Soil shrinkage capacity (ShC) varied between 0.204 and 0.641 in the studied region.

Clay fraction increased ShC, but organic matter decreased relative shrinkage capacity.

Volume change in structural shrinkage zone was greater in carbonate-rich soils.

PTFs could explain 11–41% of variability of soil shrinkage indices in the region.

SSPFs by including topographic attributes improved prediction of shrinkage indices.