State of Organic Matter and Particularities of Physicochemical Properties of Soils in the Endogenous Hydrogen Seepage Zones

Abstract

In the territory of the Voronezh region of Russia in ordinary middle loam chernozem the elevated concentration of endogenous hydrogen streams up to 0.65% at the depth of 100 - 120 cm was detected. This phenomenon is observed in the center of depressions. The soils differ in morphological, chemical and physical properties. The top humus horizon is markedly bleached comparing to the soil outside the depression: The lightness L readings increase for 16% - 30%. The soil acidity (up to pH 4.5 - 5.0) and organic carbon content are elevated comparing to the sample for reference. The proportion of fulvic acids increases on average thrice as compared with the soils outside the hydrogen fluids influence zone. Despite the high humus content the mechanical strength of aggregates decreases 3 - 4 times. Under conditions of hydrogen fluids, changes occur at the aggregate structural level in the direction of decreasing their mechanical strength. In the center of the depressions strength of aggregates is reduced by 2 - 3 times in comparison with the control. The opposite regularity was observed in the absence of hydrogen flows, where the strength of aggregates was 3 times higher than in comparison with the control.