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Soils Research (Utah Soil Types)

Soils Research (Utah Soil Types)

Sept 14, 2021

Abstract:

Since the Rover Competition takes place in Hanksville, Utah, soil analysis is specific to that area. Soil type (clay, silt, and sand) as well as composition will be measured in percentages. See photos below for reference (not related to this analysis). A quick terrain analysis is also done.

Glossary:

  • Alluvium - consists of sand, silt, clay, and gravel, usually contains organic matter (fertile soil)
  • Colluvium - loose soil/rocks (sediments) created by weather (ex. rain) at the bottom of sloped hills
  • Entisols - "soil comprising mineral soils not yet differentiated into distinct horizons" (They are newer soils that have not developed much)

Sediment:

  • Alluvium
  • Taxonomic Class: Fine, mixed, active, calcareous, mesic Typic Torriorthents 
    • Fine, mixed: small grains, combined well
    • Active: soil expands when interacting with water, shrinks when dry
    • Calcareous: contains high amounts of calcium carbonate (chalky) - Animals with shells (i.e. snails) have high amounts of calcium carbonate
    • Mesic: environment has a moderate amount of water
    • Typic Torriorthents is the designation of a soil that has the above attributes

Terrain:

  • Hillslopes, eroding shale hills, alluvial fans (narrow at top, fan out at bottom, looks like a tree root system, bumpy). Slopes range 0-50%

Sources: 

https://soilseries.sc.egov.usda.gov/OSD_Docs/H/HANKSVILLE.html - soil of Hanksville

https://soilsofcanada.ca/orders/orders.php - Soil Taxonomy

https://www.motherearthnews.com/nature-and-environment/understanding-active-soil-zbcz1807#:~:text=Expansive%20or%20active%20soils%20are,pattern%20of%20activity%20and%20instability. - Active soil

https://digitalatlas.cose.isu.edu/geo/soils/soiltxt/soiltax.htm - More soil Taxonomy

https://www.uidaho.edu/cals/soil-orders/entisols - Entisols