Soil indicators of hillslope hydrology in the Bedford catchments, South Africa

Abstract

Water plays a primary role in soil genesis and soil strongly influences hydrological processes (flowpaths, residence times and storage). Morphological soil properties serve as indicators of hillslope hydrological behaviour and can facilitate hydrological predictions. Three catchments in the Bedford district (B3, B4 and B5) were surveyed for hydropedological purposes and the observed soil indicators and related geological, topographical and vegetation features were interpreted. I n B4 & B5 shallow soils are the dominant factor governing overland flow promoting short residence times. Deeper soils and fractured bedrock in B3 facilitate bedrock flow and recharge of regional and phreatic water tables. The presence of lime and mottles in the subsoils of valley bottom soils confirm flow in the phreatic zone.

Keywords:

• Fowpaths
• hillslope hydrology
• hydropedology
• prediction in ungauged basins
• soil properties