Matskási István (szerk.): A Magyar Természettudományi Múzeum évkönyve 83. (Budapest 1991)

Szendrei, G.: Contribution to the micromorphology of the brown forest soils in Hungary

RÓZSAVÖLGYI & STEFANOVITS (1960) also reported the absence of clay coatings and the occurrence of ferruginous nodules from Ramman brown forest soil (Budapest, Central Hungary). This micromorphological characteristics corresponds to the soil under study. The difference is that RÓZSAVÖLGYI & STEFANOVITS (1960) described crystallitic b-fabric and calcitic void coatings, whereas in the soil profile from Mogyoród the related distribution was monic. This difference is attributed to the different parent material in the two soils (loess versus non-calcareous sand). The micromorphology of cambic horizons was discussed by AUROUSSEAU, CURMI & BRESSON (1985). The type of b-fabric and related distribution in the profile at Mogyoród could be found among those compiled by them, however, a type characteristic for the diagnostic horizon could not be selected. They also reported that the penological features were rare or weakly developed in this horizon, which is also in accordance with the findings of the present investigation. The ferruginous nodules were the only exceptions. Lessivated brown forest soil (Zsibót, S Hungary) - Preferred orientation in the fine material could be found only in the B-horizon. The clay coatings, infillings (Fig. 1) were common in the B3-horizon. In the Ai-Bi-horizon besides the porphyric related distribution monic, also occurred indicating the impoverishment of the fine material. Thus, the micromorphological characteristics of eluviation at the top of the profile, and of the illuviation processes in the lower part of the B-horizon could be detected. Ferruginous nodules (Fig. 2) were common in the whole profile, which indicates a medium degree of hydromorphic influence. Former studies (RÓZSAVÖLGYI & STEFANOVITS 1960, STEFANOVITS 1971) also considered the occurrence of clay coatings to be characteristic of this soil type. Limonite and biological iron accumulation were also described. Numerous micromorphological investigations were devoted to the study of these soils. A comprehensive study was given by BULLOCK & THOMPSON (1985), discussing the micromorphology of argillic horizon in Alfisols. Further papers on the micromorphology of argillic horizons elucidating the methodological aspects of this question as well were presented by MCKEAUGE (1982), MURPHY & KEMP (1985). The lack of space permits only to discuss investigations on the micromorphology of these soils from the areas in the vicinity of Hungary. In the Orthic Luvisoil (East Slovakia) VASKOVSKA & BERDNA (1985) observed preferred orientation in the fine material and ferruginous nodules, while clay coatings in the illuvial horizon of the slightly albic Luvisoil. In a typical lessive soil (South Poland) a higher index of vosepic clay was found by ZASONSKI (1979). The micromorphology of the soil profile under investigation was consistent with the micromorphological characteristics compiled from former studies of lessivated brown forest soils in Hungary and other countries. Podzolic brown forest soil (Sopron, Sopron Mts., W Hungary) - The frequency of the rock fragments in the horizons indicated an increasing degree of weathering from the C- to A-horizon. The sericite bundles could mainly be found in the deeper horizons and the more resistent quartz fields were more common in the top soil. The preferred orientation in the fine material probably due to the weathering of the sericite bundles.