Description

The early soil classification systems focused on productivity for taxation purposes, based on criteria like soil color, texture, and irrigation potential. These methods became obsolete with changing land use. Chemical composition-based classifications, such as calcareous, acid, and sodic soils, have limitations in classifying all soil types. Modern soil classification has evolved from naming independent objects to a systematic, relational approach using the inductive method. This evolution reflects a progressive refinement aligned with disciplinary principles. Current soil classification systems are robust and do not require fundamental overhaul. Soil formation, or pedogenesis, results from physical, chemical, biological, and human-induced processes acting on parent material, forming distinct soil horizons through material additions, losses, transformations, and movements. This book offers a comprehensive exploration of soil's roles and behaviors in natural and man-made environments, aiming to educate farmers on maintaining soil health and enhancing fertility practices.