Along with soil science, pedology is a specialty within soil science that focuses on studying soils taking into account the particularities of each natural environment.
Pedology is, like pedology , a branch of soil science , a discipline that in turn is included within the so-called Earth sciences . In the case of pedology , by focusing on how each soil is classified and formed in the natural environment, it is possible to establish a connection or proximity with issues specific to geography .
The origins of this field of study date back to ancient times and find Russia as the driving force. There the scientist Mikhail Lomonosov came to present the soil, although without distinguishing between geological strata, as a territory subject to evolution. Later, the geographer Vasily Dokuchayev delved into the geography linked to the soil . The year 1883 was passing when this expert released a report focused on research he carried out on chernozem soil . In this framework, Dokuchayev used the principles associated with soil morphology , deployed cartography rules and drew up a scientific categorization. Seasons later, he implemented the geographical notion that conceives soil as the portion of land influenced by microorganisms and organisms of different species, vegetation, non-living beings, air and water. From their point of view, it is necessary and vital to address the soil as a consequence of the interactions recorded between the bedrock , the climate , the fauna , the flora , the paleogeography and the geomorphology .
As time went by, there were other scientists working to learn more about what and what soil is like.
Evolution of pedology
The contributions, conclusions and findings of Konstantin Glinka and his colleague Sergei Neustroyev have also been key to the evolution of pedology . Likewise, the work of the North American Curtis F. Marbut was transcendental, translating into English a text by the aforementioned Glinka , exploring pedogenesis and proposing a soil classification based on main orders and five other categories.
Closer to the current era, geomorphology was enriched with the contributions of geographers such as the Frenchman Jean Tricart , data of interest within biogeography was accumulated and it was possible to reach more and better conclusions as attention was paid to the hydrology and how human actions are responsible for both soil erosion and the use of soil, its quality and its sustainable use.
Soil types
For many years there have been specialists inspecting and investigating different landscapes in order to know more and more about the multiple types of existing soil .
Far back in time, for example, lateritic soil was included (that which is typical of a warm region in which iron abounds and where, in the upper layer of the soil, weathering is evident that is responsible for the scabs of lateritic character that appears in it) within the set of zonal soils .
There are scientists who study, for example, what the quality of the soil is like and the particularities that it presents in a forest.
The alluvial soil , for its part, has remained within the so-called azonal soils , while the intrazonal soils include, to indicate a specific case by way of reference, the saline soil .
It is useful to know, simultaneously, that there is, promoted by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, a classification of soils on a global scale. This map provides generalities of pedogenesis that have served as a continental record although it has not satisfied the needs and expectations at the local level. For this reason, at the end of the '90s , this organization was replaced with the World Reference Base for Soil Resources , a base that has been updated and became the international standard guide. The most recent version lists, among other groups, soils whose rooting is limited, soils that show traces of intense human influence, and territories that present organic layers of considerable thickness.
Importance of pedology
The importance of pedology lies in the large amount of information it offers about each soil . This is especially valuable data for those dedicated to agriculture and land management , among other activities.
At the same time, the pedologist 's knowledge is useful when carrying out territorial planning, taking advantage of the soil as a resource and establishing both preventive and corrective measures against soil degradation . In this regard, it is worth remembering that it is essential to guarantee the conservation of the soil and work in a responsible and committed manner in order to make it a sustainable use.
Droughts and floods are part of the problems that affect (and ruin) soils in different corners of the world.
Of course, whatever the particularities of a surface, we must always (and without exception) promote care and respect for the environment and biodiversity . At an individual level, it is enough to minimize the actions that exacerbate climate change and unbalance the planet; On a global scale, governments must prevent, combat and sanction destructive practices such as deforestation and soil pollution and encourage, through different policies, sustainability , environmental education , reforestation , etc.