Methods
Our field methods consisted of 7 main standard operating protocols explored below.
Soil Sampling
We collected soil samples in order to evaluate the effects of basalt application on the following soil properties: pH, carbon, and aggregate stability, taken at a depth of 0-20 cm as this depth covers the rhizosphere, where most plant-soil interactions occur. We used the samples to identify how the basalt application may have different effects on soil properties, depending on the various planting treatments.
Lysimeter Field Installation and Sample Collection
Lysimeters are tools used to capture water as it moves through soil and is useful in measuring properties such as leachates, minerals, toxins, and nutrients. They can also measure Dissolved Organic and Inorganic Carbon (DOC and DIC respectively). The Lysimeter protocol is a two-part procedure consisting of installation and collection, including the installation of Single Chamber Lysimeters which use suction to draw water in through a porous steel membrane for the purpose of collection.
Soil pH Ground Measurement
Soil pH is the degree of soil acidity or alkalinity, determined by the concentration of H+ ions ranging from 0 (extremely acidic) to 14 (extremely alkaline) with 7 being neutral. Most soils range from pH values of 5 to 9. Higher pH values indicate the soil likely has a high inorganic carbon content that can be the product of silicate weathering or calcium carbonate application to crops.