Approaches to the solution of a soil map of the Czech Republic at the scale 1:250 000 using SOTER methodology

Abstract

Soil map at the scale 1:250 000 was set up by means of transformation of the published and later digitised soil map of the Czech Republic. The legend to this map reflects a new classification system of Czech soils that can easily be correlated with the reference international classification system FAO-WRB. In the next step this map was converted into the SOTER system, which links the soil cover to the geomorphology. The modification of the original SOTER procedure consisted in the abandoning of the consequent hierarchy geomorphology - lithology - soil associations. Only in territories characterised by rather shallow transported slope deposits over compact or consolidated rocks was this principle observed in the SOTER unit delimitation. In flat landscapes covered with deep sediment deposits the prevailing soil cover (mosaics of taxonomic units and their parent materials) determines the borders of SOTER units. Ten major landscape units were delineated. They are based on relief intensity and hypsometry. The slope gradient map enables a detailed insight into the landscape geomorphology. 158 SOTER units are defined by the combination of 10 major landscape units, 21 grouped soil parent materials and 19 grouped soil units. The single factors and their combinations are reflected in GIS layers that can be matched with the map of soil associations. The major soil regions, which are conceptually close to the SOTER units, will be delimited as homogeneous mosaics of the individual SOTER units with respect to regionally integrating factors (climate, vegetation). The interconnection of the geometric and attribute data generates the soil information system. This system is anticipated to be used for the soil policy regulation both in the Czech Republic (PUGIS) and within the EU (EUSIS).