Geopedology, a tool for soil-geoform pattern analysis

Abstract

The soilscape is the pedologic portion of the landscape. Soil scientists have examined it mainly within the field of soil landscape analysis, which traditionally regards a quantitative characterization of the spatial pattern and complexity of soil landscapes. Landscape ecology emphasizes the interaction between spatial pattern and ecological process, that is, the causes and consequences of spatial heterogeneity across a range of scales. The spatial component of the environment is crucial in any environmental analysis, and new approaches to soil patterns are necessary for appropriate landscape planning, management, and conservation. Therefore, the integration of landscape ecology fundamentals together with soil science principles can be helpful in this regard. This contribution deals with the principles of soilscape-pattern analysis complemented with the application of landscape ecology metrics. An example of the application of this type of analysis to the Jarama-Henares interfluve, central Spain, is presented.