Water-extractable organic matter in the profile of mineral and organic soils of Upper Dniester alluvial plane

Abstract

Content of cold water extracted organic matter (CWEOM) in organic and mineral soils of Upperdniester alluvial plane was estimated. The largest CWEOM content (mg∙100 g-1) in the upper (10 cm) soil layers was found in peat soils – 105-135, and the smallest – 20-30– in arable sod and meadow soils. The highest CWEOM content was found in the lower horizons of peat soil, where it reaches 290 mg∙100 g-1. Strong correlation (r=0.81 -0.99; P<0.05) between CWEOM and TOC was found. It indicates the presence of dynamic equilibrium in the SOM system that supports certain level of labile pool compounds – the main source of bioavailable materials and energy.