide range in properties of the originally mapped Brookston series. Key words: Soil calssification, multivariate analysis, soil series
PLANT GROWTH IN FOUR OVERBURDEN TYPES USED IN THE RECLAMATION OF EXTRACTED OIL SANDS
Authors: DANIELSON R. M. , VISSER S. , PARKINSON D.
Published: March 2010

Two shallow mineral overburdens, a deep mineral overburden and a peat overburden from northern Alberta were examined to determine effects of each on the growth of jack pine and slender wheatgrass. Plants were grown in the greenhouse in 30-cm-deep cores in which the overburdens were placed in either 5- or 15-cm-deep layers over oil sand tailings. For comparison with current reclamation practices, cores containing a mixture of sand, peat and deep overburden were also used. The growth of slender wheatgrass was best in the peat and very poor in the deep overburden. Jack pine also grew very poorly in the deep overburden but reasonably well in the other three overburdens. There was extensive root development of both species in the sand layer beneath all four overburden types. Increasing the depth of peat from 5 to 15 cm resulted in a decrease in the growth of both plants whereas increasing the depth of the mineral overburdens had favorable effects. The amount of available P was much higher in sand under the 5-cm layers than sand under the 15-cm layers. Iron and Mn uptake was suppressed with the thick layer of peat. Mixing 15 cm of peat with deep overburden and sand did not affect the growth of slender wheatgrass but reduced shoot production of jack pine. Key words: Reclamation, oil sands, jack pine, slender wheatgrass, plant growth, peat
RESPONSE OF CORN TO NITROGEN IN PREPLANT AND SIDEDRESS APPLICATIONS OF LIQUID DAIRY CATTLE MANURE
Authors: BEAUCHAMP E. G.
Published: March 2010

Two field experiments were conducted, each over a 3-yr period, to compare the availability of N from liquid cattle manure (LCM) with that from urea and anhydrous ammonia to corn. Two times of application (preplant vs. sidedress) and two methods of application (surface vs. injection) of LCM were compared with respect to corn grain yield and soil NO3− concentration during two periods of the growing season. The availability of LCM N was approximately one-half that of fertilizer N. Injection of LCM either before planting or as a sidedressing between the corn plant rows resulted in LCM N being approximately 60% as available as fertilizer N. Application of LCM to the soil surface, as a side dressing resulted in LCM N being approximately one-third as available as anhydrous ammonia N. The data were discussed and interpreted on the basis that manure N is made up of two principal fractions, "organic" and ammoniacal N. The organic N fraction, consisting of all the N other than ammonia, becomes only partly available to the crop through mineralization whereas the ammoniacal N fraction is subject to volatilization if not incorporated into the soil immediately. Soil NO3− concentrations in the June-July period showed the surface preplant LCM N availability to be approximately one-half that of preplant applications of urea. Nitrate concentrations during the September-October period suggested that LCM showed no greater levels of NO3− than urea even at twice the rate of N application. Key words: Corn, nitrogen, preplant and sidedress applications, liquid dairy cattle manure
SEASONAL CHANGES IN BACKGROUND LEVELS OF MERCURY IN SURFACE HORIZONS OF FORESTED SOILS IN ALBERTA
Authors: DUDAS M. J. , CANNON K.
Published: March 2010

Content of mercury in organic soil horizons was monitored to ascertain seasonal changes in background levels. L, F, and H horizons were relatively enriched in mercury in early spring. Levels then diminished and reached seasonal low values in August. Content of mercury then increased twofold during September after which levels declined to summer values. F horizons had the highest content of mercury and H horizons had the lowest. Key words: Mercury cycling, mercury dynamics, heavy metal
VARIATIONS OF pH WITH ANNUAL PRECIPITATION IN LOAMY FOREST SOILS
Authors: CHAMPTON C. B.
Published: March 2010

Colorimetric soil pH measurements made systematically across Burnaby Mountain in well-drained loamy soils of the rainforest of British Columbia over an 8-yr period from 1974 until 1981 showed that acidification of the subsoil increased after two consecutive drier-than-average years. This changing acidity contrasted with the relatively stable acidity of the subsoil in imperfectly drained soils, regardless of changing patterns of precipitation. Key words: pH, forests, loams, precipitation
LIME REQUIREMENT DETERMINATION OF ACID ORGANIC SOILS USING BUFFER-pH METHODS
Authors: LIEROP W. VAN
Published: March 2010

The aims of this study were to calibrate and assess the accuracy of seven buffer solutions for determining the lime requirement (LR) of organic soils using buffer-pH methodology. The various buffers were evaluated by comparing the precision of regression equations adjusted to the relationships between the LR rates required to achieve pH 5.0 (0.01 M CaCl2; ≈ 5.4 (H2O)), as determined by incubation, and soil-buffer pH values. The buffers tested and their initial pH values were as follows: Shoemaker, McLean and Pratt (SMP), pH 7.5; Woodruff, pH 7.0; Yuan, pH 7.0 and 6.0; Mehlich, pH 6.6; 0.1 N Ca(OAc)2, pH 5.5; 0.1 N Ba(OAc)2, pH 5.5; and 0.1 N NH4OAc, pH 5.5.Results indicate that the liming material had reacted with the CaCO3 neutralizable acidity of these soils within 2 mo as the pH values of the incubated samples did not change materially from the 2nd to the 8th month of incubation. Furthermore, the pH values of the soils utilized in this study increased linearly with increasing rates of applied CaCO3. Incubation lime requirements to achieve pH 5.0 (0.01 M CaCl2) by the 34 unlimed and 12 partially limed organic soils utilized in this study to calibrate each buffer varied from about 1 to 28 meq CaCO3/100 mL soil (1–28 tonne/ha to a depth of 20 cm). Although, the SMP (r = −0.957**) and Woodruff (r = −0.943**) buffers were somewhat less precise than the Mehlich (r = −0.975), Ba-acetate (r = −0.966**), or ammonium acetate (r = −0.976**) buffers for determining the full range of LR rates encountered in this study, they were nonetheless as precise as any for determining the LR of organic soils needing less than about 20 meq CaCO3/100 mL soil to achieve pH 5.0 (0.01 M CaCl2). Regression equations for calculating the LR of organic soils, adjusted for differences in their bulk densities, from soil-buffer pH values are provided in the text. Key words: SMP, Woodruff, Mehlich, Yuan, acetate buffers
THE ISOLATION OF SOIL HUMIC AND FULVIC ACID COMPONENTS RICH IN "UNKNOWN NITROGEN"
Authors: SCHNITZER M. , MARSHALL P. R. , HINDLE D. A.
Published: March 2010

Close to 50% of the total N in soils has so far not been identified. Previous studies indicate that this "unknown" N might be bio-available and may participate in the soil N cycle. The objective of this investigation was to develop a procedure which would allow us to isolate from soils, fractions which were rich in unknown N but which would contain only small amounts of known N compounds. We felt that the availability of such fractions would permit us to learn more about the characteristics of the unknown N components without too much interference from the many known N-containing constituents. The isolation procedure involved (a) the extraction and separation of humic (HA) and fulvic acid (FA) fractions from soils; (b) hydrolysis of each fraction with hot 6 mol∙L−1 HCl; (c) separation of neutralized hydrolyzates on Sephadex G-25 gel; and (d) further separation of the highest molecular weight fractions of the neutralized hydrolyzates on G-50 gel, and of the second highest molecular weight fractions on G-15 gel. For soil samples taken from the Ah horizon of the Bainsville soil (a Humic Gleysol) and the Bh horizon of the Armadale (a Podzol), proportions of soil-N in HAs and FAs, and in fractions derived from them were, in HAs + FAs, 29.3 and 56.9%; in water-soluble, hydrolyzed HA- and FA- fractions, 12.0 and 19.7%; and in nonhydrolyzable and water-insoluble (at pH 7) fractions, 9.0 and 16.3%, respectively. Substantial portions of the soil N were left unextracted in the humins. Several fractions were isolated by the procedure described herein; in some close to 98% of the total N consisted of unknown N. Key words: Amino acid nitrogen, ammonia nitrogen, acid hydrolysis, gel filtration
ION PAIRS IN A SOLONETZIC SOIL
Authors: ALZUBAIDI A. , WEBSTER G. R.
Published: March 2010

The kinds and concentrations of the major ion pairs were determined in saturation extracts of 141 soil samples collected from a Solonetzic soil treated with various kinds of tillage combined with surface-applied chemical amendments. The correlations between concentrations of ion pairs and EC and pH of saturation extracts were statistically tested. Sulfate ion pairs NaSO4−, MgSO40 and CaSO40 occurred in relatively high concentrations. The other ion pairs were of low concentrations. Of the total soluble Ca, ion pairs ranged from 20.8% in the Ap horizon to 50.5% in the Csk horizon and Mg was approximately the same. The comparable values for Na were 0.8% and 4.6%, respectively. Ion pairs NaSO4−, KSO4−, MgSO40 and CaSO40 were significantly correlated with EC. Only carbonate ion pairs were significantly correlated with pH. Correcting concentrations of Na, Ca and Mg for ion pairs and activities changed considerably the SAR values in the Bnt1 horizon. Key words: Ion pairs, Solonetzic soils, ion activities
ASSESSING THE VARIABILITY OF ATTERBERG INDICES WITHIN THE DALHOUSIE SOIL ASSOCIATION (BRANDON SERIES)
Authors: WIRES K. C. , TOPP G. C.
Published: March 2010

This study assessed the lateral and vertical variability of the Atterberg indices within one soil map delineation and inferred the variability of two additional delineations of the Dalhousie association (Brandon series). The data showed that Atterberg indices were highly variable with the liquid limit varying from 33 to 51% for samples from one transect line. This variation was composed of spatial variation in both lateral and vertical directions. Much of the variation in liquid limit was related to the amount of fine material (< 0.05 mm) in this soil, generally considered to be very uniform. Analyses of liquid limits from fewer samples were used to infer variability of two additional delineations. When Atterberg indices for specific depths were used different engineering classifications resulted from that given from mean values for the pedon or map unit. Key words: Atterberg indices, variability, transect, sampling confidence
13C-LABELLING FOR NMR STUDIES OF SOILS: CPMAS NMR OBSERVATION OF 13C-ACETATE TRANSFORMATION IN A MINERAL SOIL
Authors: PRESTON CAROLINE M. , RIPMEESTER J. A.
Published: March 2010

Few nmr studies with whole soil have been successfully attempted. Solid-state 13C nmr spectra were obtained for Bainsville clay loam an orthic humic gleysol with 3% carbon, using the CPMAS technique (cross-polarization magic-angle spinning). Results for the whole soil were limited by poor signal/noise and lack of resolution, possibly due to line-broadening by iron. Better results were obtained by employing a < 50 μm fine-size fraction, and difference spectra techniques, allowing observation of added 13C-labelled acetate, and its transformation during incubation. Key words: 13C nmr, CPMAS, labelling, soil
NUMERICAL ANALYSIS OF A CHRONOSEQUENCE INCLUDING AN ASSESSMENT OF VARIABILITY
Authors: SONDHEIM M. W. , STANDISH J. T.
Published: March 2010

One hundred and eighty-three soil samples from 60 pits were collected from a sequence of moraines located in front of the Robson Glacier, Mt. Robson, British Columbia. Univariate analysis of variance, oblique rotation factor analysis, and nonlinear regression were employed to ascertain the major processes operating on the moraines and to determine whether expected trends were masked by the variability of the parent material. Soil properties which varied significantly with depth and moraine age included organic carbon, nitrogen, and pH. Assumed to be functionally related, these properties were also identified with one of two significant factors from the factor analysis. The values for organic carbon and nitrogen were fitted to nonlinear equations involving an exponential term for depth and a logistic term for time; the resulting correlation coefficients were 0.89 and 0.88, respectively. Percent calcium carbonate equivalent, percent iron plus aluminum by citrate-bicarbonate-dithionite extraction, percent iron plus aluminum by pyrophosphate extraction, percent sand, and percent clay showed generally little or no relationship to depth and age. These properties were related to the second factor from the factor analysis, which was identified with water infiltration and abiotically induced carbonation. The absence of stronger depth and age trends for these properties was considered a result of a high degree of variability within the parent material. Key words: Chronosequence, chronofunction, pedogenesis, soil development, soil sequence, soil nitrogen
THE RELATIONSHIP OF THE YIELD OF IRRIGATED BARLEY TO SOIL SALINITY AS MEASURED BY SEVERAL METHODS
Authors: McKENZIE R. C. , SPROUT C. H. , CLARK N. F.
Published: March 2010

A field study was conducted to measure the effect of soil salinity on barley grown under irrigated conditions in Alberta. Salinity was measured by the saturated paste extract, 1:2 soil-to-water extract, vertical probe and horizontal surface array methods. Correlation coefficients were determined between salinity measurements and the yield of barley to establish the suitability of these methods for predicting the growth of barley. Nineteen fields over 2 yr were monitored and soil salinity and the yield of barley were determined at a number of sites in each field. All methods of measuring salinity were significantly correlated (P = 0.01) with the yield of barley. At an EC of 7.8, yields of barley were reduced by 50%. Sodium concentration and sodium adsorption ratio were closely correlated with yield of barley and with saturated-paste-extract salinity. Soil moisture and pH were not as effective as salinity and sodium measurements in predicting the yield of barley. The saturated-paste-extract salinity was more closely correlated with the 1:2 soil-to-water extract than with the vertical probe or the horizontal surface array. The latter three methods were effective for rapid determination of the yield reductions which would occur on saline soils. No difference in tolerance to salinity was found between Klages (two-row) and Galt (six-row) cultivars of barley. Key words: Salinity tolerance of barley, methods of measuring salinity, vertical probe EC, horizontal array EC, saturated paste EC, 1:2 soil-to-water extract EC
INOCULATION OF ALFALFA SEED FOR INCREASED YIELD ON MODERATELY ACID SOIL
Authors: RICE W. A. , OLSEN P. E.
Published: March 2010

Methods currently available for inoculating alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) seed with Rizobium meliloti were evaluated to determine their ability to produce effective nodulation and to increase forage yield under moderately acid (pH 5.8–5.9) soil conditions. Five inoculation treatments were applied in a field experiment: no inoculant, 5.5 g inoculant/kg seed applied without inoculant sticker, 5.5 g inoculant/kg seed applied with inoculant sitcker, 50.7 g inoculant/kg seed applied with inoculant sticker, and 5.4 g inoculant/kg seed applied with a commerical seed-coating process. Alfalfa yields were not increased relative to the uninoculated control when inoculant was applied without sticker at 5.5 g inoculant/kg seed. However, when the inoculant was applied at 50.7 g/kg seed using a sticking agent alfalfa yields were increased 85% during the first harvest year and 47% in the second harvest year. Lower, but significant yield increases were obtained with 5.5 g inoculant/kg seed applied with a sticking agent and 5.4 g inoculant/kg seed applied with the commerical seed-coating process. In an assay conducted in the greenhouse, double antibiotic (streptomycin, rifampicin) resistant strains of R. meliloti were used to determine the proportion of nodules formed by the inoculant Rhizobium. Between 92 and 100% of the nodules contained antibiotic resistant strains when the inoculant was applied with a sticking agent or with the seed-coating process, while only 38% of the nodules in the treatment without sticker contained antibiotic resistant strains. The results demonstrate the importance of applying inoculants with a sticking agent or in conjunction with seed coating to obtain maximum yields of alfalfa on moderately acid soils. Key words: Acid soil, Rhizobium meliloti, Medicago sativa, inoculation, antibiotic resistant mutants
COMPARISON OF SOME PODZOLS AND SPODOSOLS IN THE FRASER LOWLAND, BRITISH COLUMBIA AND ADJACENT WASHINGTON STATE
Authors: GOLDIN A.
Published: March 2010

Soils derived from Pleistocene deposits with an aeolian mantle in the Fraser Lowland of British Columbia and adjacent Washington State are analyzed and compared for classification as Podzols and Spodosols. Data from Canadian and American sources are examined for six groups of soils that correlate across the international boundary. Soils classified as Spodosols meet the criteria for Podzols, but the converse is not true, mainly because the pyrophosphate-extractable Fe + Al is less than half of the dithionite-citrate-extractable Fe + Al. The Canadian classification is Humo-Ferric Podzols. The presence of amorphous material in this area is recognized and expressed in U.S. soil taxonomy as Andic intergrades of Xerochrepts. Evidence of amorphous material in the aeolian mantle of these soils is a smeary feel when rubbed wet, and the following other characteristics (with the common ranges in the upper 60 cm): low bulk density (850–1150 kg/m3), high 1.5-MPa water-to-clay ratio (0.95–3.33), high cation exchange capacity (130–400 meq/100 g clay), high pH in sodium fluoride (10.0–11.1), and low percent base saturation (9–46%). The soils have 1–21% glass or glassy aggregates in the upper 60 cm and a trace to 6% below 60 cm. Key words: Podzolization, NaF pH, bulk density, Andic Xerochrepts, Pleistocene deposits, Whatcom County.
ESTIMATES OF SOIL EROSION AND DEPOSITION FOR SOME SASKATCHEWAN SOILS
Authors: JONG E. DE , BEGG C. B. M. , KACHANOSKI R. G.
Published: March 2010

137Cs from the atmospheric testing of nuclear devices in the 1950s and 1960s was used to estimate soil erosion in eight small basins in hummocky topography. Three basins had not been cultivated since the 1950s and in these 137Cs showed little or no separation according to landscape position. In the cultivated basins, 137Cs increased from the top to the bottom of the slopes reflecting the simultaneous occurrence of soil erosion on the upper slopes and deposition on the lower slopes. The redistribution of 137Cs was least in a cultivated basin where water erosion was minimal. From the 137Cs it was estimated that over the past 20–25 yr the upper slopes in the cultivated basins had lost 20–60 kg soil/m2, whereas the lower slopes had gained 25–80 kg/m2. Some middle-slope positions lost soil, others gained. An attempt to construct 137Cs and soil balances for each of the cultivated basins was only partially successful. The inability to accurately delineate areas of erosion and areas of deposition is probably the major obstacle in calculating accurate balances for the basins. The 137Cs balances did show promise of being able to separate soil losses by wind and water erosion. Key words: Water erosion, wind erosion, 137Cs, deposition, universal soil loss equation
NATIVE FIXED AMMONIUM AND FIXATION OF ADDED AMMONIUM IN RELATION TO CLAY MINERALOGY IN SOME ONTARIO SOILS
Authors: DORAM D. R. , EVANS L. J.
Published: March 2010

Six soil profiles belonging to the Brookston, Lockport, Guelph, Chinguacousy and Haldimand series were sampled in southern Ontario. Illite contents of the clay fractions ranged from 25 to 56% and vermiculite contents ranged from 13 to 53%. The native fixed ammonium content varied from 57 to 367 μg/g and accounted for between 3 and 44% of the total nitrogen, being proportionally less in Ap horizons. Results of simple linear regression analyses demonstrated significant correlations of native fixed ammonium with percentages of clay, illite, illite plus vermiculite and K2O. The amount of ammonium fixed increased with increasing concentration of added ammonium up to the highest rate of application (2000μg NH4+/g soil). Regression analysis indicated that vermiculite was more important in the fixation of added NH4+ than illite. Studies on Ap horizons comparing the amount of NH4+ fixed with the amount of K− fixed for equivalent amounts of added cation showed that K+ was fixed in greater quantities than NH4+. Key words: Native fixed NH4+, NH4+ fixation, clay mineralogy
A LACK OF BACTERICIDAL EFFECT OF SUBSIDENCE-MITIGATING COPPER IN ORGANIC SOILS
Authors: MATHUR SUKHDEV P.
Published: March 2010

Two poorly humified peat soils, containing 23 or 1207 ppm (wt/wt) Cu, and two well-humified muck soils with 151 or 1264 ppm Cu, obtained from 3-yr-old field experiments on simulated extravagant applications of Cu for mitigation of organic soil degradation and subsidence, were used in this study. The aim was to determine whether the longevity of Escherichia coli (K12 JE 2517-a nonmotile mutant) cells inoculated into the soils would be affected by the soil Cu concentrations. The rapid spread plate method was used for counting viable cells of the coliform. Both microbially active and bromomethane-sterilized soils were aerobically incubated with the bacterium normally alien to the soils for 48 and 168 h, respectively, with or without further additions of 10 ppm Cu to the soils with the bacterial cells. A pulverized quartz sand was included in the experiments to provide comparison. Unlike the immediate and sustained lethality of Cu revealed in sand suspensions, neither the previously nor the newly added Cu had any negative influence on the survival or proliferation of the added E. coli cells. The results thus showed that the soil Cu had no direct bactericidal or bacteriostatic effect. These data were therefore in accord with earlier suggestions that the Cu mitigates decomposition and resultant subsidence by inactivating degradative and accumulated soil enzymes that contribute substantially to the dissipation of their substrate-rich milieux. Key words: Copper, bacteria, organic soils, subsidence
INFLUENCE OF SOIL MASS AND DIMENSIONS ON ZINC RESPONSE IN CORN (Zea mays)
Authors: RACZ G. J. , NYAKI A. S. , LOEWEN-RUDGERS L. A.
Published: March 2010

Zn increased shoot dry matter yield of 62-day-old corn grown in the greenhouse on Almasippi loamy fine sand (Gleyed Carbonated Rego Black) containing 0.77 ppm DTPA-extractable Zn whereas corn in the field on the same soil had not responded to Zn. Soil mass or dimensions had little influence upon degree of response to Zn. When no Zn was applied, Zn uptake was not influenced by soil mass, suggesting that the amount of plant-available soil Zn did not increase with increasing soil mass. Results from this study provided little evidence that restricted soil mass, limiting the amount of available soil Zn, was the primary cause of greater response to Zn fertilization in pot as compared to field experiments. Key words: Corn, soil-mass, zinc
SOIL-LANDSCAPE ANALYSIS IN RELATION TO SOIL DISTRIBUTION AND MAPPING AT A SITE WITHIN THE WEYBURN ASSOCIATION
Authors: KING G. J. , ACTON D. F. , ST. ARNAUD R. J.
Published: March 2010

Soil-landscape relationships were studied in detail at a site comprised of Dark Brown and related soils of the Weyburn Association in central Saskatchewan. Detailed soil observations along transects identified actual soil series and related their distribution to landscape parameters. A slope-profiling approach, involving division of slopes according to angular differences between measured lengths along the transects, revealed that while soil distribution varied in terms of slope position, slope length, slope gradient and sequence, the most significant relationship lies between soil distribution and shape of slopes. Most slopes could be subdivided readily into convex units, concave units, usually short rectilinear units joining them, and depressional units. Such divisions generally coincided with observable soil divisions, corresponding, respectively, with shallow, deep and gleyed soils. The convex units comprised Regosols and Rego, Calcareous and ’shallow Orthic’ Dark Brown Chernozemic soils. The concave units included ’deep Orthic,’ ’AB Orthic’ and Eluviated series. The depressional units were generally composed of Gleyed Orthic or Gleyed Eluviated series. Both field and laboratory analyses confirm that the soils within landscapes form a continuum, but that recognition of the soil groupings suggested provide a practical and feasible field separation in mapping soils. A combination of aerial photos, field examination of soils and an evaluation of slopes and particularly slope changes could be used to recognize and map these broad, landscape-related soil groupings. Key words: Soil association, soil catena, soil series, slope analysis, topography, map units
INTERPRETATION SHEETS FOR ENGINEERING CLASSIFICATIONS IN SOIL SURVEYS
Authors: WILSON G.
Published: March 2010

The UNIFIED and AASHTO systems are used in engineering to classify soils for specific purposes. To facilitate use of the soil surveys by engineers, it has been customary to interpret soil survey mapping units in terms of these engineering classification systems. The procedure, however, is often difficult to follow and normally time-consuming. When used in combination with pedotechnical setting sheets, interpretation sheets reduce this time element and provide for more effective use of the soil survey information. This paper demonstrates development and application of the interpretation sheets. Key words: Engineering soil classification, pedotechnical interpretations, UNIFIED, AASHTO, soil engineering
ON THE ORIGIN OF FE IN SOME PODZOLIC SOILS FORMED ON CALCAREOUS PARENT MATERIALS IN THE CANADIAN ROCKY MOUNTAINS
Authors: SMITH C. A. S. , SPIERS G. A. , COEN G. M. , PLUTH D. J.
Published: March 2010

The formation of Podzols in the Rocky Mountain Region of Alberta has been related to the presence of an easily weatherable volcanic ash component within the upper solum of these soils. A silty surficial deposit, comprising a mixture of volcanic ash and locally derived aeolian detritus, is the parent material for the upper solum of pedons occurring in stable landscape positions. Source areas for this locally derived aeolian detritus comprise highly calcareous materials. Weathering of the carbonate component of the locally derived aeolian material releases considerable amounts of iron and aluminum, sufficient to produce a Bf horizon given an appropriate environment. The presence of a Bf horizon in this region is insufficient evidence to implicate volcanic ash as a parent material component in the genesis of the pedon. Key words: Genesis, Rocky Mountain region, weathering of CaCO3, volcanic ash, local aeolian materials, Podzolic soils
EFFECTS OF LEONARDITE APPLICATIONS ON PHOSPHORUS AVAILABILITY AND CORN GROWTH
Authors: DUPLESSIS G. L. , MacKENZIE A. F.
Published: March 2010

The effects on corn of adding leonardite to a clay and a loamy sand soil were investigated. Leonardite increased corn yields, P uptake and N uptake on the loamy sand but had no effect when added to the clay soil. Additions of monocalcium phosphate (MCP) to both soils increased yields and P uptake but no interactions were noted between MCP and leonardite. Possible mechanisms of action of leonardite are discussed. Key words: Phosphorus, leonardite, growth chamber, corn
A TECHNIQUE FOR MOUNTING AND PRESERVING PEAT SOIL MONOLITHS
Authors: DINEL HENRI
Published: March 2010

The mounting and. preserving of soil profiles is a current practice to keep reference soils for scientific needs, teaching aids and display purposes. Techniques described in the literature (Berger and Muckenhirn 1945; Bushnell 1930; Day 1968; van Baren and Bomer 1979; Hammond 1974) have been proven satisfactory for mineral soils. However, when applied to organic soils, they have failed to minimize changes to the physical (shrinkage) and chemical (oxydation) nature of the soil material. The proposed technique offers an alternative which reduces shrinkage on drying and fixes the physical and morphological features such as color, structure and appearance in their in situ state. Key words: Peat, organic soils, monoliths, polyester mounting
SOIL AND FERTILIZER-N TRANSFORMATIONS UNDER SIMULATED ZERO TILL: EFFECT OF TEMPERATURE REGIMES
Authors: RENNIE D. A. , HEIMO M.
Published: March 2010

Cool soil temperature regimes with initial soil temperatures of 5 °C rising to 20 °C at the heading stage reduced the rate of growth of barley by approximately one-third compared to 15–25 °C but did not change the barley yield or the fate of the applied fertilizer N in the soil biomass, roots, or tops of the plant or that lost by denitrification. The primary isotope data, % Ndff or ’A’ values remained relatively constant irrespective of whether the straw was placed on the surface or mixed throughout the soil. In contrast, the nitrogen balance data verified that fertilizer N loss, presumably due to denitrification, was as high as 35% in certain treatments, and further that up to 40% of the added fertilizer N was immobilized where the straw was uniformly mixed in the soil. The nitrogen balance data were used to correct the original rate of fertilizer N application. When this was done, A values calculated on the basis of the revised rates of application showed that the amount of soil N which was denitrified or immobilized was approximately double that of the applied fertilizer N. Thus, it is possible where a N balance is included in an investigation to quantitatively assess the effect of management practices on available soil N. It is further concluded that differential immobilization or denitrification of the 15N fertilizer standard may invalidate yield-dependent isotope-derived data, such as dinitrogen fixation unless nitrogen balance data are available to permit the appropriate corrections to be made. Key words: Zero till, N-cycle, temperature, crop residues, barley
EFFECTS OF CATECHOL AND P-BENZOQUINONE ON THE HYDROLYSIS OF UREA AND ENERGY BARRIERS OF UREASE ACTIVITY IN SOILS
Authors: TOMAR J. S. , MacKENZIE A. F.
Published: March 2010

The effects of the urease inhibitors, catechol and p-benzoquinone, and temperature on the hydrolysis of urea in five soils were investigated in a laboratory study. Urea hydrolysis decreased significantly with the amount of inhibitors applied and increased significantly with each 5 °C increase in temperature from 5 to 25 °C. The effectiveness of inhibitors generally decreased with increases in temperature from 5 to 25 °C. The correlation of hydrolysis of urea with organic matter contents of the soils was highly significant (r = 0.67** to 0.86**). Both catechol and p-benzoquinone tended to increase the energies and entropies of activation of soil urease and the effect was enhanced with a decrease in soil organic matter. It is suggested that an increase in the activation energy of the soil urease as a result of inhibitor use was related to an increase in the effectiveness of the inhibitor. Key words: Urease inhibitors, urea hydrolysis, energy of activation
EFFECT OF CROPPING, SUMMERFALLOW AND FERTILIZER NITROGEN ON NITRATE-NITROGEN LOST BY LEACHING ON A BROWN CHERNOZEMIC LOAM
Authors: CAMPBELL C. A. , ZENTNER R. P. , JONG R. DE
Published: March 2010

In 1982, six crop rotation treatments that were initiated in 1967 on a Orthic Brown Chernozemic loam were sampled for soil NO3-N and moisture to a depth of 240 cm. Soil samples were taken on 18 May and 10 June from all treatments, on 2 Sept. on fallow treatments only, and on 14 Oct. from cropped treatments. Precipitation during the sampling period was about 23% above the long-term average. It was estimated that at least 123 kg NO3-N∙ha−1 were leached from the top 240 cm of fallow soils. Leaching appeared to result from a portion of the precipitation moving through macro soil pores. There was evidence that water and NO3-N might also move upwards from below the 240-cm depth. Of the six rotations examined, the 2-yr and 3-yr spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) rotations lost the most NO3-N. The presence of fall rye (Secale cereale L.) in a fallow-rye-wheat rotation was very effective in reducing NO3-N losses. Spring wheat, when grown continuously, was also very effective in reducing NO3-N losses but even here there was some evidence of leaching beyond the root zone. Application of fertilizer N and P at amounts based on soil test recommendations reduced NO3-N leached. It was estimated from long-term precipitation data, that over the past 100 yr about 20% of the soil organic N that was present at the time of breaking the land has been lost from the soil via leaching. It was concluded that leaching losses of N from the soils on the Canadian prairies had been greatly underestimated and were partly responsible for losses attributed to the more visible wind erosion. Key words: Nitrate movement, crop rotations, fertilizer and leaching, summerfallow and leaching, bimodal leaching
LAND DISPOSAL OF MANURE IN THE PROVINCE OF QUEBEC
Authors: CULLEY J. L. B. , BARNETT G. M.
Published: March 2010

The 1981 Census of Agriculture statistics was used to estimate manure production from livestock activities in Quebec. Only 10 of the subdivisions (1%) were found to have an improved farmland base that was inadequate to meet the total manure stocking rate (TMSR) regulation (i.e. 0.3 ha per animal unit (AU) of production). There were two areas, one near Granby in the Yamaska River basin and another near the outlet of the Chaudiere River, where there was a substantial number of adjoining subdivisions with TMSRs above 2.0 AU∙ha−1. Analysis of soil survey data indicated a greater potential for groundwater contamination in the Chaudiere than in the Yamaska high-density subdivisions. However, about 15% of animal manure production in Quebec was on farms which did not meet the land base requirement. Hog waste constituted about 83% and poultry waste 13% of the manure produced on farms with inadequate improved land. Key words: Water pollution, animal waste, non-point sources, manure applications
POTASSIUM EXCHANGE CHARACTERISTICS IN RELATION TO MINERALOGICAL PROPERTIES AND POTASSIUM UPTAKE BY GRAPES OF SELECTED SOILS IN THE NIAGARA PENINSULA OF SOUTHERN ONTARIO
Authors: ROSS G. J. , CLINE R. A.
Published: March 2010

Potassium deficiency in grapes, as well as in other fruit crops grown on soils in the Niagara peninsula, is a common and often serious problem. Ap horizon samples from 12 of these soils and grape petiole samples from nine of the soil locations were analyzed to elucidate the behavior of the soil K and its availability to grapes. The soils ranged in texture from sandy loam to silty clay and their clay mineralogy was relatively uniform with mica as the main layer silicate. Vermiculite was quantified by potential K fixation methods and was concentrated in the clay. Up to 5.8% vermiculite was present in the soils which seemed to be sufficient to reduce K availability by K fixation. Amounts of exchangeable K extracted with NaCl or NH4Cl were relatively high (0.46–2.09 meq/100 g) but were not correlated with K uptake by grapes. Energies of K exchange obtained from immiscibly displaced soil solutions were closely related to vermiculite contents and amounts of K fixed after air drying. Energies of K exchange and ratios of exchangeable K over exchangeable Ca + Mg were highly correlated with K uptake by grapes. Soils with energies of K exchange less than or equal to −2800 cal/equiv. or K exch./(Ca + Mg) exch. equal to or more than 7% appeared to have adequate amounts of available K for grapes. These two analyses therefore show promise for predicting K availability to grapes. Key words: Exchangeability of K, energy of K exchange, fixation of K, soil mineralogy, availability of K to grapes
DERIVATION OF NUTRIENT REQUIREMENTS OF FILBERTS USING ORCHARD SURVEYS
Authors: KOWALENKO C. GRANT
Published: March 2010

Leaf tissue nutrient concentrations measured over 3 years in 17 filbert orchards showed consistent correlations between N/S, Cu/S, Zn/Cu, Ca/K, Mg/K and Mg/Ca. Optimum concentrations of 1.44% Ca, 0.27% Mg, 0.14% S, 8.8 ppm Cu, and 19.5 ppm Zn were calculated using regression equations of the various correlations and optimum values of N and K (2.2% N and 0.8% K) reported in the literature. Correlations between leaf and soil nutrient concentrations were observed but they were not consistent over the 2 years and all depths (0–15, 15–30, 30–60 cm) of soil samples taken. Average leaf weight measurements were sufficiently consistent within orchards to allow detection of orchard to orchard differences. Several nutrients appeared to affect or be affected by average leaf weight. Average leaf weights appear to have potential as a biologically important measurement but the significance has yet to be derived. Key words: Filberts, macronutrients, micronutrients, optimum leaf concentrations, leaf weights
SOIL AND SOLUTION pH AND SODIUM:CALCIUM RATIO: EFFECTS ON CATION EXCHANGE PROPERTIES OF A SODIUM-SATURATED CHERNOZEMIC SOIL
Authors: SOMMERFELDT THERON G.
Published: March 2010

The effects of soil and solution pH and Na:Ca ratio in solution on the exchangeable Na, Ca, and (Na + Ca) of a Na-saturated Dark Brown Chernozemic soil were studied. At soil pH 9.0, the exchangeable Na, Ca, and (Na + Ca) were 14.5, 25.4, and 21.8% greater than at soil pH 6.0. Solution pH (6.0–9.0) had small but statistically significant effects on the amount of Na and Ca adsorbed by the soil. The logarithm of exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP) was related to the Na fraction in the solution by a polynomial equation, log ESP = 0.93 [Na/(Na + Ca)]2 + 0.16 [Na/(Na + Ca)] + 0.82. Not only is replacement of exchangeable Na with Ca important in the reclamation of this soil, should it become sodic and have a high pH, but also lowering of its surface charge, through lowering of its pH, would be an important factor in its reclamation. It appears impractical to reduce soil pH by applying acidified irrigation water. Acidic amendments such as gypsum and sulfur may be more suitable. Key words: Cation exchange, solution pH, soil pH
THE AGE OF SOME HOLOCENE SOILS ON THE EAR LAKE TERRACES IN SASKATCHEWAN
Authors: MERMUT A. R. , ACTON D. F.
Published: March 2010

Soil profiles on the lake bottom and on four successive postglacial lacustrine terraces situated on the edge of Ear Lake in west-central Saskatchewan were studied to contribute to the knowledge of processes associated with environments of soil formation since deglaciation. Detailed morphological studies and radiocarbon dates of selected horizons indicated incipient and well-developed paleosols have formed in response to progressive formation of the terraces. The ages of the paleosols revealed a possible relationship between postglacial climatic fluctuation and the formation of these terraces. Buried soils on the lower terraces meet the criteria for Solonetzic soils while surface soils of the upper terraces have Solonetzic characteristics. The study showed the presence of soils which have characteristics reflecting more than one interval of horizon differentiation and led to the suggestion that it may be erroneous to relate their properties solely to prevailing environmental conditions. Key words: 14C dates, terrace formation, soil age, Holocene soils, paleosol, Solonetzic soil
LIMITATIONS OF ALKALI-EXTRACTABLE ORGANIC FRACTIONS AS BASES OF SOIL CLASSIFICATION CRITERIA
Authors: SCHUPPLI P. A. , McKEAGUE J. A.
Published: March 2010

Soil samples, mainly from eastern and northern Canada, were extracted with sodium hydroxide-pyrophosphate and the centrifuged extracts were fractionated into humic acid, fulvic acid and the polyphenolic component of the fulvic acid fraction. Details of the extraction and fractionation procedure were altered systematically and the effects of these changes on amounts of carbon in the various fractions were studied. A tenfold increase in the ratio of soil to extracting solution resulted in a marked increase (nearly double in some cases) in the ratio of humic acid carbon to fulvic acid carbon (Ch/Cf). Increasing the centrifugal force from 1150 × g to 8200 × g had little effect on Ch, but decreased Cf values. Dissolving and reprecipitating humic acid resulted usually in a decrease in Ch/Cf. Different shaking speeds and times, and extraction under nitrogen rather than air had minor, if any, effects on the Ch/Cf ratios. Most of the podzolic B horizons tested could be distinguished from the other 60 horizons by the combination of C ext (extractable carbon), Ch/Cf and Ca/Cf (carbon content of the polyphenols component of the fulvic acid fraction/fulvic acid carbon).Extractable organic fractions have some promise as bases of soil classification criteria but their potential is limited at present. The procedures are time-consuming and exacting, and results are not comparable between laboratories. Rigorous standardization of methods and interlaboratory comparisons of data might lead to more useful criteria based on organic matter composition. Key words: Humic acid carbon, fulvic acid carbon, polyphenols carbon, extractable carbon, classification criteria