New method of soil classification in defining the dynamic condition of agricultural surface soils

Abstract

Lack of qualitative information under dynamic surface soil condition has affected the development and proper sustainable management of most agricultural soils globally. Although several methods of soil classifications have been shown to record important soil data in defining soil for multiple benefits, the specific dynamic surface soil condition under specific soil groups (Alfisols, Anthrosols, Aridisols, Calsisols, Entisols, Histosols, Inceptisols, Molisols, Oxisol, Vertisols) is poorly understood in the Sudan Savannah zone of Kebbi State Nigeria. For this reason, a new method of soil classification in defining the capacity and quality of surface soils for multiple benefits has been introduced. This method is called Combined Soil Type Equation (CSTE). CSTE was used to classify and define the surface soil conditions of two or more different soil groups (appeared to be formed under the same surface soil environment) into one new soil group name. Results showed that fourteen different new soil group names were classified: Alanhisols, Alhioxalsols, Aralhisols, Araloxhisols, Aralsols, Aransols, Arhioxalsols, Arhisols, Enmoinarsols, Hicaoxalsols, Inalmosols, Inmoalsols, Vehisols, and Vemohisols.