Ways to Create Classifications of Soils and Land Resources

Abstract

Abstract—

The possibility of developing algorithms for creating various soil classification systems based on the ideas of soil as a function of the properties of soil horizons (or their morphological elements, morphons), the construction of a soil profile as a given set of horizons (or morphons), and its belonging to a certain group of soil profiles is considered. The fundamental importance of creating a basic classification of soils—the Mendeleev’s soil table—is noted. This classification should be based on a genetic approach and should serve as construction material for any other soil classification. When developing a classification of soil resources, various criteria can be used to identify their groups (classification units): land categories; types of land use; qualitative conditions, ecological state, and administrative belonging of land; subjects of land relations; legal regime of land plots; the degree of contrast in the soil cover; dominant soils and their areas; etc.