Document Type

Thesis - Open Access

Award Date

1982

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department / School

Plant Science

First Advisor

Douglas D. Malo

Abstract

The Cary ground moraine forms the western edge of the Coteau des Prairies. It is characterized by numerous lakes, small closed depressions and poorly drained swales. The soils which occur on the footslopes adjacent to the closed depressions and poorly drained swales often contain calcium carbonates and other soluble salts at or near the surface. An in situ investigation of the morphology and genesis of these calcium carbonate enriched soils was undertaken to determine their genesis and classification. An area in which these soils occur was selected for study and a series of observation wells were installed to monitor the existence of any ground water table. The soils of the closed drainage catena were sampled for characterization of their physical and chemical properties. The resulting data were used to describe the genesis and determine the classification of the soils within the catena. The calcium carbonate enrichment of the footslope soils was due to capillary ground water movement into the soil surface horizons. This study, however, confirms the absence of an aquic moisture regime and the improper classification of these soils. They were previously classified as Aerie Calciaquolls and as the results of this study were reclassified as Aquic Calciustolls.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Calcium carbonate
Moraines -- South Dakota
Soils -- Classification -- South Dakota

Format

application/pdf

Number of Pages

140

Publisher

South Dakota State University

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