A subdivision on the basis of some important deviations such as surface texture, erosion, slope and stoniness is called as

Correct option is C

✅ (c) soil phase
· Soil phase refers to subdivisions of soil series based on surface characteristics like texture, erosion, slope, and stoniness.
· Soil series defines soils with similar profile characteristics, but soil phases capture minor variations.
❌ (a) soil family
· Soil family classification is based on particle size, mineralogy, and temperature regimes, not surface deviations.
❌ (b) soil order
· Soil order is the highest category in soil taxonomy (like Alfisols, Ultisols).
· Not a fine subdivision like phase.
❌ (d) soil series
· Soil series represents soils having similar profile characteristics but doesn’t account for specific surface variations like slope or erosion.