Mineraljordarter

Mineraljordarter refers to the classification system of mineral soils based on their physical and chemical characteristics. The term is frequently used in Scandinavian soil science and relates closely to the European Soil Reference and Description System (ESRD), which groups soils into major and minor orders. Mineral soils are distinguished from organic soils by the presence of humus‐free layers of mineral material that dominate the surface horizon.

The primary division of mineral soils follows texture and genesis. Textural categories use sand, silt, and clay proportions, establishing coarse, medium, and fine classifications. Genesis groups use terms such as aeolian, glacial, alluvial, and colluvial, reflecting processes that formed the parent material. Soil structure, color, and drainage are subsequently recorded, often using the USDA soil classification scheme or the WRB (World Reference Base for Soil Resources) for international consistency.

In Sweden, mineral jordarter are used for land‑use planning, agriculture, and forestry. Soil maps at a 1:20,000 scale show the distribution of different mineral jordarter across the country, aiding in the assessment of soil fertility, erosion risk, and suitability for specific crops. Researchers continue to refine the classification by integrating new data from proxy indicators such as pH, bulk density, and organic matter content.

Overall, mineraljordarter provide a standardized framework that aligns local Swedish soil science with broader European and global soil classification efforts, supporting sustainable land management and environmental protection.