Seiichi Sasaki

A PODSOL DERIVED FROM SERPENTINE ROCKS IN HOKKAIDO, JAPAN

Abstract Because of its high magnesium content and relatively small anount of silica, iron and aluminum, the weathering process of serpentine rock is very different from other aluminosilicate rocks. Generally it has been thought that podsolization does not occur in the soil derived from this rock.

On the volcanic ash soil in Tokachi District, Hokkaido Island, Japan

Abstract In Japan, most of the paddy fields are laid out on alluvial plain while other land crop fields are developed on plateau. The greater part of the latter ccnsists of volcanic ash soils.

UPTAKE OF CALCIUM AND MAGNESIUM BY BUCKWHEAT FROM LIMESTONE

Abstract Liming is a most fundamental agricultural practice for acid soils. Calcium and magnesium are necessary elements for plant growth. Strong acid soils, in addition to possible magnesium and/or calcium deficiency, may supply toxic amounts of trace elements to the plant. Soil testing has become an important factor for it indicates the need of lime and fertilizers. With advances in soil chemistry, many testing methods have been suggested and are being used. Advances have been made in the measurement of soil acidity, for instance, the “lime potential” theory of Schofield and Taylor (1,2) may provide basic information on that problem. In recent years there have been radical changes in the concept of exchangeable aluminum associated with the problem of soil acidity (3,5,5).

HYDROGEN PEROXIDE TREATMENT ON TYPICAL HOKKAIDO SOILS

Abstract G. W. ROBISON et al. (1) introduced a method of H2O2 treatment for study of humification based on the fact that the humus substances in soils are perfectly destroyed under the treatment of H2O2. W. O. ROBINSON (2) used 15% H2O2 for the determination of total organic matters.

WEATHERING OF LIPARITIC-WELDED TUFF : Volumetric Research of Weathering

Abstract The degree of chemical weathering has been calculated from chemical analytical data on an A12O3 base, but the author used quartz insted of A12O3 because, the state of A12O3 is not constant. As an example, he used a soil profile derived from biotite-liparitic-welded tuff from Mt. Tokachi at Biel Tw. and studied it genetically. He decided it belonged to acid brown forest soil. The plagioclase content diminishes towards the surface but 14 and 7A minerals increase and are more obvious in the upper profile than in the A/B horizon. The volume change of each horizon in consequence of soil genesis was calculated by volume density and quartz content and the results indicated that the surface horizon and B horizons to 2.7 and 1.5-1.6 times the volume of the parent material, respectively. Recalculation of the data of the chemical analysis taking volume change into consideration showed some tendency towards the eluviation of the combined SiO2 in the A horizon. The author would consider this phenomenon as les...

Studies on Japanese acid earth

Abstract Japanese acid earth was discovered about fifty years ago, in Niigata Prefecture. The properties of this earth resemble those of Fullers Earth showing distinct acid reaction; it is believed that it consists of montmorillonite or beidellite.1, 2, 3) The author took samples from lmai, Niigata Prefecture and studied the chemical properties and clay mineral composition of the acid earth. The soil profile of the spot where the samples were taken is shown in Fig. 1. It consists of 12 layers, but the top 7 layers are alluvial deposits unconformably covering the acid earth. The lower earth deposits are divided into 5 layers viz., G1 G2 , H1, H2 and the parent rock P. This mother rock is estimated to be liparitic tuff or glassy liparite by microscopic and macroscopic investigation.