An evaluation of soil variability over a single bedrock type in part of southeast Spain

Abstract

The problem of identifying and mapping local soil variations over a uniform geological material is examined. Soil mapping units, defined geomorphologically, are compared and classified in terms of silt and clay contents, using a fixed-effects ANOVA model. Most of the units, formed on a single rock type, are significantly different in terms of topsoil or subsoil character, or both. The differences are associated with contrasts in the genesis, relative age and geomorphological process relationships of the corresponding landforms. The approach is not only effective in resolving variations within a soil complex, but also can provide an appropriate framework for planning land suitability assessments.