Toward a European humus forms reference base

A network of European humus researchers was founded in Trento (Italy) in 2003. The aim of the Group’s work was to prepare a synthesis of the knowledge about humus forms which could be used as a field key for classifying and interpreting humus forms within an ecological framework. Stages: the first European classification of terrestrial humus forms, prepared in Vienna (Austria, 2004) from a French plan, presented at EUROSOIL 2004 in Freiburg (Germany, 2004); the new form (Amphi) admitted as main humus form (Italy, 2005); the first European classification of semi-terrestrial humus forms, from a Dutch pattern (Italy, 2005); poster at the 18th Congress of Soil Science (Philadelphia, 2006); the enlargement of the Amphi category towards some Mediterranean humus forms (Italy, 2007); the definitive agreement for a complete classification key, EUROSOIL (Austria, 2008). Protocols for assessment and sampling of organic and organo-mineral layers were set up, as well as definitions for specific horizons. After six years of exchanges among specialists from 12 European countries, the outcome of this European set-up is briefly presented here as a succession of figures.