Evidence of plaggen soils in European North Russia (Arkhangelsk region)

Abstract

SummaryTo clarify whether a particular group of soils of Archangelsk region (European N Russia) with humus-rich topsoils exceeding the plowing zone supports an anthropogenic formation, four exemplary profiles were investigated. The investigation sites are characterized by distinct elevated surfaces, and the soils show thick toplayers of up to 60 cm with enrichment of soil organic matter and artifacts like brick, charcoal, and peat fragments, all indicating an anthropogenic origin. Increased phytolith amounts and high P contents of up to 800 mg kg -1 citric acid-soluble P and up to 1,400 mg kg -1 total P in the top horizons support an anthropogenic influence. These properties are very similar to the Plagganthrepts of NW Europe. The same is true regarding the main management aims: increasing soil fertility and overcoming the need of bedding materials. Having the required depths of the anthropogenic topsoil, the properties of the soils of the Archangelsk region allow a classification as Agrozems (Russian classification), Plaggenesche (German classification), and Plagganthrepts (US taxonomy). Since the high base saturation of the topsoil excludes a designation as plaggic horizon, the topsoil has to be considered as terric horizon, which leads to a classification as Terric Anthrosol according to WRB.

Ageing and Deterioration of Materials in the Environment – Application of Multivariate Data Analysis

“…Several long-term experiments provide information on how soil parameters change and develop by fertiliser application and amelioration measures [34,35]. Plaggen soils represent an example of anthropogenic soils generated by compost application over centuries which resulted in higher organic matter contents compared to the surrounding poor soils [36,37]. The higher organic matter content is a typical feature of this soil type although it has considerably decreased if the level of the original compost serves as a rating scale.…”

Modelled on Nature – Biological Processes in Waste Management

“…According to historical traditions clever farmers recognised the value of "rotted" and "putrefying" organic waste for soil amelioration (Bruchhausen 1790, cited by Eckelmann, 1980). Compost management for many centuries has led to the formation of anthropogenic soils in several north-western European countries and in Russia (Hubbe et al, 2007). These so called "Plaggensoils" represent an impressive example of organic matter increase by compost application.…”

Properties of soil organic matter of Plaggic Anthrosols from Northwest Germany, Northwest and North Russia

“…The latter have been introduced recently (Giani et al 2004;Hubbe et al 2007). The Russian ones are different from those in the Northwest European soil with respect to the kind of plaggen material, because mostly fen peat was used (Giani et al 2004;Hubbe et al 2007).…”

“…The latter have been introduced recently (Giani et al 2004;Hubbe et al 2007). The Russian ones are different from those in the Northwest European soil with respect to the kind of plaggen material, because mostly fen peat was used (Giani et al 2004;Hubbe et al 2007). The Northwest Russian soils are different from the other sites, having a short period of outside compostation and obtaining additional mineral fertilizer since the late fifties (Giani et al 2004;Hubbe et al 2007).…”

“…The Russian ones are different from those in the Northwest European soil with respect to the kind of plaggen material, because mostly fen peat was used (Giani et al 2004;Hubbe et al 2007). The Northwest Russian soils are different from the other sites, having a short period of outside compostation and obtaining additional mineral fertilizer since the late fifties (Giani et al 2004;Hubbe et al 2007). All sites differ in duration of plaggen fertilization practice, being longest in Northwest Europe and shortest in Northwest Russia.…”