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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Reno, Nevada » Great Basin Rangelands Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #294527
Title: Biogeochemistry of hydrothermally and adjacent non-altered soils

Author
item Blank, Robert - Bob
item JOHNSON, DALE - University Of Nevada
item Morgan, Tye
item BELMONT, K - University Of Nevada
item LENCIONI, S - University Of Nevada
item PEARSON, C - University Of Nevada

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 4/5/2013
Publication Date: 7/22/2013
Citation: Blank, R.R., Johnson, D.W., Morgan, T.A., Belmont, K., Lencioni, S., Pearson, C. 2013. Biogeochemistry of hydrothermally and adjacent non-altered soils. 68th International Soil and Water Conservation Society International Annual Conference Abstract Book. p. 94.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: As a field/lab project, students in the Soil Biogeochemistry class of the University of Nevada, Reno described and characterized seven pedons, developed in hydrothermally and adjacent non-hydrothermally altered andesitic parent material near Reno, NV. Hydrothermally altered soils had considerably lower values, relative to adjacent soil, including: pH’s, bray-extractable phosphorus, soil-solution phosphorus, cation exchange capacity, exchangeable calcium and magnesium, and net 30-day nitrogen mineralization potentials. Coarse-fragments content, DTPA-extractable iron, and soil-solution sulfate were much higher on hydrothermally altered soils. These studies have utility in enhancing students understanding of soil biogeochemistry, but may also elucidate reasons rare endemic plants, such as Eriogonum robustum, occupy these hydrothermally altered soils.