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Lignin signature of subalpine Rendzinas (Tangel‐ and Moderrendzina) in the Bavarian Alps
Author(s) -
Kögel Ingrid,
Ziegler Frank,
Zech Wolfgang
Publication year - 1988
Publication title -
zeitschrift für pflanzenernährung und bodenkunde
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.644
H-Index - 87
eISSN - 1522-2624
pISSN - 0044-3263
DOI - 10.1002/jpln.19881510105
Subject(s) - lignin , humus , chemistry , decomposition , aldehyde , guaiacol , organic chemistry , soil water , catalysis , geology , soil science
Simple phenolic lignin degradation products released from alkaline CuO oxidation are used to characterize the lignin component of a Tangelrendzina and a Moderrendzina. The sum of CuO oxidation products describes the overall lignin decomposition pattern. The ratio of acid/aldehyde of the vanillyl unit and the ratio of syringyl/vanillyl units give an indication of the alteration of the remnant lignin molecule. In both soils the sum of lignin oxidation products shows a pronounced decrease with depth. In the Oh, Ca horizon of the Tangelrendzina and the Ah of the Moderrendzina an accumulation of lignin‐derived phenolic compounds is observed. The strong increase of the acid/aldehyde ratio at the transition from the humus to the mineral horizons in both soils and the decrease of the syringyl/vanillyl ratio in the Moderrendzina demonstrate a considerable chemical alteration of the remnant lignin molecule (oxidation of side‐chain, enrichment with vanillyl units) with progressive decomposition and humification of litter material. The depth functions of the lignin parameters are influenced by decomposition of lignin, accumulation of water‐soluble lignin fragments and the input of root litter.