Evaluation of Pedological Development through Field Morphology Rating System

A field morphology rating system has been used to evaluate pedological development of soils occurring on different landforms of granite-gneissic landscape of Chhotanagpur plateau of West Bengal. Relative horizon distinctness (RHD) ratings in these soils varied widely and ranged from 1 to 19. RHD values of young undifferentiated soils varied according to colour, consistence and coarse fragment content whereas the same for older well developed soils varied according to colour, texture, structure, consistence and the presence of clay films in the profile. Relative profile development (RPD) ratings of the younger soils developed on unstable landforms were low and maximum values were observed in the A horizon, while the values were higher in the soils developed on stable landforms and maximum values were at the B horizons.