INTEGRAL MICROMORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF SOILS - (MICROMORPHOTYPES OF HORIZONS AND MORPHONS)

An integrated index of microstructure (micromorphotypes) is substantia ted both by the existing experience in this direction and also by the diagnostic informativeness of the microattributes which is well known to micromorphologists. In homogeneous horizons, the micromorphotypes a re horizons, whereas in inhomogeneous horizons, they are morphons. It is possible to classify the micromorphotypes according to their struct ure and frequency of occurrence in soils, which is essential for ident ifying not only individual horizons, but also soils: according to the profile spectra of micromorphotyptes of different levels. Examples are given of the micromorphotypes with typical properties.