Soil formation and classification

Pedon

The smallest 3D sampling unit that displays the characteristics of a particular soil and can be classified.

CI,O,R,P,T

The five factors of soil formation, standing for Climate, Organisms, Relief, Parent material, and Time.

Master Horizons

Layers of soil that are classified into mineral (A, B, C) and organic (L, F, H) horizons based on their organic matter content.

Brunisol

A transitional soil that is more developed than a Regosol but not as developed as Podzol or Luvisol.

Chernozem

A grassland soil characterized by a thick, dark-colored A horizon with a high content of organic matter.

Gleysol

Soils defined by color and mottling due to prolonged or intermittent saturation; often low chroma value.

Cryosol

Soil found in arctic and tundra regions, characterized by the presence of permafrost.

Vertisol

Soil rich in clay that undergoes shrink-swell activity, leading to cracking and mass movements.

Argillipedoturbation

The process causing slickensides and vertical cracks in soils, commonly seen in Vertisols.

Diagnostic Horizons

Horizons identified based on morphological and chemical criteria including colour, texture, structure, and pH.

Soil Classification Levels

The Canadian system of soil classification has five levels: Order, Great Group, Subgroup, Family, and Series.

Eluviated Horizon

An 'Ae' horizon that has been depleted of clay, iron, aluminum, or organic matter.

Illuviation

The process of enrichment in a horizon, referred to as 'illuviated' horizons like 'Bt'.

Soil Orders

The hierarchical classification of soils into groups, such as the 10 Canadian soil orders.

Parent Material

The underlying layer of soil, either residual or transported, from which soil forms.