The study on method to draw large-scale soil map in diluvial soil area in Hokkaido, using digital elevation data for a 10 m grid

(pp. 59–66)
In order to understand the detailed soil distribution of a terrace with a diluvial deposit, the method to draw a large-scale soil map was studied in Urausu Town of Sorachi district by combinig soil survey and digital elevation data for a 10 m grid.
The results are summarized as follows:

• 1) 

  From a soil survey, soils in the research area were classified into 3 soil series groups according to Classification of Cultivated Soils in Japan, Third Approximation, which were Skeletal Terrace Brown Forest Soils, Fine-textured Aquic Brown Forest Soils and Fine-textured Haplic Gray Upland Soils. In addition, Fine-textured Haplic Gray Upland Soils · were classified into 2 categories based on the abundance of gravel in the subsoil.

       
  
  

Characteristics of brown forest soils developed under beech forests in the kinki and the tohoku districts with special reference to their pedogenetic processes

Abstract

Properties of sesquioxides, clay mineralogical composition, and charge characteristics of Brown Forest soils developed under beech forests in the Kinki (Ohdaigahara) and the Tohoku District (Hakkoda) were studied with special reference to their pedogenetic processes.

The Brown Forest soils in the Kinki District were characterized by the translocation of free Al, formation of Al and/or Fe-humus complexes throughout the profile, and the predominance of 2:1: 1-2:1 intergrade minerals in the subsurface horizons, whereas those in the Tohoku District were characterized by the formation of allophane and no remarkable translocation of free Al oxides. This difference in the pedogenetic processes under the same vegetation was reflected on the amounts of Al released from primary minerals in relation to the amounts of organic matter accumulated. Major distinctive characteristics included the values of the Alp/Alo, the Fep/Feo, the Alo/Ald ratios, the Sio content, and the STPT-ZPC and pH(H₂O) values.

Among these the values of the Alo/Ald ratio and/or the Sio content were found to be suitable indices for the differentiation of Brown Forest soils from Andisols in Japan In addition to the criteria used to define andic soil properties.     

General Chemical Properties of Brown Forest Soils Developed from Different Parent Materials in the Submontane Zone of the Kanto and Chubu Districts, Japan

It is essential to analyze chemical properties including the amount of various materials and the soil colloid characteristics in forest soils to forecast wood production and the distribution of and variations in the environmental functions of forest soils, such as conservation of stream water and carbon sequestration. Approximately 70% of the forest soils in Japan consists of Brown Forest Soils (BFS), which are considered to be typical zonal soils under the humid-temperate and warm-temperate regime of Japan. BFS were subclassifled into several groups according to the soil moisture environment along the slope and morphological properties. However, even the same type of soil may display different properties depending on the climatic conditions, parent materials and vegetation types. In the present study, the variations in the carbon content, nitrogen content, cation exchange capacity and some properties depending on the parent materials, were clarified by using 34 sola of BFS, and 3 sola of black soils (BLS) for comparison, which were distributed in the submontane zone of the Kanto and Chubu districts in central Japan under the same climatic conditions. We observed differences in the pH, cation exchange capacity, base saturation and clay content among BFS samples derived from various parent materials. The BFS derived from volcanic ash contained obviously larger amounts of carbon and nitrogen than the BFS derived from other parent materials. However, the BFS derived from volcanic ash differed from the BLS derived from volcanic ash in the vertical distribution pattern of carbon and nitrogen. Thus, even in the submontane zone of the Kanto and Chubu districts, the chemical properties of BFS varied considerably with the parent materials. It was concluded that the classification of BFS by the parent materials was useful for evaluating the ability of the BFS, that cover 70% of the forests in Japan, to store various materials.     

Characteristics of the soils developed under broad-leaved evergreen forests in okinawa prefecture and the kinki district with special reference to their pedogenetic processes

Abstract

Properties of sesquioxides, clay mineralogical composition, and charge characteristics of the soils developed under broad-leaved evergreen forests in Okinawa Prefecture (subtropical climate) and the Kinki District (warm temperate climate) were studied with special reference to their pedogenetic processes in order to reexamine the corresponding parameters of Brown Forest soils and related soils in Japan.

The soils in Okinawa Prefecture were characterized by a higher degree of weathering as compared to the soils in the Kinki District. Major differences involved the values of the Fed/Fet ratio for the soil samples throughout the profile, and those of the ratios of (Fed-Feo)/Fet, CEC/clay, and (Feo + Alo)/ clay and the content of CaO plus Na₂O for the B horizon. The soils in the Kinki District did not show andic soil properties, nor Al translocation in the profile and, both of which were characteristic of Brown Forest soils developed under cool temperate climatic conditions at high altitudes in the same District.

The difference in the degree of weathering were reflected on the charge characteristics at the very surface of the soils, i.e., the surface of the particles of the soils in Okinawa Prefecture exhibited a lower reactivity as compared with those of the soils in the Kinki District.     

Testing the suitability of the Rothamsted Carbon model for long-term experiments on Japanese non-volcanic upland soils

We evaluated the suitability of the Rothamsted Carbon (RothC) model for long-term experiments on Japanese non-volcanic upland soils using 6 long-term experimental data sets: 2 Brown Lowland Soils, 2 Yellow Soils, 1 Gray Lowland Soil, and 1 Brown Forest Soil. The predicted changes in the content of soil carbon with time were very close to the observed values in almost all the treatments at all the 6 sites. These 6 sites were distributed from North to South across Japan and included a variety of climatic conditions, soil textures, and land management practices. We therefore concluded that the RothC model adequately simulated changes in the soil carbon content with time in Japanese non-volcanic upland soils.     

Deoxyribonucleic Acid Homology Among Strains of Soybean-Nodulating Bacteria

Abstract

Characteristics of Brown Forest soils developed under different bio-climatic conditions from low to high eleyations in the Kinki District were studied with special reference to their pedogenetic processes. The Brown Forest soils at high elevations were characterized by a lower bulk density, higher capacities to adsorb organic matter, phosphate, and moisture, which were correlated with the ratio of the amorphous content to the clay content (the value of the ratio of (Feo + Alo)/clay), as compared to those at low elevations. Considering the fact that the value of the (Feo + Alo)/clay ratio was not correlated with the volcanic glass index, the formation of an amorphous fraction at high elevations was considered to proceed according to the following mechanism.

Low temperature at high elevations (above 700 m) may retard the crystallization of oxide minerals. The amorphous oxides with variable positive charge thus formed may adsorb organic matter, confering a darker color and high moisture and high phosphate retention capacities to the subsoil. Adsorbed organic matter stabilizes these amorphous oxides, thus enhancing the amorphous properties and inhibiting crystallization. A1 translocation due to the weak podzolization may contribute to the increase of the content of amorphous materials.

Characterization of the B horizons in forest soils in Japan, in terms of the values of the ratios of (Feo + Alo)/clay, (Fed-Feo)/Fet, and Alo/Ald, (CEC -ECEQ/CEC and STPT-ZPC, suggested that forest soils might be classified into four groups.     

发生分类淋溶土与系统分类参比特征研究

利用最新建立的中国 1∶10 0万土壤数据库 ,研究了我国发生分类淋溶土与中国土壤系统分类的参比及其在中国土壤系统分类下的空间分布和数量特征。结果表明 ,我国发生分类淋溶土总面积为10 5 975 7.8km2 ,分布规律明显 ;与系统分类参比 ,发生分类淋溶土分属于中国土壤系统分类 4个土纲 ,即淋溶土、雏形土、新成土和灰土 ,它们分别占发生分类淋溶土总面积的 72 .8%、2 6 .1%、1.0 %、0 .1% ,其中包含系统分类的 2 5个土类和 4 7个亚类 ,参比关系复杂 ,不是简单的一对一的关系。分析发生分类某一类型土壤分属于系统分类不同类型的面积比例及其标准偏差 ,结果表明土壤参比的单元级别越低 ,越易于参比和把握。为了使中国土壤系统分类更实用、更易于普及 ,深入开展土壤基层分类研究 ,进一步发展和完善中国土壤系统分类是必要的 ,也是十分迫切的。研究结果对于土壤类型的正确参比、中国土壤系统分类的应用与发展 ,具有很好的参考应用价值     

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.     

Characteristics of free sesquioxides and humic acids in soil distributed under Warm-temperate forest climate in Nyu mountains,Fukui Prefecture,Central Japan

The activity and crystallinity ratios of free iron oxides, and the ΔlogK and RF values of humic acids were analyzed in five soil types in the Nyu mountains, Fukui Prefecture, to examine the relation between the zonality of soils and the bioclimatic conditions under the Warm-temperate deciduous broad-leaved forest climate. The characteristics of free iron oxides and humic acids were as follows: The Dark red soil, Kunimidake series was a Dark Red soil under the Cool-temperate deciduous broad-leaved forest climate; the Dry brown forest soil (reddish), Tega series was a Yellow-Brown Forest soil under the Warm-temperate deciduous broad-leaved forest climate; the Dry brown forest soil, Takasu-1 series and the Yellow soil, Yada series were Yellow-Brown Forest soils under the Warm-temperate lucidophyllous forest climate; and the Red soil, Oshibayama series and the lower parts of the Tega series were paleo-red soils. These results indicated that zonal soils under the Warm-temperate deciduous broad-leaved forest climate were Yellow-Brown Forest soils in the Nyu mountains, Fukui Prefecture. The Dark red soil, Kunimidake series corresponded to a Hyperdystri-Rhodic Cambisol of World Reference Base for Soil Resources, WRB (FAO, ISRIC, and ISSS: World Soil Resources Reports 84, 1998). The Dry brown forest soil (reddish), Tega series, the Dry brown forest soil, Takasu-1 series, and the Red soil, Oshibayama series were compared with the Hyperdystri-Chromic Cambisol (WRB). The Yellow soil, Yada series was a Hypereutri-Chromic Cambisol (WRB).     

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.     

Vertical distribution of low molecular weight aliphatic carboxylic acids in some forest soils of Japan

Low molecular weight organic acids are widespread and reactive in soils, but their distribution among mineral horizons is uncertain. We investigated the distribution of low molecular weight aliphatic carboxylic acids (LACAs) in three Japanese forest soils, two Acid Brown Forest soils and one Podzolic soil. The total LACAs ranged from 207.3 to 411.8 μmol kg^–1 and were abundant in the lower horizons as well as in the surface horizons of these soils. The illuvial horizons of the Podzolic soil were rich in adsorbed oxalic acid and citric acid. Total LACAs were similar in the two subtypes of Brown Forest soils derived from different parent materials but formed under similar vegetation and climate, and were larger than that in the Podzolic soil. Among the volatile LACAs, formic acid and acetic acid dominated the moist horizons containing much organic material, whereas the non-volatile LACAs, the most abundant being oxalic acid and citric acid, increased in the subsurface horizons. The distribution of water-soluble LACAs in the Brown Forest soil profiles was closely correlated with soil acidity.     

Characterization of Andosols in Yakushima Island

We examined soils derived from volcanic ash of Kikai-Akahoya tephra on Yakushima Island, Japan, and classified them according to the Unified Soil Classification System of Japan, 2nd Approximation (USCSJ 2nd) and the World Reference Base for Soil Resources (WRB). Five pedons with horizons showing high (>20%) volcanic glass content were investigated. Soils developed under evergreen broad-leaved forests had high acid oxalate-extractable aluminum (Alo) and acid oxalate-extractable silicon (Sio) concentrations, and low acid oxalate-extractable iron (Fe)/dithionite-citrate-extractable Fe ratio. This indicates a warmer climate and less severe leaching conditions compared with soils developed under coniferous forests dominated by Cryptomeria japonica and grasslands dominated by Pseudosasa owatarii. All soils contained considerable amount of hydroxyl-Al-interlayered 2:1 clay minerals. The surface horizons of the pedons developed under the cool-temperate C. japonica forests contained smectite as a result of podzolization. However, the surface horizon of the pedon developed under cool-temperate P. owatarii grasslands did not contain smectite. All pedons belonged to the Kuroboku soils great group (USCSJ 2nd) and Andosols (WRB). Pedons in mountainous areas did not contain horizons with more than 6?g?kg^?1 of Sio and hence were classified as non-allophanic Andosols. In mountainous areas, it was observed that allophane formation was inhibited by Al leaching due to intense rainfall (>10,000?mm year^?1); Al consumption due to the formation of the Al-humus complex; and Al incorporation into the interlayers of vermiculite. The low soil water pH [pH(H₂O)] and leaching of silicon (Si) in mountainous areas would support these anti-allophanic effects.     

The effects of agricultural use on the structure and physical properties of three soil types

This investigation was carried out to determine the influence of the use of soils on their morphological structure and properties. Three soil types (i.e. Haplic Phaeozem derived from loess, Orthic Luvisol derived from loess and Orthic Luvisol derived from sandy loam) were involved. In each soil unit, profiles lying at a small distance from one another were taken for detailed examination. The main difference between the soils within each unit was the use to which they were put. The following soils were selected for evaluation: (A) soil from natural forest habitat; (B) soil cultivated in farms with a very low level of mechanisation; (C) soil cultivated in farms which had been completely mechanised for many years; (D) soil used for many years in a vegetable garden, similar to hortisol.

In the selected profiles the morphological features, soil structure in all genetic horizons, granulometric composition, humus content, pH, density, air and water capacity and air permeability were analysed.

It was found that the transition from forest soil management to agricultural use leads not only to the formation of an arable-humus horizon and to changes in structure but also to changes of the physico-chemical properties of soils. Soils under agricultural use manifest a lower level of acidification than forest soils, as well as a different distribution of organic matter. In all agricultural soils, increased compaction of humus horizons was observed, compared with the corresponding horizons of forest soils, as well as changes in other physical features. The use of heavy machines over many years in field operations results in increased density of the soil and deterioration of soil structure. This effect is greater in soils with low colloids and organic matter contents.     

施硒对暗棕壤硒状况和森林蔬菜硒积累的影响

以培育富硒森林蔬菜为目标,在暗棕壤上进行了荚果蕨、小叶芹、小根蒜、婆婆丁等4种山野菜施硒试验。硒肥种类为亚硒酸钠,施硒量为0.10~10.00mg kg-1,直接施肥范围为0~15cm表土。经过一个完整的生长周期(1a)后测定土壤和植物硒指标。结果表明,典型暗棕壤对外源亚硒酸钠态硒具有较强吸收与保持能力,从低剂量至高剂量施入的硒有90%~70%以上仍保留在原施硒土层内;其中H2O可溶态硒占全硒的6.03%~3.78%,KH2PO4浸提的有效态硒占全硒的19.36%~37.54%,而且土壤全硒、KH2PO4浸提的有效态硒及H2O可溶态硒皆与最初的施硒量呈线性正相关。在土施强化供硒条件下,4种山野菜均能高量富集硒,其含硒量为对照的1.7~158.9倍;不同植物的富硒能力有差异,它们在递增施硒情况下高量富集硒的变化模式也各有特点。总体来看,山野菜含硒量与施硒量之间为非线性正相关关系,但在一定的较低施硒量范围内这种关系则是线性的,线性范围因植物而异;土壤的可溶态硒、KH2PO4浸提的有效硒甚至全硒等指标与山野菜含硒量之间亦均呈明显的非线性正相关,且施硒量较低时其关系亦表现为线性。初步得出,典型暗棕壤控制施硒是在近自然条件下培育富硒森林蔬菜并获取高富硒生物资源的有效途径;不过,强烈搅动的砂砾质暗棕壤却不利于硒肥保持和植物吸收,不适于富硒森林蔬菜栽培。     

Evaluation of aggregate stability of Haplic Stagnosols using dynamic light scattering,phase analysis light scattering and color coordinates

Dynamic light scattering and phase analysis light scattering have been used to study organo-clay complexes and aggregate stability of Haplic Stagnosols depending on land use. The study of agricultural soils afforested for 45 years showed that the value of the effective diameter of organo-clay complexes slightly decreased compared to that in arable soil but remains still higher than that in the forest soil. Multiple linear regression statistical models were developed to predict the effective diameter of the particles. The best model (r = 0.95), where all parameters were significant (P < 0.05), included the clay content, clay carbon concentration, total iron (Fe_t) and soil color coordinates (L*, a*, b*). In the upper horizons, the effective diameter depends on the organic matter content, whereas iron oxides with surfaced position play the main role in the underlying horizons. Intensive tillage moves the colloidal system to coagulation and after withdrawal of arable Haplic Stagnosol from the agricultural production, the colloidal system tends to restore its peptization stability. However, it should be noted that the afforestation period (45 years) of arable Haplic Stagnosols is not enough for a full recovery of organo-clay complexes peptization stability.     

Pedogenic characteristics of soils distributed under Warm-temperate forest climate in Nyu mountains,Fukui Prefecture,Central Japan

The bioclimatic conditions, profile morphology and physico-chemical properties of five different soils under the Warm-temperate deciduous broad-leaved forest climate, Warm-temperate lucidophyllous forest climate, and Cool-temperate deciduous broad-leaved forest climate in the northern part of the Nyu mountains in Fukui Pref., Central Japan were examined. The outline of the results is as follows: 1) The Dark red soil, Kunimidake series, derived from pyroxene andesite may have been formed by the hydrothermal action of volcanism. 2) The Dry brown forest soil, Takasu-1 series, showed a brighter colour in the Bw horizon and a sudden decrease in the humus content below the AB horizon, suggesting that this soil was similar to Yellow-Brown Forest soils rather than to Brown Forest soils. 3) The Dry brown forest soil (reddish), Tega series, is likely to be a Yellow-Brown Forest soil derived from the loess which covered the underlying paleo-red soil. 4) The Red soil, Oshibayama series, was a paleo-red soil in which the upper part had been lost by erosion. 5) The Yellow soil, Yada series, on the Takasu coastal terrace was also considered to be a Yellow-Brown Forest soil affected by the seawater components from the neighboring coast. 6) It was suggested that zonal soils formed under the Warm-temperate deciduous broad-leaved forest climate in the northern part of the Nyu mountains, in the northwestern region of Fukui Pref. were Yellow-Brown Forest soils like those under the Warm-temperate lucidophyllous forest climate.     

Particle size and free iron oxide distribution in some latosols and groundwater laterites of Ghana

The distribution of particle size and Na-dithionite-extractable (di-Fe₂ O₃) and NH₄-oxalate-extractable (ox-Fe₂O₃) iron oxides were investigated in twelve soil profiles representing latosols and groundwater laterites. Soil profiles studied were selected from the major ecological zones of Ghana. The pattern of distribution of free Fe₂O₃ was closely related to that of clay (< 2μ) in soil profiles of the humid forest zones where clay content was more than 40% in the B horizons. In soil profiles of the relatively dry savannah zones with less than 40% clay in the B horizon, the pattern of distribution of free Fe₂O₃ was closely related to that of silt (2–20 μ). The amount of free Fe₂O₃ in the soils appeared to be related to kind of parent rock or parent material and to climatic factors operating in the various ecological zones. Using the amount of di-Fe₂O₃ in the B horizon as a basis for assessing the relative degrees of pedogenesis in soil profiles developed from the same kind of parent material, it was concluded that soil profile development had progressed most in the rain forest zone. Free Fe₂O₃ was considered as having reached an advanced stage of crystallinity or aging in most of the soils because of the low ox-Fe₂O₃/di-Fe₂O₃ ratios in the solums of most of the soil profiles. Soils studied were placed in the ferrallitic and ferruginous soil classes of D'Hoore. The great soil groups could not be characterized by depth function curves of free Fe₂O₃. However, it was proposed that the relative amounts of di-Fe₂O₃ in the B horizons of the soil profiles could be used as a basis for classifying these soils at the family level.     

Soils with complex organic profiles on the Vasyugan Plain

Soils with intricate patterns of their humus profiles developing in the neutral-calcium landscapes of the southern taiga of Western Siberia under highly dynamic paleogeographic, climatic, and weather conditions are characterized. The specific features of these soils comprise the diverse modern humus horizons along with the relic ones of different preservation rates, shallow leaching of carbonates, and a weak development of the middle-profile soil horizons. Specifying these organo-accumulative soils is substantiated by their high humus content against the geochemical background of the clayey calcareous parent rocks. The conjugated series of soils reflect different stages of the soil evolution (the humus profile degradation, the development of eluvial process, and the increase of contrasts in the acid-base conditions) and the hydromorphic transformation accompanied by the formation of organic horizons making the humus profile more complicated. In accordance with the diagnostic horizons, the position of the soils studied was determined in the Classification and Diagnostics of Soils of Russia. The relic enrichment of the humus horizon is proposed to be used as a specific feature of these soils.     

Soil evolution on basalt and basic pyroclastic materials in the Golan Heights

The soils of the Golan basaltic plateau were surveyed and analyzed. Soils on uneroded plateaus range from montmorillonitic calcareous Reddish Brown Grumusols in the semi-arid areas through noncalcareous Brown Grumusols in the sub-humid areas to Brown and Red Mediterranean Soils with typical argillic horizons and dominance of kaolinitic clay in the humid parts of this region. Protogrumusols and basaltic Lithosols are found in eroded places. Volcanic cone soils in the humid Golan parts range from tuffic Regosols on the youngest cones and most eroded areas through tuffic Red Mediterrranean silty clay loam and silty loam on less eroded areas to tuffic Red Mediterranean clays on the older volcanic eruption sites and comparatively stable slopes.The weathering of the basalt is comparatively very slow, especially in the drier upland areas of the southern Golan. The weathering of the pyroclastic materials, on the other hand is fast, due to the great internal surface of this parent material.The various soils exhibit different leaching stages. A gradual disappearance of lime, decrease in pH values, increase in exchangeable H⁺ and a shift from montmorillonite clay dominance to kaolinite and similar clay types expresses the increase in the leaching degree from the dry areas to the moist ones.The textural profile of Golan soils depend on clay content and type. A soil sequence commencing with self-mulching Grumusols through various intermediate types to typical ABC Red and Brown Mediterranean Soils may be distinguished along climatic, time and drainage gradients.     

Chronosequence of pedogenesis and Quaternary Paleoenvironment in Kunming Basin,Yunnan Province,China

Soils on the terrace groups along the eastern coast of Dianchi Lake located south of Kunming, Yunnan Province, China, consist of a series of chronose-quences reflecting the age of terrace formation and environmental changes since the early Pleistocene. Red-colored soils with reticulated mottlings on the higher terraces are classified as Argillic Latored soils, corresponding to Rhodic Nitisols (FAQ-Unesco) or Rhodic Kandiudults (USDA), whereas red-colored soils on the middle terraces are classified as Agric Red soils, corresponding to Rhodic Nitisols (FAO-Unesco) or Typic Rhodudalfs (USDA). On the other hand, soils on the lower terraces are classified as Haplic Yellow-brown soils, corresponding to Eutric Cambisols (FAO-Unesco) or Dystric Eutrochrepts (USDA). The Argillic Latored soils. Agric Red soils and Haplic Yellow-brown soils date back to the middle Pleistocene, late Pleistocene and Holocene, respectively. It is also possible that the Argillic Latored soils were formed under a subtropical monsoon forest climate, the Agric Red soils under a southern warm-temperate lucidophyllus forest climate, and the Haplic Yellow-brown soils under the present northern warm-temperate deciduous broadleaved forest climate.