Influence of mineral sources on formation of soils in the foothills of Eastern Sayan Mountains (Buryatia)

Abstract

The results of studying of unique soils’ genesis and properties in the zone of underground mineral water influence as well as geological conditions are presented on mineral springs sites in the foothills of the Eastern Sayan Mountains. The spatial regularities of soil changes and their dependence on landscape conditions and the composition of mineral water are revealed. It has been established that soils near springs and at a distance of 5 and 20 m are more susceptible to mineral water than distal one at 50 and 200 m. Soil types and its properties change from calcisols that are hydromorphic, thin, gravelly and are formed on travertines, calcites and marbles, to brown soils formed on acidic and ferruginous rocks under the influence of forest vegetation. The salt composition of soils correlates with the mineral water composition and includes ready soluble salts - chlorides, sulfates and bicarbonates of calcium, magnesium and sodium in concentrations from 0.5 to 0.26%, pH changes from acidic to alkaline. The concentration of organic substances varies from 0.5 to 15.0%.