Changes of bulk density, air-water properties and morphology of soils in basins without outlets as an effect of erosion and anthropogenic denudation (a study from northwestern Poland)

Abstract

The aim of the study was to examine and identify the scale of changes of bulk density, air-water properties and morphology in soils occurring in basins without outlets in northwestern Poland as a result of erosion and anthropogenic denudation. These processes are conditioned by a diversified relief, slope reduction, texture and land use, and modify the physico-chemical properties and morphology of soils of the tops and bottoms of basins without outlets. The basic effect of anthropogenic denudation is increased thickness of the humus horizon from 10–15 cm in forest to 25–30 cm in arable land and compaction of soil material. Erosion processes underlie the formation of deluvial soils. Eroded soils which occur on higher parts of the slopes in basins without outlets are more compacted and drier than deluvial soils. Soil texture and flora are some of the most important factors that determine the intensity of erosion processes. Denudation markedly diversifies the soil cover of morainic landscapes in Poland.