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The Balkan Peninsula is the southernmost border of podzol distribution in the northern hemisphere. So far, podzols have been recorded and studied at three sites in Serbia, including Mt. Golija, Mt. Goe and Mt. Jablanik, and this paper reveals the results of a pedological and phytocoenological study conducted at a new site on Mt. Jelova Gora. Podzols are most often formed in coniferous forests, while they less frequently occur in deciduous forests, like on Mt. Jelova Gora. In the investigated area, podzols were found in the montane achidophilous beech forest with blueberry (Vaccinio-Fagetum moesiacae montanum Fuk. 1969) and the montane beech forest with holly (llici-Fagetum montanum Gajic 1979), in which they had not been recorded before. The parent rock (quartz conglomerate) plays a key role in the formation of podzols on Mt. Jelova Gora, together with the occurence of blueberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.), which slows down the transformation of organic waste, is a producer of raw humus, and thus an indicator of acid reaction soils. Finally, it should be pointed out that podzol is a very rare soil type, which is highly interesting for the relevant scientific and professional circles in Serbia and the entire Balkan Peninsula. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phosphorus (P) fertilizer that remains in the soil after harvest and into the subsequent rotation is referred to as carryover P. Carryover P is not well understood in loblolly pine (P. taeda) silviculture, especially on highly P responsive sites, where this effect could potentially have the greatest benefit to land managers. Our study aims to determine the duration of the P carryover effect and the magnitude of response to soil P as it relates to previously applied P fertilizer rates from the previous rotation. To address this knowledge gap, we studied two highly weathered sites on the lower Atlantic coastal plain: a somewhat poorly drained Spodosol and a poorly drained Alfisol over three years from pre- to post-harvest. Two years post planting, carryover fertilizer treatments resulted in a 13% increase in height for the 121 kg P ha-1, a 15% for the 81 kg P ha-1, and a 17% increase for the fertilized 40 + 45 kg P ha-1 treatments compared to the control for the Alfisol. Spodosols appeared to respond to any additional fertilization compared to the control group regardless of rate. Importantly, we found that O horizon mass and P content from the first rotation, approximately seven years before harvest, exhibited a positive linear relationship with one-year-old heights in the Spodosol and one- and two-year-old heights in the Alfisol. These findings shed light on the importance of the O horizon characteristics and its potential as an indicator for tree growth in subsequent rotations. • High P Fertilization rates carry over into the next rotation on Alfisols. • Spodosols cycle fertilizer P more rapidly than Alfisols. • horizon Phosphorus pools are strongly related to long-term forest productivity. • Resin-P was responsive to mineral soil P but not related to tree productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A significant part of our knowledge on Holocene landscape development and associated human history in northwestern Europe is based on radiocarbon dating of charcoal originating from podzols. However, these soils are characterized by leaching of soil organic matter (SOM) that may adsorb to older charcoal, resulting in incorrect charcoal radiocarbon ages. Several pretreatments, such as an acid-base-acid (ABA) sequence for Holocene-aged samples and a harsher acid-base-oxidation (ABOx) sequence for older samples, have been developed to remove the adsorbed fractions. While commonly used, evidence for the effectiveness of these pretreatments thus far has been circumstantial, by assessing the impact of these pretreatments on the radiocarbon age. In this study, we performed a direct molecular assessment of the presence, adsorption, and removal of SOM-compounds by pyrolysis-GC-MS based characterization of charcoal fragments and SOM obtained from a podzol located in the Laarder Wasmeren area, the Netherlands. In addition, the removal efficiency of adsorbed SOM by four different pretreatments was analysed. Molecular evidence for significant adsorption of SOM was found and the four pretreatments showed different efficiencies in removal thereof as evidenced by the residual charcoal composition. ABOx resulted in the most simplified Py-GC-MS chromatogram and thus comes closest to the isolation of recalcitrant carbon. The most recalcitrant organic fraction is likely to have the best interpretable age, since the highest decontamination can be expected for this fraction. Hence, it is advisable to use ABOx as standard pretreatment for the removal of adsorbed SOM fractions from charcoal, provided that the sample size is large enough. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developed by a geological structure similar asymmetric horst, Anieş's morph-hydrographic basin presents through its relief forms, a complex geographical unit, in terms of morphometric indicators respectively altitude, slope, depth of fragmentation and slope exposition for the entire landscape. At a taxonomic level, we can distinguish a variety of soil types and subtypes, mainly due to the physical and chemical properties and mineralogical soil deposits. This article aims to interpret some morphometric indicators and correlations supported by a GIS raster and vector database integrated in spatial analysis modules, discover quantitative and qualitative features of various types of surfaces and define morphometric parameters. The morphometric study of: slope, slope exposition and energy relief correlated with altitude by indirect mapping, have identified the following types of zone soils: luvisols, eutric cambosols distric cambosols, podzols, prepodzols, criptopodzols and humosiosols and intra-zone soils: rendzins, lithosols, hystosols and fluvisols. The indirect maping reflect the variety and complexity of soil types in Anieş's basin, each with varying surfaces, lithological substrates and specific properties The necessity of this article is important in the achievement of studies concerning the land usefulness, in order to implement essential measures such as: correcting the soil's acidity and monitoring the lands affected by soil erosion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Dieback of forests because of industrial air pollution was observed in the East Sudety Mountain, Poland. The properties of soil organic matter in Podzols in the subalpine region under mountain dwarf pine and Norway spruce in various stages of dieback (without degradation, with about 50% brown needles and dead trees) were investigated. The content of carbon, nitrogen, humic substances and characteristics of humic acids (HA) from organic and mineral horizons were analyzed. Forest dieback influenced HA properties depending on the species. Under pine, it led to an increase in alkyl and carboxyl C, while an increase in aromatic C and O- alkyl C was found at spruce sites. Humic acids under Picea abies were characterized by more aliphatic structures, whereas HA under Pinus mugo were more aromatic in nature. HA created in soils under pine stands in the investigated area showed lower solubility, higher stability and a lower tendency to translocate to deeper parts of the soil profile, compared to those under Norway spruce. Organic matter under spruce monoculture can be more susceptible to oxidation and may have less impact on the stability of soil aggregates, than those under pine ecosystems. Conversion of spruce monocultures to mixed forest – more resistant to biotic and abiotic disturbances – or introduction of the pioneer tree species in Norway spruce stands may be an effective tool to prevent forest decline and ensuring the stability of forest ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: There is currently only limited understanding of the influence of conifer plantation management on soil carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) storage in maritime Europe. The study reported herein examined the effect of clear felling on belowground C and N stocks, and CO2 effluxes at paired clear-felled, and standing plantation sites in North Wales. Clear-felled conifer stands were compared in three different time lapses (3, 5 and 8years after harvesting). The O horizon (and associated C) was completely absent on the year 3 and year 8 clear-felled stands. There was no significant influence of clear-felling on mineral soil C and N at 0–10cm depth between clear felled and unharvested sites, however, differences were observed in subsoil depths (10–20cm and 20–50cm). Clear-felled sites exhibited an initial gain in surface soil C and N through year 5 (likely due to incorporation of the O horizon into the mineral soil) after which the C stock decreased by year 8. Approximately 50Mg C and 3MgN ha−1 yr−1appear to have been lost from mineral soils 7years after clear felling. Clear felling significantly (p <0.05) increased soil CO2 efflux and soil surface temperature. Total CO2 emission from soils at clear felled sites was 148% higher than that of uncut plantations. Alternative harvest strategies should be considered that reduce C losses from plantations in North Wales. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Ten forest sites with a tree layer of almost pure beech in southern-central Scania, south Sweden, were studied. They were all located in the interior of large forest stands. Five of the stands were developed on mor Podzols with scanty or almost no ground layer vegetation. The other five sites were located on mull Cambisols with a rich ground layer of many vascular plant species and a shrub layer of varying density. In total, 42 carabid beetle species and 9260 individuals were captured with pitfall traps (15 per site, diameter 87mm) during 12 weeks in April, July and September 2007. Composition of the carabid fauna differed considerably between the two types of sites. In the Cambisol sites 39 carabid species were found, compared to only 21 species in the Cambisol sites. Mean carabid species richness per site differed significantly between Cambisol and Podzol sites (n =20.4 and 13.2, respectively). The difference was wholly due to a lower number of small carabid species (mean body length <12mm) in the Podzol sites. Of four variables (pH-KCl, Clay, Organic matter, and Sum of plant cover percentages below tree canopy) the sum of plant cover variable usually accounted for more (>50%) of the carabid beetle variability compared to the three other variables. Carabus glabratus and Pterostichus oblongopunctatus were almost exclusively found on Podzol. Carabus coriaceus, Pterostichus melanarius and in particular Carabus nemoralis were more abundant on Cambisol, whereas Carabus hortensis and Pterostichus niger were almost ubiquitous and attained the highest total numbers. There was no significant difference between Podzol and Cambisol sites in the total number of carabid individuals captured. C. coriaceus, C. hortensis, and Carabus violaceus, species that were abundant enough in all sites for a comparison, had significantly larger mean body sizes in the Podzol than in the Cambisol sites, a finding valid for both sexes. There were more males than females of C. coriaceus, C. violaceus, and C. nemoralis in the catches, whereas sex distribution of C. hortensis was equal. Possible explanations for the findings are differences in microclimate and food web characteristics related to differences between Podzols and Cambisols in understorey vegetation and soil or litter properties. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Clear-cutting followed by mechanical site preparation is the major disturbance influencing nutrient and water fluxes in Fennoscandian boreal forests. The effects of soil harrowing on the fluxes of dissolved organic carbon (DOC), dissolved nitrogen compounds (organic N, NH4 + and NO3 −) and water soluble phosphorus (PO4 3−) through a podzolic soil were studied in a clear-cut in eastern Finland for 5 years. The old, mixed coniferous stand was clear-cut and stem only harvested in 1996 followed by soil harrowing in 1998 and planting in June 1999. Zero-tension lysimeters were used to collect soil water from below different soil horizons in the three types of microsites that resulted from site preparation treatment: low ridges (25% of clear-cut area), shallow furrows (30%) and the undisturbed soil (45%). After soil harrowing, the leaching of DOC, N and P from below the B-horizon increased compared to pre-treatment levels. However, the increases were short-lasting; 1–2 years for inorganic N and P, and 5 years for DOC and organic N. The highest concentrations were associated with the ridges and lowest with the furrows, reflecting the differences in amount of organic matter present in each microsite type and, for N, to enhanced mineralization and nitrification. Leaching from below the B-horizon over the 5 years following soil harrowing for the whole clear-cut area was 36.5kgha−1 for DOC, 0.88kgha−1 for NH4-N, 0.46kgha−1 for NO3-N, 1.24kgha−1 for organic N and 0.09kgha−1 for PO4-P. Site preparation increased temporarily the risk for nutrient leaching into watercourses and groundwater from the clear-cut area but soil fertility was not affected since the leached amounts remained small. The main reasons for the observed low leaching values were the rapid recovery of ground vegetation and low N deposition loads. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The <2-mm fraction of 605 samples of the C-horizon of podzols collected from an area of 188,000 km² in the European Arctic was analyzed for Au and Pd by a method using reductive coprecipitation to enrich Au and platinum group elements (PGE) prior to analysis. Due to the low detection limits (0.1 ppb Au, 0.2 ppb Pd) only 2 percent of all samples returned values below the detection limit for Au, and 10 percent were below the detection limit for Pd. The resulting geochemical maps show clear regional distribution patterns, notwithstanding the very low sample density of 1 site per 300 km². All known Au and PGE occurrences are associated with geochemical anomalies and several new targets for exploration were identified. Low-density geochemical mapping of Au and Pd with low detection limits in C-horizon soils can thus be used as a relatively inexpensive tool to define prospective areas within large regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Trace metal (TM) mobility and toxicity varies with changing soil conditions. Geochemical models can account for the influence of soil characteristics on TM behaviour. We tested the effectiveness of the Stockholm humic model (SHM), and the NICA–Donnan model (NDM) to estimate partitioning coefficients (logKd) in 26 forest floor horizons of podzolic soils enriched in trace metals from deposition by metal smelters. We wanted to know if a consistent approach could be applied to model metal partitioning in forest floors without optimizing each individual soil. When optimized, the SHM reproduced the partitioning of Cd, Cu and Zn but not Pb. It was necessary to revise the affinity constants for the NDM to simultaneously simulate the partitioning of the four metals. Revised affinity constants for the NDM model based on a fixed definition of soil organic carbon, i.e., a fixed ratio of fulvic and humic acids per unit carbon, reproduced metal partitioning more effectively in an independent data set of 16 soils than the use of generic affinity constants available for these models. From the perspective of the applicability of these models to risk assessment, this result suggests geochemical models using affinity constants that have been verified and/or modified against multiple soils from a region can provide good estimates of metal partitioning on a regional scale. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Significant amounts of phosphorus (P) accumulate in soils receiving animal manures that could eventually result in unacceptable concentrations of dissolved P loss through surface runoff or subsurface leaching. The degree of phosphorus saturation (DPS) relates a soil's extractable P to its P sorbing capacity, and is reportedly a predictor of the P likely to be mobilized from a system. A DPS value (DPS‐1) was derived that expressed the percentage of Mehlich 1–extractable P to the sorbing capacity of a Spodosol (expressed as the sum of oxalate‐extractable Fe and Al). Values of DPS‐1 were determined in various horizons of soil in current and abandoned dairy systems in South Florida's Lake Okeechobee watershed to assess P release potential. Land use within the dairies was classified as highly impacted by cattle (intensive and holding), and minimally impacted by cattle (pasture, forage, or native) areas. The A and E horizon of soils in heavily manure‐impacted intensive and holding areas for both active and abandoned dairies generally had higher DPS‐1 values than the pasture, forage, and native area soils, which were minimally impacted by manure. Degree of P saturation was also calculated as a percentage of Mehlich 1–extractable P to the sum of Mehlich 1–extractable Fe and Al (DPS‐2). Both DPS‐1 and DPS‐2 were shown to be significantly (P = 0.0001) related to water‐extractable P for all soil horizons, suggesting that either index can be used as an indicator for P loss potential from a soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The native vegetation (Pinus elliotti, P. palustris, Quercus geminata, Serenoa repens, Aristida stricta, etc.) on 40 ha of Spodosols at Walt Disney World, near Orlando, Fla., was chopped and turned under in the winter of 1972. The following summer, three tree species (Eucalyptus robusta, Liquidambar styraciflua, Platanus occidentalis) and one grass species (Cynodon dactylon) were planted. Irrigation with secondary‐treated sewage effluent at 5 cm/week was initiated in July 1972 in an attempt to determine the renovative capability of Spodosols. The soil solution was monitored chemically by drawing samples through porous ceramic cups placed at 60‐, 90‐, and 120‐cm depths in the soil profile. Phosphorus content increased from 0.03 ppm at all depths in the fall/winter of 1971/1972 to 1.25 ppm at 60 cm, 1.00 ppm at 90 cm, and 0.85 ppm at 120 cm by fall 1974. During the same period, K increased from 0.05 ppm at all three depths to 14 ppm; however, NO3‐N was consistently below 1.0 ppm. The effluent contained an average of 2.2 ppm NO3‐N, 14 ppm Kjeldahl N, 2.8 ppm P, and 16 ppm K. Laboratory tests of the soil indicated satisfactory nitrification; however, adverse conditions in the field probably curtailed the nitrifying process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Past and current rotation's silvicultural treatments had similar effects on decomposition processes. • Nutrient additions altered microbial respiration response to prior silvicultural treatments. • Added N + P elevated respiration rates in non-fertilized, but suppressed it in fertilized soils. • Mn additions elevated Mn peroxidase activity in non-fertilized and weed-controlled soils. • Both Mn and Cu additions improved respiration responses in non-fertilized soils. Recent investigations on the mechanistic underpinnings for nutrient regulated organic matter decomposition suggest that micronutrients may limit microbial activity in nitrogen (N) enriched forest ecosystems. However, these nutrient limitations could be complex for managed pine plantations in the US South that received macro- and micronutrient fertilization and weed control treatments. Soils and pine litter from second rotation loblolly pine stands were incubated to study the legacy effects of long-term silvicultural treatments [30+ years − Untreated Carryover (C) − Control (C C), Fertilization (C F), Fertilization + Weed control (C FW), Weed control (C W)] on microbial respiration and organic matter decomposition. These legacy treatment effects were contrasted with soils and litter corresponding to the current rotation's actively managed treatments that were the same as in the first rotation (Actively managed retreated- C, F, FW, W). In general, both past rotation (C F : 17.9 μg C g−1 soil day−1) and current rotation fertilizer treatments (F: 22.3 μg C g−1 soil day−1) resulted in higher microbial respiration rates compared to their respective controls (C C : 11.9 μg C g−1 soil day−1; C: 12.5 μg C g−1 soil day−1), which likely reflected an inherently higher soil carbon content. Carbon normalized microbial respiration rates during the incubation period followed exponential decay patterns, with lower decay rates in fertilized soils compared to the average among treatments. Furthermore, N + phosphorus (P) additions suppressed microbial respiration in the C F and F treatments, but accelerated it in the C C and C treatments. This observation suggests that during the early stages of decomposition, N and P were limiting to microorganisms in those soils without a silvicultural treatment history. Positive microbial respiration response to added Cu for the C C and C, and added Mn for the C C , C, and W treatments suggested micronutrient limitations to microbial decomposition processes. For soils without a fertilization history, Mn peroxidase activity response to Mn addition levels followed the trend: high level > low level = No addition (C C and C W : p = 0.0032; C and W: p < 0.0001), and significantly correlated with microbial respiration rates (r = 0.63). Overall, the carryover effects from past forest management practices altered soil microbial and decomposition responses to nutrient additions, including alleviation of nutrient limitations to soil extracellular enzyme production in a Florida Spodosol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long-term field experiments were performed to evaluate the phytotoxic properties of fungal metabolites in oil-contaminated soil and to assess the impact of contamination on the allelopathic activity of soil mycobiota. Two contrasting soils of Northwest Russia (sandy and loamy podzols) exposed to oil contamination underwent changes in abundance and allelopathic activities of soil fungi. Shifts within the microbial community caused by oil contamination affected not only oil-decomposition rates but also ecotoxicity of contaminated soil. There were significant differences in soil toxicity dynamics between sandy and loamy podzols. Four years after contamination, ecotoxicity of loamy podzol decreased, whereas sandy podzol remained highly toxic even nine years after contamination. The abundance and allelopathic activity of fungi is correlated with hydrocarbon degradation dynamics. The soil fungal community demonstrated high allelopathic activity which decreased over time in fertile loamy podzolic soil, whereas in poor sandy podzolic soil it remained high over the nine-year monitoring period. The results illustrate how oil contamination may influence allelopathic interactions in soil and demonstrate the advantage of using fungal metabolite toxicity test for testing of oil-contaminated soil samples. Image 1 • Fungal community of oil-contaminated soils demonstrated high allelopathic activity. • Fungal allelopathic activity decreased over time in fertile loamy podzolic soil. • Inhibitory potential of fungal metabolites increased in poor sandy podzol. • Phytotoxicity indices show the long-term effect of oil contamination on mycobiota. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Soil compaction revealed through penetration resistance. • Recovery started from surface toward the deeper layers. • Soil recovery is predicted after 50–70 years. • Acidic sandy soil has lower recovery rate than acidic loamy soil. Soil compaction, which results from the skidding of heavy machines used in forest operations, can seriously damage forest productivity. Indeed, it alters soil structure, disturbs its physical features and consequently affects gas exchange and biological activities. The impact of compaction on soil health has been widely studied, but less is known about the recovery of soil properties over time. In this study, soil compaction was examined by measuring soil penetration resistance. In order to detect the soil recovery on a multi-decadal scale, a space-for-time substitution approach was implemented. Two soil types from the Compiègne forest (Northern France) were investigated (i.e. Luvisol and Podzol). Heavy machine trails of compaction were selected and dated using LIDAR outcomes (Light Detection and Ranging), management documents and aerial photographs. A chronosequence for each soil type was created: 0, 10, 24 and 45 years for the Luvisol and 0, 2, 8, 13 and 23 years for the Podzol. A total of 432 penetration resistance profiles of 30 cm depth were performed in the ruts, as compacted soil, and beside the ruts in undisturbed soils, as control. Penetration resistance was significantly higher in compacted soils in comparison to control soils; it was also higher in the Luvisol than in the Podzol. A linear model with second-order polynomial relationship was used to test the interactions between the penetration resistance, the depth, the situation (compacted versus undisturbed) and the age of compaction. Variance partitioning showed that penetration resistance was mainly controlled by depth, followed by compaction and compaction age, and finally by soil type. The model showed a recovery trend over time as a decrease of the penetration resistance, and a recovery dynamic from the surface toward the deeper layers. The predicted duration of the complete recovery was about 54 and 70 years for the Luvisol and Podzol, respectively. This work also infers that sandy neutral soils could recover in less than 20 years, favored by soil biological activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Small-scale element distribution in soil/plant-systems in patches ofEmpetrum nigrum (microsites) at heavy metal contaminated sites located 0.5 and 4 km from the copper/nickel smelter at Harjavalta was investigated. The Cu concentrations of E. nigrum varied between 12 and 2300 mg/kg dw and showed increasing accumulation with increasing tissueage. Stems contained more Cu than leaves of the same age. The distribution pattern of Ni and Pb in the above-ground biomass followed thatof Cu. Roots contained relatively low concentrations of all airborneheavy metals. In the soil, the highest concentrations of total Cu occurred in the humus (Oh) layer: on average 49,450 mg/kg dw at 0.5 km distance and 12,025 mg/kg dw at 4.0 km. Despite the extremely high Cuconcentrations in the topsoil, the concentrations in the mineral soil below a depth of 10 cm did not exceed 2.5 mg/kg dw at any site. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]