Geostatistical Characterization of Soil Clay Patterns in a Typical Watershed of Cultivated Black Soil

Soil clay influences a range of processes, including vertical and lateral redistribution of water, runoff, and erosion. Knowledge of the spatial pattern of soil clay content (SCC) in cultivated soil region is important. The objective of this study was to determine the degree of spatial variability of SCC across depths in a cultivated black soil region in northeastern China. Data collected from each of 58 sites on a regular grid of 50 by 50 m were analyzed both statistically and geostatistically to describe the spatial distribution. The SCCs between different segments in soil profiles were significantly different. The 0- to 65-cm soil profile could be clustered into three segments: 0- to 30-cm, 30- to 35-cm, and 35- to 65-cm layers.The standard deviation (SD) and coefficients of variation (CV) for the SCC of the 30- to 35-cm segment were the largest. Experimental semivariograms of SCC were best fitted by spherical models. Nugget-to-sill ratios indicated a strong spatial dependence for SCC at other depths, except the 40- to 45-cm and 60- to 65-cm segments. The 35- to 40-cm layer had the largest spatial dependency compared with the other layers. Cross-validation of the kriging map indicated that prediction of SCC using semivariogram parameters was better than assuming the mean of the observed value for any unsampled location. The mapping displayed heterogeneity of SCC across the experimental site and revealed higher SCC close to the tail of an eroded gully and lower SCC neighbouring eroded gully margins. The fragmentation degree and clay-enriched patch amount increased from the near-surface down to 65-cm of depth, suggesting the higher evenness of SCC in the cultivated layer than that in the tillage pan.