Soil is defined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture as the natural body made of minerals and organic matter, liquids and gases on a land surface. Soil is divided into twelve classifications based on the composition of the soil and its location.The soil classification determines the best use for the soil, with some soil best suited to pastures or cropland and other soil appropriate for rangeland or forests.
Aridisols are found in the western United States and are defined by the limited moisture in the soil. Suborders of Aridisols often present in rangeland are Argids, Calcids, Cambids, Cryids, Durids, Gypsids and Salids.
Entisols are found throughout the United States. The suborders that are present in rangeland occur west of the Mississippi River, through the central and southwest part of the country. These suborders include Fluvents, Orthents and Psamments.
Histosols are found in the upper Midwest and southeast parts of the United States. The Hemists suborder, found in northeast Minnesota, is used for rangeland while other suborders are used as cropland.
Inceptisols are found in humid and sub-humid parts of the United States. The Ustepts suborder, found on the southern Great Plains and in eastern Montana, is suited for rangeland. Some Xerepts are also used as rangeland, though most are used for pasture, cropland or forests.
Mollisols are found mostly in the Great Plains states and western states, though the Aquolls suborder is found as far east as central Florida. The Udolls, Ustolls and Xerolls suborders are used for rangeland as well as cropland and pasture.
Vertisols are soils with a high clay composition that shrinks when dry and swells when wet. The Aquert suborder is found in Texas and the lower Mississippi River Valley and is used as rangeland. The Ustert suborder, found in Texas, South Dakota and Montana is used primarily as rangeland, but is also used as cropland.
