Distribution and reorganization of manganese in three catenas of Mediterranean soils

Abstract

Total manganese was determined in soils and soil clays from catenary sequences on basalt, dolomite and limestone, including Terra Rossa, Brown Mediterranean, Krasnozem, Grumusol, and Lithosolic soils (Rhodoxeralfs, Haploxeralfs, Chromoxererts, and Xerorthents). The total amount of Mn was highest in the basaltic catena, 1,900–2,500 p.p.m., lowest in the limestone derived Terra Rossa soils, ∼1,200 p.p.m. Most of the Mn was present in the non-clay fraction of the soil. Total manganese increased downslope by 50–80% through lateral transport, and through immobilization in Mn rich nodules in the grumusolic footslope soils, under seasonally reducing conditions. The three catenas behaved similarly. Parent material, geomorphic processes and the soil's moisture regime are thus the controlling factors governing the distribution and reorganization of manganese on pedomorphic surfaces.