Clay mineralogical composition and chemical properties of Haplic Luvisol developed on loess in the protected landscape area Litovelské Pomoraví

Abstract

AbstractThe character of parent material, organic matter and climatic conditions are the crucial factors of pedogenesis. They directly influence the intensity of weathering, transformation processes, elements release and geochemical cycles. The mineral transformation in a profile of the recent soil developed on loess (Haplic Luvisols, Siltic, Epidystric, Ochric) was studied. The land area Litovelské Pomoraví was chosen because of the stability of soil‐forming factors such as topography, relief, vegetation and climate. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) quantitative analysis of the fine earth (<2 mm) and XRD analysis of clay (<2 μm) and the fine clay fraction (<0.2 μm) were applied. The obtained results showed the most significant differences between the argic horizons (Bt1 and Bt2) and other soil horizons. The lower content of quartz and feldspars and higher content of dioctahedral micas and phyllosilicates in both Bt horizons was observed. It was assumed the clay illuviation/lessivage process was preceded by long‐term leaching of carbonate in humid continental conditions during almost the whole Holocene. The distribution of the clay fraction correlates with the distribution of phyllosilicates through the profile. Major clay minerals in the clay fraction (<2 μm) were illite and kaolinite, smectite, chlorite, vermiculite and several types of mixed‐layered phases. The analysis of the finer clay fraction (<0.2 μm) identified the new phase hydroxy‐interlayered minerals as the product of illite (vermiculite) weathering in humid continental conditions.Highlights Clay mineralogy of Haplic Luvisols on loess was studied. XRD analysis identified the new phase of hydroxy‐interlayered minerals. Increasing of smectites, dioctahedral micas, and goethite as a result of clay illuviation/lessivage process was observed.