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DemyanMichaelScott2006 mjw.pdf (1.67 MB)

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Chemical and Physical Changes in Twenty Five Year-Old Minesoils in Southeast Ohio

Demyan, Michael Scott
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1419259892

Abstract Details

2006, Master of Science, Ohio State University, Soil Science.
In this study a reclaimed surface mine in southeast Ohio was sampled 25 years following a subsequent study to document changes in the minesoils. Reclamation at the watershed consisted of grading of spoil and replacement of stockpiled soil over the spoil. The objectives of this study were to: 1.) identify major pedogenic processes responsible for minesoil changes, 2.) determine the effects of sites variables on minesoil properties, 3.) determine if taxonomic classification of the minesoils has changed since reclamation, and 4.) quantify changes in variability since reclamation. Three sampling grids, previously sampled in 1979 by another researcher, were sampled in 2004. Three horizons were sampled; a granular surface horizon darkened by organic matter and designated A1, the remainder of the replaced soil designated the A2 horizon, and the underlying spoil designated the 2C. Additionally three representative pedons were described and sampled. Physical and chemical characterization was completed on the grid and pedon samples. Dominate pedogenic processes in the A1 horizons included humification of vegetative residues and vegetative cycling of basic cations. Siltstone and sandstone coarse fragment weathering lead to increases in either silt or sand contents in A1 horizons. Structural development, root penetration, and organic matter incorporation decreased bulk densities. Vegetative uptake and leaching of exchangeable Ca2+ and Mg2+ occurred in the A2 horizons. Structural development and root penetration also decreased bulk density in the A2 horizons. Pyrite oxidation and leaching of soluble salts have occurred in the 2C horizons. Additionally freshly exposed shale coarse fragments have rapidly weathered and increased exchangeable K+ and Na+. Relationships between site variables such as slope position, aspect, vegetative cover, and replaced soil depth and soil properties were not found. Minesoil taxonomic classification did not change from Entisol in 25 years, as three representative pedons sampled in 2004 lacked cambic horizons. Overall variability remained relatively unchanged from 1979 to 2004. Increasing variability in the 2C horizons was found for total sulfur and exchangeable Ca2+, and electrical conductivity, which suggests that pyrite oxidation and leaching are progressing at different rates because of the presence of dense layers at certain sampling points which hinder oxidation.
Neil E. Smeck (Advisor)
Jerry M. Bigham (Committee Member)
Frank G. Calhoun (Committee Member)
127 p.
Soil Sciences

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Citations

  • Demyan, M. S. (2006). Chemical and Physical Changes in Twenty Five Year-Old Minesoils in Southeast Ohio [Master's thesis, Ohio State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1419259892

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Demyan, Michael. Chemical and Physical Changes in Twenty Five Year-Old Minesoils in Southeast Ohio. 2006. Ohio State University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1419259892.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Demyan, Michael. "Chemical and Physical Changes in Twenty Five Year-Old Minesoils in Southeast Ohio." Master's thesis, Ohio State University, 2006. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1419259892

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

osu1419259892
294
© 2006, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by The Ohio State University and OhioLINK.