Numerical classification of soil profiles on the basis of field morphological properties

Abstract

The use of numerical taxonomy to classify soils avoids classification schemes based on logical subdivision or keys by the application of objective numerical procedures to assess the similarity, and the subsequent identification, of soil groups. It was found that a combination of a hierarchical sorting strategy and a coordinate strategy avoided distortion of relationships and subjectivity in group recognition. The results of the numerical classification agreed closely with the original field grouping. Examination of the resulting soil groups indicated that texture profile was an important diagnostic property.