Plaggic anthrosol in modern research: Genesis, properties and carbon sequestration potential

Plaggic Anthrosol are artificially created fertile soils with a high content of humus, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and trace elements, which are also have of great importance as a chronicle of paleoecological and paleogeographical history of mankind, thus serving as an archive. Plaggic Anthrosol have been discovered not only in Western Europe but also in North Asia. The soils of the southwestern Pacific and South America are very similar to Plaggic Anthrosol, but have some differences and are now classified as Terric Anthrosols. It has been shown that the regular centuries-long application of a small substrate mixture onto the surface of a field, consisting of forest litter, heather with roots and mosses, straw soaked in animal manure and urine (Germany, Netherlands, Denmark, Russia); mixed with bones, feathers, and internal organs of seabirds (Scotland); guano (Peru); marine limestone sand mixed with seaweed (Ireland) serves as a source for the formation of Plaggen soil. The various formation conditions of these soils are reflected in their physical and chemical properties. The present article discusses the geographical distribution, genesis, key properties of Plaggic Anthrosol, and explores their classification. One of the key points of this work is a review of the principles and mechanisms of carbon stabilization in anthropogenic Plaggen soils, leading to carbon capture in the soil, reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the soil, and increasing its fertility. The existence of Plaggen soils demonstrates the fundamental possibility of sustainable carbon sequestration and soil fertility enhancement in the intensive use of land for gardening and agriculture. We can conclude that the potential of Plaggen soils represents a noteworthy example of the development of land use systems.

Automated summary

Plaggic Anthrosol, artificially created fertile soils, serve as an archive chronicling the paleoecological and paleogeographical history of mankind. They have been discovered in Western Europe and North Asia, and are similar to Terric Anthrosols found in southwestern Pacific and South America. This article discusses the geographical distribution, genesis, key properties, and carbon stabilization mechanisms of Plaggic Anthrosol, emphasizing their potential for sustainable carbon sequestration and soil fertility enhancement.