ABSTRACT
Soil classification of The Netherlands was one of the first soil taxonomies in Europe (De Bakker and Schelling, 1966). It reflects a very particular soil cover of a country where extensive areas are reclaimed marine sediments. Though practically not used nowadays, this classification was an important stage in the development of soil classification theory and application. Initially, the classification was designed for detailed soil survey of the country. It includes a lot of soils deeply transformed by agricultural management (Table 12.1) because these constitute a significant proportion of the soil cover of the country. However, technogenically transformed soils, as well as the bare rock and underwater sediments, are not included in the classification. The scope of soil classification of The Netherlands
Superficial bodies |
Representation in the system |
---|---|
Natural soils |
National coverage |
Urban soils |
Not included in the classification |
Man-transported materials |
Not included in the classification |
Bare rock |
Not considered as soils |
Subaquatic soils |
Not considered as soils |
Soils deeply transformed by agricultural activities |
Included at the level of subgroups to a number of groups; also a special suborder of cultivated organic soils (Earthy peat soils) exists |