• Track_Shovel@slrpnk.netOP
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      1 year ago

      As one commentator mentions, The different colours are all from one pit! from left to right:

      • LFH: - this is the leaf layer (O in USDA system). It’s comprised of fallen and dead organic matter at different stages of decomposition.

      • Aegj: - this is the first mineral horizon encountered (A). The ‘e’ denotes that it’s had something leached out of it (iron in this case). the ‘gj’ indicates that mottling (due to periodic ground water inundation and subsequent oxidation of Fe2+ iron ions) is present. This particular soil profile was in the vicinity of a peatland. In fact, the region I dug this pit is comprised of 60% peat!

      • Bmgj: this second horizon encountered (B). the ‘m’ in our classification system indicates very minor changes from the parent material (C horizon). ‘gj’ is defined above. the iron from the Aegj horizon was deposited here, which is why it’s brighter than the Ckgj horizon. However, it’s not enough to earn it the ‘f’ or ‘fj’ suffix, which would indicate that the iron deposition was a major forming factor in this profile.

      • Ckgj: this is the last mineral horizon encountered ©. the ‘k’ indicates the presence of carbonates; ‘gj’ defined above.

      This soil profile is common to somewhat wetter sites; typically a mix of aspen and white spruce. Occasional black spruce may be present.

    • ganksy@lemmy.world
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      1 year ago

      My uneducated guess is that the left is the nutrient rich topsoil and deeper layers to the right. Still just a guess.

    • Track_Shovel@slrpnk.netOP
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      1 year ago

      Before I answer your question, I’ll ask one of my own: Why would you think these things would be absent? I don’t mean this rudely, I’m legitimately curious how you came up with the question.

      As for the answer, yes. This is an undisturbed soil; there’s tons of mushrooms in the area, tons of white-rot etc. The soil’s got a seedbank as well, since it’s native soil.

      • CubitOom@infosec.pub
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        1 year ago

        I expect it to be there. But it is admittedly hard to see.

        But as someone just learning about these things (specifically from the work of Charles Dowding) I find it very exciting. And I would like to see if that could be captured in your photos as well.