Soil structure and aggregate stability of A-horizons in different soil types across the Nitra Valley slope, western Slovakia

The aim of the study was to identify the impact of the basic soil properties and slope inclination on the distribution and stability of water-stable aggregates in three different land uses (deciduous forest, vineyard, arable soil) across three soil types (Luvic Chernic Phaeozem, Eutric Cambisol, Vermic Chernozem) on slopes in the Nitra Valley, western Slovakia. The analysis revealed that soil type significantly influences aggregate stability and soil structure vulnerability, while soil depth and organic carbon content do not. Changes in primary soilorganic matter affected soil aggregation. Increased mineralization of soil organic matter (SOM) supported the formation of primarily large water-stable macro-aggregates (WSAma) > 3 mm, whereas the immobilizationof organic carbon in SOM led to the formation and stabilization of smaller WSAma 1-0.25 mm and water stablemicro-aggregates. Cambisol exhibited the highest stability in both dry and wet conditions as well as thelowest vulnerability of soil structure.