Soil Survey and Classification Research Papers (original) (raw)

The soil geographical database of Turkey at 1:1 million scale is prepared in the context of the ESB network initiative (Version 4) primarily seeking to extend the EU soil database to the countries of the Southern Mediterranean Basin as well as build up a common
understanding and nomenclature of soils (within the soil region concept) and strong contacts for future mutual detailed soil/environment your studies. Further studies under preparation by
the ESB/WRB network members would necessitate the preparation of soil maps with larger scales (1:500.000, 1:25.000).
The first meeting in Bari organized by the CIHEAM's efforts with the resolution for the completion of the 1:1M soil maps by all member was followed by the second meeting in Beirut bearing the ultimate discussions of the completion of the maps. The preparation of a
follow up project, based on the maps produced as well as information complied since decade in the region on soil degradation/desertification, was decided The task of preparation was conferred to Dr. S. Kapur later to proceed and finalized with leading inputs by Drs. C. Bogliotti and P. Steduto.
The ESB together with the CIHEAM are kindly acknowledged for the organization of the meeting as well as their inputs the follow up project to be pursued for further soil degradation studies.

- by
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- Soil Science, Information Technology, Mediterranean, Turkey

For a long time, the soils covering areas strongly transformed by human were ignored in scientific discourse. Also, practice did not care much about these soils because of their unproductivity. Only the large post-mining areas reclaimed and transformed into a forest or agricultural land were more interesting both for science and practice. In the case of post-mining areas the term “soilless land” was used for a long time, especially in relation to areas which were not reclaimed. In this paper, the past studies (until the end of 20th century) of technogenic soils in Poland were described. Technogenic soils of urban and industrial areas appeared in scientifi c considerations in Poland in the second half of the 20th century. In those times, soil properties on disposal sites were mainly investigated as a basic information for further design of technical and biological reclamation on disposal sites. Two Polish scientists should be emphasised as the world pioneers in concepts and studies of technogenic soils: (1) Michał Strzemski, who proposed a classifi cation scheme for soils in urban and industrial areas, as well as listed the tasks for future studies of these soils, and (2) Tadeusz Skawina, who focused on the dynamic and directions of the soil-forming processes on the mine spoils in the context of their reclamation. Moreover, studies of technogenic soils in the last two decades were also shown in the paper. From the beginning of the 21st century the scientifi c research gained
momentum. Nowadays, Polish researchers have great achievements in studying technogenic soils, including investigation of their properties, genesis, evolution, classifi cation, biological features etc.
Furthermore, we drew some outlines for future studies of Technosols.

- by Przemyslaw Charzynski
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- Soil Science, Soil Survey and Classification, Soils, Urban Soils

The article presents proposed English translations of all names of soil units (orders, types and subtypes) listed by Polish Soils Classification, PSC (2011). The proposal has been elaborated based on the recent Polish and foreign literature, using uniform and consistent criteria. Due to the lack of soil names translation in the recent, fifth edition of PSC, the suggested English nomenclature was basically derived from the previous, fourth edition of PSC (1989). However, significant amendment and numerous additions to the latest version were proposed. A uniform and comprehensive system of soil taxa translations may help to avoid nomenclature chaos in the English papers of Polish authors, which intentionally base or refer to PSC.

- by Przemyslaw Charzynski and +1
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- Soil Science, Poland, Soil Survey and Classification, Soil genesis and classification

O’Kelly, B. C. (2022) Discussion of “Advancement in estimation of undrained shear strength through fall cone tests” by Abhishek Ghosh Dastider, Santiram Chatterjee, and Prasenjit Basu. Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental... more

This is the final report of the Philippine Harmonized World Soil Database Project funded by the Institute of Soil Science Chinese Academy of Science, Nanjing, China. The Philippines is under the China Node which consolidates the various... more

- by Etienne Van Hecke and +1
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- Soil Mapping, Soil Survey and Classification, Belgium, Flemish region

The extent of Mt. Pinatubo eruptions through the 1990 (pre-eruption), 1992, 1993, and 2006 satellite imageries are compared to assess soil formation and development for the rehabilitation of the lahar-affected areas for agricultural development. Catastrophes such as volcanic eruptions mark Time Zero in soil formation and development. Although initially destructive, and the volcanic deposits are sterile and hot, volcanic ash deposition on a landscape refreshes the soil, improves the physical and chemical properties, and renews soil productivity. Volcanic ash soils are important components of soil organic matter that are main sources of nitrogen for plants, and various nutrients and energy for soil organisms, and also as important contributor to carbon sequestration and global stability from climate change. Mt. Pinatubo ash contains 1.7 g P 2 O 5 kg-1 mostly occurring as apatite enhancing the plant-available phosphorus. It should be noted, however that the pre-1991 eruption study shows that the soil development pathway is characterized by dominance of allophane; and hence, we should expect high phosphate retention and non-availability to plants despite its abundance. Time series study on the development of Pinatubo volcanic-influenced ash-soils shows that the weathering process proceeds rapidly for many of the affected areas. However, the major lahar depositional areas have remained as lahar despite the passing of the years. The time series satellite imageries provide interesting study on soil development of Mt. Pinatubo volcanic ash soils: the old lahar deposits are just overlain by the new and quite large areas of lahar deposits no longer appear as lahar in the satellite images. The characteristics of these volcanic ash soils for agricultural use and the appropriate soil management recommendations are provided.

- by Rodel Carating
- •
- Soil Survey and Classification

This is the accompanying description of the soil monoliths displayed at the National Science Museum of Japan, Tokyo in December 2000. This is part of the natural resources exhibition of the Asia-Pacific Region and the first time the... more

- by Rodel Carating
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- Soil Survey and Classification

Powerpoint presented during the "Andosol Revisiting" conference, June 7, 2014 held at Ephochal Convention Center, Tsukuba Japan to culminate the pre- 20th World Soil Congress Tours (Japan Volcanic Soil Tour).

- by Rodel Carating
- •
- Soil Survey and Classification

Soil classification systems represent powerful tools not only to facilitate soil identification, but also to predict its possible behavior. While the use of arbitrary standards based on particle size distribution may be applicable to coarse-grained soils, those approaches based exclusively on textural principles are ineffective in classifying fine-grained soils, where clay content and its mineralogy dictate the general properties. In this sense, the measurement of plasticity represents a more appropriate parameter than particle size. This fact has led various authors and technical committees to develop fine-grained soil classification systems based on plasticity. However, the disparity of criteria makes it necessary to review them in order to glimpse the weaknesses and strengths of each of them. This paper includes the review of the six main existing proposals together with the possible variants arising from them: Casagrande (1947)-Unified Soil Classification System (USCS), American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), Federal Aviation Agency (FAA), Saito and Miki (1975), Polidori (2003, 2007, 2009) and Moreno-Maroto and Alonso-Azcarate (2017, 2018) classification charts, which are designed on the basis of Atterberg limits. After conducting a complete and thorough examination, it is shown that although the Casagrande (1947)-USCS approach is the most widely known, of all the proposals examined, only that of Moreno-Maroto and Alonso-Azcarate (2017, 2018) is based on well-founded criteria, presenting a strong predictive capacity, as well as being simple, precise and adaptable to needs.

Land degradation for biomass production is a change in the physical, chemical and biological nature of the soil which gradually becomes lost in quality and quantity. The purpose of this study is to identify the level and factors of land degradation for biomass production, and formulate appropriate conservation measures to increase biomass production in the Bogowonto Watershed. The study was conducted in the Bogowonto Watershed. The method used is using stratified random sampling and data analysis using the method of developing dry land degradation assessment software. Verification analysis of land degradation in the field in the form of landscape analysis and analysis of soil conditions. Soil qualitative analysis is the identification of soil morphology. The results showed the level of land degradation for biomass production consisted of five damages, including very good, good, moderate, damaged and heavily damaged. The damage class is the highest damage level with a percentage of 73.40% and the results of the interpretation of the area classified as damaged class are in the Menoreh Hills, Factors affecting the level of land degradation for biomass production in the Bogowonto Watershed vary starting from the aspect of high rainfall, relatively steep slopes, inappropriate conservation actions, relatively shallow solutions due to, and percentage of unity that exceeds 40%. Conservation measures with agroforestry systems and the determination of reservoir areas are appropriate efforts to increase biomass production considering that ecosystems and water sources both during the rainy and dry seasons are maintained.

- by Stefaan Dondeyne
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- Soil Survey and Classification

While the interdisciplinary field of geoarcheology now often involves petrological surveys at archeological sites, the Kazanlak Geoscience Project aimed to go back to the geomorphology-based beginnings of the field to demonstrate how a simple soil survey could be beneficial to an archeological project. During the 2011 autumn season of the Tundzha Regional Archaeology Project (TRAP), a small geoscience team conducted such a soil survey across the Kazanlak valley in central Bulgaria. Sample sites were randomly selected using stratified systematic random sampling (SSRS), and 155 soil samples were collected. The soil was tested for organic matter content, carbonate content, texture and coarse fraction, with the results analysed and interpolated in a GIS to determine spatial patterns in each of these soil properties within the study area. The data were then used in combination with topographic and land cover datasets to produce a quantitative model of soil erosion potential for the region, which predicted erosion rates of up to 895 t/ha/yr or 70 mm/yr. These findings have various potential applications, such as past landscape reconstructions or in determining spatial relationships between soil properties, landscape stability and surface distribution of archeological artefacts.

- by Robbi Bishop-Taylor
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- Geomorphology, Soil Science, Geoarchaeology, Soil Survey and Classification

Field experiment was conducted on Nitisols in Ejere district of Oromia regional state of Ethiopia for three successive years since 2018 to evaluate the response of combined application rate for blended fertilizer (NPSZnB) with supplementary Nitrogen as urea on bread wheat (Triticum Aestivum L.) by using CRBD with three replication. several growth parameters, yield and yield component data was collected and analyzed for their response of blended fertilizer application. it's possible to obtain statistically significant difference (P<0.05) between treatments on most of collected data accordingly, maximum grain yield 4247.9 kg ha-1 was harvested from combined use of 200 kg NPSZnB ha-1 and 161 kg N ha-1 followed by 150 kg NPSZnB by 115 kg N, maximum Biomass yield 14.7 ton ha-1 was resulted from 150 NPSZnB by 115 kg N on the other hand most economical result with maximum Net benefit and higher marginal rate of return were resulted from 150 kg NPSZnB blended fertilizer combined with 69 kg Nitrogen ha-1 as a 2nd alternative using 150 NPZnB with 115 Nitrogen gave competitive result with all parameters.

- by Matias jx and +1
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- Soil Science, Soil Mechanics, Soil Enviromental chemistry, Soil Survey and Classification

Site catchment analysis has a long history in archaeological studies. It has been used to explore a wide range of topics from changing land use patterns to socio-political organization. In this paper we discuss the results of site catchment analysis applied to the Late Bronze Age, Iron Age, and Roman eras in the Kazanlak Valley, Bulgaria, especially the evolving relationship between past inhabitants and their environment. Combining geoarchaeological data, geographic modelling, and multivariate cluster analysis, this study develops a quantitative potential arable productivity model for the cultivation of wheat and barley. We contextualise this model with settlement data produced through systematic surface survey conducted by the Tundzha Regional Archaeological Project (TRAP). Arable productivity proved to be a significant factor controlling the location of settlements within the study area during all periods except for the Early Iron Age. Multivariate cluster analysis produced three distinct productivity-based site classifications, and successfully delineated strategic site locations from those chosen based on agricultural potential. This study demonstrates how catchment analysis can reveal the factors determining human habitation in later prehistory. This arable productivity model also provides one of the inputs for site catchment analysis.

- by Robbi Bishop-Taylor and +1
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- Landscape Archaeology, Archaeological GIS, Soil Survey and Classification, Bulgarian archaeology

Edited and updated from the final report of Dr. Tadao Hamazaki, JICA Short-term Expert and Dr. Shoichi Tokudome, JICA Expert on Soil Survey and Classification under the SRDC-JICA Technical Cooperation, Phase I, Revised 1992.

- by Rodel Carating
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- Soil Survey and Classification

We classify soils to group our knowledge, increase our understanding, and communicate results. I have analyzed
how soil classiﬁcation and factor and soil property naming have been used in journal papers between 1975 and
2014. There is an exponential increase in the use of Taxonomy and WRB but the increase in the number of soil science
papers is much faster than the use of Soil Taxonomy and WRB. The percentage of papers with soil classiﬁcation
information was highest in Geoderma (34%). The soil biology journals had soil classiﬁcation in only 6% of their
papers. Soil Taxonomy seems to be more frequently included particularly in journals from the USA, whereas FAO-
Unesco and WRB are more frequently used in European journals. Soils in dry areas (Aridisols, Calcisols, Gypsisols)
seem to be under-researched, whereas Spodosols (Podzols), Vertisols, Anthrosols, Chernozems, and Luvisols
seem over-represented. Soil factor and property naming (e.g. "agricultural soil", "sandy soil") increase faster
than the use of Soil Taxonomy and WRB. Temperate and boreal soil is commonly used in Soil Biology and Biochemistry
which also tops the number of papers with forest soil, "agricultural soil", "upland soil", "wetland soil", and
"valley soil". The more geologically oriented journals use parent material terms like "alluvial soils" and "granite
soils". Color soil naming is common in some Chinese (black soil, red soil) and Canadian journals (Brown soil).
Problems of soil classiﬁcation are related to technical issues of soil classiﬁcation, the adoption of the system,
and the lack of instructions in soil science journals. A lack of soil classiﬁcation in our papers makes transfer of information,
data and results difﬁcult.

Soil Sequences Atlas III is a continuation of two earlier volumes published in 2014 and 2018. As in the previous studies, the variability of soil cover is presented in the form of soil sequences characteristic of particular types of landscapes. Each of the chapters contains a general description of the environment (lithology, topography, land use, climate), a set of soil data (soil profile photo, description of morphology, laboratory data) and their interpretation in terms of the pedogenesis and systematic position according to the WRB (2015) system. The “catenary approach” (expressed in the form of individual figures) helps to better understand the relationships between individual components of the environment and soils. Chapters are arranged roughly according to the main soil-forming process in sequences and referring to the World Reference Base for Soil Resources except for Technosols, which as “unnatural” soils are placed at the end of the book. At the beginning of the book, two landscapes dominated by Gleysols and gleyic processes were described – tidal flats in Germany and the flood plain of the Vistula River in Poland. Next, the mountain areas with Andosols (Slovakia), Lithosols and Podzols (Poland) were presented. The issue of the environment with the dominant podsolization process was continued in the subsequent chapters from Lithuania and Russia. Chapters 8 and 9 are related to Hungarian and Ukrainian soils with a pronounced accumulation of humus in epipedons (Chernozems, Umbrisols, Phaeozems). The book ends with a section on issues related to clay-illuviated (Luvisols), coarse textured (Arenosols) and technogenic (Technosols) soils in Poland, Estonia and Czechia. Sixteen Reference Soil Groups are featured, and represented by 61 soil profiles in total. One of the objectives of the Soil Sequences Atlas is to explain the relationships (predictable to some extent) between the landscape and soil cover. The collected data are intended to be a useful educational tool in the teaching of soil science, supporting the understanding of the causes of soil cover variability, and also as a WRB classification guideline. They are intended to be useful not only to students but also practitioners in agriculture, forestry, environmental protection and landscape planning. The Atlas was developed as part of the EU Erasmus+ FACES project (Freely Accessible Central European Soil).

The Morph metric characteristics are one of the Quantitative Geomorphology characteristics in general. They are analytical tool dealing with landforms and depending on data collected from Topographic maps or other sources, .to determine land use. One of the valleys at lies Southern al-Thirthar lake between. (33 40, 33 30
N and43 13, 43 21 S) was chosen for this study .the area of study consists of two parts. (an Eastern one is known as; Abu-Sudeira valley and western one known as; Alzqer valley). That they meet to form the main valley. Some Morph metric shape properties were studied (Form Factor; Compactness Coefficient; Circularity Ratio;), and Relief characteristics (Relief Ratio, Ruggedness Value, Hypsometric Integral, Relative Relief,) also network characteristics were studied (Drainage Density, Stream Frequency, Sinuosity Index, Bifurcation Ratio,).
using a Topographic map of 1:100000 scale to provide a backup database system may be used in the near future for agriculture purpose due to population growth and urbanization extension against agricultural use of lands. Results showed that the main valley was more closed to the triangular shape for from the regular circular one, and it is less relieved Ratio, with low density due to Straheler,1952 classification, and it is still in the youth stage, and recent de composited and out the complex landform.

- by Mohammed S . Jumaah
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- Mineralogy, Soil Science, Remote Sensing, Soil Survey and Classification

The significant spatial variability of the soil cover results from the differentaial impact of individual soil-forming factors. In this book the pedo-variability is presented in form of soil sequences which are characteristic for particular types of landscapes. The fourth part of Soil Sequences Atlas contains description of 75 pedons (with soil profile photo, description of morphology, laboratory data) grouped in 15 chapters representing different environmental settings specific for Central or East Europe and Caucasia. The Atlas begins with the presentation of a pedo-landscape dominated by alluvial and gleying processes (Vistula River delta in Poland). The next is a group of chapters devoted to mountainous regions with compilation of different soil-formin processes, e.g. podzoliztion (Karkonosze Mts., Poland) or accumulation of humus (Trialeti Range, Georgia). The second part of book is focused on issues related to slope processes in different landscapes - from karst sinkholes in the Pre-Ural forest-steppe (Russia), throughout loess plateaus (Hungary, Belarus) and glacial morainic plateaus (Latvia, Lithuania, Poland) to the areas with glacial curvilineations or covered by outwash plains (Poland). The collected data is intended as a useful educational tool in teaching soil science, supporting understanding of the reasons for the variability of soil cover, and also as a WRB classification guideline. It is intended to be useful not only for students but also by practitioners in agriculture, forestry, environmental protection and landscape planning. The Atlas was developed as part of the EU Erasmus+ FACES project (Freely Accessible Central European Soil).

Pedological information is essential for sustainable soil use. This study was carried out to describe, characterize and classify soils of Wukari North East, Nigeria. A free survey was used to site profile pit on each of the three different sites in the study area. The profile pits were described and sampled base on horizon differentiation for laboratory analysis. Generated data were analyzed statistically using the coefficient of variation. The result indicated Ochric, argillic, kandic, and cambic diagnostic surface and sub-surface horizons were identified. Soils of the different profile pits have ustic soil moisture regime. The textural class of the soil comprised generally of loamy sand, sandy loam, sandy clay, and sand. Soil pH has mean values ranged from 5.44 – 5.65 among the profile pits. Organic carbon, total nitrogen and available phosphorus were generally low in all the profile pits. Base saturation had a mean of 73.24 %, 64.83 %, and 63.34 % for profile pits 1, 2, and 3, respectively. The coefficient of variation (CV) indicated that percent sand, pH (H2O), cation exchange capacity, and base saturation had low variability (CV < 15 %) among horizons of all the profile pits. The soils were classified as Grossarenic Typic kandiustalfs (Hypereutric Lixisols) for profile pit 1, Arenic Kandiustalfs (Loamic Lixisols) for profile pit 2, and Typic Haplustepts (Eutric Cambisols) for profile pit 3 using the USDA soil taxonomy and world reference base system for soil classification. This will aid easy management of the soils and pedo-tranfer technology.

- by DONALD N OSUJIEKE
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- Pedology, Soil Science, Soil Survey and Classification, Soil Characterization
- by Dylan Beaudette
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- Soil Science, Soil Survey and Classification

Paper presented during the international conference on natural resources collections of the Asia Pacific Region sponsored by the National Science Museum of Japan, Tokyo, December 2000.

- by Rodel Carating
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- Soil Survey and Classification

The sixth edition of the Polish Soil Classification (SGP6) aims to maintain soil classification in Poland as a modern scientific system that reflects current scientific knowledge, understanding of soil functions and the practical requirements of society. SGP6 continues the tradition of previous editions elaborated upon by the Soil Science Society of Poland in consistent application of quantitatively characterized diagnostic horizons, properties and materials; however, clearly referring to soil genesis. The present need to involve and name the soils created or naturally developed under increasing human impact has led to modernization of the soil definition. Thus, in SGP6, soil is defined as the surface part of the lithosphere or the accumulation of mineral and organic materials permanently connected to the lithosphere (through buildings or permanent constructions), coming from weathering or accumulation processes, originated naturally or anthropogenically, subject to transformation under the influence of soil-forming factors, and able to supply living organisms with water and nutrients. SGP6 distinguishes three hierarchical categories: soil order (nine in total), soil type (basic classification unit; 30 in total) and soil subtype (183 units derived from 62 unique definitions; listed hierarchically, separately in each soil type), supplemented by three non-hierarchical categories: soil variety (additional pedogenic or lithogenic features), soil genus (lithology/parent material) and soil species (soil texture). Non-hierarchical units have universal definitions that allow their application in various orders/types, if all defined requirements are met. The paper explains the principles, classification scheme and rules of SGP6, including the key to soil orders and types, explaining the relationships between diagnostic horizons, materials and properties distinguished in SGP6 and in the recent edition of WRB system as well as discussing the correlation of classification units between SGP6, WRB and Soil Taxonomy.

- by Cezary Kabała and +1
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- Soil Science, Poland, Soil Survey and Classification, Soil genesis and classification

Background. The study area exhibits a first class catena having homogenous parent material and forming a spatial continuum. Functionally and taxonomically distinct soils result from differences in drainage and lateral movement of materials in the soil. Objective. To classify the soils using a geopedological approach which involves a strong relationship between pedology and geomorphology. Methodology. The area was delineated into Soil Mapping Units (SMUs) through augering into soils defined by different macro-relief. Mapping units were demarcated according to slope categories namely 0 to 5%, 5 to 8%, 8 to 16%, 16 to 30% and >30% connoted as flat to gently undulating (AB), undulating (C), rolling (D), moderately steep (E) and steep (F) respectively. Profile pits were dug in the five identified mapping units using Stratified Random Sampling technique. Identified SMUs include UmIr/F, UmIr/E, UxIr/D, UxIr/C and UxIr/AB in the order of decreasing slope gradient. The first entry represents the physiographic unit (Uplands, U), followed by physiographic position (lower middle uplands, m or uplands, undifferentiated levels, x), geology (I), color (r) and slope class respectively. A soil map with a legend describing the mapping units was produced using a scale of 1:10000. Topographic influence on soil properties was presented by Pearson's correlation coefficient (r) with p-value included where the influence was significant. Statistical analysis was done using IBM SPSS 25 th edition and MS Excel. Results. All the mapping units are well drained and deep to very deep (>80 cm). The color of the upper B horizon is predominantly dark reddish brown. The texture of top horizon is clay in UmIr/F and UmIr/E and is clay loam to clay, sandy clay loam to clay and loam to clay loam in UxIr/D, UxIr/C and UxIr/AB respectively, lucidly exposing the influence of topography on the depth of clay illuviation (clay: r = 0.724; p ≤ 0.01). The structure is predominantly subangular blocky throughout the profiles with the top horizon of cultivated areas having predominantly granular structure. Saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat) generally decreases with increasing clay content down the profiles and the bulk density ranges from 0.9 to 1.2gcm-3. Means of soil reaction of top horizons generally slightly decrease with decreasing gradient (r = 0.231) having lower values in cultivated areas. Percent organic carbon regularly decreases down the profiles with higher values in uncultivated, steeper areas (r = 0.521; p ≤ 0.05). In the top horizon: Total nitrogen is predominantly medium across the study area ranging from 0.2 to 0.56% (r = 0.185) and follows the organic carbon trend; Available phosphorus is deficient (<20 ppm) in the study area. Bases are sufficiently to richly supplied while micronutrients are richly supplied. All soils are non-saline and non-sodic; the cation exchange capacity (CEC) soil is predominantly medium across the profiles ranging from 15 to 27.6 cmol(+)/kg with values increasing slightly with increasing slope (r = 0.320). Based on data collected from description of the profiles and physicochemical data of the soils and according to IUSS Working Group WRB (2014) soil classification legend, the soils were classified as Mollic Nitisols. Implications. The soils are generally fertile for crop production but organic manure is recommended to buffer the acidic soil reaction, improve nitrogen and phosphorus sources. Conclusion. Soil characterization, land evaluation and precise input application are encouraged. RESUMEN Antecedentes. El área de estudio exhibe una catena de primera clase que tiene material parental homogéneo y forma un continuo espacial. Los suelos funcional y taxonómicamente distintos resultan de las diferencias en el drenaje y el movimiento lateral de los materiales en el suelo. Objetivo. Clasificar los suelos utilizando un enfoque geopedológico que implica una fuerte relación entre pedología y geomorfología. Metodología. El área se delineó en Unidades de †

Soil survey techniques can integrate observation, mapping, and interpretation of information on soil nutrients and metals, and thus play an important role in basic and applied soil research. A field survey was conducted on four soil series (MALIK, BHALWAL, SINDHWAN, and SHAHDARA; USDA classification system) in Tehsil Lahore city, Punjab, Pakistan. Soil physicochemical properties and concentrations of nutrients and total metals were analyzed by soil series and depth of soils. Results showed apparent variations of soil indices with soil series and soil depths. Nutrient concentrations in the BHALWAL and SINDHWAN soils were higher than in other soil series, due to the silt loam texture of the two soils that can efficiently retain nutrients. Regarding soil depth, soil physico-chemical properties and concentrations of nutrients and total heavy metals were higher in the most upper soil horizon than the lower horizons, except cadmium (Cd) in the MALIK and BHALWAL soil series and lead (Pb) in BHALWAL and SHAHDARA. As soil depth increased, concentrations of both organic matter and nutrients decreased. The metals were significantly bound to clay and silt particles in the upper soil horizons, which eventually reduced leachability of the metals. Hence, the soil series with more clay and silt contents had capability to minimize metal leaching to ground water. Moreover, concentrations of metals were negatively associated with concentrations of calcium carbonate (CaCO 3) that can bind metals. Results suggest that waste industrial products containing Ca can be applied to remediate metal pollution of soils.

- by Muhammad Amjad Bashir and +1
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- Soil Survey and Classification, Heavy metals, Heavy Metal Pollution, Soil Survey and Land Evaluation
- by Roger Langohr and +1
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- Soil Mapping, Soil Survey and Classification, Belgium, Digital soil mapping

FOREWORD
To understand the soil-landscape relation it is necessary to study the spatial diversity of soil cover.
This variability is partly predictable due to the substantial repeatability of soil units. Depending on
dominant soil-forming factor affecting the repeated soil patterns, different types of soil sequences can
be distinguished. The influence of relief on the repeated variability of soil cover was first noticed by
Milne in 1935 in East Africa. He proposed the term ‘‘catena’’ to describe a transect of soils that are
related to the topography. Sommer and Schlichting in 1997 distinguished several archetypes of
catenas depending on the mobilization processes and hydrological regimes. The impact of climate on
the variability of soil cover is described as climosequences. The diversity of soils due to the different
time of development - chronosequences are a suitable tool for investigating rates and directions of soil
and landscape evolution.
This book provides an extensive database of soil sequences of various types from the following
countries: Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland. The main objective of this study was to present
a great diversity of soil-landscape/climate/hydrology relations and its effect on patterns in soil cover.
Most recent edition of the World Reference Base classification system was used to classify presented
soils (2014). Fourteen Reference Soil Groups are represented in this publication.
The collected data will be a useful tool in soil-science teaching, helping to understand reasons of
variability of soil cover and influence of various soil-forming factors on directions and degree of development
of ‘Earth skin’. Presented data can also be used for comparison purposes.
Marcin Świtoniak
Przemysław Charzyński

Paper presented during the 7th International Conference of the East and Southeast Asia Federation of Soil Science Societies held at the Bureau of Soils and Water Management, June, 2005.

- by Rodel Carating
- •
- Soil Survey and Classification

The study area comprises Erbil province, Kurdistan region, Iraq. Thirty-five soil samples have been taken from different districts. Several soil analyses have been performed in order to find soil loss as a criterion for land suitability assessment. The other criteria were elevation, slope, aspect ratio, and land use and land cover (LULC). All used criteria have been weighted using Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) methodology to find their priorities in order to use them on weighted overlay methodology (WOM) based on the Geographical Information Systems (GIS) technique. Integration of AHP and GIS have been utilized in purpose to find the land suitability based on five classes; high suitable (S1), moderately suitable (S2), marginally suitable (S3), not suitable (N1), and not suitable permanently (N2). The result of land suitability shows that the S1 class is generally located at the northwest of the middle part in the study area extended to the southwest, and it occupies an area of 1243.94 km 2 (8.61%). The S2 class occupies a minimum area of 85.52 km 2 (0.59%), while the S3 class occupies a massive area relatively about 4886.75 km 2 (33.82%). The N1 class occupies the highest area, around 6538.32 km 2 (45.26%). At the same time, N2 class takes 1693.16 km 2 (11.72%). Both N1 and N2 have an area of 8,231 km 2 (56.98%) of the total area while S1, S2, and S3, which takes only 6,216 km 2 (43.02%).In this study we found the possibility of using GIS and AHP in order to find the land suitability assessment.

- by Hawar Razvanchy and +1
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- Remote sensing and GIS, Soil Survey and Classification, Digital mapping, Soil Survey and Land Evaluation

El objetivo del trabajo fue identificar las relaciones entre los ambientes geomorfologicos, geoformas y suelos del estado de Yucatan. Se elaboro un modelo digital de elevacion, utilizando 58 mapas topograficos digitales a escala 1:50 000, un mapa altimetrico con curvas de nivel de 10 m, y 401 perfiles de suelo. Se identificaron los elementos del relieve al interior de las geoformas con imagenes de satelite (SPOT y LANDSAT). El mapa geomorfopedologico del estado de Yucatan se genero con base en la cartografica geomorfologica a escala 1:50 000. Se identificaron cinco ambientes geomorfologicos: marino litoral, palustre, pseudopalustre, karstico y tecto-karstico. En cada uno de ellos se identificaron las geoformas (planicies y lomerios) y suelos. El enfoque geomorfopedologico permitio la identificacion y descripcion de los paisajes geomorfologicos costeros y las planicies pseudopalustres. En el karst, a mayor altitud y con un clima mas humedo, la disolucion de la caliza ocasiona depresi...

- by Oscar Frausto Martínez
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- Geography, Geomorphology, Soil Science, Soils (Geography)

Given its apparent limitations, various attempts have been made to develop alternative testing approaches to the standardized rolling-thread plastic limit (PLRT) method (for fine-grained soils), targeting higher degrees of repeatability and reproducibility. Among these, device-rolling techniques, including the method described in ASTM D4318/AASHTO T90 standards, based on original work by Bobrowski and Griekspoor (BG) and which follows the same basic principles as the standard thread-rolling (by hand) test, have been highly underrated by some researchers. To better understand the true potentials and/or limitations of the BG method for soil plasticity determination (i.e., PLBG), this paper presents a critical reappraisal of the PLRT–PLBG relationship using a comprehensive statistical analysis performed on a large and diverse database of 60 PLRT–PLBG test pairs. It is demonstrated that for a given fine-grained soil, the BG and RT methods produce essentially similar PL values. The 95% lower and upper (water content) statistical agreement limits between PLBG and PLRT were, respectively, obtained as –5.03% and + 4.51%, and both deemed “statistically insignificant” when compared to the inductively-defined reference limit of +/– 8% (i.e., the highest possible difference in PLRT based on its repeatability, as reported in the literature). Furthermore, the likelihoods of PLBG underestimating and overestimating PLRT were 50% and 40%, respectively; debunking the notion presented by some researchers that the BG method generally tends to greatly underestimate PLRT. It is also shown that the degree of underestimation/overestimation does not systematically change with changes in basic soil properties; suggesting that the differences between PLBG and PLRT are most likely random in nature. Compared to PLRT, the likelihood of achieving consistent soil classifications employing PLBG (along with the liquid limit) was shown to be 98%, with the identified discrepancies being cases that plot relatively close to the A-Line. As such, PLBG can be used with confidence for soil classification purposes.

- by Brendan C . O'Kelly
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- Soil Science, Plasticity, Geotechnical Engineering, Soil Mechanics
- by Munteanu Dumitru
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- Soil Science, Soil, Land management, Land Evaluation/Land Use Planning

Soil investigation may be carried out on various levels of knowledge, research capacity and proficiency. Scientists commonly apply advanced methodology for soil resources inventory, including the professional terminology for landscape and soil description, data acquisition and processing, soil classification and mapping, soil and land evaluation. By default, an internationally accepted system should be recommended. An implementation of such methodology is also recommended in more advanced courses of soil science studies on bachelor and master study levels. However, the long-term teaching experience reveals difficulties connected mainly with complicated terminology and excessive number of characteristics obligatory to know, and justifies some simplification of the language, rules and structure at the introductory stage of teaching. This was the base and rationale for the preparation of simplified Guidelines for Soil Description and Classification: Central and Eastern European Students’ Version.
This book is divided into three parts. The first one – Site and soil description - follows the layout and content of professional edition of Guidelines for Soil Description, 4th ed., published by FAO (2006), simplified for educational purposes. The order of description has been modified to correspond to the layout of an original Soil description sheet. The second part - Soil classification - is a simplified WRB classification (based on a 2014/2015 edition) limited to reference soil groups known from Central Europe. The third part is an Illustrated explanatory guide that includes: i) examples of typical soil profiles for all Central European Reference Soil Groups; ii) morphological features important for soil description and identification in the field; iii) soil- landscape relationships. The photos have been enriched with graphical tips helpful at the recognizing of important soil features.
The textbook was developed in the framework of EU Erasmus+ FACES project (Freely Accessible Central European Soil) aiming to facilitate the knowledge and implementation of an international rules of soil characterization adopted by the FAO. It will be used to unify the presentation of soil data collected in the partner countries. The interpretation of soil data fully based on the international soil classification WRB (World Reference Base for Soil Resources 2015) as WRB was endorsed by the International Union of Soil Sciences (IUSS) and accepted by the European Commission as an official system for the European Union. Therefore, this guideline might be a starting point for preparation of basic teaching materials to spread the knowledge on an internationally recommended rules and terminology for soil description and classification. However, this guideline is designed as teaching tool for students in Central and Eastern European countries and therefore it may not be applicable worldwide. Moreover, it is suited for the “first step” training, and it is not substituting any professional original classification.
Authors of this guidebook assume that the users are familiar with the basic knowledge in soil science. Therefore, the guidelines do not contain explanations related to basic soil forming factors, soil forming processes and basic physico-chemical features.

- by Przemyslaw Charzynski and +5
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- Soil Science, Environmental Soil Science, Soil Survey and Classification, Soils

As soil surveys were traditionally conducted in support of agriculture, soil classiﬁcation tended to focus on upper soil horizons and their characteristics. However, when dealing with environmental issues – such as vegetation ecology or water quality – an integrated knowledge of the soil, soil-to-substratum, and deeper substratum continuum is required. In both World Reference Base for soil resources (WRB) and Soil Taxonomy (ST), the lower boundary for soil classiﬁcation is arbitrarily set at 2 m, including weathered and continuous rock. However, as soil classiﬁcation hinges on diagnostic horizons and characteristics, which often occur within the ﬁrst 100 cm, collecting data on the subsolum is often neglected. We propose a classiﬁcation system of the subsolum, the structure of which is inspired by WRB. We deﬁne Regolite, Saprolite, Saprock and Bedrock as four subsolum reference groups corresponding to different weathering stages. Intergrades of these reference groups can be qualiﬁed with principal qualiﬁers, while morphologic and lithologic characteristics can be presented with supplementary qualiﬁers. The proposed subsolum classiﬁcation system is not intended to substitute geological surveys, but rather to complement existing soil classiﬁcation systems such that at least the whole 2 m can be categorized. Still, whenever desired the system can also be used for deeper materials.

- by Stefaan Dondeyne
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- Landscape Ecology, Hydrogeology, Soil Science, Forest Ecology And Management

This was an asignment from UNCCD to acheive LDN by 2030

Increasing effects of climate change has led to an urgent need for reliable estimates of the soil carbon pool (SOC) which is one of the carbon sinks in the world. This is especially true in Africa where there is lack of basic data. This study conducted in the southern part of Mount Cameroon National Park (MCNP) seeks to determine SOC patterns and estimate CO 2 equivalence from SOC pool following land-use changes. Nine prominent land-use types were identified (under rubber, virgin forest reserve, oil palm, cassava, mixed cropping, tea, maize, banana and sugar cane). Soil samples were collected from 98 plots of 2,500 m 2 , each spread over the different land uses in five villages at 0-30 cm of soil. The collected Soils samples were analyzed for SOC and other physicochemical properties. Mean SOC ranged from 56.1± 11.00 t ha-1 (for rubber) to 225.24 ± 33.65 t ha-1 1 (for forest) giving an average for the area of 130.80 Mg/ha. The mean SOC in forest soil was significantly higher than that for cassava (p=0.038), oil palm (p=0.045) and rubber (t=4.849, p=0.0046). Losses in CO 2 equivalence, as a result of land use change from forest to other land use systems, ranged from 234.15 (for mixed cropping) to 620.74 t/ha (for rubber). The study provided estimates of carbon pools for different land uses in MCNP. Mixed cropping was only second to forest in terms of SOC values indicating that agroforestry can mediate between food production and environmental protection.

- by Christian Teghe
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- Soil Science, Unsaturated soil, Soil Mechanics, Soil Dynamics

This paper presents national approaches to design soil databases in four countries of Southeast Europe. Ways of data collecting are exposed and the basic sources of the soil information are listed. Numerous references of publications provide evidence of the opportunities to use the soil databases in each country for research, as well as their applicability to data harmonization and integration.

- by Svetla Rousseva and +1
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- Environmental Science, Soil Science, Environmental Studies, Environmental Sustainability
- by Simone Priori
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- Soil Science, Geostatistics, Soil Survey and Classification, Viticulture

Among the most commonly specified tests in the geotechnical engineering industry, the liquid limit and plastic limit tests are principally used for (i) deducing useful design parameter values from existing correlations with these consistency limits and (ii) for classifying fine-grained soils, typically employing the Casagrande-style plasticity chart. This updated state-of-the-art review paper gives a comprehensive presentation of salient latest research and understanding of soil consistency limits determinations/measurement, elaborating concisely on the many standardized and proposed experimental testing approaches, their various fundamental aspects and possibly pitfalls, as well as some very recent alternative proposals for consistency limits determinations. Specific attention is given to fall cone testing methods advocated (but totally unsuitable) for plastic limit determination; that is, the water content at the plastic–brittle transition point, as defined using the hand rolling of threads method. A framework (utilizing strength-based fall cone-derived parameters) appropriate for correlating shear strength variation with water content over the conventional plastic range is presented. This paper then describes two new fine-grained soil classification system advancements (charts) that do not rely on the thread-rolling plastic limit test, known to have high operator variability, and concludes by discussing alternative and emerging proposals for consistency limits determinations and fine-grained soil classification.

- by Brendan C . O'Kelly
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- Soil Science, Plasticity, Geotechnical Engineering, Soil Mechanics

Soils and crops are nowadays particularly vulnerable to climate change and environmental stresses. In many agrosystems, soil biodiversity and the ecosystem services soil provides are under threat from a range of natural and manmade drivers. Agricultural soils are perturbated by the agronomic practices so far adopted, that disrupt soil trophic networks to a large extent, and make soils less and less productive in the long term. In this scenario, sustainable soil uses aimed at improving plant/root status, growth and development play a crucial role, as they have been found to enhance the biological capacity of agricultural soils. This review paper is divided into four main parts: a) The contentious nature of soil organic matter. A few points in Lehmann and Kleber's article may mislead thinking. We just want to stop and think before moving on. b) Soil biological quality/fertility. Soils are alive, organic, dynamic, because they are living systems. c) Soil classification. The concepts contained in the first two points were well known to the fathers of pedology but, unfortunately, their principles have been lost over time. d) Which agricultural practices can be defined as sustainable? As for point three, the desired spirit is that of a stimulating provocation. The published literature was analyzed within a holistic view, with agrosystems considered as living systems where soil, vegetation, fauna and microorganisms co-evolve and are reciprocally influenced. Ultimately, this review will suggest a better stewardship of agricultural soils as a natural capital.

- by Jean-François Ponge and +1
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- Sustainable agriculture, Environmental Sustainability, Agroecosystems, Soil Survey and Classification