Soil Morphological Properties Research Articles

Characterization and Classifications of Soils in an Experimental Farm in the Tiruvannamalai District, Tamil Nadu, India

It is essential to characterize and classify soil resources in order to plan agricultural land use agroforestry, agri-horticulture and silvipastoral farming systems. In the present study, an attempt was made to characterize and classify the soils occurring on different topography in an experimental farm in Tiruvannamalai District of Tamil Nadu, India. A detailed soil survey was carried out using cadastral map. Physiographically, the area has been characterized into Pediplain shallow weathered and Pediplain moderately weathered which were further subdivided based on slope and erosion categories. Six typical pedons were identified based on landform and their soil morphological properties. The soils were very shallow to moderately deep, dark reddish brown to yellowish red (red soils) in colour with sub-angular blocky in structure, These soils were sandy loam to sandy clay loam in texture, slightly acidic to mildly alkaline (3.28-7.70) in reaction (non-saline soils) and had low to medium (1.2 to 6.4 g/kg) organic carbon content. Calcium and magnesium were the dominant exchangeable cations followed by sodium and potassium. Taxonomically these soils were classified as Typic Rhodustalfs, Typic Haplustalfs, Vertic Haplustepts and Typic Haplustepts at the subgroup level.

Assessment and Characterization of Agricultural Salt-Affected Soils around Abaya and Chamo Lakes, South Ethiopia Rift Valley

Soil salinity/sodicity is becoming a challenge for crop production in Ethiopia’s semi-arid and arid regions. However, more information on soil salinity/sodicity needs to be available around Abaya and Chamo Lakes, South Ethiopia Rift Valley. This study aimed to assess and characterize soil salinity/sodicity and determine salt-affected soils’ morphological, physical, and chemical properties. The representative soil pits that were 60 ∗ 60 ∗ 60 cm in size were examined, and samples were taken from 0–20, 20–40, and 40–60 cm depths based on the criteria set for agricultural salt-affected soil studies. The soil properties determined include soil color, structure, consistency, bulk density, particle density, porosity, texture, pH, EC, SAR, ESP, CEC, BS, OC, TN, available P, CaCO3−, exchangeable bases, and soluble ions (Na+, Ca2+, Mg2+, K+, Cl−, SO4−2, NO3−, CO3−2, and HCO3−. The soil-analyzed results were rated and interpreted following a guide to standardized analysis methods for soil data. The results of this study reveal that the soils had considerable heterogeneity in soil morphological, physical, and chemical properties. The soils of the study site were highly alkaline and had very high sodium content, very high CEC value, and low levels of organic carbon and exchangeable calcium. The dominant soluble cation was sodium, followed by magnesium, calcium, and potassium in all soil depths of the pits. Similarly, Cl− was dominant among the anions throughout the soil depth, followed by HCO3−, SO42−, and NO3−. The findings of this study imply that removing sodium and salts from the soil depth may improve the salt-affected soils’ productivity in the study area. Application of organic amendments, including manures and crop residues, may also be beneficial in increasing fertility and organic matter content.

Soil properties changing and carbon losses by anthropic drainage in savanna palm swamp (vereda), central Brazil

In the Cerrado, the palm swamps ( veredas ) are characterized by being humid and stable environments that lead to the formation of Histosols ( Organossolos ). and soils with surface horizons of organic constitution, which are fragile and sensitive to anthropic action. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of anthropization (recurrent forest fires and livestock farming) on the chemical, physical and morphological properties of soils in two palm swamps in the Environmental Preservation Area (EPA) of Pandeiros [...]

Distribution of soil morphology and physicochemical properties to assess the evaluation of soil fertility status using soil fertility capability classification in North Galela, Indonesia

One of the indicators of land productivity assessment is soil fertility. The causes of infertile soil have been widely reported. This study aimed to evaluate soil fertility using the Soil Fertility Capability Classification (SFCC) approach and to determine the relationship between soil morphological and physiochemical properties and soil fertility. The research was conducted in North Galela Sub-district, North Halmahera Regency. The research framework began with the interpretation of thematic maps, surveys, field observations, and the making of soil fertility evaluation maps. Soil sampling was carried out based on the stratified random sampling method and supported by laboratory measurements according to USDA international standards. The research result showed that the research area had 14 soil fertility statuses. The fertility classes having the most significant limiting factor were loamy texture (Ø<0.002 mm), rock surface, gravel subsoil, moderate salinity (0.2-0.4 mS cm<sup>-1</sup>), low exchangeable K (<20 cmol<sub>(+)</sub> kg<sup>-1</sup>), and sloping slope (8%) with Lithic Haprendolls type and loamy texture (Ø<0.002 mm), subsoil >15% rock outcrop, moderate salinity (0.2-0,4 mS cm<sup>-1</sup>), Na saturation >15%, and a rather steep slope (14%) with Lithic Eutrudepts type. Both of these classes have a top layer texture, and the bottom layer contains clay <35%, with limiting factors of hard layer inhibiting root to a depth of 50 cm, extremely low nutrient reserve, low electrical conductivity (EC) and high Na. The limiting factors found in North Galela Sub-district were hard root-restricting layer, exchangeable K, electrical conductivity, Na saturation, slope, and gravel.

«Қарқаралы» Мемлекеттік ұлттық табиғи паркінің топырақ түзілу факторлары және үдерістері

The article presents the results of the work carried out on the analysis of factors and processes of soil formation of the Karkaraly State National Natural Park. In the studied area of the soil cover of the national park, it was noted that they develop due to two main factors — vertical zoning and geological specificity of the region. The soils of the area consist of granite, diorite and metamorphic dense rocks. All ancient rocks are covered with quaternary deposits of varying thickness. The work done began with the preparation of routes to control points and a research program. After that, work was carried out on the study of control points: the creation of soil sections — the description of morphological properties of soils, obtaining soil samples along the horizons. The field work was carried out in forest, mountain-forest and steppe landscapes. According to the soil sections of the test points in these places, their color was determined on the Mansell scale. The moisture and granulometric composition of the soil and the boiling of hydrogen chloride were determined.

The role of soil and plant cover as drivers of soil macrofauna of the Dnipro River floodplain ecosystems

Abstract Floodplain ecosystems are hotspots of biological diversity and perform important ecosystem functions in the landscape. The key to understanding the sustainability of ecosystem function is knowledge of the relationships between ecosystem components. The article reveals the role of morphological and physical properties of soil, as well as phytoindication of environmental factors as drivers of biological diversity of soil macrofauna of protected ecosystems of the Dnipro River floodplain. The studies were conducted in the forest floodplain ecosystems of the “Dnipro-Orilskiy” Nature Reserve. The studies of morphological properties of soils allowed us to identify the representatives of two reference groups: Fluvisol and Gleysol. The soil physical property data were subjected to principal component analysis, which extracted four principal components whose eigenvalues exceeded unity and described 79.9% of the variation in traits. The principal components of variation in soil physical properties and phytoindication assessments of environmental factors were used as predictors of the community structure of soil macrofauna. These predictors were able to explain 29.6% of the community variation. Physical soil properties are most important as a driver of soil macrofauna. The morphological properties of the soil and phytoindicator assessments are able to explain a much smaller part of the community variation. The pure influence of the predictors is small, indicating that they interact significantly in influencing soil animals. The results obtained have implications for the development of optimal strategies for floodplain ecosystem management and biodiversity conservation.

Floodplain soils on the soil map of the Russian Federation, scale 1 : 2.5 M, 1988, in the Russian soil classification, 2004

The largest area of taiga gley-differentiated soils on the Soil map of Russian Federation, scale 1:2.5 M, is located in the north of West Siberia. Small areas are dispersed over the northwestern European Russia, Eastern Siberia and the North-East. Interpretation of taiga gley-differentiated soils in terms of Russian soil classification system (2004) is rather ambiguous owing to high diversity of ecological conditions where these soils occur, аs well as variability of soil morphological, chemical, and physicochemical properties in diverse mapping units. Comparing properties of taiga gley-differentiated soils described in the Program of the map (1972) and in regional publications with the diagnostic criteria for soil types in some orders of the Russian classification system made it possible to find adequate names and taxonomic position for these soils. Thus, taiga gley-differentiated soils in the middle and northern taiga of Western Siberia proved to be allocated to several orders: weakly differentiated and gleyed soils with a brown profile were referred to the order of organo-accumulative soils as shallow-peat gleyic soils; their more hydromorphic variants – taiga gley-differentiated shallow-peat soils were defined in the order of gleyzems, as peat gleyzems, soil with morphologically differentiated profile having a particular cryogenic structure were qualified for svetlozems and iron-illuvial gleyic svetlozems in the order of cryometamorpic soils, and for eluvial-metamorphic soils of the same order in case of cryogenic structure was absent. Taiga gley-differentiated soils in their northwestern area are confined to varved clays and correspond to (soddy-)eluvial-metamorphic gleyic soils.

Soil morphological, physical and chemical properties affecting Eucalyptus spp. productivity on Entisols and Ultisols

Soil fertility in forestry systems has usually been constrained to soil nutrients, with little attention to soil morphological attributes and physical properties. Our hypothesis was that soil physical properties and morphological attributes are more closely related with commercial forest growth than soil chemical fertility. The objective of the study was to analyze the influence of soil properties, in different soil types, on dendrometric variables and productivity of clonal E. saligna and seminal E. dunnii, both widely employed in commercial plantations managed for pulp and lumber production in southern Brazil. On inventory plots with two Eucalyptus species, namely Eucalyptus saligna (clone 32864) and seminal E. dunnii, we evaluated morphological attributes and physical and chemical properties of 17 soils (Ultisols and Entisols), and the dendrometric variables tree height, tree dominant height (h100) and diameter at breast height (DBH), all measured in 7-years old plantations. Eucalyptus growth was variable and influenced by profile attributes and soil properties, but correlations between h100 and soil properties were weak (r < 0.7) and usually not significant. Tree height and DBH were not affected by Eucalyptus species, soil type and their interaction. Overall, DBH ranged from 77.98 to 304.30 mm, with an average value of 183.23 mm. By contrast, tree h100 was affected by Eucalyptus species and soil type, but not by their interaction. Trees of E. saligna (23.4 m) were taller than E. dunnii (22.1 m), while among soil types Ultisols had the tallest (23.4 m) and Entisols the shortest trees (22 m). Chemical properties were more variable in surface soil layers, whereas physical properties mainly differentiated subsurface soil layers. The lowest dominant height resulted from the interaction between the lowest field capacity and plant available water capacity and the smaller depth of Entisols' soil profile. Contrary to our hypothesis, most soil properties/attributes were not significantly correlated with dominant tree height. Neither soil physical, morphological properties nor soil chemical fertility are determinants to forest growth when these parameters are not at critical limits for forest growth, particularly with absence of extreme edaphoclimatic conditions such as low rainfall or high temperatures. Associations among soil morphological attributes, physical properties and edaphoclimatic variables should be validated in future studies to better understand their effect of forest productivity in subtropical environments.

THE EFFECT OF THE SEDIMENTS OF THE HILLA RIVER ON THE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE ADJACENT SOILS (BABYLON GOVERNORATE)

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of the sediments of the Hilla River on the characteristics of some the sedimentary soils adjacent to the Hilla River, the sampling sites were chosen in the study area along the eastern side of the Hilla River, which extends from the beginning of its branching from the Euphrates River at the front of the Hilla dam in the province of Babil and along the river in the south, all the way to the back of the Sadr alDaghara regulator, which is located between the provinces of Babel and Al-Diwaniyah. Fifteen pedons were excavated, distributed in five transects perpendicular to the Hilla River. Each transect contains three pedons and represents a unit of shoulder, basin and depression. The results of soil investigations showed that there is a difference in some soil morphological properties among the studied sites according to the shape of the land, it was noted that there was no difference in the Hue through the wavelength of the studied sites and it was 10YR, with a difference in the Value and Chroma among all the pedons of the study area with depth, and indicates that the same sedimentation source (River Hilla). The predominance of the two types of blocky structures (angular blocky and sub angular blocky) and this shows the effect of the type of sediment. The results of the physical analysis showed a variation in the soil texture for both vertical and horizontal directions with the predominance of silt and sand particles and a decrease in the percentage of clay particles and this depended on the sedimentation speed associated with the proximity or distance of the river. As for the bulk density, its values also have changed as a result of a variation in the volume distribution ratio of soil particles of sand, silt and clay. While the results of the chemical analysis indicated that there is a difference in the chemical properties of soils in all study transects with depth, pH values lie between neutral to moderately basic (6.85-8.19) within the normal range of Iraqi soils, the electrical conductivity ranged between (0.68-36.2 ds m-1) from low salinity soils to very high salinity soils. As for SAR, it was low in sodium in most of the study pedons with depth, reaching 2.35, (medium to very high in some sites), and the values of the CEC ranged between (7.49- 21.45) Cmol Kg-1, As for the soil content of total calcium carbonate (CaCO3), whose values ranged between (6.52-22.17)%, the highest value of the soil content of organic matter reached in most of the surface horizons compared with the subsurface horizons

STATE OF RENDZINAS (RENDZIC LEPTOSOLS) OF THE PODILSKI TOVTRY

Problem Statement and Purpose. The role of soils in the global processes of functioning of natural systems is largely determined by the peculiarities of the formation of different groups of organic matter, which plays the role of a limiting factor, the bioproductivity of ecosystems. Water-physical and morphological properties of soils, their erosion resistance, etc. depend on its composition and dynamics of renewal. The territory of Podilsky Tovtry is characterized by unique soil formation conditions, where specific spatial change of soil-forming factors determines the formation of different morphological structure, properties, dominant soil-forming processes, stages and directions of ontogeny of rendzin and pararendzin. The aim of the study is to establish the peculiarities of the formation of organic matter rendzin Podilsky Tovtry, based on the characteristics of their humic condition. Data &amp; Methods. During 2015–2021 y. we laid down 5 modal sections. The system of soil sections represents rendzinas in different lands: arable lands, fallows and virgin areas under forest and meadow phytocenoses. Soil samples were taken in layers (every 10 cm). Laboratory and analytical studies were performed by conventional methods to simplify comparisons of data and their correlations with previous studies of other scientists, in particular the total humus was determined by Tyurin's modified by Nikitin (DSTU ISO 14235: 2005), structure density – by the method of cutting rings. Results. Among the rendzinas of the Podilsky Tovtry in terms of humus content, three groups are clearly distinguished: rendzins formed on the tops of tovtry on the eluvium of lithotamnium and serpulo-mohovatnyh limestones and are in a virgin state under meadow-steppe vegetation. The average humus content in the upper Hca horizon here reaches 12–15% (in some samples about 17%) and decreases sharply down the profile, reaching the minimum values in the lower transition horizon Phca 2.8–3.5%. This is due to the significant influence of calcium carbonates, and the accumulation of "rough" humus of the moder type; rendzina, formed on the same species (but strongly weathered), which are in later stages of development under forest vegetation, as well as rendzina, which have undergone degradation due to long-term agricultural use. The average humus content in the upper Hca horizon here reaches3.9–4.5% and gradually decreases down the profile, reaching the minimum values in the lower transition horizon Phca 1.12–2.25%; brown rendzins and pararendzins of the Tovtr slopes, formed on the forested eluvium-deluvium of lithotamnium and serpulo-mohovatnyh limestones and carbonate polygenetic loams. The average humus content in the upper Hca horizon here is in the range of 2.7–3.0% and graduallydecreases down the profile, reaching the minimum values in the lower transition horizon Phca 0.3–1.2%.

Field-scale spatial correlation between soil and Vis-NIR spectra in the Cerrado biome of Central Brazil

Visible and near-infrared (Vis-NIR) spectroscopy is a tool to determine soil spatial variability and has been used to map soils and their properties. Considering that physical, chemical, mineralogical, and morphological soil properties can affect the intensity and the depth of the spectral reflectance band in the Vis-NIR region, the objectives of this work were to: (i) evaluate the potential of the reflectance inflection difference (RID) to discriminate soils; and (ii) verify potential spatial correlations of the RID with soil properties, compared with the full spectra, in order to build thematic maps at a field scale. In a farm of 375 ha, 78 soil samples from the 0.87–0.92-m depth were collected in a regular grid of 200 m, with a focus on the soil diagnostic horizon (Bw horizon). The sampled soils were a Latossolo Vermelho-Amarelo ácrico (Haplic Ferralsol) and a Latossolo Vermelho distrófico (Rhodic Ferralsol). Twenty-two physical, chemical, mineralogical, and morphological soil properties were determined, and the Vis-NIR spectra between 400 and 2500 nm were measured. Considering the presence of an inflection band and its relationship with soil properties, the spectral bands used to calculate the RID were between (base 1/base 2): 400–510, 730–930, 1290–1450, 1800–1950, 2000–2218, and 2218–2290 nm. The RID failed to map the spatial variability of soil properties, with a Kappa index of 39%; therefore, it is not a good parameter for building thematic maps of soil parameters. In addition, the complete spectrum (mainly in 400–510, 730–930, 1290–1450, 1800–1950, 2000–2218, and 2218–2290 nm) was better spatially correlated with soil properties than the decomposition of the spectrum by the RID. Soil classification and level of discretization as affected by spectral variability were also discussed here. Three soil groups were discriminated mainly by the Ki and Kr indexes and clay content. Moreover, the variability of the spectra was conditioned by the spatial variability of the mentioned variables. The clay content for soils with a discrepant particle size (group 1 compared with groups 2 and 3) and the Ki and Kr indexes for soils with a homogeneous particle size (between groups 2 and 3), associated with the full Vis-NIR spectral analysis, allowed building thematic maps with a good precision, without the need of mathematical models; this was possible by the modification of the reflectance intensity and the size of the concavity of the spectral band.

Reconstruction of the occupation layer of archaeological sites based on statistical analysis of soil materials

The occupation layer of most medieval settlements in the central part of European Russia, Cis-Urals and Trans-Urals, has been destroyed by long-term ploughing. Under such conditions, it is difficult to determine the particularities of the use of various parts of settlements by the ancient population, as well as restore the process of construction and destruction of individual buildings and defensive ramparts and ditches. The most reliable reconstructions can be derived from the results of the joint complementary use of geophysical methods, targeted excavations, and geochemical and biological surveys of the occupation layer. This approach was tested in the study of the Finno-Ugric settlement of Kushman-3 (9th–13th centuries AD), located in the western Cis-Urals, Russia. A comprehensive assessment of the organic carbon content, phosphorus content, abundance of thermophilic microorganisms, and urease and phosphatase enzymes activities in soil core was carried out. To generalize the data obtained, principal component analysis was used with the subsequent classification of core sections through the k-means algorithm. It is proposed to identify areas of different preservation levels of the original occupation layer of the settlement, i.e., superficially disrupted, replaced, and transported occupation layers. Statistical analysis of the chemical and biological properties of soil made it possible to demonstrate significant differences in the occupation layer between the inner and outer parts of the settlement of Kushman-3 (an area of regular residential centre and household periphery) and reconstruct the process of destruction of the fortification line. The revealed trends are in good agreement with the data of geophysical surveys, with a change in the particle size and morphological properties of soils in cores. The combination of diverse and independent features provides a high degree of reconstruction reliability.

Трансформация морфологических свойств почв вследствие закустаривания пятнистой тундры

Climate warming in the Subarctic leads to the expansion of shrub ecosystems. The most common upland tundra shrubification is by alder in combination with dwarf birch and willows. However, the nature and rate of changes in the morphological properties of soils in the low arctic tundra during shrubification remain unknown. To study the impact of new shrub ecosystems on tundra soils, we studied alder shrubs in the south of the Western Siberian tundra. The key site is located between the rivers Taz and Pur. The village of Tazovsky, Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug (Russia) is located nearby. This area is called the Taz tundra, near its transition to the forest tundra. The coordinates of the center of alder shrubs are N67°22'17.4'', E78°42'11.7'' (Fig. 1). The formation of alder shrubs at the study site began no later than 1957. We studied 34 soil profiles. Of these, eight soil profiles were studied in the tundra, eight more in the tundra ecotone and alder shrubs. Eighteen soil profiles characterized the periphery or central zone of alder shrubs (Fig. 2, 3). In the field, we studied the vegetation, the depth of permafrost, photographed soil profiles, and took samples of soil horizons and a micromonolith. We quantified soil morphological parameters such as soil horizon boundary depth, soil horizon thickness, thixotropy index, gley patch percentage, root penetration depth, charcoal abundance, and horizon coloration in the CIE-L*a*b* system. A topographic survey was made within the key site. The age of shrubs and the relief form for each soil profile were determined. The obtained values were processed using the methods of basic statistics and the method of principal components. The studied alder shrubs in the Taz Tundra are located in the upper part of the slopes of stream valleys. The expansion of shrubs at the key site has been observed since the beginning of the second half of the 20th century. For the key site with alder, the succession stages of transformation of tundra into a shrub ecosystem are described. At the first stage, only a few young shoots of alder are observed in tundra (Fig. 10). Alder appears as a result of seed germination on devoid of vegetation areas of cryoturbated soils (patterned-ground). Alder actively colonizes the territory adjacent to the original places of germination, which leads to the expansion of the original range and the concentric structure of shrubs. The second stage is represented by tundra and alder ecotone. In this ecotone, the cover and height of alder increase, and so does the habitus of the original shrubs (dwarf birch and wild rosemary). The main transformations of soil properties are associated with an increase in the active layer thickness. The third stage is the peripheral part of the alder shrubs, where the height of the alder is maximum and reaches 4.5 m. The fourth stage is the central zone of the alder shrubs, where there appear reed-sedge meadows with fireweed. Meadows form in places where the alder bushes died out. The main changes at the third and fourth stages are associated with a radical improvement in the hydrothermal conditions of soil formation, which leads to deepening of the permafrost surface to 3-4.5 m, and a talik is formed. Soil fertility increases due to its enrichment with nitrogen by nitrogen-fixing alder. Alder leaves susceptible to decomposition fall on the soil surface, which is important for earthworms and has a priming effect for the decomposition of tundra litter. The depth of the root system increases. An increase in evapotranspiration leads to a decrease in soil moisture and disappearance of their thixotropic properties. The area of gley patches in soils decreases (Fig. 6). The thickness of peat and litter horizons decreases (Fig. 7). Initially, thixotropic horizons are structured according to the ooid type (Fig. 8). Root and animal tunnels, which are stable in seasonal cycles, are formed in the soil. The resulting pores and soil aggregates allow the development of soil mesofauna. All the above mentioned cause formation of humus-accumulative horizons on convex slopes under alder. Reductaquic Cryosols and Folic Reductaquic Cryosols evolve into Gleyic Cambisol, Stagnic Cambisol (Ochric), and Gleysol (Ochric). Thus, our study confirmed the hypothesis that the radical change of tundra vegetation during the expansion of shrubs causes significant classificatory changes in the morphological properties of soils over several decades. The article contains 10 figures, 79 references. The Authors declare no conflict of interest.

Сравнительная географо-генетическая характеристика почвообразования на основе накопленной фитомассы в почвах антропогенных ландшафтов лесостепи Западной Сибири

When studying the direction of soil formation in soils of anthropogenic landscapes of any natural zones and belts, one should always consider primarily biological processes, namely, synthesis, accumulation, mineralization and humification of organic matter. Therefore, the aim of the study was to determine the leading soil-forming biological processes in the anthropogenic landscapes of the forest-steppe zone of Western Siberia to determine and compare the soil-ecological status. The tasks were: to determine the soil composition of landscapes based on the morphological properties of soils; to estimate the total phytomass in different types of soils of anthropogenic landscapes and compare it with the phytomass of zonal soils; determine the leading biological processes occurring in soils. The research was based on comparative morphological, comparative genetic and comparative geographical methods. The article deals with soil-biological processes that occur in the anthropogenic landscapes of the forest-steppe. It was found that the soil cover is mosaic. In its composition, humusogenic technozems and all types of embryozems are morphologically determined. Each type of embryozems corresponds to a certain stage of development of phytocenoses: initial embryozems correspond to the stage with pioneer vegetation; organo-accumulative embryozems - a simple plant grouping; sod embryozems - a complex plant grouping; to humus-accumulative embryozems and humusogenic technozems - a closed phytocenosis. The total phyto-mass and its composition increases and becomes more diverse in the genetic series from initial and organo-accumulative embryozems to sod and humus-accumulative embryozems. Nevertheless, the total terrestrial phytomass of the most genetically developed humus-accumulative embryozems is below the zonal values. The leading biological processes in the embryozems of the initial stages of the formation of an ecosystem are the synthesis and accumulation of organic matter; in humus-accumulative embryozems and in humusogenic technozems, in addition to synthesis and accumulation, the rudiments of mineralization and humification processes are noted. The soil and ecological status has been established. On the dumps of the Bungur coal mine, it is satisfactory, since the soil cover contains humus-accumulative embryozems and humusogenic technozems. The soil-ecological status of the dumps of the Gorlovsk anthracite section is unsatisfactory.

Soil-landform relationship and pedogenesis of flood plain soils of Mahananda sub-basin, Bihar

Alluvial flood plain soils are one of the major soil groups in northern Bihar and are highly heterogeneous as a result of the hydromorphic environment in which they are formed. Hence, the present investigation was carried out to understand the soil-landform relationship in Katihar district of Bihar. Five major landforms like old alluvial plains (1.97%), young alluvial plains (35.64%), meander plains (30.85%), flood plains (25.35%) and, char land and point (4.5%) were identified after visual interpretation of Sentinel-2 data in conjunction with survey of India toposheet and digital elevation model (SRT DEM). The detailed soil survey was carried out to understand the variability in the study area and 200 soil profiles were studied in different identified landforms. The soils of active alluvial plain (flood plain, char land and point bar) showed wide range of soil morphological properties with lithological discontinuities. Low chroma and value in soils of meander plain due to poor drainage conditions and high groundwater table showed gleying characteristics. The soils of young alluvial plain and active alluvial plain showed irregular distribution of clay content, cation exchange capacity (CEC) and organic carbon (OC). This study indicates that the soil-landform relationship in alluvial floodplains of Mahananda sub-basin partially followed due to mass movement of sediments from Himalayas, periodic flooding and deposition of alluvium during different fluvial cycles of Mahananda river and its tributaries. This was further confirmed by study on pedogenic indices of different landforms. The study on pedogenic indices in two selected sites (window area) away from the Mahananda river like fine sand/total sand, very fine sand/total sand, sand/silt, silt/clay, index of weathering and CEC/clay in the study area doesn't follow the trend in the flood plain as compared to nearly stable land. This may be due to the effect of shifting of river course and their tributaries in the selected two window areas across the different landforms. To overcome the above mentioned problems in soil-landform relationship in the study area, the identified landforms were further sub-divided based on the local factors like percentage of crop cover and moisture content. In revised landforms soil types present in each landform showed soil-landform relationship. Thus, the knowledge on soils in relation to landforms vis-a-vis soil properties and their pedogenesis is useful in understanding their potentials and problems for sustainable land use planning.

Urbanization Affects Soil Microbiome Profile Distribution in the Russian Arctic Region.

Urbanization in the Arctic results in considerable and still poorly known environmental consequences. The effect of urbanization on soil microbiome—an ecosystem component highly sensitive to anthropogenic disturbance—remains overlooked for the Arctic region. The research compared chemical and microbial properties of the natural Podzol soils and urban soils of Murmansk—the largest Arctic city. Particular attention was given to the profile distribution, which is almost completely ignored by most microbial studies. Soil microbiome was investigated by the quantitative indicators based on fluorescence microscopy (microbial biomass) and PCR real-time methods (amount of rRNA genes copies of archaea, bacteria, and fungi). The principal changes in urban soils’ properties compared to the natural references included a shift in pH and an increase in C and nutrients’ contents, especially remarkable for the subsoil. The numbers of rRNA genes copies of archaea, bacteria, and fungi in urban topsoils (106–1010, 109–1010, and 107–109, respectively) were lower than in Podzol; however, the opposite pattern was shown for the subsoil. Similarly, the total microbial biomass in urban topsoils (0.55–0.75 mg g−1) was lower compared to the 1.02 mg g−1 in Podzols, while urban subsoil microbial biomass was 2–2.5 times higher than in the natural conditions. Both for urban and natural soils and throughout the profiles, fungi were dominated by mycelium forms; however, the ratios of mycelium–spores were lower, and the amount of thin mycelium was higher in urban soils than in natural Podzols. Urbanization in the Arctic altered soil morphological and chemical properties and created a new niche for microbial development in urban subsoils; its contribution to biodiversity and nutrient cycling promises to become increasingly important under projected climate change.

Correlation of banana productivity levels and soil morphological properties using regularized optimal scaling regression

Soil morphological properties described in the field, such as texture, consistence or structure, provide a valuable tool for the evaluation of soil productivity potential. In this study, we developed a regression model between the soil morphological variables of banana plantations and a crop Productivity Index (PI) previously developed for the same areas in Venezuela. For this, we implemented categorical regression, an optimal scaling procedure in which the morphological variables are transformed into a numerical scale, and can thus be entered in a multiple regression analysis. The model was developed from data from six plantations growing “Gran Nain” bananas, each with two productivity levels (high and low), in two 4-ha experimental plots, one for each productivity level. Sixty-three A horizons in thirty-six soils were described using 15 field morphological variables on a nominal scale for structure type, texture and hue, and an ordinal scale for the rest (structure grade, structure size, wet and dry consistence, stickiness, plasticity, moist value, chroma, root abundance, root size, biological activity and reaction to HCl). The optimum model selected included biological activity, texture, dry consistence, reaction to HCl and structure type variables. These variables explained the PI with an R2 of 0.599, an expected prediction error (EPE) of 0.645 and a standard error (SE) of 0.135 using bootstrapping, and EPE of 0.662 with a SE of 0.236 using 10-fold cross validation. Our study showed how soil quality is clearly related to productivity on commercial banana plantations, and developed a way to correlate soil quality indicators to yield by using indicators based on easily measured soil morphological parameters. The methodology used in this study might be further expanded to other banana-producing areas to help identify the soils most suitable for its cultivation, thereby enhancing its environmental sustainability and profitability.

Toposequent Effect on Soil Morphology and Classification of Ultisol Soil in the Ayer Hitam Forest Reserve, Peninsular Malaysia

Morphology in forest soils has developed over a long time due to the non-intensive management of forest soils. Damage to forest soil occurs when there is logging activity, fire, or land use change. Some forest was used as productive land for example agroforestry and forest production. As with landuse in agriculture, intensive management of forests can also reduce soil productivity. Inaccuracy forest land use would cause environmental or economic damage, so basic soil management data in forest areas is needed. However, the soil morphology of the Ayer Hitam Forest Reserve (AHFR) in Malaysiahas never been observed. The objective of this study is to assess the soil characteristic and soil morphological properties of theAHFR. Studying the characteristics of soil morphology in toposequent conditions is necessary to find out the differences in soil from different heights and the effects of erosion, transportation, and deposition on the soil. This study was conducted in the AHFR, Puchong, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Peninsular Malaysia. Mapping of the area under investigation was carried out by conventional soil survey techniques with a physiographic approach using maps with a scale of 1:30,000. The results showed that AHFRhas some different soil morphological characteristics and classification in subgroupamong five different slope positions with similar soil order, which is a Ultisol soil. The soil in the AHFRis formed from highly weathered soil due to high rainfall in this location.The results of this study are important for soil development, identification management, and land use priority such as erosion control on steep-slope forest areas, regeneration and reforestation, and it can also be used for forest education, practice, research, and training activities.Keywords: Ayer Hitam Forest Reserve, forest soil, soil morphology, toposequent, Ultisol soil

Consequence of Seawater Intrusion on Soil Properties in Agricultural Areas of Nonthaburi Province, Thailand

Seawater intrusion associated with climate change and sea level rise (SLR) has been postulated for the last decade that causes negative impact on worldwide environmental resources. In Thailand, however; the pertaining information to its effect on soil properties in agricultural areas has not been clearly reported yet. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the seawater intrusion effect on soil properties in agricultural areas of Nonthaburi Province, Thailand. Five study locations, which anticipated to be affected by seawater intrusion, were selected based on the different distances from the Chao Phraya River. Soil morphological properties at depth of 0-15 and 15-30 cm were recorded, besides disturbed soil samples at depth of 0-15, 15-30, 30-60, 60-90 and 90-120 cm were collected to determine the soil physical and chemical properties. Additionally, the soil electrical conductivity (ECe) and sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) analyses demonstrating soil salinity and sodicity were monthly conducted from March 2018 to February 2019 and their annual average values were calculated. The results revealed that all soils were deep to very deep, consisted of silty clay, clay textures, and its field soil pH varied from 6.0-8.0. Soil saturated hydraulic conductivity rating exhibited that it was very slow to moderate. ECe and SAR values of these soils ranged from 0.21-4.38 dS m-1 and 8.29-41.89 consecutively, which trended to increase from its annual average during March and April 2019 as well as July and August 2019. These results suggested that seawater intrusion could be presumptively regarded as a co-factor affecting the variability of soil salinity and sodicity occurring at the interval of insufficient freshwater content for forcing seawater. The implementation strategies for freshwater management and planning are required to prevent future potential seawater intrusion.

The impact of pine self-afforestation on podzolization process in semi-natural grassland areas of Volyn Polissya (Ukraine)

Background. Several theories have been proposed to explain the podzolization process. Currently, the role of organic matter in both weathering and immobilization in the illuvial horizon is clearly stated. The origin of soil organic matter and, accordingly, the various mechanisms of its influence on the soil material, create the basis of these theories. We assume that in the base-poor sandy soils under rich herbaceous vegetation with a well developed sod layer, the process of podzolization may also depend on CO2 soil formation agent . Materials and Methods. Four localities along a Pinus sylvestris L. self-afforestation chronosequence with pine stands of 10, 20, 40 yrs and an adjacent semi-natural grassland area were investigated in order to determine the patterns of podzolization process on sandy glacial till deposits. Soil pH, exchangeable base, soil cation exchange capacity, total content of soil organic carbon, amorphous Fe, Si and Al and total contents of Al, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cd, Pb, Cu, Co, Ni, Na, K were determined. Statistical analysis of the results was performed using LibreOffice for Linux. Results. During the pine succession, a previously well differentiated into horizons podzolic soil under the grassland vegetation community gradually degrades. Previously well-defined albic and spodic diagnostic horizons disappear, the soil profile becomes more acidic, the soil organic carbon, the base cation content and the base cation saturation decrease, the leaching rate of aluminium and iron increases. Secondary podzolization features in the soil profiles were detected 40 years after the onset of afforestation. The podzolization has not been intensive enough to develop fully fledged albic and spodic diagnostic horizons over such a short period. Conclusions. Based on the obtained soil morphological, physical and chemical properties, three most important agents of podzolization are proposed as principal for the studied area. The main gent under pine forest is fulvic acids that are produced during coniferous litter decomposition. Low molecular weight organic acids and carbon dioxide produced to the rhizosphere by roots and a root associated microbiota are mainly involved in the podzolization process under the grassland ecosystem.