Leaf leachates as a factor in pedogenesis

The phenomena of iron reduction and migration, which are characteristic of gley and podsolized soils, are generally regarded as being caused by the action of the humose upper horizons normally present in these soils.

In this paper are given the results of an investigation of the properties of water extracts of unhumified plant debris; from the results of this work it seems that the relatively simple organic compounds present in such extracts are a much more important factor than colloidal ‘humus’ in causing migration of sesquioxides and clay. RESP-3571