The influence of litho- and pedogenic processes on Luvisols formation of selected area of Vistula Glaciation

Abstract

The objective of the study was to determine the effect of litho- and pedogenic processes on soils of the selected area of Vistula Glaciation, based on profile distribution of unweathered components such as titanium, zirconium and silica in relation to their morphology, mineralogy, micromorphology and physicochemical properties. The predominant type of soil in the study area are Luvisols. Analysis of texture allowed to classify the investigated soils to sandy silts with loamy material as their subsoil. In the bulk soil silica dominates and its content was in the range 71.4 to 88.6%. The content of TiO₂ within the profiles is fairy similar, without clear patterns in the profile distribution. The total content of zirconium in the samples was in range of 95.13 to 212.15 mg x kg^–1. In the profile distribution of zirconium higher content of Zr was observed in the upper horizons compared to the top layer in all of the analysed profiles, indicating different origin of soil material. Statistical analysis showed positive correlation between the total content of zirconium and the content of fraction ø 0.05–0.002 mm (correlation coefficient value: 0.692384; significance level – p < 0.05) and negative correlation between zirconium and clay content (correlation coefficient: –0.668157; p < 0.05). The lithologic discontinuity within profiles of the investigated soils has been additionally has proved by X-ray analysis of the clay fraction. The micromorphological analysis confirmed the complex genesis of the studied soils. The results of the study clearly showed an overall inhomogeneity and stratification of the soils. Studied Luvisols did not form as weathering product of homogeneous bedrock. Changes in granulometric and chemical composition within soil profiles are the consequence of translocation of clay fraction during lessivage as well as lithologic discontinuity of the solum.