Chemical Properties of Soils at Mine-Tunnel Detection Research Sites, Puerto Rico

摘要

Soil at each of the proposed mine-tunnel detection research sites in Puerto Rico was analyzed. Samples were obtained at 1-ft intervals to a depth of 8 ft at three locations at the Laguna Joyuda tunnel site to determine chemical variability at the site. At the remaining 20 sites to be used primarily for explosives detection research, samples were obtained at only one location to a 3-ft depth. Analyses performed included cation exchange capacity, exchangeable ions, exchange acidity, pH, salt conductivity, carbonates, organic matter, organic carbon, nitrogen, and free iron oxides. The variation in results observed from one site to another could be explained in terms of primary laterization and silication, two soil formation processes which occur in subtropical and tropical environments. (Author)