Results are presented from a field study conducted to determine whether large pores represent a major pathway for NO3‐N and Cl movement through undisturbed soil. A solution containing 410 ppm NO3‐N and Cl as KNO3 and KCl was added to three experimental field plots enclosed by wooden barriers to prevent runoff. Initial and final soil samples were taken at various profile depths for ion analyses. Most of the NO3‐N and Cl added in solution moved vertically with the water through the profile. Ion movement was influenced by large soil pores between structural units. A fourth field plot was designed to compare field‐measured NO3‐N and Cl concentrations with theoretical calculations, using time‐dependent water flow velocity and dispersion equations. Soil solution samples were taken for ion analyses. Due to the incomplete mixing of water and ions with all soil pores, theoretical equations did not completely explain the field‐measured NO3‐N and Cl distributions.
A greenhouse study was conducted to investigate the growth (dry matter yield) of selected legume cover crops; phytoaccumulation of metals such as Zn, Mn, Pb, Cu, Ni, and Al, and extractability of heavy metals from three different Alabama acid mine spoils. The spoils were amended based on soil test recommended levels of N, P, K, Ca, and Mg prior to plant growth. Metals were extracted by three extractants (Mehlich 1, DTPA, and 0.1 M HCI) and values correlated with their accumulation by the selected legumes. Among the cover crops, kobe lespedeza [Lespedezu strktu (Thung.) Hook & Am.], sericea lespedeza [Lespedezu cuneutu (Dum.) G. Don], and red clover (Trifolium prutense L.) did not survive the stressful conditions of the spoils. However, cowpea (fignu unguiculota L.) followed by 'Bragg' soybean [Glycine mar (L.) Merr.] generally produced the highest dry matter yield while accumulating the largest quantity of metals, except Al, from spoils. The extractability of most metals from the spoils was generally in the order of: 0.1 M HCI > Mehlich 1 > DTPA. Mehlich 1 did not extract Pb and 0.1 M HCI did not extract Ni, whereas DTPA extracted all the metals in a smaller amount relative to HCI and Meblich 1. All the extractants were quite effective in removing plantavailable Zn from the spoils. In general, the extractants' ability to predict plant-available metals depended on the crop species, spoil type, and extractant used. NCREASED EMPHASIS on coal production and envi-
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