A FIELD MORPHOLOGY RATING SCALE FOR EVALUATING PEDOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

A rating scale was developed to quantitatively evaluate several important morphological properties of soils. The rating scale was used in the following two ways: 1) to determine the relative distinctness of horizons and 2) to determine the relative development of a soil profile. The determination of relative distinctness of horizons was made by a comparison of adjacent horizons, while the determination of the relative profile development was made by a comparison of the C horizon to the horizons above it in the profile. The rating scale was effective in evaluating pedological development of soils developed in a humid-temperate climate. Additional morphological factors may be needed to evaluate pedological development of soils developed in other climatic regimes.