View allAll Photos Tagged soilscience
Soil profile: A representative soil profile of Unbong soil in Korea.
Landscape: An area of Unbong soil growing peppers and corn in a footslope position.
The Unbong series are members of the fine-loamy, mixed, mesic family of Typic Haplohumults [Cutanic Alisols (Alumic Hyperdystric) classified by WRB].
These soils have umbric epipedons and argillic horizons. The solum thickness ranges from 100 to 150 cm and depth to hard rock is more than 3 meters. Base saturation is less than 35 percent. Reaction is strongly to medium acid. Ap horizons are very dark brown or very dark grayish brown gravelly loam. Bt horizons are dark grayish brown loam or clay loam. These soils have 10 to 35 percent of gravels and cobbles throughout the profiles.
The Unbong soils are on mountain foot slopes in high mountainous areas. The slope range is 2 to 30 percent and the dominant slope is 7 to 15 percent. Most of these soils are used for uplands, and the vegetations are buck- wheat, tobacco and sweet potato. Few areas are grass land.
For more information about soils in Korea, visit:
Plate 19: Typical soil profile and associated landscape for the Ghayathi series, saline phase (soil AD219).
Taxonomic classification: Typic Haplogypsids, sandy, mixed, hyperthermic
The Ghayathi series saline phase is a very deep sandy soil. It is a phase of the Ghayathi series in that at least one soil horizon presents slightly elevated EC1:1 values suggesting some limited accumulation of secondary salts. The soils are typically well to excessively drained. They occur on flats and gentle slopes within level to gently undulating deflation plains and occasionally within stable sand sheets. They are formed from eolian sands and occur in older landscapes.
These soils are used for rangeland grazing of camels though vegetation cover is frequently less than 5%. Common vegetation species recorded are Haloxylon salicornicum with occasional Zygophyllum spp. and Stipagrostis plumosa.
This soil is widespread and has been recorded from all sub-areas except Madinat Zayed.
The main feature of this soil is the presence of gypsum in the profile below 18cm. The soil material is sandy contains and has slightly elevated EC1:1 levels. The presence of gypsum is the main issue for irrigated agriculture. Under irrigation subsidence may occur as gypsum is leached from the soil. The presence of gypsum and the slightly elevated EC1:1 value also suggests that salinity could become a problem under irrigation. The sandy soils have a low moisture retention and nutrient storage capacity. The soil is unsuitable for irrigated agriculture.
Often you can learn a lot about soils by simply observing exposed materials as these ortstein aggregates and plinthite nodules exposed on an eroded soil surface.
Ortstein is part of a spodic horizon. When moist, it is at least weakly cemented into a massive horizon that is present in more than half of each pedon. Ortstein forms in acid sandy soils where pines are the dominant vegetation. The acidity puts organic acids, aluminum and sometimes iron into solution. A high water table prevents the downward movement of the dissolved chemicals, which then cement the soil particles together.
Plinthite is an iron-rich, humus-poor mixture of clay with quartz and other minerals. Plinthite is a redoximorphic feature in highly weathered soil. The product of pedogenesis, it commonly occurs as reddish redox concretions that usually form platy, polygonal, or reticulate patterns in the soil. Plinthite changes irreversibly to an ironstone or to irregular soil aggregates on exposure to repeated wetting and drying, especially if it is exposed to heat from the sun.
For more information about a plinthic horizon, visit;
www.researchgate.net/publication/242649722_Rationale_for_...
or;
www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S00167061220043...
Profile of Monwebb clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally flooded. The presence of slickensides (starting at at depth of about 25 cm) indicates the high shrink-swell potential of this soil. Other soil features influencing soil properties are the presence of secondary calcium carbonates, gypsum crystals, and salt crystals. (Soil Survey of Duval County, Texas; by John L. Sackett III, Natural Resources Conservation Service)
The Monwebb series consists of very deep, moderately well drained, very slowly permeable soils that formed in saline, clayey alluvium derived from the tertiary aged sediments. These nearly level to very gently sloping, occasionally flooded soils are on floodplains. Slope ranges from 0 to 2 percent. Mean annual temperature is about 22 degrees (72 degrees F) and mean annual precipitation is about 584 mm (23 in).
TAXONOMIC CLASS: Fine, smectitic, hyperthermic Sodic Haplusterts
Soil Moisture: An aridic ustic moisture regime. The soil moisture control section is moist in some or all parts for less than 90 consecutive days in normal years. June to August and December to February are the driest months, while September to November and March to May are the wettest months.
Mean annual soil temperature: 22 to 23 degrees C (72 to 74 degrees F)
Particle size control section (weighted average)
Clay content: 40 to 55 percent
Rock Fragments: 0 to 5 percent
USE AND VEGETATION: Used primarily for livestock grazing and wildlife habitat. The grasses consist primarily of buffalograss, sideoats grama, curlymesquite, hairy tridens, Southwestern bristlegrass, and threeawn. Woody vegetation is mostly acacia, condalia, prickly pear, mesquite, Texas persimmon, and huisache.
DISTRIBUTION AND EXTENT: Western Rio Grande Plain, Texas; LRR I, MLRA 83B; moderate extent. These soils were previously included with the Montell series. Montell soils are not flooded.
For additional information about the survey area, visit:
www.nrcs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_MANUSCRIPTS/texas/TX131/Du...
For a detailed soil description, visit:
soilseries.sc.egov.usda.gov/OSD_Docs/M/MONWEBB.html
For acreage and geographic distribution, visit:
Soil profile: A Vertic, Mottled-Subnatric, Brown Sodosol. Original notes and photos provided by the State of Victoria (Agriculture Victoria) with revision.
Landscape: A lower midslope of down hill (10% slope). The soils formed in sediments weathered from Tertiary basalt.
Sodosols have a strong texture contrast between surface (A) horizons and subsoil (B) horizons and the subsoil horizons are sodic. Using the Australian Soil Classification, Sodosols can be grouped further (Suborder) based on the colour of the upper 20 cm of the subsoil i.e. red, brown, yellow, grey and black. These can be further differentiated based on subsoil characteristics (Great Groups) such as the level of sodicity (in the upper B horizon) and the presence of carbonate or lime (Subgroup).
For more information about these soils, visit;
vro.agriculture.vic.gov.au/dpi/vro/portregn.nsf/pages/ppw...
In soil taxonomy, these soils are commonly Alfisols or Ultisols. For more information about Soil Taxonomy, visit;
A representative soil profile of the Tonka series. The Tonka series consists of very deep, poorly drained, slowly permeable soils that formed in local alluvium over till or glaciolacustrine deposits. These soils are in closed basins and depressions on till and glacial lake plains and have slopes of 0 to 1 percent. Mean annual air temperature is 42 degrees F, and mean annual precipitation is 20 inches.
TAXONOMIC CLASS: Fine, smectitic, frigid Argiaquic Argialbolls
Depth to carbonates commonly is 28 to 40 inches but ranges from 20 to more than 60 inches. The depth to the Bt horizon ranges from 12 to 28 inches. The soil commonly is free of rock fragments, but in some pedons the lower part of the solum and the substratum contain pebbles. Some pedons have surface stones.
USE AND VEGETATION: Used for small grains, hay and pasture. Native vegetation is tall grasses, sedges and rushes.
DISTRIBUTION AND EXTENT: Widely distributed on the glaciated plains of North Dakota, northeastern South Dakota, and western Minnesota. The series is extensive.
For a detailed soil description, visit:
soilseries.sc.egov.usda.gov/OSD_Docs/T/TONKA.html
For acreage and geographic distribution, visit:
A representative soil profile of the Bree series in an area of improved grassland from Ireland. These soils formed in coarse loamy drift igenous and metamorphic stones.
For detailed information about this soil, visit;
gis.teagasc.ie/soils/rep_profile_sheet.php?series_code=06...
For information about the soil series of Ireland, visit;
gis.teagasc.ie/soils/soilguide.php
In the Irish soil classification system these soils are Humic Undifferentiated Gleys. These soils have evidence of gleying within 40 cm and humose topsoil
For more information about describing and classifying soils using the Irish Soils Classification System, visit:
gis.teagasc.ie/soils/downloads/SIS_Final_Technical_Report...
A representative soil profile of the Brosna series in an area of improved grassland from Ireland. These soils formed in fine loamy over sandstone bedrock.
For detailed information about this soil, visit;
gis.teagasc.ie/soils/soilguide.php
For information about the soil series of Ireland, visit;
gis.teagasc.ie/soils/soilguide.php
In the Irish soil classification system these soils are Gleyic Brown Earths. These soils display gleyic features due to the presence of a shallow fluctuating groundwater table.
For more information about describing and classifying soils using the Irish Soils Classification System, visit:
gis.teagasc.ie/soils/downloads/SIS_Final_Technical_Report...
An Unltic Hapludalf from south-west Poland--lower Silesia region and the Sudetes Mountains formed in granodiorite eolian silt (loess) over granodiorite saprolite. (Photo provided by Cezary Kabala, Institute of Soil Science, University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland.)
Ultic Hapludalfs have a base saturation (by sum of cations) that is less than 60 percent at a depth of 125 cm below the top of the argillic horizon, at a depth of 180 cm below the soil surface, or directly above a densic, lithic, or paralithic contact, whichever is shallowest. In addition, the Ap horizon or the surface soil to a depth of 18 cm after mixing is permitted, but not required, to have a color value, moist, of 3 or less. Commonly, the argillic horizon has hue of 7.5YR or redder or has chroma of more than 4. Some Typic Hapludalfs have these same colors. Ultic Hapludalfs are intergrades between Hapludults and Hapludalfs. They are moderately extensive in the United States. Most of them developed from weathered country rocks but not from acid rocks. Ultic Hapludalfs are mostly in highly dissected areas where the landscape is hilly or mountainous. Their slopes range from gentle to strong. Where slopes are suitable, most of the soils have been cleared and are used as cropland or pasture. Some of the soils, mostly the most sloping ones, are used as forest.
These soils are classified as Albic Leptic Alisols (Neocambic, Cutanic, Siltic) by the World Reference Base (WRB).
For more information about this soil, visit:
karnet.up.wroc.pl/~kabala/Plowe.html
For more information on the World Reference Base soil classification system, visit:
www.fao.org/3/i3794en/I3794en.pdf
For additional information about the US Soil Taxonomy soil classification system, visit:
www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/soils/survey/cla...
Soil profile: A representative soil profile of the Casino soil series. (Soil Survey of Pinnacles National Monument, California; by Ken Oster, Natural Resources Conservation Service)
The Casino series consists of moderately deep, moderately well drained soils that formed in residuum weathered from andesite. The Casino soils are on hills. Slopes range from 20 to 70 percent. The mean annual precipitation is about 17 inches (432 millimeters) and the mean annual air temperature is about 61 degrees F (16 degrees C).
TAXONOMIC CLASS: Fine, smectitic, thermic Pachic Argixerolls
Depth to bedrock: 20 to 40 inches (50 to 100 centimeters).
Mean annual soil temperature: 61 to 63 degrees F (16 to 17 degrees C).
Soil moisture control section: dry in all parts from about June 15 to November 15 (90 days), and moist in all parts from about January 15 to April 15 (105 days).
Particle size control section: 38 to 60 percent clay, 0 to 35 percent rock fragments from andesite.
Base Saturation by ammonium acetate: 93 to 100%
USE AND VEGETATION: This soil is used for watershed, wildlife habitat and recreation. Vegetation is blue oak with an understory of grasses.
DISTRIBUTION AND EXTENT: San Benito and Monterey Counties, California in MLRA 15 -- Central California Coast Range. These soils are of small extent.
For additional information about the survey area, visit:
www.nrcs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_MANUSCRIPTS/california/CA7...
For a detailed soil description, visit:
soilseries.sc.egov.usda.gov/OSD_Docs/C/CASINO.html
For acreage and geographic distribution, visit:
A representative soil profile of the Poquonock series. (Photo provided by Mark Stolt University of Rhode Island's Dept. of Natural Resources Science; New England Soil Profiles)
The Poquonock series consists of very deep, well drained, soils formed in sandy eolian or glaciofluvial material over loamy or sandy lodgement till on uplands. They are moderately deep to a densic contact and very deep to bedrock. They are nearly level through moderately steep soils on till plains, moraines and drumlins. Slope ranges from 0 through 25 percent. Saturated hydraulic conductivity ranges from high or very high in the solum and low or moderately low in the substratum. Mean annual temperature is about 51 degrees F. (11 degrees C.) and mean annual precipitation about 46 inches (1168 millimeters).
TAXONOMIC CLASS: Mixed, mesic Typic Udipsamments
Thickness of the solum and depth to the densic contact ranges from 20 through 39 inches (50 through 100 centimeters). Depth to bedrock is commonly more than 6 feet (1.8 meters). Rock fragments range from 0 through 25 percent in the surface layer, 0 through 15 percent in the subsoil, and from 10 through 34 percent in the substratum. Stones and boulders range from 0 through 20 percent in the surface layer and from 0 through 5 percent in the subsoil and substratum. Cobbles range from 0 through 10 percent in the surface layer, 0 through 5 percent in the subsoil, and 0 through 15 percent in the substratum. Gravel ranges from 0 through 10 percent in the solum and from 5 through 30 percent in the substratum. Unless limed, the soil is moderately acid through extremely acid.
USE AND VEGETATION: Most areas are cleared and used for cultivated crops, tobacco, vegetables, nursery stock, hay or pasture. Some areas are used for community development. A few areas are idle or wooded. Common trees are northern red, white, and black oak, hickory, gray birch, aspen, white ash, and eastern white pine.
DISTRIBUTION AND EXTENT: Eastern Massachusetts and eastern Rhode Island. MLRA 144A. The series is of small extent.
For additional information about New England soils, visit:
For a detailed soil description, visit:
soilseries.sc.egov.usda.gov/OSD_Docs/P/POQUONOCK.html
For acreage and geographic distribution, visit:
The Houston Black soil series is found only in Texas, and was first described in 1902, the third year of the National Soil Survey program, in Brazoria County, TX. The Professional Soil Scientists Association of Texas chose Houston Black as the state soil of Texas. While the Houston Black has not been officially declared the state soil of Texas, it is considered a soil of state-wide importance, and thus is the unofficial state soil.
Most Houston Black soil is used as farmland, with the majority growing cotton, sorghum, and corn, but hay and pastureland are also common. It is one of the highest agricultural producing soils in Texas. Houston Black occurs in the area where millions of people live and work, including three of the largest metropolitan areas in Texas. While the soil and the landscape make the Blackland prairie very fertile agriculturally; the high clay content causes the soil to be very hard when dry and very sticky when wet, and it tends to shrink when dry and swell when wet. These properties pose limitations to how the land is worked for farming and construction. There are special management issues associated with the soil due
to these properties.
For more information about this and other State Soils, visit the Soil Science Society of America "Around the World-State Soils" website.
The Khatt series is a very deep soil formed in loamy alluvial deposits. (UAE (NE018).
Taxonomic classification: Sodic Haplocambids, coarse-loamy, mixed, active, hyperthermic
Diagnostic subsurface horizon described in this profile is: Cambic horizon 15 to 110 cm.
The pH (1:1) ranges from 7.0 to 8.8 throughout the profile. The EC (1:1) is generally less than 2.5 dS/m in all horizons, but ranges to 10 in some areas that have been irrigated. The lower pH values are generally associated with the higher EC (1:1) values. SAR ranges mostly from 2 to 60 throughout the profile and is 13 or more in one or more layers within a depth of 100 cm. Some pedons have a deflation gravel lag on the surface covering 2 to 10% of the area. Gravel content is mostly 0 to 5% throughout the profile, but some pedons have layers with up to 55% gravel below depths of 100 cm.
The A horizon ranges from about 10 to 25 cm thick. It has hue of 7.5YR or 10YR, value of 5 to 7, and chroma of 3 or 4. Texture is fine sandy loam, very fine sandy loam, or loam.
The B horizon commonly extends to between 100 and 170 cm in most pedons, but may extend to more than 200 cm. Hue is 7.5YR or 10YR, value is 4 to 7, and chroma is 3 or 4. Texture is sandy loam, very fine sandy loam, or loam. In some pedons there is a 2Bkb horizon below 100 cm with 5 percent or more secondary calcium carbonate. It has color and texture similar to the B horizon.
The C horizon has hue of 7.5YR or 10YR, value 5 or 6, and chroma 3 or 4. It is very fine sandy loam, or loam, including gravelly or very gravelly texture modifiers. The C horizon is massive and generally contains some very fine stratification. It may be extremely weakly cemented to moderately cemented with carbonates. However, roots appear to be able to penetrate with a spacing of less than 10 cm. Some pedons do not have a C horizon within 200 cm.
A representative soil profile of a Red Kandosol (DARWIN DISTRICT, NORTHERN TERRITORY) (Photo by Alan Stewart, 1966). Kandosols are non texture contrast soils (with little or gradual increase in clay content with depth) that have massive (i.e. weakly to non structured) subsoils (B horizons). They are found mainly in the upland areas, often in association with Dermosols, Chromosols and Kurosols. These soils can vary from stony hardsetting soils to deeper friable soils. Some may almost be texture contrast and have a bleached subsurface (A2) horizon. Using the Australian Soil Classification, Kandosols can be grouped further (into Suborders) based on the color of the upper 20 cm of the subsoil (i.e. Red, Brown, Yellow, Grey and Black). These can be further differentiated based on subsoil characteristics such as nutrient level capacities and ratios and the presence of carbonate or lime.
For more information about these soils, visit;
www.scienceimage.csiro.au/tag/soils/i/4311/red-kandosol-s...
For more information about the Australian Soil Classification System, visit;
www.clw.csiro.au/aclep/asc_re_on_line_V2/soilhome.htm
For more information about Soil Taxonomy, visit:
A representative soil profile of Leakey silty clay loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes. The petrocalcic layer begins at a depth of 80 centimeters,.(Soil Survey of Edwards and Real Counties, Texas; by Wayne J. Gabriel, Dr. Lynn E. Loomis, and James A. Douglass II Natural Resources Conservation Service)
The Leakey series consists of well drained, very slowly permeable soils that formed in Pleistocene alluvium. They are moderately deep over a petrocalcic horizon. The soils are on nearly level to gently sloping terraces. Slopes range from 0 to 5 percent.
TAXONOMIC CLASS: Very-fine, smectitic, thermic Petrocalcic Calciusterts
Depth to cemented caliche ranges from 20 to 40 inches. Gilgai microrelief is indistinct but slickensides are few to common. When dry the soil has cracks ranging from 0.5 to 2 inches wide that stay open for 90 or more cumulative days in most years. Coarse fragments consist of chert, limestone, and caliche pebbles and cobbles. Surface fragments of chert range from 1 to 10 percent.
USE AND VEGETATION: Used for rangeland and pasture. Native grasses include curly mesquite, Texas wintergrass, little bluestem, and Indiangrass. Woody plants include live oak, ashe juniper, post oak, agarito, and persimmon. Some areas are seeded to KR bluestem.
DISTRIBUTION AND EXTENT: Eastern Edwards Plateau of Central Texas. The series is moderately extensive. The Leakey series was formerly included in the Topia and Anhalt series.
For additional information about the survey area, visit:
www.nrcs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_MANUSCRIPTS/texas/TX607/0/...
For a detailed soil description, visit:
soilseries.sc.egov.usda.gov/OSD_Docs/L/LEAKEY.html
For acreage and geographic distribution, visit:
Soil profile: (Soil Survey of Joshua Tree National Park, California; by Carrie-Ann Houdeshell, Peter Fahnestock, Stephen Roecker, and Emily Meirik, Natural Resources Conservation Service, and Marchel Munnecke and Alice Miller, Pyramid Botanical Consultants)
Landscape: Cool Shallow Fans Over Pediment. This ecological site occurs on fan aprons over a pediment with very shallow or shallow soils. Elevations range from 3,200 to 5,130 feet. Slopes range from 2 to 15 percent. This site is dominated by blackbrush (Coleogyne ramosissima) and creosote bush (Larrea tridentata). Joshua tree (Yucca brevifolia) covers a low amount of the site. This pediment is relatively buried with alluvium and is flat and undissected. This provides a surface in which creosote bush can establish and be competitive with blackbrush. The production reference value (RV) is 460 pounds per acre but may range from 335 to 750 pounds per acre, depending on annual precipitation and annual species production.
The Pinecity series consists of very shallow and shallow, somewhat excessively drained soils that formed in colluvium and/or alluvium over residuum derived from granite, granitoid, or gneissic rocks. Pinecity soils are on hills, mountains or fan aprons over pediments. Slopes range from 2 to 75 percent. The mean annual precipitation is about 125 millimeters (5 inches) and the mean annual temperature is about 15.5 degrees C (60 degrees F).
TAXONOMIC CLASS: Mixed, thermic, shallow Typic Torripsamments
Soil moisture control section - Usually dry, moist in some parts for short periods during winter and early spring and for 10 to 20 days cumulative between July and September following summer convection storms. The soils have a typic-aridic moisture regime.
Soil temperature: 15 to 19 degrees C.
Surface rock fragments: ranges from 25 to 80 percent, dominated by medium and coarse gravel.
Control section-
Clay content: 1 to 9 percent.
Rock fragments: 5 to 34 percent, typically dominated by gravel.
Organic matter: 0 to 0.50 percent.
Effervescence: noneffervescent throughout.
Depth to paralithic contact: 5 to 36 centimeters (2 to 14 inches).
USE AND VEGETATION: This soil is used for recreation, rangeland and wildlife habitat. Vegetation is mainly blackbrush, California juniper and California jointfir.
DISTRIBUTION AND EXTENT: Southern Mojave Desert of Southeastern California. MLRA 30. These soils are of moderate extent.
For additional information about the survey area, visit:
www.nrcs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_MANUSCRIPTS/california/Jos...
For a detailed soil description, visit:
soilseries.sc.egov.usda.gov/OSD_Docs/P/PINECITY.html
For acreage and geographic distribution, visit:
A representative soil profile of the Lurganboy series in an area of cropland from Ireland. These soils formed in loamy marine alluvium.
For detailed information about this soil, visit;
gis.teagasc.ie/soils/rep_profile_sheet.php?series_code=05...
For information about the soil series of Ireland, visit;
gis.teagasc.ie/soils/soilguide.php
In the Irish soil classification system these soils are Typical Alluvial Gleys (soils influenced by water).
For more information about describing and classifying soils using the Irish Soils Classification System, visit:
gis.teagasc.ie/soils/downloads/SIS_Final_Technical_Report...
A representative soil profile of the Kells series in an area of unimproved grassland from Ireland. These soils formed in coarse loamy material over hard shale bedrock.
For detailed information about this soil, visit;
gis.teagasc.ie/soils/rep_profile_sheet.php?series_code=11...
For information about the soil series of Ireland, visit;
gis.teagasc.ie/soils/soilguide.php
In the Irish soil classification system these soils are Typical Brown Earths (relatively young soils or soils with little profile development).
For more information about describing and classifying soils using the Irish Soils Classification System, visit:
gis.teagasc.ie/soils/downloads/SIS_Final_Technical_Report...
The dense, red layer underlying the plinthic zone (Btv) is referred to by local soil scientists as the "brick" due to its brick-like characteristics.
This zone is particularity perplexing. Determining the correct horizon nomenclature requires numerous considerations---
B horizons must have evidence of pedogenesis. This would commonly include soil structure, development of plinthite, and/or translocation of clay in the form of clay films or clay bridging or formation of other diagnostic features. Soil structure in this layer (if observable) is very weak and very to extremely coarse. Weak coarse subangular blocky aggregates can rarely be identified and lack clearly formed ped faces. Plinthite is absent or is less than 5 percent (by volume). Ironstone, if present, is most commonly in an elongated cylindrical pattern encompassing old root channels/animal borrowings, rarely as ironstone concretions. Clay films in the traditional form are very rare or absent; however, thick continuous clay flows or coatings greater than 1mm thick are common in old abandoned root channels or along randomly spaced internal vertical cracks. Clay bridging of sand grains is common, but weakly expressed. If pedogenesis has been concluded, the layer may also have fragic soil properties.
Fragic soil properties (FSPs) are principally based on slaking characteristics (non-cemented material) as well as field criteria including evidence of pedogenesis, a rupture resistance class that is firm or firmer, brittle manner of failure, and the ability to restrict the entry of roots. Note: Although thought to characteristically have prismatic structure, a fragipan horizon may be dominantly massive. The properties required for FSPs are common and observable.
With the striking visual difference between the overlying Btv horizon and the brick layer, is there a lithologic discontinuity? "Not everyone agrees on the degree of change required for a lithologic discontinuity. No attempt is made to quantify lithologic discontinuities" (KST). Abrupt changes in color that are not the result of pedogenic processes can be used as indicators of a discontinuity.
Although the transition between the plinthic horizon (Btv) and the brick layer (2BCtx) is most commonly abrupt and very striking, it has been observed to be more gradual is other pedons. This is thought to be the result of the intensity of the flow patterns at the time of deposition or subsequent erosion on the base layer prior to secondary deposition. The brick layer is considered to be of a much greater age than the overlying materials in which the contemporary pedon formed. If the abrupt transition is absent, the materials may be of a single origin to the depth observed in this layer.
For more information about Describing and Sampling soils, visit;
www.nrcs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/nrcs142p2_052523...
For more information about Soil Taxonomy, visit;
A representative soil profile of the Mayalls series in England. (Cranfield University 2022. The Soils Guide. Available: www.landis.org.uk. Cranfield University, UK.)
These are non-alluvial, with non-calcareous loamy or clayey subsoils without significant clay enrichment. They have dominantly brownish or reddish subsoils and no prominent mottling or greyish colours (gleying) above 40 cm depth. They are developed mainly on permeable materials at elevations below about 300 m.0.D. Most are in agricultural use.
For more information on the World Reference Base soil classification system, visit:
www.fao.org/3/i3794en/I3794en.pdf
For more information about this soil, visit:
Shiny clay films coat the surface of this ped. (Photo courtesy of John Kelley)
Clay films are thin layers of oriented, translocated clay; also called clay skins or argillans.
In this soil, clay has been leached from the upper 15 to 25 cm, resulting in a loamy, predominantly gray horizon with a wavy lower boundary. Below this is a thick, reddish, clay-enriched argillic horizon that extends below the base of the photo.
Illustrated Guide to Soil Taxonomy (p. 4-54)
A Histic Epiaquod from south-west Poland--lower Silesia region and the Sudetes Mountains formed in materials wreatered from granite..(Photo provided by Cezary Kabala, Institute of Soil Science, University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland.)
These are the wet Spodosols that have a histic epipedon. They tend to be saturated during most of the growing season. They do not have a lithic contact within 50 cm of the soil surface. In the US, these soils occur in Michigan.
The histic epipedon is a layer (one or more horizons) greater than 20 cm thick that is characterized by saturation (for 30 days or more, cumulative) and reduction for some time during normal years (or is artificially drained) and consists mostly of organic soil material. A histic epipedon consisting of mineral soil material can also be part of a mollic or umbric epipedon.
These soils are classified as Skeletic Epistagnic Histic Albic Podzols (Densic, Loamic) by the World Reference Base (WRB).
For more information about this soil, visit:
karnet.up.wroc.pl/~kabala/Bielice.html
For more information on the World Reference Base soil classification system, visit:
www.fao.org/3/i3794en/I3794en.pdf
For additional information about the US Soil Taxonomy soil classification system, visit:
www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/soils/survey/cla...
A representative soil profile of a Pachic Melanudand near Sendai (Tohuku), Japan. (Photo provided by D.J. Lowe.)
Pachic Melanudands are like Typic Melanudands, but they have both more than 6.0 percent organic carbon and the colors of a mollic epipedon throughout at least 50 cm of the upper 60 cm of the andic materials and have, on undried samples, a 1500 kPa water retention of 70 percent or more throughout a layer 35 cm or more thick within 100 cm either of the mineral soil surface or of the top of an organic layer with andic soil properties, whichever is shallower. These soils have not been recognized in the United States. They are established for use in other countries.
Melanudands are the Udands that have a melanic epipedon. They can have a lithic contact but do not have, in 75 percent or more of each pedon, a placic horizon or any other cemented horizon with its upper boundary within 100 cm of the mineral soil surface or of the upper boundary of an organic layer with andic soil properties, whichever is shallower. Characteristically, Melanudands have a melanic epipedon and a cambic horizon. The Melanudands in the United States generally developed in late-Pleistocene deposits. Most formed under forest or savanna vegetation.
For more information about soils and the Michigan State University-Department of Geography, visit:
project.geo.msu.edu/soilprofiles/
For additional information about soil classification, visit:
www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/soils/survey/cla...
A soil profile of a moderately well drained, loamy Plinthustult in Malaysia. This soil has an ochric epipedon about 25 cm thick underlain by a reddish brown argillic horizon. The lower half of the profile is firm and restricts the movement of water. Water tends to periodically perch above this layer and move laterally, resulting in the gray colors in the middle part of the profile. The dark red areas in the lower part of the profile are plinthite. The depth of this profile is about 150 cm. (Soil Survey Staff. 2015. Illustrated guide to Soil Taxonomy. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service, National Soil Survey Center, Lincoln, Nebraska)
Plinthustults have a large amount of plinthite (firm, iron oxide rich concentration) in the subsoil. Plinthite occurs in a continuous layer or makes up > 50% of a layer within a depth of 150 cm. Plinthite irreversibly hardens after exposure to repeated wet-dry cycles. Slopes are mostly gentle or moderate. These soils are not known to occur in the United States or in Puerto Rico. The great group is provided for use in other parts of the world.
For additional information about soil classification, visit:
www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/soils/survey/cla...
Current faculty, staff and alumni gathered at the Plant and Soil Science Reunion in the Plant Science Plaza during Roundup week.
A representative soil profile of the Heathtown series in an area of unimproved grassland from Ireland. These soils formed in fine loamy drift with siliceous stones.
For detailed information about this soil, visit;
gis.teagasc.ie/soils/rep_profile_sheet.php?series_code=06...
For information about the soil series of Ireland, visit;
gis.teagasc.ie/soils/soilguide.php
In the Irish soil classification system these soils are Typical Undifferentiated Gleys. These soils have gleyed sub-surface horizons, displayed by prominent mottling or uniformly grey subsoils within 40 cm depth.
For more information about describing and classifying soils using the Irish Soils Classification System, visit:
gis.teagasc.ie/soils/downloads/SIS_Final_Technical_Report...
A representative soil profile of the Carrigvahanagh series in an area of scrub from Ireland. These soils formed in peat over lithoskeletal acid igneous rock.
For detailed information about this soil, visit;
gis.teagasc.ie/soils/rep_profile_sheet.php?series_code=04...
For information about the soil series of Ireland, visit;
gis.teagasc.ie/soils/soilguide.php
In the Irish soil classification system these soils are Histic Lithosols. Histic Lithosols have a peaty surface horizon (> 20% organic carbon) less than 40 cm thick.
For more information about describing and classifying soils using the Irish Soils Classification System, visit:
gis.teagasc.ie/soils/downloads/SIS_Final_Technical_Report...
Soil profile: A Hypercalcic, Subnatric, Red Sodosol. Original notes and photos provided by the State of Victoria (Agriculture Victoria), Mark Imhof and Sonia Thompson (October 1994), with revision.
Landscape: Mid slope of an East-West dune.
Sodosols have a strong texture contrast between surface (A) horizons and subsoil (B) horizons and the subsoil horizons are sodic. Using the Australian Soil Classification, Sodosols can be grouped further (Suborder) based on the colour of the upper 20 cm of the subsoil i.e. red, brown, yellow, grey and black. These can be further differentiated based on subsoil characteristics (Great Groups) such as the level of sodicity (in the upper B horizon) and the presence of carbonate or lime (Subgroup).
For more information about these soils, visit;
vro.agriculture.vic.gov.au/dpi/vro/malregn.nsf/pages/mall...
In soil taxonomy, these soils are commonly Alfisols or Aridisols. For more information about Soil Taxonomy, visit;
A soil profile of Peaks soil. Bedrock is at a depth of about 80 centimeters. Rock fragments exceed 35 percent throughout the profile. (Soil Survey of Grayson County, Virginia; by Robert K. Conner, Natural Resources Conservation Service)
The Peaks series consists of moderately deep, somewhat excessively drained, rapidly permeable soils on ridge tops and convex side slopes in the Blue Ridge province. Slopes range from 0 to 90 percent. Mean annual precipitation is about 42 inches, and mean annual temperature is about 55 degrees F near the type location.
TAXONOMIC CLASS: Loamy-skeletal, mixed, active, mesic Typic Dystrudepts
Thickness: Solum ranges from 14 to 38 inches
Depth to rock: 20 to 40 inches
Rock fragments: 15 to 55 percent in the A and E, 35 to 60 percent in the Bw, 35 to 75 percent in the C horizons. Granite, gneiss, and schist gravel and channers.
Reaction: Very strongly acid through moderately acid, unless limed.
USE AND VEGETATION: Native vegetation is mixed hardwoods and pines.
DISTRIBUTION AND EXTENT: Blue Ridge province in Virginia and North Carolina, and possibly Georgia and Tennessee. The series is of moderate extent. Peaks soils have been included in the Ashe series in the past.
For additional information about the survey area, visit:
www.nrcs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_MANUSCRIPTS/virginia/VA077...
For a detailed soil description, visit:
soilseries.sc.egov.usda.gov/OSD_Docs/P/PEAKS.html
For acreage and geographic distribution, visit:
UAE (NE027)
The Hisan series is a very deep soil formed in sandy, or sandy and loamy, marine deposits. It is deep or very deep to a water table.
Taxonomic classification: Gypsic Haplosalids, sandy, carbonatic, hyperthermic, aquic
Diagnostic subsurface horizons described in this profile are: Gypsic horizon, 0 to 20 cm; Salic horizon 0 to 200 cm. Although gray colors are common in the profile, this soil has a water table below 100 cm and is therefore is a Haplosalid, not an Aquisalid.
The pH (1:1) ranges from 7.0 to 8.5 throughout. The EC (1:1) ranges mostly from 11.0 to 50.0 throughout the profile, but may be as high as 100 in the upper 25 cm of some pedons. Depth to the water table is 110 to 190 cm. Pieces of shell fragments range from 0 to 45% throughout.
The A horizon ranges from 10 to 25 cm thick. It has hue of 10YR or 2.5Y, value of 5 to 7, and chroma 3 to 5. It is coarse gypsum material, fine gypsum material, or it is gypsiferous fine sand, gypsiferous loamy sand, or gypsiferous fine sandy loam, including channery or very channery texture modifiers. Gypsum content is generally in the form of fine to coarse crystals and ranges from 15 to 60%.
The B horizon has hue of 10YR, 2.5Y, or 5Y value of 4 to 8, and chroma of 1 to 4. It is sand, loamy fine sand, or fine sand, including gypsiferous, channery, or very channery texture modifiers. Some layers may be fine sandy loam or sandy loam. Gypsum content ranges to 20%, and is generally highest within the upper 5 to 20 cm of the B horizon. Redoximorphic features in the form of masses of oxidized iron or as iron depletions are in most pedons below about 75 to 100 cm. In some pedons the B horizon extends to more than 200 cm.
The C horizon has hue of 10YR, 2.5Y, or 5Y value of 5 to 7, and chroma 2 to 6. It is fine sand, very fine sand, fine sandy loam, sandy loam, or loam, including channery or very channery texture modifiers.
Current faculty, staff and alumni gathered at the Plant and Soil Science Reunion in the Plant Science Plaza during Roundup week.
A representative soil profile of the Knockeyon series in an area of improved grassland from Ireland. These soils formed in loamy material over lithoskeletal sandstone.
For detailed information about this soil, visit;
gis.teagasc.ie/soils/rep_profile_sheet.php?series_code=04...
For information about the soil series of Ireland, visit;
gis.teagasc.ie/soils/soilguide.php
In the Irish soil classification system these soils are Typical Lithosol (shallow or extremely gravelly soils).
For more information about describing and classifying soils using the Irish Soils Classification System, visit:
gis.teagasc.ie/soils/downloads/SIS_Final_Technical_Report...
Soil profile: A Melacic-mottled, Mesotrophic, Brown Chromosol. Original notes and photos provided by the State of Victoria (Agriculture Victoria) with revision.
Landscape: Undulating Low Hills on a north-west slope of low rise (7%) with native vegetation of Yellow stringy bark, Gippsland grey box, and Black wattle. The soils formed from Neogene sediments.
Chromosols (Australian Soil Classification) display strong texture contrast between the surface (A) horizons and the clay subsoil (B) horizons. The subsoil is also not strongly acid, i.e. pH is greater than 5.4 in water, and non-sodic (at least in the upper horizons). There may be a bleached subsurface (A2) horizon overlying the clay subsoil.
For more information about these soils, visit;
vro.agriculture.vic.gov.au/dpi/vro/egregn.nsf/pages/eg_egg5
In soil taxonomy, these soils are commonly Alfisols and some Aridisols. For more information about Soil Taxonomy, visit;
Kentucky farmer Ray Hughes talks with other farmers at the 2011 Kentucky Commodity Conference held on Friday, January 21, 2011 at the University Plaza Holiday Inn in Bowling Green, Kentucky.
An Oxyaquic Glossudalf from south-west Poland--lower Silesia region and the Sudetes Mountains, formed in sandy material over till. (Photo provided by Cezary Kabala, Institute of Soil Science, University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland.)
These soils are classified as Eutric Luvic Albic Fragic Planosols (Aric, Epiarenic, Endoloamic, Ochric, Raptic) by the World Reference Base (WRB).
Oxyaquic Glossudalfs are the Glossudalfs that are saturated with water within 100 cm of the mineral soil surface for 20 or more consecutive days or 30 or more cumulative days in normal years. The wetness is caused mainly by slowly permeable materials in the lower horizons or the substratum. These soils are of small extent and are mostly in the south-central and north-central parts of the United States.
Glossudalfs have an argillic horizon that shows evidence of destruction in the form of a glossic horizon. The glossic horizon extends through the argillic horizon in some of these soils. Glossudalfs do not have very dark red colors throughout the argillic horizon. They are more extensive in Europe than in the United States.
For more information about this soil, visit:
sites.google.com/site/dinpuithai/Home/taxonomy/j-alfisols...
For more information on the World Reference Base soil classification system, visit:
www.fao.org/3/i3794en/I3794en.pdf
For additional information about the US Soil Taxonomy soil classification system, visit:
www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/soils/survey/cla...
A representative soil profile of the Knockreagh series in an area of improved grassland from Ireland. These soils formed in fine silty material over shale bedrock.
For detailed information about this soil, visit;
gis.teagasc.ie/soils/rep_profile_sheet.php?series_code=11...
For information about the soil series of Ireland, visit;
gis.teagasc.ie/soils/soilguide.php
In the Irish soil classification system these soils are Stagnic Brown Earths (relatively young soils or soils with little profile development). These soils display stagnic properties as a result of the presence of a slowly permeable sub-surface horizon.
For more information about describing and classifying soils using the Irish Soils Classification System, visit:
gis.teagasc.ie/soils/downloads/SIS_Final_Technical_Report...
The profile on the right is from a drained wetland adjacent to a ditch. The profile on the left is from an area not affected by the ditch. Both soils meet the requirements for indicators F3 (Depleted Matrix) and A11 (Depleted Below Dark Surface) and thus are hydric soils.
*Artificial drainage. The use of human efforts and devices to remove free water from the soil surface or from the soil profile (figs. 42 and 43). The hydrology may also be modified by levees and dams, which keep water from entering a site.
*Depleted matrix. For loamy and clayey material (and sandy material in areas of indicators A11 and A12), a depleted matrix refers to the volume of a soil horizon or subhorizon in which the processes of reduction and translocation have removed or transformed iron, creating colors of low chroma and high value (fig. 44). A, E, and calcic horizons may have low chromas and high values and may therefore be mistaken for a depleted matrix; however, they are excluded from the concept of depleted matrix unless the soil has common or many distinct or prominent redox concentrations occurring as soft masses or pore linings. In some areas the depleted matrix may change color upon exposure to air (see Reduced matrix); this phenomenon is included in the concept of depleted matrix. The following combinations of value and chroma identify a depleted matrix:
1. Matrix value of 5 or more and chroma of 1 or less with or without redox concentrations occurring as soft masses and/or pore linings; or
2. Matrix value of 6 or more and chroma of 2 or less with or without redox concentrations occurring as soft masses and/or pore linings; or
3. Matrix value of 4 or 5 and chroma of 2 and 2 percent or more distinct or prominent redox concentrations occurring as soft masses and/or pore linings; or
4. Matrix value of 4 and chroma of 1 and 2 percent or more distinct or prominent redox concentrations occurring as soft masses and/or pore linings.
Field Indicators of Hydric Soils in the United States; A Guide for Identifying and Delineating Hydric Soils, Version 9.0, 2024.
A soil profile of a Haplocalcid in Syria. The calcic horizon extends from a depth of about 30 cm to 70 cm. It is white due to an accumulation of calcium carbonate. The profile also has other salts. Note the thin, white salt crust on the surface caused by the evaporative upward movement of some of these salts. (Soil Survey Staff. 2015. Illustrated guide to Soil Taxonomy. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service, National Soil Survey Center, Lincoln, Nebraska)
Haplocalcids have a calcic (calcium carbonate accumulation) subsoil horizon with its upper boundary within a depth of 100 cm. Some of these soils have a cambic (minimal soil development) horizon above the calcic horizon. Haplocalcids are extensive worldwide.
Calcids are the Aridisols with accumulations of calcium carbonate that was in the parent materials or was added as dust, or both. Precipitation is insufficient to leach or move the carbonates to great depths. The upper boundary of the calcic (calcium carbonate accumulation) or petrocalcic (cemented by calcium carbonate) horizon is typically within a depth of 50 cm. If these soils are irrigated and cultivated, they typically have micronutrient deficiencies. Calcids are extensive in the western part of the United States and in other arid regions of the world.
For additional information about soil classification, visit:
www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/soils/survey/cla...
Soil profile: A Sodic, Eutrophic, Red Dermosol (shallow subsoil profile). Original notes and photos provided by the State of Victoria (Agriculture Victoria) with revision.
Landscape: Next to olive grove, on slope 650 m of summit of Mt Kororoit, east of Melbourne, Victoria.
Dermosols are non texture contrast soils that have structured subsoils (B horizons). They are found mainly in the upland areas, often in association with Kandosols which have massive B horizons. These soils can vary from stony hardsetting soils to friable deeper profiles. Very shallow and stony Dermosols, which can be black, red or brown, occur on the stony rises.
For more information about these soils, visit;
vro.agriculture.vic.gov.au/dpi/vro/portregn.nsf/pages/ppw...
In soil taxonomy, these soils are commonly Alfisols or Ultisols. For more information about Soil Taxonomy, visit;
Plate 5: Typical soil profile and associated landscape for the Al Mayann series (soil AD205).
Taxonomic classification: Typic Haplocalcids, sandy, mixed, hyperthermic
The Al Mayann series is a very deep sandy soil. The soils are typically well to excessively drained. They occur on flats and gentle slopes within level to gently undulating deflation plains. They are formed from eolian sands and occur in older landscapes.
These soils are used for rangeland grazing of camels though vegetation cover is frequently less than 5%. Common vegetation species recorded include Haloxylon salicornicum and Stipagrostis plumosa, together with occasional Zygophyllum spp.
This soil has predominantly been described throughout the Ghayathi sub-area and the southern part of the As Sila’ sub-area. Occasional sites were also described in the Al Ain sub-area.
The main feature of this soil is the very deep sandy profile. The soil shows evidence of the accumulation of carbonates, is non-gypsic and is non-saline. The sandy nature of the soil, giving rise to low nutrient storage and moisture holding capacities are the main management issues for this soil. The soil surface may also be susceptible to erosion by wind unless protected. The soil is considered to be highly suitable for irrigated agriculture.
Slickensides are polished and grooved surfaces and generally have dimensions exceeding 5 cm (photo 34). They are produced when one soil mass slides past another. Some slickensides occur at the lower boundary of a slip surface where a mass of soil moves downward on a relatively steep slope. Slickensides result directly from the swelling of clay minerals and shear failure. They are very common in swelling clays that undergo marked changes in moisture content.
Soil Taxonomy, 2nd Edition, 1999, (p. 72).
A representative Kandosol soil from Roma, Queensland. (Notes and photo provided by Queensland Government.)
Kandosols are non texture contrast soils (with little or gradual increase in clay content with depth) that have massive (i.e. weakly to non structured) subsoils (B horizons). They are found mainly in the upland areas, often in association with Dermosols, Chromosols and Kurosols. These soils can vary from stony hardsetting soils to deeper friable soils. Some may almost be texture contrast and have a bleached subsurface (A2) horizon. Using the Australian Soil Classification,
Kandosols can be grouped further (into Suborders) based on the colour of the upper 20 cm of the subsoil (i.e. Red, Brown, Yellow, Grey and Black). These can be further differentiated based on subsoil characteristics such as nutrient level capacities and ratios and the presence of carbonate or lime.
For more information about these soils, visit;
www.qld.gov.au/environment/land/management/soil/soil-test...
In soil taxonomy, these soils are commonly Alfisols or Aridisols. For more information about Soil Taxonomy, visit;
Profile of Leoncita fine sandy loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes. Leoncita is a loamy soil that has no physical or chemical restrictions within 40 inches of the surface and is well suited to rangeland and pastureland. It is found on ancient terraces near the Frio and Nueces Rivers. (Soil Survey of McMullen County, Texas; by Clark K. Harshbarger, Jon Wiedenfeld, and Gary Harris, Natural Resources Conservation Service)
The Leoncita series consists of very deep, well drained, moderately permeable soils that formed in calcareous loamy alluvium of Pleistocene age. These nearly level to moderately sloping soils are on risers and treads of remnant paleoterraces. Slopes range from about 0 to 5 percent. Mean annual precipitation is about 635 mm (25 in) and mean annual air temperature is about 22 degrees C (72 degrees F).
TAXONOMIC CLASS: Fine-loamy, mixed, superactive, hyperthermic Aridic Calciustolls
Soil Moisture: An aridic ustic moisture regime. The soil moisture control section is moist in some or all parts for less than 90 consecutive days in normal years. June to August and December to February are the driest months, while September to November and March to May are the wettest months.
Mean annual soil temperature: 21 to 23 degrees C (70 to 73 degrees F)
Particle-size control section (weighted average): 18 to 25 percent (carbonate clay-free basis)
Depth to secondary calcium carbonate: 28 to 203 cm (11 to 80 in)
Depth to calcic horizon: 28 to 160 cm (11 to 63 in)
Particle-size control section (weighted average)
Clay content: 18 to 30 percent
USE AND VEGETATION: Used mostly for livestock grazing and wildlife habitat. Some areas are crop production, mostly for grain sorghum. Present vegetation includes pink pappusgrass, lovegrass tridens, fall witchgrass, hooded windmillgrass, and plains bristlegrass. Woody vegetation includes mesquite, catclaw, spiny hackberry, and blackbrush, and guallijo.
DISTRIBUTION AND EXTENT: Western and Central Rio Grande Plain, Texas; LRR I; MLRA 83B and 83C; The series is of moderate extent. The series was formerly included in the Hidalgo series. The Hidalgo series parent material is associated with deltas and coastal terraces. The series was separated based on the source and age of the alluvium. Leoncita soils formed from inland calcareous loamy alluvium of Pleistocene age associated with remnant paleoterraces.
For additional information about the survey area, visit:
www.nrcs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_MANUSCRIPTS/texas/mcmullen...
For a detailed soil description, visit:
soilseries.sc.egov.usda.gov/OSD_Docs/L/LEONCITA.html
For acreage and geographic distribution, visit:
A representative soil profile of a Regosol from the Hungarian Soil Classification System (HSCS) by Prof. Blaskó Lajos (2008).
For more information about these soils, visit:
regi.tankonyvtar.hu/hu/tartalom/tamop425/0032_talajtan/ch...
REGOSOLS: Soils with limited development (from Greek, rhegos,meaning blanket).A Regosol is a very weakly developed mineral soil in unconsolidated materials with only a limited surface horizon having formed. Limiting factors for soil development range from low soil temperatures, prolonged dryness, characteristics of the parent material or erosion. Regosols form a taxonomic rest group containing all soil types that cannot be accommodated in any of the other WRB Reference Groups. Regosols are extensive in eroding lands, in particular, in arid and semi-arid areas and in mountainous regions.Internationally, Regosols are similar to Entisols (USA), skeletal soil (Australia), Rohböden (Germany) and Sols peu évolués régosoliques d'érosion(France). They cover 2 percent of Europe.
The current Hungarian Soil Classification System (HSCS) was developed in the 1960s, based on the genetic principles of Dokuchaev. The central unit is the soil type grouping soils that were believed to have developed under similar soil forming factors and processes. The major soil types are the highest category which groups soils based on climatic, geographical and genetic bases. Subtypes and varieties are distinguished according to the assumed dominance of soil forming processes and observable/measurable morphogenetic properties.
The "State Soils" album presents a comprehensive representation of the typical landscapes and soil profiles across the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories.
A soil profile of a Haplocryod in Alaska. This soil formed in glacial till that is only about 200 years old. The thin albic and spodic horizons are within the upper 30 centimeters. (Soil Survey Staff. 2015. Illustrated guide to Soil Taxonomy. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service, National Soil Survey Center, Lincoln, Nebraska)
Haplocryods have horizons that are mostly thin but may be strongly contrasting. The base of the spodic (accumulation of translocated organic matter in complex with aluminum and also commonly iron) horizon is generally less than 50 cm below the mineral soil surface. Some Haplocryods have permafrost at varying depths below the spodic horizon, between 100 and 200 cm. Others have, below the spodic horizon, another sequum with an argillic (clay accumulation) or kandic (very low cation-exchange capacity) subsoil horizon. In the United States, Haplocryods occur mostly in Alaska and in the higher mountains of the West and Northeast.
For additional information about soil classification, visit:
www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/soils/survey/cla...
A representative soil profile of the Kolomoki soil series. (Soil Survey of Clay and Quitman Counties, Georgia; by Ken W. Monroe, Natural Resources Conservation Service
The Kolomoki series consists of deep, well drained soils on stream terraces of the Southern Coastal Plain near larger streams. Permeability is moderate in the solum and moderate to rapid in the underlying material. Slopes are 0 to 5 percent. Near the type location, the mean annual temperature is about 67 degrees F. and the mean annual precipitation is about 53 inches.
TAXONOMIC CLASS: Fine, kaolinitic, thermic Typic Hapludults
The solum thickness is 30 to 55 inches. It is very strongly acid to medium acid throughout except for the surface layer in limed areas. Fine flakes of mica are few to common throughout. The control section has an average clay content of 35 to 50 percent and an average silt content of 15 to 35 percent.
USE AND VEGETATION: Most of the soil is used for crops such as corn, soybeans, peanuts, small grain, and truck crops. The remainder is in pine or mixed pine and hardwood. Common species include loblolly pine, slash pine, longleaf pine, sweetgum, red oak, American holly, and dogwood.
DISTRIBUTION AND EXTENT: Georgia, and possibly Alabama, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia. The series is not extensive.
For additional information about the survey area, visit:
www.nrcs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_MANUSCRIPTS/georgia/GA658/...
For a detailed soil description, visit:
soilseries.sc.egov.usda.gov/OSD_Docs/K/KOLOMOKI.html
For acreage and geographic distribution, visit:
Soil profile: A representative soil profile of the Olmedo very gravelly loam, 1 to 8 percent slopes. A petrocalcic horizon starts at about 45 centimeters from the surface. (Soil Survey of Goliad County, Texas; byJonathan K. Wiedenfeld, Natural Resources Conservation Service)
The Olmedo series consists of soils that are very shallow and shallow over a petrocalcic horizon. These well drained, moderately permeable soils formed in calcareous, loamy residuum of the Goliad Formation of Miocene-Pliocene age. These nearly level to undulating soils are on summits on interfluves or ridges. Slope ranges from 1 to 8 percent. Mean annual air temperature is about 22 degrees C (72 degrees F) and mean annual precipitation is about 711 mm (28 in).
TAXONOMIC CLASS: Loamy-skeletal, carbonatic, hyperthermic, shallow Petrocalcic Calciustolls
Soil moisture: An ustic moisture regime bordering on aridic. The soil moisture control section remains moist in some or all parts for less than 90 consecutive days in normal years. The soil is driest during the months June through August and December through February. These soils are intermittently moist in September through November and March through May.
Mean annual soil temperature: 21 to 23 degrees C (70 to 73 degrees F)
Depth to petrocalcic horizon: 30 to 46 cm (12 to 18 in)
Particle size control section (weighted average)
Clay content: 12 to 24 percent
Rock Fragments: 35 to 85 percent
USE AND VEGETATION: The major uses are livestock grazing and wildlife habitat. Native vegetation consists of Arizona cottontop, pinhole bluestem, plains bristlegrass, sideoats grama, cenizo, guajillo, elbowbush, mescalbean, vine ephedra, and Texas Kidneywood. The ecological site is Shallow Ridge, PE 19-31 (RO83CY485TX)
DISTRIBUTION AND EXTENT: Northern Rio Grande Plain (MLRA 83A in LRR I) and Central Rio Grande Plain (MLRA 83C in LRR I) of southern Texas. The series is of moderate extent.
For a detailed soil description, visit:
www.nrcs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_MANUSCRIPTS/texas/goliadTX...
For a detailed soil description, visit:
soilseries.sc.egov.usda.gov/OSD_Docs/O/OLMEDO.html
For acreage and geographic distribution, visit:
A representative soil profile of the Quarrington series in England. (Cranfield University 2022. The Soils Guide. Available: www.landis.org.uk. Cranfield University, UK.)
These soils have dominantly brownish or reddish subsoils and no prominent mottling or greyish colours (gleying) above 40 cm depth. They are developed mainly on permeable materials at elevations below about 300 m.0.D. Most are in agricultural use.
They are non-alluvial, with calcareous sandy subsoils without significant clay enrichment. They formed in sandy drift with limestones.
For additional information about the soil, visit: