Serpentinseköer

Serpentinseköer, also known as serpentine soils, are a unique type of soil that forms from the weathering of serpentinite rocks. Serpentinite is a metamorphic rock rich in magnesium and iron silicates, particularly olivine and pyroxene. The parent material's composition leads to serpentinseköer having distinct chemical and physical properties.

These soils are typically characterized by a high pH, often alkaline, and a low concentration of essential plant nutrients like calcium and phosphorus. Conversely, they can be rich in elements like magnesium, nickel, chromium, and cobalt. This unique elemental profile can lead to toxic levels of certain metals for many plant species, restricting plant growth and influencing the types of vegetation that can thrive in these environments.

Serpentinseköer often exhibit poor physical structure, being heavy, clayey, and prone to compaction. They can also be challenging for water infiltration and retention. Despite these limitations, specialized plant communities, known as serpentine endemics, have evolved to tolerate and even depend on the specific conditions of these soils. These plants often have adaptations to cope with high metal concentrations and nutrient deficiencies.

The distribution of serpentinseköer is geographically widespread, often associated with ophiolite complexes, which are remnants of oceanic crust found on land. These areas are of interest to geologists and biologists alike due to their unique mineralogy and the specialized ecosystems they support. Research into serpentine soils continues to explore their biogeochemical cycles and the evolutionary adaptations of the organisms living within them.