Comparative mineralogy of plain and slope Pseudogleys from southern Macva and Pocerina, Serbia

The aim of this study was to compare the mineralogical composition of a plain Pseudogley from Lipolist, southern Macva, and a slope Pseudogley from Slatina, Pocerina, Serbia, with particular emphasis on mineralogical differentiation along the soil profiles. Samples were collected from all genetic horizons of two representative soil profiles. Particle-size distribution and soil pH were determined, while the mineralogical composition of the bulk soil (< 2 mm) and clay (< 2 μm) fractions was investigated by X-ray diffraction. Both profiles showed clear textural differentiation, characterised by an increase in clay content in the Btg and BtgC horizons, and acidic soil reaction. The bulk soil fractions of both profiles had the same qualitative mineral assemblage, dominated by quartz, followed by plagioclase and mica/hydromica. The clay fraction was dominated by illite and hydromica, while mixed‐layer minerals, kaolinite and smectite occurred in lower proportions. In both profiles, the most pronounced mineralogical differentiation occurred in the Btg and BtgC horizons. Smectite, vermiculite and mixed-layer minerals generally increased in these horizons, whereas illite/hydromica and kaolinite showed a decreasing tendency. The observed vertical mineralogical differentiation suggests the combined influence of inherited mineral composition, lessivage and pedogenic transformations under periodically waterlogged and acidic conditions. Differences between the two profiles may additionally reflect parent-material heterogeneity.