Table of Contents
How is serpentine soil formed?
Serpentine soil is an uncommon soil type produced by weathered ultramafic rock such as peridotite and its metamorphic derivatives such as serpentinite. Serpentine soils contain high concentrations of heavy metals, including chromium, iron, cobalt, and nickel.
Is serpentine soil acidic?
The pH of the soil greatly varies, ranging from 6.1 (slightly acidic) to 8.8 (slightly basic). In many cases heavy metals, such as chromium, nickel, and iron, are present and give the soil its red color. Serpentine soil is typically a shallow and rocky, not suitable for retaining water.
What is a serpentine ecosystem?
(“Serpentine” is a colloquial term that refers generally to the soils and ecosystems that develop on serpentinite and related rocks). Serpentine soils are very low in the macronutrients required for plant growth, and they also harbor high levels of heavy metals.
Where is serpentine found?
Large deposits of serpentine can be found in the Ural Mountains of Russia, around Greece and Cyprus, and in the mountain ranges of New Zealand, Austria, France, Italy and the U.S.
What are the uses of serpentine?
| Physical Properties of Serpentine | |
|---|---|
| Chemical Classification | Silicate |
| Chemical Composition | (Mg,Fe,Ni,Al,Zn,Mn)2-3(Si,Al,Fe)2O5(OH)4 |
| Crystal System | Most serpentine minerals are monoclinic. |
| Uses | A source of asbestos, architectural stone, ornamental stone, gem material. |
How can you tell fake serpentine?
Serpentine is typically translucent to opaque and rarely semi-transparent. Most serpentine contains impurities of calcite and other minerals. The inclusions can cause white or black veining, marbling or spotting. When polished, serpentine has a greasy to silky luster.
What is the chemical composition of serpentine soil?
As a corollary to serpentinite rock, serpentine soil carries the unique chemical composition containing high amounts of magnesium and low amounts of calcium. The pH of the soil greatly varies, ranging from 6.1 (slightly acidic) to 8.8 (slightly basic).
How much nickel is in a serpentine soil?
Nickel has typical concentrations of 1–450 mg/kg in most natural soils. However, serpentine soils developed on ultramafic rocks naturally contain high Ni concentrations, usually in the range 0.1%–3% Ni (Brooks, 1987; Kabata-Pendias & Pendias, 1992 ).
How are plants adapted to live in serpentine soil?
In order to overcome the chemical and physical challenges presented by serpentine soils, plants have developed tolerances to drought, heavy metals, and limited nutrients. Low calcium:magnesium ratios cause limited root growth and root activity, weak cell membranes, and reduced uptake of essential nutrients.
Where does nitrogen fixation occur in serpentine soil?
Definitions. Bacteria obtain carbon from the plants and in return provide fixed nitrogen, specifically, ammonia. The greatest potential for nitrogen fixation in serpentine soils is in the root zone of certain legumes (e.g. Lotus or Lupinus spp.) or woody species such as Ceanothus spp.