Soil Classification Systems have been developed to provide scientists and resource managers with generalized information about the nature of a soil found in a particular location. In general, environments that share comparable soil forming factors produce similar types of soils. This phenomenon makes classification possible. Numerous classification systems are in use worldwide. We will look at four specific examples: Chinese, FAO, Russian, and USDA Soil Taxonomy.

Adapted from: Pidwirny, M. 2004. Chapter 10: Introduction to the Lithosphere, Soil Classification. In: Fundamentals of Physical Geography. PhysicalGeography.net [Online]. Department of Geography, Okanagan University College. Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada. Available at http://www.physicalgeography.net/fundamentals/10v.html (verified 20 August 2004).