Soil formation in a quaternary terrace sequence of the Allier, Limagne, France : macro- and micromorphology, particle size distribution, chemistry

摘要: Abstract Soil formation in a terrace chronosequence of nine gravelly Quaternary terraces was studied, based on macro- and micromorphological, mineralogical, chemical, physical characteristics. Based textural characteristics, the C horizon youngest soil appears to be representative for parent material lower B horizons soils, all older soils. The materials contain volcanic granitic component. With increasing age following stages were observed: Holocene soils lowest show evidence mixing sedimentary layers by biological activity, resulting texturally homogeneous A horizons. In absence periglacial processes, Late Pleistocene took place under continuously well-drained conditions. higher effects clay illuviation, with prominent weathering features Middle Early highest influenced conditions display various cycles forming processes alternated complexity age. Weathering minerals except quartz, neoformation clay, illuviation has resulted distinct differentiation between sandy E clayey horizon. Periglacial during Quaternary, weathering, have caused considerable compaction decreased water permeability. This imperfect drainage, now reflected abundant, locally cemented, iron manganese oxide segregations surface horizon, typical gley ferrolysis. Ferrolysis, increased influence alternating oxidation-reduction seasonally waterlogged soil, may further contributed marked change versus Easily weatherable minerals, observed strongly leached end-members sequence might attributed aeolian inputs. are intensively used as arable land, result On account poor mainly grassland forest.