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.     

Soil mixing and genesis as affected by tree uprooting in three temperate forests

The purpose of this study was to identify general patterns of pedoturbation by tree uprooting in three different, forested landscapes and to quantify post‐disturbance pedogenesis. Specifically, our study illustrates how the effects of ‘tree‐throw’ on soils gradually become diminished over time by post‐uprooting pedogenesis. We studied soil development within 46 pit‐mounds in two regions of the Czech Republic, one on Haplic Cambisols and one on Entic Podzols. A third study site was in Michigan, USA, on Albic Podzols. Uprooting events were dated by using tree censuses, dendrochronology and radiometry. These dates provided information on several chronosequences of pedogenesis in the post‐uprooting pits and mounds, dating back to 1816 AD (dendrochronological dating, Haplic Cambisols), 322 AD (median of calibration age, ¹⁴C age = 1720 ± 35 BP, Entic Podzols) and 4077 BC (¹⁴C age = 5260 ± 30 BP, Albic Podzols). Post‐uprooting pedogenesis was most rapid in pits and slowest on mounds. Linear chronofunction models were the most applicable for pedogenesis, regardless of whether the soils were in pit or mound microsites. These models allowed us to estimate the time required for horizons in such disturbed sites to obtain the equivalent thicknesses of those in undisturbed sites. These ranged from 5 (O horizon in pits on the Haplic Cambisols) to > 16 000 years (E horizon on mounds on the Albic Podzols). On the Albic Podzols, development of eluvial and spodic horizon thicknesses suggested that pathways involving divergent pedogenesis may occur at these small and localized spatial scales.     

Soil development on the Crimean Peninsula in the Late Holocene

The study of soils of different ages in different physiographic regions of the Crimean Peninsula made it possible to reveal the main regularities of pedogenesis in the Late Holocene (in the past 2800 years). With respect to the average rate of the development of soil humus horizons, the main types of soils in the studied region were arranged into the following sequence: southern chernozems and dark chestnut soils > mountainous forest brown soils > gravelly cinnamonic soils. In the newly formed soils, the accumulation of humus developed at a higher rate than the increase in the thickness of humus horizons. A sharp decrease in the rates of development of soil humus profiles and humus accumulation took place in the soils with the age of 1100-1200 years. The possibility for assessing the impact of climate changes on the pedogenetic process on the basis of instrumental meteorological data was shown. The potential centennial fluctuations of the climate in the Holocene determined the possibility of pulsating shifts of soil-geographic subzones within the steppe part of the Crimea with considerable changes in the rates of the development of soil humus horizons in comparison with those in the Late Holocene.     

Dissolved organic matter in lysimetric water of mountain forest soils in the southern Sikhote Alin

The fractional composition of dissolved organic matter and the chemical nature of humic and fulvic acids were studied in lysimetric waters from forest soils of different altitudinal zones in the Sikhote Alin Range. The elemental composition, infrared absorption spectra, concentrations of acid functional groups, and pK spectra of humic and fulvic acids were determined. Fulvic acids predominated in the upper soil horizons, and fraction of nonspecific dissolved organic substances predominated in the lower mineral horizons. The portion of humic acids in the humus horizons markedly decreased from the low-mountain soils to the high-mountain soils; the nitrogen content of humic and fulvic acids decreased in the same direction. Three classes of carboxyl and phenolic groups were determined in pK-spectra of humic and fulvic acids. The soils of high-mountain zones had stronger acidic properties of humic and fulvic acids in comparison with the soils of low-mountain zones. The determined characteristics of the composition of dissolved organic matter and the trends of their changes contribute to our knowledge of pedogenetic processes in the altitudinal sequence of forest landscapes of the Sikhote Alin Range.     

Micromorphology of a clayey Bs horizon in an ash-derived podzolic soil from shimokita peninsula in northeastern Japan

It is well known that most developed Podzols or Spodosols occur on coarse- textured materials with a low content of weatherable minerals (Duchaufour 1977; McKeague et al 1983). In the Podzols derived from such parent material*. the th and/or Bhs horizons show definite evidence of illuviation characterized by continuous cementation, presence of cracked coatings on sand grains, and/or distinct dark pellets, These features were, therefore, adopted as the morphological criteria for spodic horizons in the Soil Taxonomy (Soil Survey Stalt 1975). The problem is to determine whether such criteria can be applied to Podzolic soils derived from volcanic ash which consists of fine, weatherable minerals.     

Soil evolution on the low terraces of Lake Nero

The soil evolution in the depression of Lake Nero was driven by climate changes in the Holocene and by the history of the relief’s development in this region. In the Alleröd period, dark-colored soils were formed; in the Late Dryas period, they were cryoturbated and covered by colluvial deposits from the adjacent slopes. These specific paleosols are found on relatively high ancient surfaces. In the Early and Middle Holocene (10000–3700 BP), dark-colored horizons of soils with high stability of the organic matter were formed. The properties of humus in these soils are close to the properties of humus in forest-steppe soils. In the past 3500–3700 years, under conditions of some cooling and humidization of the climate with the development of taiga pedogenesis, these soils have evolved into soddy-podzolic soils. Their dark-colored horizons have degraded, though their lower parts are partly preserved in many places as the second humus horizons, the most distinctive feature of the soil polygenesis in the studied region. The soils of the low terrace (100–103 m a.s.l.) are younger than the soils of the higher and more ancient surfaces. Their evolution followed the same stages, though the Alleröd paleosols have not been found on this surface. In the coastal zone, at the heights below 97 m a.s.l., the soil formation began later, about 7000 years ago. Afterwards, the soils of this surface were subjected to the influence of fluctuations in the lake’s level. During the regression phase (7000–3500 BP), which corresponded to the dark-colored pedogenesis, these soils and the habitation deposits of the Bronze Age were formed on the dried bottom of the lake below its modern lake level of 93.2 m a.s.l. In the Late Holocene, these soils in the coastal zone were subjected to waterlogging rather than to podzolization due to the rise in the lake’s level; they have evolved into the soddy gley soils.     

Zur Genese von Schwarzerden auf der Sontheimer Hochterrasse in der Donauniederung bei Ulm

Pedogenesis of chernozems in the upper river terrace of the Danubian river near Ulm (South West Germany) The “chernozem-like” soils in the upper river terrace of the Danubian river near Ulm (FRG) were examinated. Field analyses as well as soil physical and chemical, clay mineralogical and pollen analyses were carried out. The parent material of the soils was identified as loess, on the basis of its texture, clay mineral composition, structure, carbonate content, the presence of loess molluscs, and the location on an upper river terrace with loess findings in the surrounding. Characteristic pedogenetic processes, such as deliming, silicate weathering, formation of oxides and hydroxides, neoformation of clay minerals and clay translocation prove a non-groundwater-influenced development of the soils within at least the last 8000 years. Therefore an accumulation of organic matter under anaerobic conditions during the peat formation in the lower river terrace nearby was not possible. According to this finding, it can be deducted that the humus accumulation may be due to influences of continental climate and forest steppe during the preboreal period, whereby the humus horizons were formed at deeper horizons through bioturbation. After the groundwater level was raised in boreal age, the steppe stage of the soils had ended and the fluctuating levels of groundwater, rich in carbonates, stabilized humic substances. Thus strong degradation of the soils to date was prevented. Therefore the soils under study could be classified as gleyic Chernozems or luvic Phaeozems.     

Characteristics of Clay Minerals in Podzols and Podzolic Soils

The clay minerals in Podzols and podzolic soils developed under coniferous forests in the Subarctic and Cool-temperate zones are characterized by the predominance of smectite and/or mica-smectite interstratified minerals in the eluvial horizons and chlorite-vermiculite intergrade in the illuvial horizons. A large amount of vermiculite is present in the eluvial horizons of some podzolic soils in the Cool-temperate zone. The illuvial horizons of these soils also contain free iron oxides such as goethite. Imogolite and allophane are present in the illuvial horizons of several soils derived from volcanic ashes. It is suggested that the critical bioclimate for the release of interlayered aluminum from the 2:1-type minerals lies between the Cool- and Warm-temperate zone. In the eluvial horizons of Podzols and podzolic soils, mica minerals and chlorite, as primary minerals, have been transformed to smectite through the pedogenic process. Based on previous studies on the structure and degradation of the dioctahedral mica minerals, it is considered that smectite is transformed from 1M-type mica minerals directly, and from 2M-type mica minerals via mica-smectite interstratifled minerals. The formation of a smectite lattice in the eluvial horizon should be a clay-mineralogical indicator of podzolization.     

Modeling of the evolution of steppe chernozems and development of the method of pedogenetic chronology

Geoarchaeological methods were used to study chronosequences of surface soils in the steppe zone and to trace soil evolution during the Late Holocene in northwestern Crimea. It was found that the morphological and functional “maturity” of the humus horizons in steppe chernozems of the Late Holocene was reached in about 1600–1800 yrs. After this, their development decelerated irreversibly. The maximum concentration of trace elements accumulated in these horizons in the course of pedogenesis was reached in 1400 yrs. A new method of pedogenetic chronology based on the model chronofunction of the development of irreversible results of pedogenesis over time is suggested. Original pedochronological data and growth functions—the most suitable models for simulating pedogenesis over the past three thousand years—suggest that the development of morphological features of soil as an organomineral natural body follows growth patterns established for biological systems.     

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.     

Micromorphology of diagnostic horizons in aridic soils (complementary to the new classification system of soils of Russia)

The micromorphological data on aridic soils are far from numerous; therefore, the information presented here contributes to the development of pedogenetic ideas and characterization of diagnostic horizons and genetic properties in substantive-genetic classification systems. The diversity, functioning, and resilience of aridic soils are basically determined by the properties of their topsoils, which are regarded as recent dynamic formations as opposed to subsoils that formed under a different paleoclimatic environment; topsoil properties are more important for soil classification. Each of the two upper horizons in the new system of soil classification (the light-humus and xero-humus) has the same micromorphological features in different soils; however, in a sequence of soils, some individual micromorphological properties were revealed that indicate increasing aridity. The micromorphological properties of topsoils make it possible to identify the mechanisms of certain phenomena: aeolian deposition, structural rearrangement, the dynamics of secondary carbonates, and cryptosolonetzic manifestations.     

Pedogenetische Differenzierung von Bodeneigenschaften auf Aggregatebene

Pedogenetic differentiation of soil properties in aggregates Besides the pedogenetic differentiation of soils in horizons a differentiation within horizons across aggregates seems possible. The objective of this study is to check if there is a differentiation of soil properties across aggregates. From a Braunerde, a Podzol-Braunerde, and 2 Podsols from Bavaria and Slovakia aggregates of 10–30 mm in diameter were selected manually from both topsoil and subsoil horizons and mechanically fractionated into a core and a surface fraction. In the aggregate fractions C_org, Al_o, and Fe_d were determined. C_org is generally depleted in the surface fractions of the A-horizons compared to the core fractions. This may be due to favoured microbial degradation of organic matter compared to the aggregate core and preferential leaching of organic C. In the subsoil horizons of the Braunerde C_org is lower in the aggregate surface fraction, in the Podzol, however, it is higher. In Podzols preferential C-input and sorption to aggregate surfaces seems to dominate. Lower Al_o? and Fe_d?concentrations in the aggregate surface fractions of all A-horizons may be explained by preferential acidification of aggregate surfaces as the aggregate surfaces mainly buffer the proton input into structured mineral soils. In the B-horizons only in Braunerde Al_o and Fe_d are lower in the aggregate surface fractions than in the core fractions. The Podzol B-horizons show preferential illuvial enrichment of sesquioxides at aggregate surfaces. Thus, pedogenesis results in the differentiation of soil properties not only between horizons but also within horizons on the level of aggregates. The resulting different chemical properties of aggregate surface and core fractions may affect the sorption capacity of structured soils.     

Winterliche N-Mineralisation in sandigen Böden des ‘Fuhrberger Feldes’ (Hannover)

N mineralization in sandy soils of the ‘Fuhrberg well field’ (Hannover) during winter Net N mineralization was measured under field conditions during winter and spring 1991/92 in sandy arable soils (Gleyic Podzols, Mollic Gleysols, Gleyic Arenosols) of the ‘Fuhrberg well field’, a drinking water catchment north-east of Hannover. The aim was to assess leaching losses of nitrate from mineralization processes during the winter on soils formerly used as grassland. Two field procedures were used: the incubation of soil material in polyethylene bags at its original location and rain sheltered fallow plots. Between 6 and 40 (100) kg N ha^?1 were mineralized during 73 days from Dec., 17th to March, 2nd. Mineralisation rates were closely correlated to the organic N and C contents of the soils (r² ± 0.9). In the uncovered soils, the NO₃ was completely leached out. On five out of seven fields the process ‘N-mineralization during winter’ alone was sufficient to exceed the official limit for drinking water (50 mg 1^?1 NO₃^? ) in the uppermost groundwater. It is concluded that even 15 years after converting grassland into arable land the N_org and C_org levels in the soils had not reached a new equilibrium.     

Ermittlung von analytischen Kriterien zur bodentypologischen Einordnung tiefreichend humoser Sandböden im Westmünsterland

Determination of analytical criteria for classification of sandy soils with deepreaching humus contents in the region of Westmünsterland While mapping agricultural areas in the region of Westmünsterland a problem of soil classification became obvious. There are widespread sandy soils of brown to greybrown colour, which have unusually high contents of humus down to several decimeters depth. Several chemical and physical laboratory investigations were carried out to answer the question of natural or anthropogenic origin. Based on the characteristics of diagnostic horizons from certain classifiable soils like Kultosole espec. Plaggenesche (Plaggepts/Anthrosols, 7 profiles) and Spodosols/Podzols (8 profiles) clearly differentiating characteristics should be derived. Comparing with datas from subsoil horizons of the questionable 11 profiles these should be attached to one of the former groups. Univariate and multivariate statistic methods like discriminant and cluster analysis were used to evaluate the analytical laboratory results. It was possible to attach 5 of 11 systematic questionable soil profiles to the group of Kultosole/Plaggenesch. As there is no better fitting systematical classification (like deepreaching humous Brown Earth o.s.) the remainder must be classified as Brown Earth or Podzol-Brown Earth.     

Changes in soil morphology of Podzols affected by alkaline fly ash blown out from the dumping site of an electric power plant

Purpose

The impacts of fly ash on the chemistry of forest floors were previously described in literature, while impacts on soil properties were less recognised. Soil investigations were focussed mainly on increases of pH and base saturations in surface horizons. The purpose of this study was to describe the influence of alkaline fly ash blown out from the dumping site of a lignite-fired power plant on pH changes of ectohumus horizons of Podzols and the morphology of deeper horizons.

Materials and methods

We investigated the soil profiles of Podzols derived from loose quartz sand and developed under pine forest surrounding the dumping site of the power plant Be?chatów, central Poland. In the vicinity of the fly ash dumping site, five Podzol profiles located at a distance of 50 m from the dumping site were investigated, as well as soil profiles located along the transect set at distances of 50, 300, 800 and 2000 m from the dumping site. Control profiles were located at a distance of 7.3 km from the dumping site. Soil morphology was described in the field and the following properties were determined: soil texture, hydrolytic acidity, exchangeable cations, total organic carbon and total nitrogen content.

Results and discussion

The pH values of Podzol ectohumus horizons located close to the dumping site ranged from 6.01 to 7.34 compared to a range of 3.08–3.72 in the control. Ectohumus horizon located 300 m from the dumping site showed a pH range of 4.13–4.26, while at a distance of 800 m, the pH values did not differ from those of the control site. The upper part of the eluvial soil horizons located close to the dumping site had been transformed into transitional AE horizons in which humic substances translocated from ectohumus horizons were accumulated. Moreover, the organic carbon content of this horizon increased compared to the carbon content of the illuvial Bs horizon located below it. Under the influence of alkalisation of upper horizons, the illuvial Bhs horizons vanished and were transformed into Bs horizons.

Conclusions

Changes in soils affected by fly ashes are connected with alkalinisation of ectohumus horizons. Podzolisation processes can be reduced or even completely stopped regarding the distance from the dumping site. Eluvial Podzol horizons located close to the dumping site may be transformed into AE horizons in which humic substances translocated from ectohumus horizons are accumulated. Due to transformation and translocation of organic components, Bhs horizons can be transformed into Bs horizons.

     

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.     

A quaternary soil sequence in the Kennet Valley,central southern England

The field characteristics, texture, mineralogy and micromorphology of the soils of four chronologically separate river terraces of the River Kennet are described. The soils on the three uppermost terraces have illuvial (palaeoargillic) horizons, which have been intensely disturbed by periglacial activity. These horizons are overlain by similarly disrupted eluvial horizons mixed with aeolian silts derived from outside the Kennet catchment. The illuvial horizons most probably result from interglacial pedogenesis under climatic conditions warmer and wetter than at present, whilst the aeolian material was probably added to the soils during the last glacial period (Devensian). The lowest and youngest terrace is characterised by an undisturbed (normal argillic) soil developed in loams derived predominantly from the aeolian silts. Consequently, it is postulated that the soils of the lowest terrace owe their characteristics to a phase of postglacial pedogenesis.The results illustrate that several phases of pedogenesis can be recognised, which provide important information on the Quaternary development of the area. This is especially significant where floral, faunal, or archaeological evidence of environmental changes is unavailable.     

Chemical properties and pedogenesis of yellowish/yellow brown forest soils in the submontane and mountain zones of Kyushu district,southwestern Japan

Abstract

This study aimed to clarify pedogenetic processes and classification of yellowish Brown Forest Soils according to the Classification of Forest Soils in Japan and the Yellow Brown Forest soils according to the Unified Soil Classification System of Japan in the warm and cool temperate forest of Kyushu district, Japan. In addition, the study aimed to clarify a problem with the Unified Soil Classification System of Japan. Thirty-six soil profiles of Brown Forest Soils, including 13 yellowish Brown Forest Soils and 15 Yellow Brown Forest soils, were compared with regard to their chemical properties and the relationship with climatic conditions was assessed. The yellowish Brown Forest Soils had thin A horizons, low pH and low levels of free oxides in the B horizons, and a low amount of silica and a high aluminum and iron to silica ratio. These features were related to the paleo reddish weathering. The immaturely developed A horizon of the yellowish Brown Forest Soils was caused by these weathered, low-activity substances. The Yellow Brown Forest soils had low levels of active iron oxides and a low activity ratio of free iron oxides compared with the Haplic Brown Forest soils in the same thermal climatic conditions. The activity ratio of free iron oxides was correlated to mean annual air temperature with the carbon stocks and with many other chemical properties. Accordingly, classification of Brown Forest Soils was clearer according to thermal climatic conditions. The activity ratio of free iron oxides can become an effective index that distinguishes Yellow Brown Forest soils under warm temperate lucidophyllous forest and Haplic Brown Forest soils under cool temperate broad-leaved deciduous forest with considerable vertical soil zonality.     

THE CLASSIFICATION OF ARID ZONE SOILS

Soils in regions of arid and semi-arid climates exhibit only limited pedogenetic profile development, and they might be more usefully described, classified and mapped in terms of their depositional character. The main source of understanding of their origins and practical significance is likely to be the sedimentary geomorphology of the area concerned, rather than the minimal pedogenetic features. The term ‘sedosols’ is proposed for these soils and a method of classification is outlined, based on depositional features and origins. Sub-orders are based on mode of deposition to give four sedimentary families, viz. fluvial, littoral, aeolian, and anthropic. In lower category classification, series based on pedogenetic features cannot be defined and are replaced by the ‘depositional series’ characterized by the types of sediment (e.g. coarse textured, fine textured; saline, non-saline). Typical phases are based on soil depth and degree of erosion. Salinity induced by irrigation is also best recognized at phase level as it is essentially an ephemeral feature. The three major differentiating characteristics of sedosols are soil texture, degree of depositional stratification and effective soil depth.     

Geochemical characterization of loess-soil complexes on the Terek-Kuma Plain and the Azov-Kuban’ Lowland

The changes in the material composition of the buried soils and loesses in relation to the dynamics of the climate and sediment accumulation were studied for revealing the pedogenetic features and assessing the natural conditions in the steppe zone of the southern Russian Plain. A comparative analysis of the chemical compositions of the different-aged Pleistocene loess-soil complexes (the Otkaznoe, Port-Katon, and Shabel’skoe profiles) on the Terek-Kuma Plain and the Azov-Kuban’ Lowland was performed. An increase in the concentrations of Fe and Mn, which are intensively involved in the biological cycle, and Rb, which is accumulated due to the activation of weathering processes, was observed in the paleosols that developed in interglacial periods of activation of pedogenesis. Increased coefficients of weathering (chemical index of alteration (CIA)) = [Al/(Al + Ca + Na + K)] 100, Al/(Al + Ca + Na + Mg), Rb/Sr, and Mn/Sr), leaching (Ba/Sr), and biological activity and bioproductivity (Mn/Fe, Mn/Al) were also noted for the paleosol horizons as compared with the loess horizons. It is argued that geochemical coefficients can be used as an efficient tool in the soil and paleogeographic studies aimed at the reconstruction and refinement of the schemes of changes in the bioclimatic conditions during the Pleistocene.