Keys to soil series: a field guide to identify and interpret soils
2007
Dollentas, R.T. | Collado, W.B., Philippine Rice Research Inst., Maligaya, Science City of Munoz, Nueva Ecija (Philippines) | Badayos, R.B. | Soliman, A.E., Philippines Univ. Los Banos, College, Laguna (Philippines). Agricultural Systems Cluster | Casimero, M.C., Philippine Rice Research Inst., Maligaya, Science City of Munoz, Nueva Ecija (Philippines)
Soil survey is an integral part of an effective agricultural research and advisory program playing an important role in the selection and location of experimental fields (Soil Survey Manual, 1951). However, the use of soil surveying is seldom realized due to its highly technical presentation. Hence, this study was conducted to develop a simple guide to identify soil series in the field to compliment the Soil Survey Report. Five general steps were undertaken: collection and interpretation of available secondary data on soil series; field correlation and validation of the morphological description and generation of soil profile photographs; classification of individual soils at series and family level; development of a guidebook; and, pre-evaluation, training and dissemination of the guidebook. The project activity started in July 2004 initially targeting Isabela Province. The guidebook can be used by agriculturists and farmers to identify soils in the field following simple steps enumerated in the key. It involves sequential analysis of four basic soil properties considered at 30-50 cm depth: (1) soil color, characterized by comparing the sample with the color chart in the guidebook; (2) Texture done by feel method; (3) soil pH using the Soil Test Kit; and, (4) other observable soil properties translated into local terms. Upon proper identification of soil series, information relevant to crop production were provided in a more simple, comprehensive, and usable format. These include soil qualities, crop suitability and productivity, soil constraints to production, and soil management recommendations. Taxonomic classifications were also included to provide an in-depth characterization of soil and for future land use, identification and classification of soils.
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