Changes of Soil Properties along the Altitudinal Gradients in Subarctic Mountain Landscapes of Putorana Plateau, Central Siberia

Changes of soil properties along elevational gradients were studied in a less accessible and explored forest-tundra ecotone in the NW part of Central Siberia. Data on soil physical and chemical properties were collected along three horizontal transects at an elevation of 100-420 m a.s.l., at two localities differing in the slope angle. At each transect, five soil pits were excavated to a depth of 0.3-0.4 m. Soil samples were taken from the depths of 0-0.1 m, 0.1-0.2 m, and 0.2-0.3 m. The results showed a pronounced effect of slope angle on the pattern of soil properties along the elevational gradient. At the locality with a gentle slope, soils exhibited 2.5 times larger thickness of the surface organic layer (SOL), higher pH, and Na+ content, and lower C, N, Al-d, and Fe-d concentration indicating slower pedogenic processes on this site. On the other hand, at the locality with a steeper slope, soil properties were better differentiated between transects situated along elevational gradient especially at the depths of 0.1-0.2 and 0.2-0.3 m. However, a clear positive or negative trend with the altitude was observed only for some soil characteristics, e.g., SOL, C, N, or Al-d concentrations on the Lama location.

Automated summary

The study aimed to investigate changes in soil properties along elevational gradients in a less accessible and explored forest-tundra ecotone in Central Siberia. The results showed that slope angle had a pronounced effect on the pattern of soil properties. In locations with a gentle slope, slower pedogenic processes were observed, while in locations with a steeper slope, soil properties were better differentiated along the elevational gradient.