Soil Classification in the Transylvanian Plain, Romania

Abstract

Accurate soil classification is important for the proper use and management of soil resources. Different philosophical approaches to soil classification can cause difficulty when interpreting soil morphological descriptions and laboratory data. Twenty soil pedons in the Transylvanian Plain, Romania were morphologically described, subjected to laboratory analyses, and classified via both the Sistemul Roman De Taxonomie A Solurilor (Romanian System of Soil Taxonomy, RSST) and U.S. Soil Taxonomy (USST). Differences were noted between genetic and taxonomic approaches to soil classification. The role of secondary carbonates in pedogenesis was explored and compared between the two systems. Cernisoluri (Mollisols) were previously not thought to exist on the Transylvanian Plain, but were definitively described, sampled, and classified as part of this study. Significant differences in soil organic carbon were noted among sites, ranging from 1.45 to 5.85%. All sites had sufficient organic content to support a mollic epipedon, but other factors such as color precluded its designation at some sites.