SOME CHEMICAL AND PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF SERPENTINE SOILS FROM WESTERN NEWFOUNDLAND

• Published in: Canadian Journal of Soil Science
• Main Author: ROBERTS, B. A.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Canadian Science Publishing 1980
• Subjects: Newfoundland
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.4141/cjss80-026; http://www.nrcresearchpress.com/doi/pdf/10.4141/cjss80-026

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.