Topographic and Geologic Controls on Soil Variability in California's Sierra Nevada Foothill Region

Abstract

Author(s): Beaudette, DE; O'Geen, AT | Abstract: We evaluated the feasibility of quantitative soil mapping in two catenas established on different lithologies (metavolcanic and granitic) in the Sierra Foothill Region of California. Indices of landform and microclimate were extracted from a 1-m elevation model. Variation in soil character (clay content, pH, color, cation-exchange capacity [CEC], and Feo/Fed) was partitioned across variables associated with terrain shape and microclimate, lithologic variability, and sampling depth. The potential for using digital elevation models (DEM)-derived indices of terrain shape to predict spatial patterns in soil properties varied greatly between our two experimental catenas. Terrain shape accounted for 4% (metavolcanic site) to 30% (granitic site) of variance in soil properties, while lithology accounted for 14% (metavolcanic site) to 22% (granitic site) of variance in soil properties. Sample depth accounted for 3% (metavolcanic site) to 12% (granitic site) of variance in soil properties. At the metavolcanic site, variability in lithology contributed more to soil variation than terrain shape, which makes digital soil modeling efforts a challenge in these regions. Up to 66% of the variance in soil properties was explained at the granitic site when considering terrain, lithology, sample depth, and associated interactions of these variables. Variance proportions can provide insight into the relative importance of soil-forming factors and is a useful tool when evaluating the efficacy of digital soil mapping projects.