Morphogenetic Features of Soils under Mountainous Larch Forests and Woodlands in the Subpolar Urals

Abstract

On the basis of the profile-genetic approach, diagnostic features of poorly studied mountainous soils under larch forests and woodlands in different geomorphic positions of the Subpolar Urals were identified, and their classification position was determined. The morphological, physicochemical, and chemical characteristics of the studied soil profiles were described. It was found that the soil cover under blueberry–moss larch stands is mainly composed of iron-illuvial svetlozems and iron-illuvial podzols. Both soils were identified as Albic Podzols (Skeletic) in the WRB-2015 system. On the outcrops of calcareous rocks on slopes of river valleys, gray-humus soils (Calcaric Leptosols (Skeletic)) and iron-illuvial podzols were described. They occupy small areas and can be referred to as rare soils in the studied region. Near the upper treeline, lithozems (Lithic Leptosols (Skeletic)) and podburs (Entic Podzols (Skeletic)) are developed; these soils are common in the mountainous tundra landscapes. The accumulation of plant litter on the soil surface and its slow mineralization predetermine the raw-humus and peaty nature of the upper horizons with a broad C : N molecular ratio.