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Chapter 3.1

Adapted from AAFRD, 1985c

Figure 3.1.13 Wavy Growth Pattern Often Seen in Fields with Solonetzic Soils

Good structure

Top soil

Normal soil (good growth)

Solonetzic soil (poor growth)

Eroded pit or blow-out area

Hardplan

Plant root development

Organic Soils

Organic soils, sometimes referred to as peat or muskeg soils, occur primarily in the Gray Luvisolic soil zone of Alberta. Individual peat bogs may vary in size from a few to thousands of hectares.

Organic soils form in low-lying areas that are flooded for part of the year. These soils form because excess soil moisture, coupled with cool climatic conditions, cause slow rates of plant residue decomposition. The result is a

net accumulation of organic matter, creating an organic layer a few centimetres to several metres thick.

Organic soils are classified as sedge peats or moss peats, depending on the primary vegetation. In general, sedge peats are more suited to agricultural development because they have more favourable water holding capacity and fertility than moss peat. (Table 3.1.2).

more info

For more information on practical management of solonetzic soils, check out this factsheet, which can be ordered from the AF Publications Office or accessed on Ropin’ the Web:

1993. Management of •

solonetzic soils. Agdex 518-8.