Properties and classification of heavily eroded post-chernozem soils in Proszowice Plateau (southern Poland)

Abstract The morphology and properties of heavily eroded soils found in chernozems in the upland landscape of the Proszowice Plateau (southern part of Poland) was presented. The issue of classification of these soils was also discussed. Taking into account the terrain context, it should have been assumed that these soils were formed as a result of strong erosion (truncation) of chernozems. These (post-chernozem) soils were relatively young, in which only the development of humus horizon can be documented. However, the accumulation of humus was hampered by constantly intense erosion processes. Evidence of the occurrence of the illuviation process as well as formation of cambic horizon is not visible macroscopically and microscopically. These soils are often classified as weakly developed soils though despite the poor development of the soil profile, they are characterized by potentially high productivity, which results both from the properties of their parent material (texture, porosity) and from their youthfulness (carbonate content both in fine earths and in nodules, high pH in whole profile). Therefore, the name proposed in Polish Soil Classification, 6th edition (‘pararędzina’) seems to be justified. These soils would be classified as Entisols according to USDA Soil Taxonomy and as Regosols according to WRB.