QUANTITATIVE METHODS OF PEDOLOGICAL DROUGHT ANALYSIS IN THE NORTHEASTERN PART OF ROMANIA (1961 – 2006)

Abstract

In the context of desertification and climate changes, under the pressure of a growing need for food all over the world, the increasing frequency and severity of droughts becomes an intensely debated subject by a great number of stakeholders, scientists, planners and decision makers. The aims of this study are to establish a good correlation between the atmospheric and soil pedological within the northeastern part of Romania, by modeling the role of different soil properties on drought propagation. Here, the authors present the results of Standardized Precipitation Index, Palfai Aridity Index and Palmer Drought Severity Index, indices that were computed using data of temperature and precipitation from four meteorological stations, evenly spread within the study area. Significant correlations were found between the above mentioned indices, hence the Palmer Drought Severity Index was modified by replacing the standard soil available water content with the real value obtained from 7 soil profiles (Chernozem, Phaeozem, Luvisol, Preluvisol, Vertisol and Gleysol) situated within the study area. Finally, based on a diagram between the water content and the wilting point the results of the study led to the identification of the most susceptible soil to drought, as an important preliminary step to drought risk management.