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A Microscopic Determination of Apatite and a Study of Phosphorus in Some Nebraska Soil Profiles¹

ABSTRACT

A microscopic method is described for the determination of apatite mineral frequencies. The technique was developed from further study and application of a method used to detect alkaline earth carbonates in soils. Essentially, the method consists of distributing soil heavy minerals over 2 to 3 drops of 10.7N H₂SO₄ on a glass slide. Needle-like calcium sulfate crystals develop on the surface of the apatite grains making them easily recognized. The low birefringence of apatite is used as a further identifying characteristic.

A study of three Nebraska soils was made using this technique. Data on the occurrence and vertical distribution of apatite in these soils is presented. A general tendency for the apatite content to increase with depth was noted. This increase is shown to parallel the profile distribution of acid-soluble phosphorus in these soils. There was a close correlation between the total phosphorus content of the sand and coarse silt and the percent of apatite as determined by this method.

¹ Contribution from the Department of Agronomy, Nebraska Agr. Exp. Sta., Lincoln. Published with the approval of the Director as Paper No. 963, Journal Series, Nebraska Agr. Exp. Sta. Presented before Div. II, Soil Science Society of America, Cincinnati, Ohio, Nov. 19, 1959.

² Formerly graduate student and Associate Professor of Agronomy, respectively, University of Nebraska; now graduate assistant in Soils and Professor of Soil Technology, respectively, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pa.

Received for publication November 9, 1959. Accepted for publication July 21, 1960.