Soils Flashcards
Histosoils
Dark soil with high accumulation of partially decomposed organic matter. Generally developed in wet or cold conditions. During development, organic matter production exceeds rates of decomposition
Occur mainly in boreal and sub Antarctic regions. Also known as peat
Normally black or very dark brown and contains recognisable remains of plants
Covers 5%
Crysols
Soils of cold areas with permafrost. Developed in artic mountain regions. Water occurs primarily in the form of ice and cryogenic processes - such as freeze thaw sequences
These processes resort in distorted horizons and patterned ground. Widely known as permafrost soils. Dominant in Russia
Anthrosols
Formed or modified by human activity that caused profound changes in soil properties. Ranging from long term cultivation, substantial additions of mineral and organic fertilisers, continuous application of earth.
The morphological and chemical characteristic of this soil varies depending on scientific human activity. Resulted in raised land surfaces.
On a continent scale, it is the dominant soil in less than 0.1% of europe but locally can be very important
Leptosols
Shallow soil over hard rock or gravely material. Found mainly in mountain regions and in areas where the soil has been eroded to the extent that hard rock comes near to the surface. Does not have much structure.
Fluvisols
Young soil in alluvial (flood plain), lake and marine deposits. On all continents and in all climatic zones. Shows layering of sediments and length of periods of soil formation after or between flood events
Develop due to deposition of sediments following flood events.
Gleysols
Soil saturated with ground water near the surface for long periods of time. Mainly occur in lowland areas where ground water comes close to the surface. Generally not well drained and need intensive management before they can be used
Podzols
Acid soils with a bleached accumulation of organic matter, aluminium and iron
Most podzols develop in humid, well drained areas, particularly in the boreal and temperate zone
Covers 14% of Europe. The dominate soils of northern latitudes
