Speciation and distribution of cadmium in soils of the Prairies
Most of the Cd in grain results from plant uptake from soils which could vary in Cd concentrations depending largely on the type of soil parent material. This project will compare paired pedons of cultivated and uncultivated soils in the agricultural regions of the Prairies for their cadmium levels, distribution within soil profiles and the phytoavailability of the Cd in these soils.
IPNI-1993-CAN-MB7
24 May 2001
Methodology
- Replicates of paired pedons from agricultural areas will be selected to represent a diversity in soil types as reflected by differences in parent material (i.e. underlying geology), texture, bulk density, climate, native vegetation and soil morphology (i.e. extent of profile differentiation and weathering). The pairing will be on the basis of cultivation versus native state. Soil samples from the selected sites will be used in investigations to:
a) Characterize a range of agricultural soils according to particle size distribution, mineralogy, horizon development and depth, soil pH, cation exchange capacity, oxide content and speciation and distribution of cadmium present.
b) The soil(s) with high cadmium content or available cadmium will be further studied to evaluate stratification effects (i.e. depth and horizonation of soil) of cadmium.
c) Horizons with the highest accumulation of cadmium will be studied according to their detailed clay and oxide mineralogy plus chemical influences on cadmium release.