| Abstract: | Water soluble organic substances extracted from the L, Of, Oh, A, and B horizons of acid soils under Beech (Fagus sylvatica) and Spruce (Picea abies) were fractionated on Sephadex G-25 (medium). Infrared, 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectra of the fractionated components were obtained and comparisons were made among fractions, among horizons, and between forest types. Usually, the spectra indicated that carbohydrates dominated the water soluble fractions. Substances originated from spruce exhibited more undissociated carboxylic acid character than the beech derived material. Despite many similarities, principal differences in the carbohydrate components were found among fractions, among horizons, and between vegetation types. |
