Soil and humus development in drift sands

In drift sand, incipient mineral soils with a very thin endorganic horizon develop towards highly acid soils with a thick, differentiated, mor to moder type ectorganic horizon and incipient podzolisation, within a period of about 100 years. This is due slow litter decomposition and associated soil acidification, brought about by the adverse site conditions. Initially being dependent on atmospheric inputs, soil stocks of macrometals (Fe, Al, Ca, Mg, K, Na) strongly increase during succession, largely through efficient biogeochemical cycling. Differences in site conditions and management within drift sand areas lead to differences in rates of soil and humus form development, being clearly visible in the humus form.