Biological influences on the morphology and micromorphology of selected Podzols (Spodosols) and Cambisols (Inceptisols) from the eastern United States and north-east Scotland

Biological activities greatly influence the formation of many soils, especially forest soils under cool humid climates. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of vegetation and soil biota on the formation of selected soils. Field morphology, micromorphology, and carbon and organic matter analysis were determined on six Podzols (Spodosols) and two Cambisols (Inceptisols) from the eastern United States and north-east Scotland. Humification of plant material by soil fauna and fungi occurs in all organic horizons. Thick organic coatings are observed on soil peds and rock fragments from the E1 to the Bs horizon in a Haplic Podzol from Clingmans Dome Mt., TN. Thin sections reveal large accumulations of root material in different stages of decomposition in the spodic horizons of a Haplic Podzol from Whiteface Mt., NY. Organic carbon ranges from 5.4 to 8.5% in the spodic B horizons of the Whiteface Mt. Podzol. Earthworms and enchytraeids have a great effect on the structure of the surface and subsurface horizons in the Dystric Cambisols from Huntly and Clashindarroch Forests, Scotland and a Cambic Podzol from the Corrie Burn Basin, Scotland. Podzols from Speymouth Forest, Scotland (Gleyic Podzol), Clingmans Dome Mt., and Whiteface Mt. have thick organic horizons. The Podzols from the Flatwoods in Georgia, the Pine Barrens in New Jersey, the Corrie Burn Basin, and the Cambisol from Huntly Forest have only A horizons at the surface. The Clashindarroch Forest soil has a very thin organic horizon. Warm and humid climates and sandy parent material are responsible for thick E horizons and lack of thick organic horizons in the Flatwoods (Carbic Podzol) and Pine Barrens (Ferric Podzol) soils. Earthworms and enchytraeids thrive in the Corrie Burn Basin and Huntly Forest soils due to the vegetation and the highly weathered basic parent material. The site at Clashindarroch once carried oak, and then birch forest, both of which produce a mild litter and also encourage earthworm and enchytraeids. This fauna is responsible for much mixing of the topsoil. The present conifer vegetation will eventually produce a deep litter and cause podzolization.     

Cryptopodzolic Soils in Switzerland

Cryptopodzolic Soils are characterized by a thick blackish-brown mineral horizon rich in organic matter, the dark colour of which masks the morphological characteristics of podzolization. Little is known about the specific site factors that lead to the formation of these soils. Four representative soil profiles from a typical toposequence between 1700 and 500 m above sea level in southern Switzerland, embracing Haplic Podzols, Humic Cambisols and Cryptopodzolic Soils, are described morphologically, chemically and physically. The Cryptopodzolic Soils in this region are characterized by weak to moderate A1 and Fe translocation, and by a uniform incorporation of organic matter deep into the soil. The most prominent feature is the exceptional stability of the soil organic matter with a maximum in the spodic horizon. All these characteristics can be explained by the unique combined effect of a mild, wet climate, an Fe- and Al-rich acid bedrock and a litter layer providing dissolved organic matter rich in polyphenolic substances with strong metal-binding properties.     

Processes responsible for the development of a pit and mound microrelief

Hummocky ground is a conspicuous feature of some cultivated pastures in the mountain forests of the Alps. In the German scientific literature, this pit and mound microrelief is termed “Buckelwiese” (literally: “hummocky meadow”) and is commonly interpreted as a fossil, Late Glacial relief of cryogenic origin. This paper suggests an alternative hypothesis, namely that relief formation was initiated by the uprooting of trees during storms. In the rootstock-pits, karst processes gradually amplified the initial relief. This alternative hypothesis is tested in a Buckelwiesen area of the Northern Limestone Alps, where pit-to-mound vertical relief amounts to 52 cm and mounds are 250–510 cm long and 170–270 cm wide, and the density of pits and mounds is 400 ha⁻¹. Field investigations included a ground survey using a tacheometer and the excavation of a trench to check the internal structure of one pit-mound couple. The trench was subsequently used to estimate solution rates in the subsurface material of pits and mounds. Based on the results of the field measurements and two radiocarbon dates from the test site, the paper concludes that in the study area a treethrow event occurred between 1120 and 1280 AD. Subsequently, the pits created by the uprooted trees were deepened by limestone solution at a rate of 77.2 mm/1000 years. The reconstructed formation history of the microrelief of the study area is consistent with a Holocene origin, with rates of limestone dissolution as measured in the field and with the morphometry of the features themselves.     

The effect of pre‐industrial charcoal kilns on chemical properties of forest soil of Wallonia,Belgium

In Wallonia, Belgium, intensive in situ charcoal production that was linked closely to pre‐industrial smelting and steel‐making affected a large part of the forested area in the late eighteenth century. Charcoal kiln relics can be detected under forest as domes of about 10 m in diameter, with the topsoil greatly enriched with charcoal residues. We sampled 19 charcoal kiln sites and the adjacent reference soil by soil horizon on four different soil types (Arenosols, Luvisols, Cambisols and Podzols). Data were analysed with linear mixed models to assess the effect of the charcoal kiln site on soil properties in relation to depth and soil conditions. We also addressed the evolution of soil properties over time by a comparison of the soil characteristics at a currently active kiln site. The charcoal‐rich topsoil has a larger C:N ratio and cation exchange capacity (CEC) per unit of organic carbon than the reference soil. The largest CECs per unit of carbon were observed on soil with coarser textures. On acidic soil, the increase in base saturation in the subsoil reflects the past liming effect of ash produced by wood charring, whereas the topsoil is re‐acidified. The acidity of carbonate‐rich Cambisols, however, is not reduced. Regardless of soil type, the kiln topsoil is greatly depleted in exchangeable K⁺ and available P, which may be attributed to the small affinity of the exchange complex of charcoal for K⁺ and a decrease in P availability with time. Therefore, we recommend further research on the long‐term effects of biochar on the dynamics of plant nutrients.     

Physicochemical and Microbiological Characteristics of Tundra Soils on the Rybachii Peninsula

The Rybachii Peninsula is composed of Proterozoic sedimentary rocks and differs sharply from the rest of the Kola Peninsula in its geological structure, topographic forms, and parent rocks. It is dominated by Al–Fe-humus soils formed on moraines with an admixture of local rock fragments, including slates. Organic horizons of tundra soils in the peninsula are less acid than those on granitoids of adjacent mainland of the Kola Peninsula. The content of exchangeable calcium in the organic horizons varies from 17.4 to 68.0 cmolc/kg, and the content of water-soluble carbon reaches 400 mg/100 g amounting to 1–2% of the total soil organic matter content. The total number of bacteria in the organic horizons of tundra soils varies from 3.5 × 10⁹ to 4.8 × 10⁹ cells/g; and bacterial biomass varies from 0.14 to 0.19 mg/g. The length of fungal mycelium and its biomass in the organic horizons are significant (>1000 m/g soil). The biomass of fungal mycelium in the organic horizons exceeds the bacterial biomass by seven times in podzols (Albic Podzols) and by ten times in podbur (Entic Podzol), dry-peat soil (Folic Histosol), and low-moor peat soil (Sapric Histosol).     

Surface podzolization in Cambisols under deciduous forest in the Belgian loess belt

Surface podzolization involves the migration of metal–humus complexes to a depth of a few centimetres. In acid soils derived from loess, this process has been diagnosed mainly by morphological observation. We investigated this process in a toposequence of Luvisols and Cambisols on loess using selective extraction and mineralogical data as well as characteristics of the leaf litter. The humus type (O and OAh horizons) is a moder in the three Luvisols and one of the Cambisols, whereas it is a fibrimor in the two other Cambisols. The contents in total alkaline and alkaline‐earth cations range from 35 to 60 cmol_c kg^?1 in the fibrimor and from 40 to 90 cmol_c kg^?1 in the moder humus. In the two Cambisols with fibrimor smectite occurs in the clay fraction of the Ah horizon; Fe–humus complexes seem to have moved, but no more than 9 cm, from the Ah to the AB horizon beneath. Relative to the Ah horizon, the upper part of the AB has larger tetraborate‐extractable Fe/Al ratio and optical density of the oxalate extract. Such features converge to diagnose surface podzolization in the Cambisols with fibrimor. However, they were not detected in the Cambisol and Luvisols with moder. In the two Cambisols with fibrimor, surface podzolization is consistent with (i) their smaller iron content, (ii) their more advanced weathering stage and (iii) their lower acid neutralizing capacity.     

Late Pleistocene ‐ Holocene palaeosols in the north of Sonora,Mexico: chronostratigraphy,pedogenesis and implications for environmental history

Red palaeosols of the late Pleistocene‐early Holocene, both buried and non‐buried, were studied recently in Sonora (NW Mexico) to reconstruct their pedogenesis as well as the palaeoenvironmental conditions. The alluvial palaeosol‐sedimentary sequence of the La Playa archaeological site is a key locality for the buried San Rafael palaeosol, which exhibits a 2Ah‐2Bw‐2BCk‐3Bgk profile and was defined as a Chromic Cambisol. Radiocarbon dates from pedogenic carbonates and charcoal set the soil formation interval between > 18 000 and 4300 calibrated years before present (cal. year BP). Micro‐morphological observations together with profile distribution of clay, carbonates, organic carbon, pedogenic iron oxides and rock magnetic properties indicated a strong eluvial‐illuvial redistribution of carbonates, moderate silicate weathering and gleying in the lower horizon. Although this soil was much more developed than the overlying syn‐sedimentary late Holocene Fluvisols, clay mineral composition and stable carbon isotope signatures of humus and carbonates were similar in both soils. We suggest that pedogenesis of the San Rafael palaeosol took place under a slightly more humid climate and relative geomorphic stability. This agrees with the regional palaeoclimate reconstruction, which indicates a moister climate during the Late Wisconsin glaciation (MIS 2). An abrupt termination of the San Rafael pedogenesis marked by disturbance and aridization features in the Ap horizon of the palaeosol could be linked to a global drought around 4200 years cal. year BP. Surface Chromic Cambisols in northern Sonora show similar pedogenetic characteristics to the buried red palaeosols of La Playa. They appear to be a relict component of the present day soil mantle.     

Content,Distribution, and Migration of 238U in Soils of Natural and Technogenic Landscapes of Southern Yakutia

Eurasian Soil Science - The contents, distribution in the profile, and migration capacity of 238U in automorphic podburs (Entic Podzols) and hydromorphic alluvial (Fluvisols) soils of natural and...     

The CO2 concentration in soils of montane cloud forests of southern Mexico

We studied the CO₂ concentration in the soil air of Folic Albic Podzols at heights of 2500 and 2400 m a.s.l. within the area of montane cloud forests of southern Mexico. Soil air samples were collected from the depths of 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 cm every three hours from 9 a.m. to 18 p.m. during one day. The mean CO₂ concentrations in the soil air at the heights of 2500 and 2400 m a.s.l. reached 2170 and 6930 ppm, respectively. The spatial and temporal variability of the CO₂ concentration in the soil air of the Podzols of the montane cloud forest were revealed. The spatial variability was controlled by the differences in the species composition of the surface vegetation and the depth of the soil organic horizon, whereas the temporal variability was related to the generally low level of aeration of the topsoil layer and, presumably, to the cyclic pattern of the root respiration.     

Colluvisols under cultivation in Schleswig-Holstein. 2. Carbon distribution and soil organic matter composition

Soils under intensive cultivation have altered due to water erosion. This study was conducted to determine whether soil organic matter (SOM) composition of the colluvial source (Ap horizons) differs from the colluvial sink (M horizons). The SOM of a sandy Catena with erodic Cambisols and colluvic soils (Colluvisols) in Schleswig-Holstein, Northwest Germany, was investigated. A wet chemical analysis was combined with CPMAS ¹³C-NMR spectroscopy. In one case a significant correlation between the SOM composition of the Ap horizon of the erodic Cambisol and the M horizon of the Colluvisol was high (r² = 0.904^-), whereas the correlation for the other set was much weaker (r² = 0.640*). Two possible paths of pedogenesis are discussed. About 70% of the SOM of the colluvial source is decomposed during translocation or after deposition. A selective preservation or new formation of humins in the M material is probable. These humins contain, obviously, large amounts of polysaccharides, which were not detected by the wet chemical analysis. Further investigations of colluvic and erodic soils are necessary in order to specify the SOM quality and its possible modification due to soil translocation and accumulation.     

Die Schwarzerden Nordostdeutschlands und ihre Stellung in der holozänen Landschaftsentwicklung

Phaeozems of northeastern Germany and their position in holocene landscape development A typical soil association of NE-German young moraine area (Uckermark-region) including Phaeozems and colluvial deposits (Cumulic Anthrosols) was described macromorphologically using a trench profile and investigated by chemical standard analyses, humic compound analysis, pollen analysis and ¹⁴C-radiocarbon dating. Results are discussed in view of pedogenesis of Phaeozems. Conclusions were made concerning the holocene premedieval landscape development. A key position for reconstructing palaeoecological environmental conditions is held by “Black colluvium”. The “Black colluvium” is the relocated humous horizon of former Chernozems influenced by syn- and postsedimentary processes. The specific character of holocene landscape development and pedogenesis of the Uckermark-region is connected with the special natural conditions and history of land-use.     

Effects of land use and mineral characteristics on the organic carbon content,and the amount and composition of Na‐pyrophosphate‐soluble organic matter,in subsurface soils

Land use and mineral characteristics affect the ability of surface as well as subsurface soils to sequester organic carbon and their contribution to mitigation of the greenhouse effect. There is less information about the effects of land use and soil properties on the amount and composition of organic matter (OM) for subsurface soils as compared with surface soils. Here we aimed to analyse the long‐term (≥ 100 years) impact of arable and forest land use and soil mineral characteristics on subsurface soil organic carbon (SOC) contents, as well as on amount and composition of OM sequentially separated by Na pyrophosphate solution (OM(PY)) from subsurface soil samples. Seven soils with different mineral characteristics (Albic and Haplic Luvisol, Colluvic and Haplic Regosol, Haplic and Vertic Cambisol, Haplic Stagnosol) were selected from within Germany. Soil samples were taken from subsurface horizons of forest and adjacent arable sites continuously used for >100 years. The OM(PY) fractions were analysed for their OC content (OC_PY) and characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Multiple regression analyses for the arable subsurface soils indicated significant positive relationships between the SOC contents and combined effects of the (i) exchangeable Ca (Ca_ex) and oxalate‐soluble Fe (Fe_ox) and (ii) the Ca_ex and Al_ox contents. For these soils the increase in OC (OC_PY multiplied by the relative C=O content of OM(PY)) and increasing contents of Ca_ex indicated that OM(PY) mainly interacts with Ca²⁺. For the forest subsurface soils (pH < 5), the OC_PY contents were related to the contents of Na‐pyrophosphate‐soluble Fe and Al. The long‐term arable and forest land use seems to result in different OM(PY)‐mineral interactions in subsurface soils. On the basis of this, we hypothesize that a long‐term land‐use change from arable to forest may lead to a shift from mainly OM(PY)‐Ca²⁺ to mainly OM(PY)‐Fe³⁺ and ‐Al³⁺ interactions if the pH of subsurface soils significantly decreases to <5.     

Bodenentwicklung am Rande oligotropher Moore im Raum Berlin

Soil development in the surrounding of oligotrophic mires in the Berlin region Polygenetic soils, surrounding oligotrophic kettle hole mires in the valley and aeolian sand areas of the Berlin region, were investigated. The typical soil catena is formed by the sequence of Ombric Histosol (Niedermoor), Ombric Histosol/Albi‐gleyic Podzol (Moor‐Podsol‐Gley), Albi‐gleyic Podzol (Nasspodsol‐Gley), Gleyic Podzol (Podsol‐Gley), and Dystri‐gleyic Arenosol (Gley‐Podsol‐Braunerde) (German soil classifications in parenthesis). Field and laboratory work showed, that the investigated soils were strongly related to each other and that their development depends on the trophy of the mire and groundwater fluctuations during the Holocene. Compared with the Bh‐horizon of terrestrial soils the Gh‐horizon is nearly free of Fe and Mn, but very rich in pedogenic Al‐oxides and rich in organic matter. The genesis of the soils is explained as follows: 1. The development of different Gleyic Podzols was due to rise of groundwater. Consequently the Bh and Bs horizons of Podzols surrounding the mire were converted to Gh and Gr horizons. 2. Humic substances and Al in the Gh and Gr horizons were not re‐mobilized due to the rise of groundwater, whereas Fe and Mn were reduced and removed by groundwater. 3. At the periphery of the mire Fe was enriched in the Go horizon of the Gley‐Podzols but not Mn. 4. The fact that the mire is completely surrounded by Podzol‐Gleys, indicates, that movement of the groundwater from the central parts of mires towards the periphery is an essential pedogenetic factor.     

Determination of total soil organic C and hot water‐extractable C from VIS‐NIR soil reflectance with partial least squares regression and spectral feature selection techniques

The calibration of soil organic C (SOC) and hot water‐extractable C (HWE‐C) from visible and near‐infrared soil reflectance spectra is hindered by the complex spectral interaction of soil chromophores that usually varies from one soil or soil type to another. The exploitation of spectral variables from spectroradiometer data is further affected by multicollinearity and noise. In this study, a set of soil samples (Fluvisols, Podzols, Cambisols and Chernozems; n = 48) representing a wide range of properties was analysed. Spectral readings with a fibre‐optics visible to near‐infrared instrument were used to estimate SOC and HWE‐C contents by partial least squares regression (PLS). In addition to full‐spectrum PLS, spectral feature selection techniques were applied with PLS (uninformative variable elimination, UVE‐PLS, and a genetic algorithm, GA‐PLS). On the basis of normalized spectra (mean centring + vector normalization), the order of prediction accuracy was GA‐PLS ? UVE‐PLS > PLS for SOC; for HWE‐C, it was GA‐PLS > UVE‐PLS, PLS. With GA‐PLS, acceptable cross‐validated (cv) prediction accuracies were obtained for the complete dataset (SOC, , RPD_cv = 2.42; HWE‐C_cv, , RPD_cv = 2.13). Splitting the soil data into two groups with different basic properties (Podzols compared with Fluvisols/Cambisols; n = 21 and n = 23, respectively) improved SOC predictions with GA‐PLS distinctly (Podzols, , RPD_cv = 3.14; Fluvisols/Cambisols, , RPD_cv = 3.64). This demonstrates the importance of using stratified models for successful quantitative approaches after an initial rough screening. GA selection frequencies suggest that the spectral region over 1900 nm, and in particular the hydroxyl band at 2200 nm are of great importance for the spectral prediction of both SOC and HWE‐C.     

Some relations of the meat ant, Iridomyrmex purpureus (hymenoptera: formicidae) with soil in South Australia

Iridomyrmex purpureus F. Smith is common in southern Australia and nests in conspicuous. often gravel-covered mounds. The effects of the ant on some properties of soil in its nests, and the effects of soil type on the distribution of the ant were studied by comparing the distribution of particle sizes in soil of nests and undisturbed soil profiles. Particle size analysis was used also to determine the relationships of nests and more or less truncated profiles on a naturally eroding, lateritic podzolic soil. Nests are constructed by excavation of gallery systems in the upper part of the profile, with a few shafts extending downwards for 1 metre or more. Excavated material is incorporated in the mound which is usually composed of soil from the A horizon with additions from the B horizon and imported gravel. The density and rate of turnover of nests both appear to he too low for I. purpureus to have any significance to pedogenesis. But soil texture and consistency do influence the distribution of the ant. for nests are not constructed in sands or in very loose, structureless soils. Examination of the distribution of particle sizes in material from nests on the lateritic podzolic soil suggests that establishment of some existing mounds may have pre-dated erosion which has, subsequently, removed more than 20 cm of A horizon. The erosion process would probably require at least hundreds of years, and. if the interpretation of these nests is correct, suggests that they are very old. This is not inconsistent with other observations on rates of change in this population of I. purpurens.     

Soils of Different Land Use Categories in the City of Petrozavodsk

In the territory of the city of Petrozavodsk, the following categories of land use were distinguished: lands of common use, lands of urban and rural development, natural recreation zone, and reserved land. In each area, soil pits were made, and each full profile was analyzed for its morphological structure and physicochemical properties. Among soils, urbostratozems (Urbic Technosols) predominate, urbistratified natural soils (Plaggic Cambisols, Technic Podzols), and technogenic surface formations are spread to a lesser extent. The undisturbed natural soil cover is preserved in suburban forests and on lands of reserve and rural development. The urban soils differ in their physicochemical properties from the zonal natural soils by the elevated base saturation and high content of mineral nutrients. Heavy metal concentrations are mainly at the level of regional background characteristics. Maximum/tentatively permissible concentrations of lead, copper and zinc are exceeded on the lands of common use, building areas, and in the natural recreational zone of the city, which was influenced in the past by the activity of the city-forming plant.     

Comparative Analysis of the Number and Structure of the Complexes of Microscopic Fungi in Tundra and Taiga Soils in the North of the Kola Peninsula

The number, biomass, length of fungal mycelium, and species diversity of microscopic fungi have been studied in soils of the tundra and taiga zones in the northern part of the Kola Peninsula: Al-Fe-humus podzols (Albic Podzols), podburs (Entic Podzols), dry peaty soils (Folic Histosols), low-moor peat soils (Sapric Histosols), and soils of frost bare spots (Cryosols). The number of cultivated microscopic fungi in tundra soils varied from 8 to 328 thousand CFU/g, their biomass averaged 1.81 ± 0.19 mg/g, and the length of fungal mycelium averaged 245 ± 25 m/g. The number of micromycetes in taiga soils varied from 80 to 350 thousand CFU/g, the number of fungal propagules in some years reached 600 thousand CFU/g; the fungal biomass varied from 0.23 to 6.2 mg/g, and the length of fungal mycelium varied from 32 to 3900 m/g. Overall, 36 species of fungi belonging to 16 genera, 13 families, and 8 orders were isolated from tundra soils. The species diversity of microscopic fungi in taiga soils was significantly higher: 87 species belonging to 31 genera, 21 families, and 11 orders. Fungi from the Penicillium genus predominated in both natural zones and constituted 38–50% of the total number of isolated species. The soils of tundra and taiga zones were characterized by their own complexes of micromycetes; the similarity of their species composition was about 40%. In soils of the tundra zone, Mortierella longicollis, Penicillium melinii, P. raistrickii, and P. simplicissimum predominated; dominant fungal species in soils of the taiga zone were represented by M. longicollis, P. decumbens, P. implicatum, and Umbelopsis isabellina.     

Changes in the Degree of Contamination of Organic Horizons of Al–Fe-Humus Podzols upon a Decrease in Aerotechnogenic Loads,the Kola Peninsula

Contamination levels of the organic horizon of Al–Fe-humus podzols (Albic Rustic Podzols) in the zone affected by atmospheric emissions of the Severonikel smelter (Murmansk oblast) within a 20-yearlong period are compared. The spatiotemporal changes in the total content of heavy metals in the soils in response to a decrease in aerotechnogenic loads have a complicated pattern. As the content of heavy metals in the soils varies widely, the correlation between their amount in the organic soil horizon and the distance from the contamination source is absent. In response to the ninefold decrease in the amount of atmospheric emission of Ni compounds, the bulk content of Ni in the organic horizons of podzols reliably decreased by 2.5 times. The threefold decrease in the emission of Cu compounds proved to be insufficient for a significant decrease in the Cu content in the soils. In 2016, the content of heavy metals in some sampling points even increased in comparison with the earlier periods. The Ni-to-Cu ratio in the soil samples changed significantly. In 1989–1994, bulk forms of heavy metals in the soil samples formed the sequence Ni > Cu > Co; in 2016, it changed to Cu > Ni > Co, which corresponds to the proportions of these metals in the aerial emissions. Under conditions of the continuous input of heavy metals from the atmosphere, the contamination of the organic horizons of podzols with heavy metals remains at the high or very high levels.     

Relative importance of sorption versus aggregation for organic matter storage in subsoil horizons of two contrasting soils

Soil organic matter (OM) stabilization by the mineral phase can take place through sorption and aggregation. In this study we examined both of these processes, (i) organic carbon (OC) sorption onto clay‐sized particles and (ii) OC occlusion in silt‐size aggregates, with the objective of evaluating their relative importance in OM storage and stabilization in soil. We studied two loamy soil profiles (Haplic Luvisol and Plinthic Cambisol) currently under agricultural use down to a depth of 2 m. Our approach was based on two parallel fractionation methods using different dispersion intensities; these methods isolated a free clay fraction (non‐occluded) and a clay fraction occluded within water‐stable silt‐size aggregates. The two clay fractions were analysed for their C content and ¹⁴C activity. The proportion of sorbed OC was estimated as OC loss after hydrofluoric acid (HF) demineralization. Our results showed an important contribution to SOM stabilization by occlusion of OC into silt‐size aggregates with depth through both soil profiles. In the Haplic Luvisol, OC associated with clay and located in silt‐size aggregates accounted for 34–64% of the total soil OC, whereas in the Plinthic Cambisol this occluded material represented 34–40% of total OC. In the Haplic Luvisol, more OC was located in silt‐size aggregates than was sorbed onto clay‐size minerals, suggesting that silt‐size aggregation plays a dominant role in OC storage in this soil. In the Plinthic Cambisol, the abundance of sorbed OC increased with depth and contributed more to the stored C than that associated with silt‐size aggregates. Radiocarbon dating of both clay fractions (either occluded within silt‐size aggregates or not) suggests, in the case of the Plinthic Cambisol, a preferential stabilization of OC within silt‐size aggregates.     

Intersite characterization and variability of soil respiration in different arable and forest soils

Summary Soil respiration was investigated in three loamy Orthic Luvisols (two arable, one forest soil), three sandy Haplic Podzols (also two arable, one forest soil) with a modified intersite method according to Lundegardh (1924). The method allows characterization of the CO₂-flux from the soil and interpretation of the different levels with regard to temperature, nutrient and air supply. The method is sensitive to tillage and fertilization effects. In the two arable Luvisols the mean cumulative respiration rate was not uniform compared with the forest soil; in one case it was much higher and in another much lower. CO₂ evolution in the Podzol under spruce was much lower than in the two arable Podzols. In the sandy Podzols 5 replicate measurements gave adequate results, with an error probability of 10%, but in the loamy Luvisols it was necessary to use 10 replicates to specify the same degree of difference. If soil respiration is very high, immediately after fertilization with cattle slurry or dung on arable land, or after litterfall in a deciduous forest, more replicates are necessary.