great soil group: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (Specialist)Formal Technical
Quick answer
What does “great soil group” mean?
A major classification unit for soils in a soil classification system, based on broad similarities in soil-forming processes, parent material, climate, and resulting profile characteristics.
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Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A major classification unit for soils in a soil classification system, based on broad similarities in soil-forming processes, parent material, climate, and resulting profile characteristics.
In soil science and geography, a high-level taxonomic category grouping together soil types that share fundamental morphological and genetic features. It serves as a primary organizational framework for mapping and understanding global soil distribution.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Terminology is largely identical and standardized in academic soil science. Historical classification systems (e.g., the 1938 USDA system) used this term, which is still understood globally. Modern US systems (Soil Taxonomy) use 'order', while the British-influenced World Reference Base uses 'reference soil groups'. However, 'great soil group' remains a recognized historical and pedagogical term in both regions.
Connotations
Carries a slightly historical or pedagogical connotation, as it was a cornerstone of earlier 20th-century classification systems. In current research, more specific modern terms are often preferred.
Frequency
Very low frequency in general language. Used almost exclusively in soil science textbooks, historical literature, and some geographical descriptions. Frequency is comparable in UK and US academic contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “great soil group” in a Sentence
The [Podzol] is a great soil group.Soils are classified into several great soil groups.The great soil group known as [Chernozem] is highly fertile.Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used. Might appear in highly technical agricultural investment or environmental consulting reports.
Academic
Primary context. Used in soil science, physical geography, geology, agriculture, and environmental science textbooks and papers.
Everyday
Never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
The exclusive domain of use. Precise, classificatory term in pedology (soil science).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “great soil group”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “great soil group”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “great soil group”
- Using it as an uncountable noun (e.g., 'great soil group is important' without an article).
- Confusing it with more specific local soil names (e.g., calling a specific clay 'a great soil group').
- Misspelling as 'great soil groupe'.
- Using in non-scientific contexts where 'type of soil' would be appropriate.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In advanced soil science research, it is considered a historical term from early-to-mid-20th-century classification systems. Modern systems like US Soil Taxonomy use 'orders', and the World Reference Base uses 'reference soil groups'. However, it is still very common in textbooks and foundational geography courses.
Yes, classic examples include Podzols (acidic, forest soils with a leached layer), Chernozems (deep, black grassland soils high in organic matter), Laterites (highly weathered tropical soils rich in iron and aluminium oxides), and Gleysols (waterlogged soils).
'Great soil group' is a specific, high-level taxonomic category within a formal classification system. 'Soil type' is a more general, non-technical term that can refer to any level of soil categorization, from very broad (like 'sandy soil') to very local.
Here, 'great' means 'major', 'principal', or 'large-scale'. It indicates that these are the primary, overarching categories in the classification hierarchy, not minor subdivisions.
A major classification unit for soils in a soil classification system, based on broad similarities in soil-forming processes, parent material, climate, and resulting profile characteristics.
Great soil group is usually formal technical in register.
Great soil group: in British English it is pronounced /ˌɡreɪt ˈsɔɪl ɡruːp/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌɡreɪt ˈsɔɪl ɡruːp/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'great' (major, large) 'group' (category) of 'soils' that are alike, just like a 'great band' is a major category of musicians with a similar style.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOIL CLASSIFICATION IS TAXONOMY (like biology). A 'great soil group' is akin to an 'order' or 'class' in the Linnaean system for plants and animals.
Practice
Quiz
What is a 'great soil group' primarily used for?