The Study of Physical and Chemical Characteristics of Organo-Clay Complexes of the Chronosequence of Albic Retisols Using Dynamic Light Scattering and Phase Analysis Light Scattering

Abstract

Dynamic light scattering (DLS) and phase analysis light scattering (PALS) have been used to study the physical and chemical characteristics of organo-clay complexes of soddy-podzolic soils (Albic Retisols (Loamic, Cutanic, Differentic, Ochric)) of forest sites of the Central Forest Reserve. The study of the chronosequence of abandoned agricultural soils afforested for 100 years showed that the value of the average diameter of the organo-clay complexes slightly decreased compared to that at the site with minimum duration of afforestation (5–7 years), but remained still higher than in the forest soils. Multiple linear regression statistical models were developed to predict the average diameter of clay particles. The best model (r = 0.83), where all parameters were significant (P < 0.05), included the content of clay and carbon concentration in clay. The chronosequence of postagrogenic soddy-podzolic soils demonstrated the proximity of the colloidal system stability, but in a peptization state, as evidenced by the values of zeta potential and average diameter of the clay particles.