The application of U-isotopes to assess weathering in contrasted soil-water regime in Brazil.
Rosolen, Vania;Bueno, Guilherme Taitson;Bonotto, Daniel Marcos;
Applied radiation and isotopes : including data, instrumentation and methods for use in agriculture, industry and medicine2018Vol. 132pp. 157-163
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rosolen2018theapplied
Abstract
This paper presents the use of U-series radionuclides U and U to evaluate the biogeochemical disequilibrium in soil cover under a contrasted soil-water regime. The approach was applied in three profiles located in distinct topographical positions, from upslope ferralitic to downslope hydromorphic domain. The U fractionation data was obtained in the samples representing the saprolite and the superficial and subsuperficial soil horizons. The results showed a significant and positive correlation between U and the Total Organic Carbon (TOC). Soil organic matter has accumulated in soil due to hydromorphy. There is no evidence of positive correlation between U and Fe, as expected in lateritic soils. The advance of the hydromorphy on Ferralsol changes the weathering rates, and the ages of weathering are discussed as a function of the advance of waterlogged soil conditions from downslope. Also, the bioturbation could represent the other factor responsible to construct a more recent soil horizon.