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Pedogenic Formation of Kaolinite-Smectite Mixed Layers in a Soil Toposequence Developed from Basaltic Parent Material in Sardinia (Italy)

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  28 February 2024

Dominique Righi ,
Fabio Terribile  and
Sabine Petit
Dominique Righi
Affiliation:
UMR-CNRS 6532 “Hydrogéologie, Argiles, Sols et Altérations” Faculté des Sciences, 86022 Poitiers Cedex, France
Fabio Terribile
Affiliation:
CNR-ISPAIM, PO Box 101 80040 San Sebastiano al Vesuvio, Napoli, Italy
Sabine Petit
Affiliation:
UMR-CNRS 6532 “Hydrogéologie, Argiles, Sols et Altérations” Faculté des Sciences, 86022 Poitiers Cedex, France
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Abstract

Formation of kaolinite-smectite (K-S) mixed layers in a soil toposequence developed from basaltic parent material was examined. The soil formed in a temperate climate with alternating dry and wet seasons in Sardinia (Italy). Chemical composition and charge characteristics of the smectite component in the K-S mixed layers were analyzed to help determine a mechanism for formation. Soils were sampled at the top, intermediate, and base of a steep (35%) slope. As indicated by X-ray diffraction data, the fine clay fraction (>0.1 μm) in the soils is dominated by K-S with a decreasing proportion of kaolinite from the top (70%) to the base (30%). Rapid internal drainage induced by the slope is probably the major factor responsible for the formation of K-S. Chemical composition and charge characteristics of the smectite component in the K-S were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (intercalation with alkylammonium ions), cation exchanged capacity (CEC) and surface area measurements, and infrared spectroscopy. Results indicate that the smectite component is nearly identical over the soil toposequence. The smectite component is the same with respect to charge magnitude and chemical composition, independent of the proportion of kaolinite and smectite components. This suggests the pedogenic formation of K-S by transformation of smectite through dissolution of some smectite layers and subsequent crystallization of kaolinite between the layers of the remaining smectite crystallites.

Keywords

Basaltic Rock (Weathering)Kaolinite-Smectite Mixed LayersSardiniaSmectite-Layer ChargeSoils
Type
Research Article
Information
Clays and Clay Minerals , Volume 47 , Issue 4 , August 1999 , pp. 505 - 514
Copyright
Copyright © 1999, The Clay Minerals Society

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