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The possible significance of poly‐phenols in soil formation
Author(s) -
Bloomfield C.
Publication year - 1957
Publication title -
journal of the science of food and agriculture
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.782
H-Index - 142
eISSN - 1097-0010
pISSN - 0022-5142
DOI - 10.1002/jsfa.2740080704
Subject(s) - podzol , chemistry , ferric , polyphenol , aqueous solution , phenols , soil water , environmental chemistry , amine oxide , hydrous ferric oxides , humus , inorganic chemistry , organic chemistry , geology , sorption , soil science , alkyl , adsorption , antioxidant
Soils of the podzol group are characterized by the translocation of iron compounds down the profile; it is considered that the ferric oxide in the uppermost horizons of the soil is mobilized by the action of soluble organic compounds leached from the overlying tree litter. The solution and reduction of ferric oxide by aqueous leaf extracts is apparently caused by the joint action of carboxylic acids and polyphenols. The development of a horizon of clay accumulation is a feature of certain podzolic soils. As aqueous leaf extracts have the property of dispersing clay suspensions, it is apparent that the development of textural profiles could be promoted by the action of these extracts. In the dispersion of clays, polyphenolic compounds constitute one of the chief groups of active compounds.