| Abstract: | Humus dynamics in four Austrian forest soils The humus of four Austrian forest soils was characterized by means of a chromatographic and a mass spectrometric (δ13C, δ15N) method. With this combination it was possible to explain changes in the humic acid systems within the profiles. The leaching of humic acids in a Spodo-Dystric Cambisol and therefore the beginning of podsolization could be deduced. In a Stagno-Dystric Gleysol processes of dehumification were determined. The value of non humic substances was enhanced within the profile of a Fluvi-Calcaric Fluvisol. The δ15N-values increased in the four profiles much more with depth than the δ13C-values. This indicated the rapid mineralization of organic nitrogen. |
