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16-32 An Analysis of Serpentine Derived Soils in Southeastern Pennsylvania,
Session: From Thin Section to Outcrop: Exploration of Undergraduate Research (Posters)
Poster Booth No.: 32
Presenting Author:
Julia Redka
Authors:
Redka, Julia 1, Powers , Jessica2, Martin , Ethan3, Losco, Russell4, Dadio, Steve5
(1) Earth and Space Science, West Chester University, West Chester, , (2) Earth and Space Science, West Chester University, West Chester, , (3) Earth and Space Science, West Chester University, West Chester, , (4) West Chester University, West Grove, , (5) Delaware Valley University, Doylestown, ,
Abstract:
The composition of soil derived from weathered serpentinite bedrock is poorly understood, largely because it is not widespread. It is known to be infertile and, in some cases, toxic to the growth of many domesticated crops. As such, serpentinite outcrops often support a unique plant community known as “serpentine barrens”. Because of the inability to support many crops, the “serpentine barrens” are often found in parks and preserves because the owner’s donated these unproductive areas. As serpentine soils occur in small areas and are not wide-spread, most soil scientists and geologists have largely ignored these soils. We sampled soil from a number of sites underlain by serpentinite and analyzed their chemical make-up, in an attempt to begin to understand the properties of these soils.