Micromorphological features of soils formed on calcium carbonate–rich slope deposits in the Polish Carpathians

Seven soil profiles developed on calcium carbonate–rich slope deposits in the Polish Carpathians were studied in order to:i)determine the micromorphological features of heterogeneous soils formed in a carbonate depositional environment,and ii)track primary and secondary calcium carbonate forms and their distribution in such stratified soils.Three cases of soils with different arrangements of calcium carbonate were distinguished,controlled mostly by slope processes.For instance,the increasing content and random distribution of angular and subangular rock fragments found in the overall soil matrix and the irregular coarse:fine size limit suggested different intensities of accumulation and mixing of soil material transported along the slope.Slope processes,together with the calcium carbonate content,mineralogical characteristics and texture influenced the type and arrangement of the bfabric pattern.The calcium carbonate distribution within the soils,besides the obvious inheritance from parent material,was governed by the translocation and mixing of deposits on slopes.The climatic conditions prevailing in the area favour the development of secondary forms of calcium carbonate.However,only three of the seven studied profiles contained pedogenic forms of calcium carbonate,yet they were distributed randomly.The occurrence,distribution and preservation of secondary carbonates depended on the content of primary calcium carbonate and soil features such as texture.The transported material down the slope may indicate a very low content of primary calcium or lack thereof,hence its pedogenic forms could not be created.

Soil micromorphological and physical properties after application of composts with polyethylene and biocomponent-derived polymers added during composting

Composts are considered to be one of the best soil amendments. However, the effects of composts with added polymeric materials on soil physical,hydraulic, and micromorphological properties have not been widely discussed. Changes in soil physical properties influence the numerous services that soils provide. We studied the impacts of composts with the addition of three different polymers(F1–F3) produced from polyethylene and thermoplastic corn starch on the physical, hydraulic, and micromorphological properties of two soils, a Cambic Phaeozem and a Luvic Phaeozem. Applying composts with polymers had limited or no significant effect on soil bulk density and porosity, but increased the field water capacity by 18%–82% and 3%–6% and the plant-available water content by 15%–23% and 4%–17% for the Cambic Phaeozem and Luvic Phaeozem, respectively. The application of composts with polymers had a greater effect on the Cambic Phaeozem than on the Luvic Phaeozem. It was suggested that the use of modified composts led to changes in soil physical properties and micromorphological features and this effect was dependent on the compost application rate. Composts made with the addition of composite synthetic and natural material-derived polymers during composting were found to be a composite mixture that can be successfully used in agriculture.