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Aeolian dust in Colorado Plateau soils: nutrient inputs and recent change in source
R Reynolds1, J Belnap, M Reheis
1U.S. Geological Survey, P.O. Box 25046, Denver, CO 80225, USA. rreynolds@usgs.gov
Summary
Aeolian dust enriches arid soils with essential nutrients, aiding soil formation. Recent dust may originate from human-impacted areas, highlighting the need to manage land use to prevent fertility loss.
Area of Science:
- Geosciences
- Ecology
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Aeolian dust is crucial for arid ecosystems, contributing to soil formation and nutrient supply.
- Limited research exists on dust accumulation history and nutrient enrichment on geologic surfaces.
- Understanding dust's role is vital for arid-land ecosystem management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop methods for identifying aeolian dust in arid regions.
- To evaluate the contribution of aeolian dust to ecosystem processes.
- To characterize dust accumulation and nutrient enrichment on Colorado Plateau surfaces.
Main Methods:
- Mineralogical and chemical analysis of surficial deposits and bedrock.
- Magnetic susceptibility measurements to detect detrital magnetite.
- Particle-size analysis to quantify aeolian dust component.
- Analysis of soil-surface biologic crusts as dust traps.
Main Results:
- Surficial deposits in Canyonlands differ significantly from bedrock, indicating an external dust source.
- Detrital magnetite, absent in bedrock, confirms a substantial aeolian dust component (20-30%).
- Dust inputs have enriched sediments with nutrients like P, Mg, Na, K, Mo, and Ca.
- Biologic crusts indicate a recent shift in dust sources, possibly linked to distant human disturbances.
- Some land-use practices may reduce soil fertility through wind erosion of aeolian silt.
Conclusions:
- Aeolian dust is a significant contributor to nutrient enrichment in arid soils.
- Recent dust sources may be influenced by human activities, necessitating land-use management.
- Further research is needed to understand the long-term impacts of dust deposition and erosion.
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