Soil chemical and physical property data for Green Lakes Valley, 1982 - 1983.

The genesis and water chemistry of two soil catenas and mineralogy of eolian dust were studied to evaluate the capacity of these soils to buffer acid conditions. Field and laboratory analyses of 50 soil pits and three eolian dust traps indicated that the surface horizons are mainly eolian dust accumulation and the subsurface horizons differed in texture, organic carbon percentage, bulk density, pH, concentration of soluble and exchangeable ions, dissolved organic carbon, and distribution and concentration of clay materials. The chemistry and mineralogy of the eolian dust resemble those of the surface horizons. Calcite, which increases soil buffering capacity, was found in the eolian dust. The eolian calcite probably comes from western Colorado, where limestone exposures are common. This natural liming process may reduce effects of acid rain on the aquatic system.