Reassessment of the anthropogenic soils classification of Slovakia in the light of the newest knowledge

Abstract

Problem of adequate and correct description and classification of anthropogenic soils occurs very often and can result in very different approaches in many countries. Two groups of anthropogenic soils (cultivated and technogenic) are the subject of our reassessment in terms of soil classification principles, distinguishing criteria, and ordination into the soil reference groups. The issue of re-evaluation of the current system of anthropogenic soils of the Morphogenetic Soil Classification (MSCS 2014) is observed in coincidence with anthropogenic Soil Reference Groups in the World Reference Base for Soil Resources (WRB 2015). Both observed groups are differentiated by cultivated horizon(s) (in the MSCS “in-situ” developed soil material) affected by permanent cultivation and by anthropogenic horizon(s) (in the MSCS “ex-situ” developed soil material) made from technical human activities. In the new prepared version of anthropogenic soil classification in Slovakia there is a need to highlight newly defined diagnostic horizons and properties including anthropogenic substrata, to facilitate better development and refinement of classification criteria. Cultivated horizon is well-known described horizon in many scientific references, and no substantial changes are required. The real problem lies in technogenic soil types and their transient subtypes. Several improvements in technogenic soil diagnostics, including a new artefact percentage proposal have been proposed, as well human transported and altered material (HTAM). Some correlations with similar systems of anthropogenic soil were made and discussed.

Keywords: anthropogenic soil classification, diagnostics, cultivated soils, technogenic soils, WRB 2015, MSCS 2014