Taxonomical Classification and Genesis of Yongheung Series in Jeju Island

This study was conducted to reclassify Yongheung series based on the second edition of Soil Taxonomy and to discuss the formation of Yongheung series in Jeju Island. Morphological properties of typifying pedon of Yongheung series were investigated and physico-chemical properties were analyzed according to Soil Survey Laboratory Methods Manual. The typifying pedon contains 3.2~3.4% oxalate extractable (Al + 1/2 Fe), less than 85% phosphate retention, and higher bulk density than . That can not be classified as Andisol. But it has an argillic horizon from a depth of 15 to 150 cm and a base saturation (sum of cations) of less than 35% at 125 cm below the upper boundary of the argillic horizon. That can be classified as Ultisol, not as Andisol or Alfisol. The typifying pedon has 0.9 % or more organic carbon in the upper 15 cm of the argillic horizon and accordingly, can be classified as Humult. It has a clay distribution in which the percentage of clay does not decrese from its maximum amount by 20% or more within a depth of 150 cm from the mineral soil surface, and keys out as Palehumult. Also that meets the requirements of Typic Palehumult. That has 35 % or more clay at the particle-size control section and has mesic soil temperature regime. Yongheung series can be classified as fine, mixed, thermic family of Typic Palehumults, not as fine, mixed, thermic family of Typic Hapludalfs. Most soils distributed in the southern coastal areas in Jeju island which have a humid climate are developed as Andisols. But Yongheung series distributed in this areas and derived from mainly trachyte, trachytic andesite, and volcanic ash are developed as Ultisols.