Characterization of mineralogy and permeability of the proposed Hard Labor soil series (fine, kaolinitic, thermic Oxyaquic Kanhapludults)

In the Piedmont of Georgia, many homes have been built on the Appling soil series (fine, kaolinitic, thermic Typic Kanhapludults). This soil is well drained and well suited for in-situ household waste disposal. Some areas that are included in the Appling units are moderately well drained with redoximorphic features within 80 cm of the soil surface. The proposed Hard Labor series (fine, kaolinitic, thermic Oxyaquic Kanhapludults) will recognize these features. The objectives of this study are to characterize the morphology and mineralogy of the redoximorphic features and to determine saturated hydraulic conductivity above and in the redoximorphic zones of the Hard Labor soil series. Two representative sites were chosen and sampled. Classification of the profiles was fine, kaolinitic, thermic Oxyaquic Kanhapludults. Redoximorphic features can be correlated with increases in bulk density and decreases in structure. Mineralogy of the pedons is kaolinitic, but shows a small expandable clay component in the lower horizons. Saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat) was measured on five representative sites. Ksat decreases with depth. Soil morphology described in the zones of interest proved to be a good indicator of low hydraulic conductivity (Ksat).