Soil and soil nutrient management in ofc production
geochemical analysis powerpoint
1. BILL MCFARLAND
MENTOR: SCOTT BRAME
CLEMSON EEES GEOLOGY RESEARCH
FOREST MAPPING
Geochemical Analysis of Sloped
Site between Outcrops of
Amphibolite and Mica Schist
3. Objectives
Characterize soil transitions between amphibolite
and mica schist outcrops with no outcrops in
between
Analyze borehole samples using hand methods and
X- Ray Diffraction (XRD)
Assess whether geochemical and XRD analysis are
reliable indicators of lithology for mapping
4. Core Sample Collection
AMS Soil Core Sampler Kit with Hammer
Attachment
Collected cores on linear transect
Challenges
Compaction
Parent material
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5. pH Analysis
pH was determined using colorimetric technique
pH of borehole samples were taken
Technique
3-5 inches deep
Surface effects
reagents
Challenges
Colorimeter chart not precise
Removing organic/ surface
material
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6. X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Technique used to study atomic spacing and crystal
structures
Bragg’s law
nλ= 2dsinθ
Sensitivity
Software measurements
Sample preparation
Preparation
Grind
Sieve to powder- 53 micros
Properly prepare slides
http://education.mrsec.wisc.edu/nanolab/F_center/index.html
7. Bragg’s Law
William Lawrence & William Henry Bragg
Nobel Prize in Physics
nλ= 2dsinθ
d=d-spacing
λ= wavelength of beam
n= integer
θ= incident angle
Each mineral has own unique signature
d-spacing allows identification
Reference patterns
XRD & PDXL basis
PDXL based on Bragg’s Law with knowledge of crystal structure
10. Transition Zone
Transition Zone
Boreholes 3-4
Color Characterization
Sudden change in soil color
pH Analysis
Substantial change in pH
Hand Sample Comparison
Weathering and minerals
XRD & PDXL Analysis
Strontium and hydroxamic acid
11. Manual Soil Analysis
Munsell color system characterization
Color identification
Hue: lightness
Chroma: color purity
15. Strontium Hydroxamic Acid
Alkaline Earth Metal
Extreme Reactivity with
oxygen and water
Intermediate to acidic pH
Strontium binds to soil
particles by cation
exchange
Organic compound
dissolved from strontium
Known for chelation
ability
Fe3+, Mg2+, Al3+
PDXL Analysis of BM4
17. Conclusions
Transition zone identified between borehole sites 3-4
from hand sample and XRD analysis
Analysis of XRD signatures that is not a reliable
method of outcrop transition because of inability to
collect unweathered soil samples
At this site, the best method of lithology changes was
from hand sample analysis
18. Special Thanks
Clemson University EEES Geology Research
Prof. Scott Brame
Victoria Sellers