Soil geography is the sub-discipline of soil science and geography dealing with the spatiotemporal changes of soil,and is a part of the earth surface system science.The research topic of soil geography is gradually changing from soil body to critical zone from the perspective of the earth surface system,meanwhile the research methodology develops toward "digital".Based on an introduction of the theoretical and technical backgrounds,this article reviewed the recent progress of soil geography including on soil genesis,soil morphology,soil classification,soil survey,and digital soil mapping.Future development of soil geography needs to expand the theoretical research,innovate the investigation technology,and simulate the spatiotemporal variations of soil.Furthermore,the main opportunities,trends,and challenges in the future were discussed.
soil genesissoil classificationsoil morphometricsoil surveysoil mappingsoil geographyprogress and prospect