Jordartene

Jordartene are the various types of soil found in landscapes, defined by their mineral and organic composition, texture, structure, chemistry, and formation history. They influence water movement, nutrient availability, and suitability for plants and land use.

Soils form through pedogenesis, driven by parent material, climate, living organisms, relief, and time. Over long periods, horizons develop that reflect processes such as weathering, leaching, accumulation of organic matter, and mineral illuviation, producing sequences that vary between locations.

Classification relies on several criteria: texture (proportions of sand, silt, clay), drainage and water-holding capacity, pH and fertility, and mineralogy. National and regional schemes in Norway classify jordarter for land-use planning, while international systems such as WRB and USDA Soil Taxonomy provide common terminology. Common examples include sandy soils, loamy soils, clayey soils, and organic or peat soils.

Relevance: knowledge of jordarter informs agriculture, forestry, construction, and environmental management. It guides crop selection, irrigation and drainage design, liming or organic amendment needs, erosion control, and habitat conservation. Soil maps and surveys document jordarter distribution and help monitor soil health and land-use change.