T3-1 Soil Science and Management, 4E

Chapter 3

Soil Classification

and Survey

T3-2 Soil Science and Management, 4E

Objectives

• Describe the current USDA soil classification system

• Explain how soil surveys are prepared and used

• List soil capability classes

T3-3 Soil Science and Management, 4E

Terms to Know• Diagnostic horizons• Families• Great groups• Land capability classes• Land capability

subclasses• Mapping units• Phases• Soil association

• Soil classification• Soil order• Soil series• Soil survey• Soil taxonomy• Subgroups• Suborders

T3-4 Soil Science and Management, 4E

Soil Classification

Figure 3-1

T3-5 Soil Science and Management, 4E

Figure 3-2

Soil Classification

T3-6 Soil Science and Management, 4E

Soil Classification

• Soil series

• Phases of soil series

T3-7 Soil Science and Management, 4E

Soil Classification

Figure 3-6

• Field mapping

T3-8 Soil Science and Management, 4E

Soil Classification

• Mapping units

• Soil survey reports

• Survey report uses

• Field maps

T3-9 Soil Science and Management, 4E

Land Capability Classes

• Capability classes

Figure 3-7

T3-10 Soil Science and Management, 4E

Land Capability Classes

• Land capability subclasses

• Soil use maps

• Computer applications

• Lands of the United States

T3-11 Soil Science and Management, 4E

Land Capability Classes

Figure 3-13

T3-12 Soil Science and Management, 4E

Land Capability Classes

Figure 3-14

T3-13 Soil Science and Management, 4E

Summary• Soil classified by soil properties and profiles

– Six levels• Level important to growers is soil series

and its subdivision—the soil phase– Soil maps prepared on classification system– Land placed into a capability classes

• Classes determine needs of soil