Water erosion significantly affects soil properties, yet comparative studies between different soil types are limited. This study examines the impact of erosion on the physical, chemical, and biochemical properties of Chernozems and Cambisols in the South Moravian and Vysočina regions of the Czech Republic. We combined field sampling, laboratory analysis, and geospatial modeling to identify erosion, transition, and deposition zones on slopes. Soil samples were collected from these zones in both soil types and analyzed for particle size distribution, organic carbon content, humus quality, stability of aggregates, pH, nutrient levels, enzyme activities, and glomalin content. Chernozems showed more pronounced differences between the erosion and deposition zones, particularly in organic matter content, nutrient levels, and enzyme activities. Cambisols exhibited different patterns, with less pronounced differences between the zones, except for humic substances and cellulase activity. Chernozems had higher carbonate content and pH in erosion areas, while Cambisols showed an opposite trend. These differences relate to both substrate and slope shape: concave–convex for Chernozems and convex to convex–concave for Cambisols. The findings highlight the importance of considering soil type and topography in erosion studies and have significant implications for tailored soil management and erosion control strategies in different agricultural landscapes.
This study investigated soil salinization processes in the Pavlodar region of Kazakhstan by comparing key soil parameters—namely, electrical conductivity (EC), pH, exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP), and sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) under irrigated and non-irrigated conditions across different agro-climatic zones and soil types (Haplic Chernozems, Haplic Kastanozems). The focus was on understanding the effects of irrigation and natural factors on soil salinization. Statistical analysis, including descriptive statistics and significance testing, was employed to evaluate differences between soil types, locations, and management practices. The research revealed secondary salinization (EC > 2 dS/m, ESP > 15%) in the topsoil of irrigated Haplic Kastanozems soils in the central Aksu district. This degradation was markedly higher than in non-irrigated plots or irrigated Haplic Chernozems in the northern Irtysh district, highlighting the high vulnerability of Haplic Kastanozems soils under current irrigation management given Aksu’s climatic conditions, which are characterized by high evaporative demand (driven by summer temperatures) and specific precipitation patterns that contribute to soil moisture deficits without irrigation. While ESP indicated sodicity, SAR values remained low. Natural factors, including potentially saline parent materials and likely shallow groundwater dynamics influenced by irrigation, appear to contribute to the observed patterns. The findings underscore the need for implementing optimized irrigation and drainage management, particularly in the Aksu district, potentially including water-saving techniques (e.g., drip irrigation) and selection of salt/sodicity-tolerant crops. A comprehensive approach integrating improved water management, agronomic practices, and potentially soil amendments is crucial for mitigating soil degradation and ensuring sustainable agriculture in the Pavlodar region. Further investigation including groundwater monitoring is recommended.