A factual key for the recognition of Australian soils 4th edition (Book)
This book, written by CSIRO’s Keith Northcote, was the primary soil classification system in Australia until it was largely superseded by the Australian Soil Classification (ASC) in the late 1990s. Unlike earlier systems, Northcote’s key is based entirely on soil profile morphology (physical characteristics observable in the field) rather than inferences about how the soil formed. Soils are identified by alphanumeric codes (e.g., Dr4.21) that describe key attributes like texture, colour, and structure. The key provided the technical framework for the Atlas of Australian Soils, which remains a critical digital resource for national soil data. While the Australian Soil Classification is now the official national standard, this book is still referenced in historical land surveys and ecological studies. Digital conversion tables such as the CSIRO Correlation Tables exist to translate Northcote’s PPF codes into modern ASC orders. This resource is included in the collection for its historical value. As a historical publication, it may contain information or practices that are outdated, no longer considered best practice, or inconsistent with current legislation or scientific understanding. Copies of this edition can still be found in university libraries or from specialty used book sellers (124 pages).#
This is a carefully curated database of important soil resources. The data base is not exhaustive but rather a library of the resources we believe are the most useful for the audience. Each resource has been added after careful consideration against our selection criteria, including but not limited to its scientific validity, accessibility, and readability. The library generally does not include most academic research papers but may include some open-source papers written in accessible English.
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SSA reminds users that these resources are a guide only. Our understanding of soil science is improving continuously so it is important to check the suitability of the information for your purpose with an appropriately qualified professional such as a Registered Soil Professional or a Certified Professional Soil ScientistÂ
