Substantial biologically mediated phosphorus depletion from the surface of a Middle Cambrian paleosol

Abstract

Research Article| June 01, 2012 Substantial biologically mediated phosphorus depletion from the surface of a Middle Cambrian paleosol L.B. Horodyskyj; L.B. Horodyskyj * 1ASU Online, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85287, USA *E-mail: LevH@asu.edu. Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar T.S. White; T.S. White 2Earth and Environmental Systems Institute, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, USA Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar L.R. Kump L.R. Kump 3Department of Geosciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, USA Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Author and Article Information L.B. Horodyskyj * 1ASU Online, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85287, USA T.S. White 2Earth and Environmental Systems Institute, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, USA L.R. Kump 3Department of Geosciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, USA *E-mail: LevH@asu.edu. Publisher: Geological Society of America Received: 19 Aug 2011 Revision Received: 14 Dec 2011 Accepted: 10 Jan 2012 First Online: 09 Mar 2017 Online ISSN: 1943-2682 Print ISSN: 0091-7613 © 2012 Geological Society of America Geology (2012) 40 (6): 503–506. https://doi.org/10.1130/G32761.1 Article history Received: 19 Aug 2011 Revision Received: 14 Dec 2011 Accepted: 10 Jan 2012 First Online: 09 Mar 2017 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Permissions Search Site Citation L.B. Horodyskyj, T.S. White, L.R. Kump; Substantial biologically mediated phosphorus depletion from the surface of a Middle Cambrian paleosol. Geology 2012;; 40 (6): 503–506. doi: https://doi.org/10.1130/G32761.1 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Refmanager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentBy SocietyGeology Search Advanced Search Abstract Despite recent work, a comprehensive understanding of pre-Devonian terrestrial ecosystems remains elusive, resulting in frequent speculation about their composition. Terrestrial microbial mats are known from the Precambrian paleosol record, and bryophytes are known from the Middle Ordovician palynological record. The intervening time, however, remains enigmatic, although recent studies indicate a progressive "greening" of the Precambrian prior to the first unambiguous fossil evidence for land plants. In this study, an older than 503 Ma, heavily weathered, clay-rich soil was identified and provides a window to a probable Cambrian terrestrial landscape. The paleosol developed on the ancient continent of Laurentia in a dry, subtropical climate. Mobilization of Si, Al, and P indicate the influence of organic acids. Apatite, a recalcitrant mineral present throughout the majority of the weathered section, is notably absent from the top 30 cm of the paleosol. Few secondary phosphates and a complete absence of oxide- or carbonate-bound P indicate that once biologically weathered, P remained in an ecosystem-available form during the lifetime of this paleosol. The zone of apatite dissolution coincides with intense argillan development, indicating clay flocculation in the presence of soil solutions rich in labile Ca2+. Enhanced P weathering coupled with high Ca2+ concentrations as a result of in situ apatite dissolution is a biosignature previously linked to the activities of mycorrhizal fungi. Biosignatures of mycorrhizal fungi in a Middle Cambrian paleosol add further evidence to the notion that there was an important terrestrial fungal presence prior to the first unequivocal evidence for terrestrial land plants. You do not have access to this content, please speak to your institutional administrator if you feel you should have access.