SELENIUM DISTRIBUTION IN CANADIAN SOIL PROFILES

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Abstract
The distribution of selenium (Se) in 54 Canadian soil profiles was examined according to horizon in the profile, and to soil properties. Apart from the organic surface layers, the Podzolic B horizons had the highest Se values (0.52 ppm), and so displayed a marked accumulation. The Luvisolic and Gleysolic B horizons also showed some accumulation. The Se content of parent materials was generally low (0.10 ppm). Simple correlation analyses of the combined data (irrespective of horizon) indicated that Se distribution was closely associated with both organic carbon and NH4-oxalate extractable Fe and Al. When the data were arranged according to genetic groupings, this association remained true only for Podzolic B horizons. Multiple regression analyses revealed that the predominant factors involved in the Se distribution were the Se content of parent materials, and the organic carbon content of the upper horizons, in that order, except for Podzolic soils. Clay had little or no influence on the Se distribution. In spite of the relationship of Se to parent materials, the contribution by atmospheric contaminants to the Se enrichment of soils could remain important.
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