Studies on the humus forms of forest soils

Abstract

The results of elementary analysis of each fraction separated physically from each horizon of five forest soils were described. The biggest fraction was Lf₂ (fresh litter) in L layers, Ff₂ (>2 mm) or Ff₂ (2-1 mm) is F layers and Hf₄ in H layers. Of all the changes in various parameters which accompanied decomposition and humification, the change in C/N ratio was the most obvious; the C/N ratio for plant remains easily decreased to 25 or 30 during decomposition, but any further decrease in this value occurred with difficulty. It was specifically pointed out that Hf₇ and Hf₂ were fairly different materials from the other fractions. As for A horizons, both carbon and nitrogen contents increased, and CIN ratios decreased in the order of sand, silt and clay fractions.