Technosols and organic carbon in the World Reference Base for Soil Resources WRB

Plamen Ivanov and Martin Banov

Abstract: The paper reviews the development of Technosols classification in the World Reference Base for Soil Resources (WRB) in terms of organic carbon content. Typical Technosols from industrial activities with high carbon content and its sources are analysed. Some of the possible qualifiers needed to indicate the organic carbon are briefly reviewed. All editions of the WRB from the introduction of Technosols (IUSS Working Group WRB, 2006) to the fourth edition of the classification (IUSS Working Group WRB, 2022) are included in the study. Newly introduced qualifiers ensuring the differentiation of organic carbon in relation to its origin have been indicated. Recent updates of the discussed qualifiers and their possible applications are highlighted.

Keywords: organic carbon; Technosols; WRB

Date published: 2022-12-09