Micromorphological and 13C NMR characterization of a humic lignic and histic Folisol from British Columbia

Abstract

The accumulated folic materials from a lignic Folisol (northern Vancouver Island), histic Folisol (Prince Rupert) and a humic Folisol (Queen Charlotte Islands), were characterized. Soil faunal activity, primarily from mites, was the dominant soil-forming process observed in the organic horizons of the Folisols. Solid state 13C CPMAS nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra facilitated distinguishing three main types of horizons: horizons derived from accumulated residues showing higher carbohydrate-like C and O-alkyl C values and lower total aromatics; horizons with advanced decomposition which were higher in alkyl C; and horizons derived from ligneous material where carbohydrate-like C was less than total aromatic C. Implications for adequate nutrient content and forest growth were inferred from the observed micromorphology and chemical composition of the folic materials. -from Authors