What Are Different Types of Soil Science Jobs?

Soil classification system refers to the scientific system of soil classification. China adopts a classification system based on soil types and species, which are divided into six classes: soil class, upper class, subclass, soil genus, soil type and variety ^[1] .

Soil classification system refers to the scientific system of soil classification.

China adopts a classification system based on soil types and species, which is divided into six classes: soil classes, upper classes, subclasses, soil genera, soil types and varieties.

(1) Tu Gang. It is summarized according to the common characteristics of the soil formation process to reflect the occurrence relationship between various soil types. It is divided into 10 soil classes;

(2) Soil. It is a basic unit of classification according to the unique formation process and main body configuration of natural and social conditions such as bioclimatic conditions, hydrological conditions, and farming systems;

(3) Subcategories. Within the soil category, according to another secondary or new formation process beyond the dominant soil formation process;

(4) Earth. Division based on regional variation or residual characteristics of soils affected by regional factors such as parent material and hydrology;

(5) Variants. Divided according to the degree of soil development or maturity, it is the basic unit of soil classification at the base level;

(6) Variants (subspecies). Soil classification is a further subdivision within the range of soil types, and is generally divided by some changes in the properties of the surface layer or the farming layer.

Soil classification refers to understanding the soil systematically according to the occurrence and development laws of the soil itself. By comparing the similarities and differences between the soils, it can distinguish and classify all kinds of objectively existing soils, and systematically arrange their classification positions. process. Soil classification can reflect the natural developmental relationship between different soil types, and at the same time can give appropriate names to the divided soil types.

According to the differences of soil properties and quantities, the soil types and their corresponding classification levels are systematically divided, so as to draw up a soil classification system. Soil classification is not only a clue for understanding and distinguishing soils at different levels of generalization, but also a basis for conducting soil surveys, land evaluations, land use planning, and exchange of research results on soil science and agricultural production practices, as well as transfer of local soil production management experience .

Due to different natural conditions and knowledge backgrounds, there is no universal soil classification system in the world, and the soil classification systems in different countries are not the same. Several influential soil classification systems in the world are:

American soil diagnostic classification system;

Soil classification in the Soviet Union;

classification of soil morphology in Western Europe;

Soil classification of FAO / UNESCO.

Sorting out soil classification is the carrier of soil information, the basis of standardization, and the basis for agricultural technology transition. It is the medium for soil science communication and the embodiment of soil science. The scientific investigation and evaluation of cultivated land quality and the establishment of a standardized database of cultivated land quality are inseparable from a standardized, systematic, and comprehensive soil classification system. ^[2]

Soil types are objectively existing soil individuals. They are the product of the combined effects of various soil-forming factors under certain conditions, and they are also objects for people to understand, use, and improve soil. Correctly identifying soil types, determining the connections between similar types and differences between different types, and classifying soils are the basis of soil zoning ^[3] .