HistosolsFrom the Greek word “histos”,

meaning tissue

By, Allen R. Best

Spread Over the World

Spread Over the U.S.

Suborder Spread Over U.S.

Spread Over MN

Histosol (Organic Soils) Soil order of peats and mucks that are

thicker than 18 inches. Very minute mineral component.Forms from the accumulation of organic

matter in wet/cool environments (examples: Wetland or peat bog).

Found in boreal, arctic, and sub-arctic regions.

Important ecologically because of the amount of carbon contained in them.

Agriculturally valuable. Can be used as a fuel source.Lots of anaerobic decomposition!

5 Suborders

FolistsWassistsFibristsSaprist Hemists!

Volume Change!

Diagnostic Horizons

Horizons are O (organic matter).

O horizon is broken up according to degree of O.M. decomposition. a – highly e – intermediate i – slightly

FINQ: why was the soil so good in school?

A: it knows its ABCs. Q: why did the gardener plant his money?

A: he wanted the soil to be rich. So a fungi walks into a bar and the

bartenders says “We don’t serve your kind here!”. The fungi replies “But, I’m a FUN-GUY!” … get it?