Acknowledgements: Dr. Nancy Hoalst Pullen

1. Composition, Origin, and Influences of Soils From Deckers CreekBy Phillip Oliver, Jenni Lee, Andy Stawarski, and Mary Emily Stonebridge • ABSTRACT • RESULTS • DISCUSSION The dark color and texture can tell us that the soils from this area are clay loam and derived from spring depositing. The stream bed floods mostly in the winter and early spring depositing sand, silt, and clays. In the field data collection, pH levels went from a neutral acidic level to a slightly more acidic level as the water traveled down stream. Lab tests show that lower pH levels correspond with increased Aluminum concentration. Ferric Iron concentrations are higher at low areas of discharge in the creek. • FIELD RESULTS This research will cover the climate, characteristics, geology, and human impacts of soil samples taken from Deckers Creek, West Virginia. The classifications of the soil samples taken are compared and analyzed in accordance with previous research and findings of soils specific to that area. The results of acid mine drainage and any runoff associated with human interactions will also be covered. • INTRODUCTION The Deckers Creek watershed is comprised mostly of Upper Freeport Coal(Friends of DeckersCreek). An anticline pushes older bedrock through the younger bedrock(Friends of DeckersCreek). DeckersCreek has created a gorge running through, displaying the older bedrock(Friends of Deckers Creek). While human interactions such as sewage, agricultural runoff, and trash find their way into the Deckers Creek Watershed, acid mine drainage is perhaps the largest human interaction. The seven USGS quadrangles associated with the DeckersCreek Watershed encompasses 56 active and inactive mines (Friends of Deckers Creek). • CONCLUSION The soil can be classified as alfisol. This can be further classified as a Lobdell-Holly soil. These soils are poorly drained and occur on flat alluvium flood plans (USDA). The permeability is low to moderate with moderately rapid permeable surface underneath. This underlying surface would be the bedrock explaining why the soil samples are only 5 to 12 inches in depth. The dark colors of the soils relate to the almost permanent wetness of the soil. pH levels from the field tests and lab tests differ because of this instance. pH levels taken while the soil is moist show much higher levels of acidity, while the dry soil is slightly alkaline. This is affected directly by the stream. Higher pH levels make aluminum more soluble (Singer and Munns). This is supported by the lab tests shown in Figure 1 and Figure . High levels of aluminum and ferric iron are present in the soils. This could be direct effects of acid mine drainage. • METHODS Soil samples were taken every 25 meters alongside Deckers Creek. A LaMotte Soil pH Field Test was performed at the creek and the Munsell color of the soil was also noted. The soil was put into individual bags and brought back to Kennesaw. The soils were tested in the lab at Kennesaw State University. The soil was put into a 2mm sieve and sifted to separate any organic particles and anything larger than 2mm. Test were performed with a LaMotte Soil Test Kit to determine levels of Aluminum, Sulfates, Potassium, Ferric Iron and pH. Research was conducted on previous soil analyses of Deckers Creek and surrounding areas. History of the Coal mines was also reviewed to determine if any chemical impacts have occurred. • LAB RESULTS • REFERENCES Zickar, M. J., & Highhouse, S. (2001, April). Measuring prestige of journals in industrial-organizational psychology. The Industrial-Organizational Psychologist, 38(4). Retrieved January 15, 2009, from http://www.siop.org/tip/backissues/TipApr01/03Zicker.aspx Singer, Michael J. and Munns, Donald N. Soils An Introduction. Fifth Edition. 2002, Prentice Hall. New Jersey USDA, Natural Resources Conservation Services. Oct. 2008. http://www2.ftw.nrcs.usda.gov/osd/dat/H/HOLLY.html USDA, Natural Resources Conservation Services. Aug. 2005. http://www2.ftw.nrcs.usda.gov/osd/dat/L/LOBDELL.html Acknowledgements: Dr. Nancy Hoalst Pullen Department of Geography, Kennesaw State University, Dr. Jay Gatrell Department of Geography, Indiana State University.