NARRATIVE REPORT PAPER ABOUT THE SIGNIFICANCE OF CONDUCTING

SURVEY AND SOIL PROFILE CLASSIFICATION IN THE FIELD OPERATION

SOIL SCIENCE REPORT SUBMITTED TO THE FACULTY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF

AGRICULTURE, COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE AND RELATED SCIENCES,
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHEASTERN PHILIPINES, TAGUM-MABINI
CAMPUS, PINDASAN, MABINI, DAVAO DE ORO IN
PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE
COURSE

Karylle Kaye Bangot

Charlene Basañez
J-Maris Billones
Jessa Bordadora
Anielyn Cabatingan
Cyril Jay Canja
Myla Collinares
Laarni Escaralan

BSA 2A2

December 2023
ABSTRACT

Soil profile classification at the University of Southeastern Philippines Mabini Campus, using a non-
invasive technique for horizon-by-horizon examination. Careful investigation of color, structure, and
stability reveals differentiated soil compositions from the surface to the deeper layers. The proximity to
a river resulted in alluvial deposits influencing soil composition. At the same time, factors like
waterlogging and illuviation processes contributed to forming distinct soil colors and textures, indicating
variations in drainage and mineral content across horizons. Illuviation, observed prominently in the B
Horizon, illustrated the deposition of leached materials, influencing soil fertility and composition. These
findings offer valuable insights into the complex interplay of environmental factors shaping our soil
diversity. It emphasizes the need for precise methodologies in characterizing soil for informed land
management and environmental planning. This paper aimed to identify the unique characteristics of the
soil profiles in the area and provide insights that can be useful for future research and development.

Keywords: Soil Profile Classification, Soil Composition, Soil Color, Structure, Stability, Textures,
Illuviation, and Waterlogging.

INTRODUCTION

Soil is vital in determining agricultural productivity, land management, and environmental

sustainability and is a fundamental aspect of terrestrial ecosystems (Ziada et al., 2018). Soil profiling
classification techniques are used in field operations to gain a comprehensive understanding of soil
properties within their natural context, and this constitutes a key component of soil surveys (Maurya et
al., 2020). The process of soil profiling classification involves systematically characterizing soil layers
or horizons and elucidating soil structure, texture, composition, and fertility within their environmental
settings (Natural Resources Conservation Service, n.d.).

Soil profiling classification is a crucial part of the soil survey process, as it helps to delineate
distinct soil types, assess their inherent qualities, and determine their suitability for various land use
practices (Regassa et al., 2023). This approach provides insights into the spatial distribution of soils,
guiding appropriate soil management strategies and measures that can be taken to address potential
constraints or limitations that impact agricultural productivity (Rehman et al., 2023). Moreover, it informs
land use planning, soil conservation, and agricultural management strategies.

In addition to its agricultural applications, soil profiling classification is a critical component of

environmental management and conservation (Schoonover & Crim, 2015). It helps assess soil erosion
risks, identify potential pollution sources, and formulate targeted remediation strategies, significantly
preserving soil health and bolstering ecosystem resilience (Sulaeman & Westoff, 2020).

Despite its importance, the comprehensive significance of conducting soil profiling classification
within soil surveys is often undervalued. This paper examines the multifaceted benefits and implications
of soil profiling classification within soil surveys, highlighting its pivotal role in shaping sustainable
agricultural practices, effective land management strategies, and environmental conservation efforts.

METHODOLOGY

Site Location

On December 11, 2023, a class from the University of Southeastern Philippines Mabini Campus
conducted comprehensive fieldwork to classify soil profiles. Led by Professor James Lasquites, the
course worked tirelessly under challenging weather conditions with scattered clouds in the sky and a
temperature of 34 degrees Celsius around 2 pm. The survey was carried out inside the campus, with
the class conducting a detailed analysis of the soil samples collected in one location.
Materials Required

In conducting soil profile classification, the following materials will be needed:

1. Spade
2. Nails (No.4)
3. Tarpaulin (1.5 meters)
4. Measuring device (Meter stick/measuring tape)
5. Knife
6. Munsell Soil Color Chart

Soil Profile Description Procedure

The information below presents the soil analysis results carried out after the survey. The data gathered
during the investigation has been compiled and organized for easy reference.

1. Clean off the pit face to expose fresh soil. Dig out the bottom of the pit to expose the parent material.

2. Describe soil horizons from top to bottom, as follows:

A. Locate preliminary horizon boundaries based upon differences in texture, structure, and color, and
mark with nails. Assign each horizon a master horizon designation (e.g. A Horizon, BA-Transitional
Horizons which B Horizon is more dominant than A Horizon, and B Horizon).

B. Record depths of each mineral horizon using the surface of mineral soil as a zero point. For each
preliminary mineral horizon, perform the following determinations and the data of each horizon:

Horizon name Depth (cm) Color (Munsell) Structure Stability

Ap 0-17 cm 10 YR 3/6 Dark Sub-angular Low
Yellowish Brown blocky structure
BA 17-39 cm 10 YR 3/6 Dark Sub-angular Medium
Yellowish Brown blocky structure
Btg 39-95 cm 10 YR 5/4 Angular blocky High
Yellowish Brown structure
Cg >95 cm 10 YR Yellowish Sub-angular Low
Brown structure

Horizon Name

[1] Ap- Plowing (Indicating the disturbance of the surface layer by cultivation, this symbol is used)

[2] BA- Transitional Horizon (Two Horizon combined in this case B Horizon is more dominant than A
Horizon)

[3] Btg- t stands for clay and g stands for gleying (It has dull, grayish colors with chroma that's usually
less than or equal to 2. Within 50 cm of the soil surface, there is a prominent mottling present. This
suggests that there is permanent or periodic intense reduction taking place).

[4] Cg- g stands for Gleying (very poorly drained soils where colors are grayish due to the presence of
reduced iron).

Color (Munsell)

[1,2] Yellowish Brown (10YR 5/4) loamy sand; weak fine angular blocky structure; few fine roots; 3%
gravel; medium acid; clear wavy boundary.
[3,4] Dark Yellowish Brown (10 YR 3/6) moderate darkness (value of 3) and moderate to relatively
high saturation (chroma of 6).

Structure

[1,2] Sub-Angular Blocky Structure- The presence of distinct block-like shapes

with more dull edges.
[1] Ap Horizon
[3] Angular Blocky Structure- The soil particles form block-
like or polyhedral structures with sharp edges and corners.

[4] Sub-Angular Structure- The soil particles are

grouped into larger, block-like structures with slightly [2] BA Horizon
rounded edges.

Stability

[1,4] Low Stability- Soil particles tend to join in groups to withstand

external forces or disturbances. These particles may break apart
due to erosion, compaction, loss of organic matter, or [3] Btg Horizon
poor soil structure.

[2] Medium Stability- Soil with medium stability can withstand

moderate erosive forces and retain its porous structure, allowing
for the passage of air and water.

[3] High Stability- The ability to endure external forces like water or wind without breaking apart or
disintegrating is crucial. It is essential to have sturdy and well-formed aggregates that can withstand
external disturbances to enhance soil structure and overall soil health.

In Mabini Campus of the University of Southeastern Philippines is located near a river, leading to the
presence of alluvial deposits in the soil. These deposits are formed as a result of the material
deposited by rivers and typically consist of loose clay, silt, sand, or gravel. Alluvial deposits are known
to contain organic matter and soil particles, and their characteristics such as color and porosity can vary
depending on location and other factors.

The process of identifying soil texture through the feel method is a straightforward and efficient one.
To begin with, create a ball by compressing damp soil and observing how it reacts. Next, shape another
portion of moist soil into a ribbon, taking note of its length and consistency. Lastly, assess the soil's
texture by rubbing it between the fingers, determining whether it feels gritty, smooth, or sticky.

When examining gray soil in a particular layer, there could be various reasons for it. One possible
explanation could be the presence of iron compounds that have undergone reduction, leading to a
change in the soil's color to gray. When soil becomes waterlogged, it does not get enough oxygen,
leading to anaerobic conditions. This lack of oxygen reduces the iron in the soil, forming compounds
that look gray. Waterlogged conditions may also cause deficient drainage and mineral leaching, which
can make the soil appear gray. This is the formation of a weak B horizon. Red soil is typically produced
due to oxidized minerals, particularly iron, in the soil. As a result of oxidation, the soil appears either red
or yellow. Conversely, soil that lacks proper drainage and oxygen and is waterlogged may have colors
such as grey, green, or bluish-grey due to the process of gleization. The colors in such soil result from
iron forming in a reduced state. Therefore, if the soil appears red, it is unlikely to be waterlogged.

On the other hand, Illuviation is a natural process that involves the deposition of accumulated materials
in lower soil horizons, which are leached or washed down from the upper horizons. This process is
commonly observed in the B Horizon of the soil, where the soil texture ranges from sand to clay. The
materials deposited during Illuviation can include organic matter, minerals, and other nutrients that can
influence the fertility and composition of the soil.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The activity conducted on the soil profiling classification at the Mabini Campus of the
University of Southeastern Philippines was comprehensive. It provided detailed insights into the distinct
soil profiles in the surveyed area. The analysis examined different soil horizons, from the surface (Ap)
to the deeper (Cg). The study revealed a discernible color, structure, and stability pattern across varied
horizons. Ap and BA horizons analysis showed a consistent 10YR 3/6 Dark Yellowish-Brown hue with
sub-angular blocky structures, indicating moderate stability. On further investigation, the Btg horizon
shifted to a 10YR 5/4 Yellowish Brown color with angular blocky designs, suggesting heightened
strength. The Cg horizon beyond the 95 cm mark displayed a 10YR Yellowish Brown color, with a sub-
angular structure and lower stability.

The proximity of the adjacent river caused alluvial deposits, which were evidenced by the
composition of the soil. Within the soil, there was a complex interplay of waterlogging, oxidation, and
reduction processes, which were indicated by the different soil colors observed, such as grey, red, and
yellow. The deposition of leached materials was emphasized by the pronounced illuviation
characteristics of the B Horizon. This deposition likely had an impact on the soil's composition and
fertility.

The activity employed a non-invasive sampling approach to preserve the soil's natural state
and facilitate meticulous, horizon-by-horizon analysis. However, the study recognized the subjective
nature of visual assessments and the potential for varied interpretations, underlining the need for
complementary chemical analyses to validate and augment the findings. The findings have significant
implications for agricultural planning and environmental management, stressing the importance of
tailored strategies that account for the diverse soil compositions at various depths. The study's findings
provide valuable information for agricultural and environmental planning, emphasizing the need for
customized strategies to maximize the potential of the soil in the surveyed area.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, our methodology has been extensively tested and has demonstrated
remarkable efficacy in maintaining the integrity of our samples while also uncovering detailed insights
into our subject matter. Nevertheless, we can further improve the accuracy and precision of our
discoveries by carrying out additional chemical analyses that can provide different layers of confirmation
and validation of our findings. The significance of our findings extends beyond our laboratory, as they
have far-reaching implications for our region's agricultural policies and environmental stewardship. Our
paper underscores the pressing need for innovative solutions that account for the unique soil
compositions that we have discovered.
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