Altitudinal Distribution of Humus Properties of Andisols in Japan

Humic properties imparted to Andisols during pedogenesis are resistant to diagenetic alter-ation and are preserved in stable enough form to reconstruct the paleoenvironment of the Holocene. Success in the reconstruction of paleoenvironment from soil evidence depends on the field area chosen. By investigating four volcanic areas in Japan, we examined the altitudinal distribution of two soil attributes, humus accumulation and Pg absorption of humic acid, and their regularity to clarify the ‘promising area’ for paleoenvironment study by pedological approach. Phytolith composition was also examined to discuss the pedogenetic biological influence on humus properties of Andisols.