Elsevier

Geoderma

Volume 1, Issue 2, October 1967, Pages 91-105
Geoderma

Soil nomenclature and classification

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Abstract

It appears that nearly all the discussions in pedology that seem to be about classification are really about nomenclature. A new system of soil classification and soil nomenclature is proposed in which it is suggested that all soil horizons be recognised, defined, named and be given symbols which are made up of the first letter of the name plus one other. Each soil is given a formula compiled by placing in order the symbol for each horizon, followed by a subscript number which indicates the depth of each horizon and so the depth of the whole soil. Each set of symbols represents a different soil group. A synaptic classification, which would have classes and subclasses, is produced by ad hoc methods. These classes would have names such as podzol and chernozem, but would have somewhat diffuse definitions. The subclasses are established on the basis of two or three prominent horizons in the same soil and are designated by placing the symbols for the horizons in square brackets.

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