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ARS Home » Midwest Area » St. Paul, Minnesota » Soil and Water Management Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #181537
Title: ISOLATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF HUMIC ACIDS FROM "SLICKSPOT" SOILS

Author
item Clapp, Charles
item PALAZZO, A
item CARY, T
item SENESI, N
item BRUNETTI, G
item HAYES, MHB
item CLAPP, J
item MAO, J
item SCHMIDT-ROHR, K

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/23/2005
Publication Date: 6/15/2005
Citation: Clapp, C.E., Palazzo, A.J., Cary, T.J., Senesi, N., Brunetti, G., Hayes, M., Clapp, J.J., Mao, J.D., Schmidt-Rohr, K. 2005. Isolation and characterization of humic acids from "Slickspot" soils [abstract]. EMSI/North Central NOM Workshop. p. 54.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Naturally occurring humic substances in soils hold promise as a factor related to restoring native plants. We have characterized the humic acids (HAs) in soils from the Juniper Butte Range (JBR), Idaho, and determined carbon compounds that may promote the establishment of slickspot peppergrass (Lepidium papilliferum) seedlings. This plant is considered by some to be rare and, therefore, our broad objective is to find efficient methods to restore this species. Our objectives in this study were to isolate and characterize HAs in JBR soils and relate this information to soil type and climate, prior to plant growth experiments. Humic acids were extracted using a modified IHSS method, and isolated by membrane filtration, precipitated, dialyzed, and freeze dried. Elemental analyses showed minor differences between HAs, with surface samples having higher C and N values. Differences were also noted between sample sites for carbohydrates, amino acids, and acidity components. FTIR, fluorescence, and CPMAS 13C-NMR spectra provided valuable characterization and compositional information.