Formation of loose and cemented B horizons in Podzolic soils: evaluation of biological actions from micromorphological features, C/N values and 14C datings
Micromorphological observations, C/N values and 14C datings of organic matter were used to evaluate impacts of biological activities on the development of loose and cemented podzolic horizons of a toposequence in the St-Lawrence Lowland. In well-drained soils, the B horizons containing roots have two distinct microstructure types: (1) a microstructure with organic aggregates in root zones (< 5% of the soil volume) resulting from microbial or animal actions, and (2) organo-mineral aggregates and grain coatings in inter-root zones which are due to aggregate transformation of root zones under biological and chemical processes. The organic matter of these loose horizons has C/N values of 23–28, and mean residence time of about 500 yr. The cemented Bfc horizon without roots is characterized almost exclusively by organo-mineral grain coatings, and has a higher C/N ratio (38) and a longer mean residence time (800 yr) indicating weaker biological activities than in loose B horizons. In the poorly drained soil, the cemented horizon has a microstructure with organic grain coatings only. The organic matter has a very high C/N value of 46 and a mean residence time of about 3500 yr. This horizon could represent an older "fossil" situation. Key words: Podzol, biological activity, micromorphology, 14C datings