Classifying Soil Classifyingagriculture and FO Odsoil DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
AGRICULTURE AND FOOD DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
Classifying Soil ClassifyingAGRICULTURE AND FO ODSoil DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
What is soil? to an engineer, it is a surface upon which houses and roads are built and the source of raw material. It also Blanket Peat When rock is exposed to a new environment – following lava flow, protects many of the archeological resources that are Lithosol Podzol sediment uplift, retreat of glaciers – soil begins to form. Physical and preserved in Ireland. The characteristics of a soil and how chemical weathering changes the rock, as do the actions of living they may be modified need to be known. In agriculture, one Brown Podzolic organisms. A soil eventually forms, which changes over time, as a result must know the type, quantity and quality of food that can be Groundwater AGRICULTURE AND FOOD DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY of the rock type on which it is developed, the climate, the vegetation that Basin Peat produced on that soil. For habitat restoration, the suitability Brown Earth grows upon the soil, the organisms that lives in the soil and the topography of the soil for the original species should be known. Gley Luvisol (slope and aspect) on which the soil is found. Soil, air and water are three Builders need to know whether the land might subside or Alluvium Surface Water major factors affecting life on Earth. All three factors are strongly dependent be easily flooded. Gley Rendzina Teagasc is Ireland’s agricultural and food development upon each other. For example, soil cleans much of the water that passes authority supporting science based innovation in the agri-food through it to the groundwater and soil can act as a source or sink of carbon If the different types of soil can be classified in an efficient SANDSTONE and repeatable way, then soil characteristics are more sector and the wider bioeconomy. It delivers six programmes: dioxide and methane (greenhouse gases) to and from the atmosphere. easily communicated. Through history, classification LIMESTONE • Animal and Grassland Research Soil is an ecosystem, important for biodiversity. It is the basis of food systems have been developed for each individual country. and Innovation Programme production. It is the source of valuable materials ranging from gold In Ireland we apply the Irish Soil Classification Soil types commonly associated with particular landscape features to iron. It , from the atmosphere and http://gis.teagasc.ie/soils/. However, this means that filters water sequesters carbon • Crops, Environment and Land Use Programme comparison of soils across countries can often be very Table 1: Great groups, sub groups and series difficult. For this reason a World Reference Base (WRB) Table 2: The new Irish Soil Classification System • Rural Economy and Development Programme system was created that all countries can relate to and this allows comparisons across countries Distinguishing “Old WRB • Food Programme Group Description Great Group Description ftp://ftp.fao.org/docrep/fao/009/a0510e/a0510e00.pdf. Criteria name” correlation • Education Programme Soils are grouped according to a single dominant characteristic Ombrotrophic Blanket peat, Rain-fed peat Histosol affecting the nature of the soil. 11 Great Groups exist in Ireland. Developing a universal soil Peat basin peat • Advisory Programme Great Soils with thick For example, podzols are soils, that formed under acidic classification organic layers Groups Minerotrophic Teagasc employs over 120 scientists and 120 technicians in conditions, where iron and aluminium has been lost (leaching) Early civilisations knew that soil quality varied. In ancient Groundwater fed peat Fen peat Histosol Peat research, 30 specialist staff, and over 320 advisers/teachers Egypt, black alluvial (kemet) and red desert (deshret) were from the surface horizon and is deposited in lower horizons. Shallow calcareous soil two recognised soil types. In the 16th century, Russians Shallow or Rendzina Rendzina Regosol in education and advisory roles. In total, over 1,200 staff (<40 cm deep) described soils in terms such as poor, sandy, clayey stony, extremely are employed at over fifty locations throughout the country. Each Great Group is further sub-divided based on the main etc. By the 20th century, scientists were classifying soils gravelly Shallow non-calcareous soil The research carried out by Teagasc is essential to the diagnostic features found within the soil. Diagnostic features soils Lithosol Lithosol Leptosol on the basis of their environment and the processes that (< 40 cm deep) development of competitive and sustainable agricultural and are described as the main characteristics of a soil profile that formed them. Ultimately this was regarded as inadequate. Soil derived from alluvium. No food industries. describe the main soil forming processes and/or soil forming Systems evolved where physical and chemical features Alluvial Regosol Fluvisol distinct layer development factor taking place. Nine key diagnostic features are recognised: (pH, temperature, minerals, water, particle nature, etc.) For further information visit: www.teagasc.ie were quantitatively recorded along with the effects of Soils Groundwater Soil gleyed within 40 cm of the Gley Gleysol 1. Histic (peaty surface horizon present), processes such as those involving; leaching, gleying influenced Gley surface due to watertable. and organic matter build up and climate. by water 2. Gleyic (mottling as a result of groundwater table), Soil gleyed within 40 cm of the Surface-water Sub surface due to slowly perme- Gley Stagnosol 3. Stagnic (mottling as a result of a slowly permeable horizon), The World Reference Base Gley Groups able horizon. 4. Spodic (leaching of iron/aluminium into the lower horizon), The World Reference Base (WRB) for soil resources is Infertile acidic soils with an a more recently developed system. It draws on ideas from 5. Calcareous nature of the soil, ash-like subsurface layer. They the US, Russian and other systems. The basic concept is Podzol show effects of acid leaching. Podzol Podzol 6. Humic (organic matter in the surface horizon, but not histic), to distinguish soils according to their morphology as an Soils affected by Typically formed under expression of (similar to the system 7. Soil that has been significantly artificially drained, diagnostic features Fe/Al chemistry coniferous forest. we now use in Ireland, but with diagnostic features that increase 8. Peat soils that are cut for turf, apply to soils all over the world). The detail is comparable Brown Some leaching has taken place, Brown Cambisol to that of the US system but it omits soil climate except in 9. Anthropic soils that have been significantly changed as a Podzolic but not as severe as podzols. Podzolic or Podzol cases where the climate influences soil characteristics. result of human management. Loss of clay minerals from This system recognises 32 basic reference soil groups the surface horizon to lower (histosols, podzols, andosols and others). Globally, Soils with clay Grey brown Series consist of soils within a subgroup that have horizons Luvisols horizons (clay illuviation). Luvisol the WRB system can be used as a benchmark. A soil enriched subsoil podzolic similar in color, texture, structure, reaction, consistence, mineral Generally found in limestone classification derived from one system can be correlated areas and chemical composition and arrangement in the profile. Series with the WRB system and by extension with other Series names are place names of townlands, etc. from the area where systems. Workers can apply it (and other systems) using the soil was first defined. a ‘key’ similar to those used in biological classification. Relatively young, or soils Cambisol The table below describes each of the 11 Great Groups Brown Earth Uniform throughout. Brown Earth Series are defined on the basis of the following, hierarchically: found in Ireland in the new Irish Classification System, the with little profile or Regosol Find this and other lessons on www.sta.ie development great group, subgroup, texture and parent material. “old name” used until last year and the equivalent WRB references groups to which it can be compared. AGRICULTURE AND FOOD DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
Classifying Soil AGRICULTURE AND FOOD DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY Classifying Soil
What is soil? to an engineer, it is a surface upon which houses and roads are built and the source of raw material. It also Blanket Peat When rock is exposed to a new environment – following lava flow, protects many of the archeological resources that are Lithosol Podzol sediment uplift, retreat of glaciers – soil begins to form. Physical and preserved in Ireland. The characteristics of a soil and how chemical weathering changes the rock, as do the actions of living they may be modified need to be known. In agriculture, one Brown Podzolic organisms. A soil eventually forms, which changes over time, as a result must know the type, quantity and quality of food that can be Groundwater AGRICULTURE AND FOOD DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY of the rock type on which it is developed, the climate, the vegetation that Basin Peat produced on that soil. For habitat restoration, the suitability Brown Earth grows upon the soil, the organisms that lives in the soil and the topography of the soil for the original species should be known. Gley Luvisol (slope and aspect) on which the soil is found. Soil, air and water are three Builders need to know whether the land might subside or Alluvium Surface Water major factors affecting life on Earth. All three factors are strongly dependent be easily flooded. Gley Rendzina Teagasc is Ireland’s agricultural and food development upon each other. For example, soil cleans much of the water that passes authority supporting science based innovation in the agri-food through it to the groundwater and soil can act as a source or sink of carbon If the different types of soil can be classified in an efficient SANDSTONE and repeatable way, then soil characteristics are more sector and the wider bioeconomy. It delivers six programmes: dioxide and methane (greenhouse gases) to and from the atmosphere. easily communicated. Through history, classification LIMESTONE • Animal and Grassland Research Soil is an ecosystem, important for biodiversity. It is the basis of food systems have been developed for each individual country. and Innovation Programme production. It is the source of valuable materials ranging from gold In Ireland we apply the Irish Soil Classification Soil types commonly associated with particular landscape features to iron. It , from the atmosphere and http://gis.teagasc.ie/soils/. However, this means that filters water sequesters carbon • Crops, Environment and Land Use Programme comparison of soils across countries can often be very Table 1: Great groups, sub groups and series difficult. For this reason a World Reference Base (WRB) Table 2: The new Irish Soil Classification System • Rural Economy and Development Programme system was created that all countries can relate to and this allows comparisons across countries Distinguishing “Old WRB • Food Programme Group Description Great Group Description ftp://ftp.fao.org/docrep/fao/009/a0510e/a0510e00.pdf. Criteria name” correlation • Education Programme Soils are grouped according to a single dominant characteristic Ombrotrophic Blanket peat, Rain-fed peat Histosol affecting the nature of the soil. 11 Great Groups exist in Ireland. Developing a universal soil Peat basin peat • Advisory Programme Great Soils with thick For example, podzols are soils, that formed under acidic classification organic layers Groups Minerotrophic Teagasc employs over 120 scientists and 120 technicians in conditions, where iron and aluminium has been lost (leaching) Early civilisations knew that soil quality varied. In ancient Groundwater fed peat Fen peat Histosol Peat research, 30 specialist staff, and over 320 advisers/teachers Egypt, black alluvial (kemet) and red desert (deshret) were from the surface horizon and is deposited in lower horizons. Shallow calcareous soil two recognised soil types. In the 16th century, Russians Shallow or Rendzina Rendzina Regosol in education and advisory roles. In total, over 1,200 staff (<40 cm deep) described soils in terms such as poor, sandy, clayey stony, extremely are employed at over fifty locations throughout the country. Each Great Group is further sub-divided based on the main etc. By the 20th century, scientists were classifying soils gravelly Shallow non-calcareous soil The research carried out by Teagasc is essential to the diagnostic features found within the soil. Diagnostic features soils Lithosol Lithosol Leptosol on the basis of their environment and the processes that (< 40 cm deep) development of competitive and sustainable agricultural and are described as the main characteristics of a soil profile that formed them. Ultimately this was regarded as inadequate. Soil derived from alluvium. No food industries. describe the main soil forming processes and/or soil forming Systems evolved where physical and chemical features Alluvial Regosol Fluvisol distinct layer development factor taking place. Nine key diagnostic features are recognised: (pH, temperature, minerals, water, particle nature, etc.) For further information visit: www.teagasc.ie were quantitatively recorded along with the effects of Soils Groundwater Soil gleyed within 40 cm of the Gley Gleysol 1. Histic (peaty surface horizon present), processes such as those involving; leaching, gleying influenced Gley surface due to watertable. and organic matter build up and climate. by water 2. Gleyic (mottling as a result of groundwater table), Soil gleyed within 40 cm of the Surface-water Sub surface due to slowly perme- Gley Stagnosol 3. Stagnic (mottling as a result of a slowly permeable horizon), The World Reference Base Gley Groups able horizon. 4. Spodic (leaching of iron/aluminium into the lower horizon), The World Reference Base (WRB) for soil resources is Infertile acidic soils with an a more recently developed system. It draws on ideas from 5. Calcareous nature of the soil, ash-like subsurface layer. They the US, Russian and other systems. The basic concept is Podzol show effects of acid leaching. Podzol Podzol 6. Humic (organic matter in the surface horizon, but not histic), to distinguish soils according to their morphology as an Soils affected by Typically formed under expression of (similar to the system 7. Soil that has been significantly artificially drained, diagnostic features Fe/Al chemistry coniferous forest. we now use in Ireland, but with diagnostic features that increase 8. Peat soils that are cut for turf, apply to soils all over the world). The detail is comparable Brown Some leaching has taken place, Brown Cambisol to that of the US system but it omits soil climate except in 9. Anthropic soils that have been significantly changed as a Podzolic but not as severe as podzols. Podzolic or Podzol cases where the climate influences soil characteristics. result of human management. Loss of clay minerals from This system recognises 32 basic reference soil groups the surface horizon to lower (histosols, podzols, andosols and others). Globally, Soils with clay Grey brown Series consist of soils within a subgroup that have horizons Luvisols horizons (clay illuviation). Luvisol the WRB system can be used as a benchmark. A soil enriched subsoil podzolic similar in color, texture, structure, reaction, consistence, mineral Generally found in limestone classification derived from one system can be correlated areas and chemical composition and arrangement in the profile. Series with the WRB system and by extension with other Series names are place names of townlands, etc. from the area where systems. Workers can apply it (and other systems) using the soil was first defined. a ‘key’ similar to those used in biological classification. Relatively young, or soils Cambisol The table below describes each of the 11 Great Groups Brown Earth Uniform throughout. Brown Earth Series are defined on the basis of the following, hierarchically: found in Ireland in the new Irish Classification System, the with little profile or Regosol Find this and other lessons on www.sta.ie development great group, subgroup, texture and parent material. “old name” used until last year and the equivalent WRB references groups to which it can be compared. AGRICULTURE AND FOOD DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
ClassifyingClassifying Soil Soil
AGRICULTUREAGRICULTURE AND AND FO FODOOD D EVELOPMENTDEVELOPMENT A UTHORITYAUTHORITY Classifying Soil
SyllabusSyllabus References References StudentStudent Activities Activities ExaminationExamination Questions Questions DidDid You You Know? Know? TheThe main main syllabus syllabus references references for for the the lesson lesson are: are: 1. 1. PrintPrint out out a mapa map of ofthe the world’s world’s soils. soils. Print Print out out similar similar maps maps showing showing LeavingLeaving Certificate Certificate Geography Geography (Higher (Higher level) level) Q. Q.16 16 • • 25002500 years years ago ago in inChina, China, soils soils were were classified classified on onthe the basis basis of theirof their colour,colour, texture, texture, hydrologic hydrologic and and other other characteristics. characteristics. The The aim aim was was to to LeavingLeaving Certificate Certificate Agricultural Agricultural Science Science thethe world’s world’s climatic climatic regions regions and and agricultural agricultural activities. activities. If possible,If possible, list list ExplainExplain how how soil soil characteristics characteristics impact impact on on soil soil development. development. thethe soils soils and and their their characteristics. characteristics. Can Can you you make make any any connectio connectionsns assessassess the the value value of ofthe the land land for for taxation taxation purposes. purposes. • • SoilsSoils betweenbetween soils, soils, climate climate and and agriculture? agriculture? • • SoilsSoils have have their their own own unique unique chemistry chemistry and and ecology. ecology. Soil Soil types types can can LeavingLeaving Certificate Certificate GeographyGeography (HL) (HL) 2. 2. MeasureMeasure 50 50 cm cm3 of3 ofsoil soil into into a graduateda graduated cylinder cylinder and and add add 50 50 cm cm3 3 LeavingLeaving Certificate Certificate Geography Geography (Higher (Higher level) level) Q. Q.17 17 oftenoften be be inferred inferred from from the the types types of ofplants plants growing growing in inthem. them. Rus Rusheshes GeoecologyGeoecology of ofwater. water. Note Note the the final final volume. volume. Volume Volume of ofair air= 100= 100 – final– final volume. volume. areare typical typical of ofgley gley soils soils and and bog bog cotton cotton grows grows on on peat. peat. Rhododendrons Rhododendrons SoilSoil profiles profiles are are the the result result of theof the operation operation of ofsoil-forming soil-forming pr ocesses.processes. ConvertConvert the the answer answer to toa percentagea percentage and and repeat repeat the the experiment experiment wi with th likelike acid acid soils. soils. There There are are other other plants plants that that are are adapted adapted to toliving living in in • • GeneralGeneral composition composition of ofall all soil soil types types with with reference reference to tomineral mineral matter matter, , Discuss.Discuss. soilsoil from from different different places. places. soilssoils that that have have high high concentrations concentrations of ofspecific specific minerals; minerals; organicorganic matter, matter, water water and and air air prospectorsprospectors have have long long looked looked out out for for those those plants plants to totell tell them them where where 3. 3. UseUse a soila soil test test kit kit to tofind find the the levels levels of ofdifferent different minerals minerals in inthe the soil. soil. • • SoilSoil characteristics: characteristics: texture, texture, colour, colour, structure, structure, water water content, content, organic organic to tostart start digging. digging. 4. 4. WeighWeigh a samplea sample of ofsoil. soil. Dry Dry it atit at100 100 °C °C in inan an oven oven overnight. overnight. Weigh Weigh LeavingLeaving Certificate Certificate Agricultural Agricultural Science Science (HL) (HL) 2014, 2014, Q. Q.11 11 content,content, water water retention retention properties properties etc. etc. • • TheThe Occupational Occupational Health Health and and Safety Safety Administration Administration (USA) (USA) classifies classifies again.again. Loss Loss in inmass mass = =mass mass of ofwater water present. present. Now Now heat heat that that soil soil ScienceScience and and Technology Technology in in Action Action is isalso also widely widely used used by by (a)(a) Read Read the the following following paragraph paragraph about about the the formation formation and and developmen development t soilssoils as as cohesive cohesive plastic, plastic, cohesive cohesive and and granular granular cohesive cohesive based based on on onon a burnera burner until until it isit isreduced reduced to toash ash and and weigh weigh again. again. TransitionTransition Year Year classes. classes. of ofpodzol podzol soils soils and and match match the the words words from from the the list list below below with with th eth e theirtheir compressive compressive strengths. strengths. LossLoss in inmass mass = =mass mass of ofhumus humus present. present. numberednumbered spaces. spaces. Write Write your your answers answers in inyour your answer answer book book and and not not on on • • PeoplePeople applying applying for for permission permission to tobuild build are are obliged obliged to todig dig a hoa hole le 5. 5. UseUse a soila soil auger auger to toobtain obtain a soila soil profile. profile. Describe Describe the the profile’s profile’s thisthis examination examination paper. paper. soso it canit can be be filled filled with with water water and and the the drainage drainage ability ability of theof the soil soil can can appearance.appearance. Carry Carry out out the the foregoing foregoing tests tests on on each each horizon. horizon. bebe observed. observed. List:List: IronIron pan pan LeachingLeaching ForestryForestry 6. 6. MakeMake up up a classrooma classroom museum museum displaying displaying soil soil samples samples from from IronIron B Bhorizon horizon LimeLime LearningLearning Outcomes Outcomes aroundaround Ireland. Ireland. PodzolsPodzols are are poor poor soils soils with with high high ______and and fertiliser fertiliser requirem requirements.ents. They They OnOn completion completion of ofthis this lesson, lesson, students students should should be be able able to: to: 7. 7. List List the the ways ways earthworms earthworms improve improve the the quality quality of ofsoil. soil. In Inrecent recent times, times, BiographicalBiographical Notes Notes predatorypredatory flatworms flatworms have have been been accidentally accidentally introduced introduced to tosome some areare formed formed as as a resulta result of of______. ______. Aluminium Aluminium and and ______are are moved moved from from • • DescribeDescribe the the main main of ofsoils soils types types countries,countries, including including Ireland. Ireland. What What might might the the consequences consequences be be fo rfo r thethe A Ahorizon horizon to tothe the ______. ______. Podzols Podzols show show a distincta distinct red red layer layer called called the the VasilyVasily Dokuchayev Dokuchayev 1846 1846 - 1903- 1903 • • ExplainExplain the the need need for for soil soil classification classification systems systems soilsoil and and agriculture? agriculture? ______.______. Podzols Podzols are are widely widely used used for for ______. ______. VasilyVasily Dokuchayev Dokuchayev was was born born in inRussia Russia in in1846. 1846. • • OutlineOutline how how different different classification classification systems systems have have evolved evolved in in 8. 8. “You“You change change a soil’sa soil’s classification classification by byimproving improving it”. it”. Discuss. Discuss. (b)(b) Humus Humus is isa verya very important important soil soil component. component. Describe Describe three three benefit benefits ofs of HeHe became became curator curator of ofgeology geology at atthe the University University differentdifferent countries countries 9. 9. WhatWhat is isthe the Munsell Munsell value value of ofa soil?a soil? humushumus in inthe the soil. soil. Give Give two two methods methods of ofincreasing increasing soil soil humus humus co content.ntent. of ofSaint Saint Petersburg Petersburg in in1872. 1872. Between Between 1892 1892 and and DescribeDescribe an an experiment experiment to toestimate estimate the the percentage percentage (%) (%) organic organic m attermatter • • ExplainExplain why why soil soil classification classification is isan anongoing ongoing area area of ofstudy. study. 10.10. Read Read Patrick Patrick Kavanagh’s Kavanagh’s poem poem “Stony “Stony grey grey soil”. soil”. 1895,1895, he he reorganised reorganised and and directed directed the the Novo Novo in ina soila soil sample. sample. AleksandrAleksandr Institute Institute of ofAgriculture Agriculture and and Forestry, Forestry, establishingestablishing departments departments of ofsoil soil science science and and (c)(c) Soil Soil texture texture influences influences the the crops crops grown grown on ona farm.a farm. Explain Explain what what is is plantplant physiology. physiology. He He organised organised major major soil soil surveys surveys meantmeant by by the the term term soil soil texture. texture. in inRussia Russia and and is isregarded regarded as as having having pioneered pioneered GeneralGeneral Learning Learning Points Points CompareCompare sandy sandy soils soils and and clay clay soils soils under under the the following following heading headings:s: thethe modern modern science science of ofsoil soil classification. classification. He Hehad had True/FalseTrue/False Questions Questions notednoted that that a singlea single type type of ofbedrock bedrock would would give give 1. 1.Drainage. Drainage. riserise to todifferent different soils soils in indifferent different climates. climates. Soil Soil to toDokuchayev Dokuchayev was was an an TheseThese are are additional additional relevant relevant points points that that are are used used to toextend extend a)a) RendzinaRendzina is isshallow shallow calcareous calcareous soil. soil. T T F F 2. 2.Fertility. Fertility. entityentity resulting resulting from from the the interaction interaction of ofparent parent material, material, clima climate teand and living living knowledgeknowledge and and facilitate facilitate discussion. discussion. 3. 3.Ease Ease of oftilling. tilling. b)b) AlluvialAlluvial soil soil has has distinct distinct layers. layers. T T F F organismsorganisms over over time time and and he he developed developed his his classification classification system system on thaton that • • A Asoil soil profile profile is isthe the vertical vertical division division of ofa soila soil exposed exposed by byexcavation excavation c) c) PodzolPodzol refers refers to toinfertile infertile acidic acidic soils soils typically typically formed formed in in principle.principle. Mathematically Mathematically it canit can be be expressed expressed in inthe the form: form: fromfrom the the surface surface to tothe the parent parent material. material. Layers Layers distinguishable distinguishable by by coniferousconiferous forests. forests. T T F F SoilSoil = =f (climate, f (climate, parent parent material, material, biological biological process) process) × ×time time tangibletangible features features such such as as colour, colour, hardness hardness are are called called horizons. horizons. LeavingLeaving Certificate Certificate Agricultural Agricultural Science Science (OL) (OL) 2009 2009 Q. Q.2 2 d)d) BrownBrown Earth Earth shows shows a distincta distinct profile profile development. development. T T F F TheThe upper upper A Alayer layer (topsoil) (topsoil) from from which which materials materials are are generally generally TheThe diagram diagram shows shows the the soil soil profile profile of ofa podzol.a podzol. Name Name the the parts parts P, P,Q, Q,R, R,S. S. washedwashed downwards downwards is isdescribed described as as eluvial. eluvial. e)e) LithosolsLithosols are are found found in inlimestone limestone areas. areas. T T F F P:P: ______TheThe B Blayer layer (subsoil) (subsoil) in inwhich which they they may may accumulate accumulate is isilluvial. illuvial. f) f) A Asingle single dominant dominant characteristic characteristic is isused used to todivide divide soils soils into into TheThe C Chorizon horizon constitutes constitutes the the parent parent material. material. 3232 Great Great Groups. Groups. T T F F Q:Q: ______ReviseRevise The The Terms Terms __P__P ThereThere are are many many possible possible subdivisions. subdivisions. g)g) ElevenEleven Great Great Groups Groups are are found found in inIreland. Ireland. T T F F O Odenotes denotes organic organic layers layers as as in inpeat. peat. Bf Bf indicates indicates a thina thin iron iron pan. pan. R:R: ______Q__Q CanCan you you recall recall the the meaning meaning of ofthe the following following terms? terms? h)h) GleyGley soils soils do do not not retain retain water water very very well. well. T T F F RevisingRevising terminology terminology is isa powerfula powerful aid aid to torecall recall and and retention. retention. • • SoilSoil particles, particles, in indescending descending order order of ofsize, size, are are sand, sand, silt silt and and clay clay. . S:S: ______i) i) PeatPeat is isalways always acidic. acidic. T T F F __R__R SandySandy soils soils have have good good drainage, drainage, poor poor mineral mineral retention. retention. Clay Clay re retainstains biodiversity,biodiversity, chemical chemical weathering, weathering, diagnostic diagnostic features, features, gleying, gleying, leaching, leaching, DescribeDescribe a suitablea suitable activity activity that that would would mineralsminerals but but is isprone prone to towaterlogging. waterlogging. Loams Loams are are mixed mixed soils soils wi with th j) j) MinerotrophicMinerotrophic peat peat is isusually usually neutral neutral or or alkaline. alkaline. T T F F methane,methane, morphology, morphology, organic organic matter, matter, pH, pH, sediment sediment uplift, uplift, sequesters sequesters removeremove the the iron iron pan pan in ina podzol.a podzol. goodgood intermediate intermediate characteristics. characteristics. Sand Sand is isgritty gritty to tothe the touch, touch, silt silt k) k) TheThe World World Reference Reference Base Base (WRB) (WRB) for for soils soils is islargely largely based based __S__S carbon,carbon, World World Reference Reference Base Base (WRB), (WRB), smoothsmooth and and clay clay sticky. sticky. The The texture texture (feel) (feel) of ofa soila soil is isa gooda good indicator indicator onon systems systems developed developed in inRussia Russia and and the the USA.. USA.. T T F F of ofits its quality. quality. CheckCheck the the Glossary Glossary of of terms terms for for this this lesson lesson on on www.sta.ie www.sta.ie CheckCheck your your answers answers to to these these questions questions on on www.sta.ie. www.sta.ie. AGRICULTURE AND FOOD DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
ClassifyingClassifying Soil Soil
AGRICULTUREAGRICULTURE AND AND F OFODOOD D DEVELOPMENTEVELOPMENT A UTHORITYAUTHORITY Classifying Soil
SyllabusSyllabus References References StudentStudent Activities Activities ExaminationExamination Questions Questions DidDid You You Know? Know? TheThe main main syllabus syllabus references references for for the the lesson lesson are: are: 1.1. PrintPrint out out a amap map of of the the world’s world’s soils. soils. Print Print out out similar similar maps maps showing showing LeavingLeaving Certificate Certificate Geography Geography (Higher (Higher level) level) Q. Q.16 16 • • 25002500 years years ago ago in inChina, China, soils soils were were classified classified on on the the basis basis of theirof their colour,colour, texture, texture, hydrologic hydrologic and and other other characteristics. characteristics. The The aim aim was was to to LeavingLeaving Certificate Certificate AgriculturalAgricultural Science Science thethe world’s world’s climatic climatic regions regions and and agricultural agricultural activities. activities. If Ifpossible, possible, list list ExplainExplain how how soil soil characteristics characteristics impact impact on on soil soil development. development. thethe soils soils and and their their characteristics. characteristics. Can Can you you make make any any connectio connectionsns assessassess the the value value of of the the land land for for taxation taxation purposes. purposes. • • SoilsSoils betweenbetween soils, soils, climate climate and and agriculture? agriculture? • • SoilsSoils have have their their own own unique unique chemistry chemistry and and ecology. ecology. Soil Soil types types can can LeavingLeaving Certificate Certificate GeographyGeography (HL) (HL) 2.2. MeasureMeasure 50 50 cm cm3 of3 of soil soil into into a agraduated graduated cylinder cylinder and and add add 50 50 cm cm3 3 LeavingLeaving Certificate Certificate Geography Geography (Higher (Higher level) level) Q. Q.17 17 oftenoften be be inferred inferred from from the the types types of of plants plants growing growing in inthem. them. Rus Rusheshes GeoecologyGeoecology ofof water. water. Note Note the the final final volume. volume. Volume Volume of ofair air = =100 100 – final– final volume. volume. areare typical typical of of gley gley soils soils and and bog bog cotton cotton grows grows on on peat. peat. Rhododendrons Rhododendrons SoilSoil profiles profiles are are the the result result of ofthe the operation operation of ofsoil-forming soil-forming pr ocesses.processes. ConvertConvert the the answer answer to to a apercentage percentage and and repeat repeat the the experiment experiment wi withth likelike acid acid soils. soils. There There are are other other plants plants that that are are adapted adapted to to living living in in • • GeneralGeneral composition composition of of all all soil soil types types with with reference reference to to mineral mineral matter matter, , Discuss.Discuss. soilsoil from from different different places. places. soilssoils that that have have high high concentrations concentrations of of specific specific minerals;minerals; organicorganic matter, matter, water water and and air air prospectorsprospectors have have long long looked looked out out for for those those plants plants to to tell tell them them where where 3.3. UseUse a asoil soil test test kit kit to to find find the the levels levels of ofdifferent different mineralsminerals in in the the soil. soil. • • SoilSoil characteristics: characteristics: texture, texture, colour, colour, structure, structure, water water content, content, organic organic toto start start digging. digging. 4.4. WeighWeigh a asample sample of of soil. soil. Dry Dry it atit at 100 100 °C °C in inan an oven oven overnight. overnight. Weigh Weigh LeavingLeaving Certificate Certificate Agricultural Agricultural Science Science (HL) (HL) 2014, 2014, Q. Q.11 11 content,content, water water retention retention properties properties etc. etc. • • TheThe Occupational Occupational Health Health and and Safety Safety Administration Administration (USA) (USA) classifies classifies again.again. Loss Loss in inmass mass = =mass mass of of water water present. present. Now Now heat heat that that soil soil ScienceScience and and Technology Technology in in Action Action is isalso also widely widely used used by by (a)(a) Read Read the the following following paragraph paragraph about about the the formation formation and and developmen development t soilssoils as as cohesive cohesive plastic, plastic, cohesive cohesive and and granular granular cohesive cohesive based based on on onon a aburner burner until until it isit isreduced reduced to to ash ash and and weigh weigh again. again. TransitionTransition Year Year classes. classes. ofof podzol podzol soils soils and and match match the the words words from from the the list list below below with with th the e theirtheir compressive compressive strengths. strengths. LossLoss in inmass mass = =mass mass of of humus humus present. present. numberednumbered spaces. spaces. Write Write your your answers answers in inyour your answer answer book book and and not not on on • • PeoplePeople applying applying for for permission permission to to build build are are obliged obliged to to dig dig a aho hole le 5.5. UseUse a asoil soil auger auger to to obtain obtain a asoil soil profile. profile. Describe Describe the the profile’s profile’s thisthis examination examination paper. paper. soso it canit can be be filled filled with with water water and and the the drainage drainage ability ability of ofthe the soil soil can can appearance.appearance. Carry Carry out out the the foregoing foregoing tests tests on on each each horizon. horizon. bebe observed. observed. List:List: IronIron pan pan LeachingLeaching ForestryForestry 6.6. MakeMake up up a aclassroom classroom museum museum displaying displaying soil soil samples samples from from IronIron B Bhorizon horizon LimeLime LearningLearning Outcomes Outcomes aroundaround Ireland. Ireland. PodzolsPodzols are are poor poor soils soils with with high high ______and and fertiliser fertiliser requirem requirements.ents. They They OnOn completion completion of of this this lesson, lesson, students students should should be be able able to: to: 7.7. List List the the ways ways earthworms earthworms improve improve the the quality quality of of soil. soil. In In recent recent times, times, BiographicalBiographical Notes Notes predatorypredatory flatworms flatworms have have been been accidentally accidentally introduced introduced to to some some areare formed formed as as a aresult result of of ______. ______. Aluminium Aluminium and and ______are are moved moved from from • • DescribeDescribe the the main main of of soils soils types types countries,countries, including including Ireland. Ireland. What What might might the the consequences consequences be be fo for r thethe A Ahorizon horizon to to the the ______. ______. Podzols Podzols show show a adistinct distinct red red layer layer called called the the VasilyVasily Dokuchayev Dokuchayev 1846 1846 - 1903- 1903 • • ExplainExplain the the need need for for soil soil classification classification systems systems soilsoil and and agriculture? agriculture? ______.______. Podzols Podzols are are widely widely used used for for ______. ______. VasilyVasily Dokuchayev Dokuchayev was was born born in inRussia Russia in in1846. 1846. • • OutlineOutline how how different different classification classification systems systems have have evolved evolved in in 8.8. “You“You change change a asoil’s soil’s classification classification by byimproving improving it”. it”. Discuss. Discuss. (b)(b) Humus Humus is isa avery very important important soil soil component. component. Describe Describe three three benefit benefits ofs of HeHe became became curator curator of of geology geology at at the the University University differentdifferent countries countries 9.9. WhatWhat is isthe the Munsell Munsell value value of of a asoil? soil? humushumus in inthe the soil. soil. Give Give two two methods methods of of increasing increasing soil soil humus humus co content.ntent. ofof Saint Saint Petersburg Petersburg in in1872. 1872. Between Between 1892 1892 and and DescribeDescribe an an experiment experiment to to estimate estimate the the percentage percentage (%) (%) organic organic m matteratter • • ExplainExplain why why soil soil classification classification is isan an ongoing ongoing area area of ofstudy. study. 10.10. Read Read Patrick Patrick Kavanagh’s Kavanagh’s poem poem “Stony “Stony grey grey soil”. soil”. 1895,1895, he he reorganised reorganised and and directed directed the the Novo Novo in ina asoil soil sample. sample. AleksandrAleksandr Institute Institute of of Agriculture Agriculture and and Forestry, Forestry, establishingestablishing departments departments of of soil soil science science and and (c)(c) Soil Soil texture texture influences influences the the crops crops grown grown on on a farm.a farm. Explain Explain what what is is plantplant physiology. physiology. He He organised organised major major soil soil surveys surveys meantmeant by by the the term term soil soil texture. texture. in inRussia Russia and and is isregarded regarded as as having having pioneered pioneered GeneralGeneral Learning Learning Points Points CompareCompare sandy sandy soils soils and and clay clay soils soils under under the the following following heading headings:s: thethe modern modern science science of of soil soil classification. classification. He He had had True/FalseTrue/False Questions Questions notednoted that that a asingle single type type of of bedrock bedrock would would give give 1.1. Drainage. Drainage. riserise to to different different soils soils in indifferent different climates. climates. Soil Soil to to Dokuchayev Dokuchayev was was an an TheseThese are are additional additional relevant relevant points points that that are are used used to to extend extend a)a) RendzinaRendzina is isshallow shallow calcareous calcareous soil. soil. T T F F 2.2. Fertility. Fertility. entityentity resulting resulting from from the the interaction interaction of of parent parent material, material, clima climatete and and living living knowledgeknowledge and and facilitate facilitate discussion. discussion. 3.3. Ease Ease of of tilling. tilling. b)b) AlluvialAlluvial soil soil has has distinct distinct layers. layers. T T F F organismsorganisms over over time time and and he he developed developed his his classification classification system system on onthat that • • A Asoil soil profile profile is isthe the vertical vertical division division of ofa soila soil exposed exposed by byexcavation excavation c)c) PodzolPodzol refers refers to to infertile infertile acidic acidic soils soils typically typically formed formed in in principle.principle. Mathematically Mathematically it canit can be be expressed expressed in inthe the form: form: fromfrom the the surface surface to to the the parent parent material. material. Layers Layers distinguishable distinguishable by by coniferousconiferous forests. forests. T T F F SoilSoil = =f (climate,f (climate, parent parent material, material, biological biological process) process) × ×time time tangibletangible features features such such as as colour, colour, hardness hardness are are called called horizons. horizons. LeavingLeaving Certificate Certificate Agricultural Agricultural Science Science (OL) (OL) 2009 2009 Q. Q.2 2 d)d) BrownBrown Earth Earth shows shows a adistinct distinct profile profile development. development. T T F F TheThe upper upper A Alayer layer (topsoil) (topsoil) from from which which materials materials are are generally generally TheThe diagram diagram shows shows the the soil soil profile profile of ofa apodzol. podzol. Name Name the the parts parts P, P,Q, Q,R, R,S. S. washedwashed downwards downwards is isdescribed described as as eluvial. eluvial. e)e) LithosolsLithosols are are found found in inlimestone limestone areas. areas. T T F F P:P: ______TheThe B Blayer layer (subsoil) (subsoil) in inwhich which they they may may accumulate accumulate is isilluvial. illuvial. f) f) A Asingle single dominant dominant characteristic characteristic is isused used to to divide divide soils soils into into TheThe C Chorizon horizon constitutes constitutes the the parent parent material. material. 3232 Great Great Groups. Groups. T T F F Q:Q: ______ReviseRevise The The Terms Terms __P__P ThereThere are are many many possible possible subdivisions. subdivisions. g)g) ElevenEleven Great Great Groups Groups are are found found in inIreland. Ireland. T T F F O Odenotes denotes organic organic layers layers as as in inpeat. peat. Bf Bf indicates indicates a athin thin iron iron p an.pan. R:R: ______Q__Q CanCan you you recall recall the the meaning meaning of of the the following following terms? terms? h)h) GleyGley soils soils do do not not retain retain water water very very well. well. T T F F RevisingRevising terminology terminology is isa apowerful powerful aid aid to to recall recall and and retention. retention. • • SoilSoil particles, particles, in indescending descending order order of of size, size, are are sand, sand, silt silt and and clay clay. . S:S: ______i) i) PeatPeat is isalways always acidic. acidic. T T F F __R__R SandySandy soils soils have have good good drainage, drainage, poor poor mineral mineral retention. retention. Clay Clay re retainstains biodiversity,biodiversity, chemical chemical weathering, weathering, diagnostic diagnostic features, features, gleying, gleying, leaching, leaching, DescribeDescribe a asuitable suitable activity activity that that would would mineralsminerals but but is isprone prone to to waterlogging. waterlogging. Loams Loams are are mixed mixed soils soils wi withth j) j) MinerotrophicMinerotrophic peat peat is isusually usually neutral neutral or or alkaline. alkaline. T T F F methane,methane, morphology, morphology, organic organic matter, matter, pH, pH, sediment sediment uplift, uplift, sequesters sequesters removeremove the the iron iron pan pan in ina apodzol. podzol. goodgood intermediate intermediate characteristics. characteristics. Sand Sand is isgritty gritty to to the the touch, touch, silt silt k)k) TheThe World World Reference Reference Base Base (WRB) (WRB) for for soils soils is islargely largely based based __S__S carbon,carbon, World World Reference Reference Base Base (WRB), (WRB), smoothsmooth and and clay clay sticky. sticky. The The texture texture (feel) (feel) of of a asoil soil is isa agood good indicator indicator onon systems systems developed developed in inRussia Russia and and the the USA.. USA.. T T F F ofof its its quality. quality. CheckCheck the the Glossary Glossary of of terms terms for for this this lesson lesson on on www.sta.ie www.sta.ie CheckCheck your your answers answers to to these these questions questions on on www.sta.ie. www.sta.ie.