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A Study of the Genesis of a Podzol—Gray-Brown Podzolic Intergrade Soil Profile in Michigan¹

ABSTRACT

A modification of the resistant mineral method used by Marshall and Haseman was applied to a study of the genesis of a Podzol—Gray-Brown Podzolic Intergrade soil profile in Michigan. Changes in the method were (1) the use of quartz, instead of zircon, as the reference mineral, (2) the determination of quartz with a Geiger counter X-ray spectrometer, and (3) the use of the coarser fractions of the soil.

Results show that: (1) There is a total loss in weight of the solum, but a 20% gain in volume, which takes place largely in the A₁, A_2P and B_P horizons; (2) About 85% of the soluble material originally present has been removed from the profile; (3) Orthoclase feldspars showed a slight gain in the profile, about equal to the net loss in weight. This indicates that they are very resistant to weathering. Plagioclase feldspars had decreased considerably in A_2P and B_P horizons but very little in B_2GB horizons. (4) Marked increases in organic matter in the B_P horizons and in organic matter and clay in the B_2GB horizons seem to indicate that both of these are illuvial horizons. However, the principal constituent concentrated is organic matter in the Podzol B and silicate clay in the Gray-Brown Podzolic B. It seems certain that the two illuvial processes are now occurring simultaneously in this soil.

¹ Contribution from the Soil Science Department, Mich. Agr. Exp. Sta., East Lansing, Michigan. Authorized for publication by the Director as Journal Article No. 1681 of the Michigan Agr. Exp. Sta.

² Former graduate student and Professor of Soil Science, Michigan State College, East Lansing, Mich.

Received for publication October 23, 1954.