Some Till‐Derived Chernozem Soils in Eastern North Dakota: I. Morphology, Genesis, and Classification

Abstract

AbstractThe macromorphology of several groups of well‐drained Chernozems in Eastern North Dakota that have developed in glacial till are described. A general map shows the areas where these soils occur and the location of sites sampled. Laboratory analyses of two profiles representative of each of three of these soil groups include: particle size distribution, pH, organic carbon, CaCO3 equivalent, clay size carbonates, free iron oxides, and the shale and chert content of the sand fractions.The processes involved in the development of these soils from the glacial materials include: accumulation of organic matter and associated structure formation; redistribution of carbonates and more soluble salts; color changes; and formation of prismatic, finer textured B horizons primarily by alternate wetting and drying and weathering ‘in situ.’ Differences in the magnitude of these changes and in the original materials account for the Forman, Intermediate, and Barnes soils.