Anthropogenic Soils Nomenclature and Soil Taxonomy.

Some anthropogenic materials in soils are very obvious. However, soil horizons without artifacts can be challenging to distinguish between natural or man-made profiles. This poster examines urban profiles and how USDA Taxonomy designations for anthropogenic material are applied in profile descriptions. To better record and communicate field observations of pedons, new standard horizon and layer designations for morphological properties and interpretative qualities of anthropogenic soil properties were introduced in the Keys to Soil Taxonomy, Tenth Addition in 2006. This allows for greater documentation and understanding of soils which are influenced by human transported material. As more soils are described in urbanized areas these symbols will be used increasingly and considered for classifications, interpretations and management. Concepts of natural and anthropogenic soils will be examined as these symbols become part of the range of characteristics. Site information is also considered in the identification of human transported or altered material.