Evaluating soil quality status of fluvisols at the regional scale: A multidisciplinary approach crossing multiple variables

Abstract

Rivers condition natural and human ecosystems, providing fertile soils and water for irrigation and consumption in rural and urban uses. However, the intensification of human activities and inherent environmental conditions (e.g., topography, slope or climate) are changing the sustainability of fluvial soil ecosystems. This is problematic, especially in the Mediterranean belt, because of a lack of studies at the regional scale that evaluates soils traditionally associated with rivers such as the “Fluvisols” (IUSS‐WRB). Therefore, the main aim of this paper is to understand the current status of fluvial soils in the Málaga province (Southern Spain) within the Mediterranean belt considering: (1) different thematic maps; (2) soil profiles; and (3) a soil quality index. Fluvisols of the region were assessed using fieldwork, extensive soil data sources and soil profiles including specific information on soil physicochemical properties and crossing environmental conditions. A total of 195.22 km2 of fluvisols can be found in Málaga. About 42.5% of the fluvisols are used for human activities such as agriculture (rainfed and irrigation fields, or woody crops such as olives or vineyards), mining, industries and services, urban areas or reservoirs. More than 58% of the fluvisols are located in the warmest territories registering the highest evapotranspiration rates and lowest rainfall amount. The soil quality index reaches lower scores for the fluvisols having mean values of 0.58 (1 = maximum possible score). We conclude that the characterization from a regional scale shed light on the current status of the fluvisols and possible responses against human impacts and river evolution dynamics.

Locality and the adaptation of river‐related built environment

“…Human activities, such as agricultural irrigation, urban sewage discharge, and the construction of large‐scale water conservancy facilities, however, cause changes in hydrology, soil, floral, and faunal communities, and other natural factors and affect the sustainability of the basin's ecosystem (Weigelhofer et al, 2021); therefore, it is necessary to consider the mechanism through which human activities influence the natural landscape in the basin, and explore adaptive planning and design approaches for river‐related ecological spaces. Rodrigo‐Comino et al (2021) evaluated the current status of fluvial soils in the Málaga province (Southern Spain) within the Mediterranean belt. A total of 195.22 km 2 of fluvisols can be found in Málaga, and about 42.5% are used for human activities.…”

How Can Plants Help Restore Degraded Tropical Soils?

“…Present on every continent and in every climate, they occupy some 350 million hectares, with more than half of them in the tropics. [41,45,46]. Found mainly in semi-arid tropical regions but also in humid tropical regions such as Trinidad.…”

The Influence of Human Agricultural Activities on the Quality of Selected Fluvisols from the Vistula River Valley, Poland—Preliminary Research

“…The flat, low-lying riparian areas are affected by flooding at more or less regular intervals, which affects their fertility and use [17,18]. At the same time, riverine areas are used for human activities: agriculture, mining, industry, services (including tourism), and for development [18]. Human interference with riverine ecosystems affects their services, functioning and quality [19,20].…”