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Lysimeter and Centrifuge Soil Solutions: Seasonal Differences between Methods
Author(s) -
Zabowski D.,
Ugolini F. C.
Publication year - 1990
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/sssaj1990.03615995005400040035x
Subject(s) - centrifuge , lysimeter , centrifugation , chemistry , environmental science , hydrology (agriculture) , environmental chemistry , soil science , soil water , chromatography , geology , geotechnical engineering , physics , nuclear physics
Lysimetry and centrifugation were compared as variable‐tension (centrifugation) and low‐tension (lysimetry) soil‐solution collection methods. Low‐tension lysimetry and low‐ and high‐speed centrifugation with double‐bottom cups were used to collect soil solutions from each major horizon of a subalpine Spodosol. Solution samples were collected monthly and compared throughout a 1‐yr period. Few seasonal changes were observed in the cation, anion, pH, or C concentrations of the lysimetry solutions. Both low‐ and high‐speed centrifuge solutions showed a strong seasonal cycle for major cations, anions, and C; peaks occurred in winter and summer and were especially evident in the upper horizons. Centrifuge solution concentrations were frequently greater than those of the lysimeter solutions. Aluminum and Si were exceptions, with lysimetry solution concentrations equal to or greater than those of the centrifuge solutions. Centrifuge solution concentrations of Al and Si also showed increases in concentration during summer months only. Seasonal variations may be due to differences in soil water residence time or biological processes. Results suggest that both the methodology used for obtaining soil solutions and the time of sampling can influence solution composition.