Genetic Features and Diagnostics of Alluvial-Meadow Soils in the Floodplains of Azerbaijan

Abstract

This paper presents the results of the studies of soil-forming processes in the alluvial-hydromorphic soils of the humid and arid subtropical floodplains of Azerbaijan. The principal diagnostic indices of primary, bedded, and dark suborders and their leached and carbonated differences of the alluvial-meadow soils were determined. The mineralization rates and salt composition of the underground water and soils were studied. The group and fractional composition of the humus characterized by high activity of humic acids was studied. The analysis of the total chemical composition showed that leached soils of the humid subtropical zone are rich in R₂O₃ (31.3–33.6%) and carbonate soils of the arid subtropical zone are rich in CaO (8.0–16.8%). The leached alluvial-meadow soils are rich in active forms of iron (Fe³⁺–Fe²⁺), while carbonated soils contain significantly less iron.