Introduction to special section on Bridging Hydrology, Soil Science, and Ecology: Hydropedology and Ecohydrology

[1] This special section presents the results of interdisciplinary research related to two emerging and related disciplines that are focused on better understanding the interactions of soil, water and biological systems at the near-surface: hydropedology and ecohydrology. The results highlight the important linkages and feedback mechanisms between soil development, water movement, and the response of ecosystems at different spatio-temporal scales, through the use of field investigations and innovative methods of analyses. A deeper understanding of these linkages will inevitably improve our ability to address the complex environmental challenges of the 21st century.