Main authors: Gergely Tóth (Joint Research Centre), Xiaodong Song (Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences), Tamás Hermann (University of Pannonia), Brigitta Tóth (University of Pannonia)
Editor: Jane Brandt
Source document: Tóth, G.. et al. (2016) Hierarchical and multi-scale pedoclimatic zonation. iSQAPER Project Deliverable 2.1 125 pp

 

Contents table
1. Spatial distribution of the Chinese pedoclimatic zones
2. Categories in the pedoclimatic zones

1. Spatial distribution of the Chinese pedoclimatic zones

China is divided into 3 soil regions, 17 soil areas and 82 soil zones (Figure 1), with three levels of classification.

  • The soil regions are named by the combination of geographical location and soil moisture condition.
  • The soil areas are named by the temperature zones and soil types.
  • The soil zones are named by the geographical names, geomorphology and main soil types avoiding a repetition.

D2.1C fig07
Figure 1
D2.1C fig08
Figure 2

2. Categories in the pedoclimatic zones

Primary zone: The first level of national soil zoning system is mainly based on the classification of soil composition of Chinese Soil Taxonomy and combined with the most important differences of natural conditions. In the same soil region, the biological and climatic conditions, the combination of soil series, the basic form of farmland, production technology and management system are similar.

Secondary zone: The second level is based on the soil composition and its spatial distribution in the soil region, in which the difference of geographical position and topography are highlighted. In the same soil region, there are similar hydrothermal conditions, soil type combinations of components and structures, ways and key measures for soil improvement and ecological environment protection, farming system and agriculture, forestry, animal husbandry and production layout.

Tertiary zone: The third level is mainly decided by the Chinese Soil Taxonomy. This level is classified by the soil composition proportion and spatial distribution, combined with bio climatic conditions and geographical factors, such as topography, parent material, hydrology and other differences caused by geographic region. Within each patch, the water and heat conditions with the situation, and morphological structure are very similar. In addition, the soil fertility, land use patterns and production levels, improved governance approaches and measures are more consistent.


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