Soil, Land Use & Land Capability Assessment
Soil is a key factor in determining land capability and land use planning. A land capability class is an interpretive grouping of soils and land units with similar potential and containing limitations or hazards for long-term intensive use of land for rainfed farming determined by the interaction of climate, soil, and terrain. It is a more general term than land suitability and is more conservation-oriented.
It involves consideration of:
- Varying limitations to land use pertaining to rainfed cultivation and soil properties.
- The risks of land damage from erosion and other causes.
- Evaluating the current land uses and the agricultural potential.
Thus, soil, land use, and land capability assessments are integrated processes used to understand and manage the country's natural resources, particularly for agricultural planning and environmental management.
Hydro-pedological Assessments
This intertwined study of soil science and hydrology is called ‘hydropedology’, which aims to promote the better understanding of soil-water interactions and landscape-soil-hydrological processes across space and time, aiming to understand pedologic controls on hydrologic processes and properties, and hydrologic impacts on soil formation, variability and functions.
According to Van Tol et al., 2017, one of the most important contributions of hydropedology is the holistic understanding of the hydrological functioning of landscapes (catchments or hillslopes) as well as being able to conceptualise (visualise) these hydrological processes spatially.
RUNOFFINFILTRATIONRECHARGEWATER MOVEMENT
Soil physical and hydraulic properties such as textural class, hydraulic conductivity, and porosity influence numerous processes, including runoff, infiltration, groundwater recharge, and general water movement in soils. Soil morphological properties can serve as indicators of dominant flow paths, flow directions, and storage mechanisms, as evidenced by mottling and the presence or absence of signs of hydromorphy.
Correct mapping and interpretation of these soil morphological properties allows for the correct conceptualisation of hydropedological processes spatially. Consequently, captured hydropedological information enables effective water resource management, as mandated by the National Water Act.
Soil Contamination Assessment
Soil contamination analysis is the scientific assessment of soil to detect and measure the presence of hazardous substances, pollutants, or toxins that may pose risks to human health, ecosystems, or agricultural productivity.
