Phaeozems
Phaeozems occur all over the world, but especially on the more moist side of the steppe regions, bordering Chernozems.
Characteristics
Soils having
- a mollic horizon (deep, brownish or blackish surface horizon with a significant accumulation of organic matter and high base saturation);
- a base saturation of 50 percent or more between 25 and 100 cm from the soil surface;
- a calcium carbonate-free soil matrix at least to a depth of 100 cm from the soil surface, or to a contrasting layer between 25 and 100 cm;
- no diagnostic horizons other than an albic, argic, cambic or vertic horizon, or a petrocalcic horizon in the substratum.
Phaeozem with a deep, black mollic horizon abruptly overlying a calcareous substrate, China (Calcari-Pachic Phaeozem)
Moderately deep clayey Phaeozem overlying limestone at irregular depth, China (Chromi-Luvic Phaeozem; ISRIC reference soil CN 049)
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