Cambic Horizons Research Articles

Pedological Factors, Classification, Physical-Chemical Properties and Management Strategies of Inceptisols in the Boca Formation of Temanggung, Cetral Java, Indonesia (Study: Horticultural Land Management)

Abstract The purpose of this research is to see the development of soil and management strategy of the boca formation in the Temanggung, Central Java, Indonesia. The boca range in Temanggung are hills located in Danurejo, Central Java, which are part of the old Sumbing mountain formation. This area is thought to be an intrusion area of cracks from the old Sumbing mountain, located at the foot of the mountain between Sumbing and Sindoro mountains. The boca formation is located at 705.9 m above sea level (m asl), in general the Boca formation consists of breccia, andesite, anglomerate and tuff. Vegetation that grows in the boca range includes bamboo and cotton. Soil genesis in the boca range has not yet reached an advanced stage of development characterized by the formation of an argillic horizon. The observed soil shows a diagnostic horizon, the cambic horizon. The soil acidity level (pH 5-6.5), falls into the slightly acidic class, with a texture dominated by geluhan. Based on the data obtained through field survey and laboratory analysis, the soils in the boca range are classified into Inceptisols based on USDA, Cambisols based on PPT and Cambisols based on WRB with ustic regime.

Numerical classification of termite-mediated soils along toposequences and rangeland use influenced soil properties in southeast Ethiopia

Despite termite-induced soil mixing, summarizing termite-affected soil horizons is difficult, while the lack of accurate information on the pedogenic processes featured by termite bioturbation, topography, and land use limits an effort to address land degradation. A study was therefore carried out to quantitatively classify the soils and describe them based on rangeland uses. Based on cluster analysis, five representative soil profiles were studied at different topographical positions. Soil samples were collected from mounds and adjacent soils under enclosure, cultivated, and open-grazing land at the summit and foot slope positions. Agglomerative clustering showed low Ca2+, CEC, pH, and Mg2+ that described cambic horizons formed Cambisols at the summit and back slope. Eluviation-illuviation processes formed Luvisols on the toe slope and foot slope, whereas clay and high CEC described argic horizons. High Ca2+, CEC, pH, and Mg2+ described calcic horizons that formed Calcisols on the bottom slope. Divisive clustering showed that soil properties varied slightly between Cambisols and Luvisols at different topographies. However, the Luvisols on the toe slope were differentiated from the soil on the foot slope by predominant pedogenetic clay formation and a distinctly increased CEC. Calcisols are placed in other clusters due to their distinct properties. Agglomerative clustering reflected pedogenic processes and differentiated diagnostic horizons, while divisive clustering matched WRB classification. The results of this study also showed that termite-mediated soil properties were dictated by rangeland use, and pedogenesis was more noticeable on open-grazing land than on enclosure or cultivated land.

Soil distribution and soil properties in the subalpine region of Kazbegi, Greater Caucasus, Georgia: Physicochemical properties, distribution and genesis

Due to their characteristic properties, mountain soils require adequate management if used for cropping or grazing, even if climatic conditions are favorable. This study provides a summary of a three-year field campaign that evaluated mountain soils in in northern Georgia for sustainable agricultural use. Soils in the Kazbegi study area, located on the northern slope of the Great Caucasian Ridge, were mapped in 2014 and 2015. The soils developed mainly on sediment fans and on glacial and fluvial sediments. They were characterized by a low to moderate yield potential, with high-yield soils found on volcanic plateaus. Despite the high diversity of terrestrial and semi-terrestrial soils, common to all of them was a high humus content. In the river valleys, Fluvisols (or at least soils with fluvic-properties) were widespread and in the valley depressions fens, e.g., Histosols, occurred as well. On volcanic substrates, medium to very deep Cambisols or Umbrisols were found, with moderate to good agricultural yield potentials. However, P-sorption, mainly on amorphous Al- and Fe-oxides, could lead to an increased need for fertilization. Cambisols were present on moraine, and primarily Regosols and Cambisols on the clay and silt-rich sedimentary rocks of the Jurassic, including a widely distributed coarse fraction. The cambic horizon was not visually apparent but was clearly detectable analytically. Depending on the slope inclination and exposure, even Leptosols occurred on the slopes and peaks of sedimentary or volcanic rocks. Based on these results, a synthetic soil map merging geological and geodetic data as well as data from field mapping was created to provide an instrument for land use management.

Characterization and classification of soil resources of hittinahalli sub-watershed derived from basalt in Northern dry zone of Karnataka

Eighteen Typical pedons representing upland, midland, and lowland forms in a Hittinahalli subwatershed of Vijayapur district were studied for their morphological characteristics and physicochemical properties. The soils were shallow to very deep (25 to >150 cm), very dark brown to black (Munsell color chart) and moderately well to poorly drained. The soil structure changes from weak, medium sub- angular blocky on the surface to moderate, coarse sub-angular blocky in the subsurface horizons. The soils are moderately alkaline to strongly alkaline (7.59–9.41), low to high in organic carbon (0.08–0.75 g/kg). The pedons on uplands exhibit the development of an argillic horizon (Bt). The pedons on the midlands and lowlands have cambic horizons (Bw), classified as Verisols and Inceptisols, respectively. The lowlands (P6, P10, P16, and P18) and midlands (P7, P8, P12, P15, and P17) are classified as fine, mixed, Iso-hyperthermic, and Typic Haplustalfs.

Characterization and classification of soils of upper Hoha sub-watershed in Assosa District, Western Ethiopia

Characterization and classification of soils is a major tool for understanding the nature and status of soils. The objective of the study was to characterize, classify and map the soils of Upper Hoha sub-watershed according to the World Reference Base for Soil Resources [1]. Seven representative pedons were opened in Upper Hoha sub-watershed at different landscape positions. Accordingly, the surface soils of Pedon 2, 3, and 7 consisted of Mollic horizons; whereas Pedon 1, 4, 5 and 6 had Umbric horizons. The subsurface diagnostic horizons identified for the opened pedons were Nitic, Cambic, Ferralic, Plinthic and Pisoplinthic horizons. Pedon 1, 2, 4, 5 and 7 contained a Nitic horizon; whereas, Pedon 3 and 6 had Cambic horizons. Also Pedon 3, 4 and 6 had Plinthic, Ferralic and Pisoplinthic subsurface horizons respectively. The surface soils of Pedon 1, 2 and 4 showed anthric properties which is affected by long-term plowing; and Pedon 2, 5 and 6 showed sideralic properties in the subsurface soils which had lower CEC <24 cmolc kg−1 clay. Pedon-3 and 7 showed abrupt textural difference in clay content between surface and subsurface horizons; in particular, Pedon-7 had colluvic materials deposition. As a result, soils of Upper Hoha sub-watershed were classified in reference soil groups of Nitisols, Cambisols and Plinthosols with their corresponding qualifiers.

Çanakkale’de Farklı iklim Koşullarının Toprak Oluşumuna Etkisi

Çanakkale İli Yenice (Ahiler köyü-P1) ve Ezine (Kızıltepe köyü-P2) ilçelerinde yürütülen bu çalışmada, andezitik kayaçlar üzerinde farklı yağış ve sıcaklık koşullarında oluşmuş iki toprak profili incelenmiştir. Yenice ilçesinin yıllık ortalama yağış miktarı ( 847 mm) Ezine ilçesinden (547 mm) daha fazladır. Arazide morfolojik tanımlamaları yapılan profillerden horizon esasına göre alınan toprak örneklerinde XRD (X Ray Difraksiyon), SEM (taramalı Elektron Mikroskobu) ve EDS - EDX (enerji Dağılımlı X-ışını Spektroskopisi) ve major oksit gibi bazı fizikokimyasal analizler ve mineralojik analizler yapılmıştır. Oksit analizlerden CIA (kimyasal ayrışma indeksi), PIA (plajioklas alterasyon indeksi) ve SİO2/Al2O3 gibi bazı ayrışma oranları hesaplanmıştır. Profil 1 O-A -Bt-C-R ve profil 2 ise A-Bw-C horizonlarını içermektedir. Profil 1 yüzeyde kumlu tın, yüzey altında ise kil tın ve kil, profil 2 ise genellikle kumlu kil tın bünye sınıfındadır. Yıkanmanın etkisiyle P1 de bir argillik horizon oluşmuşken P2 de kambik horizon mevcuttur. P1 de katyon değişim kapasitesi (KDK) argillik horizonda 42.48 cmolkg-1 iken P2 nin kambik horizonunda 26.72 cmolkg-1 olarak belirlenmiştir. P1’in CIA ve PIA ayrışma indeksleri P2’ye göre daha yüksek bulunmuştur. Buna göre P1 de feldspatların daha fazla ayrıştığı ve P2 ye göre daha yaşlı bir profil olduğu saptanmıştır Bunun yanında XRD analizlerine göre P1 de kaolinit mevcut olup feldspatlardan albite rastlanmazken P2 de kaolinite rastlanmamış ve önemli miktarda albit belirlenmiştir. Toprak profilleri toprak taksonomisine göre sırasıyla profil 1 Lithic Haplustalf, profil 2 ise Humic Dystroxerepts; WRB sınıflamasına göre profil 1 Epileptic Luvisols (Abruptic), profil 2 ise Haplic Cambisols (Dystric) olarak sınıflandırılmıştır. Çalışma sonuçları benzer topoğrafik koşullarda ve andezitik kayaçlar üzerinde oluşmuş iki toprak profilinde, iklim parametrelerinden yağıştaki farklılıkların toprakların profil yapısı, ayrışma düzeyleri, fiziko-kimyasal özellikleri ve toprak taksonomisini etkilediğini göstermiştir.

Characterization and classification of the Mawer forest soils of Lesser Himalayas of North Kashmir

Soil is an important component of the forest ecosystem. The inventory and assessment of the forest soil resource provide critical baseline information on forest health and productivity. Therefore, a study for the characterization and classification of the soils of Mawer forest range of North Kashmir Himalayas was conducted. In this study, twelve representative soil profiles along with two altitude gradients on Northern and Southern aspects of Mawer forest range were evaluated for soil characterization and classification. The soils show varying degree of profile development varying from A-B to A-C type with the well-developed sub-surface argillic horizon (Bt) on moderately steep slopes and cambic horizon on steep slopes. The soils are silty loam to loam in texture, slightly acidic to alkaline (pH 5.5 to 6.8) in reaction, non-saline (EC 0.02 to 0.14 dS m−1) with higher organic carbon content on north-facing profiles. Available nutrients are higher on the northern aspect of surface horizons with higher calcium and potassium content on higher altitudes and magnesium and sodium content on lower altitudes. As per soil classification, major soils belong to Udothents and Haploudolls followed by Hapludalfs, Agriudolls, and Eutrochrepts at a great group level.

A morphological approach to evaluating the nature of vineyard soils in semiarid Mediterranean environment

AbstractLa Mancha (Central Spain) is one of the most extensive vineyard regions in the world, and ‘Valdepeñas’ is a representative Protected Denomination of Origin (PDO) in this region. However, what are their main soil types? what kind of horizons are the most common? and what is the role of the geomorphological positions in their pedodiversity? After describing and sampling 90 soil profiles in this area, Alfisols, Inceptisols and Entisols were mainly identified in Soil Taxonomy terms; in other words, Luvisols, Cambisols, Regosols, Leptosols and a highly significant proportion of Calcisols according to FAO‐UNESCO‐ISSS. The accumulation of carbonate, the thickness of which varies from a diffuse or powdery form to crusted forms, appear sometimes like polycyclic. The presence of red soils, with or without a calcic or petrocalcic horizon, indicates the most representative edaphic stages in this region. Consequently, the morphological signature is calcic or petrocalcic, followed by argillic and/or cambic horizons, under ochric horizons. It can be concluded that the nature of soils in Valdepeñas can be considered a differential factor to bear in mind for quality viticultural production.Highlights There are unknown conceptual zones in support production of wine. A comprehensive study in a local case was performed due to its traditional production of vineyards. This study highlights the importance and uniqueness of the calcic and petrocalcic horizons. A disconnect exists between some tradicional viticultural zones with low reputation and the real value of their soils.

Chemical, physical‐temporal and spatial changes in 25‐year‐old mine soils in Southeast Ohio

AbstractReclaimed surface coal mines afford an opportunity to study initial pedogenic processes. This study sought to determine pedogenic processes active in a topsoiled* surface mine over 25 years. Soils were taken at 108 points from three grids in 1979 (1 year) and 2004 (25 years post‐reclamation) across a 20 ha watershed. The upper darkened portion of the replaced soil (^A1, ca. 0–5 cm), lower portion of the replaced soil (^A2, ca. 5–15 cm), and spoil (^2C) were sampled. Exchangeable Ca2+ increased from 4.3 cmolc kg−1 in 1979 to 8.2 cmolc kg−1 in 2004, and exchangeable Mg2+ increased from 2.5 to 3.3 cmolc kg−1. Soil organic carbon (SOC) increased from 0.59% to 4.05% providing evidence for humification and cycling of basic cations. SOC increases and structural development decreased bulk densities from 1.70 to 0.99 g cm−3 in the ^A1 and 1.70 to 1.24 g cm−3 in the ^A2. pH decreased in all horizons. In ^2C horizons, total sulfur decreased from 0.39% to 0.13% and electrical conductivity 3.34 dS m−1 to 1.01 dS m−1, indicating probable pyrite oxidation and salt leaching. Soils classified as Anthroportic/Anthrodensic Udorthents, as three representative pedons lacked cambic horizons. Mine soil variograms indicated higher spatial dependency in ^A1 and ^A2 horizons in 2004 than 1979 (decreasing nugget: sill ratios), whereas ^2C horizons had lower spatial dependencies in 2004. This suggests that surface horizons are more influenced by soil forming factors than spoil, which is more influenced by 'random' conditions of reclamation and not in equilibrium.

Soil classification in karstic lowland of Baraja (BRA) land system in Mangarabombang District Takalar Regency

Soil characteristics in Mangarabombang Subdistrict Takalar Regency, according to some expert opinions, are classified as Vertisols soil order, but in the RePPPRot Land System Review Map, it’s still classified as an Inceptisols soil order. Therefore more detailed research is needed regarding the soil order at that location. According to Soil Taxonomy at the sub-group category, this research aims to determine the types of soil in the karstic lowland of Baraja (BRA) land system. The method used is the toposequence transect and the analysis of physical and chemical properties, including soil color, structure, texture, bulk density, C-organic, CEC, pH, COLE, electrical conductivity, and bases saturation. These research results are the soil in the Baraja land system is undulating (34 masl), and flat (20 masl) was classified as Vertisol Order with the Lithic Haplusterts Sub-Group with limestone as a parent rock. The soil is characterized by open and closed fractures periodic, and there is lithic contact. The soil in flat areas (10 masl) was classified as Inceptisol soil with the Vertic Haplustepts Sub-Group with highly weathered limestone as parent rock. A cambic horizon characterizes the soil with thin lamellae and an alteration process, but it has fractures closed and open periodically. Soil types formed in the karstic lowland of Baraja (BRA) land system in Mangarabombang Sub-District was Vertisol with the Lithic Haplusterts Sub-Group and Inceptisols with the Vertic Haplustepts Sub-Group. The type of soil formed is affected by dominant factors, including climate (low rainfall), the parent material (limestone), and topography.

Morphology and Physicochemical Properties of Alluvial Soils in Riparian Forests after River Regulation

The elimination of flooding and lowering of the groundwater table after large-scale river regulation allow deep penetration of soils by plant roots, soil fauna, and microorganisms, thus creating favorable conditions for advanced pedogenesis. Although the changes of the morphology and properties of agriculturally used drained alluvial soils in Central Europe have been well characterized, studies in riparian forests remain insufficient. An analysis of 21 profiles of forest soils located on the Holocene river terrace (a floodplain before river regulation and embankment) in SW Poland confirmed a noticeable pedogenic transformation of soil morphology and properties resulting from river regulation. Gleyic properties were in most profiles replaced with stagnic properties, testifying to a transition from dominant groundwater supply to precipitation-water supply. The development of a diagnostic mollic and cambic horizons, correlated with the shift in soil classification from Fluvisols to Phaeozems, and in the majority, to Cambisols, demonstrated a substantial change in habitat conditions. The transformation of alluvial soils may result in an inevitable modification of forest management in the river valley, including quantitative alteration in species composition of primarily riparian forests.

Pedological Characterization and Classification of Selected Soils of Morogoro and Mbeya Regions of Tanzania

This study was done in Morogoro and Mbeya regions of Tanzania to classify and characterize their respective soils. Representative pedons (SUARAT-P1 and UYOLE-P1) were dug and described using FAO guidelines clarifying morphological features, physico-chemical properties and genesis. The representative pedons were geo-referenced using Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver. A total of nine (9) genetic soil horizons were identified from both sites and samples from each horizon collected for physical and chemical analyses. Soils from both sites were very deep and topsoil moist colors ranged from hue of 7.5YR to 10YR with chroma of less than 3 in SUARAT-P1 and UYOLE-P1 pedons. Soil structure ranged from strong fine crumbs in topsoils to medium coarse sub-angular blocks in subsoils of SUARAT-P1 while UYOLE-P1 had weak fine sub-angular blocks in topsoils and subsoils. The SUARAT-P1 had sandy clay (SC) texture in topsoil and clay texture in subsoil while UYOLE-P1 had sandy loam (SL) in topsoil and sand clay loam (SCL) in subsoil. Soil reaction were slightly acid to very strongly acid in SUARAT-P1 (pH 6.54 - 4.46) whereas UYOLE-P1 were slightly acid to neutral in subsoil horizons (pH 6.35 – 7.32). Organic carbon ranged from very low to low (0.12- 0.95%) in SUARAT-P1 and from very low to medium (0.47 – 1.5%) in UYOLE-P1. Nitrogen levels were very low to low (0.05 - 0.12%) in both sites whereas available P ranged from low (0.30 mg kg-1) to medium (8.55 mg kg-1) in both pedons. CEC of SUARAT-P1 was medium ranging from 12.4 to 23.2 cmol(c) kg-1, whereas UYOLE-P1 was medium to high (15 – 34 cmol(c) kg-1). In SUARAT-P1, topsoil BS was high (> 50%) and low (< 50%) in the subsoil while UYOLE-P1 registered high BS throughout its profile depth. As diagnostic horizons for soil classification, the SUARAT-P1 had an ochric epipedon overlying a kandic horizon and classified according to USDA Soil Taxonomy as Typic Kandiustults, while UYOLE-P1 had an ochric epipedon over a cambic horizon and was named as Andic Dystrudepts corresponding respectively to Haplic Lixisols and Eutric Andic Cambisols in the WRB for Soil Resources. The results have indicated that, studied soils are less fertile with possible reconstitution through land and crop managements which include but not limited to no-tilling or conservation tillage, manuring and proper fertilizer application; residue retention, possible fallowing, liming for potential buffering of soil pH especially at SUARAT-P1 and crop rotation and intercropping with leguminous crops.

Characterization and fertility assessment of soils of Chandauli district of Eastern Uttar Pradesh for sustainable land use planning

Seven typical pedons representing major landforms in semi-arid and sub-tropical ecosystem of Chandauli district of Uttar Pradesh, viz. plains, mid lands and uplands developed from alluvium parent material under varying land uses were studied for their morphological characteristics, physical and chemical properties and soil classification. The colour of the soils ranged from light brown grey to brownish yellow red with a dominant hue of 10YR. These soils were acidic to moderately alkaline (pH 4.8 to 8.4) in reaction, non-saline, moderately deep to very deep and had isohyperthermic temperature and udic soil moisture regime. Texture and total organic carbon (TOC) ranged from silty loam to silty clay loam and 0.1 to 29.7 kg/ha respectively. Soils were medium in phosphorus (6.8 to 24.2 kg/ha) and available potassium (159 to 376 kg/ha ). All the pedons had ochric epipedon and underlain by cambic horizon (P1 to P4) within the control section and as such they come under order Inceptisols, whereas profile 5 to profile 7 have argillic horizon so they come under order Alfisols. All soils of the study area fall in agricultural land under land capability classes III and IV having limitations of slope and erosion. On the basis of major soil constraints and potentials, suitable land use plan has been suggested.

Classification and assessment of agricultural potential of the lower Niger floodplain soils of Atani, Southeastern Nigeria

The soils of Atani floodplain in Anambra State of Nigeria contribute significantly to the food production of the State, hence the need to understand their behavior in order to enhance their management and productivity. Profile pits were sited along three physiographic units viz: levee crest, levee slope and flood basin. Soil samples were collected from the profile horizons and subjected to standard laboratory procedures. Characterization of the soils was based on their morphological, physical and chemical properties. Soil classification was carried out using the USDA Soil Taxonomy and correlated with FAO/IUSS World Reference Base. Its agricultural potential was assessed using the fertility capability classification. The soils were deep. Topsoil colour was dominantly blackish black (10YR 3/2). Mottles were pervasive; an indication of impeded drainage conditions. The soils were predominantly fine textured. Soil pH values ranged from 4.8 to 6.2. Exchangeable Calcium was low to moderate (2.6-8.2 cmol kg−1); Magnesium was moderate to high (1.6-6.8 cmol kg−1); Sodium was high to very high (1.0-2.5 cmol kg−1), while potassium was high (1.2-4.2 cmol kg−1). Cation exchange capacity values ranged from 11.6 to 42.6 cmol kg−1. Total nitrogen was very low to low (0.14-1.12 g kg−1), while organic carbon was low to moderate (0.4-15.2 g kg−1). Available phosphorus was very low to high ranging from 0.93 to 31.71 mg kg−1 while base saturation ranged from 64 to 93%. The soils were classified as Typic Fluvaquents (Typic Fluvisols), Fluvaquentic Endoaquepts (Endostagnic Cambisols) and Fluventic Endoaquepts (Endostagnic Cambisols) according to the USDA and FAO/IUSS. The fertility capability evaluation of the soils revealed that the pedons were Lgn in classification due to limitations in drainage.&#x0D; Key words: alluvium, cambic horizon, Inceptisols, lithologic discontinuity

Soil Morphology, Physico-chemical Properties, Classification and Potential of Selected Soils in Kenya

Four soil profiles (Yala, Galana, Baringo and Bondo) that represent different ecology, physiography and pedological variability were described to study their morphology, soil physico-chemical characteristics and to classify them using two internationally known soil classification systems. Soil samples were taken from designated pedogenic horizons for physical and chemical analysis in the laboratory. These soils are deep to very deep (&gt; 110 cm) and well-drained except in Galana which was imperfectly drained, with varying textures. In Bondo, the soils are moderately acid (pH 5.6 – 6). In Baringo, the soil profile is acidic (&lt; 5.0) while in Galana moderately alkaline (pH 7.3 - 8.3) and Yala soils are moderate to strongly acid (5.1 - 5.7). The organic carbon (&lt; 0.6%) and organic matter levels (1 – 2%) were low and decreased down the profiles in all. The soils have low to moderate fertility. The base saturation of the studied soils is rated as very high (&gt; 80%) in Galana and Baringo and low (&lt; 50%) in Yala and Bondo pedons. The soils are non-saline as indicated by the low values of electrical conductivity (&lt; 1.7dS/m) in the pedons. The soils are non-sodic (ESP &lt; 6%) in Bondo and Yala, however moderately sodic (ESP 11-15%) in Galana and Baringo. Ochric horizon was the main diagnostic epipedon while ferralic, argillic and cambic horizons were the diagnostic B horizons. According to USDA Soil Taxonomy, the soils were classified as Typic Haplustox (Yala), Typic Haplocalcids (Galana), Typic Eutrudepts (Baringo) and Plinthic Haplustults (Bondo) corresponding to Haplic Ferralsols, Luvic Calcisols, Haplic Cambisol and Cutanic Plinthic Acrisols in the WRB for Soil Resources. The general fertility of the soils of the areas is discussed highlighting their potentials and constraints.

Properties and classification of heavily eroded post-chernozem soils in Proszowice Plateau (southern Poland)

Abstract The morphology and properties of heavily eroded soils found in chernozems in the upland landscape of the Proszowice Plateau (southern part of Poland) was presented. The issue of classification of these soils was also discussed. Taking into account the terrain context, it should have been assumed that these soils were formed as a result of strong erosion (truncation) of chernozems. These (post-chernozem) soils were relatively young, in which only the development of humus horizon can be documented. However, the accumulation of humus was hampered by constantly intense erosion processes. Evidence of the occurrence of the illuviation process as well as formation of cambic horizon is not visible macroscopically and microscopically. These soils are often classified as weakly developed soils though despite the poor development of the soil profile, they are characterized by potentially high productivity, which results both from the properties of their parent material (texture, porosity) and from their youthfulness (carbonate content both in fine earths and in nodules, high pH in whole profile). Therefore, the name proposed in Polish Soil Classification, 6th edition (‘pararędzina’) seems to be justified. These soils would be classified as Entisols according to USDA Soil Taxonomy and as Regosols according to WRB.

Soil taxonomy and suitability assessment on typical tobacco-planting farmlands in Guizhou, Southwest China

The classification accuracy of tobacco soil in Guizhou Province remains to be verified. In this paper, 36 typical tobacco-planting farmlands were selected in various regions of Guizhou, and soil taxonomy of the farmlands was identified according to the information of soil-forming factors, profile morphological characteristics and measured data of soil physiochemical properties. Meanwhile, the suitability of the farmlands for tobacco planting was also briefly assessed. The diagnostic horizons of the surveyed farmlands include anthrostagnic epipedon, ochric epipedon, hydragric horizon, Fe-leachic horizon, LAC-ferric horizon, argic horizon, agric horizon and cambic horizon. The diagnostic characteristics included anthrostagnic-, perudic-, aquic- and udic-soil moisture regimes, gleyic features, redoxic features, lithologic character of carbonate rocks, humic property and ferric property, etc. Their soils of the farmlands belonged to Anthrosols, Ferrosols, Argosols, Cambosols and Primosols in soil orders, and there were 4, 8, 7, 5 and 1 soil subgroups in Anthrosols, Ferrosols, Argosols, Cambosols and Primosols, respectively. Soil textures of the farmlands included sandy loam, silt loam, loam, silty clay loam, clay loam, silty clay and clay, and 29 (80.6%) farmlands were unsuitable in texture for tobacco planting due to the clayey texture; 34 (94.4%) farmlands were unsuitable in plough thickness (less than 30 cm) for tobacco planting. For soil chemical properties of plough layer, pH ranged from 4.7 to 8.5, SOM from 12.3 to 55.5 g/kg, available nitrogen from 51.5 to 257.3 mg/kg, available phosphorus from 4.3 to 99.94 mg/kg, available potassium from 95 to 885 mg/kg, available Zn from 0.04 to 3.97 mg/kg, available Mo from 0.68 to 7.45 mg/kg and available B from 0.07 to 1.76 mg/kg; all spanned from the low grades to high grades. 16 (44.4%), 17 (47.2%), 13 (26.1%), 26 (72.2%), 30 (83.3%), 26 (72.2%), 20 (55.6%) and 30 (83.3%) of the farmlands were unsuitable in pH, SOM, available nitrogen, available phosphorus, available potassium, available Zn, available Mo and available B for tobacco planting, respectively. This study provides a theoretical basis for the sustainable development of tobacco field soil conservation and flue-cured tobacco production.

Characterization and Classification of Arid Soils of Kachchh district, Gujarat

Six representative pedons (P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, P6) from different landforms of Kachchh district, Gujarat were studied for their morphological, physical and chemical properties. The soils were moderately shallow to deep, well drained, slightly alkaline to strongly alkaline (pH 8.1 to 9.5), non-saline to slightly -1 saline (0.12 to 3.76 dS m ), low to high in organic carbon (0.39 to 1.78%) CaCO3 (2.1 to 26.1%), and low to medium in CEC [6.4 to 44.5 c mol (p+) kg-1]. Soil texture varied from loamy sand to clay with clay content ranging from 10.9 to 40.4%. Bulk density varied from 1.30 to 1.62 Mg m-3 and generally, increased with depth. Saturated hydraulic conductivity, generally, decreased with depth, except in pedon P3. The pedons P1 and P2 with natric horizons, pH &gt;8.5 and ESP&gt;15 were classified as Typic Natrargids. The pedon P3 with an argillic horizon and ESP &lt;15 was classified as Typic Haplargids. The pedons P4, P5, and P6 with cambic horizons and ESP &gt;15 were classified as Sodic Haplocambids. Measures to reduce sub soil sodicity need to be implemented to sustain crop production in these soils.

Characterization, Classification and Evaluation of Soils in Semi-arid Region of Mahanandi Mandal in Kurnool District of Andhra Pradesh

Ten representative pedons from surroundings of Mahanandi mandal in Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh were studied for their morphological and physicochemical properties, and nutrient status. These soils were deep to very deep, neutral to moderately alkaline (pH 7.3–8.3), non-saline (0.19–1.00 dS m−1), low to medium in organic carbon (0.2–7.5 g kg−1) and low to high in CEC [4.31–52.11 cmol(p+)kg−1 soil]. Soils were low to medium in available nitrogen (62.7–545.7 kg ha−1), low to high in available phosphorus (2.7–65.7 kg ha−1), high in available potassium (149–1125 kg ha−1) and deficient to sufficient in available sulphur (1.3–79.2 mg kg−1). The DTPA extractable Zn (0.02–4.97 mg kg−1), Fe (0.46–22.56 mg kg−1), Cu (0.02–0.55 mg kg−1) and Mn (0.27–30.80 mg kg−1) were deficient to sufficient. Pedon 2 having argillic (Bt) horizon was classified as Typic Haplustalfs and other pedons with cambic horizon (Bw) were classified as Fluventic Haplustepts (pedons 1, 4, 6, 8, 9 and 10), Aridic Ustorthents (Pedon 5), Typic Haplustepts (Pedon 3) and Vertic Calciustepts (Pedons 7).

Soil formation on calcium carbonate-rich parent material in the outer Carpathian Mountains – A case study

In this study, ten stratified calcium carbonate–rich soil profiles from the Polish Outer Carpathians were investigated in order to identity the influence of parent material variability and slope processes on soil diversity and their evolution. Moreover, we evaluated the morphological and physico-chemical soil properties to recognize the diagnostic horizons and classification of such soils. While it is usually thought that carbonate-rich soils are considered as formed in situ, these study soils clearly presented layering and contribution of materials, as they were developed from mixed substrates of different origin, e.g. as the result of mass movements and possible aeolian silt contribution. Irrespective of the type of parent material, every investigated soil showed traces of slope processes, resulting in heterogeneous soil profiles. Further, a few different patterns of primary calcium carbonate arrangement were found. In general, the studied soils were characterized by enrichment with calcium carbonate, not only due to inheritance from calcium carbonate–rich parent material but also translocation of calcium carbonate within soil profiles, the latter depending on soil stratification.Based on the obtained results, four pathways of soil evolution were formulated. Leptosols, which represent initial calcium carbonate–rich soils, may evolve in different directions. First, formation of the thick layer suitable for cambic horizon development under deciduous forests, which enables the classification of such soils as Cambisols, depends on slope processes and allochthonous material deposition. In turn, the decrease of mineralization rates for organic matter, delivery of soil material from the upper parts of the slope as well as mixing of organic matter by mesofauna result in the formation of mollic horizons and transformation of Leptosols into Phaeozems. Further erosion and redeposition of fine soil material provide two types of slope sediments: i) those with silt loam texture dominance, and ii) clay loams interstratified with silty substrates. The first type of sediments are more suitable for water percolation, and after carbonate leaching clay dispersion and translocation occur. In such materials, Luvisols may develop. Sediments with a prevalence of clay loam aided Stagnosol formation, in which pools of carbonates were stabilized due to the reduction of water percolation, leading to stagnation.