Humusica 2, article 12: Aqueous humipedons – Tidal and subtidal humus systems and forms

Augusto Zanella (1) , Chiara Ferronato (2) , Maria de Nobili (3) , Gilmo Vianello (2) , Livia Vittori Antisari (2) , Jean-François Ponge (4) , Rein de Waal (5) , Bas van Delft (5) , Andrea Vacca (6)

1 TeSAF - Department of Land, Environment, Agriculture and Forestry
2 UNIBO - Alma Mater Studiorum Università di Bologna = University of Bologna
3 Università degli Studi di Udine - University of Udine [Italie]
4 MECADEV - Mécanismes Adaptatifs et Evolution
5 Alterra
6 Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra [Cagliari]

Soils formed in tidal and subtidal environments often do not show sufficient accumulation of undecomposed plant tissues to be classified as Histosols. In this article we present a first attempt of morpho-functional classification of aquatic humus, a revision of the terminology and of the diagnostic features employed by pedologists in the description of aqueous and submerged soils, and we finally suggest some criteria to be used during field investigations. According to the proposed criteria, Redoxi, Reductitidal, and Subtidal humus forms can be distinguished in aquatic systems, avoiding any possible confusion with Histic, Epihisto, Hydro and Para Anaero/Archaeo or Crusto humus forms. The article concludes with some examples of classification, including prefixes for detailing particular intergrades with the other groups of humipedons and with the discussion of the contribution of algae and seagrasses to the formation of Crusto forms.

Domaines: Science des sols; Biodiversité et Ecologie; Ecosystèmes

Augusto Zanella, Chiara Ferronato, Maria de Nobili, Gilmo Vianello, Livia Vittori Antisari, et al.. Humusica 2, article 12: Aqueous humipedons – Tidal and subtidal humus systems and forms. Applied Soil Ecology, 2018, 122 (Part 2), pp.170-180. ⟨10.1016/j.apsoil.2017.05.022⟩. ⟨hal-01667378⟩