Methodological bases of classification of megalopolis soils on the example of St. Petersburg

Abstract

In developing methodological bases of classification of urban soils the properties of soil as a special biogeomembrane were considered. It is suggested to enter classification of soils of megalopolises into modern «Classification and diagnostics of soils of Russia» (2004). At the heart of classification it is suggested to give the morphological-genetic analysis of a profile. In considering soil as a biogeomembrane the degree of genetic linkage between layers, their compliance to profile-forming processes, characteristic for soils of this natural zone, an origin and structure of the superficial horizon is considered. Proceeding from the importance of soil function performance it is proposed to put the capacity of humuc or organic horizon at a higher taxonomical level. On the basis of analysing urban soil structure features the department of Introduced soils is established. The department merges soils in which the introduced organomineral or organic horizon (RY, RU or RT) with power less than 40 cm lies on a mineral substrate D, formed in situ or introduced from the outside.

Keywords:

soils of megalopolises, biogeomembrane, classification, functions of soils, the introduced horizon