18-05-2013, 11:36 AM
Soil Classification
Soil Classification.ppt (Size: 42.5 KB / Downloads: 235)
Recap from yesterday…
Soil classification: “The ordering of soils into a hierarchy of classes. The product is an arrangement or system of classification designed to express interrelationships of soils and to serve as a filing system. Broad groupings are made on the basis of general characteristics; subdivisions on the basis of more detailed differences in specific properties.” – Soil Science Society of South Africa
Why would we want to classify?
To enable communication between specialists
In theory construction
Advancement in science = the ability to make generalizations and predictive statements
For mapping purposes
Soil Taxonomic System for South Africa…
Has two levels
Form
Each form can contain various families
To date, 73 forms and 400 families identified
Each form has a defined set of Master Horizons
These differentiated on grounds of position, as well as physical and chemical properties
Other differences within these forms distinguish soil families
e.g. signs of wetness, calcareous horizons and layers