Abstract
AbstractRunoff sediments and soil surface horizons from five small watersheds were characterized for clay mineralogy, particle size distribution, cation exchange capacity, and amorphous and free iron oxide content. The objective was to determine if preferential transport of clay minerals from these watersheds was occurring.Clay mineralogical analysis indicated runoff sediments contained higher concentrations of illite and expandables with lower concentrations of vermiculite and quartz relative to watershed soils. The differences were attributed to preferential transport of fine clays from the soil surface.Runoff sediments contained an average of 18.4% more clay than soil surface horizons. Additionally, the total clay fraction of sediments contained an average of 10.1% more fine clay. Cation exchange capacity increased from 41 meq/100 g for soil clay fractions to 46 meq/100 g for sediment clay fractions due to the increased fine clay content. Both amorphous and free iron oxide contents were lower in the clay fractions of runoff sediments than in the clay fractions of soil Ap horizons.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
