Soils and relief relationships in subalpine grasslands in the Central Pyrenees (NE, Spain)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Badía-Villas ◽  
Lucía Buendía-García ◽  
Luis Alberto Longares-Aladrén ◽  
José Luis Peña-Monné ◽  
Clara Martí-Dalmau
Keyword(s):  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Soil Classification ◽  
Calcium Content ◽  
High Mountain ◽  
Soil Taxonomy ◽  
Nardus Stricta ◽  
Mountain Environments ◽  
L1 And L2 ◽  
Central Pyrenees ◽  
Ne Spain

<p>On two accumulation levels, separated by an unevenness up to 2 m, two contrasted plant communities can be differentiated in subalpine stage of the Pyrenees: the dense tussock-forming grass <em>Nardus stricta</em>, at the upper level (L1), and the open chalk grasslands at the lower level (L2). In order to confirm the soil-relief-grasslands relationships, we analyzed and compared soil pedogenesis and properties in both accumulation levels. In addition, we classify the soils following WRB and ST systems and we discuss the finesse of both taxonomies in these high mountain environments. The work has been carried out at 1900 masl, in the Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Park (PNOMP), in the summer grasslands site of La Estiva (Fanlo, Central Pyrenees, NE Spain). Five soil pits were studied in every accumulation level (L1 and L2) for a side-by-side comparison.</p><p>            The study of soils in the two levels of accumulation reveals a series of differences in their genesis, properties and soil classification. The accumulation of organic matter and lixiviation are the dominant edafogenetic processes in L1, to which we must add the rejuvenation by gully erosion in L2. Soils at L1 and L2 shared many physical properties as a fine granulometry, with a homogeneous particle-size distribution with depth. In both levels, the soils lack carbonates, even though limestones are the parental material. The soils in L1 have a greater thickness and, thus, a higher water holding capacity than in L2. In relation to chemical properties, soils in L1 have a significantly lower pH, a lower base saturation, and lower available calcium content than in L2, reflecting a more intense leaching process, consistent with a longer period of slope stability. Over L1 with <em>Nardus</em> mat-grasslands, the main soil is classified as Orthoeutric Cambisols (Clayic, Humic), and the soil over L2, with chalk-grasslands, as Hypereutric Leptosols (Loamic, Ochric). Soil taxonomy System (USDA), giving more weight to the temperature regime, classify both soils as Haplocryept, at the level of great group, separating them at the subgroup level as Typic Haplocryept (L1) and Lithic Haplocryept (L2), according to the depth at which limestone appears (lithic contact). Definitely, the microtopograhy and geomorphologic context, is linked to the pedodiversity, which goes hand in hand with plant diversity in this subalpine environment.</p>

scholarly journals Classification and assessment of agricultural potential of the lower Niger floodplain soils of Atani, Southeastern Nigeria

Agro-Science ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 51-61
Author(s):  
F.C. Okenmuo ◽  
C.O. Anochie ◽  
M.E. Ukabiala ◽  
C.L.A. Asadu ◽  
P.K. Kefas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Soil Classification ◽  
Exchange Capacity ◽  
Available Phosphorus ◽  
Soil Taxonomy ◽  
Southeastern Nigeria ◽  
Reference Base ◽  
Anambra State ◽  
Agricultural Potential ◽  
Capability Evaluation

The soils of Atani floodplain in Anambra State of Nigeria contribute significantly to the food production of the State, hence the need to understand their behavior in order to enhance their management and productivity. Profile pits were sited along three physiographic units viz: levee crest, levee  slope and flood basin. Soil samples were collected from the profile horizons and subjected to standard laboratory procedures. Characterization of the soils was based on their morphological, physical and chemical properties. Soil classification was carried out using the USDA Soil Taxonomy and correlated with FAO/IUSS World Reference Base. Its agricultural potential was assessed using the fertility capability classification. The soils were deep. Topsoil colour was dominantly blackish black (10YR 3/2). Mottles were pervasive; an indication of impeded drainage conditions. The soils were predominantly fine textured. Soil pH values ranged from 4.8 to 6.2. Exchangeable Calcium was low to moderate (2.6-8.2 cmol kg−1); Magnesium was moderate to high (1.6-6.8 cmol kg−1); Sodium was high to very high (1.0-2.5 cmol kg−1), while potassium was high (1.2-4.2 cmol kg−1). Cation  exchange capacity values ranged from 11.6 to 42.6 cmol kg−1. Total nitrogen was very low to low (0.14-1.12 g kg−1), while organic carbon was low to moderate (0.4-15.2 g kg−1). Available phosphorus was very low to high ranging from 0.93 to 31.71 mg kg−1 while base saturation ranged from 64 to 93%. The soils were classified as Typic Fluvaquents (Typic Fluvisols), Fluvaquentic Endoaquepts (Endostagnic Cambisols) and Fluventic Endoaquepts (Endostagnic Cambisols) according to the USDA and FAO/IUSS. The fertility capability evaluation of the soils revealed that the pedons were Lgn in classification due to limitations in drainage. Key words: alluvium, cambic horizon, Inceptisols, lithologic discontinuity

scholarly journals Effects of prescribed burning for pasture reclamation on soil chemical properties in subalpine shrublands of the Central Pyrenees (NE-Spain)

2018 ◽  
Vol 644 ◽  
pp. 583-593 ◽  
Author(s):  
Antonio Girona-García ◽  
Raquel Zufiaurre Galarza ◽  
Juan Luis Mora ◽  
Cecilia María Armas-Herrera ◽  
Clara Martí ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Prescribed Burning ◽  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Soil Chemical Properties ◽  
Central Pyrenees ◽  
Ne Spain

scholarly journals Identifikasi Sifat, Ciri, dan Jenis Tanah Utama di Pulau Lombok

2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 19
Author(s):  
Joko Priyono ◽  
Ismail Yasin ◽  
Muhammad Dahlan ◽  
Bustan Bustan
Keyword(s):  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Soil Classification ◽  
Organic Content ◽  
X Ray Diffraction ◽  
Soil Taxonomy ◽  
Soil System ◽  
Descriptive Research ◽  
Fertile Soil ◽  
Physical And Chemical ◽  
Lombok Island

TA descriptive research aimed to identify the characteristics and name of main soils in Lombok Island was carried out through field observation for soil profiles and landform and laboratory analyses for soil physical and chemical properties. The type or name of soil was defined by using The National (Indonesian) Soil Classification System (2014), Soil Taxonomy (SSS-USDA, 2014), and World Soil Reference (FAO, 2014). There were 4 main types of soil in Lombok Island, which were Litosol, Aluvial, Kambisol, and Vertisol; and a fairly developed soil in limited spots was Mediteran. Based on the soil taxonomy system, those soils were respectively equivalent to Orthents, Fluvents, Undepts, Underts, and Udalfs; whereas based on the soil system of FAO, were Leptisols, Fluvisols, Cambisols, Vertisols, and Luvisols. The main characteristics of Litosol/Orthents/Leptosols Lombok were shallow solum (< 25 cm on the rocks or lithic contacts), coarse textured (sandy), nutritionally deficient, very low CEC (< 5 cmolc.kg-) and C-organic content (< 1 %). Aluvial or Fluvents, were mainly utilized as paddy soil, consisting of several layers which it clay and C-organic content were changed irregularly with depth, CEC of top soil (Ap) was medium (5–10 cmolc.kg-), and it was relatively fertile. Kambisols or Undepts was fairly deep (consisting of 40 – 60 cm of A and B horizons,), loamy textured, fairly fertile, CEC was medium, and C-organic content was low – medium (1–2 %). Vertisol or Uderts was characterized by a significant swell-shrinking properties, clay textured, extremely hard to be cultivated, high CEC, Ca, and Mg, and relatively fertile soil. Mediteran or Udalf was a further developed soil (solum > 100 cm), clay translocation has been occurred from upper (E) to lower horizons (Bt), CEC was fair, and it was relatively fertile soil. In conclusion, the pedologic development of soils in Lombok Island was relatively slow due mainly to the low–moderate rainfall, and the soil types were dominated by Litosols, Aluvials, Kambisols, and Vertisols, and Mediteran in small area. In order to provide a complete reference for the characteristics of main soils in Lombok Island, it necessaries to define mineralogy composition through X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) and thermogravimetry analysis (TGA) of the clay fractions of the soils

scholarly journals Soil Morphology, Physico-chemical Properties, Classification and Potential of Selected Soils in Kenya

2019 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Anne N. Karuma
Keyword(s):  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Soil Classification ◽  
Classification Systems ◽  
Soil Profiles ◽  
Soil Morphology ◽  
Alkaline Ph ◽  
Soil Taxonomy ◽  
Physico Chemical ◽  
Physical And Chemical ◽  
Very High

Four soil profiles (Yala, Galana, Baringo and Bondo) that represent different ecology, physiography and pedological variability were described to study their morphology, soil physico-chemical characteristics and to classify them using two internationally known soil classification systems. Soil samples were taken from designated pedogenic horizons for physical and chemical analysis in the laboratory. These soils are deep to very deep (> 110 cm) and well-drained except in Galana which was imperfectly drained, with varying textures. In Bondo, the soils are moderately acid (pH 5.6 – 6). In Baringo, the soil profile is acidic (< 5.0) while in Galana moderately alkaline (pH 7.3 - 8.3) and Yala soils are moderate to strongly acid (5.1 - 5.7). The organic carbon (< 0.6%) and organic matter levels (1 – 2%) were low and decreased down the profiles in all. The soils have low to moderate fertility. The base saturation of the studied soils is rated as very high (> 80%) in Galana and Baringo and low (< 50%) in Yala and Bondo pedons. The soils are non-saline as indicated by the low values of electrical conductivity (< 1.7dS/m) in the pedons. The soils are non-sodic (ESP < 6%) in Bondo and Yala, however moderately sodic (ESP 11-15%) in Galana and Baringo. Ochric horizon was the main diagnostic epipedon while ferralic, argillic and cambic horizons were the diagnostic B horizons. According to USDA Soil Taxonomy, the soils were classified as Typic Haplustox (Yala), Typic Haplocalcids (Galana), Typic Eutrudepts (Baringo) and Plinthic Haplustults (Bondo) corresponding to Haplic Ferralsols, Luvic Calcisols, Haplic Cambisol and Cutanic Plinthic Acrisols in the WRB for Soil Resources. The general fertility of the soils of the areas is discussed highlighting their potentials and constraints.

scholarly journals Late-Holocene forest resilience in the central Pyrenean highlands as deduced from pollen analysis of Lake Sant Maurici sediments

The Holocene ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 095968362110332
Author(s):  
Valentí Rull ◽  
Núria Cañellas-Boltà ◽  
Teresa Vegas-Vilarrúbia
Keyword(s):  
Bronze Age ◽  
Middle Ages ◽  
Iron Age ◽  
Late Holocene ◽  
High Elevation ◽  
Roman Period ◽  
High Mountain ◽  
Southern Central ◽  
Central Pyrenees ◽  
The Middle Ages

Palynological analysis of the last ca. 4300 cal year BP using a sediment core taken from high mountain (ca. 1900 m elevation) Lake Sant Maurici sediments (southern-central Pyrenees) showed remarkable vegetation constancy during the Bronze Age and the Middle Ages. Records of the Iron Age and the Roman period were missing due to a major sedimentary gap. During the studied periods, the vegetation around the lake was largely dominated by pine ( Pinus) forests with birch ( Betula), oak ( Quercus) and hazel ( Corylus) trees, as is the case today. The composition of these forests and the abundance of their components remained quite stable, despite the occurrence of temperature and moisture shifts. The degree of human disturbance, notably that of pastoralism and cereal cultivation by scattered and temporary settlements, was very low and had little or no effect on the dominant forests. This situation contrasts with most high-elevation (subalpine and alpine) environments of the central Pyrenees that were massively anthropized during the Middle Ages. Further research should be aimed at finding sediments corresponding to the Iron Age and the Roman period to verify whether the vegetation constancy can be extended throughout the Late-Holocene. Past records of this type may allow the estimation of natural and anthropogenic thresholds for irreversible forest changes, which would be useful for conservation purposes.

Cross-Reference System for Translating Between Genetic Soil Classification of China and Soil Taxonomy

2006 ◽  
Vol 70 (1) ◽  
pp. 78-83 ◽  
Author(s):  
X. Z. Shi ◽  
D. S. Yu ◽  
E. D. Warner ◽  
W. X. Sun ◽  
G. W. Petersen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Reference System ◽  
Soil Classification ◽  
Soil Taxonomy ◽  
Cross Reference

How can drone imagery and dendrogeomorphology contribute to GLOF hazard assessment in remote areas? A case study from Chilean Patagonia.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sandra Gorsic ◽  
Alberto Muñoz-Torrero Manchado ◽  
Jérôme Lopez-Saez ◽  
Simon K. Allen ◽  
Juan A. Ballesteros-Canovas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Tree Ring ◽  
High Energy ◽  
High Mountain ◽  
Remote Areas ◽  
Mountain Environments ◽  
Outburst Floods ◽  
Object Based ◽  
Detection Approach ◽  
Chilean Patagonia ◽  
San Rafael

&lt;p&gt;With the substantial glacier mass reduction projected by the end of the century, the formation and rise of periglacial lakes has to be expected. Even though these changes often occur in remote areas, they can nevertheless have catastrophic impacts on populations and infrastructure through processes such as glacial lake outburst floods (GLOF). GLOFs are the result of complex geomorphic changes and subject to various timescales, thus urging the need for a multidimensional approach. The present study combines two approaches to analyze natural hazards in the secluded San Rafael National Park in Chilean Patagonia (North Patagonian Icefield). The Grosse glacier outlet was chosen after interpreting satellite imagery and historical pictures showing a historical emptying of a lateral lake, which was also supported by local testimonies. Dendrogeomorphology was primarily used with an automatic detection approach to identify possible dates of occurrence of past GLOFs at the Grosse outlet. A total of 105 disturbed Nothofagus trees were sampled highlighting 6 event years between 1958 and 2011. The second method aimed at complementing the tree-ring-based findings with UAV imagery acquired during fieldwork and the mapping of geomorphic evidence of past GLOFs. Huge boulders and deposits are one of the signs recognized as remnants of past lake outbursts and were thus used to differentiate small, rainfall-induced floods from high magnitude events. More precisely, through an object-based strategy, we mapped deposits and extrapolated a theoretical flow orientation. Whereas the first method allowed to select dates of potential events, the second facilitated identification and mapping of the spatial extent of past high-energy events. Analysis of imagery also allowed detection of the occurrence of a 200-m wide breach in the frontal moraine as well as the vanishing of a lateral lake estimated to be 1.8 &amp;#215; 10&lt;sup&gt;6 &lt;/sup&gt;m&lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt; in the 1950s, which we date to 1958 using tree-ring records. When used together the two approaches can represent a valuable contribution to historical records and help future assessments of natural hazard at Grosse glacier, but also in other high-mountain environments.&lt;/p&gt;

Interdisciplinary Approaches to Reconstructing Early Population History in the High Himalayas of Nepal

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacqueline Eng ◽  
Mark Aldenderfer
Keyword(s):  
Material Culture ◽  
Cultural Practices ◽  
Interdisciplinary Approach ◽  
High Elevation ◽  
Population History ◽  
High Mountain ◽  
The Tibetan Plateau ◽  
Low Frequencies ◽  
Mountain Environments ◽  
Interdisciplinary Approaches

Anthropological research in the high-elevation regions of northwestern Nepal offers insights into the populationhistory of the Himalayan arc through a multi- and interdisciplinary approach that includes not only archaeologicaldata and historic and ethnographic accounts but also genomic, isotopic, and bioarchaeologicaldata, as well as innovative use of thermal niche modeling for paleoclimate reconstruction. Together these linesof evidence have allowed us to address project questions about human settlement into the region, including(1) sources of population movements into high-elevation environments of the Himalayan arc and (2) bioculturaladaptations to high-mountain environments. In this paper we compare research at several communalmortuary sites, each with a rich assemblage of material culture and human burials: Mebrak (400 B.C.–A.D. 50),Kyang (400–175 B.C.), and Samdzong (A.D. 450–650), as well as intriguing insights from finds in the earlier (ca.1250–450 B.C.) sites of Lubrak, Chokhopani, and Rhirhi. Our genomic findings demonstrate population originsfrom the Tibetan plateau, despite South Asian material culture recovered in early sites. Bioarchaeological findingsof low frequencies of non-specific stress and trauma indicate successful biocultural adaptation to highaltitudeconditions of hypoxia, cold, and low resource availability, potentially through buffering from exchangenetworks and local cultural practices, alongside high-altitude selected alleles. An integrative, multidisciplinaryapproach thus offers significantly greater opportunities for developing a more nuanced understanding of thepast processes of migration, settlement, and biocultural adaptation in the region. La investigación antropológica de las alturas del noroeste de Nepal nos proporciona conocimientos de la historiade la población del arco Himalaya a través de un enfoque multidisciplinario e interdisciplinario que incluyeno solamente datos arqueológicos y relatos históricos y etnográficos, sino también datos genómicos, isotópicos,y bioarqueológicos, tanto como uso innovador del modelado del nicho térmico para la reconstrucción paleoclimática.En conjunto, estas líneas de evidencia nos han permitido abordar temas sobre el asentamiento humanade la región, como: (1) los orígenes del movimiento hacia ambientes en las alturas del arco del Himalaya;y (2) las adaptaciones bioculturales necesarias para vivir en las alturas. En este artículo comparamos las investigacionesde varios mortuorios comunales que ofrecen conjuntos abundantes de entierros humanos y artefactosrelacionados: Mebrak (400 a.C.–d.C. 50), Kyang (400–175 a.C.), and Samdzong (d.C. 450–650), así como loshallazgos intrigantes de sitios anteriores (ca. 1250–450 a.C.) de Lubrak, Chokhopani, y Rhirhi. Nuestros datosgenómicos sugieren orígenes de le población del altiplano tibetano, a pesar del material que deriva del sur de Asia que se ha recuperado de los sitios mas tempranos. Los hallazgos bioarqueológicos demuestran niveles bajosde estrés y trauma inespecífico, y sugieren éxito en adaptación biocultural, a pesar de las condiciones de hipoxia,frio, y los recursos escasos en este ambiente. Es posible que alelos seleccionados a las alturas, junto con sistemasde intercambio y las costumbres locales contribuyeron al éxito de la adaptación. Por lo tanto, un enfoque multidisciplinarioque integra todas las evidencias ofrece una comprensión mas detallada de los procesos de migración,asentamiento, y adaptación biocultural de la región.

scholarly journals Methods for soil enhancement in geoheritage research: a case study from Veglia-Devero Natural Park (Lepontine Alps)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Masseroli ◽  
Irene M. Bollati ◽  
Luca Trombino ◽  
Manuela Pelfini
Keyword(s):  
Late Quaternary ◽  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Soil Characteristics ◽  
Parent Material ◽  
Soil Types ◽  
Conservation Strategies ◽  
Soil Profiles ◽  
Mountain Environments ◽  
Natural Park ◽  
Lepontine Alps

&lt;p&gt;In mountain environments, the high variability of soil forming factors (i.e., parent material, climate, relief, organism, time) is responsible for the presence of different soil types, which not only contribute to the pedodiversity but are also a component of the local cultural heritage.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Up to now, scarce attention has been paid to the soil in the geoheritage/geoconservation scientific analyses.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;To promote soil as element concurring to mountain geoheritage definition, we propose a strategy to include pedological topics within a multidisciplinary trail planned in the Veglia-Devero Natural Park (Lepontine Alps). The geomorphological dynamicity and environmental change affecting during times the small mountain catchment of Buscagna hydrographic basin are illustrated with a specific address to soil characteristics. The physical and chemical properties, and pedological features of soils reflect the interaction among the other ecosystem components (i.e. geology, geomorphology and vegetation), underlining the role of soil as natural archive for reconstructing landscape evolution and for achieving a more complete assessment of Late Quaternary geomorphic events, especially surface processes.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Geopedological researches carried out in the study area, allowed to detect 7 soil profiles as potential sites of pedological interest, located in safe and accessible places, along already existing hiking paths. The selected soil profiles not only mirror the main soil types that characterize the area but also represent evidence of past environmental conditions and geomorphic dynamics.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The opportunities for hikers and mountaineers, to observe the exposed soils along the Buscagna valley, thanks to the presence of erosional scarps and subsidence areas, allow also to get more awareness of the need of geoheritage conservation strategies addressed to soil, especially in the mountain landscape where soil characteristics reflect the striking influence of its forming factors.&lt;/p&gt;

scholarly journals TRAINING IN INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES FOR CLOSE-RANGE SENSING IN ALPINE TERRAIN

2018 ◽  
Vol IV-2 ◽  
pp. 239-246 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Rutzinger ◽  
M. Bremer ◽  
B. Höfle ◽  
M. Hämmerle ◽  
R. Lindenbergh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Summer School ◽  
Laser Scanning ◽  
Project Planning ◽  
High Mountain ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Range Sensing ◽  
Hazard Management ◽  
Mountain Environments ◽  
Close Range ◽  
Summer Schools

The 2nd international summer school “Close-range sensing techniques in Alpine terrain” was held in July 2017 in Obergurgl, Austria. Participants were trained in selected close-range sensing methods, such as photogrammetry, laser scanning and thermography. The program included keynotes, lectures and hands-on assignments combining field project planning, data acquisition, processing, quality assessment and interpretation. Close-range sensing was applied for different research questions of environmental monitoring in high mountain environments, such as geomorphologic process quantification, natural hazard management and vegetation mapping. The participants completed an online questionnaire evaluating the summer school, its content and organisation, which helps to improve future summer schools.

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