Having set an arbitrary definition of an individual soil, classification according to some preset criteria becomes possible. Sometimes it is more worthwhile to consider some intended use, in which case the classification is interpretive. A taxonomic soil classification is based solely on soil characteristics, and separations are often made on inferred soil genesis. An interpretive classification is a prediction of how soils will respond to management. Landscape characteristics like slope steepness are usually part of interpretive classifications.
Taxonomic systems depend on identifying the horizons or layers exposed in a soil profile.
Canadian System of Soil Classification, Podzolic Order, Gleysolic Order, Regosolic Order, Organic Order, ortstein layers, fragipans, Canada Land Inventory, soil horizon, humus, iron.