HEAVY MINERALS IN SOME PODZOL SOIL PROFILES IN MICHIGAN

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Abstract
A study was made of the heavy minerals in the fine sand fraction of some Michigan podzols as an aid in explaining certain morphological peculiarities. Two groups of podzol soils were studied: namely, Emmet, Kalkaska, and Wallace sands designated as group I; and Grayling, Rubicon, Roselawn, and Eastport sands designated as group II. Members of group I were characterized by a stronger expression of the morphological features of typical podzol profiles than those of group II. The brown B horizon of some of the profiles is the result of a vigorous decomposition of a relatively high original content of opaque and ferromagnesian minerals. Organic matter is an effective weathering agent of some heavy minerals in the B horizons. The least resistant mineral to podzol weathering was dark green hornblende, followed by gray-green hornblende, the opaque minerals, and the garnets. In general, the B horizons suffered greater decomposition of the heavy minerals than did the A or C horizons. Kalkaska and Emmet sands (support a hardwood cover) contain a greater quantity of calcium and magnesium heavy minerals in all horizons of the profile than do Wallace, Rubicon, Roselawn, and Grayling sands (soils that support a pine cover). The quantity of heavy minerals was lower in group II than in group I soils. More accurate quantitative data on the heavy minerals were obtained by subjecting the entire fine sand fraction, rather than a small part, to heavy mineral analysis.

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