The Effect of Location of Sample Area and Expert Knowledge on the Geopedological Approach in Soil Mapping (A Case Study: Borujen Area, Chaharmahal-Va-Bakhtiari Province)

Geopedology is a systematic approach of geomorphic analysis for soil mapping that construct field operation mainly upon the work in sample area. The main goal of this research is to determine the effect of location of sample area and expert knowledge on credibility of generalization of the results obtained from geopedological approach for similar landforms in south-east of Borujen area. Upon preparation of primary interpretation map of the study area on air photos (1:20,000 scale), and considering different locations of Pi111 unit that encompasses the maximum surface of the study area, the sample area was planned in three different locations. Then, a second-order soil survey was conducted and final soil map was prepared. Also, two different experts were considered to determine the amount of credibility of generalization of the results obtained through geopedological approach for the mentioned unit. Results showed that changing the location of sample area has taxonomic levels (order, subgroup and/or family) and map unit type (complex and consociation) differences in Pi111 unit. In spite of similarity of the profiles selected by the two experts, soil taxonomies of these profiles were different in comparison with representative pedons (at family level). Therefore, the use of landform phases is recommended to increase the accuracy of geopedological results.