POLYPHENOLS IN PLANT, HUMUS, AND SOIL

Abstract

Summary The polyphenols of fresh green and dried leaves, litter, and superficial humus from mull and mor sites were examined by paper chromatography and paper electrophoresis. The greatest diversity and quantity of phenolic substances obtained in the extract of the fresh beech leaves from the mor site. There was a change in quantity of simple polyphenols grading from a maximum in fresh growing green leaves, falling through senescent leaves to dead leaves to fresh fallen leaves, to a minimum in decayed leaves and humus or stored dry leaves. Tannin stripping and especially hydrolysis and reduction of the decayed leaves and superficial humus released polyphenolic substances. The role of polyphenols in mull and mor formation is discussed.