Typical features of short-profile soils in the Middle Urals

Abstract

Data on short-profile mountainous soils of the Middle Urals are discussed. In the new Russian soil classification system, these soils belong to the orders of lithozems (Leptosols), petrozems (Lithic Leptosols), organo-accumulative (Skeletic Umbrisols), Al–Fe-humus (Entic Podzols, Albic Podzols), and gley (Gleysols) soils. Information-logical analysis of factual data attests to a close relationship between the thickness of soil profiles and the genetic types of soils. Thus, the degree of development of the profile can be a diagnostic indicator of the type of soil formation. Short-profile soils develop in all high-altitude landscapes. Lithozems are widespread in all vertical zones. Other short-profile soils are more definitely related to certain altitudes. Thus, organo-accumulative soils mainly develop in the subalpine zone at 650–750 m a.s.l. under tall-herb meadows, podburs are found in the mountainous tundra zone at 800–940 m a.s.l. on slightly sloping surfaces. Podzols tend to occur under elfin forest zone (740–850 m) and in the transitional zone between elfin forest and tundra on steep slopes. Gley soils are formed under woodlands on flat or slightly sloping terraces at the ecotone between the zones of mountainous taiga and park woodland.