A Quali-quantitative evaluation of soil decrease as a function to te increase of urbanisation in the last century: the Po river plain study case

The decrease of soil resources in Italy is particular evident in Pianura Padana, where urbanisation coverss about the 9% of the land. In regions with a high concentration of inhabitant, such as towns along Emilia road, the urbanisation can cover up to 20% of the total surface. To this end, an utilisation tend study was developed looking into the demand of new areas suitable for building, against the increase of tertiary field. The soils and land among the river Po can be considered extremely sensitive. Through either the pedogenetic and morphologic characteristics, or through the importance of agronomic activities. Trends discovered can then be used to match the dynamism of the soil's use transfornation and its agronomic quality. The aim of this study is to use GIS to evaluate the decrease of soil resources as a function to the increase of urbanisation from 1895 to 1995. This will also be a qualitative evaluation, as we will be considering the type and quality of soils used for urbanisation and for agriculture. It is hoped that local government for land use and planning can immediately use and implement this information for improvemnent in areas such as soil quality and conservation