Soil Science · 1973 · 18 citations · 0 references
AgricultureEarth SciencesSoil SciencesMineralogySoil MineralogySoil ScienceLoess DepositsParent MaterialSoil DevelopmentSoil FormationSoil Profile DevelopmentSoil Series DelineationLoess DepositionLoess FormationLoess StratigraphyParent Material Influence On Soil GenesisSoil Development StagesSoil Mineralogy DistributionSoil-parent Material RelationshipsStratigraphic Distribution Patterns
Previous soil studies on the Illinois soil maturity sequence have assumed uniform composition and rate of deposition for the loessial parent material. A revaluation of the nature of Peoria Loess and its distribution from the Illinois River Valley indicates these assumptions are incorrect. Using chronologically defined and mineralogically distinct zones within the loess, a stratigraphic distribution of individual loess increments may be established. The regional distribution shows a dominance by the latest uppermost loess additions. Most of the parent loess along the Illinois soil maturity sequence is relatively young. Differential variations in soil development along the loess thinning-soil maturity pattern cannot be attributed solely to age differences as previously concluded.