Acta Geodynamica et Geomaterialia

Title: MINERAL COMPOSITION OF RENDZIC LEPTOSOLS FROM THE CZECH REPUBLIC
Authors: Žigová Anna, Šťastný Martin and Hladil Jindřich
DOI: 10.13168/AGG.2013.0056
Journal: Acta Geodynamica et Geomaterialia, Vol. 11, No. 1 (173), Prague 2014
Full Text: PDF file (2.0 MB)
Keywords: Limestones, Soil development, Rendzic Leptosols, Process of humification, Mineral composition, Soil properties
Abstract: This study overviews Rendzic Leptosols developed on different limestones of pre-Mesozoic age in protected areas of the Czech Republic, and characterizes their pedogenesis and mineral composition. The parent material originating from unmetamorphosed, low- and high-grade metamorphic rocks (sites Cikánka, Třesín and Vyšenské kopce, respectively) was evaluated on the basis thin section of petrography and X-ray diffractometry of powder samples. Representative soil sequences were characterized by macromorphological analysis, particle size distribution, chemical properties, parameters of soil organic matter and mineral composition of clay fraction. Soil formation is limited to the thickness of Ahk horizons. The process of humification is controlled by the source of biomass and biological activity. Třesín and Vyšenské kopce have more favourable parameters of humification than Cikánka. Mineral composition of Rendzic Leptosols is significantly affected by the petrography of parent material and local conditions of bedrock. Unmetamorphosed limestones from Cikánka are the most characteristic parent material for the development of Rendzic Leptosols.