SOIL Taxonomy

 Definition
 Seventh approximation or modern system of soil classification
 Salient features
 Application of differentiating criteria
 Structure of classification
 Characteristics
 Appreciation of soil taxonomy
 INTRODUCTION
Taxonomy is a scientific process of classification based on their
respective properties . Similar to animals and plants , the soil is also
classified into different types based on its properties . The study of this
soil classification is termed as soil taxonomy . Soil Taxonomy is a basic
system of soil classification for making and interpreting soil surveys .
It is a means for understanding the relationships among soils within a
given area and in different areas .
 SEVENTH APPROXIMATION OR MODERN
SYSTEM OF SOIL CLASSIFICATION

To overcome the shortcomings of the earlier systems of soil

classification , the U.S. Survey Staff under the leadershio of Guy D.Smith
has developed a comprehensive system of soil classification. Initially
started in 1950 , several approximation were made and a comprehensive
system of soil classification , called the 7th approximation was published
in 1960 with its supplements in 1964 and 1967 . In 1975 , the system
was brought out as soil taxonomy . The 7th approximation lays more
stress on the morphology of soils themselves rather than on the
environmental factors .
SALIENT FEATURES OF SOIL CLASSIFICATION
• It is a natural classification of soil .
• The classification is based on properties of the soils .
• Unlike the Genetic Systems , the comprehensive systems is based on
measurable soil properties . The properties which can be measured
quantitatively should be preferred .
• The properties selected should be those which either affect soil
genesis or result from soil genesis .
• The properties with greater significance to plant growth should be
selected for the higher category .
• The common definition of a class of taxonomic system is a type or
orthotype .
• The classification system is flexible .
APPLICATION OF DIFFERENTIATING CRITERIA
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 STRUCTURE OF CLASSIFICATION
There are six categories of
classification in soil taxonomy .
• ORDER - The order is based on soil
forming process . In a given order , soil
properties are similar in their genesis .
There are eleven soil orders in soil
taxonomy .
• SUB - ORDER - The sub-orders are
sub-divisions of orders . The sub-order
indicates genetic homogeneity ,
climatic environment vegetation and
wetness help in determining the
genetic processes. 47 sub-orders have
been recognized .
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• GREAT GROUP - Diagnostic horizons are the primary bases for

differentiating the great group in a given sub-order . Nearly 230 great
groups are recognized .
• SUB GROUP - The sub-groups are sub-divisions of the great groups.
There are more than 1200 sub-groups .
• FAMILY - The family is differentiated on the basis of texture ,
mineralogy and temperature and soil depth . About 6600 families
have been recognized .
• SERIES - The series is a sub-division of the family and is the most
specific unit of classification . Differentiating characteristics are
primarily based on the kind of arrangement of horizons . About ,
16,800 soil series are recognized.
APPRECIATION OF SOIL TAXONOMY
• It is the most elaborate system marked by great care and precision .
• The primary basis for identifying different classes in the system are
properties of soils as they exist in the field .
• The nomenclature (with Latin and Greek origin ) gives a definite
composition of the major soil characteristics .
• The system has in-built mechanism to permit addition of new soil
groups .
Ex – The new orders Andisols and Gellisols have been included in
the system recently .
• It permits classification of soils rather than soil forming process.
• It permits the classification of soils of unknown genesis .
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