Fundamentals of Soil Sciences and Recent Advances | Doi : 10.37446/edibook022024/11-28

PAID ACCESS | Published on : 30-Nov-2024

Classification of Soil

• K. Radhika
• Associate Professor, SNS College of Technology, Department of Agricultural Engineering, Coimbatore – 641 035, Tamil Nadu, India.
• M. Karthikeyan
• Associate Professor, Department of Plant Pathology, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore – 641003. Tamil Nadu, India.

Abstract

Various schemes for categorizing soils and soil materials have been developed, each serving distinct purposes. Among these, morpho-genetic systems with an agricultural implication, such as World Reference Base for Soil Resources (WRB) and Soil Taxonomy, have become widely accepted globally. This chapter delivers an outline of the fundamental principles of soil classification, focusing on Soil Taxonomy, WRB, and select national soil classifications (Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, and Canada). The WRB classification system was designed not to replace national taxonomies but to facilitate soil correlation internationally, enabling specialists from different countries to communicate more effectively. This chapter explores how these systems contribute to understanding soil diversity and supporting sustainable land management practices worldwide.

Keywords

Soil classification, World reference base for soil resources, Soil taxonomy, Morpho-genetic systems, Pedogenic processes, Soil properties

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