Soil
Classification
Soil scientists
have developed a system of soil classification that is used Canada-wide,
including Alberta (Soil Classification Working Group 1998). This system has
organized the knowledge of soils in a reasonable and practical way. The classes
(or taxa) of soils are based on soil properties. It is possible to map the kinds
of soils in an area, which can provide a basis for evaluating the area for a
variety of potential uses. Nine of the ten major soil units present in Alberta
are shown below. The tenth soil unit, Vertisols, which was recently added to the
classification system, is found mainly in the Drumheller basin but covers too
small an area to be shown in the
diagram.
Department of the Environment. State of the Environment Report, Terrestrial Ecosystems. Edmonton: n.p., 2001. With permission from Alberta Environment.
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