A FIELD MORPHOLOGY RATING SCALE FOR EVALUATING PEDOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT

Abstract
A rating scale was developed to quantitatively evaluate several important morphological properties of soils. The rating scale was used to determine the relative distinctness of horizons, and to determine the relative development of a soil profile. The determination of relative distinctness of horizons was made by a comparison of adjacent horizons, while the determination of the relative profile development was made by a comparison of the C horizon to the horizons above it in the profile. The rating scale was effective in evaluating pedological development of soils developed in a humid-temperate climate. Additional morphological factors may be needed to evaluate pedological development of soils developed in other climatic regimes.