Comparison of the surface chemical properties of four soils derived from Quaternary red earth as related to soil evolution

The surface chemical properties of soil samples i.e., surface charge and zeta potential, and the mineralogy of soil clay fraction were investigated with reference to soil weathering extent for four different soils derived from Quaternary red earth using the ion adsorption method, a micro-electrophoresis method and the X-ray diffraction analysis. Results indicated that all these soil samples contained kaolinite and gibbsite. The Ultisols from Guizhou, Hunan and Jiangxi possessed the 2:1 type clay minerals of mica and vermiculite. Hematite and magnetite were found in the Ultisols from Guangxi, Hunan and Jiangxi. Goethite was found in the Ultisols from Jiangxi, Hunan and Guizhou. The positive surface charge for these soils decreased with the order: the Ultisol from Guangxi ≅ the Ultisol from Guizhou > the Ultisols from Hunan and Jiangxi from south to north when pH < 5.0. This is consistent with the content of free Fe/Al oxides present in these soils. On the other hand, the value of negative surface charge on the Ultisol from Guangxi was found much lower than the other soils perhaps because of the intensive weathering of the soil. Both permanent and variable negative charges for the former were also lower than the latter, whereas the point of zero salt effect (PZSE) for the former was greater than that of the latter. The variability of soil negative surface charge followed the order: the Ultisol from Guangxi > the Ultisol from Guizhou > the Ultisol from Jiangxi ≅ the Ultisol from Hunan. The zeta potential and isoelectric point (IEP) of soil colloids and soil net surface charge followed the same order: the Ultisol from Guangxi > the Ultisol from Guizhou > the Ultisols from Hunan and Jiangxi. A good correlation between zeta potential and net surface charge of these soils was observed. Therefore, the magnitudes of the PZSE, IEP and zeta potential of these soils were in agreement with the weathering extent of the soils and can be employed as reference criteria for classification and evolution of soils.