Selected chemical properties of soil in the Nature Reserve Žitavský wetland

Abstract

We described and compared selected chemical properties of soils near Nature Reserve Žitavský wetland (Mollic Fluvisols and Eutric Fluvisols) and soil from artificial water reservoir Žitavský wetland (Histi-Umbric Gleysols). On the base of results of sorption properties, soil reaction and carbonates content and also character the surrounding relief and position of Žitavský wetland we can conclude, that alluvial soil forming substrate of Mollic Fluvisols was partially layered by carbonate loess eroded from near gentle slope. As in Mollic Fluvisols and Eutric Fluvisols profile the total organic carbon (CT) content decreased gradually (from 19.10 g kg-1 to 4.11 g kg-1; and from 17.05 g kg-1 to 7.26 g kg-1 respectively), the dynamics of C T content in Histi-Umbric Gleysols profile was different. In Ao horizon of Histi-Umbric Gleysols was found very high CT content (72.54 g kg-1), which gradually decreased till depth of 0.6 m (Gr horizon), where was reached second maximum of CT content. Probably in this depth begins humus horizon of buried original Mollic Fluvisols. This assumption was confirmed by humus quality, which sharply increased just in Gr horizon (humic to fulvic acids ratio increased from 0.86 to 2.15, and colour quotient of humus substances declined from 6.26 to 4.05). Other chemical properties of Histi-Umbric Gleysols were also changed in Gr horizon.