Distribution characteristics of the soils in Henan province of central China based on pedodiversity methodology

A newly developed pedodiversity methodology was used in analyzing the distribution character of the soils in Henan province of central China. The rare soil types and representative soil types were defined after three soil parameters (soil patch numbers, total area and spatial distribution diversity in 2km×2km grid scale) were calculated respectively. Results show that there are positive correlations between soil patch numbers, total area and spatial distribution diversity, the regression equations between spatial distribution diversity and total area is y=0.086ln(x)-0.021, R²=0.992 and y=0.106ln(x)+0.161, R²=0.921 between spatial distribution diversity and patch numbers. The value constituent pattern of soil spatial distribution diversity fits the normal distribution. More attention needs to be paid to protect the endangered rare soil types. The soil type quantity per km² is always different under different local conditions