soil types

In terms of soil texture, soil type usually refers to the different sizes of mineral particles in a particular sample. Soil is made up in part of finely ground rock particles, grouped according to size as sand, silt, and clay. Each size plays a significantly different role. Image File history File links Bodenart. ... Image File history File links Bodenart. ... Soil texture triangle, showing the 12 major textural classes, and particle size scales. ... For other uses, see Mineral (disambiguation). ... Loess field in Germany Surface-water-gley developed in glacial till, Northern Ireland Technically, soil forms the pedosphere: the interface between the lithosphere (rocky part of the planet) and the biosphere, atmosphere, and hydrosphere. ... “Rock” redirects here. ... For other uses, see Sand (disambiguation). ... Silt is soil or rock derived granular material of a specific grain size. ... For other uses, see Clay (disambiguation). ...

For example, the largest particles, sand, determine aeration and drainage characteristics, while the tiniest, sub-microscopic clay particles, are chemically active, binding with water and plant nutrients. The ratio of these sizes determines soil type: clay, loam, clay-loam, silt-loam, and so on. For other uses, see Plant (disambiguation). ... A nutrient is either a chemical element or compound used in an organisms metabolism or physiology. ... For other uses, see Clay (disambiguation). ... Loam is soil composed of a relatively even mixture of three mineral particle size groups: sand, silt, and clay. ...

Many different types of soil consist of clay, pebbles, gravel, sand, and other minerals. Not all types of soil are permeable. Many fine grained-soils have been broken down for many decades and have become tiny. For example, a pebble once was a big rock. In this case, big rocks became small due to the effects of ocean waves upon the rocks.

There are many recognized soil classifications, both international and national. Soil classification deals with the systematic categorization of soils based on distinguishing characteristics as well as criteria that dictate choices in use. ...

See also

• soil structure
• soil survey
• soil classification
• FAO soil classification
• USDA soil taxonomy
• International Committee on Anthropogenic Soils (ICOMANTH)
• List of vineyard soil types

Soil structure is determined by how individual soil granules clump or bind together and aggregate. ... Soil survey is the process of determining the soil types or other properties of the soil cover over a landscape, and mapping them for others to understand and use. ... Soil classification deals with the systematic categorization of soils based on distinguishing characteristics as well as criteria that dictate choices in use. ... The FAO developed a supra-national classification, also called World Soil Classification, which offers useful generalizations about soils pedogenesis in relation to the interactions with the main soil-forming factors. ... USDA Soil Taxonomy developed by United States Department of Agriculture and the National Cooperative Soil Survey provides an elaborate classification of soil types according to several parameters (most commonly their properties) and in several levels: Order, Suborder, Great Group, Subgroup, Family, and Series. ... This article is in need of attention. ... Categories: Pages needing attention | Soil science | Stub ... The soil composition of vineyards is one of the most important viticultural consideration when planting grape vines. ...

External links

• Soil classification systems
• A Compendium of On-Line Soil Survey Information Soil Classification for Soil Survey
• Determining Soil Types