Diversity of humus stocks in the arable soils of the Late Pleistocene ground morains in Mecklenburg, West Pomerania, Germany

Abstract

Local humus stocks (¼ contents of soil organic matter, SOM in kg Á m 72 ) of arable soils were investigated in several regions of the seemingly uniform ground moraine-landscape. Depending on relief position, quantifiable effects of humus removal or enrichment are evident, caused by denudation or colluviation. The depth (thickness) of the investigated humus-bearing topsoil horizons varies between 15 and 150 cm overall and amounts on average to 67 cm. Extreme values of SOM (resp. C org ) stocks are 2.73 (1.58) and 137.41 (79.70) kg Á m 72 . The average values of all found SOM (resp. C org ) stocks in the investigated arable soils amount to 10.78 (6.25) kg Á m 72 . Humus stocks are not only of importance for the agricultural yield potential but also because of their function as a sink for, or a source of, atmospheric CO 2 , which is of special current interest due to its influence on menacing climate change. The total carbon content of the corresponding column of atmosphere, 1.60 kg Á m 72 , amounts to only one quarter of the average in our arable soils.

Erosion Induced Heterogeneity of Soil Organic Matter in Catenae from the Baltic Sea Catchment

“…. 10.6 kg•m −2 ), as described for comparable relief positions in the catenae in Late Pleistocene ground moraine (Germany) near Rostock (as reported by Reuter et al [55]).…”

Effect of mineral and organic fertilization on soil organic carbon content as well as on grain production of cereals in the IOSDV (ILTE) long-term field experiment, Keszthely, Hungary

“…In addition, humic substances are well known to influence the physical condition of the soil, resulting in several effects on the physical, chemical and biological processes. The SOM stocks are also a sink and source of atmospheric CO 2 , which is also an important issue (Reuter et al 2007). In the upper soil layer, SOM is constantly being created and decomposed, but the SOM pool is relatively stable (Jenny 1941).…”

Mineral and Organic Fertilization to Improve Soil Fertility and Increasebiomass Production and N Utilization by Cereals

“…In addition, humic substances are well known to influence the physical condition of the soil, resulting in several effects on the physical, chemical and biological processes of the soil. SOM stocks are also a sink and a source of the atmospheric CO 2 , which is an important issue too (Reuter et al, 2007). In the upper soil layer, SOM is constantly being created and decomposed, but its pool is relatively stable (Jenny, 1941).…”