Magnetic properties of concretions in surface-gleyed podzolic soils

The profile distribution of iron nodules, i.e., fine brown-colored ortstein s with strong magnetic properties uncommon for the bulk of soil, was studie d. The results obtained and published data revealed the paramount importanc e of microorganisms in the formation of nodules with magnetic properties. T he capacity of soil microbial cenoses to the reduction of iron compounds is assessed. One of the possible scenarios of the biogenic formation of low a nd high magnetics is discussed, which agrees with the experimental data obt ained by the Mossbauer analysis.