The Twelve Soil Orders - Definition, Description (2024)

Definition

Soil scientists classify soils into groups much as biologists group plants and animals. Individual soils are grouped into series, series into families, and so on until the largest grouping is reached—that of orders.

How many orders does the soil have?

The United States Department of Agriculture recognizes 12 soil orders.

12 Soil Orders

All of the soils in the world can be assigned to one of just 12 soil orders: Gelisols, Histosols, Andisols, Oxisols, Vertisols, Alfisols, Aridisols, Inceptisols, Entisols, Mollisols, Spodosols, Ultisols.

What is the importance of knowing the 12 soil orders?

Soil Taxonomy is a soil classification system developed by the United States Department of Agriculture’s soil survey staff. This system is based on measurable and observable soil properties and was designed to facilitate detailed soil survey.

Soil orders and their characteristics

Gelisols

Soils of very cold climates that contain permafrost within 2 meters of the surface. These soils are limited geographically to the high-latitude polar regions and localized areas at high mountain elevations. Because of the extreme environment in which they are found, Gelisols support only ~0.4% of the world’s population – the lowest percentage of any of the soil orders.

Histosols

Soils that are composed mainly of organic materials. They contain at least 20-30% organic matter by weight and are more than 40 cm thick. Bulk densities are quite low, often less than 0.3 g cm3.

Andisols

Soils that have formed in volcanic ash or other volcanic ejecta. They differ from those of other orders in that they typically are dominated by glass and short-range-order colloidal weathering products such as allophane, imogolite, and ferrihydrite.

Oxisols

Very highly weathered soils that are found primarily in the intertropical regions of the world. These soils contain few weatherable minerals and are often rich in Fe and Al oxide minerals. Oxisols occupy ~7.5% of the global ice-free land area. In the US, they only occupy ~0.02% of the land area and are restricted to Hawaii.

Vertisols

Clay-rich soils that shrink and swell with changes in moisture content. During dry periods, the soil volume shrinks, and deep wide cracks form. The soil volume then expands as it wets up. This shrink/swell action creates serious engineering problems and generally prevents formation of distinct, well-developed horizons in these soils.

Alfisols

These gray to brown soils over clay subsoil are among the most fertile and productive soils in the country. They may require the addition of lime. Fertilizers and irrigation during dry periods will increase yields.

Aridisols

Soils are dry for long periods with only short periods of wetness, which reduces leaching and may allow accumulation of soluble salts. Arid conditions reduce plant growth and therefore also organic content. When irrigated and fertilized, soils may be very productive.

Inceptisols

Usually wet during the growing season, these young soils are greatly variable. They often produce well when amended.

Entisols

Soils of recent origin. The central concept is soils developed in unconsolidated parent material with usually no genetic horizons except an A horizon. All soils that do not fit into one of the other 11 orders are Entisols. Thus, they are characterized by great diversity, both in environmental setting and land use.
Many Entisols are found in steep, rocky settings. However, Entisols of large river valleys and associated shore deposits provide cropland and habitat for millions of people worldwide.

Mollisols

These dark, fertile soils of grasslands and some hardwood forests are relatively high in humus and nitrogen. They are highly productive but may need lime to correct acidity.

Spodosols

With a high sand content, these soils are usually moist and moderately to strongly acidic. Add lime and fertilizers.

Ultisols

Soils of humid warm regions, ultisols are often acidic and heavily weathered. When managed well, they can be very productive. Fertilizing and liming are needed.