Rankers

As Ranker poorly developed and shallower soil is referred to in the soil science, built on lime-poor to non-calcareous bedrock such as sandstone, granite or quartz. The name derives from the Austrian Ranker, which means steep slope. The soil type has two horizons, and is in the class R (Ah / C soil) divided. Its abbreviation is RN.

Emergence and dissemination

When relying on solid rock, a thin layer has formed the ground, an early stage of soil development is reached ( Syrosem ). The bottom layer is progressive humus formation, deposition of dust and weathering of the rock increasingly powerful. As soon as it is larger than 2 cm, going from the Syrosem more sophisticated soil types produced - the bottoms of the class R (Ah / C soils). At low lime to lime-free rocks ( quartzite, mudstone, sandstone or siltstone ) are the ranker. Thus, the soil development but is not complete. Later it comes to brunification and Verlehmung, so without further interference forms a B horizon and the subsequent stage is reached ( Brown Earth ). At the end of soil development is usually the podzol; in rare cases ( mudstone ) Terra fusca.

Ranker are typical when corresponding output queue rocks in Central Europe for the slopes of the highlands. For Germany this means, for example, in the Harz Mountains of granite or Wiehengebirge the sandstone. The soil type, as already suggests the name origin, only on a slope positions before permanently, because only there, which reduces erosion of the ( rapid ) development of the soil. In addition, Ranker are far more common than previously nowadays due to human activity. So it happened on many arable land on slopes to soil erosion. This results in higher stages of development were removed and again reached Ranker.

Leveling

The Ranker has, according to German soil classification, the leveling Ah / IMC.

• Ah: The surface horizon (A), humic (h). It has a thickness of at least 2 cm and a maximum of 30 cm (other Ah / C trays 40 cm). Under agricultural use may also occur the term Ap ( plowed p =).
• IMC: The starting material (C ) is solid (m) and decalcified to scale-free (i = silicate; ≤ 2 % by weight of lime). Numerous rocks such as sandstone, quartzite, granite, shale or siltstone come into question. The material is largely unweathered.

After the international WRB soil classification Ranker are usually the Leptosolen, Arenosolen or Regosolen.

Properties

As many rocks are suitable, the characteristics may vary. Through the lime- starting material, the pH values ​​of the soil, but sour in most cases. In quartz-rich rocks such as sandstone, quartzite or granite are mainly Ranker nutrients ( dystrophic ). If, however, but little or no lime nutrient- richer rich rocks such as mica schist, siltstone or mudstone, they can also be rich in nutrients ( eutrophic or Eu - Ranker Ranker ). While Eu - ranker quality humus forms ( Mull ) and mineralization rates have, the ratios for the decomposition of organic matter on dystrophic rankers are bad. To form the unfavorable Moder humus forms and raw humus as well as unreacted foliage pads, which in turn promote the podsolization. An essential property of all Ranker is the Flachgründigkeit by the close upcoming hard rock.

Use

Ranker have low agricultural yield potential. Due to frequent slope, Flachgründigkeit and lack of nutrients they are used in Central Europe only rarely as arable. In arable farming areas outweighs its use as extensive grassland. Significance is mainly the forestry use. But by the rocky, low powerful underground Ranker do not offer all the trees an adequate location. It is dominated by coniferous trees such as pine and fir trees.

Other Ah / C soils

In addition to the ranker include three soil types in the class of Ah / C soils that differ diagnostically especially in the lime content of the starting material:

• The Pararendzina formed on Marly material ( carbonate content > 2 wt % and < 75 wt%). Most are loose materials such as loess.
• The regosol also forms on lime- or - free material ( carbonate ≤ 2 wt%). However, it must be here to act Locker materials (mainly sand).
• The rendzina located on calcareous materials ( carbonate content ≥ 75 % by mass) such as limestone or gypsum.