The Soil Taxonomy conceptual classes and actual natural soil bodies are connected via classification.

In addition to allowing the transfer of knowledge about soil qualities and performance obtained at
one area to other locations where the same soil occurs, the conceptual classes represent current
understanding of soil genesis and geographic dispersion of soils around the globe (Scheffe and
McVey, 2018). To classify soil, it must first have certain characteristics that can be measured and
observed in the field, such as diagnostic horizons, diagnostic features, and diagnostic components
(FAO, 2014). Examining soil profiles is the first step in classifying soils (Soil Survey Staff, 2014). The
first step in classifying soils is to examine the soil profiles (Soil Survey Staff, 2014). According to
morphology, soils are made up of several horizons, which are layers with varying appearances,
densities, and characteristics that have developed as a result of distinct soil-forming processes (Kang
and Tripathi, 1992).

The Soil Survey Staff (2014) asserts that soil temperature and moisture regimes are important for soil
categorization they play a significant role in the soil's origin, the development of many ancillary
characteristics, and the choice of processes that can take place in the soil. The staff of the soil science
division (2017) noted that the various components of the soil continuum are categorised. The classes
are specified for key types and sizes of soil bodies. Conceptual taxonomic classifications are used.
Their definitions are based on knowledge of soils in their natural settings and an understanding of
the genetic mechanisms that give rise to them.

The taxonomy groups connect to their natural counterparts (the pedon and the polypedon), which
are not actual soils in and of themselves, either predetermined methods or management practise
(Dent and Young, 1981; Ya 'u, 2015).

Reference

Scheffe K. and McVey S. (2018), Soil Mapping Concepts. USDA Handbook 18. Government Printing
Soil Analysis. Part 2 Agron 9. Madison WI. 159-165.
FAO (World reference base for soil resources) (2014). International soil classification system for
naming soils and creating legends for soil maps. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United
Nations. Rome.

Kang, B.T. and Tripathi, B.R. (1992). Technical paper 1: Soil classification and characterization.

Soil Survey Staff (2014). Keys to Soil Taxonomy. 12th Edition. USDAlNRCS, Washington, DC.

Dent, D. and Young, A. (1981). Soil Survey and Land Evaluation. George Allen and Unwin, London.
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