A Description of Urban Soils and Their Desired Characteristics

Abstract

Human activity in urbanization creates urban soils that have characteristics unlike those of their natural counterparts. Compaction, restriction of water movement and of aeration, presence of anthropeic materials, limited or confined rooting space and interrupted nutrient cycling are major problems, among several others, commonly encountered when planting and maintaining urban vegetation. These are explained to aid in their recognition in the field. Desired urban soil characteristics are given and possible solutions are briefly discussed.