A CONTINUUM APPROACH TO SOIL CLASSIFICATION BY MODIFIED FUZZY K-MEANS WITH EXTRAGRADES

The need for a more continuous approach to soil classification is discussed, and methods based on the mathematical constructs known as fuzzy sets are considered most appropriate for this. A centroidal grouping method, fuzzy k-means with extragrades, which quantifies the intragrading and extragrading of soil individuals is described. An example of the application of this technique to an area of 4800 ha at Wesepe in The Netherlands is presented. The results show that the technique could create a classification that reflects the main pedological features of the area in a continuous way. Although there may be problems in selecting the optimal number of groups and degree of fuzziness, we conclude that the method is most promising and worthy of consideration when any type of quantitative soil classification is required.