DESCRIPTION AND

CLASSIFICATION OF SOILS
 Classification of soil
Soils are generally classified into three primary
types based on their particle size: sand, silt, and
clay. This classification is known as soil texture.
The proportions of these three types of particles
in a soil determine its texture, and each type has
distinct properties.
• Sand:
• Particle Size: 0.05 to 2.0 millimeters
• Characteristics: Sandy soils have large
particles, which means they have good
drainage and aeration. However, they often
lack nutrients and have low water-holding
capacity.
• Silt:
• Particle Size: 0.002 to 0.05 millimeters
• Characteristics: Silty soils have medium-sized
particles. They are smoother to the touch than
sandy soils and have better nutrient retention
and water-holding capacity. However, they can
be susceptible to compaction.
• Clay:
• Particle Size: Less than 0.002 millimeters
• Characteristics: Clayey soils have the smallest
particles and tend to hold water well. They
have high nutrient content but may have poor
drainage and aeration. Clay soils can be prone
to compaction when wet.
The ideal soil texture for plant growth often
depends on the specific needs of the plants
being cultivated. Different proportions of sand,
silt, and clay create various soil textures, and
these textures influence agricultural practices,
gardening, and land management.
 Soil classification system
A soil classification system is a framework that
organizes and categorizes soils based on certain
criteria, such as their physical, chemical, and
morphological properties. The purpose of soil
classification is to provide a systematic way to
understand and communicate information about
soils.
• Soil classification systems are essential for
land use planning, agricultural management,
and environmental assessments. They help
professionals make informed decisions
regarding soil suitability for various purposes
and guide practices to ensure sustainable land
use.
The Soil US taxonomy and its nomenclature

The United States Department of Agriculture

(USDA) Soil Taxonomy is a hierarchical soil
classification system used for naming and
categorizing soils in the United States. It was
developed by soil scientists to provide a
common language for describing and
communicating information about soils.
 Here is the major categories in the USDA
soil taxonomy
• Order: The highest level of classification,
representing the broadest differences in soil
characteristics. There are 12 soil orders, such
as Entisols, Inceptisols, Andisols, Aridisols,
Mollisols, Spodosols, Ultisols, Alfisols, Oxisols,
Histosols, Vertisols, and Gelisols.
• Suborder: Each order is further divided into
suborders based on additional characteristics.
• Great Group: Suborders are then divided into great groups
based on soil properties and horizon characteristics.
• Subgroup: Great groups are further divided into subgroups
based on specific properties, features, or other criteria.
• Family: Subgroups are divided into families based on even
more specific properties.
• Series: Families are divided into series, which are the most
specific classification level. A soil series is a group of soils
with similar characteristics that differentiate them from
other soils.
• Soil taxonomy is an important tool for land use
planning, agriculture, engineering, and
environmental management. It allows
professionals to communicate effectively
about soil characteristics and properties.
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