Soil Forming Processes as Revealed by Soil Water Chemistry in an Alfisol and in an Inceptisol, Denmark

Abstract

Geografisk Tidsskrift, Danish Journal of Geography 97: 58–65, 1997.

Soil water chemistry in two soils, developed in loamy and in sandy materials, has been studied to reveal how the different profile developments are reflected in the soil solutions. Weathering conditions and current soil forming processes were identified by examining the chemistry of infiltrating soil water from selected soil horizons within the profiles. Tension lysimeters were used to collect the soil water. The two different soil types were clearly recognized by the degree of mineral dissolution as reflected in the soil solutions. In the sandy soil, iron and aluminium in solution were found deep in the profile indicating an advanced podzolization, which has possibly reached a stage of decline. In the loamy soil these metals were seen in solution only in the uppermost part of the profile. Brunification (brown soil formation) was the most pronounced process revealed by soil solutions, but podzolization in an early stage was also reflected.

Keywords:

• Soil water chemistry
• soil weathering
• soil formation