Methods

                           Development &                         Sample                         Data Analysis &
                                Collection                          Processing &                    Map Projection
                                Methods                          Data Recording

Collection Process

Phase I: Trial by Fire

2001 - Year One
- One sampling day 3 cores
- Depth to refusal (goal of 36")
- Required great effort to remove core
- Is soil compaction a problem?
- Modifications to initial design
  - Drill holes to relieve pressure
  - Create a cutting edge

Phase I: Back to the Drawing Board

2002 - Year Two
- 15 cores collected over four trips
- Soil compaction not a significant problem
- Difficulty reaching the 36" mark (average core length 20-24")
- More modifications needed
  - Removing the core
  - Need more effective cutting mechanism

Phase II: Data Collection

Sampling sites based on a 1 x 0.75 mile grid
- Approximately 175 sites along 13 E-W transects
- Location by GPS navigation
All sites a minimum of 100 feet from water bodies and disturbed areas (spoils, muskrat houses, ditches, etc.)
Field data collection (GPS coordinates, ice/core thickness, profile description, degree of decomposition, etc.)

Phase I: On Target

2003 - Year Three
- 48 CORES COLLECTED!!
- Core lengths have met or surpassed 36" mark
- Development of new extraction method
  - Smaller diameter PVC pipe attaches to metal sleeve on extractor
- Band-saw cutting blade

Phase III: Data Analysis

3-D nutrient density map
- Identify potential non-point pollution sources
- Target areas in need of nutrient management
Timeline of deposition
- Locate area of significant sedimentation
- Link current and historic land use to nutrient/sediment transport

Phase II: Sample Processing

Nutrient content and chemical makeup
- Percent organic matter
- Constituents of Carbon, Phosphorus, Nitrogen
Soil bulk density
Age dating
- Radioactive elements deposited from WWII (ex. Cesium)
- Depositional patterns