ABSTRACT
Soil classification in Australia has had a checkered history with one of several contrasting systems acting as the national scheme at various times. Sometimes the use of these systems has been concurrent and also used alongside Soil Taxonomy or FAO. There have been periods of aggressive debate over the role and application of general-purpose national schemes. The sophistication and effectiveness of classification can indicate the level of scientific maturity and understanding of a particular area of study, i.e., the level of knowledge and understanding of the entity under consideration. A major aim of classification is to usefully summarize the natural variability of forms the entity takes, and enhance communication about that entity. The national classification, the Australian Soil Classification is broad in its application, and its hierarchical structure generally allows for unambiguous allocation of unknowns to particular classes. There are 14 Soil Orders at the highest level that reflect important features of the soil continuum in Australia.
