- Landscapes around the world are composed of many different types of soils. Scientists recognize about 70,000 soil types in the United States alone.
- Paul Reich/USDA NRCS
Earth’s Skin Types
Scientists group soils based on the arrangement and properties of soil layers or horizons. Soils of the same type share horizons with similar properties such as color, texture, types of minerals, and organic content. American soil scientists recognize twelve basic types of soil. These twelve soil orders occur around the globe.
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