Variation in Surface Charge Characteristics in a Soil Chronosequence

Authors:
  • WHW. H. Hendershot
    W. H. Hendershot
  • GSG. A. Singleton
    G. A. Singleton
  • LLL. M. Lavkulich
    L. M. Lavkulich
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Abstract
The surface charge characteristics of the B horizons of seven soils in a chronosequence developed on sandy beach material were studied. The soils range in age from 127 to 550 years and exhibit morphological and chemical characteristics ranging from Typic Udipsamment to Aquic Haplorthod. The difference between the zero point of charge (ZPC) and the pH of the soil decreased as the age of the soils increased, from a maximum value at the youngest site of 0.72 to a minimum value at the oldest site of 0.11. The decrease in this ΔpH zpc value is interpreted as indicating that the soils are approaching a steady‐state with time. The ΔpH zpc value is presented as a measure of pedogenic development.