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The soils from young and middle aged volcanic ash generally have high available soil moisture levels. Due to rapid litter decomposition in the upper soil, L-Mull (2-4 cm) is the predominant humus form. Underneath the organic layer an Ah-horizon has formed, which is normally underlain by two transition horizons (AB,BA), a B-horizon and a C-horizon. The B-horizon has already completed the process of brunification. In general, volcanic soils are developed deep to very deep (100 - 140 cm). The soils have no skeleton content. The dominating textures are sandy silt (Us) and typical silt (U). The bulk density is relatively homogenious throughout the entire soil profile with values between 0.40 and 0.60 g/cm3. The water storage capacity lies between 200 - 250 mm per 1 m soil depth.
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