Suolo - 2003 - A Field Guide to the Soil-landscapes of the Piemon

European Summer School on Soil Survey
EUROPEAN SUMMER SCHOOL
ON SOIL SURVEY
A Field Guide to the
Soil-landscapes of the
Piemonte eastern plain
Istituto per le Piante da Legno
e l’Ambiente
(I.P.L.A. S.p.A., Torino)
Settore Suolo
EUROPEAN COMMISSION
JOINT RESEARCH CENTRE
2003
A Field Guide to the Soil-landscapes of the Piemonte eastern plain EUR 20829 EN

European Summer School on Soil Survey
A Field Guide to the Soil-landscapes of the Piemonte eastern plain

European Summer School on Soil Survey
A Field Guide to the Soil-landscapes of the Piemonte eastern plain

European Summer School on Soil Survey
This document may be cited as follows:
F Fabio Petrella
Petrella, F., Piazzi, M., Martalò, P., Roberto, P., Giannetti, F., Alliani, N., Ancarani, V., Nicoli, G.,
Salandin, R. & Filippi, N. (2003). A Field Guide to the Soil-landscapes of the Piemonte eastern plain.
European Soil Bureau Research Report No.14, EUR 20829 EN, 33pp. Office for Official Publications of the
European Communities, Luxembourg.
The following Soil Staff technicians have collaborated:
Fabio Petrella Soil survey, classification and preparation of text. Field trip organisation
Mauro Piazzi Technical Coordinator
Paolo Martalò Field organisation
Paolo Roberto Field organisation
Fabio Giannetti Satellite image interpretation
Nicoletta Alliani Laboratory analysis
Vanessa Ancarani Laboratory analysis
Giuseppina Nicoli Cartographic design
Roberto Salandin General coordination. Interpretation of Soil Resources
Nicola Filippi – Detached National Expert, JRC Ispra
COVER PICTURE
SATELLITE IMAGE OF THE EASTERN PIEMONTE PLAIN, ITALY
A Field Guide to the Soil-landscapes of the Piemonte eastern plain

European Summer School on Soil Survey
EUROPEAN SUMMER SCHOOL
ON SOIL SURVEY
A Field Guide to the
Soil-landscapes of the
Piemonte eastern plain
Istituto per le Piante da Legno
e l’Ambiente
(I.P.L.A. S.p.A., Torino)
Settore Suolo
A Field Guide to the Soil-landscapes of the Piemonte eastern plain

European Summer School on Soil Survey
Mission of the JRC
The mission of the Institute of Environment and Sustainability is to provide scientific and technical support
to EU strategies for the protection of the environment and sustainable development. Employing an
integrated approach to the investigation of air, water and soil contaminants, its goals are sustainable
management of water resources, protection and maintenance of drinking waters, good functioning of
aquatic ecosystems and good ecological quality of surface waters.
Legal Notice
Neither the European Commission nor any person
acting on behalf of the Commission is responsible for
the use, which might be made of the following information.
A great deal of additional information on the
European Union is available on the Internet.
It can be accessed through the Europa server
(http://europa.eu.int)
EUR 20829 EN
© European Communities, 2003
Reproduction is authorised provided the source is acknowledged
Printed in Italy
A Field Guide to the Soil-landscapes of the Piemonte eastern plain

European Summer School on Soil Survey
Table of contents
1 The soil-landscapes of the Piemonte eastern plain ................................................1
2 Geological and geomorphological characteristics .................................................5
3 Land cover.................................................................................................................7
4 STOP 1: The River Sesia Northern Plain.............................................................13
4.1 The Landscape...................................................................................................13
4.2 Soils in general ..................................................................................................14
4.3 Towards a Thematic Strategy for Soil Protection .............................................15
4.4 The representative soil profile...........................................................................15
4.5 Profile of Stop 1 ................................................................................................16
5 STOP 2: The River Sesia Southern Plain.............................................................18
5.1 The Landscape...................................................................................................18
5.2 Soils in general ..................................................................................................18
5.3 Towards a Thematic Strategy for Soil Protection .............................................19
5.4 The representative soil profile...........................................................................19
5.5 Profile of Stop 2 ................................................................................................20
6 STOP 3: The Old Terraces (Novara hills)............................................................22
6.1 The Landscape...................................................................................................22
6.2 Soils in general ..................................................................................................24
6.3 Towards a Thematic Strategy for Soil Protection .............................................25
6.4 The representative soil profile...........................................................................26
6.5 Profile of Stop 3 ................................................................................................27
7 The physical and chemical analysis ......................................................................32
8 References ...............................................................................................................32
European Soil Bureau Research Reports.............................................................34
A Field Guide to the Soil-landscapes of the Piemonte eastern plain

European Summer School on Soil Survey
A Field Guide to the Soil-landscapes of the Piemonte eastern plain

TESTO BIANCO Testo bianco
European Summer School on Soil Survey
A Field Guide to the Soil-landscapes of the Piemonte eastern plain

European Summer School on Soil Survey
A Field Guide to the Soil-landscapes of the Piemonte eastern plain

European Summer School on Soil Survey
1 The soil-landscapes of the Piemonte eastern plain
The area (Figures 1 and 2) is very representative of the Piemonte landscape features, in
particular of the complex morphologies, typical of the valleys exits, where old terraces
and actual plains cross, forming characteristic physiographic patterns.
Pedogenetic factors pose interesting problems of soil interpretation, with high spatial
variability in a relative small area.
Within few kilometres, an west-east chrono-toposequence crosses the area from the Sesia
bed to Novara ‘hills’, built on, across the geological eras, the oldest fluvioglacial deposits
as far as the most recent Sesia alluvium.
Also the soil cover reflects this variability, offering a good alternation of natural wood
landscapes, harmoniously merged into the agricultural field patterns of rice-growing and
vineyards.
These are the reasons why the Soil Staff of the Forestry and Environment Institute
(IPLAspa, Turin) has chosen this area a study window for the realisation of the Piemonte
soil map in a scale1:250,000, on the behalf of the regional administration, in the national
framework of the Italian soil map at the same scale.
A Field Guide to the Soil-landscapes of the Piemonte eastern plain 1

1 Stop 1:
å
Sesia Plain
Sizzano area
2
å
Stop 2:
Sesia Plain
Briona area
3 Stop 3:
å
Old Terraces
Barengo area
å
1
3
å
2
å
The Topographic Map used for
the Carthography is derived from the
"Atlante Stradale d'Italia" (1:200.000 Scale)
published by Touring Club Italiano.
Figure 1. Geographic location of the field trip and study sites

Lago Lago
Lago
Maggiore Maggiore
d`Orta
Ispra
SESIA
( Cusio Cusio )
( Verbano )
TICINO
SESIA
BIELLA
1
å
3
å
2
å
CANALE CAVOUR
CERVO
SESIA
L. di Viverone
NOVARA
ELVO
Figure 2. Study window representation by remote sensing data
VERCELLI
CANALE CAVOUR
SESIA

European Summer School on Soil Survey
4
A Field Guide to the Soil-landscapes of the Piemonte eastern plain

European Summer School on Soil Survey
2 Geological and geomorphological characteristics
This is a high plain area, characterised by strips of old terraces, residuals of the great
cones made by fluvial-glacial material formed at the mouth of the Alpine valleys, during
the Quaternary cold periods.
The material of the highest terrace is attributable to the fluvial-glacial Mindel and is
composed by very altered coarse gravelly alluvial. The intermediate terrace is constituted
by more recent pebbly and gravelly material that is attributable to Riss and Wurm. The
actual level of the plain is attributable only to Wurm and is characterised by coarse
material, which becomes finer in proportion with the distance from the valleys mouth into
the plain (Figure 3).
Figure 3. The image, derived from the Terrain Digital Model, shows the relief
characteristics of the study area.
A Field Guide to the Soil-landscapes of the Piemonte eastern plain 5

European Summer School on Soil Survey
6
A Field Guide to the Soil-landscapes of the Piemonte eastern plain

European Summer School on Soil Survey
3 Land cover
In Figure 4 it is possible to see the general characteristics of the area, as it appears on the
image from LANDSAT 5 the 8 th of August 1998. This is represented so that the
wavelength of the Near Infrared (NIR) is brought to the Red Channel, that of the Short
Wavelength Infrared to the Green Channel, and the Visible Red to the Blue Channel. By
the combination of these wavelengths it is possible to select the areas with vegetation
represented by brown and brown-reddish (wood and shrubs) or orange and red (sown and
grass field).
In the image the presence of different landscape patterns it is clearly visible, from the
brown-greenish large bands of woods and shrubs along the old terraces, to the blue of the
urbanised areas, expanded continuously along the road axis, and the pink-red of the rice
fields in the southern area.
Figure 4. Image from LANDSAT 5 (08/08/98)
A Field Guide to the Soil-landscapes of the Piemonte eastern plain 7

Luvisols (WRB, 1998)
Alfisols (USDA, 1998)
A1
A2
A4
Highly developed soils, loamy or finer textures, low permeable,
with a strongly structured reddish-brown argillic horizon, tongues
or fragipans. They are mainly located on old terraces.
(WRB, 1998: Profondi-Albic Luvisols, Albic Luvisols;
USDA, 1998: Typic Paleudalfs, Fragic Paleudalfs).
Highly developed soils, loamy or finer textures, low permeable,
with a strongly structured greyish-brown argillic horizon, tongues
or fragipans. They are mainly located on old terraces.
(WRB, 1998: Albi-Epigleyic Luvisols;
USDA, 1998: Typic Fragiaqualfs, Fragic Epiaqualfs).
Hydromorphic, poorly drained, developed soils with an argillic
horizon, scarcely recognisable because of the greyish colour of
reduced iron depletions.
(WRB, 1998: Epigleyic Luvisols; USDA, 1998: Typic Epiaqualfs).
Cambisols (WRB, 1998)
Inceptisols (USDA, 1998)
B1
B3
Fluvisols (WRB, 1998)
Entisols (USDA, 1998)
C1
Deep, well drained, scarcely developed soils, with a moderately
structured altered horizon. Rooting and workability are without
limitations.
(WRB, 1998: Dystri-Fluvic Cambisols, Dystric Cambisols;
USDA, 1998: Fluventic Humic Dystrochrepts, Fluventic
Dystrochrepts).
Gravelly, scarcely altered soils, with a weakly structured altered
horizon. Gravels, within 50 cm, limit rooting and workability.
(WRB, 1998: Dystri-Episkeletic Cambisols, Episkeleti-Fluvic
Cambisols;
USDA, 1998: Lithic Humic Dystrochrepts, Lithic Dystrochrepts).
Deep, well drained, not developed alluvial soils, without altered
horizon. No limits of rooting and workability.
(WRB, 1998: Dystric Fluvisols, Dystri-Humic Fluvisols;
USDA, 1998: Umbric Udifluvents, Typic Udifluvents).
Deep, well drained, not developed alluvial soils, without altered
C3
horizon. Gravels, within 50 cm, limit rooting and workability.
(WRB, 1998: Episkeleti-Humic Fluvisols, Episkeletic Fluvisols;
USDA, 1998: Umbric Udifluvents, Typic Udifluvents).
1å
Stop 1: Sesia Plain - Humi-Fluvic Cambisol (Hyperdystric)
2
å Stop 2: Sesia Plain - Hyperdystri-Stagnic Cambisol
3å
Stop 3: Old Terraces - Profondi-Albic Luvisol
Figure 5. Legend of Soil Map 1:250.000 scale

o
d
C1
B6
B6
Forno
RR
RR B6
C1
Gravellona Toce
VERBANIA
Casale Corte Cerro
B6
C6
M
Carcoforo C6
B6
Massiola
B6
Rimella
Valstrona B6
astallone
Loreglia
Baveno
B6 C6
A8
Isola Bella
C6
Fobello
Rima S.Giuseppe
B6
C6
Germagno
Cervatto
IL MOTTARONE B6
B6
C6
Stresa
Omegna C6
Quarna sopra Agrano
C6
A8
B6 Quarna sotto
Gignese
C6
Rimasco P.zo TRACCIORA
Sabbia
Brovello Carpugnino
A8
A8
RR
Nonio
Cravagliana
Camasco
B6
Belgirate
B6
A8
bia
Rossa
Vocca
Cesara
A8 B6
B6
B6
C6
Boccioleto
Lesa
Armeno
Mollia
Sovazza
B6
C6
Balmuccia
Varallo B6
Pettenasco
Massino Visconti
Arola
B6
Nebbiuno
B6 Campertogno
B6 Civiasco
Pellino
Miasino
Scopa
BEC D`OVAGA B6
Pella B6 Orta S.Giulio
A8
B6
A8
Pisano
C3
Mad.na del Sasso
A8
A8Ameno
B6 Colazza B6
6
A8 C3
GhevioMeina
Scopello
B6 B6
Rassa Piode Pila
S.Maurizio d'Opaglio
B6
B6
C6
Breia
Quarona
Bolzano N.se
A1 Pogno
Invorio
Arona
Cellio
Oleggio Castello
A8
A1 Gozzano Paruzzaro C3
M.CAMPARIENT
Soriso
B6
A1
Briga N.se
Il L.Ne
Valduggia
A8
B6
A1
Gargallo
Dormelletto B6
I BO
BORGOSESIA
Postua
B3
A8
B6
B6
C1
M.FENERA
R
B6
A1
A1
Comignago
Gattico C3 Castelletto C3 so
C6
Ailoche Guardabosone C6
B6
C6
Vergano N.se
Borgomanero B1
Caprile
Maggiora
Veruno
Coggiola
Serravalle Sesia
B6
A1
Borgo Ticino
Crevacuore
a
B6
C3
B3
Grignasco
A1
Portula Pray
A8 Boca
Piane
Cureggio
Agrate ConturbiaB1
Trivero A8
Sesia
ampiglia Cervo
B3
A1
Bogogno
6B6
Quittengo
A8
Cavallirio
Varallo Pomb C 3
B6
Sostegno
Divignano
lo Cervo
Camandona Mosso S.Maria
C6
A1
Prato Sesia
Cressa
Veglio Pistolesa
B3
Pombia
Valle Mosso
A8 Soprana
Fontaneto d'Agogna
Callabiana
Romagnano Sesia
B1
Tavigliano
Mezzana Curino
Suno
Marano Tici
Sagliano M.ca Selve Marcone
Mortigliengo
Lozzolo
A1
Miagliano A1 Pettinengo Strona
Villa del Bosco
C3
Andorno Micca Valle S.Nicolao Casapinta
A8
Gattinara
Mezzomerico
A8
A1
Roasio
C3
Crosa
Cavaglio d'Agogna
Bioglio Vallanzengo
Mombello Brusnengo
Cavaglietto
Tollegno Zumaglia
Lessona Masserano
Oleggio
Pralungo Ternengo
Piatto
A8
Vaprio d'AgognaB1
A8
Ghemme
A1
A1 A8
B1
ollone C3
Ronco B.se Quaregna
A1 A1
BIELLA Valdengo Cossato
1 Sizzano
å
B1 Barengo
Momo
Occhieppo Sup.
Cerreto Castello A1
3
o
Vigliano B.se
å
Bellinzago N
A1
B3
Occhieppo Inf.
A2
B1
Lenta
B1 Fara N.se
Alzate
Peschiere
B1
burzano
Gaglianico
Briona
B3 Ponderano
Rovasenda
onticello
Candelo
Carpignano Sesia2
B3
Castellengo
Ghislarengo å
Sologno
Sandigliano
A2
B3
Mongrando
A1
A1
Castelletto Cervo
Sillavengo
Benna
Caltignaga
Borriana
A1
C3
Castellazzo N.se
B2 B3
B2
B2 Verrone
Mottalciata
B1 S.Giacomo V.se
Cam
biena
Massazza
Arborio Landiona
C3 C3
A2
Zanga
Gifflenga
Mandello Vitta
C1
A4
Nibbia
Villanova B.se
B1
Casaleggio Novara
6
Buronzo
Vicolungo
Cerrione
Magnano
Vigellio
C.se
A8
Balocco
Recetto
B1
Zimone
Greggio
Biandrate
Piverone
Arro
S.Pietro Mosezzo
B6Salussola
B1
B3
L. di Bertignano
Villarboit
S.Nazzaro C1 Sesia
B1
D6
Casalbeltrame
Viverone Dorzano
Albano V.se
NOVARA
F1 Roppolo
A1
Formigliana
Torrione Quartara
L. di Viverone
A1
imo Rottaro F1
Cavaglià
Carisio B1
B2 Ponzana
F1
Lumellogno
Casanova Elvo Oldenico
A8
Collobiano
Casalvolone
A1 A3
ano C.se B6
Cameriano
DEL MONTE
B2
B1
Villata
B2
Gar
B6 C1
B2
A3 Quinto V.se
Monticello
A5
A4
C1
omasino Alice Castello
B2
C1
Santhià
Olcenengo
Nibbiola
B2
B1
Caresanablot
A3
B6
Borgo d'Ale
S.Germano V.se
Casalino
Granozzo con Monticello A3
Borgo Vercelli
Maglione
A5
Maglione
B3
Tronzano V.se
Capriasco
vello
A3 Figure 6. Study window in the Piemonte Soil Map 1:250.000 scale
A5
B1
B2
llo
Crova
Salasco
N.11 VERCELLI
A3
Vinzaglio C2
B1
Bianzè
Sali V.se
C1
Cigliano
Bo
B1 Larizzate Cappuccini
A3
Venaria
Casino Castellazzo
Lignana
Livorno Ferraris
C.na Molinetto
Prarolo
Nonai
gna
gna
iolana
igliano igliano
d i
d i
Se
O rop a
iolana
Se
N.144
Iv rea
rm
en
en
Sorba
Dolca
Sessera
Olobbia
N.593
z a
z a
SE SIA
Egua
Elvo
Elvo
S
n n a a
o tr
N.143
Il Navilotto
Serm e
Serm e
N.232
A 21
nz a
Barbina
Chiebbia
Chiebbia
N.143
N.11
Comba di Valmala
Comba di Valmala
Confienzo
A 4
Canale Depretis
N.299
Croso Gavala
Cerv o
a
Stron
Strona
N.232
CANALE CAVOUR
di Postu a
D u
N.142
Ostola
g
Mastallone
Mastallone
gi a
gi a
Trio gna
Sabbiola
Elvo
G u arab ione
la
B aa gnoo
S.Giorgio
P asc one
Sesse ra
N.230
R
R
gia
g
A 26/4
tron tron
S
del
a
Rovasenda
Rovasenda
rch ese
a M
m
O di
Rialone
Cervo
S tron
Rovasenda
e gn a
e gn a
S tron
Fiumetta
Valduggia
a di di
Colompasso
Roggia
M archiazza
lagna
o
M
SESIA
d el
d el
o
Roccia
arch archeseese
M
A 4
Naviglio di Ivrea
N.455
N.594
C e
o o
Lag
`O rta
`O rta
SE SIA
rv o
S
Stron
Stron
( Cusio Cusio )
iz zone
di
a
Pescone
S S trona trona
egna
Om
Bonda
di Bri ona
N.299
Ondella
Ondella
Agogn a
Agogn a
N.31
S
N.33
Rio della Valle
Selva
Airola
Tessera
izzo ne
izzo ne
Rio della Valle
A 26
Airola
a
Spess
Erno
Agogna
a
Vever
Lirone
Rese
Ern o
A CAN LE CAVOUR
SESIA
Agogna
N.142
A 26
Ern o
( Verbano )
N.229
Lago Lago
Terdoppio Novarese
Agogna
N.11
M aggiore
M aggiore
N.33
Agamo
N.299
Rito
Rito
Agogna
A 26/8
N.32
T
Canale
IC
Arbogna
INO
Regi
Regi
CANALE
N.211

European Summer School on Soil Survey
10
A Field Guide to the Soil-landscapes of the Piemonte eastern plain

250
A SCALA 1:50.000 SECONDO LA CARTA TECNICA
SOIL MAP 1:250.000
Soil-landscapes study window
LOCALIZZAZIONE IN AMBITO REGIONALE DEL FOGLIO
019 020
035 036
051 052 # 053
VB
071 072 073 074
091 092 BI 093 094
#
# 095
NO
112 113 114 115 116 NO 117
152 #
#
132
VC
133 134 135 136 137 138
TO
153 154 155 156 157 158 159
171 172 173 174
AT AL
175 # 176#
177 178
189 190 191 192 193 194 195 196
207 208 209 CN 210 211 212 213 214
224 225
#
226 227 228
242 243 244 245
AGRICULTURE DEPARTMENT
NOVARA PLAIN
1:50.000 SCALE
U1036
WRB, 1998: Profondi-Albic Luvisols, Albic Luvisols;
USDA, 1998: Typic Paleudalfs, Fragic Paleudalfs.
U1035 WRB, 1998: Dystric Fluvisols, Dystri-Humic Fluvisols,
Episkeleti-Fluvic Cambisols, Dystri-Fluvic Cambisols;
USDA, 1998: Umbric Udifluvents, Typic Udifluvents.
S.Nicolo'
U1040
WRB, 1998: Dystri-Fluvic Cambisols, Dystric Cambisols,
Dystri-Episkeletic Cambisols, Episkeleti-Fluvic Cambisols;
USDA, 1998: Fluventic Humic Dystrochrepts,
Fluventic Dystrochrepts.
# 1 Stop 1: Sesia Plain - Humi-Fluvic Cambisol
(Hyperdystric)
Stop 2: Sesia Plain - Hyperdystri-Stagnic Cambisol
# 2 Stop 3: Old Terraces - Profondi-Albic Luvisol
Note:
La legenda costituisce un'elaborazione sintetica della legenda standard della
CARTA DEI SUOLI a scala 1:50.000, a cui si rimanda per la completa definizione delle
classi dei Suoli.
Le sigle di colore rosso presenti in carta ( U1029 ) identificano le Unità Cartografiche di Suolo.
La fonte dei dati per il fondo topografico è la CTRN - Servizio Cartografico Regione Piemonte.
0
V I G N O L E
Rio
V A L G I O L O
U1036
C.to Barbavara Mandria
C.na Aurora
V A L L E R A C E
250
250
250
Fornace
Ghemme
250
StradaperFara
della
D I G H E M M E
B O S C O
250
250250
C.lo
Fornace
250
Torrente
250
Ghemme
S.Sebastiano (rov.e)
Santuario di Rado
250
250
B A R A G G I O N E
Valle
B A R A G G I A
Strona
C.na Carita'
C.to Furno
250
B O S C O D I
250
Cotonif.o Crespi
R.gia
B O S C O D E L R E
S.Clemente
B A R A G G I O N E
S I Z Z A N O
250
Mora
Lazzaretto
Catanea C.na
Fosso
Marchese
250
S.Giorgio (Rov.e)
S.Paolo Podere
250
del
250
del
Re
250
250
250
S.Antonio
A26
FIUME
Roggia
250
250
U1036
250
250
S.Bartolomeo
250
250
250
250
Rog.a
250
250
250
l'Assunta
Torrente
Sizzano
S.Giuseppe
#
Oriale
F.so della Valle Sorca
250
P I A N O N E
R O C C O L O
P A L A N C H I N A
Cantorina
Gattinara
250
la Mola
Colombarolo C.na
250
250
250
250250
Roggia
Font.na Marcia
S.S.
Selvabella C.na
F.so
250
1
Santhia
#
3
250
250
250
N O C C H E
Cascinetto
B O S C O P I A N E
B O S C O
Marchesa C.to della
R.gia Mora
C.na Nuova
C.na Colombara
Cascinetta
Tre C.na Confini
C.na Ferrera
la
(N.594)
C.lo
U1041
250
250
250
250
Colombera d'Anselmin
250
U1037 U1036
U1042
SESIA
Molinara
250
U1036
250
250
Campasso C.na
F.S.
250
250
250
250
V E C C H I O
Remme
250
250
250
C.lo
Torrente
del C.na Bosco
S.Giulio
B A R A G G I A D I L
250
250
250
U1035
U1038
250
Riseria Negri
Ist.o S.Gerolamo
Novarese Fara
Cavetto
V E R S O R E L L A
S.Eugenio
la Pieve
C.na delle Monache
V A L
C E R E S O L E
VALLE DEI RONCATI
Strona
200 200
F.so
Noca
Cast.o Miglio
C.na Stoppani
Trivulzio
Comunita' C.na
200
200
200
S.Maria
Cantina Sociale
RONCATI
Camorina
Rog.a
Cavetto Trioulzio
Modello
Lenta
Campagna Mad.na di
U1029 U1030 C.to del Medico
U1031 U1032 U1034
il Riale
200
dell'Avvocato
Roggia
200
VALLEDEI
Strona T.
Roggia
Bonino
200
U1036
Mad.na dei Campi
Caccetta
Cavo
Rio
C.del Guardiacaccia
Serb.i
C.na del Giardino
Rio
C.na Marchiazza
Mora
Briona
Rog.a
Cascinetta
C.na Dardanona
C.na Grande
#
2
Cavo
Font.naConte Trivulzio
Cavallero
C.na Mazzoni
Mad.na delle Grazie
Carpignano Sesia
SESIA
Pista Ficusello
Piumerro
Orcorio
Torrente
Figure 7. Soil Map 1:250.000
200
Dondoglio
C.na delle Monache
C.na Belvedere
C.na Salera
Ladro
Cavo
Cavo
C.Cantu'
S.Rocco
Carpignano Sesia
S.Agata
FIUME
Piccolo
NUOVA
BARAGGIA
Bissone
Marchiazza
U1040
Cantorina
Cavo
Ladro
Paltana
S.Apollinare
200
U1033
Mad.na dell'Orio
Cascinetta
Prati
C.na Gallinetta
Cavo
Imp.to ghiaia estrazione e sabbia
Ghislarengo
Cavo dei
Cavo
C.to della Briglia
U1043
C.na Regina
C.na Goretta
C.na Gorettina
C.na Usellina
C.na Bianca
U1039
Ladro
C.na Massima
Comune
C.na Bellaria
C.na Dolcenea
C.na Ronchetto
C.na Cravera
-di sopra
C.na Ronchi-
-di sotto
Molinara
Sillavengo
Roggia
Faisina
Rog.a
Dondoglio
U1043
C.na Cappelletti
C.na Fizzotti
C.na Collobie
C.na Ligorina
S.Germano
S.Graio
C.ne Gianotti
Cavo
Castellazzo Novarese
Cavo
Font.na
Molinara
Busca
C.na dei Confini
C.na Moranza C.na Livelli C.na S.Giacomo
C.na Tacita
C.na Baraggiola
C.na S.Antonio
S.Rocco
Camodea S.Maria di
dell'Ospedale
C.na Biola
Font.na
Farlenga
Camannone
C.na Galoppa C.na Valtoppo
Roggia
Roggia
R. Orcorio
C.na S.Felice
Grande
C.na Flecchia
C.na Gagliarda
Gagliarda
Biraga
Rog.a
Pennino C.na Baraggione
Morina Font.na
SESIA
la
C.na del Cervo
Boggione
Viogna
Rog.a
Cavo
C.Sciarea di sopra
C.na Cerro
Colombano
Parucca
DI
C.na Valtoppina
la Casera
S.Lorenzo
200
FIUME
BAREGGIASOPRA
C.na C.na Taverna Speranza
C.na Eurosia
C.Sciarea di sotto
Roggia
Torrente
C.na Mezzano
Font.na Cavazzola
Arborio
Landiona
Castagnea
C.na Vittona
C.na Belvedere
C.Bossolina
Marchiazza
1000 2000 3000 4000 5000 m
1500 m
september 2002

European Summer School on Soil Survey
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A Field Guide to the Soil-landscapes of the Piemonte eastern plain

European Summer School on Soil Survey
4 STOP 1: The River Sesia Northern Plain
4.1 The Landscape
The area is almost triangular, with vertices into the urban centres of Ghemme, Briona and
Carpignano Sesia. It has the river Sesia as the western limit and the old terrace slope as
the eastern limit. The soils are developed from recent deposits (Wurm) of the river Sesia,
constituted by sands and gravels.
Agricultural uses in this area are limited by climatic and pedological characteristics.
The presence of cold winds from the Sesia high valley reduces the possibilities of maize
production to late cultivars and stops rice-growing. High permeability and diffuse
presence of gravel and coarse sands also in the profile head reduce available water
capacities and often workability is conditioned. Intensive cereal production and also
forage yields are not profitable.
Mixed woodland is diffuse, both along the riverbanks and in the middle of the plain
(Versorella woods), where locust-trees are dominant but, more sporadically, oak, chestnut
and maple are also present. Poplar cultivation is very common, especially on the most
recent alluvial deposits. Orchards and vineyards, witness of an ancient frame of rural
arrangements, are scattered all over the landscape.
The weak altimetrical gradient has a north-south direction, due to the Sesia alluvial cone.
The most characteristic landscape element is the absence of a homogeneous rural pattern
and, consequently, a discontinuity in the field arrangements and in the pedo-landscape
units. The highway traces this appearance, cutting the plain into two parts.
Another negative factor is the chaotic urbanisation of the main urban centres, especially
Carpignano Sesia, but also, in general, the diffuse presence of industrial settlements
scattered on the land.
Also relevant is the network of canals drawing water from Sesia River for irrigation, even
where these systems are not completely in working order, because of lack of maintenance.
A large band of locust-tree woods covers the eastern artificial bank of the Sesia River;
these trees grow vigorously on fine sands, included among coarser deposits, and are
supplied by shallow groundwater. This area, called Scimbla park, extends from Ghemme
to Carpignano. It constitutes an important landscape that is now protected.
A Field Guide to the Soil-landscapes of the Piemonte eastern plain 13

European Summer School on Soil Survey
4.2 General description of the soils
Along the Sesia river, under the most recent alluvia, Humic Fluvisols, Skeletic Fluvisols
and Skeleti-Humic Fluvisols (WRB, 1998) are present. Under woodland it is also possible
to find Skeleti-Umbric Fluvisols (WRB, 1998).
In the part of the plain more distant from the river, better developed soils are present: the
Fluvic Cambisol (WRB, 1998), and, in some gravelly areas, the Skeleti-Fluvic Cambisol
(WRB, 1998). Some other soils are characterised by a dark epipedon, rich in organic
matter, so that the proposed classification can be Humi-Fluvic Cambisol according to
‘Lecture Notes on the Major Soils of the World’ (FAO, World Soil Resources Report # 94,
2001).
According to the U.S. Soil Taxonomy the soils are: Typic Udifluvent, coarse-loamy,
mixed, non-acid, mesic (USDA, 1998), with umbric, gravelly and sandy phases; and
Fluventic Dystrudept, coarse-loamy, mixed, nonacid, mesic with humic, gravelly and
sandy phases (USDA, 1998).
The main soil characteristics are:
• sandy texture
• contact with a gravelly substratum in average within 1 meter
• acidification of topsoil with some weak illuviation of Fe-organic complex, in case
of humic epipedon, such as a B layer can be definied
• presence of an intermittent gravel layer of few centimetres among the sandy
horizons
These elements are all limiting factors for agriculture, which is often restricted to poplar
cultivation, especially on the most recent alluvium. At one time, woods would have
covered all the land and it possible to deduct from this the presence of an intermittent
organic layer of few centimetres thickness, which sometimes appears buried by some
decimetres of sandy deposits from the very recent Sesia floods.
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European Summer School on Soil Survey
Today powerful agricultural machines can plough without too many difficulties into
gravelly topsoils, so that it is possible to exploit the fertility residues of these humic
layers, which also contribute to a higher available water capacity.
In any case the percentages of coarse particles in the texture fine fraction are very high, so
the permeability remains very high and AWC low: these factors are greatly limiting the
Land Capability of this area.
4.3 Towards a Thematic Strategy for Soil Protection
With regard to the official Communication of the Commission of the European
Communities ‘Towards a Thematic Strategy for Soil Protection’ (Brussels, 16.4.2002
COM(2002) 179 final), it is now appropriate to calculate the total area of the kinds of soil
(see IPLA Soil Maps) that have been lost forever, in the last 40-50 years, because of the
urban settlements of Romagnano Sesia, Gattinara, Ghemme, Carpignano Sesia, Fara and
Sizzano.
This urbanisation has not taken account of the productivity of these soils, that have been
assessed as class II according to a methodology similar to the USDA Land Capability
Classification.
In spite of good water availability, these soils show a different distribution of subsurface
gravels through the irregular growth of maize stems, especially where ancient river
courses cross the fields. This means that their potential capacity to protect groundwater
from pollution is low or very low. Because of superficial erosion, due to the area
morphology (alluvial cone), there should be a reduction in the cultivation of crops that
leave the soil bare for many months thus exposing it to the erosive effects of heavy rains.
The importance at this time of not reducing organic matter in this type of soil, and instead
maintaining or increasing it, can be solved by taking into consideration that soil carbon
content depends on the amount of erosion taking place and, indirectly, on cropping
systems that do not leave the ground bare after harvesting, as has been the case in many
of our soils during the past 30-40 years. This trend is more and more significant since the
EC Directives have reduced cattle breeding and consequently the possibility to practise
spreading of organic manures.
According to these views, this kind of soil could be better utilised if reconverted to
grassland: a choice that would reduce greenhouse gas emissions (according to Kyoto
protocol) and add value by recreating ancient landscapes.
4.4 The representative soil profile
The representative soil profile comprises the following horizon sequence: Ap-Bw-C1-C2
The topsoil is a brown sandy-loam in texture with evidence of a significant amount of
organic matter, probably due to woodland cover in the recent past. Gravel content in the
upper horizon is such that it is not a limitation for mechanised agriculture, is superficial
(30 cm) in any case.
In the underlying layer, gravel content is also low, texture is still sandy-loam, but the
Munsell colour is olive-brown, the sign of progressive impoverishment of organic matter.
Rooting is still good. The weak blocky structure and the brown colour are signs of a Bw
horizon.
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European Summer School on Soil Survey
The first C horizon starts where some hydromorphic features are visible (mottling and Fe-
Mn masses), maybe due to waterlogging in the past. In the second C horizon there is an
high percentage of coarse sand, so that it can be called 2C, even if the discontinuity is not
clear, and most probably being grey-coloured it is the oldest deposit of Sesia River.
4.5 Profile of Stop 1
Profile code: PIEM0402
Classifications:
Humi-Fluvic Cambisol (Hyperdystric) (WRB; 1998; ‘Lecture Notes on the Major
Soils of The World’, FAO, World Soil Resources Report # 94, 2001)
Fluventic Dystrudept, coarse-loamy, mixed, nonacid, mesic (USDA, 1998),
Horizon designations: Ap-Bw- C-2C
Diagnostic horizons: Ochric, Cambic, Fluvic
Location: Fontana Marcia (Sizzano, NO)
Photograph taken in a profile 50 m away from the described and analysed soil
Physiography: middle of a fluvial plain
Elevation: 228 m slm
Drainage: well drained
Groundwater: not far from the surface
Land Use: soya
Parent Material: fluvio-glacial Wurm
Ap: 0 to 30 cm; moist; brown (10YR4/3); sandy-loam; 3 percent medium and coarse
pebbles; cloddy structure; few fine macropores; few fine roots; firm; very weakly
cemented; non-sticky; slightly plastic; noncalcareous; abrupt linear boundary.
Bw: 30 to 50 cm; moist; light olive brown (2.5Y5/4) with light olive brown (2.5Y5/3);
sandy-loam; 3 percent medium and coarse pebbles; weak medium subangular blocky
structure, common fine macropores; few fine roots; firm; very weakly cemented; nonsticky;
non-plastic; noncalcareous; clear, wavy boundary.
C1: 50 to 85 cm; moist; light yellowish brown (2.5Y6/4) with olive brown (2.5Y5/3);
faint common medium yellowish brown (10YR5/4) mottles; massive structure; medium
common macropores; few fine roots; firm; very weakly cemented; non-sticky; nonplastic;
noncalcareous; few fine Fe-Mn masses on the primary particles; gradual wavy
boundary.
C2: 85 to 130 cm; moist; grayish brown (2.5Y5/2) with light olive gray (5Y6/2); sandy;
20 percent medium and coarse pebbles; single grain structure; friable; extremely weakly
cemented; non-sticky; non-plastic; noncalcareous; unknown boundary.
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European Summer School on Soil Survey
Photo by courtesy of Erika Micheli
Horizon Ap Bw C1 C2
Depth cm 30 20 35 45
pH in H 2 O 5,4 5,6 5,8 6,2
Gravel % 2 2 2 15
CaCO 3 % 0 0 0 0
Coarse sand % 7,2 10,9 5,5 78,2
Fine sand % 45,7 53,9 61,5 17,6
Coarse silt % 16,3 13,3 13,4 2,1
Fine silt % 23,9 16,9 14,0 0,0
Clay % 6,9 5,1 5,6 2,1
Organic carbon % 1,76 0,69 0,06 0,04
Total nitrogen % 0,17 n.d. n.d. n.d.
C/N 10,2 n.d. n.d. n.d.
Organic matter % 3,03 1,18 0,10 0,06
C.S.C. meq/100g 15,2 8,5 n.d. 4,4
Ca meq/100g 1,19 0,58 n.d. 0,26
Mg meq/100g 0,17 0,31 n.d. 0,06
K meq/100g 0,22 0,31 n.d. 0,28
Basic saturation% 10 14 n.d. 14
P available mg/Kg 65 n.d. n.d. n.d.
A Field Guide to the Soil-landscapes of the Piemonte eastern plain 17

European Summer School on Soil Survey
5 STOP 2: The River Sesia Southern Plain
5.1 The Landscape
In the southern area of the Sesia plain, the landscape is characterised by the dominance of
intensive rice-growing, which is very profitable, even if it is not located on the most
suitable soils. The northern limit of this cultivation in the area is the axis Carpignano
Sesia – Briona: beyond it, the high Sesia plain does not have favourable pedoclimatic
features.
This plain is flat, and a definitive ancient Sesia passage is almost blocked by the
arrangement of the rice chambers. On the western margin near Sesia River the traditional
landscape is characterised by poplars and a land use of maize-grass rotation, but ricechambers
have constructed as far as the riverbanks, also on the most sandy soils.
On the eastern margin near the old terraces, the passage of a stream, Strona, coming from
the narrow valleys inside the terraces, and a large canal for irrigation are the main agents
of morphological change in the area. Here it is possible to find soils with finer textures,
perhaps the sign of a more developed pedogenesis. In any case this area has the highest
rice yields and the lowest water consumption for irrigation.
5.2 General description of the soils
Most of the soils, comprising sandy-gravelly alluvia from the Sesia River, have been
significantly changed due to the construction of rice fields (chambers). The original soil
type is the Dystric Fluvisol (WRB, 1998), which has acquired redoximorphic features for
artificial gley conditions, so that it can be classified as a Dystri-Stagnic Fluvisol (WRB,
1998). In U.S. Soil Taxonomy these soils are Typic Udifluvent, sandy, mixed, nonacid,
mesic and the anthraquic and oxyaquic phases.
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A strip of less gravelly soils, from Briona to Castellazzo, has finer coarse-loamy texture,
with higher water capacities. In the profile at STOP 2 a cambic horizon in contact with
altered pebbles is recognisable. Groundwater, introduced by irrigation water for ricegrowing,
produces redoximorphic features such that the provisional classification is
Dystri-Stagnic Cambisol (WRB, 1998).
Along the Sesia valley, the most recent alluvia, Humic Fluvisols, Skeletic Fluvisols and
Skeleti-Humic Fluvisols (WRB, 1998) also occur. Under woodland cover, it is also
possible to find Skeleti-Umbric Fluvisols (WRB, 1998).
5.3 Towards a Thematic Strategy for Soil Protection
The soil profile examined, which is under poplar trees, is not much different from the
profile at STOP1 concerning the key-productive, environmental and socio-cultural
functions.
This soil has been under rice but was planted with poplar trees, probably because of its
marginality: therefore the negative effects on the original landscape and the topsoil,
typical of rice growing areas, are no longer evident. Nevertheless we should emphasise
that the submersion irrigation techniques used for rice growing require a perfect levelling
of the field by very large movements of earth material. This brings to the fore other
concerns about soil protection, for example ‘how much of this kind of soil, around this
site, is still used for rice-growing?’
The profile excavation shows the proximity of the rice-fields through a groundwater level
that is higher than the natural water table of this area. Therefore, if the rice-field water
contributes initially to increasing the groundwater level, this is an indication that to
maintain submersion of the field very large amounts of irrigation water will be needed,
because of high soil permeability.
In calculating the exact costs and energy balances, the importance of water resources now
becomes evident. Water infiltration, intensive leaching, and consequent soil fertility loss,
cause eutrification in the underlying groundwater. Moreover the pollution of deep and
surface waters by pesticides and herbicides is another serious problem that must be
considered.
Finally, by observing the soil cover, in this case a poplar-grove, it is also possible to
evaluate the Land Suitability for this cultivation. Ten years after planting, the productive
results are very modest and confirm the evaluation criteria, defined by IPLA Soil Sector
along its long experience in Piemonte, about the pedological requirements for a good
cultivation of poplar trees.
5.4 The representative soil profile
It comprises the following sequence of layers: Ap-Bw-BC-C1-C2
The topsoil is characterised by sandy-loam texture and by olive brown Munsell colour. A
low pH is probably due to acidification under aquic conditions induced by rice-growing.
The subsoil is characterised by the presence of mottles and an evidently altered B layer
with yellowish brown and brown Munsell colours and a subangular blocky structure. The
depth and quantity of hydromorphic features is very variable and depends on the net of
irrigation channels and relative groundwater.
A Field Guide to the Soil-landscapes of the Piemonte eastern plain 19

European Summer School on Soil Survey
5.5 Profile of Stop 2
Profile code: PIEM0458
Classifications:
Hyperdystri-Stagnic Cambisol (WRB; 1998)
Oxyaquic Dystrudept, coarse-loamy over sandy-skeletal, mixed, nonacid, mesic
(USDA, 1998),
Horizon designations: Ap - Bw - BC – C1 – C2.
Diagnostic horizons: Cambic, Stagnic
Location: C. S.Martino (Briona, NO)
Photograph taken in a profile 25m away from the described and analysed soil
Physiography: middle of a fluvial plain
Elevation: 190 m slm
Drainage: well drained
Groundwater: not far from the surface
Land Use: poplar
Parent Material: fluvio-glacial Wurm
Ap: 0 to 40 cm; moist; olive brown (10YR4/4); sandy-loam; 10 percent medium and
coarse pebbles; cloddy structure; few fine macropores; common fine roots; friable;
noncemented; slightly-sticky; slightly plastic; noncalcareous; clear linear boundary.
Bw: 40 to 65 cm; moist; yellowish brown (10YR5/6) with brown (10YRY5/3); sandyloam;
12 percent coarse pebbles; weak medium subangular blocky structure, common
fine macropores; few fine roots; friable; noncemented; slightly-sticky; slightly-plastic;
noncalcareous; clear, linear boundary.
BC: 65 to 100 cm; moist; light olive brown (2.5Y5/6) with yellowish brown (10YR5/8);
sandy-loam; 20 percent coarse pebbles; single grain structure; very few fine roots; very
friable, noncemented; non-sticky; non-plastic; noncalcareous; abrupt, linear boundary.
C1: 100 to 130 cm; moist; olive (5Y4/3) with olive gray (5Y4/2); faint common fine light
olive brown (2.5Y5/6) mottles; sandy; 65 percent coarse pebbles; single grain structure;
very friable, non-cemented; non-sticky; non-plastic; noncalcareous; abrupt, linear
boundary
C2: 130 to 150 cm; moist; olive gray (5Y4/2) with olive (5Y5/3); sandy; 65 percent
coarse pebbles; single grain structure; very friable, noncemented; non-sticky; non-plastic;
noncalcareous; unknown boundary.
20
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European Summer School on Soil Survey
Photo by courtesy of Erika Micheli,
Horizon Ap Bw C
Depth cm 40 25 30
pH in H 2O 4,4 5,8 5,6
CaCO 3 % 0,0 0,0 0,0
Coarse sand. % 8,7 7,9 69,2
Fine sand.% 47,3 46,8 22,7
Total sand% 56,0 54,8 91,8
Coarse silt % 16,3 16,1 2,3
Fine silt % 19,5 21,0 3,2
Total silt % 35,8 37,1 5,4
Clay % 8,2 8,2 2,7
Organic carbon % 1,69 0,95 0,13
Organic matter % 2,91 1,64 0,23
Total nitrogen % 0,14 n.d. n.d.
C/N 11,9 n.d. n.d.
Cation Exchange Capacity
(meq/100g)
11,2 12,5 12,1
Exchangeable Ca (meq/100g) 1,25 4,15 3,00
Exchangeable Mg (meq/100g) 0,25 0,92 0,75
Exchangeable K (meq/100g) 0,08 0,20 0,23
Basic Saturation % 5 44 41
Available Phosphorus
(meq/100g)
22 n.d. n.d.
A Field Guide to the Soil-landscapes of the Piemonte eastern plain 21

European Summer School on Soil Survey
6 STOP 3: The Old Terraces (Novara hills)
6.1 The Landscape
The landscape of the old terraces is most typical of the area, as it represents many aspects
of the natural environment of “Baraggia” - the hornbeam and oak woods and the moor.
In the field trip area, a Mindelian terrace shows a wavy morphology, with deeply cut and
eroded surfaces, crossed by streams and small valleys, winding up through steep slopes.
In the natural landscape grape growing, the most important agricultural activity of this
area is harmoniously included.
In the recent past, vineyards almost entirely covered the terrace western slope. This is the
best site, influenced by a favourable exposure and better soil conditions, for high quality
grapes production.
Nowadays the vineyard cultivation area is decreasing both on the top and on the slope.
Significant fragmentation of land holdings is one of the economic constraints for wine
growing that needs to be on larger farms work with bigger processing plants if the activity
is to compete adequately in the markets of today.
Anyway a good potential of high quality wine production is based on the well-known
‘Ghemme’ trademark, which has been classified as a wine of ‘Denomination of
Controlled and Guaranteed Origin’.
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On the western terrace, the anthropic effects due to the agricultural activity are evident. A
network of rural roads permits entry to the vineyards spread throughout the area.
Woodlands are found especially on the slopes towards the Strona river and woody
vegetation invades the waste lands.
On the middle and eastern terraces the land use is more diverse with the typical vegetation
of Baraggia and less intensive grape growing. This is because the wine is not of highquality
because of less favourable climatic and soil conditions. In addition these areas are
further away from the farms and urban centres.
Some pine stands, planted in the seventies as fast growing tree cultivation, can also be
found.
A Field Guide to the Soil-landscapes of the Piemonte eastern plain 23

European Summer School on Soil Survey
6.2 General description of the soils
From the geological point of view, the soil parent material is attributable to the Mindel
fluvio-glacial alluvium, according to FG.43 of the Geological Map of Italy.
From the field surveys of the old terraces which are 25-40 m above the plain, a paleosoil,
with an average depth of 3 m., developed over gravelly layers comprising very altered
pebbles and cemented by sandy materials, has been identified.
The basic diagnostic characteristic is the presence of an argic (argillic) horizon (a storage
of illuvial clay) and the relative steadfastness of clay percentage with the increase of
depth.
Another diagnostic feature is the presence of an albic horizon with high colour value and
a low chroma (Munsell), the sign of a depleted layer overlaying an illuviation horizon.
The most common soil type, under woodland cover, is Profondi-Albic Luvisol (WRB,
1998); in some cases a cemented layer, classified as fragipan, is described in the soil
profile, but is not used to classify the soils as the WRB classification system does not
include it in the Luvisols qualifiers list.
According to USDA (1998), these soils are classified as Typic Paleudalfs, fine-silty,
mixed, nonacid, mesic and Fragic Paleudalfs, fine-silty, mixed, nonacid, mesic)
In the first meter, these soils are very rich in silt, so that their properties are not suitable
for agriculture. High resistance, toughness, plasticity and stickiness, and low permeability
are characteristic.
These properties create many difficulties for cultivation and unfortunately there are few
other possibilities for agricultural use. Only grape growing can be developed, and not
everywhere, as an alternative to the ‘Baraggia’ vegetation.
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Also vineyards, which are traditionally planted in the Piemonte clayey soils, are affected
by stagnant water in this kind of paleosoil, and therefore the quantity and quality of
grapes are reduced.
Different pedological situation are described in the slopes where gravels are brought to
the surface and paleosoils are mixed into colluvia with the coarser gravelly substratum.
Where on slopes woodlands are found, the soils develop into Cambisols (WRB, 1998),
starting from the eroded argic horizon. In the case of the vineyards, tillage and consequent
erosion continuously move the soils preventing further development from Regosols
(WRB, 1998).
In this last case, conditions for soil aeration and drainage, from which roots can benefit,
are better even if steep slopes can hinder tillage operations.
6.3 Towards a Thematic Strategy for Soil Protection
Soil conservation in the more fertile Piemonte areas has been one of the main activities of
IPLA Soil Sector, but, while the best soils on the plains have been lost to urbanisation,
this very old soil has survived almost untouched.
The morphology of the alluvial terraces and residual edges of the larger and old Padana
plain, where this soil developed, has been preserved from complete removal by river
erosion, because it is protected by its position in the landscape.
The low soil fertility has always been well known and has resulted in this area being
excluded from use for settlements and main roads. Covered by mixed deciduous woods
this land was only put into cultivation at the end of the seventeenth century.
In spite of serious soil limitations, farmers have developed wine growing according to
local needs, creating a tradition, which survives today even if it is very much reduced. In
addition, despite the soil being suitable to forage crops for feeding to beef cattle, the
present market support schemes are aimed at reducing beef production.
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For several decades, cultivation on this land has reduced and untilled (fallow) fields are
now increasing, after some alternative solutions have failed. In particular during the
1960s, vineyards were substituted by fast growing non-native conifer plantations, when
the environmental protection culture was still latent.
It is now paradoxical to see that on the one hand the best and fertile soils, on the
underlying plain, have been continuously lost to agriculture whilst on the other hand, land
planners do not choose the less fertile and non-irrigated land, characterised by this site,
for development. The planning process has missed the opportunity of greatly reducing or
stopping the sacrifice of productive areas.
The most recent lost opportunity was the construction of the new Simplon motor-way in
the direction of the lakes and into the Ossola valley, that has taken away more productive
soils, and missed a more panoramic route. An alternative route would also have been
safer because of a lower risk of thick fog and a lower risk of groundwater contamination
in case of accidents involving the transport of toxic materials. A integrated rational
transport policy would have taken these considerations into account.
With respect to the EC guidelines for good agricultural practice for sustainable
development, the considerations above suggest a new perspective is needed for the role of
agriculture in environmental protection. Accordingly, the land where ‘STOP3-type’ soils
are dominant, which occupy >200,000 ha in Piemonte, could make a significant
contribution to the greenhouse gases reduction, by facilitating the conversion to
permanent grassland, together with valuable wood production.
6.4 The representative soil profile
It comprises the following sequence: Ap-A/E-E/B-Bt1-Bt2-Bt3-Btc1-Btc2
In the first meter, there are three silty-loam horizons, which can be attributed to two kinds
of geo-pedological processes: loess deposition and clay illuviation.
Trenching for vineyard plantation mixing soil layers, so that reading of the head profile is
now more difficult and, consequently, also sampling and interpretation.
Clay illuviation and formation of red clayey layers, rich in iron-manganese nodules, are
more evident in the bottom of the profile, which can reach 3m before contact with the
much altered gravelly substratum.
Clay illuviation has followed a multiphase path, as well shown in the micromorphological
images of the Bt layers reported after the profile description.
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6.5 Profile of Stop 3
Profile code: PIEM0415
Classifications:
Profondi-Albic Luvisol (Cutanic) (WRB, 1998)
Typic Paleudalf, fine-silty, mixed, nonacid, mesic (USDA, 1998)
Horizon designations: Ap – A/E - EB – Bt1 – Bt2– Bt3 –Btc1 – Btc2
Diagnostic horizons: Albic, Argic
Location: Pianone (Barengo, NO)
Photograph taken in a profile 150 m away from the described and analysed soil
Physiography: top of old terrace
Elevation: 250 m slm
Drainage: somewhat poorly drained
Groundwater: deep
Land Use: vineyards
Parent Material: fluvio-glacial Mindel
Ap: 0 to 30 cm; moist; light olive brown (2,5Y 5/3); with olive brown (2,5Y 4/4); siltyloam;
cloddy structure; few fine macropores; common fine roots; friable, slightly sticky,
slightly plastic; noncalcareous; abrupt smooth boundary.
A/E: 30 to 50 cm; moist; olive yellow (2,5Y 6/6); with light yellowish brown (2,5Y 6/4);
common medium faint olive yellow (2,5Y 6/8) mottles; silty-loam; moderate coarse subangular
blocky structure; common fine macropores; common fine roots; friable; slightly
sticky; slightly plastic; noncalcareous; common medium iron-manganese concretions;
wavy clear boundary.
E/B: 50 to 90 cm; moist; light gray (2,5Y 7/2); with brownish yellow (10YR 6/6);
common medium faint brownish yellow (10YR 6/8) mottles, with brown (7,5YR 4/4);
silty-loam; strong medium angular blocky structure; common medium macropores, few
fine roots; friable; moderately sticky; moderately plastic; noncalcareous; common fine
iron-manganese concretions; few clay coats on primary particles; clear irregular
boundary.
Bt1: 90 to 160 cm; moist; olive yellow (2,5Y 6/6); brown (7,5YR 4/4) peds; common fine
diffuse yellow (10YR 7/8) mottles, with reddish yellow (7,5YR 6/8); loamy; strong
medium angular blocky structure; common fine macropores, few fine roots; firm;
moderately sticky; moderately plastic; noncalcareous; common fine iron-manganese
nodules; common clay coats on primary particles; clear wavy boundary.
Bt2: 160 to 180 cm; moist; light grey (10YR 7/2) with yellow (10YR 7/8); brown (7,5YR
4/4) peds; clay-loam; massive structure; firm; moderately sticky; moderately plastic;
noncalcareous; common fine iron-manganese nodules; few clay coats on primary
particles; gradual wavy boundary.
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European Summer School on Soil Survey
Bt3: 180 to 210 cm; moist; pale yellow (2,5Y 7/4); dark yellowish brown (10YR 4/6)
peds; common fine faint brownish yellow (10YR 6/8) mottles; clay-loam, moderate very
coarse prismatic columnar structure; firm; moderately sticky; moderately plastic;
noncalcareous; common fine iron-manganese nodules; common clay coats on primary
particles; gradual wavy boundary.
Btc1: 210 to 240 cm; moist; olive brown (2,5Y 4/4); with yellowish brown (10YR 5/6);
brown (7,5YR 4/4) peds; common fine faint brownish yellow (10YR 6/8) mottles, with
yellow (10YR 7/8); and strong brown (7,5YR 5/8); clay-loam; weak medium prismatic
columnar structure; firm; moderately sticky; moderately plastic; noncalcareous; many
medium iron-manganese nodules; common clay coats on primary particles; gradual wavy
boundary.
Btc2: 240 - 300 cm; moist; yellowish red (5YR 4/6); with reddish grey (5YR 5/2); reddish
brown (5YR 4/4) peds; clay-loam; strong medium angular blocky; firm; moderately
sticky; moderately plastic; noncalcareous; many coarse iron-manganese nodules; many
clay coats on primary particles; unknown boundary.
Photo by courtesy of Erika Micheli
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Horizon Ap1 Ap2 E Bt Btc1 Btc2
Depth cm 10 20 30 40 60 20
pH in H 2 O 5,5 6,0 6,2 6,2 6,9 6,9
Gravel % 0 0 0 0 0 0
CaCO 3 % 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0
Coarse sand % 3,4 3,5 3,8 3,4 5,4 11,7
Fine sand % 23,6 21,9 24,0 22,6 20,2 22,5
Coarse silt % 25,1 28,0 25,8 24,8 16,7 12,3
Fine silt % 31,6 27,4 26,5 26,2 21,2 17,6
Clay % 16,4 19,2 19,9 23,0 36,5 35,8
Organic carbon % 1,46 0,39 0,50 0,36 0,18 0,26
Total nitrogen % 0,15 n.d. n.d. n.d. n.d. n.d.
C/N 10,0 n.d. n.d. n.d. n.d. n.d.
Organic matter % 2,50 0,67 0,86 0,63 0,32 0,45
C.S.C. meq/100g 9,77 6,54 8,23 11,67 20,46 20,20
Ca meq/100g 2,75 2,15 1,95 3,70 8,25 8,75
Mg meq/100g 0,50 0,67 1,17 3,42 6,08 5,75
K meq/100g 0,31 0,03 0,04 0,04 0,04 0,04
Basic saturation% 36 44 38 61 70 72
P available mg/Kg 38 n.d. n.d. n.d. n.d. n.d.
Micromorphologic analysis
In the following double images in polarised light (crossed Nicols) and normal light
(parallel Nicols), it is possible to see the pores (dark areas in polarised light) with the
deposition of translocated clay on the walls. The redder the skin the older it is. Many
gradations of red colour are visible, the orange and yellow skins being the most recent. In
polarised light white spots are crystal minerals.
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European Summer School on Soil Survey
Thin section of a Bt layer in normal light (parallel Nicols)
Thin section of a Bt layer in polarised light (crossed Nicols)
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Zooming into a thin section of a Bt layer under normal light (parallel Nicols)
Zooming into a thin section of a Bt layer under polarised light (crossed Nicols)
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European Summer School on Soil Survey
7 The physical and chemical analysis
The analytical work was carried out according to the following phases:
1. Drying of the soil samples from the field surveys and sieving at 2 and 0.5 mm.
2. The topsoils and diagnostic horizons have been analysed for:
• Particle-size analyses by pipet method
• pH by potentiometric measure in soil dilution
• calcium carbonate by gas volumetric method (Dietrich-Fruehling)
• cation exchange capacity in BaCl2 at pH 8.2
• exchangeable calcium in barium and atomic absorption
• exchangeable magnesium in barium and atomic absorption
• exchangeable potassium in barium and atomic absorption
• organic carbon by acid-dichromate digestion (Walkley-Black).
Samples of topsoils have also been analysed for total nitrogen, by Kieldhal digestion, and
absorbable phosphorus, by Olsen method. On the argillic horizons a micromorphological
analysis was performed by thin sections and chemical determination of Fe forms by
dithionite-citrate and oxalate extraction.
8 References
IPLA, 1982. The Piemonte land use capability classification, Edition l'équipe, Turin.
IPLA, 2002. Fieldbook for soil survey and description, not published.
Munsell, 1992. Soil color chart. Macbeth, New York.
Carraro F., Bortolami G., Sacchi R., 1967. Notes for the Geological Map of Italy, 1:100,000.
Fg.43, Roma.
USDA, NRCS. 1998. Keys to Soil Taxonomy. Eighth edition.
Soil Survey Division Staff USDA, 1993. Soil survey manual. U.S. Government Printing Office.
World Reference Base for Soil Resources, FAO, 1998
Official soil analytical chemical methods, National Pedological Observatory, Rome, 1994
USDA, 1972. Soil survey laboratory methods and procedures for collecting samples. Soil
Conservation Service. Washington DC.
Soil Conservation Service, 1984. Procedures for collecting soil samples and method of analysis
for soil survey. USDA.
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European Soil Bureau Research Reports
No.1 European Land Information Systems for Agro-environmental Monitoring. D. King, R.J.A. Jones and
A.J. Thomasson (eds). EUR 16232 EN, 284pp. (1995). Office for the Official Publications of the
European Communities, Luxembourg.
No.2 Soil Databases to support sustainable development. C. Le Bas and M. Jamagne (eds). EUR 16371
EN 149pp. (1996). Office for Official Publications of the European Communities, Luxembourg.
No.3 The use of pedotransfer in soil hydrology research in Europe. A. Bruand, O. Duval, H.Wösten and
A. Lilly (eds). EUR 17307 EN 211pp. (1997). Office for Official Publications of the European
Communities, Luxembourg.
No.4 Land Information Systems: Developments for planning the sustainable use of land resources. H.J.
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Scientific Committee. EUR 18092 EN 184pp. (1998). Office for Official Publications of the
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202pp. (1999). Office for Official Publications of the European Communities, Luxembourg.
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Montanarella. (2002). EUR 20398 EN, 248pp. Office for Official Publications of the European
Communities, Luxembourg.
No.8 Soil Geographical Database for Eurasia & The Mediterranean: Instructions Guide for Elaboration at
scale 1:1,000,000. Version 4.0. J.J. Lambert, J. Daroussin, M. Eimberck, C. Le Bas, M. Jamagne, D.
King & L. Montanarella. (2003). EUR 20422 EN, 64pp. Office for Official Publications of the
European Communities, Luxembourg.
No.9 Soil Resources of Europe: incorporating EU Candidate Countries. P. Bullock, R.J.A. Jones & L.
Montanarella (eds). (2003). EUR 20559 EN [In Press] Office for Official Publications of the
European Communities, Luxembourg.
No.10 Land Degradation. L. Montanarella and R.J.A. Jones (eds). (2003). EUR 20688 EN, 324pp. Office
for Official Publications of the European Communities, Luxembourg.
No.11 Soil erosion risk in Italy: a revised USLE approach. M. Grimm, R.J.A. Jones, E. Rusco & L.
Montanarella. (2003). EUR 20677 EN, 23pp. Office for Official Publications of the European
Communities, Luxembourg.
No.12 Validation of soil erosion risk assessements in Italy. A.J.J. Van Rompaey, P. Bazzoffi, R.J.A. Jones,
L. Montanarella & G. Govers. (2003). EUR 20676 EN. 25pp. Office for Official Publications of the
European Communities, Luxembourg.
No.13 Validation of soil erosion estimates at European scale. A.J.J. Van Rompaey, V. Vieillefont, R.J.A.
Jones, L. Montanarella, G. Verstraeten, P. Bazzoffi, T. Dostal, J.Krasa, J. Devente, J. Poesen.
(2003). EUR 20827 EN, 24pp. Office for Official Publications of the European Communities,
Luxembourg
No.14 Field Guide to the Soil-landscapes of the Piemonte eastern plain F. Petrella, M. Piazzi, P. Martalò, P.
Roberto, F. Giannetti, N. Alliani, V. Ancarani, G. Nicoli, R. Salandin, & N. Filippi. (2003). EUR
20829 EN, 33pp. Office for Official Publications of the European Communities, Luxembourg.

Mission of the JRC
The mission of the Institute of Environment and Sustainability is to provide scientific and
technical support to EU strategies for the protection of the environment and sustainable
development. Employing an integrated approach to the investigation of air, water and soil
contaminants, its goals are sustainable management of water resources, protection and
maintenance of drinking waters, good functioning of aquatic ecosystems and good ecological
quality of surface waters.