Rate and nature of podzolisation in aeolian sands in the Falkland Islands, South Atlantic

The rate and nature of podzolic soil development in aeolian sands in the cool temperate Falkland Islands, South Atlantic, have been evaluated using 14C dating and morphological and chemical criteria. In freely drained sands a carbic podzol developed over a minimum period of ca. 2500–3000 years. In sands with some drainage restriction a carbi-ferric podzol developed within 300–500 years. The shorter time span is consistent with results for podzolisation from other locations. Morphological and chemical contrasts between the profiles are inversely related to soil age: the younger soil exhibits more complex podzolic horizonation and is attributed to pedogenesis in association with ‘wetter’ profile conditions.