The Pedological Component of Geodiversity and Its Influence on Ecosystems and Their Services

Abstract

The pedological component of geodiversity represents a fundamental—yet often overlooked—aspect of the abiotic environment with profound implications for ecosystem functioning and the provision of essential ecosystem services. It is shaped by the complex interplay of lithology, hydrological regimes, relief and its ruggedness, climate, human activity, and time; soil systems mediate crucial ecological processes across spatial and temporal scales. Understanding these interdependencies is critical for sustainable natural resource management and biodiversity conservation. Even more so, soils and the processes related to them become vital when measuring, evaluating, and protecting geodiversity since they can promote groundwater recharge, nutrient cycling, organic matter decomposition, carbon storage, biomass, and food production and habitat provision. Soils provide opportunities for recreation and geotourism, and can contribute to landscape aesthetics. Hence, they are a direct link between abiotic and biotic nature. Given increasing threats from erosion, degradation, pollution, and other changes, this review synthesizes and reviews current research on the pedological component of geodiversity and its connections to hydrological, relief, and other processes. From this perspective, it highlights the need for integrative strategies that safeguard soil functionality and ensure the long-term provision of ecosystem services. By performing that, it provides directions for further discussion and inclusion of soils and their diversity within geodiversity evaluations.