Open AccessPolish Soil Classification, 6th edition – principles, classification scheme and correlations
Author(s) -
Cezary Kabała,
Przemysław Charzyński,
Jacek Chodorowski,
Marek Drewnik,
Bartłomiej Glina,
Andrzej Greinert,
Piotr Hulisz,
Michał Jankowski,
Jerzy Jończak,
Beata Łabaz,
Andrzej Łachacz,
Marian Marzec,
Łukasz Mendyk,
Przemysław Musiał,
Łukasz Musielok,
Bożena Smreczak,
Paweł Sowiński,
Marcin Świtoniak,
Jarosław Waroszewski
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
roczniki gleboznawcze/soil science annual
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2300-4967
pISSN - 0080-3642
DOI - 10.2478/ssa-2019-0009
Subject(s) - pedogenesis , unified soil classification system , usda soil taxonomy , soil classification , soil series , soil science , soil type , classification scheme , soil functions , soil texture , soil map , weathering , soil morphology , soil water , earth science , geology , computer science , soil organic matter , soil biodiversity , geochemistry , data science
The sixth edition of the Polish Soil Classification (SGP6) aims to maintain soil classification in Poland as a modern scientific system that reflects current scientific knowledge, understanding of soil functions and the practical requirements of society. SGP6 continues the tradition of previous editions elaborated upon by the Soil Science Society of Poland in consistent application of quantitatively characterized diagnostic horizons, properties and materials; however, clearly referring to soil genesis. The present need to involve and name the soils created or naturally developed under increasing human impact has led to modernization of the soil definition. Thus, in SGP6, soil is defined as the surface part of the lithosphere or the accumulation of mineral and organic materials permanently connected to the lithosphere (through buildings or permanent constructions), coming from weathering or accumulation processes, originated naturally or anthropogenically, subject to transformation under the influence of soil-forming factors, and able to supply living organisms with water and nutrients. SGP6 distinguishes three hierarchical categories: soil order (nine in total), soil type (basic classification unit; 30 in total) and soil subtype (183 units derived from 62 unique definitions; listed hierarchically, separately in each soil type), supplemented by three non-hierarchical categories: soil variety (additional pedogenic or lithogenic features), soil genus (lithology/parent material) and soil species (soil texture). Non-hierarchical units have universal definitions that allow their application in various orders/types, if all defined requirements are met. The paper explains the principles, classification scheme and rules of SGP6, including the key to soil orders and types, explaining the relationships between diagnostic horizons, materials and properties distinguished in SGP6 and in the recent edition of WRB system as well as discussing the correlation of classification units between SGP6, WRB and Soil Taxonomy.