Nature of Carbonate Minerals in Two Saskatchewan Soils

The nature and distribution of carbonate minerals in selected Chernozemic soils was investigated. Soil from the Bmk, Cca and Ck horizons of two profiles was fractionated into various size fractions. Total carbonates, calcite and dolomite were determined on each fraction. The silt fraction of both parent materials was high in carbonate minerals which were primarily dolomite. The clay and fine silt fractions of the carbonate accumulation layers were high in calcite. It was evident that secondary carbonate accumulates as calcite of clay and fine silt sizes. There appeared to be periodic removal and accumulation of carbonates in the Bmk horizon, as it was low in dolomite but relatively high in calcite.