Influence of afforestation on soil genesis, morphology and properties in glacial till deposits

Abstract

A study of soil morphological, physical and chemical properties was performed in woodland of different ages, in which spruce (Picea abies), aspen (Populus tremula) and birch (Betula pendula) growing stocks have colonized former agricultural land. The aim of the study was to clarify changes in soil genesis, morphology and properties due to the afforestation of abandoned agricultural land in glacial till deposits. The research showed that soil in these deposits (loamy sand, loam, clay) retains the morphological properties of agricultural land for up to 100 years. Secondary podzolization features in the soil profiles were observed within 100 years of the start of afforestation, whereas the diagnostic properties of Albic and Spodic horizons had not developed in the soil profile after 200 years. This study demonstrated that the morphological and physico-chemical properties of forest litter horizons, including the accumulation of organic substances, are dependent on forest age; however, changes in the properties of mineral soil horizons are mainly related to woodland age. Following the afforestation of agricultural lands, changes in soil pHKCl, organic matter content and extractable Al and Fe concentrations occur more rapidly than changes in soil diagnostic properties and profile formation.