Divisions (4):
Classification based on moisture regime:Before 1994 a classification developed by Kubiena (modified by Mueckenhausen) was used - a classification based on soil genesis, pedogenic processes, morphologic features. The rationale behind the soil classification was that soils are formed as a result of the soil forming factors. There was a revison of the soil classification in 1994, where additionally lithic features (soil texture, geogenesis, and source of material) are considered.
Soil Classification
Divisions (4):
Classification based on moisture regime:
xxxxxxxxa. Terrestrial soils
xxxxxxxxb. Semi-terrestrial soils
xxxxxxxxc. Semi-subhydric and subhydric soils
xxxxxxxxd. Peats (> 3 m organic material)
Divisions are subdivided into
Soil Classes (14): They are differentiated based on soil genesis
and morphologic features , classes are characterized by a typical
sequence of horizons. Soil Classes
are subdivided into Soil Types (40): They are differentiated
based on pedogenic processes. Soil types are characterized by a
typical sequence of horizons. Peats and AC-soils are differentiated
based on geogenetic attributes.
Soil Types are subdivided into
Sub Soil Types:
xxxxxxxxa. Typical (typifies the Soil Type)
xxxxxxxxb. Intergrade (typifies the Soil Group but shows some additional characteristics)
xxxxxxxxc. Transition (deviating properties)
Lithic features considered in the soil classification:
Soil texture
Geogenesis (e.g. glacial,
periglacial, eolian, alluvial, marine, colluvium)
Source of material (e.g. loess,
gravel, shale, sandstone)
Summary: Lithic features plus pedogenic features form 'Soil Forms'
References
Bundesanstalt f. Geowissenscahften und Rohstoffe und den Geologischen Landesaemtern in der Bundesrepublik Deutschland. 1994. Bodenkundliche Kartieranleitung.
Scheffer F., Schachtschabel P., 1989. Lehrbuch der Bodenkunde. Ferdinand Enke Verlag, Stuttgart.
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PagexxxTable of
contentsxxx1)
Introductionx
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx2) Concepts of Soil Genesis
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3) Soil Formation