Effects of development stage on organic matter transformation in Podzols

•Pyrolysis-GC/MS was used to investigate organic matter transformation in Podzols.•Less (lignin) phenols and more aliphatics with increasing Podzol development.•Largest A-B horizon differences in organic matter composition in active Podzols.•No large differences in organic matter composition for different vegetation types.•Development stage of Podzols should be taken into account in soil management.