Mineral matter composition of drained floodplain soils in north-eastern Poland

Abstract

Soils in two river valleys (Rozoga and Omulew) in north-eastern Poland were investigated. The valleys are located on a sandy outwash plain formed during the Vistulian (Weichelian) Glaciation. The soils are drained, used as meadows and classified as Fluvic Umbric Gleysol, Fluvic Mollic Gleysol, and Eutric Fluvic Histic Gleysol (IUSS Working Group WRB 2015). The aim of the study was to identify the composition of mineral matter and to determine the types of clay minerals and intermediate stages of clay minerals by means of the X-ray diffraction (XRD). The studied floodplain soils are rich in organic matter and contain considerable mineral alluvial admixtures. The content of clay fraction (< 2.0 μm) is low (0.02–5.61% of total mineral matter). Higher content of clay fraction was noted in soils with elevated content of organic matter, which can be evidence of simultaneous accumulation of both components. In deeper depressions occurring in river valleys (oxbow lakes), a specific deposit termed silty telmatic mud (16–24% TOC, 50–75% silt, 3.1–5.6% clay fraction content) was accumulated. On the other hand, in shallow depressions, a muddy deposit was accumulated (5.7–7.7% TOC, sandy texture). The main identified clay minerals were smectite, vermiculite, illite and kaolinite as well as variety of mixed-layer clays. Alluvial clay admixture in studied soil formations showed mineralogical similarity to typical floodplain mineral soils (Fluvisols). Mineral fraction of studied soils is mostly of allochthonous origin.

Morphology and Physicochemical Properties of Alluvial Soils in Riparian Forests after River Regulation

“…Periodic flooding is also important for the functioning of valley ecosystems, directly affecting the moisture content of the surface layers of soils, as a result of which, soils in naturally functioning valleys retain a relatively high moisture content (in both topsoil and subsoil horizons), even in dry periods [19]. Furthermore, floods increase the nutrient content in soils, resulting in a specific floristic composition, as well as increased potential agricultural suitability [20][21][22]. Originally, vast areas of alluvial soils on the flooding terraces were covered with riparian forests [23,24], currently being among one of the most severely threatened forest communities in Europe [25,26].…”

Origin, transformation and classification of alluvial soils (mady) in Poland – soils of the year 2022

“…These reports have documented large water capacity of heavy-textured alluvial soils, particularly in the Wisła delta, while susceptibility for drought (after drainage) of coarse-textured soils in the valleys of central and southern Poland. Fine-textured topsoil horizons of alluvial soils have high exchange cation capacity and ability to adsorb macronutrients, as well as support stabilisation of organic matter (Banach-Szott et al, 2018;Brogowski and Okołowicz, 2008;Brogowski and Kwasowski, 2014;Dąbkowska-Naskręt, 1990;Długosz et al, 2018;Kabała et al, 2002;Kalembasa and Becher, 2010;Kobierski and Banach-Szott, 2022;Malinowski, 2008;Malinowski et al, 2004;Niedźwiedzki et al, 2011;Orzechowski et al, 2005;Woźniak, 1998). Strzemski et al (1973) have concluded that the thickness of the fine-textured topsoil (above the sandy subsoil), along with the depth of mean groundwater table, decide about the productivity of arable alluvial soils in Poland.…”

Characteristics of Humic Acids in Drained Floodplain Soils in Temperate Climates: A Spectroscopic Study

“…In river valleys, soils enriched with organic matter occur very often [23]. Floodplain organic carbon accumulation as well as soil development depend on coastal flooding and sedimentation [24].…”

“…Organic C stocks in floodplain soils have been well described in the literature [23,24,[34][35][36], but still little is known about the quality of organic matter, including the molecular characteristics of humic substances, in these areas. River valleys are a mosaic of terrestrial and aquatic environments.…”