An Assessment of the Relationship Between the Surface Properties of Chalk Soils and Slope Form Using Principal Components Analysis

Abstract

Five line transects were sited over grass-covered, convex-concave slopes in the Berkshire and Wiltshire chalk downs, with the object of describing and interpreting the variation in selected surface soil properties. Previous work had concentrated upon the correlation between single variables and slope gradient and slope length, whereas the emphasis of the present paper lies in examining the interrelationships amongst the variables through the use of principal components analysis.A consistent pattern of variation was established between the five sites. T h e first component derived from the analysis was interpreted as a combined organic matter and soluble constituents factor, which accounted for between 50 and 60 per cent of the total variance. The second component was identified as particlesize variation and accounted for a further 13 to 18 per cent of the total variance.Whereas the distribution of the component scores for the second component supported the original ideaof asharp junction effect in the pattern of soil properties on the slope, the first and most important component indicated a more diffuse transition from net erosion to net deposition conditions.

Soil-Plant-Fertilizer Relationships in Turmeric Assessment of Soil-Plant-Fertilizer-Nutrient Relationships for Sustainable Productivity of Turmeric under Alfisols and Inceptisols in Southern India

“…A few significant PCs for explaining maximum variability in the data could often be better interpretable than the original data of many variables (Norris 1972). Such a dimensionality reduction would be an important economic consideration, especially if potential information recoverable from the transformed data is just as good as original data (Anderson and Furley 1975). The long-term sustainability of treatments could be assessed based on the procedure described by Maruthi Sankar et al (2011, 2012a, 2012b.…”

Chemical denudation on a magnesian limestone hillslope, field evidence and implications for modelling

“…The distribution of soil acidity over the slope, with an acid/alkaline boundary (Figure 4), results from two different soil types and not a gradual upslope change. This illustrates the 'junction effect' described by Anderson and Furley (1975).…”

Statistical Assessment of Sustainability of Finger Millet Yield through Rainfall and Soil Fertility Variables using Regression and Principal Component Models in Rainfed Semi-Arid Alfisol

“…The Eigen values and variance (%) explained by PCs in model (2) Anderson and Furley (1975), the authors observed that capturing variability through a few significant PCs would be useful compared to a prediction model with many non-significant variables.…”

“…A few significant PCs for explaining maximum variability in the data could often be better interpretable than the original data of many variables (Norris, 1972). Such a reduction in the dimensionality would be an important economic consideration, especially if potential information recoverable from the transformed data is just as good as original data (Anderson and Furley, 1975). The long-term sustainability of treatments could be assessed based on the procedure described by Maruthi Sankar et al (2006Sankar et al ( , 2011Sankar et al ( , 2012a).…”