Limestone chernosem

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The Kalktschernosem is like the very closely related Tschernosem a humus accumulation bottom , so a floor with a deep humus rich A horizon . It is named after the higher lime content of the soil compared to Chernosem. The soil type is divided into class T (black earth). Its abbreviation is TC.

Properties and origin

This type of soil forms in semi-arid to semi-humid and continental climates on calcareous loose material such as loess . The initial and formation conditions are the same as in Chernosem. However, the precipitation in calcareous schernosemes is so low that there is almost no seepage . In addition, with rising groundwater there is a secondary accumulation of calcium in the soil. As a result, the entire soil up to the surface is very rich in lime. Lime concretions ("loess pebbles") are often visible in the entire soil profile .

The leveling largely corresponds to that of the Chernosem (Axh / lC), but the suffix c is also used: Acxh / lCc.

  • Acxh: Humous (h) topsoil horizon (A) with very high lime content (c = carbonatic;> 75% lime) and a lot of soil movement by animals (x).
  • lCx: Loose (l) and lime-rich (c) starting material (C)

Occurrence

Kalktschernoseme are the dominant soils of the dry short-grass steppe (parts of the Great Plains , Pampas and Gran Chaco , southern part of the Eurasian steppe ). In Central Europe , due to the relatively humid conditions, there are only very small deposits in the driest areas of the black earths such as the rain shadow of the Harz .

Related soil types

The Kalktschernosem is very similar to the Chernosem. In the international soil classification World Reference Base for Soil Resources (WRB) it often correlates with the Kastanozem , sometimes with the Chernozem .

use

Although lime schernosemes are generally very fertile, agriculture is dependent on irrigation or poses a risk because of the unsafe rainfall. With secure water conditions, the soils enable crops with high demands ( wheat , cotton ). But they are prone to wind and water erosion , as well as compaction .

See also

literature