FRACTIONAL COMPOSITION OF HUMUS IN SELECTED FOREST SOILS IN THE KARKONOSZE MOUNTAINS

This paper describes the fractions of humus compounds present in the organic and mineral horizons of the forest soils in the area of the Karkonosze Mountains. Soil profiles that represented the mountain Podzols and Dystric Cambisol were located on the northern slope along an altitude gradient from 890 to 1255 m a.s.l. Two soils were located under the spruce forest, and one in the subalpine meadow. Soil samples were taken both from the surface organic layers (the ectohumus layer) and from the mineral horizons. Fractionation of humus compounds was made using the modified Turin method. The soils had the texture of loamy sand and sandy loam, an acidic or strongly acidic reaction, low base saturation, and the predomination of aluminum among exchangeable cations. A significant increase in the fulvic fraction (Ia) with depth in the soil profiles was observed that confirmed the high mobility of this fraction in the acid mountain soils, higher in the forest soils, and lower in the meadow soils. The content of fraction I decreased generally with depth in the soil profile; however, a secondary increase was observed in an illuvial Bh horizon of the Podzols. Fulvic acids predominated over the humic acids and this predominance increased with depth in the soil profile. The ratio of the humic to the fulvic acids in fraction I in the ectohumus horizons was influenced by the composition of a biomass inflow. TheCHA:CFA ratio had the highest values under a spruce forest compared to a mixed stand and a subalpine meadow. In the surface horizons of the forest soils, a predominance of humic over fulvic acids was always observed, while in the subalpine meadow soils, the fulvic acids predominated over the humic acids in all soil horizons. Based on this study, it can be stated that thevegetation type and the dominant soil-forming process rather than simply climate factors influence the fractional composition of humus in the mountain soils of the Karkonosze Mountains

Meteoric 10Be, 137Cs and 239+240Pu as tracers of long- and medium-term soil erosion—A review

Isotopes of meteoric 10Be, 137Cs, 239+240Pu have been proposed as a soil redistribution tracer and applied worldwide as an alternative method to classical field-related techniques (e.g., sediment traps). Meteoric 10Be provides information about long-term soil redistribution rates (millennia), while 137Cs and 239+240Pu give medium-term rates (decades). A significant progress in developing new models and approaches for the calculation of erosion rates has been made; thus, we provide a global review (n = 59) of research articles to present these three isotopes (meteoric 10Be, 239+240Pu and 137Cs) as soil erosion markers in different environments and under different land-use types. Understanding the dynamics and behaviours of isotopes in the soil environment is crucial to determine their usefulness as soil erosion tracers; thus, we discuss the chemical–physical behaviour of meteoric 10Be, 137Cs and 239+240Pu in soils. The application of these isotopes sometimes has strong limitations, and we give suggestions on how to overcome them or how to adapt them to a given situation. This review also shows where these isotopic methods can potentially be applied in the future. A lack in knowledge about soil redistribution rates exists particularly in loess-dominated areas where the tillage system has changed or in areas with strong wind erosion

Meteoric 10Be as a tracer of soil redistribution rates and reconstruction tool of loess–mantled soils (SW, Poland)

Loess deposits are terrestrial archives that record progressive deposition and erosion events of varying intensities. Data on long-term erosion rates are crucial for tracking changes in the stability of a loess mantle and reconstructing the evolution of loess-enriched soils. We used meteoric 10Be to i) define the factors responsible for its distribution along the profile, ii) determine long-term erosion rates in loess-enriched polygenetic soils characterised by illuviation processes, and iii) evaluate initial soil thickness and stability over time. Distribution of meteoric 10Be along the soil profiles was mainly driven by its translocation with clay particles and accumulation in the illuvial horizons. However, in some cases (loess over serpentinite), the highest meteoric 10Be content was measured in the C horizons which may be related to the longer exposure of serpentinite to meteoric 10Be deposition before the occurrence of a major loess accumulation event. The estimated long-term erosion rates greatly depend on the assumed environmental settings and were in the range of about 0.1–3 t ha−1 yr−1. Based on the soil redistribution rates, we reconstructed the removed loess layer which was from a few dm to about 3 m. The results indicate four main soil evolutionary phases: a) pre-exposure of sediments to meteoric 10Be accumulation; b) formation of thick loess mantles during the Last Glacial Maximum; c) erosion events between 21 and 11.6 ka that significantly shallowed the initial loess mantles; d) pedogenesis (with subsoil clay accumulation) in the Holocene within the thinner relicts of the former Late Pleistocene loess mantle followed by a recent and strong erosional phase due to human impact. These phases are also believed to have occurred in several other areas of Central Europe

Sand Removal from Sandstone Cliffs as the Main Factor Influencing Properties of Organic Soils – a Case Study of Transitional Bog in the Stołowe Mountains

With this paper we investigate the effect of sand contribution to organic soils and direct influence of this process on the physical and physicochemical properties on the example of transitional bog in the Stołowe Mountains (the Central Sudetes), which was periodically covered by sand material from sandstone cliffs weathering. Field survey and soil sampling were conducted in August 2015 in the area of Białe Skały. Soil material for laboratory analysis was collected from three peat cores, while soil samples were collected from each soil horizon distinguished in each core. Obtained results indicate the great impact of mineral material admixture on soil properties, both physicochemical and chemical. Recorded values of each soil parameter in the organic horizons adjacent to the mineral interlayers differ considerably from those obtained in the soil profile free of sand admixtures. Preliminary study of soil cover of transitional bog will allow correct planning of palaeoecological research about genesis and evolution of this peatland.

Multiproxy approach to the reconstruction of soil denudation events and the disappearance of Luvisols in the loess landscape of south-western Poland

Loess landscapes are highly susceptible to soil redeposition processes and thus may provide detailed insights into the record of denudation processes. Using optically stimulated luminescence dating and the soil micromorphology of 12 soil profiles, we reconstructed a complete record of denudation processes in south-western Poland. The first episode of soil redeposition took place around 9.1 ka. The denudation events that followed were attributed to the Neolithic (6.4 ± 0.3 ka), early Bronze Age (3.8 ± 0.2 ka), early and late Middle Ages (1.5 ± 0.1 ka and 0.7 ± 0.03 ka, respectively) and early Modern (0.4 ± 0.02 ka). As a consequence of the denudation processes, the soil cover in the studied area had been strongly reshaped. The predominant Luvisols had experienced progressive erosion processes that led first to a significant shallowing of the eluvial and argic horizons (truncated Luvisol) and, after some time, to their complete removal. Further thinning of the loess mantles had exposed geological substrates with very weak pedogenic alternations, thus pushing their transformation towards Regosol types. Similarly, Regosols occurred in toeslopes where freshly eroded material had been deposited, and where diagnostic horizons had not yet developed. Modern soil erosion rates in the studied loess area have considerably increased, and it is estimated that the Luvisol status may be completely transformed within approximately 80–300 years, if not sooner, due to progressive climate change

Based on FAO Guidelines for soil description (FAO, Rome, 2006) and WORLD REFERENCE BASE FOR SOIL RESOURCES 2014 lnternational soil classification system for naming soils and creating legends for soil maps Update 2015

FulltextSoil investigation may be carried out on various levels of knowledge, research capacity and proficiency. Scientists commonly apply advanced methodology for soil resources inventory, including the professional terminology for landscape and soil description, data acquisition and processing, soil classification and mapping, soil and land evaluation. By default, an internationally accepted system should be recommended. An implementation of such methodology is also recommended in more advanced courses of soil science studies on bachelor and master study levels. However, the long-term teaching experience reveals difficulties connected mainly with complicated terminology and excessive number of characteristics obligatory to know, and justifies some simplification of the language, rules and structure at the introductory stage of teaching. This was the base and rationale for the preparation of simplified Guidelines for Soil Description and Classification: Central and Eastern European Students' Version. This book is divided into three parts. The first one - Site and soil description - follows the layout and content of professional edition of Guidelines for Soil Description, 4th ed., published by FAO (2005), simplified for educational purposes. The order of description has been modified to correspond to the layout of an original Soil description sheet. The second part - Soil classification - is a simplified WRB classification (based on a 2014/2015 edition) limited to reference soil groups known from Central Europe. The third part is an Illustrated explanatory guide that includes: i) examples of typical soil profiles for all Central European Reference Soil Groups; ii) morphological features important for soil description and identification in the field; iii) soil-landscape relationships. The photos have been enriched with graphical tips helpful at the recognizing of important soil features. The textbook was developed in the framework of EU Erasmus+ FACES project (Freely Accessible Central European Soil) aiming to facilitate the knowledge and implementation of an international rules of soil characterization adopted by the FAO. It will be used to unify the presentation of soil data collected in the partner countries. The interpretation of soil data fully based on the international soil classification WRB (World Reference Base for Soil Resources 2015) as WRB was endorsed by the lnternational Union of Soil Sciences (lUSS) and accepted by the European Commission as an official system for the European Union. Therefore, this guideline might be a starting point for preparation of basic teaching materials to spread the knowledge on an internationally recommended rules and terminology for soil description and classification. However, this guideline is designed as teaching tool for students in Central and Eastern European countries and therefore it may not be applicable worldwide. Moreover, it is suited for the "first step" training, and it is not substituting any professional original classification. Authors of this guidebook assume that the users are familiar with the basic knowledge in soil science. Therefore, the guidelines do not contain explanations related to basic soil forming factors, soil forming processes and basic physico-chemical features

Guidelines for Soil Description and Classification Central and Eastern European Students’ Version.

Soil investigation may be carried out on various levels of knowledge, research capacity and proficiency. Scientists commonly apply advanced methodology for soil resources inventory, including the professional terminology for landscape and soil description, data acquisition and processing, soil classification and mapping, soil and land evaluation. By default, an internationally accepted system should be recommended. An implementation of such methodology is also recommended in more advanced courses of soil science studies on bachelor and master study levels. However, the long-term teaching experience reveals difficulties connected mainly with complicated terminology and excessive number of characteristics obligatory to know, and justifies some simplification of the language, rules and structure at the introductory stage of teaching. This was the base and rationale for the preparation of simplified Guidelines for Soil Description and Classification: Central and Eastern European Students’ Version. This book is divided into three parts. The first one – Site and soil description - follows the layout and content of professional edition of Guidelines for Soil Description, 4th ed., published by FAO (2006), simplified for educational purposes. The order of description has been modified to correspond to the layout of an original Soil description sheet. The second part - Soil classification - is a simplified WRB classification (based on a 2014/2015 edition) limited to reference soil groups known from Central Europe. The third part is an Illustrated explanatory guide that includes: i) examples of typical soil profiles for all Central European Reference Soil Groups; ii) morphological features important for soil description and identification in the field; iii) soil- landscape relationships. The photos have been enriched with graphical tips helpful at the recognizing of important soil features. The textbook was developed in the framework of EU Erasmus+ FACES project (Freely Accessible Central European Soil) aiming to facilitate the knowledge and implementation of an international rules of soil characterization adopted by the FAO. It will be used to unify the presentation of soil data collected in the partner countries. The interpretation of soil data fully based on the international soil classification WRB (World Reference Base for Soil Resources 2015) as WRB was endorsed by the International Union of Soil Sciences (IUSS) and accepted by the European Commission as an official system for the European Union. Therefore, this guideline might be a starting point for preparation of basic teaching materials to spread the knowledge on an internationally recommended rules and terminology for soil description and classification. However, this guideline is designed as teaching tool for students in Central and Eastern European countries and therefore it may not be applicable worldwide. Moreover, it is suited for the “first step” training, and it is not substituting any professional original classification. Authors of this guidebook assume that the users are familiar with the basic knowledge in soil science. Therefore, the guidelines do not contain explanations related to basic soil forming factors, soil forming processes and basic physico-chemical features

Polish Soil Classification, 6th edition – principles, classification scheme and correlations

The sixth edition of the Polish Soil Classification (SGP6) aims to maintain soil classification in Poland as a modern scientific system that reflects current scientific knowledge, understanding of soil functions and the practical requirements of society. SGP6 continues the tradition of previous editions elaborated upon by the Soil Science Society of Poland in consistent application of quantitatively characterized diagnostic horizons, properties and materials; however, clearly referring to soil genesis. The present need to involve and name the soils created or naturally developed under increasing human impact has led to modernization of the soil definition. Thus, in SGP6, soil is defined as the surface part of the lithosphere or the accumulation of mineral and organic materials permanently connected to the lithosphere (through buildings or permanent constructions), coming from weathering or accumulation processes, originated naturally or anthropogenically, subject to transformation under the influence of soilforming factors, and able to supply living organisms with water and nutrients. SGP6 distinguishes three hierarchical categories: soil order (nine in total), soil type (basic classification unit; 30 in total) and soil subtype (183 units derived from 62 unique definitions; listed hierarchically, separately in each soil type), supplemented by three non-hierarchical categories: soil variety (additional pedogenic or lithogenic features), soil genus (lithology/parent material) and soil species (soil texture). Non-hierarchical units have universal definitions that allow their application in various orders/types, if all defined requirements are met. The paper explains the principles, classification scheme and rules of SGP6, including the key to soil orders and types, explaining the relationships between diagnostic horizons, materials and properties distinguished in SGP6 and in the recent edition of WRB system as well as discussing the correlation of classification units between SGP6, WRB and Soil Taxonomy

Water retention of the loess-derived Luvisols with lamellic illuvial horizon in the Trzebnica Hills (SW Poland)

Badane profile gleb płowych wytworzonych z lessów zlokalizowane zostały na Wzgórzach Trzebnickich, które od północnego-wschodu zamykają obszar Niziny Śląskiej. Profile Machnice 1 i Skarszyn 2 zlokalizowane zostały w grzbietowych partiach wzniesień pod drzewostanami bukowymi z domieszką dębu. lipy oraz klonu. Profile Zaprężyn 3 i 4 położone są w środko- wej i dolnej części stoku na polach ornych. Łącznie w trakcie prac terenowych w kw ietniu 2011 roku pobrano 29 próbek glebowych. W pobranym materiale analitycznym oznaczono skład granulometryczny, gęstość objętościową oraz właściwości wodne na podsta- wie krzywej pF. Celem pracy była charakter) styka właściwości retencyjnych pyłowych gleb płowych z 1 a me 1 owym poziomem ilu- wialnym (argic). Badania wykazały, źe zmienny udział masywnych lamel powoduje zróżnicowanie analizowanych właściwości wodnych poziomu iluwialnego. Lamelowe podpoziomy iluwialne w badanych lessowych glebach płowych mają większą połową pojemność wodną niż homogeniczne podpoziomy iluwialne, niezależnie od zawartości iłu. Nie stwierdzono wyraźnego wpływu rodzaju poziomu iluwialnego (homogeniczny lub lamel owy) na gęstość objętościową gleby, która w większym stopniu zależna jest od zawartości frakcji ilastej

Specyficzne właściwości gleb Kowarskiego grzbietu w Karkonoszach =Specific properties of soils on the Kowarski grzbiet ridge in the Karkonosze Mts

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