Lignin transformation in soils of arable lands, Russian Plain

Lignin that is the main matrix for the humus formation in Phaeozems affect greatly the transformation of their organic matter. The aim of this work was a detailed characterisation of the lignin phenols composition and processes of their transformation in soils under the impact of soil plowing and drainage during the last 30 years. The objects of investigation were Greyic Phaeozems Albic of south of the Russian Plain. The process of lignin determination included the alkaline oxidation of a sample using copper oxide at 170 degrees under the pressure in a nitrogen medium. The lignin phenols were divided by a gas-luquid chromatograph. The proportions of lignin phenols in soils ploughed did not change under plowing. Drainage caused a deep transformation of lignin in soils and in the Fe-Mn nodules too. Lignin phenols are associated with the coarse sand fraction.