CHEMICAL AND MINERALOGICAL PROPERTIES OF BROWN PODZOLIC SOILS IN COMPARISON WITH SOILS OF OTHER GROUPS

Chemical and mineralogical properties of brown podzolic soils, brown earths, a podzol, and an Andept have been studied with particular reference to the kinds and distribution of amorphous materials. In addition to pyrophosphate extractable (Fe + Al)/per cent clay, brown podzolic soils can be distinguished from brown earths by Fe-oxalate/Fe-dithionite and Fe-pyrophosphate/Fe-dithionite ratios, fluoride reactivity, and the presence of intergrade 2:1-2:2 and smectite-like clay minerals in surface horizons. Significant amounts of amorphous alumino-silicates resembling allophane were found in the Bs horizons of the brown podzolic soils, particularly those on igneous rocks. These amounts are sufficiently large to suggest the recognition of an Andic sub-group of brown podzolic soils in England and Wales.