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Worm‐Worked Soils of Eastern South Dakota, Their Morphology and Classification
Author(s) -
Buntley G. J.,
Papendick R. I.
Publication year - 1960
Publication title -
soil science society of america journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.836
H-Index - 168
eISSN - 1435-0661
pISSN - 0361-5995
DOI - 10.2136/sssaj1960.03615995002400020018x
Subject(s) - transect , chernozem , soil water , loess , geology , grassland , soil horizon , hydrology (agriculture) , soil science , ecology , geomorphology , biology , geotechnical engineering , oceanography
Soil survey field mapping of Brookings County, South Dakota, showed extensive areas of soils with nearly complete destruction of zonal profile horizonation as the result of mixing by intensive worm‐working. These worm‐worked profiles have moderately thick, black, recognizable A 1 horizons, grading through completely mixed horizons of B 2 with A 1 , A 1 with B 2 , B 3ca with B 2 , B 2 with B 3ca , or other combinations of horizons, before grading into the comparatively unmixed parent material. Laboratory analyses were made on some of these profiles in conjunction with the survey and with this study. Field studies were later extended, through the use of transects, to the surrounding areas of South Dakota. From these transect studies the area of occurrence of these soils was delineated. Worm‐worked soils were found in Wisconsin tills ranging from Iowan through Mankato in age and also in Wisconsin loess mantling the Iowan and Tazewell tills. These profiles resemble in some characteristics the “thick” or “fat” Chernozem of Europe. The name “Vermisol” is suggested to represent a more specific group classification for grassland soils displaying the unique profile characteristics associated with intensive worm‐working.