Proposal for a method for Colluvisol delineation in Chernozem region

Abstract

Erosion, which is one of the most important exogenous processes forming the landscape, has become a main degradation factor affecting agroecosystems. One of the direct erosion effects is a change in the soil cover structure. Colluvisols, originating in the material accumulated in depressions and foot part of slopes, represent a significant element in such a segmented soil mosaic. In the Chernozem loess area of Žďánický les, a method of areal delimitation of Colluvisols was proposed. Considering the homogeneity of the relative soil properties, the terrain morfometric characteristics (slope, profile curvature, and plan curvature) were applied as the main criteria. The final map reflects specifically the general zones of potential Colluvisol formation, such as lateral valleys and slope bases - floodplain interfaces. In the locality under study (size 3 ha), the microrelief evaluation of the colluvial process was proceeded particularly in a colluvial-alluvial zone. The results showed a significant difference between the soil properties of adjacent Colluvisol and Fluvisol resulting mainly from the distinct character of sedimentation.

Keywords

• soil erosion
• terrain modelling
• soil cover structure
• soil mapping