Soil classification – reflection of our knowledge on soils
2009
Karklins, A., Latvia Univ. of Agriculture, Jelgava (Latvia). Faculty of Agriculture. Inst. of Soil and Plant Sciences
Professor Jānis Vītiņš who developed the first schemes in 1927 is the founder of scientific soil classification for Latvia. Good soil science knowledge was obtained from the Russian soil science school and practical experience in Russia but since 1921 also in Latvia. The objectives were very understandable – development of Latvia Land Cadastre which included relevant soil evaluation and large-scale mapping. The first scheme developed was rather simple (from the present point of view); however it gave a possibility for Prof. K. Krūmiņš to propose more extensive one in 1930. The third and fourth schemes (1936/37) already were the synthesis of efforts and collaborative work of soil scientists, and fit well for the set up objectives. The period after World War II marked new objectives. Firstly, harmonisation and integration of Latvian classification into the USSR system following the governing Soviet theoretical concepts in soil science. The year 1990 providing another economic situation and possibilities, and also other objectives was a new milestone. Firstly, we had to consider that soil is not only a resource where plants grow but the functions of land are more comprehensive. Therefore entirely agronomic soil classification was not the solution. It meant that soils should be studied, properties recorded, and interpretations developed more widely, comprehensively, and profoundly. New advanced soil parameters are under current interest. Secondly, incorporation of Latvia into the European and global information network requires the application of new (international) data standards. It means the use of non-traditional field and laboratory tests, new parameters, terminology, and interpretations etc., and possibility to use the internationally accepted systems of soil classification as well.
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