Humusica 2, article 11: Histic humus systems and forms – Epihisto intergrades and dynamics

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

1 Unipd - Università degli Studi di Padova = University of Padua
2 MECADEV - Mécanismes Adaptatifs et Evolution
3 WUR - Wageningen University and Research [Wageningen]
4 Università degli Studi di Udine - University of Udine [Italie]
5 UNIBO - Alma Mater Studiorum Università di Bologna = University of Bologna
6 LERFoB - Laboratoire d'Etudes des Ressources Forêt-Bois

The processes of formation and evolution of Histic humipedons are related to the soil/water dynamics. In a first part of the paper we present diagnostic features and horizons necessary for describing the intergrade humipedons existing between Histic and Hydro humipedons. Called Epihistic (" superficial " Histic), these humipedons are very common and help in better defining the relationships between plant and soil in semi-terrestrial environments. In a second part of the paper we set some information about biological activities and correlated environmental frames of Histic and Epihisto units. The article concludes with dynamic relationships between humipedons, describing them in fen or bog ecosystems, allowing the interpretation of complex wetlands. The present manuscript updates the description and classification of semi-terrestrial humus forms previously published by Zanella et al. (2011a, 2011b).

Mots clés: Soil water dynamics; Histosols; Humus; Biodegradation; Peats; Wetlands

Domaines: Science des sols; Biodiversité et Ecologie; Ecosystèmes

Augusto Zanella, Jean-François Ponge, Rein de Waal, Bas van Delft, Maria de Nobili, et al.. Humusica 2, article 11: Histic humus systems and forms – Epihisto intergrades and dynamics. Applied Soil Ecology, 2018, 122 (Part 2), pp.162-169. ⟨10.1016/j.apsoil.2017.03.001⟩. ⟨hal-01665345⟩