FORMATION D’HORIZONS CIMENTES DANS LES SOLS SABLEUX DU DELTA DES RIVIERES MANICOUAGAN ET OUTARDES, QUEBEC

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Abstract
Three profiles, one Fibrisol and two Podzols, developed on the deltaic sediments of the Manicouagan and Outardes rivers, have been analyzed. The mineral deposits contain two different layers. The upper one, rich in silt and clay, corresponds to the latest stage of sedimentation in shallow waters, while the lower layer is sandy in texture. The impervious nature of the upper layer due to a massive structure and a large content of fine particles has favored the formation of very extensive peatlands. At the edge of the former beachline, drainage is improved and Podzolic soils have developed. The fine-textured layer found under the organic deposits of the Fibrisol is partially disrupted by the roots in the Podzolic soil. In the third profile, this layer is more completely disorganized but the A and B horizons still contain relic fragments, which are cemented by podzolic material. At depth, this profile also contains cemented horizons. Cement is composed of podzolic material and illuviated clay. Micromorphological analysis contributed to an explanation of the evolution of the spodic organizations in the soils and to an understanding of the origin and formation of the cemented horizons.