EUROPEAN SOIL BUREAU  RESEARCH REPORT NO. 9
Status of Soil Surveys, Inventory and
Soil Monitoring in the Czech Republic
Jan Němeček
Josef Kozák
Department of Soil Science and Geology, Czech University of Agriculture, 165 21 Prague
6 - Suchdol, Czech Republic
Introduction
The Czech Republic stretches over an area of
78,870km2, of which 54.35% is agricultural land
(arable land 39.31%, grassland 12.01%) and 33.4%
forests. The distribution of the main reference soil
units is given in the Table 1.
Table 1: Distribution of soils in
agricultural and forest areas (%)
Soil Group
Leptosols
Arenosols
Fluvisols
Chernozems +
Phaeozems
Luvisols+Albeluvisols
Stagnosols
Cambisols
Podzols
Gleysols+Histosols
Agricultural
land (%)
Forest (%)
4.0
1.2
5.9
3.2
1.6
2.4
13.2
0.3
17.8
6.7
45.1
1.5
4.6
6.7
12.0
58.8
9.6
5.4
Large Scale Soil Surveys
The soil survey in the Czech Republic has a long
history. Agro-geological soil surveys started at the
beginning of the 20th century. Soil bodies
delineated on the maps (at scales 1:10,000-25,000)
reflect practically soil series of soil families. Their
profiles were displayed in the soil map margins.
They were characterised by morphological
features, soil texture and soil parent material. Since
the 1920s, soil profiles have been linked to genetic
soil types.
Systematic soil survey of agricultural lands at a
large scale, using field sheets at the 1:10,000 scale,
was implemented in the period 1960-1972
(Němeček et al., 1967). The primary soil map for
use on farms comprises taxonomic soil units (soil
type+ subtype + variety), parent materials, erosion
and accumulation. The separate soil map displays
soil texture and rock fragments in the plough layer
and their changes in the profile along with hydric
groups of soils (temporary, permanent water
logging, full saturation).
Soil maps were compiled for administrative
districts at a scale of 1:50,000. On the soil map, the
soil cover is grouped into regions, characterised by
specific
soil
unit
combinations,
similar
geomorphology, lithology and climate. A map of
soil parent and underlying materials completes the
set of district maps. This map represents a detailed
Quaternary geological map, using the legend
recommended by the Institute of Geology. The
programme was entrusted to the former Soil
Survey Institute and Soil Research Institute for
Crop
Production
Prague-Ruzyně.
Later
reorganizations (1981, 1990) led to a merger with
the Research Institute for Land Reclamation and
later with the Institute for Soil and Water
Conservation, Prague-Zbraslav, following its
foundation.
Soil survey of forested areas, using field sheets at
1:5,000 scale, was carried out within the
framework of the forest-typological mapping
(1955-1975) by the Forest Management Institute
Brandýs n. L. (Houba 1965, 1970).
In the Czech Republic, systematic soil survey at
large scale has been completed for the whole
country, except for urbanised areas. In the period
1972-1980, additional soil-ecological surveys of
agricultural land were carried out (Klečka et al.,
The Status of Soil Surveys in Czech Republic. Němeček and Kozák
103
EUROPEAN SOIL BUREAU  RESEARCH REPORT NO. 9
Figure 1: Example of soil map at scale 1: 250,000
1984) in the framework of the soil productivity
rating, in cooperation with the Institute of
Agricultural Economics. Soil-ecological maps (at
present in a digital form) at a scale of 1:5,000
display grouped soil units - soil forms (76), relief
features (slope classes, exposition), content of rock
fragments, soil depth classes and 10 climatic
regions. Concerning soil-ecological problems and
the planning of forest management, the forest
typological system (ÚHÚL 1991) was created,
which involves defining 10 vegetation zones and
25 edaphic (16 trophic and 9 hydric) categories.
Consequently, there exist two pragmatically
oriented cartographic products, comprising soil
and site information.
Medium and Small Scale
Survey
Soil maps at scales 1:500,000 and 1:200,000
(modus 1:250,000) have been compiled. They are
all based on the large-scale maps of agricultural
and forest soil surveys. They have been digitised.
Soil maps at a scale of 1:50,000 have been
completed for half of the total area of the Czech
Republic. A soil map at a scale of 1:1,000,000 was
designed (1974) and revised (1996) for
international cooperation. All Czech soil maps are
based on soil taxonomic units and classification of
parent materials.
104
For the SOVEUR project, a SOTER soil map at a
scale of 1:1,000,000 was prepared. A soil map at a
scale of 1:250,000 (Figure 1) is being transformed
into the soil map using the SOTER methodology.
In addition to soil taxonomic maps, some maps of
single soil properties have been compiled, mostly
at a scale of 1:500,000:










Parent and underlying materials;
Soil texture classes;
Hydromorphic classes;
Humus content (plough layer, depth 1m);
pH (plough layer);
CEC (plough layer);
Base saturation (depth 0.6m);
Background trace elements;
Trace element contents in plough layers (Cd,
Pb, Hg, Cr);
Available nutrients (P, K, Mg).
Soil Classification in the
Czech Republic
The soil classification used in soil maps at large,
medium and small scales is based on a taxonomic
approach. Soil mapping units of large-scale maps
reflect ‘pure’ pedotopes and soil combinations.
Soil maps at medium and small scales depict soil
associations and regions and their dominance, The
basic taxonomic classification used for large-scale
The Status of Soil Surveys in Czech Republic. Němeček and Kozák
EUROPEAN SOIL BUREAU  RESEARCH REPORT NO. 9
mapping of agricultural soils is based on the use of
diagnostic soil horizons and features (Němeček et
al., 1967), derived from the 7th approximation of
the Soil Taxonomy. The concepts of soil types,
subtypes, varieties and soil forms reflect the
systems not only in nomenclature, but also in
concepts. The results of the unification efforts
(Němeček, 1981; Šály, 1977; Hraško et al., 1991;
Němeček et al., 1990; Macků and Vokoun, 1991)
were used in the compilation of maps at small and
medium scales.
Nowadays a unified soil classification system has
been completed (Němeček et al., 2001). The new
Czech taxonomic classification system represents a
unification of the classification of soils under
different land uses. The main principles of the
system are:





To keep comparable soils with different uses
(agriculture, forestry, no biological use) at the
same high taxonomic level (reference class,
soil type, subtype); these aims can be achieved
when we make use of diagnostic horizons and
features within the control section 0.25-1.20m
(base saturation 0.2-0.7m in forest soils, 0.40.7m in agricultural soils, to avoid liming
consequences);
To qualify differences in topsoil between 0.00.25m from the mineral surface at variety
levels (shallow melanic, umbric horizons,
micropodzolization);
To introduce ecological phases (humus forms
of forest soils);
To characterise anthropogenic impacts
(contamination, erosion) on lands with
different uses as degradation phases
(contamination in Ap, F, H horizons);
To introduce Anthrosols at the reference class
level.
The devised taxonomic soil classification system is
a multicategoric hierarchical system with the
following taxonomic levels: reference classes
(ending-sols), soil types, subtypes, varieties,
subvarieties, soil-ecological phases, degradation
phases. The interconnection with parent materials
at any level represents the soil form.
The classification system can readily be correlated
with the WRB except in the case of Stagnosols, as
recommended by Spaargaren et al., (1994).
Classification of the Soil
Cover
Whereas taxonomic soil classification has achieved
a high degree of international unification, the
principal problem of harmonisation of soil maps at
approaches of the German soil classification
(Mückenhausen et al., 1962). The influence of the
German soil classification is also apparent in the
classification of forest soils (Houba, 1965). But
there were some small differences between the
medium and small scales is the correlation of soil
associations and soilscapes.
In the Czech Republic, an analysis of soil
associations and regions has been published
(Němeček and Tomášek, 1983). Soil associations
are defined in terms of combinations of dominant,
co-dominant, accompanying and accessory soil
taxonomic units. They are characterised by the
combination of extrinsic factors and land use. In
the second variant (Němeček and Zuska, 1989)
attributes of soil associations have been enriched
by: soil rating, limiting factors, erosion hazards,
soil workability. In the first version, 248 soil
associations were identified in 13 soil regions; in
the second version 243 associations in 11 regions.
The next step in our soil-geographical scheme is
being implemented within the framework of the
modified SOTER project, coordinated by ISRIC.
The first version at a scale of 1:1,000,000 involves
8 geomorphic regions and 38 SOTER units,
characterised by lithology and soil associations.
The SOTER map at a scale of 1:250,000 is being
compiled. The first approximation involves 7
regions with deep sedimentary deposits and 8
regions covered with transported weathering
products of hard and consolidated rocks. The first
group of regions occurs on level geomorphic
surfaces (alluvial valleys, terraces, plains, plateaux
and flat hilly areas). The second group involves
hilly areas, highlands and mountains, subdivided
into flat and dissected ones. Symbols reflect
geomorphology, lithology and the prevailing
grouped soils (e.g. AV06f - alluvial valley, alluvial
deposits, Fluvisols, PA02c - plains with aeolian
deposits, Chernozems, MF08d - flat mountainous
areas with transported weathering products of
granites, hyperdystric Cambisols).
This first thematic SOTER layer is accompanied
by the following layers at scale 1:250,000:
geomorphic regions, parent materials, slope
classes, and soil associations.
Soil Survey Interpretations
Soil survey interpretations, especially those based
on pragmatic site classifications, are used for
productivity assessments. The criteria include site
productivity assessments on crops, grasslands, and
forests on experimental plots and on their
economic evaluation. Soil management in
agriculture is supported by data on specific
The Status of Soil Surveys in Czech Republic. Němeček and Kozák
105
EUROPEAN SOIL BUREAU  RESEARCH REPORT NO. 9
features of behaviour of biogenic elements in
addition to soil testing.
Figure 2: Hydromorphic groups of soils in Czech Republic
Attention was paid to N (prediction of
mineralisation, nitrification, migration), P and K
release, immobilisation - fixation (Neuberg et al.,
1990). The workability of soils can be derived
from measurements of the specific ploughing
resistance, correlated with soil texture, slope etc.
For
soil
reclamation,
detailed
soil
hydropedological surveys are carried out. They are
supported by a more detailed classification of
hydromorphic features and field and laboratory
measurements
of
infiltration,
hydraulic
conductivity and retention curves.
Later, more attention was paid to interpretations,
which concern soil degradation and soil pollution.
For the assessment of soil vulnerability against
water erosion, the USLE was adopted. For the
main soil forms of subtypes, K values were derived
(Zuska and Němeček, 1986).
Small-scale maps of background concentrations of
trace elements are based on the matching of the
upper limits of the content of trace elements in soil
parent materials and the map of soil parent
materials (Figure 3). Maps of soil vulnerability
against trace elements reflect the application of the
results of investigations into the mobility of trace
elements in principal soil units and their transfer
into crops after a simulated contamination of
representative soils by soluble salts of trace
elements. (Podlešáková and Němeček, 1997).
Kd values for atrazine (Figure 4) and other
pesticides in Ap horizons, subsoils and both layers,
106
have been derived within the framework of
systematic research into pesticide behaviour. They
were calculated from Freundlich adsorption
isotherms. The effect of soil properties on
adsorption was described by means of
multidimensional regression and correlation
analysis. The equation described the extent of the
participation of clay, CEC, pH and Cox on sorption
of pesticides.
These soil characteristics were derived from the
digitised map at the scale of 1:200,000 (Kozák and
Vacek, 2000). Background values of trace
elements have been derived for the main soil
parent materials. The upper values of their
variability are taken as contamination limits
(except in the case of extreme geogenic contents).
Soil specific critical contents and mobilities of
trace elements in soils for the transfer pathway
soil-plant (zoo-, phyto-toxicity) have been
experimentally established. They will serve as
limiting values for the protection of the quality and
quantity of agricultural production (Podlešáková et
al., 2002).
Soil Inventory and
Monitoring
Soil taxonomic units are taken for correlative sets
of characteristics, which enable us to predict some
other characteristics and qualities, that have not
been determined directly. This procedure has
limitations, especially concerning inputs of
The Status of Soil Surveys in Czech Republic. Němeček and Kozák
EUROPEAN SOIL BUREAU  RESEARCH REPORT NO. 9
contaminants, nutrients, soil additives etc. An
inventory of soil contaminants is very important
for planning a monitoring network.
Figure 3: Small-scale maps of background concentrations of trace
elements in soils (Co, Cr, Ni, V, Mn, Cu)
Figure 4: Kd values for atrazine in Ap horizons
The Status of Soil Surveys in Czech Republic. Němeček and Kozák
107
EUROPEAN SOIL BUREAU  RESEARCH REPORT NO. 9
An inventory of trace elements Cd, Pb, Cr (in 2M
HNO3 cold) and Hg (total content) has been
completed for the Czech Republic by the Central
The Research Institute for Soil and Water
Conservation continues to make inventories of
both trace elements (total contents) and organic
xenobiotic compounds, preferentially in regions
with expected local anthropogenic or geogenic
loads. The results of these inventories are
displayed in maps and stored in databases.
Institute for
Agriculture.
The aims were either to confirm or reject the
anticipated high degree of soil pollution and loss of
organic matter that developed during the period of
intensification of agriculture and development of
industry during the past 25-30 years. Neither
accelerated soil pollution nor loss of organic matter
(except in some Cambisols and drained soils) has
been found. This kind of monitoring is based on
the comparison of samples taken during the
systematic soil survey and samples taken 25-30
years after the original surveys. It was found that
higher levels of soil contamination occur only
exceptionally as a result of the long-term process
of industrialisation. Contaminated sites are found
often in areas of Fluvisols, in the neighbourhood of
some (mainly metallurgic) industry and in large
cities. Retrospective monitoring is considered to be
a tool to speed up the strategy for systematic
monitoring.
Soil Information Systems
Two separate systematic monitoring systems have
been implemented in the Czech Republic:


Monitoring of the agricultural land on 200
observation plots, which started in 1992
(Mazanec, 1996);
Monitoring of observation plots in forests
(Materna, 1996; Moravčík, 1996).
The Central Institute for Supervision and Testing
in Agriculture has been entrusted with the
monitoring of soils in agricultural use. The
following soil properties are being monitored: pH,
available nutrients (P, K, Mg), biogenic and
hazardous trace elements (B, Be, Cu, Cr, Hg, Mn,
Ni, Pb, Zn), CEC, Cox, mineral N, microbiological
and edaphalogical characteristics, and organic
contaminants.
The
monitoring
of
soil
characteristics is accompanied by the observation
of atmospheric emissions.
Two systems of monitoring forest soils also exist.
The first system started at the beginning of the
1980s and was aimed at studying the input of S
and N into soils and their direct effects (along
with ozone) on 500 forests sites in endangered
areas (Materna, 1996).
Supervision
and
Testing
in
The second system is being performed within the
framework of the international cooperative
programme (ICP) for forest monitoring.
Monitoring sites are distributed on a regular grid
for analysis: C, N, pH, CEC, exchangeable cations,
base saturation, trace elements, composition of the
soil solution taken by vacuum suction lysimeters.
Soil information systems are generated in three
complementary ways:



Soil GIS for practical uses, mainly taxation
and land tenure appraisal of agricultural lands
and separately for forests;
Databases of soil monitoring;
Soil GIS (PUGIS) for development of
concepts and international cooperation on
different projects.
The last mentioned PUGIS (Kozák et al., 1996;
Němeček, 2000) is handled in the Department of
Soil Science and Geology of the Czech University,
Prague. PUGIS consists of:
1. Polygons of digitised soil maps (at scales
1:1,000,000,
1:500,000,
1:200,000,
1:250,000);
2. Thematic layers of geomorphology, climate,
geology, vegetation;
3. Thematic layers of some soil properties
(humus, base saturation, hydric groups,
texture);
4. Attributes of soil associations and soil regions
used in soil taxonomic maps and in a SOTER
map;
5. Database of pedon characteristics of 2,500
selected profiles with a standardised set of
characteristics and 250 profiles with additional
data from agriculturally used soils.
At present the pedon database contains only the
most representative soil profiles from the total
30,000 profiles with the following standardised set
of analyses: pH, soil texture, CaCO3, humus
content, CEC, base saturation. The selected set of
profiles includes additionally: exchangeable
cations, effective CEC, exchangeable Al, free Fe
and Al, clay minerals, humus quality, macro-and
microelements, fundamental physical properties
and micromorphological features. The pedon
database of forest soils is progressing.
Conclusions
The whole of the Czech Republic (except urban
areas) is covered by large-scale soil maps.
108
The Status of Soil Surveys in Czech Republic. Němeček and Kozák
EUROPEAN SOIL BUREAU  RESEARCH REPORT NO. 9
Generalised and digitised medium and small-scale
maps of soil associations (1:500,000, 1:200,000,
1:250,000 (partly 1:50,000) are based on largescale surveys.
The implementation of the pedon database is
progressing.
The Czech Republic is ready to participate in the
the 1:250,000 European Soil map project, in a
modified SOTER system and in all related
projects.
International collaboration should focus mainly on
harmonisation of soil associations, soil geomorphological relations and delineation of soil
regions. The SOTER system at the scale of
1:250,000 should be adapted for more and more
territories.
Acknowledgement
This work was supported by the Grant No.
526/00/0620 of the Grant Agency of the Czech
Republic (GA ČR)
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