Proposal for the protection and conservation of the terra rossa soil profile from Istria in the category of geological monument of nature

Scientific paper - Abstract

• Author: Marta Mileusnić
• Author: Goran Durn
• Author: Vedran Rubinić
• Author: Irina Žeger Pleše
• Author's institution: University of Zagreb; Faculty of Agriculture
• Author's institution: University of Zagreb; Faculty of Mining, Geology and Petroleum Engineering; (Department of Mineralogy, Petrology and Mineral Resources)
• Scientific / art field, discipline and subdiscipline: NATURAL SCIENCES; Geology

Abstract (english)

Soil is an essential component of geodiversity, embodying the various geological processes, formations and materials that contribute to the overall richness and complexity of the Earth's landscapes. Although the importance of soil for the preservation of geodiversity is increasingly appreciated, it has not yet received adequate recognition in Croatia. Terra Rossa soils, which overlie and mark the youngest subaerial unconformity in the northwestern part of the Adriatic Carbonate Platform from the Mesozoic era, especially on the present-day Istrian peninsula, are ancient relict soils of polygenetic origin. This particular soil type has immense scientific, educational and cultural value, which makes it an exceptional candidate for protection and conservation measures. As a paleosol, Terra Rossa offers valuable insights into past environmental conditions, climate changes, and landscape evolution. Preserving one of Terra Rossa's soil profiles as a geoheritage site facilitates educational and scientific efforts. It allows researchers, students, and interested individuals to study and learn about the complex properties and processes of soil formation, nutrient cycling, and ecosystem dynamics. Terra Rossa soils in Istria also have cultural significance, having been used for viticulture and olive cultivation since Roman times. The 3 m thick soil profile in Koreniki shows several signs of colluviation and polygenesis, with kaolinization and iron oxide formation being the dominant processes. According to the WRB system, the profile is classified as Rhodic Lixisol, whose relict properties have been preserved under present climatic conditions. By protecting this soil profile near the renowned Coronica vineyard as a geoheritage site, we recognize and preserve the cultural heritage associated with the use and practices of the soil, promoting an understanding of the interrelationships between man, soil and landscape. This work has been supported by the Croatian Science Foundation (project no. IP-2019-04-8054).

• Language: english
• Publication type: Scientific paper - Abstract
• Publication status: Published
• Peer review: Unknown
• Publication version: Published version
• Publication title: Abstract volume / XIth International ProGEO Symposium, 9-11th october 2023, Charnwood Forest UK
• Edition: Version 1.0
• Numbering: p. 13
• URN:NBN: urn:nbn:hr:169:574378
• Publication: 2023
• Project: Number: IP-2019-04-8054; Title (croatian): Zapadnoistarska antiklinala kao idealni prirodni laboratorij za proučavanje regionalnih diskordancija u karbonatnim stijenama; Acronym: WIANLab; Leader: Goran Durn; Jurisdiction: Croatia; Funding stream: Research Projects
• Conference: Title: XIth International ProGEO Symposium; Location: Loughborough, United Kingdom; Start date: 2023-10-09; End date: 2023-10-11; Assembly type: Poster
• Type of resource: Text
• Publisher: Charnwood Forest Geopark
• Publisher: International Association for the Conservation of Geological Heritage (ProGEO)
• Access conditions: Open access
• Created on: 2024-10-11 07:04:58