Comparing Coastal Soil Functions across Natural and Artificial Salinity Gradients
Presentation Type
Poster
Faculty Advisor
Nina Goodey
Access Type
Event
Start Date
26-4-2024 12:45 PM
End Date
26-4-2024 1:44 PM
Description
Due to global warming, seawater intrusion in coastal soils is expected to increase. Previous studies have explored the effects of salts on soils, usually by artificially adding sodium chloride (NaCl) solutions. Few studies have investigated the differences in soil function between a natural and artificial salinity gradient. This study will investigate the effects of tidal-based salinity on soils near Perrine Pond and compare the results to soil properties measured across an artificial salinity gradient. Soil samples were collected across five transects near Perrine Pond. Soil salinity decreased as we moved further away from the pond (electrical conductivity (EC) readings were taken to confirm the presence of a gradient before collection). For the artificial gradient, five low salinity soil samples were collected, enough to set up thirty pots in a greenhouse. NaCl solutions of different concentrations were added to the pots to generate a salinity gradient. I will present the soil properties (phosphatase activity, soil moisture, pH, organic matter content (%), and EC) from natural salinity gradient soils. These results will be compared to those from the artificial gradient. If the two gradients have similar properties, then trying to replicate saline conditions in a lab would be appropriate for future research. If they differ, then researchers need to be aware of these potential discrepancies. With the change of the tides, salinity is dynamic in the natural setting but relatively static in the lab. Understanding these differences can assist researchers with analyzing saltwater intrusion and its effects on soil function.
Comparing Coastal Soil Functions across Natural and Artificial Salinity Gradients
Due to global warming, seawater intrusion in coastal soils is expected to increase. Previous studies have explored the effects of salts on soils, usually by artificially adding sodium chloride (NaCl) solutions. Few studies have investigated the differences in soil function between a natural and artificial salinity gradient. This study will investigate the effects of tidal-based salinity on soils near Perrine Pond and compare the results to soil properties measured across an artificial salinity gradient. Soil samples were collected across five transects near Perrine Pond. Soil salinity decreased as we moved further away from the pond (electrical conductivity (EC) readings were taken to confirm the presence of a gradient before collection). For the artificial gradient, five low salinity soil samples were collected, enough to set up thirty pots in a greenhouse. NaCl solutions of different concentrations were added to the pots to generate a salinity gradient. I will present the soil properties (phosphatase activity, soil moisture, pH, organic matter content (%), and EC) from natural salinity gradient soils. These results will be compared to those from the artificial gradient. If the two gradients have similar properties, then trying to replicate saline conditions in a lab would be appropriate for future research. If they differ, then researchers need to be aware of these potential discrepancies. With the change of the tides, salinity is dynamic in the natural setting but relatively static in the lab. Understanding these differences can assist researchers with analyzing saltwater intrusion and its effects on soil function.