Analysis of Agronomic Categories in Different Soil Texture Classification Systems

Abstract

Different soil texture classification systems are used in Poland. The system most widely used in agriculture is named after Polish Soil Science Society (PSSS) and is described in the soil classification norm BN-78/9180-11 (BN1978 standard). The last edition of soil classification system and soil texture classes published by PSSS in 2008 (PSSS 2008 classification) is different from BN1978 standard. The aim of this paper is a quantitative and qualitative comparison of the compatibility of agronomic categories created according to the old textural classes (BN1978 standard) and the new textural classes (PSSS 2008 classification). The representative set of soil samples (n=316) for arable mineral soils in Poland were divided into agronomic categories according to these two soil classification systems. The agronomic categories, which comply with soil classification systems PSSS 1978 are widely used in agricultural advisory. The results of the study showed differences in the amount of soil samples classified for the corresponding agronomic category. The study also showed discrepancies in the fine particle (<0.02 mm) and colloidal fraction (<0.002 mm) content in the corresponding categories. The differences may affect the assessment of soil fertility in nutrients(abundance) such as potassium, magnesium and of soil liming needs, as well as appropriate determination of fertiliser doses.