Soil-terrain modelling and erosion analysis at field scale level, a case study

Pedometrical methods and digital soil mapping represent a progressive approach to the evaluation of various terrain-related soil processes. A detailed digital terrain model was used for the analysis of erosion - sedimentation situation and description of specific soil properties at meso-relief scale. A study plot in Central Bohemia (area 4 ha) with highly diversified geological conditions was chosen for the study combining digital modelling with a detailed terrain survey and laboratory analysis. The curvature and topographic wetness index values were the main features for the accumulation and soil loss areas evaluation. The terrain survey and DTM results corresponded in the case of the soil cover structure and soil depth, showing a vast impact of accelerated water erosion and direct tillage erosion on the soil redistribution. In the concave and base slope positions, colluvial soils were identified, while Regosols with A-C profile stratigraphy form in the upper convex parts of the study plot. Particular soil properties distribution (pH, organic carbon content, texture) is, besides erosion, significantly influenced by parent rock variation and the relation to the terrain characteristics is less distinctive. The study showed a significant impact of the terrain properties on the general material redistribution and the possibility of soil cover structure prediction in areas with complicated geological conditions.