Humus Forms in Forest Soils: Concepts and Classifications
- Authors: Chertov O.G.1, Nadporozhskaya M.A.2
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Affiliations:
- University of Applied Sciences
- St. Petersburg State University
- Issue: Vol 51, No 10 (2018)
- Pages: 1142-1153
- Section: Soil Chemistry
- URL: https://journals.rcsi.science/1064-2293/article/view/224738
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.1134/S1064229318100022
- ID: 224738
Cite item
Abstract
The concepts and classifications of humus forms developed since the time of scientific pedology formation are critically discussed. The concept of humus forms (types) relates to the classification of a set of topsoil organic and organomineral horizons, which reflects morphologically distinct phases of plant litter and soil organic matter decomposition, but not to the fractions of soil organic matter. Humus forms reflect various types of transformation and accumulation of organic matter in the soil. The stages of development and modern classifications of humus forms abroad are described. The taxonomy of humus forms in Russian literature and its application for the mapping and evaluation of forest soils are considered, as well as its use for the mathematical simulation of soil organic matter mineralization and humification. Prospects for the development of the classification of humus forms in combination with the basic soil classification of European Russia are discussed. A call for an understanding and a common language in soil science at the international level is underlined.
About the authors
O. G. Chertov
University of Applied Sciences
Author for correspondence.
Email: oleg_chertov@hotmail.com
Germany, Bingen, 55411
M. A. Nadporozhskaya
St. Petersburg State University
Email: oleg_chertov@hotmail.com
Russian Federation, St. Petersburg, 198904