Comparative analysis of the soil cover diversity in floodplain areas of the Partizanskaya River valley (Sikhote-Alin Mountains)

The regularities of the soil cover formation and pattern in the Partizanskaya River valley (Sikhote-Alin Mountains) were revealed. The diversity of the soil cover was shown to depend on the landscape hydrological zone of the river basin, the structure of the floodplain, and the difference in flooding of the floodplain sections. The comparative assessment of the soil cover diversity using the Shannon index showed that, in the zone of accumulative landscapes, the soil cover diversity of the floodplain sections that were formed under the meandering of the river was higher than the diversity of the soil cover in the sections formed upon branching (furcation) of the channel. The maximum values of the Shannon index and the maximum supply with water characterize the floodplain in the mouth zone of the valley with the most stable conditions of soil formation. The determination of the diversity index for the soil cover and water supply of the floodplain sections is expedient in planning the economic activities in the valley.