Fractal Properties of Coarse/Fine-Related Distribution in Forest Soils on Colluvium

Abstract

Establishment of lithological homogeneity of the soil profile is a key to interpreting the genesis of soils, especially soils developed in colluvium. Study of fractal properties allows step-by-step establishment of lithological homogeneity, or lithological breaks, without time-consuming determination of particle size distribution and mineralogy. The genetic profile of forest soils in the gullied Dnieper Prysamarya evolved alongside transport and depositional processes in erosional elements of the landscape. Micromorphology reveals a three-tier fractal structure of microstructural elements related to the distribution of coarse and fine particles (c/f-related distribution). Calcic Chernozem near the edges of gullies are characterized by lithological homogeneity of the solum and underlying loess parent material; Luvic Phaeozem on the slopes of gullies are not lithologically homogeneous—the layers below the solum differ in morphometric parameters at the second and third levels of c/f-related distribution. However, the sola of all soils in the catena have similar fractal properties and morphometric characteristics of the c/f-related distribution because of the colluvial processes operating along the slope.