Physical properties of the urban soils of Santiago de Compostela (Spain)

Urban Farm DB summary

This study examined 64 urban soils in Santiago de Compostela, Spain, across different parent materials and land uses, assessing physical properties including bulk density, porosity, water holding capacity, aggregate stability, water-dispersible clay, permeability, and resistance to penetration in field and laboratory measurements, along with erosion risk estimated via the K factor of the RUSLE. Results show heterogeneous physical properties typical of urban soils; high organic matter and iron content were associated with low bulk density and high aggregate stability. Compaction issues were widespread but land-use dependent: soils under urban agriculture had higher permeability and lower compaction than urban grasslands and forests. High infiltration despite compaction was attributed to abundant coarse fragments and preferential flow paths. Overall erosion risk was found to be low based on K factor values, but the study concludes that sound management remains essential because relief, climate, and human behavior can increase erosion risk at specific points.