A simple guide for describing soils

About

This guide is suitable for anyone who is interested in understanding the basics of soil morphology, characteristics and description. Experts in other scientific fields, industry consultants, students and interested lay readers will also benefit from using this guide as a stepping stone to a more advanced understanding of soil.

Contents

• • Introduction
  • About soil
    What is soil?
    Why describe a soil?
    Describing a soil profile in the field
  • Main soil properties used for describing soil
    Depth of soil profile or depth to (perceived) root-limiting layer
    Identifying and naming soil horizons
    Texture
    Coarse fragments
    Colour
    Basic chemistry
    Calcareous layer/s (lime)
    Structure
    Water regime
  • Other important soil-related properties
    Soil sodicity
    Soil surface condition
    Water repellence
  • Other important land-related properties
    Landform
  • Soil types and classification
    Levels of soil classification
    Keys to simple soil classification (soil generic groups)
  • Examples of simple soil classification
  • Glossary
  • Resources related to this guide
  • Brief soil description card (site card)