The Evolution and Classification of Soils

Contents: Author\'s preface to the German edition. Translator\'s note. Introduction. 1. Weathering. 2. Action of the water circulating in the soil: i. Local soils. 3. The action of organisms on the soil. 4. The classification of soils: i. Arid and humid zones. ii. Classification and boundaries of the climatic soil zones. 5. The climatic soil zones: i. The soils of cold zones. ii. The soils of the cool-temperate zones and regions. iii. Local soils of the Northern bleached earths. iv. The brown earths. v. The semi-arid soils of the temperate zones. vi. Saline or Alkali soils. vii. Sub-tropical soils. vii. The soils of the tropics. 6. Summary of the classification of soils: i. Notes and references. Subject index. Author index.

"The following is an attempt to summarise the fundamental facts of the formation of soils, to consider the close connection between climate and soils in greater detail, to indicate how soils are related to one another and so lead up to a classification of soils types, a system of soils, which on a true scientific basis.

All types of soils may be arranged in these three groups:

Climate Soils Zones and Regions. The soils have peculiarities in common which display by the climate.
Local Soils. Within the climatic soil zones the local soils form sub-division which display varying properties determined by special influences (parent rock, water conductivity, texture, situation, etc.)
Soils influenced by organisms.

The first two groups are alone suitable for the preparation of soil maps, since these are lasting influences to which the soil is subjected.

Whereas other branches of scientific investigation have been independent for a long time, soil science has still to fight for recognition. Its heaviest burden is its present dependence on agricultural chemistry, which, primarily an applied sciences, has to subserve practical purposes." (jacket)