Effects of parent material and climate on the magnetic susceptibility of Saskatchewan soils

Magnetic susceptibility (chi) of soils is easily measured; however, the link between magnetic horizonation and pedogenic factors needs to be clarified. This study compares the chi of the A and C horizons of 89 generally well-drained profiles from the agricultural area of Saskatchewan to quantify the effects of parent material and climate. Total Fe and Mn were only weakly related to chi, but chi increased as the soil texture became coarser. This trend was more noticeable in parent material than topsoil samples, and stronger for till than for fluvial, lacustrine and aeolian parent materials. The A horizon samples showed enhanced low frequency and frequency dependant chi. This increase in topsoil chi was greatest in the more humid areas.