EXTRACTABLE SESQUIOXIDES IN SIX MEDITERRANEAN SOILS DEVELOPED ON BASALT AND SCORIA

Iron, Al, and Mn were extracted by oxalate and dithionite from two Brown Mediterranean Soils, two Red Mediterranean Soils, one Vertisol and one Gley soil, all derived from basalt or scoria in the sub-humid and humid Mediterranean regions of the Golan Heights. Ratios of oxalate: dithionite extracted iron (Fe_o:Fe_d) were low in all soils, indicating that the predominant form of free iron is crystalline. Fe_o accumulates in the argillic B horizons of the Mediterranean soils, while Fe_d accumulates in the surface horizons. A large part of the free iron oxide in the surface horizons of Mediterranean soils is associated with non-clay fractions. While manganese behaves in a manner somewhat similar to that of iron, no definite trends could be discerned in the vertical distribution of free aluminium. In the Vertisol, Fe_o and Mn_o accumulate in the subsoil. Fe_d and Mn_d increase slightly with soil depth. In the Gley soil, amorphous iron accumulates in the surface horizon, total free iron in the bottom horizon. Both amorphous and total free Mn had been depleted from the upper horizons of the Gley soil.     

中国下蜀黄土发育的土壤表层及典型剖面的硫状况

Studies were conducted to examine factors which might influence the status and distribution of S in some surface horizons and typical profiles of soils derived from Xiashu loess on the upper slope (US), middle slope (MS) and lower slope (LS) of Nanjing-Zhenjiang-Yangzhou hilly zone. The total S contents varied from 70.30 to 350.21 mg/kg, and the average for all surface soils was 218.3 mg/kg. The average S contents in the profiles followed the sequence: USo) and the ratio of amorphous iron oxide to free iron oxide (Fe_o/Fe_a), but no significant relationship was found between total S and the ratio of free iron oxide to total iron (Fe_d/Fe_t). Inorganic sulphate in paddy soils (MS and LS) was nearly higher in surface soil than in subsurface soil and subsoil, it, however, remained relatively unchanged with increasing depth for the original soil profile (US). The average organic S accounted for 94% of the total S in the surface soils, but the percentage decreased with depth in the profiles. Like the total S, the organic and inorganic S contents were highly significantly correlated with organic matter, total N, Fe_o and Fe_o/Fe_d ratio, but they were insignificantly related to Fe_d/Fe_t ratio. The C/S and N/S ratios in this study were somewhat lower than the results reported by others. The C/N/S ratios varied considerably within the same profile and among different soils but they fell within the range of values reported worldwide.     

Distribution of iron oxides forms on a transect of calcareous soils,north-west of Iran

The iron oxides fractions of four major physiographic units obtained from a transect of calcareous materials were studied to assess the effects of key pedogenic processes and local hydrology conditions as well as physiographic units in controlling iron oxides forms in the north-west of Iran. Samples from different horizons belonging to six pedons were selected and analyzed for soil physicochemical properties, clay minerals, and Fe oxides forms (Fe_d, Fe_o, Fe_p). In general, the soils indicated some variation in the concentration of iron oxides that could be related to rate of weathering, pedogenic accumulations, geomorphologic conditions (as results of different in physiographic units), wet and dry cycle, and organic matter. A wide relative variation in mean values of Fe_d (6.4–9.9 g kg^?1), Fe_o (2.9–4 g kg^?1), and Fe_p (0.68–1.3 g kg^?1) was observed among physiographic units. On the plateau unit, the presence of the most stable geomorphologic conditions and high rate in situ weathering (reflected in clay content), coupled with minor deposition of sediment suggest that the soils have more dynamic conditions than other units, reflecting in the greatest amount Fe_d and the lowest Fe_o/Fe_d ratio. Fe_d content of the soils containing less clay content (15–25%) was significantly different from those with greater clay content (25–35%).     

Iron oxides as weathering indicator and the origin of Luvisols from the Vistula glaciation region in Poland

Purpose

The aim of the research was to determine the effect of lithogenic and pedogenic processes on the formation of Luvisols from the area of Vistula glaciation on the base of profile distribution of iron oxides and total iron in relation to texture and physicochemical properties. The indices of weathering of the soil material in genetic horizons were calculated, and changes in the content and forms of iron oxides were evaluated.

Materials and methods

The predominant type of soil in the study area is Luvisols under agricultural use, formed from silt formations on loam. The analyses were made applying the following methods: grain size composition using the sieve method and hydrometer method, the interpretation of the results was performed according to the World Reference Base for Soil Resources classification, the pH of soils was measured with the potentiometric method, C-organic with the Walkley-Black dichromate method, the content of the following iron forms was determined (total iron (Fe_t) after the mineralization of soils in the mixture of HF and HClO₄ acids), free iron oxides were extracted using dithionite-citrate-bicarbonate method, and amorphous iron oxides after the ammonium oxalate extraction (using the Philips 9100PU apparatus). The clay mineralogy was estimated by X-ray diffraction analysis.

Results and discussion

It was observed that total iron enrichment occurs in argic horizons accompanied by iron depletion in luvic horizons, while the profile distribution of iron is similar to the distribution of clay. The (Fe_d/Fe_t) ratio indicates a low degree of weathering; the highest values were observed in argic (Bt) horizons, which confirms the effect of the process of pedogenesis on the value of that index. In the soils investigated, crystalline iron oxides generally dominate over the amorphous forms. The mineralogical composition of clay fraction separated from the upper part of soils was different as compared to the underlying material.

Conclusions

The results of the study showed that iron contents (together with the other indicators) and its forms can be used to distinguish soil layers of different origin. The depth distribution of Fe_d, Fe_o and Fe_t within soil profiles indicates that the soil material may be of different lithogenic origin in the studied pedons.

     

Investigation of soils developed on volcanic materials in Nisyros Island, Greece

Soils that are forming on volcanic parent materials have unique physical and chemical properties and in most cases, on wet and humid climates, are classified as Andisols. The main purpose of this study is to examine if the soils that are forming on volcanic materials under a dry Mediterranean climate, in Nisyros Island (Greece), meet the requirements to be classified as Andisols. Soils from seven sites were sampled and examined for their main physico-chemical properties and selective dissolution analysis. Dithionite–citrate–bicarbonate (DCB) extractable Al and Fe (Ál_d, Fe_d), acid ammonium oxalate extractable Al, Fe, and Si (Ál_o, Fe_o and Si_o), and sodium pyrophosphate extractable Al and Fe (Al_p, Fe_p) were measured. In addition, Al and Si were determined after reaction with hot 0.5 M NaOH, (Al_NaOH and Si_NaOH) and with Tiron-(C₆H₄Na₂O₈S₂), (Al_T and Si_T). P-retention was also measured. The soils are characterised by coarse texture, low organic matter content, low values of cation exchange capacity (CEC), and high pH values. Values of Si_o, Al_o and Fe_o are less than 0.022%, 0.09% and 0.35% respectively, highlighting the lack of noncrystalline components. The ratio (Fe_d–Fe_o)100/Fe_d is quite high expressing the degree of crystallisation of free iron oxides. For all samples tested, values of the Al_o + 1/2Fe_o index are extremely low (< 0.24%). High Si_NaOH and Si_T (arising 2.76% and 2.18% respectively) indicate the presence of silica in amorphous forms. P-retention values are very low (< 12.6%). The results indicated the absence of noncrystalline minerals except for amorphous silica, and do not exhibit andic or vitric soil characteristics to be classified as Andisols.     

紫色土色度参数与铁锰形态及有机质的定量关系研究

以四川省30个典型紫色土剖面共计100个样品为研究对象,对其进行室内颜色测定和化学分析测试,获取Munsell HVC、CIE L^*a^*b^*色度参数、各形态铁锰含量(全量Fet/Mnt,游离态Fe_d/Mn_d,活性态Fe_o/Mn_o和络合态Fe_p/Mn_p)及有机质含量数据。采用相关分析和逐步回归分析方法,研究紫色土色度参数与铁锰形态及有机质的定量关系。结果表明:紫色土有机质含量仅与C、a^*和b^*呈显著负相关,与H、V和L^*没有相关关系。铁锰含量与颜色有着密不可分的联系,Fet、Feo、Fep、Mnt、Mnd和Mno与两颜色系统色度参数均有显著相关关系。除络合态外,其余形态锰与色度参数的Pearson相关系数均高于铁,且各形态锰与色度参数的一元拟合决定系数均高于各形态铁。铁锰及有机质共同作用与紫色土颜色的逐步回归拟合决定系数R2介于0.46~0.54之间,相对于铁或锰单独作用,铁锰及有机质共同作用与两颜色系统的回归拟合度更高。     

Forms and pedogenic distribution of extractable iron in selected wetland soils in Nigeria

Abstract

The content of various forms of iron (Fe) (free, reducible, and organic) were determined by selective extraction methods in three wetland profiles between 1993 and 1995 seasons. The result showed that Fe distribution was in the order: dithionite (Fe_d) > hydroxylamine (Fe_H) > pyrophosphate (Fe_p) iron in the three pedons. The hydroxylamine‐Fe constituted between 10–42% (1993), 20–47% (1994), and 10–12% (1995) of the total free Fe oxides. The pyrophosphate‐Fe, on the other hand, constituted between 0.2–1.0% (1993), 19–52% (1994), and 3–9% (1995) of the total free Fe oxides. Dithionite‐Fe (total free iron oxides) content increases with the increasing depth, while hydroxylamine‐Fe decreases, suggesting that larger proportions of Fe oxides are present as crystalline forms in the lower horizons. The active Fe ratios were generally high in the top soils and low in the subsoil. It ranged between 0.03 and 0.69 (1993), 0.05 and 68 (1994), 0.05 and 0.53 (1995) in all pedons. This suggests that poor drainage slowed down soil development. Highly significant correlations (0.1%) were evident between phosphorus (P) and organic carbon; ECEC and base saturation; Fe_H and active Fe ratio. Significant correlations (1%) were also evident between Fe²⁺ and organic carbon; P and Fe_H; ECEC and clay. Furthermore, significant correlations (5%) were also obtained between clay and Fe_d; pH and Fe_d; active Fe ratio and P; Fe_H and clay; active Fe ratio and Fe_d.     

Phosphate sorption in relation to aluminum and iron oxides of oxisols from Ghana

Abstract

Phosphate (P) sorption characteristics of six natural Ghanaian Oxisols, selected because of their hydrological and topographical suitability for agriculture, were evaluated. Availability of P appears to be adequate for half of the soils as suggested by the Bray P1 test and determination of the standard P requirement (SPR), i.e., the amount of P sorbed at a concentration of 0.2 ppm P (6.46 μM). The SPR was found to be very closely related to P_max (Langmuir P sorption capacity), which in turn, was significantly correlated with oxalate‐extractable aluminum (Al) (Al_o) and iron (Fe) (Fe_o) and related (not significantly) to the difference between dithionite‐citrate‐bicarbonate‐extractable Fe (Fe_d) and oxalate‐extractable Fe. Accordingly, P_max is fairly well predicted by the model of Borggaard: P_ca]e=0.211#lbÀl_o+0.115#lbFe_o+ 0.05#lb(Fe_d‐Fe_o)+0.3, except for one soil strongly enriched in Fe oxides, mainly goethite. This goethite was found by X‐ray diffraction analysis to consist of crystals larger than normally found for pedogenic Fe oxides. The difference between P_max and P_calc for this soil could, therefore, be attributed to the occurrence of these large Fe oxide crystals, because P sorption will decrease with increasing crystal size (decreasing specific surface area).     

Iron in hydromorphic gray forest soils

The amorphous iron content in the upper soil horizons, the profile distribution of iron oxides and hydroxides, and the Schwertmann (Fe_o/Fe_d) ratio can be used as diagnostic criteria for the degree of gleyization in the classification of hydromorphic soils. Drainage removes chemical elements, e.g., nonsilicate Fe, from soils.     

Comparison of different models for phosphate sorption as a function of the iron and aluminium oxides of soils

Phosphate sorption on topsoil and subsoil samples from different soils located in the eastern part of Germany was studied. Two models were fitted to sorption data obtained after 4 and 40 d of gentle shaking. The models differ with respect to the fractions of iron and aluminium (hydr)oxides that are considered and whether the phosphate initially sorbed in the soil is taken into zccount. Oxalate-extractable P, (P_ox), appears to be a major part of the total soil P. The total P sorption measured, F, was predominantly related to the amounts of amorphous iron (Fe_ox) and aluminium (Al_ox). A significant relation between crystalline iron (Fe_d– Fe_ox) and total P sorption was not found. Reversibly adsorbed phosphate (P_i), measured after 40 d reaction time, was a function of clay content and content of amorphous iron and aluminium (hydr)oxides.     

Iron oxide mineralogy of some soils of two river terrace sequences in Spain

The iron oxides of soils of two river terrace sequences in Spain which show an increasing degree of redness with age were studied. Clay fractions contained only small amounts of oxalate-extractable Fe. Goethite and hematite, the only crystalline Fe-oxides identified, were determined quantitatively by X-ray diffraction (XRD) after concentrating the Fe-oxides by boiling in $\text{5N}$ NaOH and subtracting the step-counted diffractogram of the deferrated clay from that of the non-deferrated clay, obtaining thus a “pure” Fe-oxide diffractogram. EDTA extracted hematite preferentially to goethite as is seen by loss of red colour and by XRD. A good correlation was found between the content of hematite in the fine earth and a redness rating based on Munsell notations.In the Guadalquivir River sequence, Fe_d and Fe_d/Fe_t increased with age. The amount of both goethite and hematite formed from silicate-Fe increased with soil age but hematite increased more than goethite, possibly due to the xeric soil environment. Also, goethite increased in crystallinity as indicated by a decrease in XRD line broadening and Fe_o/Fe_d ratios. No such trends were found in the Esla River sequence, possibly because the initial alluvium was already highly weathered as shown by high Fe_d/Fe_t values (0.8) irrespective of terrace level.Al substitution in goethite calculated from XRD increased with soil age, reflecting the increasing acidity of the soils. Al substitution in hematite was markedly lower.     

Possible influence of termites (Macrotermes bellicosus) on forms and composition of free sesquioxides in tropical soils

There has been less concern about soil mineralogical alteration than about soil physical, chemical and biological changes induced by termite nest-building activity. Furthermore, much less attention has been paid to free sesquioxides than to phyllosilicate minerals. In the present study, we conducted field morphological observations and selective dissolution analysis to characterize free sesquioxides in termite (Macrotermes bellicosus) mounds as compared with surrounding pedons in different toposequence positions, i.e., seasonally flooded valley bottom, hydromorphic fringe and well-drained upland sites. Distinctive redoximorphic features, such as surface yellowish layers on mound structures from the fringe site, indicate possible alteration of iron sesquioxide forms in the mounds due to the transportation of soil from reductive (aquic subsoil) to oxidative (epigeal mound) environments by the nest-building activity of M. bellicosus. On the other hand, the iron-soluble content in the dithionite-citrate-bicarbonate (DCB) system (Fe_d) was generally higher in the mound structures than at the adjacent sub-surface (Ap2) horizon at each toposequence position, while there was less difference in the content of acid ammonium oxalate (AAO) extractable iron (Fe_o) as compared to Fe_d. As a consequence, the iron activity index (Fe_d/Fe_o ratio) was found for the most part to be lower in the mound structures than in the neighboring Ap2 horizon. In addition, the content of Fe_d, AAO-soluble Al (Al_o) and DCB-extractable Al (Al_d) was significantly correlated with clay content in these soils. These findings suggest that M. bellicosus preferentially collects clay particles, probably from the clay-rich subsoils, such as the argillic horizon, which has been formed by the co-migration of phyllosilicate minerals and relatively crystalline sesquioxides. The species then likely incorporates them into the mounds, which induces an increase in the Fe_d content relative to that of Fe_o, resulting in a decreased iron activity index in the mound structures.     

Iron distribution in the clay fraction of Cambisols as determined by Mössbauer spectroscopy,X-ray diffractometry and selective dissolution

Iron forms which characterize the clay fraction of four Cambisols from granite and the distribution of iron oxides in the soil profiles are studied by Mössbauer spectroscopy, X-ray diffractometry and selected chemical methods. The results obtained show that about 50 % of the Fe_t(6–10 % Fe) is not extracted by dithionite. The Fe_o/Fe_d ranges between 0.15 and 0.35. Oxalate dissolves goethite in different amounts, probably depending on the particle size and the Al-substitution level. The highest amount of hematite is found in the samples characterized by the lowest internal magnetic fields, suggesting that the soil distribution of hematite and goethite is related to environmental factors favouring or disfavouring Al-for-Fe substitution and crystallinity of the oxides.     

水稻根际中铁的形态转化

本文以熟化红壤性水稻土、淀浆白土、红壤和赤红壤为样品,研究了植稻后根际中铁的形态转化.结果表明,两种水稻土根际中无定形氧化铁、游离氧化铁、络合态铁、土壤中氧化铁的活化度及两种红壤上根际中的络合态铁均低于非根际土;而两种红壤上其余各项在根际内外分布趋势均与水稻土相反.用穆斯堡尔谱仪分析表明,所有根际土与非根际土相比,四极矩分裂增大,内磁场下降,说明根际中氧化铁被活化.同时,水稻土上根际中Fe²⁺增多,赤红壤中根际出现新矿物磁赤铁矿.根际中铁被活化,可能会影响根际中重金属等污染物的吸附和解吸特性、植物的铁素营养及对其它养分的吸收.     

A magnetic investigation along a NE–SW transect of the Yasouj Plain,southwestern Iran

The magnetic susceptibility (χ) of soils varies with the slope position due to some factors such as texture, drainage class, and land use. Limited information is available about the magnetic susceptibility properties of semi arid regions of southwestern Iran. This study attempts to link χ and Fe oxides of the soils to landforms, soil characteristics, and land use (paddy and dryland soils) on the same parent materials. Ten representative pedons were taken along a NE–SW transect in different physiographic units in the Yasouj Plain. The results indicated that χ is determined mainly by topography and land use. In most pedons, the highest concentrations of poorly crystalline Fe (Fe_o) were observed in the top soil with different types of land use. Aquic condition in paddy soils seems the main cause for a significant decrease in the amount of Fe_d in the studied soils. Maximum concentration of pedogenic Fe (Fe_d) was noticed in more stable landforms with non-aquic moisture regime. Paddy soils exhibited higher Fe_o/Fe_d ratio values, suggesting that they have more poorly crystalline iron oxide phases than dryland soils. Magnetic measurements showed that the χ values of paddy soils were much lower (3.8 times) than those of dryland soils. The highest value of χ was found in the pedons located on plateau and piedmont plains and the lowest value of χ belongs to those that are located on hill and river lower terraces. A positive correlation was found between the frequency dependence of χ (χ_fd) and χ in paddy and dryland soils. Higher values of χ_fd were observed at soil surface than at deeper levels, suggesting a greater proportion of ultrafine grains.     

Accumulation of free oxyhydroxides in termite (Macrotermes bellicosus (Smeathman)) mounds and the implications for their dynamics in an African savannah Ultisol

The present study aimed to assess the dynamics of oxyhydroxides via termite mounds in a tropical savannah of Central Nigeria, where the soils often contain oxyhydroxides as a major component of soil minerals. To this end, the quantities of oxyhydroxides stored in mounds built by Macrotermes bellicosus (Smeathman) were compared to those stored in surface (Ap1) soils, and their turnover rates were estimated. Both the mound wall and nest of M. bellicosus were enriched two- to 10-fold with acidified ammonium oxalate soluble iron (Fe_o) and aluminum (Al_o) and dithionite-citrate-bicarbonate (DCB) soluble iron (Fe_d) and aluminum (Al_d) relative to the adjacent surface soil horizon. These oxyhydroxide contents were positively correlated with the clay content (P < 0.05), suggesting that M. bellicosus preferentially used silicate clay-associated oxyhydroxides for mound construction. The Fe_d, Al_d and DCB-soluble manganese (Mn_d) preserved in the M. bellicosus mounds ran up to 112 ± 25.6, 5.72 ± 1.41 and 2.17 ± 0.68 kg ha^?1, accounting for 1.91 ± 0.23%, 1.00 ± 0.60% and 0.35 ± 0.09% of the total amount stored in the surface soil horizon, respectively. Furthermore, the estimated turnover rates of Fe_d, Al_d and Mn_d were 6.6, 0.33 and 0.14 kg ha^?1 year^?1, respectively. These findings suggest that the mound-building termites significantly impacted the dynamics of free oxyhydroxides in an African savannah soil.     

Sequentially extracted phosphorus fractions in peat‐derived soils

Phosphorus (P) forms were sequentially extracted from peat derived soils (Eutric Histosols and Gleysols) at eight sites in Saxony‐Anhalt (Germany) to disclose general differences in P pools between mineral and organic soils and to investigate effects of peat humification and oxidation in conjunction with land use and soil management on the P status of soils. Overall 29 samples providing a wide variety of basic chemical properties were subjected to the Hedley fractionation. The Histosol topsoils contained more total P (P_t) (1345 ± 666 mg kg^—1) than the Gleysol topsoils (648 ± 237 mg kg^—1). The predominant extractable fractions were H₂SO₄‐P (36—63 % of P_t) in calcareous and NaOH‐P_o (0—46 % of P_t) in non‐calcareous Histosols. These soils had large pools of residual P (13—93 % of P_t). Larger contents and proportions of P_o and of labile P fractions generally distinguished organic from mineral soils. Regression analyses indicated that poorly crystalline pedogenic oxides and organic matter were binding partners for extractable and non‐extractable P. Intensive management that promotes peat humification and oxidation results in disproportional enrichments of labile P fractions (resin‐P, NaHCO₃‐P_i, and NaHCO₃‐P_o). These changes in P chemistry must be considered for a sustainable management of landscapes with Histosols and associated peat derived soils.     

The cause of redness in some buried and non-buried soils in eastern England

Relationships were examined between colours and the amounts of extractable-iron or of individual iron oxides present in <2μm fractions of samples from buried and non-buried soils in eastern England. Colour was expressed in terms of a redness rating (RR). Oxalate-extractable iron (Fe_o), dithionite-extractable iron (Fe_d) and goethite contents were not significantly correlated with RR. There was, however, a strong correlation between RR and hematite content. These preliminary results provide some justification for the assumptions concerning relationships between reddish colours and hematite content, which are implicit in the paleo-argillic concept of the Soil Survey of England and Wales. However, reddish colours (particularly within the 7.5 YR and possibly the 5 YR hue range) should not be used in isolation as an indiscriminate indicator of pre-Devensian pedogenesis in Britain.     

Differenzierung oxalatlöslicher Eisenoxide

Differentiation of oxalate soluble iron oxides According to their mode of formation the oxalate soluble Fe(III)-oxides show different rates of dissolution especially within the first 30 min of oxalate extraction. Precipitates formed by bacterial or oxidative decomposition of ferric citrate have a very high dissolution rate with more than 90 percent being dissolved within 30 min. Ferrihydrites prepared by alkaline hydrolysis of Fe(III) salts, after slow drying, dissolve to about 60 to 80 percent within this period, whereas similar products quenched with liquid N₂ dissolve more rapidly. A plot of (Fe₃₀/Fe_o) vs. (Fe_o/Fe_d) allows to draw a boundary line between the field of podzol values and the field of the other pedogenic iron oxides, as from brown earths and black earths (chernozems).     

Exploration of soils developing on volcanic materials on the island of Milos,Greece

The island of Milos (Greece), part of the South Aegean volcanic arc with a typical Mediterranean climate, is covered with volcanic deposits of different ages. The objective of this study was to investigate the physicochemical and mineralogical properties of the soils developing on these volcanic deposits and their classification. Samples were taken from seven locations of soil on different parent material and of different ages. There were substantial differences in their particle size distribution, with sand ranging from 19% to 92%, silt from 3.5% to 50%, and clay from 5% to 46%. Organic matter content was low (< 2.0%). The soil pH ranged from 5.6 to 8.0. In two of the profiles, CaCO₃ equivalents of 1.4% to 24.6% were found and a calcic horizon identified. The cation exchange capacity (CEC) and specific surface area (SSA) varied between profiles ranging from 3 cmol₍₊₎ kg^− 1 to 47 cmol₍₊₎ kg^− 1 and 30 m² g^− 1 to 380 m² g^− 1, respectively. The soils exhibited high base saturation. The amounts of Al, Fe and Si extracted with ammonium oxalate (Αl_o, Fe_o and Si_o) were particularly low (< 0.1%, < 0.17%, and < 0.1%, respectively) which demonstrates the absence of amorphous clay-silicate minerals (allophane). Fe extracted with dithionite citrate bicarbonate — DCB (Fe_d) was greater than Fe_o sharing the dominance of crystalline Fe oxides. Al and Si extracted with hot 0.5 M NaOH (Al₂Ο_3NaOH and SiΟ_2NaOH) and with Τiron-C₆H₄Na₂O₈S₂, (Al₂Ο_3Τ and SiΟ_2Τ). SiΟ_2NaOH and SiΟ_2Τ were particularly high (mean values 3.4% and 4.5%, respectively), showing that amorphous silica was present. The clay fraction of the soil was dominated by the presence of 2:1 (vermiculite and smectite) and 1:1 (kaolinite) clay-silicates. Al_o+ 1/2Fe_o was low (< 0.18%), while the P-retention in most soils was less than 15%. These soils do not exhibit andic properties and hence cannot be classified as Andisols. The silica saturation index (ISS) may be used for these soils to describe a pedogenetic environment rich in Si which favours the formation of pedogenic amorphous silica. The climate is the major determinant of the evolution of these soils.