Pedogenic processes of placic and spodic horizons in subtropical subalpine forest soils with contrasting textures

Placic (Bsm) and spodic (Bhs) horizons are common in subalpine or alpine forest soils in Taiwan. Bsm horizons are found more usually in finer textured soils than those with Bhs horizons. To understand the different formation processes in Bsm and Bhs horizons in a humid subtropical ecosystem, we identified micro‐morphological features by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS) and electron probe micro‐analysis (EPMA), and determined the physiochemical properties by chemical extractions and clay mineralogy. The study included four pedons with well‐developed Bsm horizons from our previous study and four with well‐developed Bhs horizons at other sites. Both sites were in subtropical mountain forests with similar climate, topography and general geology but over regoliths with distinctly different textures. Micro‐morphology revealed a vughy (small cavities lined with in‐washed materials) microstructure in Bsm horizons but a granular structure with bridge microstructures between coarse grains in Bhs horizons. Chemical analysis revealed more free pedogenic iron (Fe_d) and aluminium (Al_d) in Bsm than in Bhs horizons, but more organically complexed Al (Al_p) in Bhs horizons. Energy dispersive spectrometry revealed predominant Fe, oxygen (O) and carbon (C) in the matrix of the Bsm horizons, whereas Al, silicon (Si) and C were the major elements of interstitial materials in Bhs horizons. Polarizing microscopy and EPMA spectra confirmed the illuvial nature of organic Al complexes in Bhs horizons. The transformation of clay minerals showed more intense podzolization in Bhs horizons than in Bsm horizons. The different formation mechanisms in Bsm and Bhs horizons result from contrasting texture; redox processes are predominant in Bsm horizons because of the clayey texture whereas podzolization is predominant in sandy Bhs horizons.     

珠江三角洲平原不同种植年限土壤铁氧化物特征研究

珠江三角洲平原具有上千年的围垦历史,其土壤发生演变过程深受人为作用影响,开展此区域不同种植年限土壤中铁氧化物形态特征和分布规律的研究,能够揭示人为耕种下土壤发生演变过程。以珠江三角洲平原不同种植年限的土壤剖面为对象,研究了滨海沉积物、河流冲积物和三角洲沉积物发育的土壤及黏粒中全铁、游离铁含量变化及其影响因素。结果表明:随着种植年限的增加,河流冲积物、三角洲沉积物发育土壤中游离铁(Fe_d)向土体下部淀积深度逐渐增加,黏粒中游离铁(Fe_(d(clay)))含量在水耕氧化还原层中呈减小趋势,而滨海沉积物发育的土壤Fe_d含量及淀积深度均有所减小。随着种植年限的增加,滨海沉积物发育的土壤全铁(Fe_t)和游离铁(Fe_d)在黏粒中的富集程度呈增大趋势,而河流冲积物、三角洲沉积物发育的土壤Fe_t和Fe_d富集程度逐渐减小。土壤Fe_d与Fe_t、黏粒游离铁(Fe_(d(clay)))与黏粒全铁(Fe_(t(clay)))均呈极显著正相关;全铁富集率(Fe_(t(clay))/Fe_t)、游离铁富集率(Fe_(d(clay))/Fe_d)均与Fe_(t(clay))、Fe_(d(clay))、黏粒铁游离度(Fe_(d(clay))/Fe_(t(clay)))呈极显著正相关,与Fe_t、Fe_d、土壤铁游离度(Fe_d/Fe_t)、黏粒含量呈极显著负相关,且Fe_(t(clay))/Fe_t与Fe_(d(clay))/Fe_d呈极显著正相关,表明土壤铁氧化物在黏粒中的富集以Fe_d为主,且铁氧化物的富集程度受土壤黏粒含量的影响。     

MICROMORPHOLOGICAL QUANTIFICATION OF CLAY ILLUVIATION

Three concepts are introduced to describe the extent of clay illuviation phenomena quantitatively for pedogenic interpretations: (1) the degree of clay illuviation per thin section or (sub)horizon, subdivided into 5 classes, ranging from negligible (< 0.3 per cent by vol.) to very strong (> 7 per cent by vol.) clay illuviation; (2) the degree of reworking of the illuviated clay, subdivided into 3 classes, ranging from weak (< 30 per cent reworking) to strong (> 70 per cent); (3) the profile clay illuviation index: the sum of products of clay illuviation percentage per (sub)horizon and horizon thickness (in cm). The index ranges from very low (< 50 per cent cm) to very high (> 700 per cent cm). A distinction was made between the profile index based on the in situ illuviation features only and that based on all the illuviation features.     

中国土壤胶体研究 Ⅵ.西藏高原几种主要土壤的粘土矿物组成和演变

西藏高原突起于我国西南,绝大部分地面的海拔高度在4000米以上,为世界上最高的大高原。它大致在第三纪开始形成,后来曾受第四纪冰川的深刻作用,高山顶部至今仍是冰川的活动场所^[1,2]。高原为昆仑山、唐古拉山、喜马拉雅山和横断山等大山脉所盘踞。     

Podzolization and clay migration in spodosols of eastern France

Field observations and laboratory analyses of podzols developed on sandy Triassic parent material in the Vosges have demonstrated clay accumulation in the upper parts of spodic horizons, especially in the B_h horizons. To see whether clay accumulation corresponds to real clay illuviation, two types of podzol profiles have been studied. The first is an iron podzol, called “podzol forestier”, because it has been entirely developed under climax forest environment. The second, an iron-humus podzol, called “podzol de dégradation”, was first developed under forest and more recently (the last 1000 to 2000 years) under heath vegetation. Methods used in the study of the two profiles were the “isoquartz” alteration balance, clay mineral identification by X-ray analyses and micromorphholigical examination.For the podzol forestier, the data strongly support a hypothesis of illuviation of very fine micaceous clays (vermiculite), especially the ferriargillans in the B_h horizon. Consequently, it is believed that illuviation of the greatest part of clays promoted differentiation of podzol horizons. Podzolization is strongly redistributive.In the podzol de dégradation, the identified clay minerals are the same as in the podzol forestier but the pedological features in the B_h horizon correspond to those of classic spodic horizons (mixed concentration and grain coatings). Moreover, podzolization is geochemically strongly subtractive in this second type of podzol.Inasmuch as the podzols de dégradation are developed from the podzols forestiers, the authors define an evolutionary time-sequence: the first phase of forest soil genesis is regulated by the double process of clay illuviation and redistributive podzolization. The following degradation phase connected to the particular nature of heath vegetation and to abundant chelating organic compounds induces the disruption of the ferriargillans previously formed in the B_h horizon, the formation of an agglomeroplasmic fabric microstructure and above all, the elimination of hydrolyzed products of minerals from the profile. During this last phase, a strongly subtractive podzolization prevails over clay illuviation.     

Mechanisms controlling the mobility of dissolved organic matter, aluminium and iron in podzol B horizons

The processes governing the (im)mobilization of Al, Fe and dissolved organic matter (DOM) in podzols are still subject to debate. In this study we investigated the mechanisms of (im)mobilization of Al, Fe and organic matter in the upper and lower B horizons of two podzols from the Netherlands that are in different stages of development. We equilibrated batches of soil material from each horizon with DOM solutions obtained from the Oh horizon of the corresponding soil profiles. We determined the amount of (im)mobilized Al, Fe and DOM after addition of Al and Fe at pH 4.0 and 4.5 and initial dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentrations of 10 mg C litre^?1 or 30 mg C litre^?1, respectively. At the combination of pH and DOC concentrations most realistic for the field situation, organic matter was retained in all horizons, the most being retained in the lower B horizon of the well‐developed soil and the least in the upper B horizon of the younger profile. Organic matter solubility seemed to be controlled mainly by precipitation as organo‐metal complexes and/or by adsorption on freshly precipitated solid Al‐ and Fe‐phases. In the lower B horizons, at pH 4.5, solubility of Al and Fe appeared to be controlled mainly by the equilibrium with secondary solid Al‐ and Fe‐phases. In the upper B horizons, the solubility of Al was controlled by adsorption processes, while Fe still precipitated as inorganic complexes as well as organic complexes in spite of the prevailing more acidic pH. Combined with a previous study of eluvial horizons from the same profiles, the results confirm the important role of organic matter in the transport of Al and Fe to create illuvial B horizons initially and subsequently deepening and differentiating them into Bh and Bs horizons.     

Movement of aluminium as an inorganic complex in some podzolised soils,New Zealand

Chemical and mineralogical data are presented for three Spodosols (podzols) and a related Inceptisol (yellow-brown loam). Allophane with an Al/Si atomic ratio close to two is identified in the B horizons of all four soils, and minor amounts of imogolite are present in association with allophane in all but one soil where small-particle gibbsite occurs. Parent materials for these soils are essentially non-vitric. Allophane (Al/Si = 2) has been estimated quantitatively in all soils using oxalate-extractable Si (Si₀) and is selected clay fractions using both Si₀ and infrared spectroscopy. Maximum concentrations of allophane (Al/Si = 2) range from 5% to 18% of fine earth (< 2 mm) fractions and all occur in B horizons. Fe₀ values are low relative to Al₀ values except for the upper horizons of the Inceptisol. Al₀ values peak in B horizons and the ratio pyrophosphate-extractable Al to Al₀ decreases from about 1 in A and upper B horizons to 0.1–0.4 in lower B horizons.An interpretation of the data is consistent with recent proposals that the movement of Al in podzolisation is due primarily to the formation of inorganic complexes with Si. Chemical criteria for spodic horizons should be consistent with the total illuviation of Al and Fe (and perhaps Si), rather than just the organic-bound fraction of Al and Fe in these horizons as indicated by amounts in extractants such as pyrophosphate.     

Molybdenum Determination in Mehlich‐1 and Mehlich‐3 Soil Test Extracts and Molybdenum Adsorption in Brazilian Soils

Abstract

The extractant Mehlich‐1 is routinely used in Brazil for determination of soil nutrients, whereas Mehlich‐3 has been suggested as a promising extractor for soil fertility evaluation. Both were used for extraction of molybdenum (Mo) in Brazilian soils with Mo dosage by the KI+H₂O₂ method. The Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms were used to study soil Mo adsorption. Mehlich‐1 extracted more Mo than Mehlich‐3 in soils with high contents of organic matter, clay, and iron (Fe) oxides. Mehlich‐3 and Mehlich‐1 extractions correlated positively and significantly with amorphous Fe oxides, crystalline Fe oxides, and organic matter. Molybdenum recovering rates correlated to crystalline Fe oxides and clay contents but not to organic matter, pH, and Mo adsorption capacity. Amorphous and crystalline Fe oxides, clay, and organic matter were responsible for most of the Mo adsorption. The Langmuir isotherm described better the Mo adsorption to soil amorphous Fe oxides and organic matter than the Freundlich isotherm.     

Forms and pedogenetic distribution of extractable iron and aluminum in selected soils of Nigeria

The content of various forms of Fe and Al in six well-drained soil profiles sampled from different parts of Nigeria was determined by selective extraction methods. Dithionite-Fe (total free Fe oxides) content increases with the increase of depth. The oxalate-extractable Fe (amorphous Fe oxides) constitutes less than 10% of the total free Fe oxides throughout the profiles. The active Fe ratio decreases with the increase of profile depth, suggesting that larger proportions of Fe oxides are present as crystalline forms in the lower horizons of these well-drained profiles. Little or no relationships were found in the case of Al.The constant clay/dithionite-Fe ratio within the four profiles from the wetter southern part of Nigeria indicates the co-migration of clay and Fe oxides from the A horizon into the B horizon (lessivage). However, this relationship was not observed in the two soil profiles sampled from the drier northern part of the country.The need for expansion or alteration of the present U.S.D.A. system of soil classification is emphasized.     

Micromorphology and Late Glacial/Holocene genesis of Luvisols in Mecklenburg–Vorpommern (NE-Germany)

In the German soil science literature, Luvisols formed in Weichselian sediments (except from the Early Weichselian) are normally regarded as purely Holocene soils with the main period of development assumed to have been during the Atlantic phase. Although debated at some length since the 1960s, the genesis of the widespread albic Luvisols, with a simplified Ap/Bw/(Eb)/(EBtb)/Btb(g)/C horizon sequence and developed on the flat and slightly undulating till plains of the north German Mecklenburgian Stage (deglaciation 14 000 BP), has yet to be clarified. Periglacial climate during the Late Weichselian led to the formation of sand-filled wedge-shaped structures penetrating Bt horizons. Systematic micromorphologic investigations of soil profiles with sand wedges revealed the occurrence of numerous fragments of rounded limpid clay coatings within periglacial formed lenticular microplates as well as in and at the margins of the sand wedge infillings. Assuming the Younger Dryas as the latest possible phase of formation, the lenticular microplates and the undisturbed sand wedges postdate clay illuviation. Undisrupted clay coatings next to fragmented clay coatings prove a subsequent Holocene clay illuviation. Clay illuviation must have occurred at least in warmer phases of the Late Glacial, together with the already accepted pedogenic processes of decalcification, organic matter accumulation (Ahb horizons), podzolisation and silicate weathering (Bwb horizons) on sites not influenced by groundwater.     

PARTITIONING OF HEAVY METALS IN PODZOL SOILS CONTAMINATED BY MINE DRAINAGE WATERS,DALARNA, SWEDEN

The discharge of acidic mine drainage waters onto a hillslope in Dalarna, central Sweden, has lead to the contamination of the podzol soils with Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb, Zn and sulfate. Samples from contaminated and reference soils have been collected for chemical and mineralogical analyses. Jarosite is identified by x-ray diffraction analysis as a precipitate in the upper horizons (A, E, B) of the contaminated soils, where the soil acidity (pH_KCl～2.6) promotes jarosite stability. The sequential chemical extraction of soil samples indicates that, in the reference A horizon, Cu, Pb, Ni and Zn are bound primarily to cation exchange sites and organic matter. In the A horizon of the contaminated soils closest to the rock dump, metal partitioning is dominated by the Fe oxide fractions, despite the high organic matter content; Pb is almost completely bound to crystalline Fe oxides, possibly adsorbed to Fe oxides or occuring in a jarosite solid solution. In the reference B and C horizons, Cu, Ni and Zn are primarily adsorbed/coprecipitated in the Fe oxide fractions, while Pb remains with a large fraction bound to organic matter. In the Fe-rich B horizon of the contaminated soils, the partitioning of the metals in cation exchange sites and to organic matter has greatly increased relative to the reference soils, resulting from the mobilization of organo-metal complexes down the profile.     

Short‐time clay‐mineral evolution in a soil chronosequence in Oléron Island (France)

Major weathering sequences in soils are well established; however, knowledge on rates of mineral transformations remains unknown, because it is often difficult to date precisely soil processes. This work was carried out on soils developed on recent (< 188 y) sand dunes on the W coast of Oléron Island (France). The coast has been protected against marine and wind erosion by constructing five consecutives barriers close to the coastline since 1820 (1820, 1864, 1876, 1889, 1948) defining the maximum age of the soil parent material, as before the areas between the barriers were under water. Soils on the older dunes have low clay content (> 94% of sand) and exhibit a bleached E horizon that overlies a yellowish brown B horizon. The process responsible for their formation is podzolization promoted by the high permeability of the material and complexing organic matter produced by coniferous vegetation. Initial mineralogy of C horizons is homogenous and constituted of chlorite, illite, illite/smectite mixed‐layer minerals, and kaolinite, quartz, calcite (≈ 8% related to shell fragments), and feldspars. The initial clay‐mineral assemblage of the E horizons is dominated by illite (well‐crystallized WCI and poorly crystallized PCI) and chlorite. With progressive podzolization, poorly crystallized illite is first transformed to illite/smectite mixed‐layer minerals and in a further step into smectite. In addition, transformation of well‐crystallized illite leads to formation of ordered illite/smectite mixed‐layer minerals in the E horizons, which is not commonly described in soils. In the B horizons, illite/smectite mixed‐layer minerals are present with traces of smectite, as well as Al and Fe oxi‐hydroxides as revealed by DCB and oxalate chemical extractions. This chronosequence illustrates that over short distances and short time (< 188 y) intense mineral weathering and soil development occur. Major clay‐mineral changes occur between 132 and 188 y in agreement with development of the pine forest producing acidic litter.     

我国北亚热带白浆化土壤矿物学特性的研究

本文对北亚热带地区七个白浆化土壤的原生矿物和次生矿物的特性进行了研究。重，轻矿物含量表明土壤继承了母质的特性，粘淀层与漂白层的母质沉积是间断的，前者风化强度大于后者。石英颗粒表现特征显示漂白层物来来源于黄土物质再堆积，粘土矿物以水云母为主，其结晶度较差，氧化铁类型以针铁矿和赤铁矿为主，也有非晶质氧化铁和硅酸盐中的Ｆｅ＾２＋，其形成条件与现代化成土条件一致。     

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.     

Classifying soils at the ultimate stage of weathering in the tropics

Oxisols cover ≈ 23% of the land surface in the tropics and are utilized extensively for agricultural purposes in the tropical countries. Under the variable input types of agricultural systems practiced locally, some of these soils still appear to have problems in terms of proper soil classification and subsequently hinder attempts to implement sustainable agro‐management protocols. The definition for Oxisols in Soil Survey Staff (1999) indicates that additional input is still required to refine the definition in order to resolve some of the outstanding classification problems. Therefore, the objective of this study is to examine the properties of some Oxisols and closely related soils in order to evaluate the classification of these soils. Soils from Brazil, several countries in Africa, and Malaysia were used in this study. Field observations provided the first indication that some of the presently classified kandi‐Alfisols and kandi‐Ultisols were closer to Oxisols in terms of their properties. Water‐retention differences and apparent CEC of the subsurface horizons also supported this idea. The types of extractable Fe oxides and external specific surface areas of the clay fractions showed that many kandic horizons have surface properties that are similar to the oxic horizons. Micromorphology indicated that the genetic transition from the argillic to the oxic involves a diminishing expression of the argillic. Properties, such as CEC, become dominant. The kandic horizon is therefore inferred as a transition to the oxic horizon. It is proposed that the Oxisols be keyed out based only on the presence of an oxic horizon and an iso–soil temperature regime. The presence of a kandic horizon will be reflected at lower levels in Oxisols. The Oxisols will now be exclusive to the intertropical belt with an iso–soil temperature regime. The geographic extend of the Oxisols would increase and that of kandi‐Alfisols and Ultisols would decrease. A few kandi‐Alfisols and Ultisols in the intertropical area will have low CEC which would fail the weatherable mineral contents. The kandic subgroups of some Alfisols and Ultisols will be transitional between the low (< 16 cmol_c [kg clay]^–1)‐ and high (> 24 cmol_c [kg clay]^–1)‐activity clay soils. The proposed changes to classification will contribute to a better differentiation of the landscape units in the field. Testing of the proposed classification on some Malaysian soils showed that the new definition for Oxisols provides a better basis for the classification of the local soils and the development of meaningful soil‐management groups for plantations.     

Microstructure of genetic horizons in automorphic soils of the Timan Ridge

Data are presented on the physicochemical composition and specific macro-, meso- and micro-morphological features of automorphic soils formed on silty loams in the northern and middle taiga subzones of the Timan Ridge. These soils have a texture-differentiated profile and are well aggregated, which is manifested at all levels of structural organization of the soil mass. The morphological structure of the middle soil horizons is characterized by the presence of specific nongleyed cryometamorphic horizon CRM. Its formation is due to the development of long-term seasonal cryogenic processes in relatively deep (up to 40 cm) light and medium loam deposits under conditions of the northern and middle taiga subzones. The processes of cryometamorphism, combined with Al-Fe-humus and textural differentiation, result in the formation of podzolic, iron-illuvial, cryometamorphic, and textural horizons (O-E-BF-CRM-BT). The textural horizons have a set of micromorphological features indicating that recent clay illuviation is a weak process.     

Podzolization as a deferralitization process: a study of an Acrisol–Podzol sequence derived from Palaeozoic sandstones in the northern upper Amazon Basin

Morphological, geochemical and mineralogical studies were carried out in a representative soil catena of the low‐elevation plateaux of the upper Amazon Basin to interpret the steps and mechanisms involved in the podzolization of low‐activity clay soils. The soils are derived from Palaeozoic sandstones. They consist of Hydromorphic Podzols under tree savannah in the depressions of the plateaux and predominantly of Acrisols covered by evergreen forest elsewhere. Incipient podzolization in the uppermost Acrisols is related to the formation of organic‐rich A and Bhs horizons slightly depleted in fine‐size particles by both mechanical particle transfer and weathering. Weathering of secondary minerals by organic acids and formation of organo‐metallic complexes act simultaneously over short distances. Their vertical transfer is limited. Selective dissolution of aluminous goethite, then gibbsite and finally kaolinite favour the preferential cheluviation of first Fe and secondly Al. The relatively small amount of organo‐metallic complexes produced is related to the quartzitic parent materials, and the predominance of Al over Fe in the spodic horizons is due to the importance of gibbsite in these low‐activity clay soils. Morphologically well‐expressed podzols occur in strongly iron‐depleted topsoils of the depression. Mechanical transfer and weathering of gibbsite and kaolinite by organic acids is enhanced and leads to residual accumulation of sands. Organo‐metallic complexes are translocated in strongly permeable sandy horizons and impregnate at depth the macro‐voids of embedded soil and saprolite materials to form the spodic Bs and 2BCs horizons. Mechanical transfer of black particulate organic compounds devoid of metals has occurred later within the sandy horizons of the podzols. Their vertical transfer has formed well‐differentiated A and Bh horizons. Their lateral removal by groundwater favours the development of an albic E horizon. In an open and waterlogged environment, the general trend is therefore towards the removal of all the metals that have initially accumulated as a response to the ferralitization process and have temporarily been sequestrated in organic complexes in previous stages of soil podzolization.     

Micromorphology and classification of Argids and associated gypsiferous Aridisols from central Iran

Gypsiferous Aridisols occupy the largest area within the Iranian Aridisols. Information on the genesis and classification of these soils is rather limited. Objectives of this research were to study the micromorphology of the gypsic, argillic, and calcic horizons, to understand the mode of formation of gypsic horizon in three different landscapes, and to test the criteria of the most recently revised Soil Taxonomy and FAO classification system in selected gypsiferous Aridisols occurring in central Iran. A total of 15 representative pedons occurring on three different landscapes (colluvial fans, plateaus, and alluvial plain) were studied. Evidence of illuviation in the colluvial soils is provided by the increase in the clay content and the fine to total clay ratio in the subsoil and by the well-developed, but considerably disrupted, clay coatings observed in thin sections. In addition to pendants, gypsum occurs as microscopic-sized particles, such as single and radiating fibrous shaped particles, random lenticular and granular crystals, along channels and planar voids with no apparent orientation to the associated surface. Gypsum also occurs as relatively larger interlocking plates. The horizon sequence, together with their chemical and micromorphological properties, reveals that gypsum accumulated in different landscapes has different modes of formation. The coexistence of argillic, calcic, and gypsic horizons in colluvial soils is a peculiar combination, suggesting a multistage pedogenesis in this landscape. Paleo-argillic horizons were likely developed under a moister environment than today. This study has also shown that the most recently revised version of the American Soil Taxonomy and FAO soil classification can reasonably well classify these soils. However, there is still a need to modify the criteria of both classification systems at the lower levels, particularly for the classification of the soils that are polygenetic.     

An experience in using the world reference base for soil resources for the soils of western Georgia

New and previously published data on the soils of western Georgia are generalized, and traditional soil names are correlated with the units of the World Reference Base for Soil Resources. It is argued that krasnozems (red ferrallitic soils) can be attributed to the group of Nitisols (the soils characterized by intense weathering (ferralization) and having shiny ped faces in the nitic horizon); yellow and yellow-brown soils (zheltozems), to the group of Luvisols (the soils with relatively high adsorption capacity in the eluvial horizons and with the horizon of the illuvial accumulation of clay); yellow-podzolic (zheltozem-podzolic) soils, to Alisols (slightly acid soils with the low adsorption capacity, poor aggregation of the upper horizons, low-activity (kaolinite) clay, and with the horizon of clay accumulation (argic horizon)); brown forest soils, to Cambisols (the soils with the cambic horizon characterized by some alteration of the lithogenic texture and structure into the pedogenic texture and structure); and mountainous forest-meadow and meadow soils, to Umbrisols (the soils with the dark-colored unsaturated umbric horizon).     

Forms of Iron and Their Association with Soil Properties in Four Soil Taxonomic Orders of Arid and Semi‐arid Soils of Punjab,India

Profiles of arid and semi‐arid zones soils of Punjab, northwestern India, were investigated for different forms of iron (Fe): total Fe, diethylenetriamine penta‐acetic acid (DTPA)–extractable Fe, soil solution plus exchangeable Fe, Fe adsorbed onto inorganic sites and oxide surfaces, and Fe bound by organic sites. Irrespective of the different fractions of Fe present, its content was higher in the fine‐textured Alfisols and Inceptisols than in the coarse‐textured Entisols and Aridisols. Lower content of total Fe was observed in the surface horizon and then increased in the subsurface horizons, whereas no set pattern was observed in Entisols. Also, irrespective of the soil orders, the contents of different forms of Fe were higher in the surface horizon and then decreased by depth. None of the forms of Fe exhibited any consistent pattern of distribution.

Organic matter and the content of clay and silt fractions had a strong bearing on the distribution of forms of Fe. Based on a linear coefficient of correlation, the soil solution plus exchangeable Fe adsorbed onto inorganic sites and DTPA‐extractable Fe increased with increase in soil organic carbon but decreased with increase in soil pH and calcium carbonate content. Total Fe increased with increase in cation exchange capacity (CEC) and clay and silt content. The results also revealed that there was equilibrium in different fractions of this element. Among the different Fe forms, Fe bound by organic sites, water‐soluble plus exchangeable Fe, and Fe adsorbed onto oxides (amorphous surfaces) were positively correlated with the DTPA‐extractable Fe. Though some forms are interrelated, none of the forms had any relationship with the total Fe.