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Cyclic Variations and the Pedon¹

ABSTRACT

The applicability of utilizing a half-cycle width as a pedon limit for soils having cyclic horizon variations is analysed using a sine curve as a model. The low probabilities of success associated with the half-cycle limit, even when accepting ranges less than the total observed vertical variation, indicates a practical width limit of approximately 0.8 cycle.

A method for determining the width of a pedon necessary to include an acceptable range of horizon variability is given. Included in the method is a visual technique for estimating some pragmatic limits of variations of horizon thicknesses. This method of determining pedon widths is illustrated using a hypothetical soil cross section.

Some implications of determining pedon size for soils having cyclic horizons are intermittent or cyclic and recur at linear intervals of about 1.3 to 4.3 m. the pedon should include 80 to 90% of the vartical horizon variability and have lateral dimensions of approximately 0.8 of a cycle.

¹ Contribution from Department of Soil Science, Ontario Agricultural College, Guelph, Ontario, Can.

² Assistant Professor of Soils.

Received for publication February 26, 1964. Accepted for publication August 4, 1964.