In the new ""Keys"" the Umbric intergrade criteria was eliminated for
Inceptisols. Bob Engle presented some of the new taxonomy changes at the
MO-13 meeting in Beckley, WV in July this year and we discussed this issue.
Recently, I received a copy of a letter from Richard Mayhugh (now earth
team volunteer) that expresses some of the same concerns that I discussed
with Engle in July. If anyone would like to have a copy of Mr. Mayhugh's
letter I will be happy to fax or mail to anyone.
Facts:
1. 39 series are currently classified in the Umbric Dystrochrepts subgroup
2. Most of these series will be reclassified to Typic Dystrudepts
3. Most of these series were created to fill the gap between the former
Typic Dystrochrepts and Typic Haplumbrepts.
4. I estimate that at least 50% or more of these series are used in MLRA
130-Blue Ridge (I didn't query the data base for this--my bad)
Concerns:
Bob Engle said that this criteria could be kept at the series level. I
feel that many of these series will become less used or inactive because of
the lack of taxonomic emphasis. Many times, when presented with the choice
of 2 options, if a third option is not emphasised, it is not even
considered. Many of the series that were created to fill the dark colored
ochric epipedon (thin umbric epipedon) will be ignored or ranges of the
Typic Dystrudepts will be expanded and the ""intergrade series"" will be
essentially eliminated.
Questions:
1. With all the research on global carbon pools, carbon seuquestration,
etc. Why are we placing less emphasis on organic carbon in the soil
profile?
2. We have created new family criteria, subdivided subgroups, and split-up
so much of Soil Taxonomy in the past 10 years that Guy Smith's field based
system cannot be used effectively without a mobile laboratory. Why are we
now combining important established criteria that that can be identified in
the field (quite easily I might add).
Comments:
Mr. Richard Mayhugh suggests some very sensible ways to re-establish the
subgroups using the more consistant terminology of the new ""Keys"".
I was pleased to see that at least one other person shares my concern about
this change.
Your comments and viewpoints will be appreciated.
