Pedological characteristics of artificialized soils: A snapshot

The onset of industrialization entailed the increase in soil artificialization worldwide. Soils from artificialized zones (SAZ) are result urban, industrial, traffic, mining or recreational land use. Knowledge their characteristics is a prerequisite for evaluating ability SAZ to perform key functions and provide ecosystem services. Based on selection 102 papers published between 1991 2017, this article aims at providing quantitative vision pedological different categories SAZs as function use type (natural profile, developed allochthonous material). We show that, overall, inherent topsoil generally depend - material being more stony poorer < 2 µm fraction while manageable both use, with exception pH that mainly driven by However, good characterization requires systematic description, sampling analysis obtain comprehensive knowledge several features still too rarely measured such cationic exchange capacity, electrical conductivity, depth, nutrient concentrations. Sealed soils considered despite large surface area. Such would allow better management services fulfill.