Information indicators of soil texture for holistic numerical assessment of soil evolution

Abstract

Abstract The concept of probabilistic determinism is proposed to overcome a problem of significant soil variability which complicates finding of adequate models of soil development. Probabilistic and information indicators as characteristics of evolution of complex systems expand borders of use of soil texture results, allowing correct comparison with other natural and artificial systems on the earth and other planets. Probability distributions, statistical entropy and information divergence of granulometric fractions’ contents are investigated. It is suggested to use these functions as statistical standards of granulometric composition for territory. Regularities of change of probability distribution functions and scale-independent information characteristics allowed receiving holistic numerical assessment of influence of processes of sedimentation, weathering and soil development also geological and contemporary deflation and anthropogenic impacts on probability structure of granulometric fractions contents.