Turf-bearing topsoils on the central Tibetan Plateau, China : pedology, botany, geochronology

Auteurs :
KAISER, K.
MIEHE, G.
BARTHELMES, A.
EHRMANN, O.
SCHARF, A.
SCHULT, M.
SCHLÜTZ, F.
ADAMCZYK, S.
FRENZEL, B.

Description :
Vast areas on the Tibetan Plateau are covered by alpine sedge mats consisting of different species of the genus Kobresia. These mats have topsoil horizons rich in rhizogenic organic matter which creates turfs. In the core area of Kobresia pygmaea mats around Nagqu, 4 profiles were subjected to pedological, paleobotanical and geochronological analyses concentrating on soil properties, phytogenic composition and dating of the turf. The results show that the turfs result from the transformation of pre-existing topsoils comprising a secondary penetration and accumulation of roots.


Type de document :
Article de périodique

Source :
Catena (Giessen), issn : 0341-8162, 2008, vol. 73, n°. 3, p. 300-311, nombre de pages : 12, Collation : Illustration, Références bibliographiques : 79 ref.

Date :
2008

Editeur :
Pays édition : Allemagne, Cremlingen-Destedt, Catena