Influence of terrain attributes and soil properties on soil aggregate stability

Abstract

The study on the relationship between the soil aggregates stability assessed using water stable aggregate (WSA) index and the selected terrain and soil properties was performed on a morphologically diverse study site in Chernozem soil region of Southern Moravia. Soil analyses and detailed digital elevation model processing were the main methods adopted in the study. The soil structure stability is negatively influenced by the soil material removal from the steep parts of the back-slope and re-deposition of the mineral loess material at the base of the slope. The highest aggregates stability was identified in the upper flat parts of the study plot, undisturbed by erosion processes, and at the concave parts of the back-slope with intensive accumulation of organic matter. Statistical analysis showed a significant dependence of aggregates stability on organic carbon content and plan curvature index.

Keywords

• loess
• soil erosion
• soil structure
• topography
• water stable aggregates