Investigating Soil Mineralogical Controls of Las Vegas Buckwheat Habitat, Mojave Desert, U.S.A.

Authors

Nora Rose H. Hencir, Macalester CollegeFollow

Document Type

Honors Project On-Campus Access Only

Comments

Faculty Advisor: Dr. Colin Robins

Abstract

Las Vegas Buckwheat is a plant species endemic to the Mojave Desert in the southwestern U.S.A. Although many gypsum-rich soils of the desert appear to be viable buckwheat habitat, the plant has been found only in certain areas. Soil samples from inside and outside buckwheat habitat were analyzed to investigate two possible controls on buckwheat growth. Phyllosilicate mineralogy was examined using x-ray diffraction spectrometry and iron content was investigated using x-ray fluorescence spectrometry. While neither phyllosilicate mineralogy nor iron content appears to be the independent deciding factor, both may have roles to play in the complex problem of buckwheat habitat viability.

Recommended Citation

Hencir, Nora Rose H., "Investigating Soil Mineralogical Controls of Las Vegas Buckwheat Habitat, Mojave Desert, U.S.A." (2012). Geology Honors Projects. 11.
https://digitalcommons.macalester.edu/geology_honors/11