Abstract
Soil quality indexes (SQIs) are very useful in assessing the status and edaphic health of soils. This is particularly the case in the Mediterranean area, where successive torrential rainfall episodes give rise to erosion and soil degradation processes; these are being exacerbated by the current climate crisis. The objective of this study was to analyze the soil quality in two contrasting Mediterranean watersheds in the province of Malaga (Spain): the middle and upper watersheds of the Rio Grande (sub-humid conditions) and the Benamargosa River (semi-arid conditions). Field soil sampling was carried out at representative sites, and the soils were subsequently analyzed for various edaphic properties in the laboratory. From the resulting data, the mean values have been grouped and reclassified, and, based on a multicriteria evaluation, an SQI for the study region was generated. The results show that there are major differences between the two watersheds, with optimal soil quality values being found in the Rio Grande watershed (very high soil quality—34.26%), but more unfavorable values occurring throughout most of the Benamargosa River watershed (very low soil quality—63.33%). Thus, these results have been subjected to a validation process in the field.
Highlights
Drylands, defined as regions having an index of aridity ranging from 0.05 to 0.65, cover approximately 5.2 billion ha worldwide and represent 40% of the global land surface [1]
The evaluation and application of the method described in this study was used to identify the areas The having better soil quality and those requiring attention because their susceptibility to evaluation and application of the methodmore described in this study of was used to identify the degradation. Havingand soil those providing optimal conditions plant development and lower areas havingThose betterareas soil quality requiring more attentionfor because of their susceptibility to susceptibility to erosive processes were rated as being of higher quality
As major findings of the study, the indicators selected for the formulation of the soil quality index (SQI) reflected the current landscape dynamics of the area of study, and field work validated the state of the soil as the current landscape dynamics of the area of study, and field work validated the state of the soil as indicated by the SQI
Summary
Drylands, defined as regions having an index of aridity (coefficient between rainfall: evapotranspiration) ranging from 0.05 to 0.65, cover approximately 5.2 billion ha worldwide and represent 40% of the global land surface [1]. There is largely consensus on the effects of climate change on dryland systems, including: (i) higher temperatures; (ii) an increase in the degree of aridity; and (iii) shifts in the seasonal rainfall regimes and a greater frequency of extreme events [2,3]. These changes will affect the size, frequency, intensity, and timing of rainfall events, which largely determine the structure and functioning of dryland ecosystems worldwide [3]. The soil clay content will decrease, causing a reduction in soil stability and the size of aggregates [5,11]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
