Environmental Quality Index of Urban Forest Remnants From Soil Analysis and Leaf Area Index, in Campinas – Brazil

ABSTRACT Assessing soil quality in forest fragments is crucial for understanding ecosystem dynamics and guiding conservation strategies. This study evaluates soil properties (0–0.20m) and leaf area index (LAI) using principal component analysis (PCA) and the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) to identify key indicators of soil environmental quality. The research was conducted in four forest fragments, where soil samples were collected and analyzed for physical and chemical attributes, including organic matter content, cation exchange capacity (CEC), and base saturation. PCA revealed that chemical variables, such nutrient availability, CEC, organic matter and pH, were the primary drivers of soil quality variation across sites. AHP was then used to integrate expert judgment in weighting these variables, providing a structured ranking of soil attributes based on their ecological significance. The combined PCA‐AHP approach proved effective, with PCA highlighting key soil properties and AHP complementing the analysis by incorporating expert knowledge to prioritize factors influencing soil quality. The results highlighted specific management needs: the small size of the Argentina Farm makes it particularly vulnerable to edge effects, whereas parameters like phosphorus levels at the Anhumas Farm and lower base saturation at the Quilombo fragment indicate the need for sustainable practices to enhance their ecological function. These findings contribute to improved land management by identifying critical soil indicators essential for conservation planning and sustainable practices.