SOME CHEMICAL AND PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF SERPENTINE SOILS FROM WESTERN NEWFOUNDLAND
Two serpentine soils from western Newfoundland have been described and their chemical and physical properties documented. The Blomidon soil series is a moderately well to imperfectly drained Gleyed Regosol, cryoturbic phase, and the Round Hill series a well to moderately well drained Orthic Regosol,...
| Published in: | Canadian Journal of Soil Science |
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| Main Author: | |
| Format: | Article in Journal/Newspaper |
| Language: | English |
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Canadian Science Publishing
1980
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://dx.doi.org/10.4141/cjss80-026 http://www.nrcresearchpress.com/doi/pdf/10.4141/cjss80-026 |
| Summary: | Two serpentine soils from western Newfoundland have been described and their chemical and physical properties documented. The Blomidon soil series is a moderately well to imperfectly drained Gleyed Regosol, cryoturbic phase, and the Round Hill series a well to moderately well drained Orthic Regosol, cryoturbic phase. Both soils developed from base-rich very stony, sandy-loam colluvium and till, derived mainly from serpentinized rocks. Horizon development is restricted by cryoturbation and this factor, combined with high Mg content (12–16%, total) (6.8–16.64 meq/100 g, available) and low essential macronutrient content, create adverse conditions for plant growth. In addition, there are present possibly toxic quantities of Ni (0.308–0.389% total) (0.008–0.031 meq/100 g available). The Ca/Mg ratios are 0.008–0.190, total and 0.030–0.361, available; soil textures are loam to sandy loam. Comparison is made to serpentine soils in Poland, Sweden, Great Britain, Rhodesia and the U.S.A., similarities and differences being noted. |
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