Chernozems in the Austrian and WRB classification system: A comparison of selected soil profiles in Lower Austria

Chernozems are important soils for agriculture, though their worldwide classification is not standardized. This study aimes to review the systematic relationship of the Austrian "Tschernosem" and the international regarded "Chernozem". 100 Chernozem-like soils of Lower Austria were classified after WRB 3rd edition using a semi-automated classification approach. The results show that there is no rule of thumb which can be used for easy translation between the two systems. They also reveal potential problems of misclassification which are caused by ill-defined WRB criteria. This misclassification might also be caused by strong human influence on soils such as erosion.