Topographically controlled grassland soils in the Boreal Cordillera ecozone, northwestern Canada

Grassland soils in the Boreal Cordillera ecozone of northwestern Canada exhibit unique properties that align with Chernozemic order criteria, despite their high-latitude (58 to 62°N) and topographically controlled distribution. These soils, found on south-facing aspects within boreal forests, display a range of microstructures from spongy to well-developed crumb, similar to those in southern regions. With a mean organic carbon concentration of 19.5 g kg⁻¹, these base-rich Ah horizons suggest they meet the morphological and chemical requirements for Dark Brown or Brown great groups. The study highlights the ecological significance of these grassland soils, which are typically isolated within forested landscapes.

Sanborn, P. (2010). Topographically controlled grassland soils in the Boreal Cordillera ecozone, northwestern Canada. Canadian Journal of Soil Science, 90(1), 89–101. https://doi.org/10.4141/cjss09048