Spatial distribution of soil depth in relation to slope as a consequence of erosion-accumulation processes in loess lowland hills of Slovakia

Abstract

Abstract In our study, we examined the influence of slope gradient on erosion processes and present soil formation and change on loess hills. We analysed data from the two study areas and found that slope gradient is a significant factor influencing soil depth as well as humus horizon thickness. At the Báb locality, we observed a negative correlation between slope gradient and soil depth (r = –0.206, p < 0.05) and a negative correlation between slope gradient and humus horizon thickness (r = –0.227, p < 0.01). At the Nová Vieska locality, there was a negative correlation between slope gradient and soil depth (r = –0.334, p < 0.02), as well as between slope gradient and humus horizon thickness (r = –0.356, p < 0.01). These findings confirm that slope gradient is a key factor influencing soil formation in loess hills, and has a significant impact on its depth and soil profile. The analysis revealed that a critical slope of 3° significantly influences soil formation, with shallower soils and a thinner humus horizon occurring on steeper slopes. Our findings have important implications for planning erosion control measures and soil management depending on the location and slope gradient. Overall, our work provides insights into soil formation processes in loess hills and contributes to a better understanding of the interactions between slope gradient and erosive processes.