Author:
Bouma J.,Droogers P.,Sonneveld M. P. W.,Ritsema C. J.,Hunink J. E.,Immerzeel W. W.,Kauffman S.
Abstract
Abstract. Soil classification systems are analysed in relation to the functioning and characterisation of catchments. Soil classifications are useful to create systematic order in the overwhelming quantity of different soils in the world and to extrapolate data available for a given soil type to soils elsewhere with identical classifications. However, such classifications are based on permanent characteristics as formed by the soil forming factors over often very long periods of time and this does not necessarily match with characteristics and parameters needed for functional soil characterization focusing, for example, on catchment hydrology. Hydropedology has made contributions towards functional characterization of soils as is illustrated for recent hydrological catchment studies. However, much still needs to be learned about the physical behaviour of anisotropic, heterogeneous field soils with varying soil structures during the year and the suggestion is made to first focus on improving simulation of catchment hydrology, incorporating hydropedological expertise, before embarking on a classification effort which involves major input of time and involves the risk of distraction. In doing so, we advise to also define other characteristics for catchment performance than the traditionally measured discharge rates.
Reference43 articles.
1. Bastiaanssen, W. G. M., Noordman, E. J. M., Pelgrum, H., Davids, G., and Allen, R. G.: SEBAL for spatially distributed ET under actual management and growing conditions, J. Irrig. Drain. E.-ASCE, 131, 85–93, 2005.
2. Beven, K.: Searching for the Holy Grail of scientific hydrology: $Q_t$ = (S, R, $\\Delta t$)A as closure, Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 10, 609–618, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-10-609-2006, 2006.
3. Booltink, H. W. G. and Bouma, J.: Bypass flow, in: Methods of Soil Analysis. Part 4: Physical methods. SSSA Book series: 5. Madison, Wis., 930–933, 2002.
4. Bouma, J.: Soil morphology and preferential flow along macropores, Agric. Water Management, 3(4), 235–250, 1981.
5. Bouma, J.: Measuring the hydraulic conductivity of soil horizons with continuous macropores, Soil Sci. Soc. Am. J., 46(2), 438–441, 1982.