Land Use Changes Influence Tropical Soil Diversity: An Assessment Using Soil Taxonomy and the World Reference Base for Soil Classifications

Selvin Antonio Saravia-Maldonado, Beatriz Ramírez-Rosario, María Ángeles Rodríguez-González and Luis Francisco Fernández-Pozo ()
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Selvin Antonio Saravia-Maldonado: Doctoral Program in Sustainable Territorial Development, International Doctoral School, Universidad de Extremadura–UEx, 06006 Badajoz, Spain
Beatriz Ramírez-Rosario: Environmental Resources Analysis (ARAM) Research Group, Universidad de Extremadura–UEx, 06006 Badajoz, Spain
María Ángeles Rodríguez-González: Environmental Resources Analysis (ARAM) Research Group, Universidad de Extremadura–UEx, 06006 Badajoz, Spain
Luis Francisco Fernández-Pozo: Environmental Resources Analysis (ARAM) Research Group, Universidad de Extremadura–UEx, 06006 Badajoz, Spain

Agriculture, 2025, vol. 15, issue 17, 1-18

Abstract: The transformation of natural ecosystems into agroecosystems due to changes in land use/land cover (LULC) has been shown to significantly affect soil characterization and classification. The impact of LULC on soil taxonomy was assessed in a primary forest located in central–eastern Honduras, which had been deforested approximately forty years prior to the study. Morphological, physical, and physicochemical analyses were performed by describing 10 representative profiles, applying the Soil Taxonomy (ST) and World Reference Base for Soil Resources (WRB) nomenclatures. LULC resulted in physical degradation in agricultural areas, as evidenced by lighter-colored horizons (P02), reduced granular structure (P01, P02, P05), higher bulk densities (≤1.73 Mg m −3 ), and surface crusting (P02, P05); this phenomenon was also observed in pastures (P06–P09). SOC loss was 62% in croplands, 47–53% in agroforestry systems (P03) and fruit tree plantations (P04), and 25% in pastures. All profiles exhibited pH values between 6.5 and 8.4 and complete base saturation (BS), except for P08 and P09, which had pH values below 5.5, high levels of Al 3+ , and reduced BS (50–60%). Mollic epipedons and variability in the endopedons were also observed. According to the ST of the System of Soil Classification (SSC), the soils were classified as Mollisols, Entisols, Vertisols, and Alfisols; and as Phaeozems, Fluvisols, Gleysols, Anthrosols, Gypsisols, and Plinthosols by the WRB. We advocate for the inclusion of Anthropogenic Soils as a distinct Order within Soil Taxonomy (ST). The implementation of sustainable agricultural practices, in conjunction with the formulation of regulatory frameworks governing land use based on capacity and suitability, is imperative, particularly within the context of fragile tropical systems.

Keywords: soil classification; soil degradation; soil diversity; soil health; soil properties (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q1 Q10 Q11 Q12 Q13 Q14 Q15 Q16 Q17 Q18 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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