As soil scientists, most of our work is interpreting what has happened. We look for details based upon color, materials, roots, chemicals, and any other clues to put the story together. However, this means we have to rely on deductive methods to figure out how things came about.
 
 
The goal of this new experiment is watch how soils form. Specifically, how do compounds like carbon and trace metals are accumulated in soils. It is not often we get to know what materials a soil is formed from but in this experiment, we know exactly the materials and its just a matter of time to watch the soil form!
 
 
We are conducting this experiment on a climate gradient. Since soils in warmer climates operate at a faster pace, we are very curious about determining how much faster do they operate. In addition, this allows us to predict how a warmer climate might affect the forests of New England as they warm up and get more rain from climate change.
 
 
 
Pictures shows Justin Richardson completing the experimental set up at the MacLeish field station, which is owned and operated by Smith College. Many thanks for letting me set up one of the field experiments on the Smith College property!