Abstract
Properties of Gray Luvisol soils were examined in relation to landscape position in a boreal setting in Saskatchewan. The thickness of the organic, Ae and Bt horizons, the pH of the Ae, depth to carbonates and the percent clay in the Bt horizon were determined on samples taken from 80 profiles on a 70 × 56-m grid. At each sample location the landform element was described as one of eight elements based on the gradient, profile curvature and plan curvature. The results show that the distribution of soil properties varied as a function of landscape morphology and moisture regime. In general, the pH of the Ae horizons was higher, and the thickness of Ae and organic horizons were greater in convergent areas. In lower footslope soils, a shallow carbonate-rich water table led to a moderately alkaline pH in the Ae horizons and restricted profile development, presumably due to restricted vertical leaching. The ratio of Ae to Bt horizon thickness was greatest on upper slopes, decreasing in lower footslope soils and in convergent areas. The Bt horizons of lower footslope soils contained more clay than Bt horizons of upper slope soils, possibly as the result of the lateral redistribution of soluble and suspended constituents from divergent to convergent areas of the landscape. Keywords: Geomorphology, Luvisol, horizon development, soil depth, soil pH, illuviation
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