Soils of mixed and broad-leaved forests: what are the characteristics and their formation, humus content

The natural zone of mixed and broad-leaved forests is inferior in area to coniferous forests. At the same time, this complex, formed in a warm and humid climate, is characterized by a significant diversity of flora and fauna. Soils of mixed and broad-leaved forests are characterized by a different structure. They differ in fertility, vegetation and purpose.

Features of soils of broad-leaved and mixed forests

Coniferous-deciduous forests, which are located in the temperate zone, are distinguished by podzolic soils. They have pronounced humus horizons.This is due to the presence of a large number of herbs in this subzone. At the same time, living organisms that live in the ground mix the litter with minerals. Thus, sod-podzolic soils are formed, which have a unique structure.

In the area of mixed forests, sod-gley types of soil are often found. They are characterized by gley and humus soil horizons. Such lands are located in places of swampy meadows and are characterized by waterlogging. Most often, these types of soil are located in the European part of the country and are characterized by a wide distribution zone.

Broad-leaved forests are found in the temperate zone. In this zone, gray or brown forest soils, which are called burozems, can be observed. In the first case, the soil is a transition from the chernozems of the steppe regions to soddy-podzolic soils, which are characteristic of mixed forests. They form in a zone of relatively warm climate with minimal humidity.This zone is characterized by abundant vegetation.

In this area, much more plant remains are formed and the number of living organisms that live in the soil is increasing. That is why the humus horizon is darker and deeper. This area is characterized by persistent snow cover, which leads to some problems. In spring, melting snow turns into a real test for the ground, as it causes it to be washed out.

Warmer and wetter climates have brown forest soils. They are often found in central and western Europe, the northeastern United States, the Far East, and Japan. These areas are characterized by a stable climate. There are often monsoon winds. At the same time, summer is not too hot.In winter, these regions experience abundant and persistent snow cover.

Such soils are characterized by uniform moisture throughout the year. This contributes to a slower and more uniform decomposition of organic matter. Humus thus becomes darker in color, and iron is washed out faster.

Where are they located?

Mixed forests are more typical for the zone of North America and the East European Plain. These regions are characterized by relatively diverse soil composition. At the same time, soddy-podzolic soils predominate on the East European Plain, which can form only on loamy rocks.

Broad-leaved forests are adapted to warmer climates. In North America, they are further south than the mixed ones. In Europe, such forests form intermittent bands, which are located from the western part of Europe to the Urals. At the same time, the humus content directly depends on the type of soil in the region.

Common types

Sod-podzolic, forest gray, brown soils predominate in mixed and broad-leaved forests. Below are the characteristics of the main types of soil.

Sod-podzolic

Sod-podzolic soils that form in forests are characterized by a small thickness of forest litter. It is 2-5 centimeters. At the same time, the thickness of the remaining horizons is greater. In the upper layer of the humus horizon there are many grass roots, which creates a dense turf. The acidity parameters of the upper part of the soil are 4. At the same time, they decrease deeper.

Lands of mixed forests are often used in agriculture. In the southern regions of Russia, more than 30% of the area has been plowed up. At the same time, this parameter is much less in the north. High acidity parameters and pronounced leaching lead to the difficulty of work.This also applies to partial swampiness and rockiness. Liming is carried out to reduce acidity.

In addition, a lot of mineral fertilizers and organics are required to be applied to the soil. It helps increase fertility and increase yields.

Forest Grey

These soil types are typical for inland regions - in particular, for the center of North America and Eurasia. Such areas form islands. These lands are typical for regions with a continental climate.

In Eurasia, from west to east, climatic conditions are deteriorating. At the same time, in January, the temperature at different points can vary from -6 to -30 degrees. The frost-free period lasts 170-250 days. At the same time, summer temperature parameters are similar and amount to +19-20 degrees.

In the east, much less precipitation falls - up to 300 millimeters during the year. In the western regions, this parameter can be twice as large. Precipitation helps to significantly wet the soil, but washing is not typical for such lands. This is due to the deep placement of groundwater. In the wettest places, complete wetting of the soil can be observed.

Such lands are formed under a lot of vegetation. For the most part, it is a broad-leaved forest. These regions are characterized by diverse grass cover.

Depending on the placement, aspens, birches, lindens and oaks can be found. In the eastern regions there are also larches. The number of litter in such situations is quite large. At the same time, the soil receives a lot of ash components, the main of which is calcium.

Such a climate can be considered favorable because it improves the development of living organisms in the soil.As a result, plant residues are transformed more actively than in soddy-podzolic soil. This is due to a more powerful humus horizon. At the same time, part of the plant remains is still not destroyed, accumulating in the forest floor.

Gray forest soils have 3 types, each of which has its own properties. They come in light grey, gray and dark grey. Differences in color are associated with the shade of the humus horizon. The darker it is, the more power increases. At the same time, the washing out of such soils decreases.

Gray forest soils are considered more fertile compared to sod-podzolic soils. They often grow cereals, fodder crops, horticultural plants.

At the same time, gray forest soils also have disadvantages. Such lands have been used for many years, which negatively affects their fertility. In addition, such soils are subject to erosion, leading to their destruction.

Brown

Such soils are formed in an area, the main characteristic of which is a mild and humid oceanic climate. These soils affect the west of Europe, the Carpathians, Primorye, and the Caucasus. They are also found in the Atlantic part of North America.

In the area of brown forest soils, there is a lot of precipitation - up to 650 millimeters per year. However, most of it is in the summer. This means that the soil is washed out in a relatively short period of time, since the climate is quite mild, and high humidity contributes to the activation of organic transformation processes.

Soil microorganisms contribute to the mixing of the main part of the litter. Due to this, a humus horizon is formed. It is considered not very dark and has little differentiation. With proper fertilization, such soils allow you to get a good harvest.

Vegetation

In the areas of deciduous and mixed forests there are different trees - aspen, linden, birch. Also in these places grows a lot of shrubs - viburnum, raspberry, elderberry. There are also many herbs here. Moss is present in damp and shady places. Many mushrooms grow in such forests. There are also berry crops - strawberries, blueberries and others.

Environmental Issues

Most problems are due to human activity. These include water, soil and air pollution. This negatively affects the climate, which, in turn, affects the state of flora and fauna. For example, a pronounced decrease in temperature leads to the destruction of the bark of trees, and intense heat leads to forest fires.

Application

Such soils are used for various purposes. The main areas of their use include:

• growing plants;
• pasture;
• hunting grounds;
• hayfields.

The soils of mixed and broad-leaved forests are remarkably diverse. Thanks to this, they can be used in agriculture or for other tasks.

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