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GlOSIS Ontology: Common module

Release: 29th Jul, 2026

Modified on: 29th Jul, 2026
This version:
http://w3id.org/glosis/model/common/2.0.0
Revision:
2.0.0
Authors:
Raul Palma, PSNC
Bogusz Janiak, PSNC
W3C/OGC Spatial Data on the Web Working Group
Imported Ontologies:
http://www.w3.org/ns/ssn/
http://www.w3.org/ns/sosa/
Download serialization:
JSON-LD RDF/XML N-Triples TTL
License:
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/igo/ License
Visualization:
Visualize with WebVowl
Provenance of this page
GloSIS Ontology Specification Draft

Abstract

This ontology is one of the modules comprising Global Soil Information System (GloSIS) ontology. The GloSIS ontology was developed part of the SIEUSOIL project, which aims at implementing and testing a shared China-EU Web Observatory platform that will provide Linked (Open) Data to monitor status and threats of soil and land resources. The GloSIS ontology enables the representation of soil related data in semantic format. The ontology has been derived from the UML GLOSIS data model v1.0, and it has been created in line with best practices and methodologies, reusing existing standard models and ontologies, including sosa/ssn for the representation of measurements, or SKOS for the representation of codelists.

Introduction back to ToC

This module contains all classes and properties that are used among multiple modules.

GloSIS Ontology: Main module: Overview back to ToC

This ontology has the following classes and properties.

Classes

Data Properties

Cross-reference for GloSIS Ontology: Main module classes, object properties and data properties back to ToC

This section provides details for each class and property defined by GloSIS Ontology: Main module.

Classes

BleachedSandc back to ToC or Class ToC

IRI: http://w3id.org/glosis/model/common/BleachedSand

Bleached sand refers to sandy soils where the color has been significantly lightened due to the removal of iron and other minerals, usually through leaching processes in wet climates. This often results in a pale or white color, which is an indicator of a soil's history of leaching, typically in areas with high rainfall or poor drainage. These soils may have low fertility and poor nutrient-holding capacity. Source: Brady, N. C., & Weil, R. R. (2008). The Nature and Properties of Soils (14th ed.). Pearson Prentice Hall.
Guidelines for Soil Description issued by the FAO: table 23
has super-classes
observation

ColourDryc back to ToC or Class ToC

IRI: http://w3id.org/glosis/model/common/ColourDry

The color of soil when it is in a dry state. Soil color, when dry, can indicate the mineral composition and moisture retention of the soil. Dry soils often appear darker if they contain organic matter, while lighter colors may indicate the presence of sand or salts. Source: Soil Science Society of America. (2008). Soil Science Glossary. Soil Science Society of America.
ISRIC Report 2019/01: Tier 1 and Tier 2 data in the context of the federated Global Soil Information System. Appendix 3
has super-classes
observation

ColourMoistc back to ToC or Class ToC

IRI: http://w3id.org/glosis/model/common/ColourMoist

The color of soil when it is moist, which can reveal more about the soil’s content and moisture status. Moist soils tend to be darker because water enhances the color intensity, revealing organic matter content and the presence of minerals such as iron. For example, dark brown or black soils often indicate high organic matter content. Source: Soil Science Society of America. (2008). Soil Science Glossary. Soil Science Society of America.
ISRIC Report 2019/01: Tier 1 and Tier 2 data in the context of the federated Global Soil Information System. Appendix 3
has super-classes
observation

CracksDepthc back to ToC or Class ToC

IRI: http://w3id.org/glosis/model/common/CracksDepth

Cracks depth refers to the vertical measurement of cracks that appear in the soil surface, often occurring during dry conditions when soil moisture decreases. The depth of cracks can indicate soil shrinkage, particularly in clayey soils, and is used to assess the soil's structural integrity and potential for erosion. Source: McSweeney, K. (2009). Soil and Water Conservation Handbook. CRC Press.
Guidelines for Soil Description issued by the FAO: table 21,2
has super-classes
observation

CracksDistancec back to ToC or Class ToC

IRI: http://w3id.org/glosis/model/common/CracksDistance

The horizontal spacing between cracks in the soil, which can vary depending on soil type and moisture levels. Cracks generally occur due to soil shrinkage in dry conditions and can affect root penetration and water infiltration. Source: McSweeney, K. (2009). Soil and Water Conservation Handbook. CRC Press.
Guidelines for Soil Description issued by the FAO: table 21,3
has super-classes
observation

CracksWidthc back to ToC or Class ToC

IRI: http://w3id.org/glosis/model/common/CracksWidth

Cracks width refers to the measurement of the gap or space between the sides of soil cracks. Wider cracks can form in drier soils, particularly those with high clay content. They provide insights into soil structure, water retention, and the degree of shrinkage that has occurred due to moisture loss. Source: McSweeney, K. (2009). Soil and Water Conservation Handbook. CRC Press.
Guidelines for Soil Description issued by the FAO: table 21,1
has super-classes
observation

FragmentCoverc back to ToC or Class ToC

IRI: http://w3id.org/glosis/model/common/FragmentCover

Fragment cover is the percentage of the soil surface covered by coarse fragments, such as rocks, pebbles, or other larger pieces of material. High fragment cover can reduce soil erosion but may hinder water infiltration and root penetration. Source: FAO (2006). Guidelines for Soil Description (4th ed.). Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
Guidelines for Soil Description issued by the FAO: table 15,1
has super-classes
observation

FragmentsSize c back to ToC or Class ToC

IRI: http://w3id.org/glosis/model/common/FragmentsSize

The size of soil fragments is categorized by their dimensions, often from small gravel-sized particles to large boulders. Fragment size influences soil aeration, drainage, and root penetration, with larger fragments typically decreasing soil fertility and water retention. Source: Brady, N. C., & Weil, R. R. (2008). The Nature and Properties of Soils (14th ed.). Pearson Prentice Hall.
Guidelines for Soil Description issued by the FAO: table 15,2
has super-classes
observation

InfiltrationRateClassc back to ToC or Class ToC

IRI: http://w3id.org/glosis/model/common/InfiltrationRateClass

Infiltration rate class refers to a qualitative classification of the soil's ability to absorb water, based on observed rates of water penetration. This is usually divided into categories such as slow, moderate, or rapid infiltration, which are important for managing irrigation and drainage systems. Source: Hillel, D. (2004). Introduction to Soil Physics. Academic Press.
ISRIC Report 2019/01: Tier 1 and Tier 2 data in the context of the federated Global Soil Information System. Appendix 1
has super-classes
observation

InfiltrationRateNumericc back to ToC or Class ToC

IRI: http://w3id.org/glosis/model/common/InfiltrationRateNumeric

The numeric infiltration rate is the quantitative measurement of the rate at which water infiltrates the soil, typically expressed in millimeters per hour (mm/h). It is a critical factor in soil water management, affecting irrigation practices, runoff, and drainage efficiency. Source: Bouwer, H. (2000). Integrated Water Management for the 21st Century. Water Resources Research.
has super-classes
observation

InfiltrationRateNumericValuec back to ToC or Class ToC

IRI: http://w3id.org/glosis/model/common/InfiltrationRateNumericValue

ISRIC Report 2019/01: Tier 1 and Tier 2 data in the context of the federated Global Soil Information System. Appendix 1
has super-classes
quantity value c

MunsellColorValuec back to ToC or Class ToC

IRI: http://w3id.org/glosis/model/common/MunsellColorValue

Munsell color value refers to the lightness or darkness of a soil's color, based on the Munsell color system. This system quantifies soil color using three dimensions: hue (the type of color), value (lightness or darkness), and chroma (intensity or purity of the color). The value component of Munsell color is a scale from 0 (black) to 10 (white), with higher numbers indicating lighter colors. Soil color can provide insights into drainage conditions, organic matter content, and mineral composition. Source: Munsell Color, 2009. Munsell Soil Color Charts.
ISRIC Report 2019/01: Tier 1 and Tier 2 data in the context of the federated Global Soil Information System. Appendix 3
has super-classes
result

OrganicMatterClassc back to ToC or Class ToC

IRI: http://w3id.org/glosis/model/common/OrganicMatterClass

Organic matter class refers to the classification of soil based on the quantity and type of organic material it contains, such as decomposed plant and animal residues. High organic matter content is generally beneficial for soil fertility, structure, and microbial activity. Source: Brady, N. C., & Weil, R. R. (2008). The Nature and Properties of Soils (14th ed.). Pearson Prentice Hall.
has super-classes
observation

RockAbundancec back to ToC or Class ToC

IRI: http://w3id.org/glosis/model/common/RockAbundance

Rock abundance refers to the relative quantity of rocks or rock fragments within the soil profile, often expressed as a percentage of the total soil volume. High rock abundance can significantly affect soil tillage, root penetration, and water movement. Source: Soil Science Society of America. (2008). Soil Science Glossary. Soil Science Society of America.
Guidelines for Soil Description issued by the FAO: table 26
has super-classes
observation

RockShapec back to ToC or Class ToC

IRI: http://w3id.org/glosis/model/common/RockShape

Rock shape describes the physical form of rock fragments in the soil, ranging from angular to rounded shapes. The shape of rocks affects soil aeration, water movement, and the difficulty of soil tillage and root penetration. Source: FAO (2006). Guidelines for Soil Description (4th ed.). Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
Guidelines for Soil Description issued by the FAO: table 28
has super-classes
observation

RockSizec back to ToC or Class ToC

IRI: http://w3id.org/glosis/model/common/RockSize

Rock size refers to the dimensions of rock fragments in the soil. The classification of rock size can range from small gravel-sized particles to large boulders. Larger rocks hinder root growth, water infiltration, and tillage. Source: Soil Science Society of America. (2008). Soil Science Glossary. Soil Science Society of America.
Guidelines for Soil Description issued by the FAO: table 27
has super-classes
observation

SoilDepthc back to ToC or Class ToC

IRI: http://w3id.org/glosis/model/common/SoilDepth

Soil depth is the vertical measurement from the soil surface to the underlying bedrock or impenetrable layer. Soil depth directly impacts plant growth, as deeper soils allow for more extensive root systems and greater water retention. Source: Brady, N. C., & Weil, R. R. (2008). The Nature and Properties of Soils (14th ed.). Pearson Prentice Hall.
ISRIC Report 2019/01: Tier 1 and Tier 2 data in the context of the federated Global Soil Information System. Appendix 1
has super-classes
observation

SoilDepthBedrockc back to ToC or Class ToC

IRI: http://w3id.org/glosis/model/common/SoilDepthBedrock

Soil depth to bedrock is the measurement from the soil surface to the top of the bedrock layer. This depth can vary significantly depending on the landscape and is crucial for understanding rootable soil depth and drainage potential. Source: FAO (2006). Guidelines for Soil Description (4th ed.). Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
ISRIC Report 2019/01: Tier 1 and Tier 2 data in the context of the federated Global Soil Information System. Appendix 1
has super-classes
observation

SoilDepthBedrockValuec back to ToC or Class ToC

IRI: http://w3id.org/glosis/model/common/SoilDepthBedrockValue

ISRIC Report 2019/01: Tier 1 and Tier 2 data in the context of the federated Global Soil Information System. Appendix 1
has super-classes
quantity value c

SoilDepthRootablec back to ToC or Class ToC

IRI: http://w3id.org/glosis/model/common/SoilDepthRootable

Soil depth rootable refers to the depth of soil that is capable of supporting plant roots, excluding impenetrable layers such as bedrock or compacted zones. This is an important factor for determining agricultural suitability. Source: Soil Science Society of America. (2008). Soil Science Glossary. Soil Science Society of America.
ISRIC Report 2019/01: Tier 1 and Tier 2 data in the context of the federated Global Soil Information System. Appendix 1
has super-classes
observation

SoilDepthRootableClassc back to ToC or Class ToC

IRI: http://w3id.org/glosis/model/common/SoilDepthRootableClass

Soil depth rootable class categorizes the soil based on the depth of the rootable zone, usually classifying soils as shallow, moderate, or deep. These classifications help determine land use suitability, particularly for agriculture. Source: FAO (2006). Guidelines for Soil Description (4th ed.). Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
ISRIC Report 2019/01: Tier 1 and Tier 2 data in the context of the federated Global Soil Information System. Appendix 1
has super-classes
observation

SoilDepthRootableValuec back to ToC or Class ToC

IRI: http://w3id.org/glosis/model/common/SoilDepthRootableValue

ISRIC Report 2019/01: Tier 1 and Tier 2 data in the context of the federated Global Soil Information System. Appendix 1
has super-classes
quantity value c

SoilDepthSampledc back to ToC or Class ToC

IRI: http://w3id.org/glosis/model/common/SoilDepthSampled

Soil depth sampled refers to the specific depth of soil that was taken for analysis, often dictated by research or agricultural requirements. Sampling depth can affect the representativeness of the analysis. Source: Soil Science Society of America. (2008). Soil Science Glossary. Soil Science Society of America.
ISRIC Report 2019/01: Tier 1 and Tier 2 data in the context of the federated Global Soil Information System. Appendix 1
has super-classes
observation

SoilDepthSampledValuec back to ToC or Class ToC

IRI: http://w3id.org/glosis/model/common/SoilDepthSampledValue

ISRIC Report 2019/01: Tier 1 and Tier 2 data in the context of the federated Global Soil Information System. Appendix 1
has super-classes
quantity value c

SoilDepthValuec back to ToC or Class ToC

IRI: http://w3id.org/glosis/model/common/SoilDepthValue

ISRIC Report 2019/01: Tier 1 and Tier 2 data in the context of the federated Global Soil Information System. Appendix 1
has super-classes
quantity value c

Texturec back to ToC or Class ToC

IRI: http://w3id.org/glosis/model/common/Texture

Soil texture refers to the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay in the soil. It determines a wide range of soil properties, such as permeability, water retention, and nutrient-holding capacity. Common textures include sandy, loamy, and clayey soils. Source: Soil Science Society of America. (2008). Soil Science Glossary. Soil Science Society of America.
ISRIC Report 2019/01: Tier 1 and Tier 2 data in the context of the federated Global Soil Information System. Appendix 1
has super-classes
observation

WeatheringFragmentsc back to ToC or Class ToC

IRI: http://w3id.org/glosis/model/common/WeatheringFragments

Weathering fragments are pieces of rock or mineral material that have been broken down into smaller particles due to physical, chemical, or biological weathering processes. The size and composition of these fragments influence soil texture, structure, and nutrient availability. Source: Brady, N. C., & Weil, R. R. (2008). The Nature and Properties of Soils (14th ed.). Pearson Prentice Hall.
Guidelines for Soil Description issued by the FAO: table 29
has super-classes
observation

Data Properties

chromadp back to ToC or Data Property ToC

IRI: http://w3id.org/glosis/model/common/chroma

Chroma in the Munsell color system refers to the intensity or purity of a color. It measures how 'strong' or 'weak' a color appears, ranging from 0 (a neutral gray) to higher values that indicate more vivid or intense colors. In soils, chroma can provide insight into soil conditions such as aeration, organic matter content, and drainage. For instance, soils with high chroma (intense color) typically have better drainage and higher iron content, while low chroma can indicate waterlogged or poorly drained conditions. Source: Munsell Color, 2009. Munsell Soil Color Charts.
ISRIC Report 2019/01: Tier 1 and Tier 2 data in the context of the federated Global Soil Information System. Appendix 3
has range
decimal

huedp back to ToC or Data Property ToC

IRI: http://w3id.org/glosis/model/common/hue

Hue is the aspect of color that refers to the dominant color family (such as red, yellow, or blue) in the Munsell color system. It is the first component of a Munsell color description and is denoted by a letter-number code (e.g., 10YR, which means yellow-red). In soil analysis, the hue gives an indication of the soil’s mineral composition and its drainage properties. For example, reddish hues often indicate the presence of iron oxide, while yellow hues may suggest a more neutral, well-drained soil environment. Source: Munsell Color, 2009. Munsell Soil Color Charts.
ISRIC Report 2019/01: Tier 1 and Tier 2 data in the context of the federated Global Soil Information System. Appendix 3
has range
string

munsellCompoundeddp back to ToC or Data Property ToC

IRI: http://w3id.org/glosis/model/common/munsellCompounded

In the context of soil color, Munsell Compounded refers to a combination of multiple Munsell color attributes (hue, value, and chroma) to describe a specific soil color. When a soil sample is described using the 'compounded' method, it involves detailing the hue (the actual color), value (lightness or darkness), and chroma (color intensity) in a compound format, such as '10YR 5/6' (which would indicate a yellow-red hue with a value of 5 and a chroma of 6). This system allows for precise identification of soil colors and is widely used in soil surveys to ensure consistency in color description. Source: Munsell Color, 2009. Munsell Soil Color Charts.
ISRIC Report 2019/01: Tier 1 and Tier 2 data in the context of the federated Global Soil Information System. Appendix 3
has range
string

valuedp back to ToC or Data Property ToC

IRI: http://w3id.org/glosis/model/common/value

Value in the Munsell color system refers to the lightness or darkness of a color, with 0 representing black (no light reflection) and 10 representing white (maximum light reflection). In soil, a higher value indicates a lighter soil color, typically found in well-drained or less organic soils, while a lower value (darker color) suggests more organic material or poorer drainage. The value is an important indicator of soil properties like moisture content and aeration. Source: Munsell Color, 2009. Munsell Soil Color Charts.
ISRIC Report 2019/01: Tier 1 and Tier 2 data in the context of the federated Global Soil Information System. Appendix 3
has range
decimal

Legend back to ToC

c: Classes
dp: Data Properties

Acknowledgments back to ToC

The authors would like to thank Silvio Peroni for developing LODE, a Live OWL Documentation Environment, which is used for representing the Cross Referencing Section of this document and Daniel Garijo for developing Widoco, the program used to create the template used in this documentation.