16 Questions
Who organized soils into groups with similar observable properties based on broad climatic zone?
V.V Dokuchaev
What is the term used to refer to the system of soil classification developed by the US Department of Agriculture?
Soil Taxonomy
What is a pedon?
A column of soil used in surveys
What does a polypedon comprise?
Identifiable series of soils in an area
Who developed a soil classification scheme in the 1920s?
CF Marbut
What is a soil series?
A class of soils and the basic units used to classify soils
What is the purpose of Soil Taxonomy?
To organize knowledge about soils, understand relationships, and establish groups for practical purposes
What does Soil Taxonomy use to subdivide soil order into suborders?
Moisture and temperature regime
What is the primary purpose of Diagnostic Horizons in Soil Taxonomy?
To reflect the nature of soil formation
What is the main characteristic of the Spodic horizon?
Illuvial accumulation of oxides of Al and Fe, and OM, red or dark red color
What distinguishes the Oxic horizon in tropical soils?
Very weathered layer of only Fe and Al oxides and 1:1 clay minerals, low pH, and not very fertile
What is the primary characteristic of the Cambic horizon?
Slightly altered layer, not weathered enough to be argillic
In Soil Taxonomy, what is used to categorize soils into six distinct categories?
Presence or absence of diagnostic horizons
What is the purpose of the Principles of Soil Taxonomy?
To classify soils based on properties
What do Temperature Regimes in Soil Taxonomy refer to?
Mean annual soil temperature measured at 50 cm from surface
What is the primary characteristic of the Natric horizon in Soil Taxonomy?
Same as argillic but with > 15% exchangeable sodium (Na)
Test your knowledge about the principles of soil classification, including the history of classification systems and key contributors like V.V. Dokuchaev and CF Marbut. Explore the development of soil taxonomy and its formal terminologies.
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