Relation between Landform Parameters and Soil Properties

Abstract

AbstractLandform parameters of slope gradient, slope length direction, curvature, distance from the hillslope summit, and elevation relative to the summit were recorded with soil profile observations across small loess and drift landscapes in Iowa. Simple regression and correlation analyses were used to examine the relationship between each soil property and the parameters and also the relationships among parameters. The geomorphic parameters were then fitted to soil data in different combinations in multiple regression. Generally, elevation and slope were most strongly related to the soil properties measured. Slope length direction was also an important parameter for A horizon thickness and subsoil mottle features. When two of the sites were subdivided into convex and concave areas, significant regressions were again obtained. Nevertheless, considerable soil variation remained unaccounted for. This may result from the relict nature of some of the subsoil features, or in the case of A horizons, from faunal activity.