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)