Using Pedotransfer Functions to Assess Aggregate Stability: Application to the Lower Cheliff Soils, Algeria

Abstract

Soil physical properties have been subjected to a growing number of studies in recent decades. Although, these parameters can be measured directly, their measurement is difficult and expensive, especially in terms of time, sampling date, storage and cost of measurement. Overcoming these difficulties is through the development of pedotransfer functions (PTFs), which predict soil physical properties from other soil parameters. The main objective of this study was the establishment of PTFs through more easily accessible soils parameters, in order to predict soil aggregate stability by using the mean weight, diameter (MWD) and provide information about the behaviour of soil aggregation under the impact of rainfall or irrigation. PTFs selected according to various classifications were applied to the lower Cheliff soil. Results showed the existence of diverse classes of aggregate stability in the study area, varying from unstable to highly stable soils and also a varying relationship between measured and estimated aggregate stability according to soil classification and predicting model with a coefficient of determination varying from 0.67 to 0.94, the highest relationships were shown by clayey soils and soils containing a high organic matter percentage.