50  Group Check In 14JUL2025

Date: July 14, 2025

50.1 Attendees

• Nora B Pearson
• Genevieve Saldibar
• Patty Burns
• Joseph Brennan
• Ava McCune
• Adam Devlin
• Kylie Hughes
• Brianna Hayward

50.2 Executive Summary

The team discussed significant progress in field sampling (targeting 86 sites by end of July), concept assignment methodology for 2024 data, preparation for Randy’s visit, lab analysis updates including new PXRF capabilities, and training coordination. Key decisions were made regarding site selection strategy for the upcoming expert review and standardization of soil classification processes.

50.3 Field Work Progress and Scheduling

50.3.1 Current Status

• Target Achievement: On track to complete 86 sites by end of July 2025
• Current Focus Areas:
  • This week: Richfield and Bloomington (southern AOI)
  • Mixture of river concept sites away from the actual river
  • All residential locations plus one retirement community
• Upcoming Schedule:
  • Next week: Return to St. Paul area
  • Following week: Expansion eastward
  • Overall strategy: Completing circle around the Twin Cities metro (north → west → south → east)

50.3.2 Site Availability Assessment

Gen reported adequate residential site availability for the remainder of the field season. However, there’s interest in exploring additional opportunities through: - Washington Conservation District partnerships - Potential sampling at WCD offices with multiple map units - Parks permits (timing constraints may limit feasibility this season)

50.4 Soil Concept Assignment and Classification Strategy

50.4.1 2024 Data Analysis Progress

Patty Burns and Nora Pearson are leading the effort to assign preliminary concepts to all 2024 pedons (approximately 180 total). Key findings emerging from initial analysis:

Recurring Patterns Identified: - Glacial Fluvial Concepts: Silty, loamy cap over sand and gravel - River System Inclusions: Similar textures found in river system areas - Fine Loamy Des Moines Lobe Till: Consistent patterns in Hennepin County park systems - Cross-Concept Occurrences: Some concepts appearing across multiple geomorphic surfaces

50.4.2 Methodology for Concept Assignment

The team established a systematic approach:

1. Field Assessment: Initial concept assignment during field work
2. Office Review: Post-field verification using all available resources
3. Documentation: Recording both primary concepts and inclusions when patterns cross geomorphic boundaries
4. Quality Control: Recommendation for single-person consistency in classification

50.4.3 Randy’s Visit Preparation Strategy

Philosophy Adopted: Visit new sites within well-understood concept areas rather than returning to previously sampled locations or exploring completely unknown areas.

Target Concept Areas for Expert Review: - River system locations - Fine loamy areas
- Glaciofluvial environments - Estimated 6 total sites (morning and afternoon sessions)

Geographic Focus: Emphasis on cities proper where sufficient unsampled sites remain within known concept areas.

50.5 2025 Data Integration

50.5.1 Immediate Data Needs

Brianna Hayward volunteered to enhance data entry workflow by adding: - Geomorphic Surface Classification: Using physio_main designations from mapping layers - HTM Depth Documentation: Numerical values in centimeters (0 if absent)

50.5.2 Process Standardization

The team discussed implementing consistent approaches for: - Single-person classification: To ensure consistency across all pedons - Field vs. office determination: Balancing field observations with comprehensive office analysis - Documentation standards: Recording what is observed rather than what is expected based on map units

50.6 Laboratory Operations and Analysis

50.6.1 Current Lab Status and Capabilities

Ava McCune provided comprehensive updates on laboratory operations:

Equipment Status: - Laser Particle Size Analyzer: Repair scheduled for Tuesday, July 22nd - pXRF Analysis: Recently added to analysis suite - FTIR: Operational and ready for high-priority samples

50.6.2 Sample Processing Workflow

Current Priority System: 1. High-priority samples (exemplary concept profiles) processed first 2. Standard workflow: Ball milling → Loss on ignition → pH/EC → Laser diffraction → PXRF 3. FTIR analysis integrated after loss on ignition due to faster processing time

50.6.3 Artifact Documentation Update

Ava reported discovery of additional artifacts during course fragment washing that weren’t recorded on original field sheets. This affects: - Sites originally classified as “natural soils” - Potential modifier requirements for affected pedons - Need for systematic documentation in tracking systems

50.7 Training and Certification Requirements

50.7.1 PXRF Training Initiative

New Personnel Requiring Training: - Ava McCune (lab operations) - Adam Devlin (general team member) - Kylie Hughes (general team member)
- Gen (field coordinator)

Requirements: - University radiation safety training (online component) - Dosimeter procurement and setup - Hands-on equipment training with Nora Pearson

50.7.2 Additional Lab Training Needs

• Laser Diffraction: Ava McCune requires training post-repair
• FTIR Review: Team training with Drea scheduled for Friday, July 25th (extensive pre-materials required)

50.7.3 Proposed Training Schedule

Coordinated Monday sessions to accommodate field work schedules: - Morning: Laser PSA training - Afternoon: pXRF training and certification - Combined approach to maximize efficiency and minimize field work disruption

50.8 Data Management and Quality Control

50.8.1 Tracking System Updates

New Columns Added to Pedon Entry Tracking Spreadsheet: - HTM Initial Concept - Geomorphic Surface (using physio_main classifications) - HTM depth measurements

50.8.2 Quality Assurance Protocols

Consistency Measures: - Single-person concept assignment recommendation - Cross-reference field observations with office analysis - Documentation of inclusions and cross-concept occurrences - Systematic review of artifact presence/absence

50.8.3 Integration Challenges

• Balancing 2024 concept completion with 2025 ongoing classification needs
• Ensuring field observations align with office-based geomorphic surface determinations
• Managing timeline constraints with upcoming expert review

50.9 Research and Publication Considerations

50.9.1 pXRF Data Applications

Joseph Brennan clarified the strategic value of PXRF analysis: - University-specific Publications: Contamination data not included in official soil survey products - Complementary Research: University of Minnesota can publish supplementary materials - Lead Distribution Mapping: Potential Twin Cities-wide contamination assessment - Graduate Research Integration: Supporting Nora’s thesis work and related projects

50.9.2 FTIR Applications

• All samples will eventually receive FTIR analysis
• High-priority concept samples processed first
• Integration with Randy Kolka’s research samples

50.10 Action Items and Timeline

50.10.1 Immediate Actions (This Week)

1. Brianna: Begin adding geomorphic surface and HTM depth data during regular entry work
2. Patty & Nora: Continue 2024 concept assignment work before respective vacations
3. Nora: Assign radiation safety training to Adam and coordinate dosimeter requests
4. Ava: Continue lab processing with updated artifact documentation

50.10.2 Week of July 21st

• Both Patty and Nora unavailable (vacation)
• Continued field work in Saint Paul area
• Lab equipment repair (laser diffraction)

50.10.3 Week of July 28th

• Critical Planning Week: Finalize site selections for Randy’s visit
• Complete concept assignment analysis for 2024 data
• Coordinate training schedules for August

50.10.4 August Priorities

1. Expert review sessions with Randy (6 targeted sites)
2. PXRF training implementation
3. Enhanced lab throughput with repaired equipment
4. FTIR training session (July 25th preparation)

50.11 Strategic Considerations

50.11.1 Geographic Coverage Assessment

The team’s systematic approach to covering the Twin Cities metro area ensures comprehensive sampling across diverse urban soil conditions. The current south-to-east progression completes their circular sampling strategy while maintaining adequate site availability.

50.11.2 Concept Development Maturity

The emergence of consistent patterns across multiple geomorphic surfaces indicates the project is reaching sufficient sampling density to establish reliable soil concepts. The identification of cross-boundary occurrences suggests more complex soil-landscape relationships than initially anticipated.

50.11.3 Equipment and Capability Expansion

The addition of PXRF analysis represents a significant enhancement to the project’s analytical capabilities, enabling contamination assessment that complements traditional soil survey approaches while supporting broader research objectives.

50.11.4 Quality Control Evolution

The shift toward single-person classification consistency reflects lessons learned from multi-person approaches and demonstrates the project’s adaptive management in response to data quality considerations.