Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
often hampered in other classiÝcation systems by hierarchical rules (permitting only a very limited
number of predeÝned names per hierarchical level).
¤ The adaptation of soil classiÝcation systems to soil map legends in smaller scale maps rather than
the reverse. When soil map legends are based on soil classiÝcation criteria alone, the natural context
of their occurrence in a landscape is sometimes lost, and the resulting maps have units with
boundaries that have little relationship to the environment in which they occur (Soil map of Rwanda,
AGCD, personal communication). The linkage between the scale of the soil map and the hierar-
chical level of the soil classiÝcation used puts a further burden on the transfer of information. A
SOTER-like approach largely avoids this problem, and WRB would be the ideal tool to classify
the soil proÝles characterizing the SOTER units.
¤A better deÝnition and characterization of anthropogenic horizons to deal with Anthrosols that are
growing at a faster rate than any other soil group because of population growth and continued
intensiÝcation of agriculture. Concurrently, more marginal lands are brought under cultivation,
changing forever the characteristics of the soils and hence their nomenclature and classiÝcation.
¤
Much greater attention paid to topsoil characterization and to subsoil physical soil characteristics
than has been the case in the past, if soil information is to be taken seriously by agricultural users,
environmental planners, and engineers.
¤
Incorporation of certain ÑfamilyÒ level criteria of Soil Taxonomy. It is suggested that the texture
and mineralogy classes, as presently deÝned, should be tested in a WRB context.
Future developments of the global SOTER database would include the following:
¤A correlation of all soil proÝles present in the database with the WRB soil correlation system.
¤A review of the physiographic elements incorporating new data and techniques related to DEM.
¤A completed harmonized World SOTER database to be presented at the 18
th
IUSS Congress in
2006.
None of the above developments will lead anywhere without a general revival of awareness
among users that soil information does make a difference in economic terms for the projects in
which they are involved.
CONCLUSION
The FAO Legend for the Soil Map of the World has evolved over time, and its ideas are presently
incorporated into the World Reference Base for Soil Resources, a universal soil correlation system
endorsed by the IUSS.
The application of WRB to the global SOTER database and the completion of this database is
a task presently undertaken by FAO and ISRIC with the assistance of many international and
national organizations. Progress has been adequate, but has slowed because of a lack of resources
to Ýnalize large areas in South and Southeast Asia and West and Central Africa.
In the foreseeable future, the Global SOTER database will replace the FAO/UNESCO Soil Map
of the World.
REFERENCES
Batjes, N.H., Bridges, E.M., and Nachtergaele, F.O. 1995. World Inventory of Soil Emission Potentials:
Development of a Global Soil Database of Process Controlling Factors, in
Climatic Change and Rice.
S. Peng et al., Eds. Springer Verlag, Heidelberg, 110Ï115.
Brammer H., Antoine, J., Kassam, A.H., and van Velthuizen, H.T. 1988. Land Resources Appraisal of
Bangladesh for Agricultural Development. Report 3. Land Resources Data Base, Vol. II. Soil, Land-
form and Hydrological Database. UNDP/FAO, Rome.
