Research, Grants and Maps Published
Recent Refereed Journal Articles
Konen, M.E., C.L. Burras, and J.A. Sandor. 2003. Organic Carbon, Texture, and Quantitative Color Measurement Relationships for Cultivated Soils in North Central Iowa. Soil Science Society of America Journal 67:1823-1830.Abstract
Brevik, E.C. and M.E. Konen. 2003. Problems and Suggestions Concerning the Use of Glacially-Deposited Sediment Terminology by Soil Scientists. Soil Survey Horizons 44:64-70. Abstract
Konen, M.E., P.M. Jacobs, C.L. Burras, B.J. Talaga, and J.A. Mason. 2002. Equations for Predicting Soil Organic Carbon Using Loss-on Ignition for North Central U.S. Soils. Soil Science Society of America Journal 66:1878-1881. Abstract
Patton, J.J., L. Burras, M.E. Konen, and N.E. Molstad. 2001. An accurate and inexpensive apparatus and method for teaching and measuring stable aggregate content of soils. Journal of Natural Resources & Life Sciences Education 30:84-88. Abstract
Stojanovic, B., L.S. Rigg, and M.E. Konen. 2001. Stand structure of shagbark hickory (Carya ovata) and soil properties in an extremely fragmented woodlot in northeastern Illinois. Great Lakes Geographer 8:66-76. Abstract
2004 - United States Geological Survey. "Quaternary Geologic Mapping of the Waterman Quadrangle, Northeastern Illinois” Summary
2003 - United States Geological Survey. "Quaternary Geologic Mapping of the DeKalb Quadrangle, Northeastern Illinois” Summary
2002 - United States Geological Survey. "Quaternary Geologic Mapping of the Sycamore Quadrangle, Northeastern Illinois" Summary
2001 - National Science Foundation. "Acquisition of a low-vacuum SEM Microscope for Multi-disciplinary Research and Education" Summary
2001 - United States Geological Survey. "Quaternary Geologic Mapping of the Genoa Quadrangle, Northeastern Illinois" Summary
2000 - The Nature Conservancy
- Quantification of soil carbon sequestration at Nachusa Grasslands"
Summary
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Maps Published:
Konen, M.E., E. Stromberg, and J. Stravers. 2003. Quaternary Geologic Map of the Sycamore Quadrangle, NE Illinois. United States Geological Survey, National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program, EDMAP Series.
Konen, M.E., C. Perciante, and J. Stravers. 2002. Quaternary Geologic Map of the Genoa Quadrangle, NE Illinois. United States Geological Survey, National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program, EDMAP Series.
Stravers, J., K. Hibben,
M. Konen, and D. Kulczycki. 2000. Quaternary Geologic Map of the Big Rock
Quadrangle, NE Illinois. United States Geological Survey, National Cooperative
Geologic Mapping Program, EDMAP Series.
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Recent Refereed Journal Articles
Konen, M.E., C.L. Burras, and J.A. Sandor. 2003. Organic Carbon, Texture, and Quantitative Color Measurement Relationships for Cultivated Soils in North Central Iowa. Soil Science Society of America Journal 67:1823-1830.
Abstract:
The quantification of soil organic carbon (SOC) concentrations is becoming
increasingly more desirable because of environmental and economic concerns
regarding the reactivity of SOC with pesticides, fertilizers, and waste materials.
The objectives of this study were to quantify soil color - organic C relationships
and to quantify soil particle size - organic C relationships for Ap horizons
in north central Iowa. All of the 130 soils examined developed in glacigenic
diamicton or local hillslope sediment derived from glacigenic diamicton. A
Minolta CR-310 chroma meter was used to quantify percent reflectance, and
Munsell value and chroma for both air-dry and moist soils. Organic C concentration
of the sample set ranged from 4.4 to 70.8 g kg-1. Significant relationships
were observed between organic C concentration and percent reflectance (r2
= 0.77 moist, r2 = 0.74 air-dry), Munsell value (r2 = 0.77 moist, r2 = 0.74
air-dry), Munsell chroma (r2 = 0.68 moist, r2 = 0.77 air-dry), percent sand
(r2 = 0.74), percent clay (r2 = 0.71) and geometric mean particle diameter
(r2 = 0.74). Logarithmic relationships existed for reflectance, Munsell value
and chroma, and geometric mean particle diameter while linear relationships
were observed for sand and clay contents. Chroma meter soil color measurements
and particle size data are useful predictors of organic C concentrations for
Ap horizons in north central Iowa. Evidence from this study and the literature
suggest that unique relationships exist for different soil landscapes.
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Abstract:
"Glacial till" is one of the most commonly listed parent materials
in soil surveys that cover glaciated regions of the United States. This term
routinely appears in articles in the soil science literature and in soil survey
reports. Yet, despite the common usage of "glacial till", it may
also be one of the most misunderstood and misused terms commonly employed
in our scientific field. The misunderstanding starts with the term itself,
"glacial till". The only till in existence is glacial; there is
no other kind. Use of the adjective "glacial" in front of the noun
"till" is redundant, and for that reason glacial geoscientists have
been trying to correct such usage going back at least as far as Richard Foster
Flint (Flint, 1971). But the issues concerning use of the term till in the
soil science literature go far beyond the frequent redundant wording found
in our writings. They go right to the very definition of the term till. In
this paper we address problems with the existing nomenclature and propose
changes.
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Abstract:
Samples of 255 non-calcareous A, Ap, and AB horizons from selected Major Land
Resource Areas (MLRA) in the north central United States were used to develop
equations for predicting organic carbon content, as determined with a Leco
carbon analyzer, from weight loss-on-ignition (LOI). Organic carbon concentrations
of the samples ranged from 1.09 to 114.6 g kg-1. Within each MLRA, strong
linear relationships were observed between LOI and organic carbon measured
by the Leco instrument, with r2 ranging from 0.94 to 0.98. Predictive equations
developed by least-squares regression were significantly different for individual
MLRA's. LOI is a rapid, inexpensive, and accurate method for estimating organic
carbon concentration in soils of the north central United States. We recommend
that unique predictive equations be developed for individual soil-geographic
regions.
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Abstract:
Student comprehension of soil aggregation is often poor, even following successful
completion of several soil science courses. This poor understanding is problematic
because soil suitability interpretations depend in part on the characteristics
of the soil aggregates. For example, soil aggregate stability influences runoff,
erosion, and root growth, which in turn influences assessment of soil tilth
and quality. Anecdotal evidence suggests student grasp of soil aggregation
improves if teaching includes hands-on identification and measurement of soil
aggregate properties. The major limitation to hands-on activities has been
the perception by some instructors that soil aggregate properties are difficult
to measure. The objective of this report is to present a simple, inexpensive
method that readily quantifies stable aggregate content along with directions
for assembling its required apparatus. The apparatus consists of components
that can be purchased for less than $40 and can be assembled in less than
2 h. The method requires laboratory time and space comparable to particle-size
analysis. The method can be successfully used in undergraduate through graduate
courses or for research.
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Abstract:
The stand structure of shagbark hickory (Carya ovata) and soil properties
in an extremely fragmented woodlot were examined in northeastern Illinois.
The goal of this preliminary study was to examine the effect of extreme forest
fragmentation (in a golf course environment) on the structure of oak-hickory
remnants and the impact of golf course management on soil properties associated
with these remnants. Seedling densities for shagbark hickory, density and
basal area for all trees present, and soil samples (pH, bulk density, organic
matter, and macronutrient concentrations) were obtained for each remnant and
compared to a larger forest plot (11 ha). Shagbark hickory seeds collected
from the study site were germinated and grown under two different conditions;
fertilized and non-fertilized, to assess the effect of nutrient amendments
on seedling growth and persistence. Seedling densities in woodlot remnants
indicated shagbark hickory is capable of establishing within a fragmented
environment. However, the stand structures indicated a lack of recent recruitment
to the sub-canopy. Soil nutrient concentrations were highly variable with
no clear trends among remnants. Fertilizer application to germinants indicated
that shagbark hickory seedlings have a negative sensitivity to golf course
levels of nutrient application. This research suggests that golf course management
practices need to take into consideration the persistence of long-lived tree
species within fragments to maintain a wooded course environment.
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Recent Funded Grants:
2004 - United States Geological Survey. "Quaternary Geologic Mapping of the Waterman Quadrangle, Northeastern Illinois”
Summary:
The Waterman quadrangle is an important mapping area because of the existing
and future land use of the region coupled with complex stratigraphy, depositional
environments, and postglacial landscape evolution. The quadrangle contains
multiple ages of glacial, fluvial, and eolian sediments and multiple morainal
systems. The quadrangle contains many low-relief circular landforms previously
thought to be periglacial in origin that may in fact be related to ice stagnation.
A major research component in this project will be to understand the spatial
distribution and genesis of these features. The majority of the quadrangle
is presently used for intensive agricultural row crop production with several
existing large livestock confinement facilities that contain earthen waste-storage
lagoons. The area, however, is currently undergoing rapid urbanization and
land use decisions are changing as the existing urban centers increase in
size. The Chicago metropolitan edge is nearing the study area. An intensive
field drilling and sampling scheme along with aerial photo analysis, and water
and engineering boring log interpretation will allow us to elucidate the geologic
history of the area and produce a detailed 1:24,000 map of the surficial materials
in the quadrangle that can aid planners and other Earth scientists.
Top - Grants
Summary:
The DeKalb quadrangle is an important mapping area because of the existing
and future land use of the region coupled with complex stratigraphy, depositional
environments, and postglacial landscape evolution. The quadrangle contains
multiple ages of glacial, fluvial, and eolian sediments and a major end moraine
system. The southern portion of the quadrangle contains many low-relief circular
landforms previously thought to be periglacial in origin that may in fact
be related to ice stagnation. A major research component in this project will
be to understand the spatial distribution and genesis of these features. The
majority of the quadrangle is presently used for intensive agricultural row
crop production with several existing large livestock confinement facilities
that contain earthen waste-storage lagoons. The area, however, is currently
undergoing rapid urbanization and land use decisions are changing as the existing
urban centers increase in size. The Chicago metropolitan edge is nearing the
study area with the rapidly growing town of DeKalb is located within the quadrangle.
An intensive field drilling and sampling scheme along with aerial photo analysis,
and water and engineering boring log interpretation will allow us to elucidate
the geologic history of the area and produce a detailed 1:24,000 map of the
surficial materials in the quadrangle that can aid planners and other Earth
scientists.
Top - Grants
Summary:
The Sycamore quadrangle is an important mapping area because of the existing
and future land use of the region coupled with complex stratigraphy, depositional
environments, and postglacial landscape evolution. The quadrangle contains
multiple ages of glacial, fluvial, and eolian sediments and a major end moraine
system. The southern portion of the quadrangle contains many low-relief circular
landforms previously thought to be periglacial in origin that may in fact
be related to ice stagnation. A major research component in this project will
be to understand the spatial distribution and genesis of these features. The
majority of the quadrangle is presently used for intensive agricultural row
crop production with several existing large livestock confinement facilities
that contain earthen waste-storage lagoons. The area, however, is currently
undergoing rapid urbanization and land use decisions are changing as the existing
urban centers increase in size. The Chicago metropolitan edge is nearing the
study area with the rapidly growing towns of DeKalb and Sycamore being located
within the quadrangle. An intensive field drilling and sampling scheme along
with aerial photo analysis, and water and engineering boring log interpretation
will allow us to elucidate the geologic history of the area and produce a
detailed 1:24,000 map of the surficial materials in the quadrangle that can
aid planners and other Earth scientists.
Top - Grants
Summary:
This award, made through the Major Research Instrumentation Program, provides
partial support for the acquisition of a low vacuum scanning electron microscope
(LV SEM). The principal investigators include four faculty members from three
different departments in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Northern
Illinois University. Principal applications of the LV SEM by the PIs include:
studies of glacial-sedimentary processes and polar plankton biostratigraphy
and evolution entailing examination of microstructures in subglacial sediments;
studies in the environmental biogeosciences, including analysis of the spatial
distribution of microorganisms involved in biodegradation of organic solvents;
studies of modern soils and Quaternary paleosols to examine their current
and historic ability to sequester carbon; studies in plant morphology and
systematics, ethnobotany, conservation biology, and botanical biocomplexity;
and applications in educational programs, including research training, undergraduate
coursework, and community outreach education programs. The instrument to be
purchased is the JEOL 5600LV, which can operate at either high vacuum or low
vacuum, with the Noran Vantage DSI spectral imaging system X-ray analyzer
(EDS). Samples for observation require virtually no pretreatment, and large
samples (up to 15 cm) can be imaged without gold-coating. This is a non-destructive
method, perfect for examination of unique specimens, such as holotypes or
artifacts, and wet or outgassing samples can be directly analyzed.
Top - Grants
Summary:
The Genoa quadrangle is an important mapping area because of the existing
and future land use of the region coupled with complex stratigraphy, depositional
environments, and postglacial landscape evolution. The quadrangle contains
multiple ages of glacial, fluvial, and eolian sediments and a major end moraine
system. The northern portion of the quadrangle was ice-marginal during the
late Wisconsinan maximum and appears to have been significantly impacted by
periglacial processes. A major research component in this project will be
to understand the spatial distribution and genesis of the ice-marginal periglacial
features. The majority of the quadrangle is presently used for intensive agricultural
row crop production with several existing large livestock confinement facilities
that contain earthen waste-storage lagoons. The area, however, is currently
undergoing rapid urbanization and land use decisions are changing as the existing
urban centers increase in size. The Chicago metropolitan edge is nearing the
study area with the rapidly growing towns of Genoa and Sycamore being located
within the quadrangle. An intensive field drilling and sampling scheme along
with aerial photo analysis, and water and engineering boring log interpretation
will allow us to elucidate the geologic history of the area and produce a
detailed 1:24,000 map of the surficial materials in the quadrangle that can
aid planners and other Earth scientists.
Top - Grants
Summary:
There are reports in the literature from continuously cropped fields that
approximately 30 - 50 % of the organic carbon in the surface horizon of agricultural
soils has been oxidized since European settlement in the Midwest. The potential
to "resequester" that C seems very real, especially under native
vegetation restoration. Nachusa Grasslands offers the unique opportunity to
quantify pre-restoration soil properties as it contains never cultivated remnants.
Nachusa also contains areas that are presently in agricultural row crop production
and are being restored to tallgrass prairie. The focus of this project is
to sample soil properties along hillslope's in areas undergoing restoration.
Initial sampling will be on soils in their last year of agricultural production
just prior to tallgrass restoration. Sampling will then occur at the same
locations for several decades in order to quantify soil carbon sequestration
dynamics. Soils occurring in all drainage classes across the landscape will
be sampled in order to quantify soil carbon sequestration rates and quantities
in soils with differing properties. In addition to the carbon sequestration
work, aggregate stability, infiltration rate, microbial dynamics, micromorphology,
scanning electron microscopy, and macro morphology of the soils will also
be examined.
Top - Grants
