Contribution to characterization and classification of Greyzems in Slovakia

Abstract

This paper provides contribution to characterization of Greyzems occurring in Slovakia and their classification in Slovak soil classification system (Morphogenetic Soil Classification Systems of Slovakia, MKSP). Greyzem (Šedozem in Slovak) was involved in earlier versions of the Morphogenetic Soil Classification Systems used in Czechoslovakia (MKSP ČSSR, 1987, MKSP ČSFR, 1991) but it was not involved in later Slovak soil classifications (MKSPS, 2001, 2014), because their characterization was doubtful and it was not sure whether they really occur in Slovakia. It is well known that Greyzems have properties similar to Chernozems but have an argic horizon (Am – Bth – B/C – C horizonation). They should occur mostly on the outskirts of Chernozem and Luvisol areas. This paper is based on information from published studies characterizing Greyzems as well as on own measured data representing the selected soil profiles of Greyzems in Slovakia. The basic physical properties (fractional textural composition according to USDA) and chemical properties (pH/H₂O, exchangeable cations Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, K⁺, Na⁺, available nutrients P, K and Mg according to Mehlich III., soil organic carbon SOC and its qualitative parameters HA, FA, Q⁴₆) were analysed (using standard analytical procedures adopted for Soil monitoring system of Slovakia) at NPPC – Soil Science and Conservation Research Institute Bratislava. The graphical outputs (maps) were processed using GIS. Based on the results obtained from own field surveys and considering the international classifications (FAO – WRB 2022, USDA – Soil Taxonomy 2022) Greyzems should be reintroduced back to the updated version of Morphogenetic soil classification system of Slovakia, which is recently under preparation. 

Keywords: Greyzems, Phaeozems, soil classification, soil monitoring, Slovakia