This guide on "Simplified Keys to Soil Series" has been developed for easier field identification of soils. It contains the different colors, textures, pH and other observable characteristics of the most common soils of Bataan and contains four simple steps to identify the soil range right in the field. In the Philippines, the project “Simplifying the Philippine Soil Series for Rice and Maize” began in 2005 under the Nutrient Management Support System (NuMASS) to provide management recommendations for soils identified in the field.
We thank the farmers, agricultural technologists, and municipal and provincial farmers for helping us validate the soil series. "Simplified Keys to Soil Series" is a tool to identify soil series in the field by following simple steps for use by farmers, extension workers, agricultural technologists, researchers and other stakeholders. Selection of knowledge and technologies could also be easy and effective with identification of soil series.
For example, because some soil series behave similarly, management practices and technology appropriate for known soil names are expected to be adaptable within the same soil series in different regions. Using only five basic soil properties (colour, texture, pH, coarse particles and patches) at a depth of 30-50 cm and following simple steps provided, it was possible to identify the soil type in the field. Each floor series has its own characteristic color that makes it different from other series (see page 26).
Use the Simplified Keys to Soil Series Guide and compare all soil properties from color to soil series name identification.
Strong/Yellowish Brown
Dark Gray
Gray
Grayish Brown
An old soil that has undergone extensive weathering with illuvial accumulation of clay in the subsurface horizons from the overlying horizon (-alf, Alfisol). It is a representative of the large group Paleustalf (pale, red soil) with low nutrient retention in its argillic horizon or upper 100 cm depth (kandic). Soil type: Loam Area: 4,023 ha Family: Fine loamy, isohyperthermal, Typical Kanhaplustalf An old soil that has undergone extensive weathering with illuvial accumulation of clay in the subsurface horizons from the overlying horizon (-alf, Alfisol).
Soil Type: Fine Sand/River Mud Area: 9,170 Family: Rare, Mixed, Isohyperthermic, Typical Psamma- This is a sandy textured soil (psamm-) with isohyperthermic temperature regime (>22°C. It is young with easy development.which properties are mainly determined by the parent materials (-ent, Entisol) Physical qualities of the soil relief Almost flat Water retention Low to moderate drainage Good internal drainage, poor.
Soil Type: Silty Loam/Fine Sandy Loam Area: 8,972 Family: Fine loamy, iso-hyperthermic Air-endoaquept A soil that is in the initial development to a mature soil (-ept, Inceptisol) formed from older alluvial deposits. It is a representative of the large group of Endoaquept saturated with water for repeated periods, manifested by the presence of specks (aqu-), but not as wet as the typical. Soil Type: Fine Sandy Loam Area: 234 Family: Fine Loamy, Mixed, Isohyperthermal, Typically Haplus- An old soil that has undergone extensive weathering but has retained a high base status in its horizon (-alf, Alfisol) and that exhibits minimum complexity in its horizon (hapl-).
It is also a synthesis of soil fertility conditions, water control, plant species, tillage, pest control and physical environment (Bainroth, 1978: Badayos, 1990). In economic terms, it is a measure of the amount of inputs of factors of production required to correct soil constraints in order to achieve a given level of production. Inherent productivity is the natural ability of the soil to produce a given crop, while potential refers to the ability of the soil to produce after correctable soil limitations have been removed.
For example, the maximum potential yield in the dry season is 8 tons/ha, and the inherent and potential productivity figures for the La Paz series are 0.48 and 0.58, respectively.
CROP
APPENDIX 1. STEPS TO IDENTIFY SOIL SERIES
The soil surface is not a good source of the samples as it is always disturbed and tilled. Soil color is an indirect measure of other properties such as drainage, aeration and organic matter content. If it is dry, you must determine a moist color by adding enough water to the soil sample.
Compare the color of the soil sample with the soil color group found in the guide book. Place ball of soil between thumb and forefinger, press the soil lightly with the thumb, press it upwards into a ribbon. Let the ribbon come out and stretch over the index finger, breaking under its own weight.
Match the color of the solution on top of the soil to the corresponding color chart of the color of the pH indicator used.
APPENDIX 2. THE PALAYCHECK ® SYSTEM
Glossary
Salinity - the salinity or dissolved salt content (such as sodium chloride, magnesium and calcium sulfates, and bicarbonates) in soil. Soil drainage – refers to the frequency and duration of periods of saturation in the soil. Soil family - a group of soils within a subgroup that have similar physical and chemical properties that influence their responses to management and manipulation for use.
Soil profile – includes the collection of all genetic horizons, natural organic layers at the surface, and parent material or other subsoil layers that influence soil genesis and behavior. Soil series - a group of soils with similar profiles developed from similar parent materials under comparable climatic and vegetative conditions. Soil taxonomy - hierarchy of classes that allow one to understand the relationships between soils and also between soils and the factors responsible for their character.
Soil texture - refers to the relative proportions of the different size groups of individual soil grains in a soil mass. Specifically, it refers to the proportions of clay, silt and sand below 2 millimeters in diameter. Soil water retention – the ability of the soil to retain water to provide a continuous supply of water to the plants between periods of recharge (infiltration) to allow their continued growth and survival.
The width (average or average width and maximum width) of cracks on the surface is shown in centimeters. Pumice - a rock composed of finer types of volcanic debris usually melted by heat. Workability / slope - the ease of cultivation of the soil in relation to the structure, texture, presence of coarse fragments and relief.
We thank the Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM) for the secondary data for the soil types used in this guide.
