SST4201 Keys To The Identification-Book

KEYS TO THE
IDENTIFICATION OF
MALAYSIAN SOILS
USING PARENT MATERIALS
S. Paramananthan
Second Edition
March 2012
Published Jointly By
PARAM AGRICULTURAL SOIL SURVEYS (M) SDN. BHD.
Co. No. 208039-H
A4-3 JALAN 17/13
46400 PETALING JAYA
SELANGOR, MALAYSIA
TEL/FAX: (603) 7960 1810, H/P: 012-363 9985
e-mail: passparam@yahoo.com, passparam@gmail.com
Keys to the Identification of Malaysian Soils Using Parent Materials Explanatory Notes
INTRODUCTION
Malaysia has a wide variety of soils. These soils have been mapped on mountainous,
hilly, rolling, undulating, level and swampy terrain. They occur at high and at low altitudes.
Both shallow moderately deep and deep soils have been recognized and mapped. Some of
these soils are organic in origin while most of them are made-up of mineral soil materials.
These soils can be well drained or poorly drained or can even be under water for long
periods of time. Malaysian soils have a variety of colours ranging from blue, to white, from
yellow to brown and to red. They can be sandy in texture without any clay or have a range of
clay contents giving rise to sandy loam, sandy clay loam, sandy clay and clay textures.
These soils can be developed over a range of parent materials.
To-date over 500 soil types have been identified in Malaysia. These different soil types
have developed over different topographic situations and over different parent materials or
rock types and alluvial deposits. The fact that Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak
used different soil classification systems further complicates the identification of these soils.
Sometimes what appears to be the same type of soil is given a different names in the three
regions. Sometimes a particular soil name describes different soil types in the different
regions.
The soil surveyors task is to map the soils in a particular area of survey. His job is
complicated and made difficult by the large number of soil types and the fact that the three
regions of Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak have yet to develop a common
classification system. In order for the soil surveyor to name the soils he is mapping, it is
important for him to be able do it correctly. For him to do this, he needs to be able to refer to
a common key for the naming the soils in the country. Increasingly soil surveyors are
mapping soils in all the three regions of Malaysia, namely Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and
Sarawak. It is therefore becoming increasingly important to have a common key for the soil
surveyors to use. The correct identification and naming of the soils is an extremely important
factor that determines the accuracy and usefulness of the map. The need for communication
and transfer of technology and research findings from one part of Malaysia to another can
only be made if all the maps are produced using a common identification key.
Objective of the Publication

This publication is the Second Edition of the Keys to the Identification of Malaysian Soils
Using Parent Materials (Paramananthan, 2010, 2011). The purpose of this publication is to
provide in a simple and concise manner the methodology to identify and name the various
soil series mapped in Malaysia. It is hope that where overlapping names occur these can be
indicated and corrective measures taken with the hope that these can be equated or
eliminated and only one name be retained. This will greatly simplify the understanding of
soils and make soil mapping more uniform and simple in Malaysia. A summary of the
characteristics of the different soil series mapped to-date in Malaysia is also given as an
Appendix. It is hoped that this publication will help to standardize the names of soil series in
Malaysia.
TYPES OF KEYS
Basically three types of Keys can be used to identify the different soil types in Malaysia.
These are:
i)
ii)
iii)
Taxonomic Keys
Identification Keys using Parent Materials
Morphological Keys
Taxonomic Keys
A taxonomic key is developed based on a taxonomic classification system. Most such
Keys use a hierarchial system where different taxonomic (often morpho-genetic) criteria are
used at different categoric levels. The Soil Taxonomy (Soil Survey Staff, 1995, 1999 and
2011) and the Malaysian Soil Taxonomy (Paramananthan, 1998, 2012) are examples of
such systems. In these systems seven categoric levels are used. An example of both these
systems is given in Table 1 below for three Malaysian soils.
Identification Keys
The second method of determining the names of soils is to use identification keys or
tables for various group of soils. In all the three regions of Malaysia, the soils have been
grouped by parent materials. The parent materials of soils can firstly be divided into broad
groups organic soils and mineral soils. Each of these broad groups are then further subdivided into smaller groups. After this multiple criteria tables are developed to differentiate
the various soil series. These types of identification tables were initially developed and used
during the reconnaissance surveys (see Tables 2, 3 and 4) and now further refined and used
in the semi-detailed surveys. For each sub-group the criteria selected for use in the
identification tables varies according to which characteristics are more important for that
particular sub-group. The main groups and sub-groups are given in Figure 1.
Table 1. Examples of the Taxonomic Systems.
Soil Taxonomy
(Soil Survey Stuff, 1999)
System
Categoric
Level
Malaysian Soil Taxonomy

(Paramananthan, 2012)
Rengam
Table
Anderson
Rengam
Table
Anderson
Ultisol
Udult
Oxisol
Udox
Histosol
Fibrist
Ultisol
Udult
Oxisol
Udox
Histosol
Gambist
Paleudult
Hapludox
Haplofibrist
Paleudult
Hapludox
Ombrogambist
Typic Paleudult
Typic Hapludox
Typic
Haplofibrist
Typic Paleudult
Typic Hapludox
Family
fine clayey
kaolinitic
isohyperthermic
clayey
oxidic
isohyperthermic
fine clayey
kaolinitic
red-yellow
isohyperthermic
clayey
oxidic
brown
isohyperthermic
Series
Rengam
Table
Rengam
Table
Phase
(example)
Rengam/red
Rengam/coarse
Table/undulating
Table/rolling
Rengam/red
Rengam/coarse
Table/undulating
Table/rolling
Order
Sub-Order
Great
Group
SubGroup
Anderson
Typic
Ombrogambist
marine-clayey
woodundecomposed
isohyperthermic
autochthonous
Anderson
Anderson/deep
Anderson/very
deep
Figure 1. Examples of Sub-Divisions of soils into Group and Sub-Groups using parent materials.
Identification keys using soil characteristics

In this system of identifying or keying out the different soil types, different soil
characteristics are used sequentially and the final soil series identified. Depending on the
sequence of characteristics used this method resembles closely the use of identification
keys using parent materials except that in the Parent Material Keys, the nature of parent
materials is given a high priority. An example of the Keys Using Soil characteristics is shown
in Figure 2.
Figure 2. Example of a Morphological Key.
KEYS TO THE
IDENTIFICATION OF
MALAYSIAN SOILS
USING PARENT MATERIALS
EXPLANATORY
NOTES
ALL SOILS
Organic or Mineral Soil Materials
The first distinction to make is to determine if the soil consists organic soil materials
and/or mineral soil materials. This definition is shown in the table and figure shown below.
Note that a soil can have both these materials within one profile.
Definition of mineral and organic soil materials
Mineral Soil Materials (MSM)
Organic Soil Materials (OSM)
1.
Are never saturated with water for more than a few

days and contain less than 20% (by weight)
organic carbon; or
1.
Are never saturated with water for more than a few

days and contain 20% or more (by weight) organic
carbon or
2.
Are saturated with water for long periods (or have

been artificially drained) and excluding live roots,
have an organic carbon content (by weight) of
2.
Are saturated with water for long periods (or

artificially drained) and, excluding live roots, have
an organic carbon content (by weight) of:
3.
a.
Less than 18% organic carbon if 60% or more

of the mineral fraction is clay; or
a.
18% or more if the mineral fraction contains

60% or more clay; or
b.
Less than 12% organic carbon if the mineral

fraction has no clay; or
b.
12% or more if the mineral fraction contains

no clay; or
c.
A proportional content of organic carbon

between 12% and 18% if the clay content of
the mineral fraction is between zero and 60%
or
c.
A proportional content of organic carbon

between 12% and 18% if the clay content of
the mineral fraction is between zero and 60%
or
Have a loss on ignition of less than 35% by

weight.
3.
Has a loss on ignition of more than 35% by weight.
Definition of organic and mineral soils materials
Next we have to decide if a soil is an organic or a mineral soil. This is done by referring
to the tables below. A few examples are also given on how to use this definition.
Organic Soils or Mineral Soils

Definition of mineral and organic soils
Mineral Soils
Organic Soils
1.
Mineral soil materials < 2 mm in diameter (fine

earth fraction) make up more than half the
cumulative thickness of the upper 100 cm (40
inches)
1.
Organic soil materials make up more than half the

cumulative thickness of the upper 100 cm (40
inches
2.
The depth to bedrock is between 50 to 100 cm

and the total thickness of the mineral horizons
taken cumulatively is equal to more than half the
depth to bedrock.
2.
The depth to bedrock is between 50 to 100 cm

and the total thickness of the organic layers taken
cumulatively is equal to more than half the depth
to bedrock.
3.
The depth to bedrock is less than 50 cm and the

total thickness of the mineral soil horizons taken
to bedrock.
3.
The depth to bedrock is less than 50 cm and the

total thickness of the organic soil layers taken
to bedrock.
Examples of mineral and organic soils
Elevation
Elevation is used to differentiate soil temperature.
The data from the few highland climatic stations and vegetation maps can be used to
determine the soil temperature regime and moisture regime of the highlands of
Malaysia (see Figs. 1 and 2).
Do not confuse Highland Soils with Steepland.
Steepland refers to land with slopes in excess of 25 or 50% slopes. Steepland can
occur at any elevation and similarly gently sloping land can also occur at any elevation.
Soil Temperature Regime

In Malaysia, we have adopted the Soil Temperature Regimes as defined in the Soil
Taxonomy (Soil Survey Staff, 1975). These are summarised in the Table below.
Soil Temperature Regimes (Soil Survey Staff, 1975)

MAST C
MSST MWST
(C)
<0
0-8
8-15
15-22
22 +
>5
Pergelic
Cryic/Frigid
Mesic
Thermic
Hyperthermic
<5
Isofrigid
Isomesic
Isothermic
Isohyperthermic
Notes:
1.
Soil temperature is measured at 50 cm or shallower
2.
MAST
MSST
MWST
3.
Frigid soil temperature regime has a mean summer temperature > 8C
=
=
=
Mean annual soil temperature

Mean summer soil temperature
Mean winter soil temperature
In Malaysia, since we are near the Tropics we have no winters and hence we have only
isotemperatures. The temperature regime depends on elevation (see Fig. 1).
SOIL MOISTURE REGIMES

Defined in terms of
groundwater level
seasonal presence/absence of water held at a tension of <1,500 kPa in the moisture

control section.
Soil moisture control section

Particle-size Class
Soil Mixture Control Section
Fine loamy or finer (>20% clay)

Coarse loamy (15-20% clay)
Sandy
10-30 cm below soil surface

Soil moisture regimes

Aquic
: This implies a reducing regime often saturated by groundwater. These soils

have horizons with a chroma of 2 or less (i.e. gray colours). In Malaysia if the
soil is organic rich but has a high watertable or is artificially drained, the
chroma can be >2 e.g. Selangor Series.
Udic
: This implies that the soil is moist in the control section for more than nine
months in the year.
Perudic
: This is a special type of udic moisture regime where the precipitation is higher
than evapotranspiration for most of the year.
Ustic
: Soil moisture control is dry but there is enough rain for three months for crops
to be grown.
In Malaysia both aquic and udic moisture regimes are common. In Malaysia generally a
month with less than 100 mm is considered a dry month. Areas north of Sg. Patani in Kedah
(including Langkawi Islnd), and Perlis State have soil moisture regimes with 1-2 dry months
(<100 mm/month) i.e. transitional between udic and ustic. Highland areas have perudic soil
moisture regimes due to high rainfall.
At high altitudes a perudic moisture regime (well drained) occurs on steep slopes. An
organic soil which is well drained can occur on such slopes due to low temperatures. At low
temperatures, the organic surface litter does not breakdown and may accumulate to form
well drained organic soils (Folists). In the depressions an aquic moisture occurs and organic
soil materials can accumulate to form poorly drained organic soils (Gambists).
KEY TO THE IDENTIFICATION

OF
HIGHLAND AND LOWLAND SOILS
(see Figure 1 and Table 1)
Areas with an elevation of >750 m or 2,250 feet are considered to have Highland Soils
as they have isothermic or cooler soil temperature regime and perudic soil moisture regime.
Areas designated as Highland Soils (elevation >750 m) are not necessarily all steepland
(slopes >25 or 50%). Similarly some areas with Lowland Soils (<750 m) can contain
steepland.
HIGHLAND SOILS
This Key (Table 1) is tentative and is not fully developed as very little soil mapping has
been done in these areas. Most of these areas are steepland.
In the identification of these soils, a broad grouping of the soils using climatic regimes
and seven parent material groups is initially made. Then the dominant soil order in each
climatic regime over the parent material group are identified. Only the soil series identified
to-date are named in this table.
LOWLAND SOILS
The subdivision of lowland soils is given in Figure 3.
Organic soils
In situ soils
Soils developed over in situ parent materials/rocks. Soils with iron-coated parent
material or lateritic gravels/stones and quartz gravels are excluded from this group.
Sub-divided according to the origin of the rock igneous rocks/sedimentary,
metamorphic calcareous rocks and tuffs.
Skeletal Soils
Soils in which the thickness of organic soil layers make up more than half the soil
to 100 cm or shallower if rocks or parent materials occur at less than 100 cm.
Sub-divided based on the thickness.
Soils with more than 35% by volume of coarse fragments (> 2 mm diameter)
forming a horizon >25 cm thick with its upper boundary within 100 cm depth.
The coarse fragments can be quartz, iron-coated parent materials or ironstone
(lateritic) in origin.
Alluvial Soils
These are soils developed over alluvial deposits.
Older alluvium: Normally occur on gently rolling or at elevations of 100 feet (>30
m). Valleys between these low hills are U shaped and broad. Colours in these
soils get paler with depth and rounded water-worn pebbles (parent material) occur
at different depths. These soils can be confused with soils over conglomerate but
in these soils colour becomes redder with depth and the valleys V-shaped.
Sub-recent non-accreting alluvium and colluvium: These soils normally occur

on gently undulating to level terrain at elevations of 50-100 feet (15-30 m).
Termite mounds are common on such terrain. These terraces are associated with
old rivers and mostly occur away from large rivers. Red mottles are common in
these soils due to a fluctuating watertable. Drainage classes and textural classes
are used to separate these soils.
Recent accreting alluvium: These are soils formed on recent floodplains of the
larger rivers. Depend on the surrounding hills mica flakes may be present.
Lithologic discontinuities are common below 50 cm depth. Manganese nodules or
specks are common in these soils. They occur on level terrain and are widely
used for wetland rice cultivation.
Beach deposits: These are deposits often referred to as Bris Soils Beach
ridges interspersed with swales. The sandy deposits often form ridges while the
swales are variable ranging from sand, clay and even organic.
Sulfidic materials/Sulfuric horizon: Marine or brackish water sediments (clays

or sands rich in iron sulfides (Fe2S) characterized by their hydrogen sulfide (rotten
eggs) smell. When these are drained the sulfides are oxidized to sulfuric acid and
yellow jarosite mottles appear and the soil pH drops to <3.5 (sulfuric horizon). To
be significant the sulfidic materials or the sulfuric horizon must occur within 100
cm of the soil surface.
Marine alluvium, estuarine and brackish water deposits: These are soils
formed on non-sulfidic deposits near the coast or adjacent to peat swamps. Like
the sulfidic materials they were waterlogged but are now drained for cultivation.
10
LOWLAND ORGANIC SOILS

The Key to the identification of lowland organic soils is given in Tables 2 and 3. The
criteria used to separate these soils is outlined in the control section and explained below.
The thickness, material in the subsurface tier/underlying substratum and reaction class are
used. The criteria used at the different categoric levels is summarised in the Table.
Thickness of Organic Soil Materials
Thick > 150 cm

Thin 50-150 cm
Ombro
Topo
Dominant materials in Subsurface Tier
Sulfuric:
Sulfidic materials:
Terric:
Sapric:
Hemic:
Typic (fibric):
Lithic:
presence of yellow jarosite mottles and pH <3.5

rich in sulfides, smell of rotten eggs
mineral soil materials
highly decomposed organic soil materials
partly decomposed organic soil materials
undecomposed organic soil materials
rock
Nature of Underlying Substratum

Reaction Class
Wood
Mode of origin
self explanatory
self explanatory
presence of >10% of logs and stage of
decomposition
allochtohonous: organic deposits which have
been transported and redeposited.
Criteria used at different categoric levels.

CATEGORIC
LEVEL
CRITERIA USED
ORDER
SUB-ORDER
Thickness of organic layer

Ombro: >150 Ombro
Topo:
50-150 Topo
Dominant in sub-surface (50-100 cm) tier
Terric, Sapric, Hemic, Typic (Fibric)
Nature of substratum
marine clay/sand
riverine clay/sand
Soil temperature regime
isohyperthermic/isomesic
FAMILY
SOIL SERIES
HISTOSOLS
GAMBIST poorly drained
FOLIST well drained
Drainage Class poor, well
PHASE
Minimum cumulative thickness of 50 cm within

100 cm or more than half to lithic/paralithic or
terric layer
GREAT GROUP
SUB-GROUPS
EXAMPLE
Ombrogambist
Topogambist
Hemic Topogambist
Sapric Ombrogambist
BARAM FAMILY
ADONG FAMILY
Presence and nature of wood

no wood
wood decomposed
wood undecomposed
Mode of origin autochthonour/allochthonous
Baram Series: Sapric Topogambist, marinesandy, isohyperthernic, non-woody,

autochthonous.
Adong Series: Hemic Ombrogambist, marinesandy, isohyperthermic, decomposed wood,
autochthonous.
Depth
shallow: 50-100 cm
moderately deep: 100-150 cm
deep: 150-300 cm
very deep: 300+ cm
Baram/shallow
Baram/moderately deep
Adong/deep
Adong/very deep
11
Control section for organic soils of Malaysia (after Paramananthan et al., 1984).
12
IN-SITU SOILS
These are given in Table 4 (Soils over Igneous Rocks) and Table 5 (Soils over
Sedimentary, Calcareous, Metamorphic and Tuffaceous Sedimentary Rocks).
Parent Materials
The separation of these rock types and the common textures they give are given in the
table below.
Parent material groups and classes
CLASS
PARENT MATERIAL
COMMON
TEXTURES
Coarse-grained acid
igneous
Granite, Adamellite, Syenite, Microgranite,

Gneiss
cosc
Fine-grained acid
igneous
Rhyolite, Rhyolitic Tuff, Rhyodacite, Trachyte
fsc-sic
Intermediate igneous
Diorite Granodiorite, Dacite, Dacitic Tuff,

Quartz Andesite
Ultrabasic/Basic igneous
Andesite, Basalt, Andesitic Tuff, Basic Tuff,

Gabbro, Norite Serpentinite, Dunnite, Biotite
Schist, Amphibolite
Arenaceous
Conglomerate, Quartzite, Sandstone and

other predominantly Arenaceous Rocks
sl-scl
Argillaceous
Shale, Slate, Mudstone, Phyllite, Siltstone

Quartz, Mica Schist and other predominantly
Argillaceous Rocks
sc-c
Calcareous
Limestone, Dolomite and other predominantly

Calcareous Rocks
sic-c
Reworked
Material
Reworked
Reworked Material (Sol remanie) P, P3, P2
Gravelly
Colluvium
Colluvium
Colluvial Deposits
Variable
Alluvium
(Riverine)
Terrace alluvium
River Alluvia (Very Recent, T0) (Recent, T1)

(Sub-Recent, T2) (Older Alluvium, T3)
Variable
GROUPS
In-Situ
Residuum
Alluvium
(Marine)
Sandy marine
Beach Ridge and Related Deposits
Clayey marine
Marine, Brackish
Deposits
Water
and
s-c
Estuarine
c-sic
Depth Classes
Soils developed over in-situ materials are first separated based on the soil depth
classes. The depth to rock or C (weathered rocks) or BC is used.
Shallow
Moderately deep
Deep
13
<50 cm
50-100 cm
>100 cm
Particle-size Classes
Six particle size classes are used. Note that if gravels or stones (diameter >2 mm)
occur within 100 cm then the soil is placed in the Skeletal Soils group. The particle-size
classes are separated using the triangular diagram.
14
Colour Classes
The colour classes used in Malaysia are shown in the table below. Red and brown
colours signify high iron content and hence P-fixation. Pallid colours indicate low iron
content or reducing conditions. If the value is high and the chroma is low (7/1, 7/2, 8/1, 8/2
gray/white colours) this normally indicates reducing conditions unless the area is on a hill
which then implies the soil has low iron content, coarse structures and poor infiltration rate
e.g. Batu Anam Series. Such soils can have standing on the surface after rain even though
the land may be rolling or hilly. Soils with low value and low chroma (2/1, 2/2, 3/1, 3/2) are
black or dark brown in colour suggesting high amounts of organic carbon.
Colour Classes used in Malaysia.

(Based on Munsell Colour Chart 1994, Revised Edition)
MUNSELL NOTATION
COLOUR CLASS
HUE
DUSKY RED
BROWN
5R
2.5/3
2.5/4
2.5/6
3/3
3/4
3/6
10R
3/3
3/4
2.5YR
2.5/3
2.5/4
3/3
3/4
4/3
4/4
5YR
3/3
3/4
4/3
4/4
5/3
5/4
7.5YR
2.5/3
3/3
3/4
4/3
4/4
5/3
5/4
10YR
3/3
3/4
3/6
4/3
4/4
4/6
5/3
2.5Y
3/3
4/3
4/4
5/3
5/4
5/6
4/3
4/4
4/6
4/8
5/3
5/4
6/6
6/8
7/3
7/4
7/6
7/8
3/6
4/3
4/4
4/6
4/8
6/4
6/6
6/8
7/3
3/6
4/6
4/8
5R
10R
RED
2.5YR
RED-YELLOW
3/8
5/6
5/8
6/3
6/4
5/3
5/4
5/6
5/8
6/3
7/4
7/6
7/8
5/3
5/4
5/6
5/8
6/3
6/4
6/6
7/6
7/8
6/8
7/3
7/4
5YR
4/6
5/6
5/8
5R
8/3
8/4
10R
8/3
8/4
2.5YR
8/3
8/4
5YR
6/3
6/4
6/6
6/8
7/3
7/4
7/6
7/8
8/3
8/4
4/6
5/6
5/8
6/3
6/4
6/6
6/8
7/3
7/4
7/6
7/8
8/3
8/4
8/6
10YR
5/4
5/6
5/8
6/3
6/4
6/6
6/8
10YR
7/3
7/4
7/6
7/8
8/3
8/4
8/6
8/8
6/3
6/4
6/6
6/8
7/3
7/4
7/6
7/8
8/3
8/4
8/6
8/8
4/3
4/4
5/3
5/4
5/6
6/3
6/4
6/6
6/8
7/3
7/4
7/6
7/8
8/3
8/4
8/6
8/8
7.5YR
2.5Y
YELLOW
5Y
PALLID
VALUE/CHROMA
ANY HUE
CHROMA OF 2 OR LESS, GLEY CHARTS
15
Diagnostic Horizon
A few important diagnostic horizons are used to key out the soils.
a
argillic horizon
soils with moderate structure and presence of clayskins (cutans) and a CEC of
16-24 cmol(+)kg-1 clay
aa =
argillic/allic horizon
soils with moderate structure and presence of clayskins (cutans) and a CEC of
more than 24 cmol(+)kg-1 clay
cambic horizon
soils having structure but no clayskins with or without weatherable minerals.
Mottling can also indicate a cambic horizon.
kandic horizon
soils with moderate to weak structures and presence of clayskins (cutans) and
a CEC of <16 cmol(+)kg-1 clay
nd =
no diagnostic horizon
oxic horizon
very friable, highly porous and weak structured soils with no clayskins. CEC of
<16 cmol(+)kg-1 clay. Often CEC <6 and soils tend to be red.
pl
plinthite
a variegated horizon of yellowish red, red and light gray which hardens to
petroplinthite (laterite) when exposed.
ss/ws
spodic horizon
a horizon often found in sandy soils where humus or iron has accumulated. It
can be strongly cemented (ss) or weakly cemented (ws)
albic
albic horizon
bleached sandy horizon where humus/iron have been leached out
mollic
mollic horizon
friable, brown horizon with high base saturation common over calcareous rocks
High Base Status Soils

Soils which have a base saturation of more than 50% in some sub-horizon between 25
to 100 cm depth. High base status soils are Alfisols and are written italics in the Keys.
16
SKELETAL SOILS
(Table 6)
All soils which have gravels or stones forming a horizon which has its upper boundary
within 100 cm of the soil surface and which is more than 25 cm in thickness are skeletal soils.
The gravels can be angular quartz gravel e.g. on coarse grained acid igneous rocks, ironcoated igneous rocks or schists or petroplinthite (laterite) gravels. Depending on the clay
content and the depth of gravel the particle-size class is determined.
Angular quartz gravels

These are clear glassy quartz of primary origin.
Iron-coated parent material

These gravels are red due to coating by iron. Iron-coated igneous parent material are
mainly acid igneous in origin. When the stones are broken clear, glassy quartz can be seen.
Iron-coated schists are platy and when broken the schist can be seen.
Petroplinthite Stones/Gravels
These are hardened plinthite and the interiors are red and sometimes show concentric
layers. The degree of rounding increases from the P surface (mainly stones, very angular),
P3 surface (sub-rounded to rounded), P2 surface (fine-polished rounded iron-stone gravels)
SOILS ON OLDER ALLUVIUM

(Table 7)
Soils on Older Alluvium occur mainly on undulating to rolling (C2-C3 or 2-12 or 4%24% slopes). Landscapes with these soils seldom exceed 50 m (150 feet) and the hills have
concordant heights with broad U shaped valleys. They are characterized by rounded water
worn gravels as their parent material. With depth the colours are somewhat paler as the
parent material is reached compared to redder with depth on in situ soils such as those
developed over weathered conglomerate. Usually in the Older Alluvium these gravels/stones
are better sorted. These soils are separated using their depth to these rounded
gravels/stones/boulders, their particle-size class and colour class (see Table 7).
17
SOILS ON SUB-RECENT AND RECENT ALLUVIUM

(Tables 8 and 9)
Sub-Recent Alluvium
Alluvial soils vary somewhat in their particle size classes. They also commonly have
lithologic continuities at depths below 50 cm depth. The Sub-Recent Alluvial soils occur as
terraces of the older rivers and hence often occur at elevations of 15-30 m (50-100 feet).
These soils occur on gently undulating to level land with slopes of 4%-16% or 2-8. These
soils may overlie weathered rock or saprolite below depths of 70 cm. Due to their higher
position in the landscape iron-mottling is common due to deep fluctuating water table.
Termite mounds, lallang, ferns etc. are common on these landscapes. These soils are
separated using their particle size class, their drainage class and the type of subsurface
horizon which are present. Depending on the surrounding hills from which these alluvial
deposits are formed they can have high base saturation and other properties associated with
soils on these hills. Mica flakes are rare.
Recent Alluvium
These are alluvial soils associated with the larger present day rivers. These soils form
the present-day floodplains and form a drainage sequence from the levee into the
backswamp. Lithologic discontinuities are common in these soils often as sand layers
sometimes with micas. Soils on the levees are sandy but soon change to sandy clays and
clays. Manganese concretions or specks are common in these soils often an indicator of
high base saturation. Slopes are level to depressional in the backswamps. Flooding by
overflow of levees is common in these soils. Rice is a common crop in these soils as
watertables are high. Depending on the surrounding hills base saturation can be high.
These soils are separated using the particle-size class, drainage class, base saturation and
diagnostic horizon. Ox-bow lakes are also common indicating the changing course of the
river.
Drainage Classes
Diagramatic representation of drainage classes
18
SOILS OVER BEACH DEPOSITS

(Table 10)
Soils developed over beach deposits have often been referred to as BRIS soils (beach
ridges interspersed with swales). These are well drained sandy to sandy loam beach ridges
with lowlying very poorly drained depressions between them. These lying areas vary greatly
in texture from sandy to clay and even organic deposits. On the ridges an albic and spodic
horizons are common. The spodic horizon can be strongly cemented to weakly cemented.
The ridges further inland only have a deep white albic horizon which extends to over one
metre depth. These soils over beach ridges have not been studied in detail especially those
in the depressions. The separation of these soils uses the particle-size, drainage class the
diagnostic horizon present.
SOILS DEVELOPED OVER MARINE, ESTUARINE AND

BRACKISH WATER DEPOSITS
(Tables 11 and 12)
Soils developed over marine, estuarine and brackish water deposits occur on the
coastal plains with meandering rivers. Both the marine and estuarine deposits occur near
the coast while the brackish water deposits fringe the coastal peat swamps. In their natural
state these deposits are flooded and sometimes even saline. These areas have mostly
been drained and a coastal bund constructed to keep the sea water and tides out. Soils
over the marine and estuarine deposits are generally poor in organic matter and are bluish in
colour but when drained give light gray B horizon with coarse structures and sticky
consistence when wet but hard when dry. Where dry seasons are common (Kedah/Perlis)
slickensides and cracks (vertic features) are common. Gypsum is also present when
limestone hills are nearby. The brackish water deposits are rich in organic matter are brown
in colour in the drained B horizon and have weak to moderate structures with friable
consistence.
The soils on these deposits are divided into two broad groups using the
presence/absence of sulfidic materials or a sulfuric horizon within 100 cm of the soil surface.
Thus in the deposits with sulfidic materials or sulfuric horizon the soils are mainly separated
using the presence and depth at which the sulfidic materials or sulfuric horizon, occurs, the
depth of the underlying C horizon and the particle-size class (mainly clayey) (see Table 11).
Where no sulfidic materials or sulfuric horizon is present the presence of a cambic
horizon, vertic properties (cracks and slickensides), presence of gypsum, n value, a salinity
levels coupled with particle-size classes (mainly clayey) are used to separate these soils in
addition to the subsoil B properties (see Table 12). The presence of these potential or true
acid sulfate soils are indicated by yellow jarosite in the spoils from the drains, rust-coloured
deposits (ochric) at the edge of drains, the presence of fibristylists growing in the drains.
Sulfidic Materials
Sulfidic materials contain significant amounts of sulfides mainly as pyrite Fe2S. In their
natural state they are inundated and in a reduced state. They smell of rotten eggs
(hydrogen sulfide) and turn black on exposure and eventually to yellow jarosite mottles.
19
Sulfuric Horizon
When sulfidic materials are drained they are oxidized by microbes to yellow jarosite
mineral, a potassium iron-aluminum sulfate. During this oxidation large amounts of
hydrogen ions are produced resulting in the soil having a pH of less than 3.5. Thus the
presence of yellow jarosite mottles and a pH of less than 3.5 signify a sulfuric horizon.
20
Paramananthan, revised Jan 2011
Figure 1. Distinction between highland and lowland soils.
Paramananthan, Jan 2011
Figure 2. Vegetation, soil climatic zones and proposed soil groupings in Malaysia (Vegetation distribution after
Burgess, 1969; soil climatic zones and soil types after Paramananthan, 1977).
Table 1. Key to the identification of Highland soils of Malaysia.

Climatic Regime
Isothermic/Perudic
(1,500-1,750 metres asl.)
Isomesic/Perudic (>1,750 metres asl.)

Histosols
(Folists/Gambists)
Soil Order
Lithosols
Spodosols
Spodosols
Andisols
Other Properties
Ombro
(>150 cm)
Parent
Material/Rock
Topo
(<150 cm)
Brinchang (sa)
Ulu Kali
Acid Igneous Rocks
(te)(placic)
Gunong Padang
Ultisols
Deep humus
rich kandic/
argillic horizon
Histic epipedon
Episaturation
Kinabalu
Isothermic/Perudic
(750-1,500 metres asl.)
Tanah Rata
Moderately
deep humus
rich kandic/
argillic horizon
Mesilau (placic)
Entisols
Umbric
Mantaki
Ringlet
Nibong
Selio (imp)
(placic)
Inceptisols
Basic/Intermediate
Igneous Rocks
Ultrabasic Igneous
Rocks
s Bareo (fi)
Sedimentary (s)
Metasediment (m)
Tuffs (tu)
s Kaintano (te)
s Umor (fi)
m Tiang
Pa Sia
tu
tu Temenggor
Banun
s Gunung
Alab/imp
s Kiau
Melutut
Lumiri
m Manggar
tu
Mujan
Mulu (moss)
Calcareous Rocks
Apau
Volcanic Ash
Tumau (histic)
Colluvium/Accreting
Alluvium
Paramananthan, July 2012
KEY:
Climatic regimes
isomesic
=
isothermic
=
isohyperthermic =
perudic
=
udic
=
mean annual soil temperature 8-15C with seasonal variation <5C

mean annual soil temperature 15-22C with seasonal variation <5C
mean annual soil temperature >22C with seasonal variation <5C
soil moist throughout year
soil is moist for > 9 months in 6 years out of ten
Organic soil materials

sa
= sapric
fi
= fibric
te
= terric
moss = moss
Diagnostic horizon
placic = placic
Variants
imp = imperfectly drained
Figure 3. Sub-divisions of lowland soils.

4
Table 2. Lowland Soils of Malaysia

Keys to the identification of deep (150-300 cm) and very deep (>300 cm) organic soils Ombrogambists
Soil Moisture Regime
Aquic Poorly Drained GAMBIST
Cumulative Thickness of OSM
More than 150 cm OMBROGAMBIST
Dominant Nature of Subsurface

Tier (50100 cm)
Nature of Underlying
Materials/Substratum
Sapric
Lithic
Fluventic
Terric
Non Woody
Decomposed
Wood
Hemic
Undecomposed
Wood
PRIMALUCK
Marine Clay Sulfidic

(> 15% clay)
Primaluck
Naman
Teraja
Retus
Undecomposed
Wood
Non Woody
PONTIAN
NAMAN
Marine Clay
(> 15% clay)
Non Woody
Decomposed
Wood
Fibric (Typic)
Pontian
Bayas
Undecomposed
Wood
ARANG/LUK
Arang
BAYAS
Kenyana
Decomposed
Wood
Klias
Luk
ANDERSON
Gedong
Anderson
Marine Sand Calcareous

(< 15% clay)
Marine Sand Sulfidic
(<15% clay)
Marine Sand
(< 15% clay)
TELONG
Riverine/
Colluvial Clay
(> 15% clay)
LIKU
Telong
Liku
ADONG
Suai
Adong
Alan
GONDANG
Karap
Gondang
SALLEH
Taniku
Salleh
Tinjar
Riverine/
Colluvial Sand
(< 15% clay)
Acid Igneous Residuum
Basic Igneous Residuum
Calcareous Residuum
Calcareous Residuum
BAREO
Sedimentary Residuum
Bareo
(isomesic)
Ironstone Residuum
Fragmental
KEY:
BAYAS
Bayas
Soil Family
Soil Series
Luk = allochthonous
f
= sulfidic
Woody
>50% wood
Table 3. Lowland Soils of Malaysia

Keys to the identification of shallow (50-100 cm) and moderately deep (100-150 cm) organic soils Topogambists
Soil Moisture Regime
Aquic Poorly Drained GAMBIST
Cumulative Thickness of OSM
Less than 150 cm TOPOGAMBIST
Dominant Nature of Subsurface

Tier (50100 cm)
Nature of Underlying
Materials/Substratum
Sapric
Lithic
Fluventic
Terric
Non Woody
Decomposed
Wood
Hemic
Undecomposed
Wood
Non Woody
PENOR
Marine Clay Sulfidic

(> 15% clay)
Penor
Nipis
LINGGI
Marine Clay
(> 15% clay)
Linggi
Marine Sand Calcareous

(< 15% clay)
Decomposed
Wood
Fibric (Typic)
Undecomposed
Wood
Non Woody
Decomposed
Wood
BAKRI
MERAPOK
Bakri
Merapok
Mahat
EPAI
MUKAH
Trus
Epai
Undecomposed
Wood
Mukah
MENGALUM
Mengalum
LONG PUTAT
Marine Sand Sulfidic

(<15% clay)
Long Putat
BARAM
Marine Sand
(< 15% clay)
Baram
Riverine/
Colluvial Clay
(> 15% clay)
Kabala
IGAN
Simalau
Igan
ERONG
GALI
Erong
Gali
Riverine/
Colluvial Sand
(< 15% clay)
CHANGKAT LOBAK
Changkat Lobak
PAK BONG
Pak Bong
Acid Igneous Residuum
Basic Igneous Residuum
Calcareous Residuum
KAPOR
Calcareous Residuum
Kapor
MELINAU/UMOR
Sedimentary Residuum
Melinau
Ironstone Residuum
Fragmental
KEY:
GALI
Gali
Soil Family
Soil Series
isomesic = isomesic soil temperature regime

Mahat = allochthonous
Umor
(Isomesic)
Woody
>50% wood
Table 4. Lowland soils of Malaysia

Key to the Identification of Soils Over Igneous Rocks
Depth to
rock/saprolite/BC
/spodic/plinthite (cm)
Colour
Particle
Class
Size Class
Shallow (< 50 cm)
Dusky Red
tub Tinagat
Very Fine
(>60% clay)
Fine
(35-60%
clay)
Fine
clayey
<30% silt
Brown
Red
Moderately Deep (50-100 cm)
Red-Yellow
bi Jabor nd (ic)
bt Kawa c
ub Binuang
Tiger
ai Wullersdorf
bi Mayang nd
bi Sedong nd
ub Silad nd/c
bt Kawa c
ub Meliau nd/c
Yellow
Pallid
ai Buri nd
ai Ngian nd
ai Penyabong nd
Dusky Red
Brown
Red
bi Goh o (ic)
bi Bombalai c
ai Bukit Ajil k
bi Jebong o
bi Kepayang o
ub Malawali aa
ai Benta a
ub Binuang c
bi Bombalai c
bi Kawa c
ai Bukit
Temiang a
bi Kobovan aa
ai Harad a
ai Arip aa
Fine Silty
>30% silt
ai Quarry c
Fine Loamy
(18-35% clay)
Red-Yellow
bi Mostyn
Deep (>100 cm)
Yellow
Pallid
Dusky Red
Brown
ub Pinianakan o bi Kuantan o
ub Sungei Mas o bi Table o
tub Mai a
bi Antayan o
ai Baling k
bi Beruang a/pl
bi Nerelud c
ai Sadok c
ub Tingkayu aa
ai Ujek a
ai Chenian a
ai Tampin a
Red
Red-Yellow
Yellow
bi Apas o
bi Bantal a
bi Kampong
Kolam o
ai Piring k
bi Segamat o
bi Tarat o
ub Ambun o
bi Besar a/pl
ai Rengam/r k
tui Dagat a
tui Libong a
bi Beeston aa
bi Jarangan o
ai Jerangau o
bi Katong o
ai Lanchang k
bi Senai o
bi Kinabutan k
ai Kenering aa
ai Rengam k
ai Tai Tak k
ai Yong Peng a
ai Jerantut a
ai Kulai a
ai Gading o
ai Abok k
ai Gumbang a
ai Damak a
(ai Abok a)
Pallid
ai Tampin k
ai Jan aa
Coarse Loamy
(15-18% clay)
Sandy
(<15% clay)
(>70% sand)
Clayey-Skeletal
>35% gravels
within 50 cm depth
>35% clay
Clayey Over Clayey
Skeletal
>35% clay
>35% gravels
between 50-100 cm
Loamy-Skeletal
>35% gravels
within 50 cm depth
15-35% clay
Loamy Over Loamy
or Clayey Skeletal
15-35%clay
>35% gravels
between 50-100 cm
Sandy-Skeletal
<15% clay
>35% gravels
>70% sand
ai Lambak k (gr) ai Beserah o (gr)
ai Masai o (ic)
ai Baling k (gr)
Pelepah (ic)
Paramananthan, March 2012

Notes:
Base Status
italic = high base saturation
Parent Material
ai = acid igneous
bi = basic/intermediate igneous
ub = ultrabasic igneous
tub = tuffs - basic

tui = tuffs - intermediate
Diagnostic Horizon
a = argillic
aa = argillic allic
c = cambic
k = kandic
nd = no diagnostic horizon
Variants
r = red variant
o = oxic
pl = plinthite
Particle-size Class
(gr) = quartz gravels
(ic) = iron-coated parent material
Others
( ) = less common

Key to the Identification of Soils Over Sedimentary, Calcareous, Metamorphic Rocks and Tuffaceous Sedimentary Rocks
Depth to rock/saprolite/
BC/spodic/plinthite (cm)
Colour
Particle
Class
Size Class
Shallow (< 50 cm)

Dusky Red
Brown
s Jeram/sh
Red
Red-Yellow
Yellow
Pallid
Dusky Red
nd
Brown
Red
a
c Loc
Sambuang m/a
s Jeram
a
tu Komel
Very Fine
(>60% clay)
c Loc
Sambuang nd
s Batang
a/pl
s Kuah
nd
s Ajoh
a/pl
nd
s Lokyang
s Durikong
c
c Madai
(imp)
aa
tu Dagat
a
s Karabungan
aa
tu Libong
Fine clayey
<30% silt
Fine
(35-60%
clay)
s Kasah
nd
s Kuah
k/pl
s Lokyang
Fine Silty
>30% silt
nd
s Hatton
nd
s Kedah
nd
s Kekura
c
tu Tenggara
Fine Loamy
(18-35% clay)
nd
s Kapit
nd
s Kininpir
nd
s Meluan
a/pl
tu Lekok
aa
tu Kerak
aa
s Juak
a/pl
s Pagi
s Tekek
Red-Yellow
c Terah
s Kuala Brang
aa
s Kumansi
c
s Luasong
aa
s Lumpongan
a
s Masaum
a
s Semarak
a
c Tegupi
s Batu Lapan
k
s Wau
aa
tu Beruit
a/pl
s Durian
aa
s Lunparai (imp)
a
tu Sat
a
s Kapilit
s Sibuga
Yellow
s Gol
a
s Ruai
a
tu Tahan
s Derawan
a
s Keledang
k
s Nami
aa
tu Talid
aa
s Talisai
k/pl
s Sipit
s Kapit/sh
Coarse Loamy
(15-18% clay)
Sandy
(<10% clay)
(>70% sand)
Deep (>100 cm)

Pallid
Dusky Red
Brown
Red
s Kabuloh
a
s Kemuning
k
s Pohoi
aa
c Semporna
s Asahan
Red-Yellow
k
c Langkawi
a
tu Mai
o
m Patang
o
m Prang
o
c Sagu
k
m Ulu Dong
s
aa
Ajoh
tu Kiol
a
tu Tada
k/pl
s Batu
(imp)
s Apek
s Antulai
c
s Laab
aa
s Marang
tu Jempol
a
tu Retang
s Bagunan
k
s Bungor/r
o
s Jagoi
aa
s Jakar
a
s Mensuli
a
tu Salang
Anam a
s Juara
k
s Laka
c Merapoh
aa
s Merit
k
s Serin
(f)
s Bekenu
k
s Kemahang (c)
a
s Mat Daling
a
s Sarikei
k
s Serdang (f)
aa
s Tanjong Lipat
aa
s Malau
a
s Nyalau
ws
s Bako
ss
s Silantek
Pallid
aa
m Batang
Merbau k
a
s Bedup
k
s Bungor
aa
c Dent
aa
s Stom
a
tu Tembeling
tu Selimber
Yellow
tu Kuong (imp)
a
s Melugu
k
s Nyarok
aa
s Padawan
a
s Semongok
s Musang
aa
tu Sahabat
aa
ws
s Chat
k
c Kaki Bukit
a/pl
s Lumerau
o
s Munchong
aa
s Stass
a
s Tajeng
o
c Tangga
s Lalat
s Kerait
k
s Lingga
k
s Rukam
k
s Serayan
s Bandang
m Biawak
k/pl
s Timang
aa
s Matang (albic)
a
s Nyalau (yellow)
s Durin
aa
s Saratok
s Tika
(imp)
(albic)

Notes:
Base Status
Parent Material
c = calcareous rocks
s = sedimentary rocks
m = metamorphic rocks
tu = tuffs
Diagnostic Horizon
a = argillic
c = cambic
aa = argillic allic
k = kandic
m = mollic
o = oxic
pl = plinthite
albic= albic
Variants/Phases
imp = imperfectly drained
r
= red variant
sh
= shallow phase
yellow = yellow
ss = strongly cemented spodic

ws = weakly cemented spodic
Particle-Size
(c) = coarse
(f) = fine

Key to the Identification of Skeletal Soils
IN-SITU SOILS: IRON-COATED PARENT MATERIALS
Nature of Skeletal
Grains
Colour
Class
Particle
Size Class
Clayey-Skeletal
>35% gravels
within 50 cm depth
>35% clay
Angular quartz gravels of

igneous origin
Red
ai Lambak
Clayey Over Clayey

Skeletal
>35% clay
>35% gravels
between 50-100 cm
Red-Yellow
k
ai Beserah
Iron-coated parent
material
(acid igneous rocks)
Red
Red
ai Masai
Red-Yellow
Red-Yellow
s Seremban
c Kodiang
ai Baling (gr)
PEDIMENTS REWORKED LATERITIC SOILS
Iron-coated parent
material
(sedimentary and
calcareous rocks)
ai Pelepah
nd
s Padang
Besar a
s Batu
Mainly angular
petroplinthite
gravels/stones
(Saprolite > 100 cm) (P)
Red
Malacca o
Tunggal o
Lapan a Tandak o
Loamy-Skeletal
>35% gravels
within 50 cm depth
15-35% clay
Red-Yellow
Mainly subrounded
petroplinthite
gravels/stones
(Saprolite > 100 cm) (P3)
Red
Red-Yellow
Rounded petroplinthite
gravels
overlying saprolite
within 100 cm (P2)
Red
Red-Yellow
Gajah Mati k/o Jitra k/a
Gajah Mati k/o Napai k
Pokok Sena k
Tavy k
Terap/r k
Terap
Chungloon k
k
c Kabu
Tembil k
Sembrin k
Pedu/r k
Pedu k
Chuping k (fine
loamy)
Bera k (coarse
loamy)
m Lanas
Loamy Over Loamy

or Clayey Skeletal
15-35%clay
>35% gravels
between 50-100 cm
Nerang k
Dampar k (fine
loamy)
Tembaga k
(coarse loamy)
Sandy-Skeletal
<15% clay
>35% gravels
>70% sand
Notes:
Parent Material
ai = acid igneous rocks
c = calcareous rocks
s = sedimentary rocks
m = metamorphic rocks
Diagnostic Horizon
a = argillic
k = kandic
o = oxic
Variants/Phases
gr
= gravelly phase
r
= red variant
fine loamy
= 18-35% clay
coarse loamy = 15-18% clay

Key to Soils Developed Over Older Alluvium
Depth to Stoneline
(cm)
Particle
Size Class
Colour
Class
Shallow (< 50 cm)
Red
Red
Yellow
Yellow
Fine
Loamy
(18-35%
clay)
Coarse
Loamy
(15-18%
clay)
Pallid
Red
Yellow
Red
Yellow
Deep (> 100 cm)
Pallid
Red
Kening k
Very Fine
(>60% clay)
Fine
(35-60%
clay)
Paliu a
Tungau k
Temerloh k
Kening k
Kawang k
Jerneh k
Fine
Sand
Coarse
Sand
Yellow
Pallid
Kelau k
Fine
Sand
Coarse
Sand
Red
Yellow
Ulu Tiram c
Harimau k
Tampoi k
Chukai k
Fine
Sand
Lupar k
Sirikin a
Lubai a
Tukau k
Merang a
Sebangan a
Semaba a
Triboh k
Ibok c
Coarse
Sand
Notes:
Stoneline
Stoneline consists of quartz,
quartzitic gravels and stones
Diagnostic horizons
a = argillic
c = cambic
k = kandic
10

Key to the Identification of Soils Over Sub-Recent, Non-Accreting Alluvium and Colluvium
Particle
Size Class
Drainage
Class
0
Very Poor
Very Fine
(>60% clay)
1
Somewhat
Very Poor
Jelutong aa
2
Poor
Cherang
Hangus k/pl
Fine Loamy
(18-35%
clay)
6
Moderately
Well
Sitiawan k
Bertam k/pl
Kampong Pusu a/pl
Alma k(c)
Gong Chenak k(f)
Sinsulod c
Nangoh a
Kechor k
Padi nd(sh)
Hutan k
Lubok Kiat k
Kerayong k
Simpah k/pl
Fine silty
(35-60%
clay)
Coarse silty
(18-35%
clay)
5
Somewhat
Imperfect
Belading a
Serok k
<35%
plinthite
>35%
plinthite
Silty
(>30% silt)
4
Imperfect
Sogomana k
Jelutong aa
Fine Clayey
(35-60%
clay)
3
Somewhat
Poor
8
Somewhat
Excessive
9
Excessive
Katai a
Mangkap aa
Nobusu o
Numatoi aa
Tawar k(c)
Tebok k(f)
Lumisir aa
Pelandok a/pl
Kilin k
Halu a
Lunas k
Bukit Tuku k
Luba c
Segari a
Awang k
Fine sand
Darau aa
Terang aa
Pantagalung aa
Coarse sand
Gong nd
Benuou o
Rasau k
Penipah k
Numatoi aa
Sabor aa
Lundu nd
Holyrood k
Nangka c(pm)
Fine sand
Coarse
Loamy
(15-18%
clay)
Banar c
Lintang c
Coarse sand
Grang sw (sh)
Sandy
(<15% clay)
(>70% sand)
Skeletal
(>35%
gravels)
7
Well
Penian sw (sh)
Bokah nd
Fine sand
Buso sc (sh)
Jerijeh sc (sh)
Stoh sw (sh)
Subang nd
Baiayo sw (sh)
Miri sc (md)
Silimpopon sc (md)
Sebaya nd
Karamatoi sw (md)
Kilong nd/e
Serai
Sungei Buloh nd
Serai e
Coarse sand
Manik c
Clayeyskeletal
(>35% clay)
Loamyskeletal
(15-35%
clay)
Sandyskeletal
(<15% clay)
Badak c

Notes:
Base Status
Diagnostic Horizon
a = argillic
nd
aa = argillic allic
o
c = cambic
pl
e = eluvial/albic
sc
k = kandic
sw
=
=
=
=
=
non diagnostic
oxic
plinthite
spodic, strongly cemented
spodic, weakly cemented
Variants/Phases
(c) = coarse sand
(f) = fine sand
11
Location
(pm) = peninsula
Depth Classes
(sh) = shallow (0-50 cm)
(md) = moderately deep (50-100 cm)

Key to the Identification of Soils Over Recent Accreting Alluvium and Colluvium
Particle
Size Class
Drainage
Class
0
Very Poor
Binjai nd(histic)
Very Fine
(>60% clay)
Guan nd(histic)
Fine Clayey
(35-60%
clay)
<35%
plinthite
1
Somewhat
Very Poor
Lubok
Sendong nd
Lubok Itek nd(b)
Danau c
Embang nd
Jiwan nd(histic)
Kakai nd
Koyah c
2
Poor
3
Somewhat
Poor
Silty
(>30% silt)
Bangawat c
Batu Hitam a
Bijat c
Bangahak aa
Kelupu nd
Mundai c
Subok aa
Belud aa
Hillco aa
Rasang c(mudflow)
Tepus a
Binatang nd(lithic)
Buran aa
Inanam aa
Buran aa
Inanam aa
Medang k
Semadoh c
Kerpai nd(histic)
Selingkat c
Bangahak aa
Setol c
Subok aa
Belud aa
Hillco aa
Sepayang c
Buran aa
Gugut c
Inanam aa
Buran aa
Inanam aa
Sungei Meranti c
Skeletal
(>35%
gravels)
8
Somewhat
Excessive
9
Excessive
Chempaka k
Lundang a
Paku nd
Seduau nd
Malang nd (red)
Ramun nd
Terbat nd (i/bi)
(stratified with
rocks)
Sekati nd (cos)(ai)
Pakan nd(sulfidic)
Gong nd
Sungei Amin c
Sejacob c
Kaya a
Tutoh nd
Coarse silty
(18-35%
clay)
Pasir Puteh c
Coarse sand
Fine sand
Fine sand
Luis nd (histic)
Matu*
Bemang nd
Bulanat c
Kelawat c
Bulanat c
Penambang nd
Sebat nd (ai)(cos)
Dapoi nd
Bulanat c
Julan nd
Tenghilan nd
Pengalan nd
Bulanat c
Sebako nd
Semilajau nd
Kayan nd(Sr)
Coarse sand
Sandy
(<15% clay)
(>70% sand)
7
Well
Tok Yong a
Telaga nd
Coarse
Loamy
(15-18%
clay)
6
Moderately
Well
Lating a
Fine sand
Fine Loamy
(18-35%
clay)
5
Somewhat
Imperfect
Jabil k
>35%
plinthite
Fine silty
(35-60%
clay)
4
Imperfect
Plan nd
Tatau*
Telemong nd
Siar nd (red/dark
red)
Berhala nd
Pisau nd(Sb)
Coarse sand
Clayeyskeletal
(>35% clay)
Loamyskeletal
(15-35%
clay)
Sandyskeletal
(<15% clay)
Teras nd
Banggol nd

Notes:
Base Status
Diagnostic Horizon
a = argillic
c
aa = argillic allic
k
* Developed over Recent marine sands
h
= cambic
= kandic
= histic
Location
(Sr) = Sarawak
(Sb) = Sabah
(b) = buried horizon

nd = non diagnostic
cos = coarse sand
12

Key to the Identification of Soils Over Beach Deposits (Ridges/Swales)
Drainage
Class
Particle
Size Class
0
Very Poor
(Histic
Epipedon
organic
layer 25-50
cm)
1
Somewhat
Very Poor
(Organic
layer 0-25
cm)
Chenering nd
Clayey
(>35% clay)
Loamy
(10-35% clay)
Matu
nd
nd
Tatau /org
2
Poor
3
Somewhat
Poor
Daro nd
Buntal nd (cal)
Nerus nd (b)
Pisau nd
Nununyan nd (cal)
Nibong nd (b)
Tatau
nd
Sandy
(<10% clay)
4
Imperfect
5
Somewhat
Imperfect
6
Moderately
Well
7
Well
8
Somewhat
Excessive
9
Excessive
Penaga c(co)
Permatang c
Tamanong nd
Tanjong nd (alluv. basic ig)
nd
Beoh (brown)
Kerpah (red)
Seneng c (co)
Kabili c (f)
Ibai sw (sh)
Kabong nd (brown)
Usukan nd (shells)
Sematan (red)
Rhu Tapai sc/sw (sh)
Baging nd (co)
Jambu e
Cherating sw (md)
Rudua
sc
(md)
Notes:
Diagnostic Horizon
(b) = buried horizon
c
= cambic
e
= eluvial/albic
nd = non diagnostic
sc = spodic, strongly cemented
sw = spodic, weakly cemented
org = organic phase
Textural Variants
(co) = coarse sand
(f) = fine sand
Other Features
cal = calcareous
alluv. = alluvium
13
Depth
(sh) = shallow (0-50 cm)
(md) = moderately deep (50-100 cm)

Key to the identification of potential (sulfidic materials) and true acid sulfate (sulfuric horizon) soils
Depth to
Sulfuric Horizon/
Sulfidic Materials
Sulfidic Materials
within 50 cm
Depth to
Underlying C
Horizon
No Diagnostic Horizon
Moderate to
Moderate to
High
Low
Conductivity
Conductivity
<1 dSm-1
>1 dSm-1
High n
Low n
No Diagnostic
Horizon
Cambic
Horizon
<50 cm
>50 cm
50-100 cm
>100 cm
AC/OAC/OC
OAC/AC1C2/
OC1C2
ABC/OABC
ABC/OABC
ABC/OABC
ABC
ABC
Horizonation
Subsoil
Properties
Clayey
(>35% clay)
Gray B matrix
Moderate to strong
structures
Moist sticky dry
hard
Clayey
(>35% clay)
Brown B matrix
Weak to moderate
structures
Friable
Fine Loamy
(18-35% clay)
Kranjiss
Rajangms
Rampangi ms
Palohss/ms
AC/OAC/OC
Sulfidic Materials
between 50-100 cm
Sulfuric Horizon between 50100 cm underlying Cambic

Horizon
Merbok ws
Punda ws
Kalibong ms
Libur ms
Punda ws
Chenaam ms
Kluang ws
Metah ws
Moyan ms
Semara ss
Kuala Perlis
Parit Botak
Telok
Tongkang
Bergosongws
Linau/sh
Linau/mod
Serkat/acid
Kemang
Tebuan (cosc)
Guar
Sedu
Jawa/sh
Juru/sh (cosc)
Jawa
Juru (cosc)
Nagorws
Nangka ws (Sr)
Lari ms(calcaric)
Tambun
Carey
Timun
Coarse Loamy
(15-18% clay)
Sandy
(<15% clay)
(>70% sand)
Sulfuric Horizon
within 50 cm
Belat
Mersan
Pandak ms
Notes:
Salinity Classes
ms = moderately saline (1-4 dSm-1)
ss = strongly saline (>4 dSm-1)
ws = weakly saline (<1 dSm-1)
Location
(Sr) = Sarawak
Textural Variant
(cosc) = coarse sandy clay
14
Phases
sh = shallow

Key to the Identification of Soils Over Marine Alluvium, Estuarine and Brackish Water Deposits
Diagnostic Horizon or
Property
Other
Characteristics
Subsoil
Properties
Clayey
(>35% clay)
Colours:
Greenish gray
Olive gray
Dark gray
Light brownish gray
Clayey
(>35% clay)
Colours:
Brown
Fine Loamy
(18-35% clay)
Vertic Properties
(slickensides, cracks)
No Diagnostic Property/Horizon
Depth to C Horizon
< 50 cm
High n value
High Conductivity
(>4dSm-1)
Bakau ws
Beliong ss
Buntal ss(calcareous)
Piandang ss
< 50 cm
Low n value
Moderate to low
Conductivity
(<4dSm-1)
Alor Semat
Balik Pulau ws(histic)
Banjar ms
Kuala Kedah ms
Pendam ms
Serkam ws
Sirik ss
Pisau ms(Sr)
Nonok ss
Tatau ws
Telok ms(Sr)
50-100 cm
Low n value
Moderate to low
Conductivity
(<4dSm-1)
Daro ws
50-100 cm
Cambic Horizon
50-100 cm
Gypsum
0-50 cm
50-100 cm
>100 cm
Dominant Mottle Colour
No Gypsum
Olive
Chengai (red mottles)

Kangar (red mottles)
Kechai (brown/yellow
mottles)
Bernam c(olive mottles)

Kangkong c(olive mottles)
Rotan (brown/yellow
Burong ws
Brown/Yellow
Olive
Brown/Yellow
Olive
Brown/Yellow
Lungpatau
Perepat/sh
Samarahan
Sedaka (mn mottles)
Kampong Perlis
Mangkok (angular blocky)
Perepat/mod
Serong/mod
Briah
Kundor
Serong
Tualang (brown mottles)
Serkat
Pachintah
Sabrang
Selangor
mottles)
Red
Idris pl
Tebengau (brown/yellow
mottles)
Coarse Loamy
(15-18% clay)
Sandy
(<15% clay)
(>70% sand)

Notes:
Salinity Classes
ms = moderately saline (1-4 dSm-1)
ss = strongly saline (>4 dSm-1)
ws = weakly saline (<1 dSm-1)
Diagnostic Horizon
c = cambic
Diagnostic Property
mn = manganese
pl = plinthite
Location
(Sr) = Sarawak
Variants
sh
= shallow
mod = moderately deep
15

SST4201 Keys To The Identification-Book

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SST4201 Keys To The Identification-Book

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KEYS TO THE

Objective of the Publication

Malaysian Soil Taxonomy

Identification keys using soil characteristics

Figure 2. Example of a Morphological Key.

Organic Soil Materials (OSM)

Are never saturated with water for more than a few

Are never saturated with water for more than a few

Are saturated with water for long periods (or have

Are saturated with water for long periods (or

Less than 18% organic carbon if 60% or more

18% or more if the mineral fraction contains

Less than 12% organic carbon if the mineral

12% or more if the mineral fraction contains

A proportional content of organic carbon

A proportional content of organic carbon

Have a loss on ignition of less than 35% by

Has a loss on ignition of more than 35% by weight.

Definition of organic and mineral soils materials

Organic Soils or Mineral Soils

Mineral soil materials < 2 mm in diameter (fine

Organic soil materials make up more than half the

The depth to bedrock is between 50 to 100 cm

The depth to bedrock is between 50 to 100 cm

The depth to bedrock is less than 50 cm and the

The depth to bedrock is less than 50 cm and the

Examples of mineral and organic soils

Elevation is used to differentiate soil temperature.

Do not confuse Highland Soils with Steepland.

Soil Temperature Regime

Soil Temperature Regimes (Soil Survey Staff, 1975)

Soil temperature is measured at 50 cm or shallower

Frigid soil temperature regime has a mean summer temperature > 8C

Mean annual soil temperature

SOIL MOISTURE REGIMES

seasonal presence/absence of water held at a tension of <1,500 kPa in the moisture

Soil moisture control section

Soil Mixture Control Section

Fine loamy or finer (>20% clay)

10-30 cm below soil surface

Soil moisture regimes

: This implies a reducing regime often saturated by groundwater. These soils

KEY TO THE IDENTIFICATION

These are soils developed over alluvial deposits.

Sub-recent non-accreting alluvium and colluvium: These soils normally occur

Sulfidic materials/Sulfuric horizon: Marine or brackish water sediments (clays

LOWLAND ORGANIC SOILS

Thick > 150 cm

Dominant materials in Subsurface Tier

presence of yellow jarosite mottles and pH <3.5

Nature of Underlying Substratum

Criteria used at different categoric levels.

Thickness of organic layer

Drainage Class poor, well

Minimum cumulative thickness of 50 cm within

Presence and nature of wood

Baram Series: Sapric Topogambist, marinesandy, isohyperthernic, non-woody,

Granite, Adamellite, Syenite, Microgranite,

Rhyolite, Rhyolitic Tuff, Rhyodacite, Trachyte

Diorite Granodiorite, Dacite, Dacitic Tuff,

Andesite, Basalt, Andesitic Tuff, Basic Tuff,

Conglomerate, Quartzite, Sandstone and

Shale, Slate, Mudstone, Phyllite, Siltstone