Spatial 137Cs distribution in forest soil

This work presents the distribution of radioactive caesium in several types of forest soil originating from the Lesisko reserve (Opole Province, Poland). Vertical distribution of 137Cs isotope was determined in the profiles related to physicochemical properties of different types of soils and their location. Thickness of emerging genetic horizons, structure and morphology of soil profiles were determined. The highest 137Cs activities were found in Of and A horizons. At the same time, there was a sudden drop of 137Cs activity in mineral horizons of soil profiles. By analysis of caesium radioisotope content and its distribution in soil profiles significant correlations were observed between certain physicochemical properties (e.g. pH value, hydrolytic acidity, granulometric composition) of soils in selected forest habitats.