PODZOLISATION Meaning and
Definition
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Podzolisation refers to the process of soil development or transformation that occurs in humid and cool climates. It is a specific form of soil formation characterized by the accumulation of organic matter in the upper soil horizons, which leads to a distinct layering or horizons called a podzol profile.
Podzolisation occurs mainly in coniferous or boreal forests, where the fallen needles and twigs decompose slowly due to cold and moist conditions. The organic matter then accumulates in the uppermost soil horizons, forming a thick layer known as the O horizon, composed of partially decomposed organic material called litter. Underneath the O horizon, there is an E horizon, also known as the eluviation horizon, which is often pale in color due to the leaching of minerals and organic matter. The leached materials are transported downward through the soil by water percolation.
Below the E horizon, the podzol profile contains the B horizon, also known as the illuviation horizon, where materials leached from the E horizon accumulate. This B horizon is characterized by the accumulation of minerals such as iron, aluminum, and organic compounds, resulting in a reddish or brownish coloration. The B horizon is followed by the C horizon, which is the parent material of the soil.
Podzolisation is responsible for the distinctive features of podzol soils, including their acidity, low fertility, and poor water-holding capacity. Additionally, these soils often exhibit a high degree of soil erosion vulnerability.
Common Misspellings for PODZOLISATION
- oodzolisation
- lodzolisation
- 0odzolisation
- pidzolisation
- pkdzolisation
- pldzolisation
- ppdzolisation
- p0dzolisation
- p9dzolisation
- poszolisation
- poxzolisation
- poczolisation
- pofzolisation
- porzolisation
- poezolisation
- podzilisation
- podzklisation
- podzllisation
- podzplisation
- podz0lisation
Etymology of PODZOLISATION
The word "podzolisation" is derived from the Russian word "подзол" (pronounced "podzol"), which means "under-ash" or "under-ash soil". The English term was coined by Russian geologists and soil scientists in the late 19th century who were studying soils in the Russian taiga or boreal forest. In these cold, northern regions with acidic and coniferous forests, the process of soil formation results in the accumulation of organic matter at the top (the "O" or organic horizon) and a leaching of minerals and nutrients downwards, leaving a pale, leached, or bleached layer called the "E" or eluviation horizon. It was observed that this process created distinct soil profiles known as "podzols".
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