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Trace Element Distribution in Virgin Profiles Representing Four Great Soil Groups¹

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this investigation was to study the distribution and comparative leaching of several trace elements in virgin profiles of the Podzol, Brown Podzolic, Gray-Brown Podzolic and Brown Forest great soil groups. Two profiles of each group were analyzed for total Zn, Pb, Cu, Co, Mn and Mo. The results were compared with those for sesquioxides. The distribution of trace elements was more varied in Podzol and Brown Podzolic than in Gray-Brown Podzolic and Brown Forest profiles.

Lead showed the greatest proportional accumulation and this was most pronounced in the A₀ horizons of Podzol and Brown Podzolic profiles. Relative to sesquioxides, zinc accumulated in the A₀ and B horizons of Podzol and Brown Podzolic soils and in the A₁ horizons of Brown Forest profiles. Accumulations of copper relative to sesquioxides occurred mainly in the A₀ horizons of Podzol and Brown Podzolic profiles. Considering all soils, copper was the element most susceptible to leaching. The distribution of cobalt paralleled that of sesquioxides in Gray-Brown Podzolic and Brown Forest profiles. The profile distribution of manganese was irregular. The molybdenum content was greatest in the B horizon of all profiles. Generally, the sola accumulated molybdenum relative to sesquioxides.

The range in concentration, expressed as ppm., for all samples was: Zn, 10 to 150; Pb, 6 to 108; Cu, 1 to 23; Co, 0.8 to 18.2; Mn, 250 to 1380; Mo, 0.16 to 0.82. The average zinc and lead contents of the C horizons were similar to, but that of cobalt, copper and especially molybdenum were considerably less than, the average values for these elements found in the earth's crust.

¹ Contribution No. 269, Chemistry Division, Science Service, Canada Department of Agriculture, Ottawa. Presented before a joint meeting of Divisions II and V, Soil Science Society of America, St. Paul, Minn., Nov. 11, 1954.

² Chemist, Technician and Head, Soil Chemistry Unit, respectively. The authors express their appreciation to G. R. Giles and J. G. Desjardins for making the molybdenum determinations.

Received for publication October 18, 1954.