1. Histosols
Molly McKeen

2. Background From Greek word histos, meaning "tissue"
Often referred to as peats and mucks
These properties restrict their uses in building and engineering
Form when OM decomposes more slowly than it accumulates
Occurs in extremely wet areas
Meaning most of these soils are saturated year-round
Ecologically important because of the large quantities of carbon they contain

3. Where are Histosols?
Occupy approximately 1.2% of the ice-free land area globally
Approximately 1.6% of the U.S.

4. Histosols in MN Mostly in Northern MN, BWCA territory
Did not see during the field trip
Definitely saw at Cloquet Forestry Center

5. Environments
Usually in wet, cool, low-lying areas such as basins, depressions, swamps, coastal marshes, deltas, and areas with a high precipitation Can be found in variety of regions
from Alpine where low temperatures slow organic decay to the tropical islands where soil remain saturated.
10% of all Histosols are in tropical islands

6. Suborders
Folists
Horizons made up of leaf litter, twigs, and branches resting on bedrock
Fibrists
Wet, slightly decomposed
Hemists
Moderately decomposed
Saprists
Well decomposed

7. References https://www.uidaho.edu/cals/soil-orders/histosols
cs142p2_053600