Pedology

The bedrock of the Vaud Alps region is primarily limestone, but schists, granites, and dolomites can also be found. Various types of soils are present, ranging from deep brown soils (brunisols) to leached brown soils (neoluvisols). Fine soils directly resting on the substrate (lithosols) are also observable, and these have a greater influence on the vegetation.

An alkaline pedogenesis is promoted by the presence of cations and carbonates. However, this can be followed by an acidic pedogenesis due to the leaching of carbonates. The accumulation of post-glacial loess in this region accelerates the transition to acidic pedogenesis.

(Written in collaboration with Dr. Carmen Cianfrani & Aline Buri)