The University of Michigan Biological Station (UMBS) was founded in 1909.
The quantity and quality of nutrient cations in some Michigan spodosols
Title | The quantity and quality of nutrient cations in some Michigan spodosols |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 1982 |
Authors | Adams PWilliam, Boyle JR |
Journal | Soil Science Society of America Journal |
Volume | 133 |
Pagination | 383-389 |
Keywords | SPODOSOLS |
Abstract | Using total and exchangeable cation composition and mineralogy, we evaluated the quantity and character of nutrient cations in some Michigan forest Spodosols. Quantities of bound calcium and magnesium in the A horizons of these soils were found to be about 7 to 20 times the exchangeable amounts, while bound potassium was present at levels about 300 times the exchangeable quantities. The total elemental analyses were consistent with mineralogical evaluations of the 0.1 to 1-mm fractions of the A horizons of these coarse-textured soils, which showed orthoclase feldspar as the most abundant nutrient-bearing mineral. Quantities of coarse fragments (>2mm) were variable but generally small, and these fragments were largely composed of minerals that appeared resistant to weathering and nutrient release. These data and other available information indicate that although significant bound reserves are evident, the exchangeable nutrient pools probably provide most of the cations necessary for tree growth on these and similar soils. |