Relationships between exchangeable and water-soluble cations in the forest soil

Abstract The aim of this research was to assess the relationships between exchangeable and water-soluble cations in forest soil types. Three dominant soil types were distinguished on studied plots: Haplic Podzol, Dystric Arenosol and Dystric Cambisol. Ca, Mg, K, Na and Al in soil sorption complex and soil water extracts were determined. The differentiation of the ionic composition of soil sorption complex and soil water extracts within a soil type and amongst soil types was presented. The sum of cations in the soil and water extracts was the highest in Dystric Cambisol and the lowest in Haplic Podzol. Ca is a dominant cation in soil and soil water extracts in organic horizon, whilst Al is dominant in mineral soil horizons. The Ca/Al and the base cations to Al (BC/Al) molar ratios increased in the sequence of soils: Haplic Podzol < Dystric Arenosol < Dystric Cambisol. The parent material, soil-forming processes and vegetation cover affected the Ca/Al and BC/Al ratios.