Sr-ISOTOPE RATIOS OF A SOIL PROFILE (BADLANDS) NEAR RADICOFANI (SOUTHERN TUSCANY)

Abstract

The Sr/Ca ratios and Sr-isotope ratios of bulk samples and acetate extracts from a soil profile developed on Pliocene marine clays near Radicofani, in southern Tuscany, were determined. The uniform Sr/Ca ratios in the soil indicated a uniform distribution of the two elements throughout the profile. In contrast, the lower Sr/Ca ratios of acetate extracts from the upper horizons of the soil suggest preferential removal of Sr relative to Ca, perhaps by the plants. These latter seem to accumulate more Sr than Ca during their lifetime. The δ⁸⁷Sr of acetate extracts suggests that bulk Sr is provided by the calcite of the Mesozoic-Cenozoic sedimentary formations of southern Tuscany. A minor source of Sr, although subordinate, is represented by clastic albite. A grass sample growing on the soil contained the Sr uptaken from both sources.