Digital Soil Classification

The complexity of soil makes it necessary to devise some systematic means so that it can be studied most effectively. Thus, the purpose of soil classification is to group the individual soil units found in nature so that their properties can be easily remembered, and facts about them will be most useful.

Soils are classified to facilitate comprehension, analyses, and explanations. This classification is especially useful for those who work in agriculture & farmers. The length of time over which a soil has formed, influences the degree to which climate, topography and organisms have influenced the formation of the soil - the longer any process has occurred, the greater the influence of that process. It takes 400 – 500 years to build 1 cm of soil. The properties of a particular soil will depend the material that the soil formed from and on the conditions under which that soil formed.

Soil, in all its forms, plays an integral part in our world and everyday practices. By knowing the soil type / forms present in a certain area, farmers will be able to plan their activities in agriculture, conservation, etc.

Therefore, it is important for all farmers to have a digital means of classifying soils on their farms. This technology will assist to identify soil properties and provide information about morphological, physical, and chemical characteristic and mineral content. As a medium for growing plants, the soil is one of the most important factors in assessing the sustainability of agriculture.

The ARC – Agricultural Research Council released the Digital Soil Classification app that provides comprehensive and updated info on:

• Soil Composition
Minerals (fragments of parent rock, and other minerals)
Organic Matter (soil fauna and flora, plant roots, intact and decaying
plant residues, newly formed humic substances)
Air
Water
• View Soil Profile
Identify Soil Layers/Horizons
• Identify Soil Characteristics
Soil Texture
Soil Structure
Soil Colour (Wet/Dry)
• Soil Classification - Identify Soil Form – Unique combinations of Soil
Horizons
• List & Describe Soil Forms in South Africa
• Comprehensive Soil Fertility Information
• Comprehensive Soil Potential Use Information
• View Soil Map of Southern Africa