Soil horizon designation: state of the art, problems, and proposals.

摘要

A review of the systems of symbols used for designating the soil horizons and properties identified in the course of profile descriptions has been made with emphasis put on their genetic meaning, adequacy to the principles of the soil classification, and requirements concerning the ways of their presenting. The review is based on examining the symbols regarded as optional in classification systems (both Russian and foreign) mentioned in publications (mostly in Eurasian Soil Science) and on the experience of the authors and their colleagues. The inconsistencies or contradictions revealed even within one system are discussed, as well as the problems in discriminating between the diagnostically important and "descriptive" symbols. The multiplicity of the designations used with different meanings and differently written hinders the diagnostics and taxonomic definition of soils. The authors' suggestions for designating the morphological elements of soil profiles are in good agreement with the principles of the recent soil classification of Russia and take into account the comments and proposals of the users: professionals, students, and visitors to special sites. The suggestions may hopefully be helpful for the standardization of soil profile descriptions and contribute to the reliability and adequacy of soil diagnostics.Notes Translated from Pochvovedenie (2013) 5, 627-638 (Ru).