Thermogravimetry as a Method for Distinguishing Various Degrees of Mineralisation in Macromorphologically‐defined Humus horizons

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Abstract
Horizons of typical forest humus forms were sampled using the morphological criteria for distinguishing horizons in the field as suggested byBabel(1972). These samples were investigated by thermogravimetric analysis. The resulting characteristic weight losses were associated with the biological components of the organic matrix (cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin). Statistical analysis of these weight losses correlated well with the morphological criteria, and difficulties in characterizing transitional forms in the field could be overcome by the application of thermogravimetric measurements.The present results suggest that thermogravimetry is a good method for the characterization of humus horizons.