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

Magnetic susceptibility (chi) of soils is easily measured; however, the lin k 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 r elated to chi, but chi increased as the soil texture became coarser. This t rend was more noticeable in parent material than topsoil samples, and stron ger for till than for fluvial, lacustrine and aeolian parent materials. The A horizon samples showed enhanced low frequency and frequency dependant ch i. This increase in topsoil chi was greatest in the more humid areas.