Solute redistribution as influenced by soil properties in relation to landscape morphology in a glacial till landscape in Manitoba

• Main Author: Whetter, David Allen
• Published: 2012
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/1993/7856

Solute redistribution was examined as influenced by soil properties in relation to landscape morphology to determine if systematic relationships occur in a glacial till soil-landscape near Miniota, Manitoba. The study examined: l. Long-term solute redistribution across a representative soil-landscape, and 2. Short-term vertical and lateral movement of a soluble bromide (Br-) tracer at 3 representative soil-landscape complexes. Generally speaking, soil properties indicative of progressive development were found to decrease with relative elevation (RE) and increase with convergent landscape character and measures of accumulation of water flows. Less variability in soil properties were found among landscape positions than between them. Soil sampling conducted along a catena indicated topographic variables and static soil properties were poor predictors of solute redistribution within the top 120 cm. A horizon depth (Ahor), solum depth (solum), depth to CO3 (CO3), organic carbon (OrgC), ,RE', catchment area (CA) and topographic index (TI) were strongly correlated to SO4 2- and NO3- below 120 cm. Large NO3- accumulations were found below 120 cm at Crest and Mid-slope positions relative to Lower-Depressional positions, where profiles were impacted by near-surface water tables...