Objective  In order to understand the influence of topography on the occurrence and evolution of Stagnic Anthrosols in subtropical hilly area,

  Method  the topographic series of terraces formed from quaternary red clay and tuff rock were selected in Quzhou and Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province. The genetic characteristics and soil types of terraced fields were compared in different topographical positions such as back of hill, high slope, gentle slope and foot of the slope.

  Result  The results showed that the soil developing degrees were gradually deepened by cultivation and ripening (including color change and acidity decrease) from the back of the hill to the foot of the slope. The vertical differentiation in soil thickness, redox layer thickness and the number of Fe-Mn new-growth, clay and iron oxide content of the profile increased, and the accumulations of organic matter, total nitrogen, total phosphorus and available phosphorus also increased. The investigation showed that the vertical migration of iron oxide in the terrace soil profile at the foot of the slope was significant, and the soil type in the position belonged to the Fe-accumuli-Stagnic Anthrosols. The development of soil profiles in the back of the hill and the high slope was relatively weak, and the soil type was the Hapli-Stagnic Anthrosols. The iron infiltration could occur in the terrace on the gentle slope, and the soil type was classified as Fe-leached Stagnic Anthrosols or the Hapli-Stagnic Anthrosols.

  Conclusion  Topography could affect the development of Stagnic Anthrosols in subtropical low hill area by changing the status and migration of moisture in soil profile.