Characterizing the pedogenesis processes of some soils on metamorphic rocks from the sub-humid Mediterranean area in Algeria

A. Dilmi, Y. Daoud

Abstract


The present work aims to characterize the processes of soil formation on shale metamorphic source rocks in a subhumid Mediterranean area in the north of Algeria (Algiers city). The study of the evolution of the horizon’s total chemical composition of some elements (Si, Al, Fe, Ti, Ca, Mg, K, Na and Mn), allowed us to define rocks alteration mechanisms and redistribution of the alteration complex in two main profiles formed on metamorphic rocks. To do so, we conducted physical and chemical analyzes for both profiles. Then, the calculation of the Chemical weathering indices helped us to extract the alteration’s balance. The results showed that silicium is the main chemical constituent of the studied soil profiles. The realized geochemical trends indicated enrichment of surface horizons by silicium and a decrease in iron and aluminium elements. Regarding the manganese, there is no clear pattern of distribution in the profiles. The concentrations of titanium, alkali and alkaline earth elements (Na2O, K2O, CaO and MgO) are irregular in the profiles and are generally lower than those of the parent materials. The weathering indices seem well suited to detect changes in the alteration intensity in the studied soils. The calculated chemical balances vary according to the targeted chemical elements. 

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