土壤溶质迁移的柱滞留方程

The relationship between magnetic properties and particle size of soils derived from metamorphic rock,basalt,granite,Quaternary red clay,limestone and mudstone from Zhejiang Province,East China was studied,Based on the variations of the mass magnetic susceptibility (χ),anhysteretic remanent magnetization (ARM),and saturation isothermal remanent magnetization (SIRM) with soil particle size,the relationship could be classfied into three groups.For the soils derived from metamorphic rock and basalt,magnetic values were the highest in the gravel and coarse sand fractions and decreased with decreasing soil particle size.The soils derived from sedimentary rock had a bimodal distribution of magnetic values.with peaks in 1-0.5 and 0.005-0.0005mm fractions.The soil developed on granite was characterized by a peak of magnetic value in 0.001-0.0005mm fractions.The soil developed on granite was characterized by a peak of magnetic value in 0.001-0.0005 mm fractions.Frequency-dependent susceptibility(χfd)and ratios of magnetic parameters (ARM/χ,SIRM/χand SIRM/ARM) of soil particle fractions showed that variations in ferrimagnetic grain size paralleled those in particle size,χfd peaked in caly fraction and decreased with increasing particle size,irrespective of soil parent materials.The acquisition curves of IRM and demagnetization paramenter of different soil particles indicated that there were different magnetic minerals assemblages in different particle fractions.     

土壤磁化率-温度(κ-T)曲线测定中的影响因素研究

土壤磁化率-温度曲线(κ-T)可用于鉴定土壤中磁性矿物类型。以水稻土、红壤、黄壤和砖红壤为对象,采用BaringtonMS2κ-T磁化率/温度系统,测定了不同土壤类型中磁性矿物种类。结果表明:水稻土κ-T曲线在300℃出现矿物相变点,黄壤、红壤和砖红壤在350℃出现相变点;水稻土和黄壤κ-T曲线呈现出磁铁矿的居里点(580℃),表明土壤磁性载体以磁铁矿为主;红壤和砖红壤的κ-T曲线呈现赤铁矿的居里点(680℃)。将水稻土和红壤分别制成2 mm、1 mm、0.30mm和0.15 mm的颗粒大小,称取相同质量土样(1 g)研究不同颗粒大小对土壤κ-T曲线测定的影响;称取过2 mm筛土样0.5 g、1 g、1.5 g和2 g,研究不同称样量对κ-T曲线测定的影响。结果表明:不同土壤类型,颗粒大小和称样量对κ-T曲线的测定有一定影响,但不会改变土壤中磁性矿物的相变点。它们对红壤和砖红壤的κ-T曲线测定影响甚少,对水稻土和黄壤的影响较大。实验证明在颗粒大小上选择过0.30 mm筛的土样,称样量上选择大于1 g的土样可以得到较明显的κ-T曲线,不会掩盖矿物的相变点。     

Black carbon in the zonal steppe soils of Russia

Black Mollisols are typically rich in charred organic matter, however, little is known about the zonal distribution of black C (BC) in steppe soils. In this study, we used benzene polycarboxylic acids (BPCA) as specific markers for BC in particle‐size fractions of depth profiles in several zonal soils (Greyzem, Phaeozem, Chernozem, Kastanozem) of the Russian steppe. In addition, liquid‐state ¹³C‐NMR spectra were obtained on the alkaline‐soluble soil organic matter (SOM). The results showed that both the content and depth distribution of BC varies in the different soil types; the concentration of BC in the bulk top soils being closely related to the aromaticity of the SOM (r² = 0.98 for the native topsoils, 0.83 for top‐ and subsurface soils). Especially the Chernozems were rich in aromatic SOM, which partly contained more than 17% BC of total C, most of which being allocated in the mineral fractions. Long‐term arable cropping did not reduce the BC contents of the surface soil, though it did promote the enrichment of BC in the silt fractions. The same shift was detected as soil depth increased. We conclude that BC is not fully inert in these soils, but apparently can be preserved in the silt as decomposition of SOM increased, i.e., it accumulates exactly in that fraction, which has been formerly assigned to contain old, aromatic C.     

伊犁河谷不同森林模式下土壤的养分特征和粒径组成

[目的]对伊犁河谷不同森林模式下土壤粒径组成和养分空间特征进行研究,为科学栽培和可持续经营提供理论依据。[方法]通过野外采样与室内试验,分析伊犁河谷不同模式下土壤粒径分布特征及其与土壤理化性质的关系。[结果]7个模式林地土壤基本集中在细粉粒和粗粉粒两个粒级。主要由细粉粒—粗粉粒—黏粒、细粉粒—粗粉粒—极细砂粒和粗粉粒—细粉粒—极细砂粒为主的质地组成,其中细粉粒—粗粉粒—黏粒土壤养分较佳,相比之下含有砂粒的土壤养分较低。土壤有机质和土壤碱解氮与黏粒和细粉粒含量的关系非常密切,尤其是细粉粒;速效磷与砂粒、黏粒和细粉粒呈正相关;速效钾与黏粒和细粉粒含量的关系密切,随着其含量增加而增加,跟砂粒呈显著负相关,砂粒含量高,速效钾含量降低。[结论]伊犁河谷7个模式林分土壤养分状况各异,养分各项指标含量不同,可根据养分状况进行抚育管理。各模式土壤中粉粒含量占绝对优势。根据各养分含量与各粒径组成之间的相关性分析表明,土壤颗粒越细,与土壤养分的关系越密切。     

The Soil Skeleton as a Source for the Short-Term Supply of "Base Cations" in Forest Soils of the Black Forest (Germany)

Ferrimagnetic minerals of anthropogenic origin derived from fossil-fuel combustion, appear not only in industrial areas but also in topsoils of areas remote from the main sources of pollution. Mineral magnetic studies of fly ashes emitted by power plants burning hard and brown coal and of soil profiles from some Polish national parks in different regions were carried out. Magnetic parameters of topsoils from national parks are quite similar to those in flyashes. Structure, shape, and magnetic granulometry of the magnetic particles in the fly ashes and in the magnetically enhanced uppermost organic soil horizons point to a common origin. This fact as well as the ability of ferrimagnetic minerals to be transported within dusts or aerosols suggest that ferrimagnetic particles of anthropogenic origin can be responsible also for magnetic enhancement in soils of areas remote from the main sources of their emission. Industrialdust deposition can be easily traced in these areas using magnetic methods, which are very sensitive, fast, and cheap. They can, and should, be used in the future as one of the routine methods of soil monitoring.     

Relationship between mineral composition or soil texture and available silicon in alluvial paddy soils on the Shounai Plain,Japan

Abstract

To evaluate the relationship between the amount of available Silicon (Si) in paddy soils and their mineral properties on the Shounai Plain in Japan, which is formed from several parent materials, we evaluated the amount of available Si, the particle size distribution, the oxide composition of crystalline minerals and the amount of oxalate-extractable Si (Si_o), iron (Fe_o) and aluminum (Al_o) in the soil. The amount of available Si in the soil and the oxide content of the crystalline minerals differed among four soil groups that were distinguished by their clay mineral composition. There was no difference in the particle size distribution among the soil groups. The amount of available Si was positively related to the SiO₂/Al₂O₃ ratio of clay, the CaO concentration of silt and fine sand, and the amounts of Si_o, Fe_o and Al_o in the soil. The amount of available Si in the soils was negative correlated with the Na₂O and K₂O concentrations of silt, the K₂O concentration of fine sand, and the coarse sand content. These results suggest that the amount of available Si in soils is affected by the weathering resistivity of their minerals and that the particle size distribution and mineral composition are related to the available Si of the soils. Mineralogical properties, including the particle size distribution and mineral composition such as the SiO₂/Al₂O₃ ratio × clay fraction content and the amounts of CaO and MgO in silt-sized particles, were positively correlated with the amount of available Si in the soil, but these correlations were not found for fine sand-sized particles. The Si_o, Fe_o and SiO₂/Al₂O₃ ratio × clay fraction contents contributed approximately 50% to the amount of available Si in the soils. The amount of available Si in the soil was divided into two groups according to the location of the paddy field. The amount of soil-available Si in the alluvial plain was affected by the geology upstream through the mineral composition.     

Illinois Soil Nitrogen Test Method Optimization for Analysis of Temperate Mineral Grassland Soils

ABSTRACT

A reliable and practical test that can provide timely measurements of the levels of mineralizable nitrogen (MN) in soil is critical for improving the accuracy of N fertilizer applications for grassland and crops. The Illinois soil N test (ISNT) is considered to be a good estimate of MN, once soils are grouped according to soil characteristics such as the drainage type and sampling depth. To date, development and evaluation of the ISNT method has been conducted using arable soils mainly in North America where, in general, soils have lower levels of soil organic matter (SOM) compared to temperate grassland soils. We evaluated the effects of two pre-treatment soil aggregate sizes of <1 mm and <2 mm on the yield and recovery of MN (1) across temperate grassland soil types, and (2) across a 6-h interval diffusion period. No significant difference existed in the concentrations of ISNT-N between the two soil aggregate sizes of each soil type. For both aggregate sample sizes, the recovery of spiked amino sugar-N glucosamine from a temperate grassland soil was generally linear until hour 5, after which the quantities of recovered N diminished. Although N recovery after 6 h of diffusion at 50°C (±1°C) was less than 100% in both aggregate size samples, the response models indicated that the standard ISNT protocol using a 5-h diffusion period is appropriate for temperate grassland soils. The incomplete recovery of N in these mineral soils suggested that the protocol could be further optimized for temperate soils with high organic matter content and additional evaluation of the temperature during diffusion within an enclosed environment may be required using N (spiked glucosamine-N) recovery studies.     

MAGNETIC SUSCEPTIBILITY OF THE SOIL AND ITS SIGNIFICANCE IN SOIL SCIENCE – A REVIEW

The magnetic susceptibility of soil minerals is discussed, and in particular that of the ferrimagnetic minerals, maghemite, magnetite, and the titanomagnetites since one or more of these usually dominates soil magnetic properties. The magnetic susceptibility of soil depends on the shape, size, and concentration of these minerals as well as on the method of measurement. Measurements performed in a weak alternating magnetic field are the most reliable. The identification, formation, and occurrence of soil maghemite is considered in detail since it is usually of pedogenic origin and occurs in (magnetically) detectable amounts in most soils. Moderate concentrations (>1 per cent) of magnetite or titanomagnetite in soils may be accurately measured if some of the material is first magnetically separated and its susceptibility determined. An example is given of the use of susceptibility measurements. Pedogenic maghemite may be determined in soils developed from parent materials of low susceptibility. A very rough value of 8.8 × 10^?4 m³ kg^?1 is suggested for the mass susceptibility of such maghemite (excluding magnetic concretions). Although susceptibility has been suggested as an indicator of soil forming processes, this is only possible within an area containing fairly uniform parent material.     

Magnetic signature and source identification of heavy metal contamination in urban soils of steel industrial city,Northeast China

Purpose

Identifying the spatial distribution and degree of heavy metal contamination in the soils is required for urban environmental management. Magnetic measurement provides a rapid means of determining spatial distribution and degree of soil pollution and identifying various anthropogenic sources of heavy metals. The purpose of this study was to characterize the magnetic signature of heavy metal contamination and identify the sources of heavy metals in urban soils from steel industrial city.

Materials and methods

A total of 115 urban topsoils from Anshan city, Northeast China, were collected and determined for magnetic properties and heavy metal concentration. Magnetic susceptibility (χlf) and saturation isothermal remanent magnetization (SIRM) were determined as proxy for ferrimagnetic mineral concentration. Magnetic minerals were identified by using Curie temperature, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscope (SEM) equipped with an energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDS). The Pearson’ correlation and matrix cluster analyses were used to establish the relationship between magnetic parameters and heavy metal concentrations.

Results and discussion

Urban topsoils exhibit characteristic magnetic enhancement. The magnetic measurement in particle size fractions indicates that 50–2 μm fraction has the highest low-field magnetic susceptibility (χlf), while <2 μm has the highest frequency-dependent magnetic susceptibility (χfd) value. The soil χlf and SIRM values are significantly correlated with the contents of metals (Fe, Pb, Zn, Cu, and Cr) and Tomlinson pollution load index (PLI), which indicates that χlf and SIRM could be served as better indicators for the pollution of heavy metals in the urban topsoil. Spatial distribution maps of χlf, SIRM, and PLI indicate that the pollution hotspots tend to associate with the regions within and close to steel industrial zones. XRD and Curie temperature analyses indicate that the main magnetic minerals of urban topsoils are magnetite (Fe₃O₄), hematite (α-Fe₂O₃), and metallic iron. Magnetic minerals mostly occur in the pseudo-single-domain/multidomain (PSD/MD) grain size range, which is the dominant contributor to the magnetic enhancement of topsoils. SEM observation reveals that magnetic particles in soils exist in irregular-shaped particles and spherule. Results reveal that heavy metals from industrially derived and traffic emissions coexist with coarse-grained magnetic phases.

Conclusions

It is concluded that the magnetic measurement could be regarded as a proxy tool to detect the level of heavy metal pollution and identify the source of heavy metals in urban soils. Magnetic properties provide a fast and inexpensive method to map the spatial distribution of long-term pollution from steel industrial origin on region scale.

     

紫色水稻土有机无机复合与土粒团聚的关系

紫色水稻土的原土复合量（重组腐殖质）为中性土〉钙质土〉酸性土，同一土壤剖面中其含量是随土层深度下降；而有机无机复合度为钙质土〉中性、酸性土，在土壤剖面中是随土层深度增加。〈０．０１ｍｍ土粒团聚量和〈０．０１ｍｍ土粒团聚度为钙质土〉中性土〉酸性土。原土复合量和有机质含量，物理性粘粒含量、铁氧化物含量与〈０．０１ｍｍ土粒团聚量呈显著正相关；而有机无机复合度与有机质含量呈显著负相关，与腐殖质结合状态，物     

Application of the Berthelot reaction to the determination of ammonium‐N in soil extracts and soil digests

Abstract

The phenol‐hypochlorite‐ammonium reaction of Berthelot can be utilized in manual procedures for the analysis of NH₄‐N in a variety of soils applications, including total N measurement in soils, particle size separates and soluble organic matter fractions, and in measuring NH₄‐N in soil extracts. A simple, convenient, and versatile procedure is described.     

Conversion of soil particle size distribution and texture classification from ISSS system to FAO/USDA system in Japanese paddy soils

ABSTRACT

The conversion between the two different systems, ISSS and FAO/USDA, of particle size distribution and soil texture classification is useful to characterize soil physical properties and usage of each published. The objective of this study is to test some functions that have been published for conversion from ISSS to FAO/USDA system for Japanese paddy soils and to select the best method. We tested the topsoils of 267 Japanese paddy fields using the log-linear method, log-normal method, multiple regression method, Skaggs et al.’s method, and Minasny and McBratney’s method. The least AIC was obtained using multiple regression method, and the equation derived was given as follows:

si_FAO/USDA = 1.305si_ISSS + 0.396fs_ISSS?0.100cs_ISSS ? 12.323

where si, fs, and cs are the percentage of silt, fine sand, and coarse sand respectively; ISSS and FAO/USDA is the fractionation system; and its RMSE was 3.1%. For the case that only the total sand content (s) is available instead of fine sand and coarse sand, the following equation was obtained:

si_FAO/USDA = 0.314si_ISSS + 1.533s_ISSS ? 20.903 (RMSE = 3.7%)

Among the non-empirical methods, the best estimation method was Skaggs et al.’s method, and its RMSE was 3.3%. The soil texture classification by FAO/USDA system using estimated particle size fractions by the above equation can be classified to correct categories. The accuracy ratio of the classification was 93-97%.     

Location and chemical composition of stabilized organic carbon in topsoil and subsoil horizons of two acid forest soils

The ¹⁴C age of soil organic matter is known to increase with soil depth. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the stabilization of carbon compounds in the entire soil profile using particle size fractionation to distinguish SOM pools with different turnover rates. Samples were taken from a Dystric Cambisol and a Haplic Podzol under forest, which are representative soil types under humid climate conditions. The conceptual approach included the analyses of particle size fractions of all mineral soil horizons for elemental composition and chemical structure of the organic matter by ¹³C cross-polarization magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (CPMAS NMR) spectroscopy. The contribution of phenols and hydroxyalkanoic acids, which represent recalcitrant plant litter compounds, was analyzed after CuO oxidation.In the Dystric Cambisol, the highest carbon concentration as well as the highest percentage of total organic carbon are found in the <6.3 μm fractions of the B and C horizons. In the Haplic Podzol, carbon distribution among the particle size fractions of the Bh and Bvs horizons is influenced by the adsorption of dissolved organic matter. A relationship between the carbon enrichment in fractions <6.3 μm and the ¹⁴C activity of the bulk soil indicates that stabilization of SOM occurs in fine particle size fractions of both soils. ¹³C CPMAS NMR spectroscopy shows that a high concentration of alkyl carbon is present in the fine particle size fractions of the B horizons of the Dystric Cambisol. Decreasing contribution of O-alkyl and aromatic carbon with particle size as well as soil depth indicates that these compounds are not stabilized in the Dystric Cambisol. These results are in accordance with data obtained by wet chemical analyses showing that cutin/suberin-derived hydroxyalkanoic acids are preserved in the fine particle size fractions of the B horizons. The organic matter composition in particle size fractions of the top- and subsoil horizons of the Haplic Podzol shows that this soil is acting like a chromatographic system preserving insoluble alkyl carbon in the fine particle size fractions of the A horizon. Small molecules, most probably organic acids, dominate in the fine particle size fractions of the C horizons, where they are stabilized in clay-sized fractions most likely due to the interaction with the mineral phase. The characterization of lignin-derived phenols indicated, in accordance with the NMR measurements, that these compounds are not stabilized in the mineral soil horizons.     

有机物料对原生盐碱土微团聚体特征及稳定性的影响

为了研究不同有机物料对原生盐碱土微团聚体粒径分布状况及不同粒径微团聚体间有机碳含量的影响,以施用有机物料的原生盐碱土为试验对象,设置空白处理(CK)、颗粒状秸秆处理(GW)、正常玉米秸秆处理(CS)、牧草处理(GS)和羊粪处理(SM),采用大田试验与室内分析相结合的方法,研究不同有机物料施用下土壤微团聚体的粒径分布状况及不同粒径微团聚体间有机碳含量,分析不同粒径微团聚体间有机碳对土壤微团聚体稳定性的贡献。结果表明,施用有机物料各处理较CK处理均增加土壤2~0.25mm的团聚体含量,增幅为9.02%~20.37%,其大小排序为GW>SM>GS>CS>CK。对于其他粒径微团聚体分布影响则有所差异。总体来说,有机物料处理增加了土壤大粒径团聚体含量,减少了土壤小粒径团聚体含量。不同有机物料的施用均能增加各粒径土壤微团聚体间有机碳含量。同时,有机物料的施用增加了土壤微团聚体的稳定性,采用回归模型分析、相关分析、冗余分析以及主成分因子分析,表明施用颗粒秸秆更有利于增加土壤微团聚体的稳定性。     

Implications of soil substrate and land use for properties of fen soils in North-East Germany Part I: Basic soil conditions,chemical and biological properties of topsoils

Abstract

The objective of the paper was to analyse the implications of the origin of peat (muck) soil substrate, the current type of land use and the state of anthropogenic soil development for the topsoil properties of fens. Chemical and biological properties of peat soils of the Rhin-Havelluch lowland and the Uckermark rural landscape were analyzed. The unit water content according to Ohde and the ash content were utilized to characterize the anthropogenic development status of peat topsoils. Several chemical properties were significantly influenced by soil substrate, in particular by the proportion and kind of the mineral component. The substrate was associated with the hydrological type of mire and the soil development state. TOC/N ratio and microbial activity were increased in cases of high lime spring mires and moorshified low ash peat. The proportion of easily soluble organic carbon increased, whereas the sulphur content decreased with the soil development state. The nitrogen content and the proportions of oxalate soluble iron and aluminium reached maxima in the moorshified state. The type of land use (grassland, forest) significantly influenced the topsoil pH and the proportion of oxalate soluble phosphorus. Soils under forest were clearly determined by topsoil acidification.     

Organo‐mineral associations in temperate soils: Integrating biology,mineralogy, and organic matter chemistry

We summarize progress with respect to (1) different approaches to isolate, extract, and quantify organo‐mineral compounds from soils, (2) types of mineral surfaces and associated interactions, (3) the distribution and function of soil biota at organo‐mineral surfaces, (4) the distribution and content of organo‐mineral associations, and (5) the factors controlling the turnover of organic matter (OM) in organo‐mineral associations from temperate soils. Physical fractionation achieves a rough separation between plant residues and mineral‐associated OM, which makes density or particle‐size fractionation a useful pretreatment for further differentiation of functional fractions. A part of the OM in organo‐mineral associations resists different chemical treatments, but the data obtained cannot readily be compared among each other, and more research is necessary on the processes underlying resistance to treatments for certain OM components. Studies using physical‐fractionation procedures followed by soil‐microbiological analyses revealed that organo‐mineral associations spatially isolate C sources from soil biota, making quantity and quality of OM in microhabitats an important factor controlling community composition. The distribution and activity of soil microorganisms at organo‐mineral surfaces can additionally be modified by faunal activities. Composition of OM in organo‐mineral associations is highly variable, with loamy soils having generally a higher contribution of polysaccharides, whereas mineral‐associated OM in sandy soils is often more aliphatic. Though highly reactive towards Fe oxide surfaces, lignin and phenolic components are usually depleted in organo‐mineral associations. Charred OM associated with the mineral surface contributes to a higher aromaticity in heavy fractions. The relative proportion of OC bound in organo‐mineral fractions increases with soil depth. Likewise does the strength of the bonding. Organic molecules sorbed to the mineral surfaces or precipitated by Al are effectively stabilized, indicated by reduced susceptibility towards oxidative attack, higher thermal stability, and lower bioavailability. At higher surface loading, organic C is much better bioavailable, also indicated by little ¹⁴C age. In the subsurface horizons of the soils investigated in this study, Fe oxides seem to be the most important sorbents, whereas phyllosilicate surfaces may be comparatively more important in topsoils. Specific surface area of soil minerals is not always a good predictor for C‐stabilization potentials because surface coverage is discontinuous. Recalcitrance and accessibility/aggregation seem to determine the turnover dynamics in fast and intermediate cycling OM pools, but for long‐term OC preservation the interactions with mineral surfaces, and especially with Fe oxide surfaces, are a major control in all soils investigated here.     

Mineralogy and Fertility Status of Selected Soils of the Eastern Cape Province,South Africa

Abstract

Thorough knowledge of cultivated soils is necessary for their informed and sustainable management. This study was carried out to gain a better understanding of cropped soils in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The mineralogical and chemical composition and nutrient status of topsoils collected from homestead gardens and fields of smallholdings in 5 of the 36 magisterial districts where smallholder farming prevails in the Province were determined. These data were supplemented with results of soil analyses conducted by an Analytical Services Laboratory that obtains its samples from the 31 magisterial districts where large‐scale farms are dominant. The soils studied were similar mineralogically, and all had a clay fraction that was dominated by quartz, mica, and/or kaolinite, which is fairly typical for many tropical and subtropical soils. Elemental analysis showed that the soils were generally low to very low in their total content of nutrients, except for sulfur (S), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and boron (B), reflecting the marine and sedimentary nature of their parent materials. The available nutrient status of the cultivated soils was generally low to very low, especially those found in smallholder fields. This was attributed to low soil organic matter levels and low geological reserves of some nutrients notably phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and calcium (Ca), coupled with continuous cultivation of the lands without adequate nutrient replenishment. Depending on location, 75–100% of the fields tested low in pH, 62–100% were low in organic carbon, 83–100% were low in extractable K, 62–93% were low in extractable Ca, and 79–100% were deficient in available phosphorus. The nutrient status of soils receiving moderate to high amounts of nutrients was generally satisfactory, as revealed by the nutrient content of garden soils found on smallholdings and the fields on large‐scale farms. In all cases, soil pH was low to critically low. The findings are used to propose a soil fertility management strategy for the communal areas of the Province.     

Soil texture and nitrogen mineralization potential across a riparian toposequence in a semi-arid savanna

Soil texture is an important influence on nutrient cycling in upland soils, with documented relationships between mineral particle size distribution and organic matter retention, nitrogen (N) mineralization, microbial biomass and other soil properties. However, little is known of the role of mineral particle size in riparian soils, where fluvial sorting creates strong spatial contrasts in the size distribution of sediments in sedimentary landforms. We studied total organic carbon (TOC) and total N (TN) storage and net N mineralization relative to soil texture and landform in soils of a riparian toposequence along the Phugwane River in Kruger National Park, South Africa. TOC, TN and potential N mineralization related strongly to particle size distribution in all soils along the toposequence. TOC and TN were positively correlated with silt and clay concentration (r² =0.78). In long-term laboratory incubations, N mineralization was greatest in fine-textured, N-rich soils, although the proportions of soil N mineralized were inversely related to fine particle concentrations (r²=0.61). There were differences in TOC, TN and potential N mineralization among landform types, but none of these soil properties were statistically significant after accounting for the effect of particle size. These results demonstrate the influence of particle size in mediating N retention and mineralization in these soils. Predictable differences in soil texture across alluvial landforms contribute to corresponding contrasts in soil conditions, and may play an important role in structuring riparian soil and plant communities.     

不同风沙土壤颗粒的分形特征

应用土壤颗粒的重量与粒径分布原理来描述了古尔班通古特沙漠地风沙土壤颗粒的分形特征。通过对10种样品颗粒的机械组成进行分析,分别计算出了它们的分形维数(D=2.3237～2.9347),并分析了其与流动风沙土、半固定风沙土和固定风沙土之间的关系。分析结果表明,风沙土壤结构具有明显的分形特征,其粒径分布分形维数为2～3。土粒表面分形维数与2～0.2mm间的土粒含量存在显著的负相关;而与0.02～0.002mm和<0.002mm的颗粒含量存在显著的正相关,表现为随着土壤质地从流动风沙土、半固定风沙土到固定风沙土的变化,其土粒表面的平均分形维数呈依次增高。土粒表面分形维数与三种典型风沙土壤有机质含量为极显著正相关,而与其硬度为显著负相关。     

Soil influence on landmine detection—insights from a field study in Mozambique

Purpose

Electromagnetic induction based metal detectors are commonly used in landmine clearance operations. Their performance can be seriously deteriorated by magnetic properties of the soil in which the landmines are buried.

Materials and methods

Soil magnetic parameters were studied at three locations in Southern Mozambique where soils had caused severe problems during former landmine clearance campaigns. Field work comprised a geological and pedological survey of soils and the parent rock materials. Soil and rock samples were analyzed to determine pedological standard parameters and magnetic susceptibility. Geochemical analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and thermomagnetic analysis helped to clarify the mineral composition and to specify the origin and properties of the magnetic minerals. The spatial distribution of the topsoil magnetic susceptibility was investigated in the field and characterized using geostatistical analyses.

Results and discussion

Despite different degrees of weathering of the investigated soils, their magnetic mineral composition is dominated by lithogenic (Ti-) magnetites. Moreover, there are clues for the pedogenic neoformation of ultrafine-grained ferrimagnetic minerals in two of the three topsoils. The deterioration of metal detector performance at the sites results from the high frequency dependence of magnetic susceptibility at two locations and from the distinct spatial variability of topsoil magnetic susceptibility at all locations.

Conclusions

To assess soil effects on the performance of modern metal detectors the investigations of frequency-dependent susceptibility and of spatial susceptibility distribution are the most meaningful tools. Summarizing, the topsoil magnetic properties of the investigated sites are predominantly influenced by their parent material and to a minor degree by pedogenic neoformation.