Pedosequences in Northern Tien Shan mountain belt (Kazakhstan-Kirgizstan)

Abstract

Some selected soil profiles and environmental conditions of a sector of the Tien Shan mountain belt, between Kazakhstan and Kirgizstan, were investigated. Main target of the research was to give information about soil classification and distribution, and about changes in chemical, biochemical and physical properties with elevation, lithology, vegetation, and climate. The survey and the analyses confirmed the lack of podzolization marks, also under conifers cover. We verified an important altimetric raising of the vegetation stages, compared to alpine environments, in clear relation to moderate rainfall. Moreover, we recognized the non usual presence of a probable aeo-lian cover on a valley bottom, at about 3,000 m a.s.l. It seems that such occurrence favoured the development of Phaeozems (Borolls), soils that are more common on dryer and warmer grasslands at lower altitudes. Finally, on the basis of the geochemical analyses carried out on soil samples, it could be said that the Tien Shan spruce forest plays an important role as trap of the atmospheric trace elements, compared to other local vegetation types. Also its release capacity to the soil could be faster.