Premium
Model of a Rising Nitrogen Profile in Nile Valley Alluvium, and Its Agronomic and Pedogenic Implications
Author(s) -
Jenny Hans
Publication year - 1962
Publication title -
soil science society of america journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.836
H-Index - 168
eISSN - 1435-0661
pISSN - 0361-5995
DOI - 10.2136/sssaj1962.03615995002600060021x
Subject(s) - alluvium , sedimentary depositional environment , geology , nitrogen , pedogenesis , alluvial soils , nile delta , horizon , soil water , hydrology (agriculture) , soil science , geomorphology , environmental science , structural basin , chemistry , geometry , geotechnical engineering , water resource management , organic chemistry , mathematics
Nitrogen‐depth functions in Nile Valley alluvium appear similar to those of Brunizems, but their genesis must be entirely different. Since fresh Nile mud is very rich in total nitrogen, it is proposed that the annual depositional layers, 1 mm. in thickness, undergo nitrogen losses as a result of microbial decomposition, and that for each layer the losses continue in the buried state, though at reduced rates. This model predicts quantitatively the N‐depth function actually observed. In comparison to residual soils, the Nile Valley profiles—in fact many young alluvial and loessial profiles—are inverted, the youngest horizon being on top, the oldest at the base.