Past, present and future of land use and soil physicochemical properties in the Province of Salamanca (Spain)

•Forestry LULC has decrease increasing agricultural LULC in Salamanca province.•Changes in LULC affect the physico-chemical soil properties.•Projections show important land use changes in the future. Land use and land cover (hereafter, LULC) change has occurred throughout history and will continue in the future. Soil properties are dependent on many factors such as LULC and intensity of use. The aim of this work was to assess the historical (1990–2018) and future trends (2050 and 2075) in LULC change and evaluate the effects of LULC on soil physicochemical properties in the Province of Salamanca, Spain. First period has been used due to the abundant and accurate available information for establishing a chronosequence based on homogeneous criteria, and considering the relevant past changes in the area. The second period allows for accurate and truthful projections avoiding distortions. The CORINE Land Cover was reclassified based on the eight most relevant LULC in the province to show historical and current LULCs, occupying an area greater than 2.50 %: Artificial surfaces (As), Non-irrigated arable land (Na), Permanently irrigated land (Pi), Natural grasslands, dehesa and transitional woodland–scrub (Pastures, heterogeneous agricultural areas) (Pha), Coniferous forests (Cf), Broad-leaved forests (Bf), Sclerophyllous vegetation/Mixed forests (Mf), and Water courses (W). Six of these (excepting As and W) were soil sampled to a depth of 0–10 cm and physicochemical analyses were carried out. We found expansion of agricultural areas (mainly Pha) that affected the soil properties in the past; and future variations in coverage are anticipated that could significantly deplete soil nutrients and other changes in soil properties. It is essential to understand the evolution of LULC and how they influence on soil properties to ensure soil sustainability and to be able to take measures to protect certain LULCs or limit certain intensities of use and possible harmful practices.