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Chapter 18: Problem 3

Define polypedon and pedon, the basic units of soil.

Short Answer

Expert verified
A 'pedon' is the smallest unit used to describe and analyze the soil and has all characteristics of the soil type. A 'polypedon', however, is a group of similar 'pedons', representing a specific soil individual.

Step by step solution

01

Defining Pedon

A 'pedon' is the smallest unit that soil scientists use to describe and analyze the soil. It's a three-dimensional concept and has all the characteristics of the soil type. Imagine it as a small, representative sample of the soil profile, typically measuring 1m x 1m across and deep enough to include all horizons from the surface to the unweathered parent material.
02

Defining Polypedon

On the other hand, a 'polypedon' is a group of similar 'pedons'. It is a larger soil unit that accounts for variations within the soil. Hence, it can be thought of as a soil individual or 'soil body', being large enough to have all the characteristics of a specific soil.
03

Distinguishing Between Pedon and Polypedon

The key difference is their size and representativeness. A 'pedon' represents a tiny fraction of the soil, while a 'polypedon' is more extensive, consisting of many similar 'pedons' and is used to represent complete soil individual.

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