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IMG_5391.HEIC

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.

Soil Descriptions and Estimating Soil Texture by Feel

Soil descriptions are used for identifying the color and texture of the soil. This is used to identify soil properties and clay, sand, and silt content.

Plant Surveys

This protocol outlined how we properly monitored types of plants and plant health on the Highbanks site. This is used to keep track of plant health over time. Each individual plant is given a rating based on its likeliness to survive and its current health.

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.

Wet Aggregate Stability

We will perform a wet aggregate stability analysis on soils collected from the three phases at the Highbanks site. Soil aggregates contain carbon in the form of particulate organic matter. The formation of stable aggregates is an important process in carbon sequestration.

LI-COR 6400 Flux Measurement

This instrument measures soil respiration fluxes at the soil surface. This is used to measure CO2 release from the soil as a result of decomposition and dead organisms. This measures carbon leaving the terrestrial system and entering the atmosphere.

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