Question

Do all the soils absorb water to the same extent?

Answer 1

The primary convention for naming soils is to select a named geographic feature in the vicinity where the soil was first recognized and identified as a new soil, e.g: the Dunkirk soil series for the village of Dunkirk near Lake Erie, NY. All soils found to have closely similar attributes are classified as Dunkirk wherever they are found. That distribution can be more localized or it can be somewhat more extensive.The description of the soil usually identifies attributes such as pH (degree of alkalinity or acidity), maturity (stage of pedogenic development), texture, consistence, color, gravel content and type, drainage class, and other soil features.The United States and other nations have soil maps that show the soils in relation to one another as they occur across the landscape. On these maps each soil is characteristically related to a unique landscape position. Thus, the pattern of distribution and the location and extent of the soil type can be comprehended. Soil maps are a prime requisite for many users who need site information to make informed decisions on many aspects of use and management. Comparison of soil resources and their respective suitabilities and/or limitations can also be used to evaluate alternate sites for intended uses.