Abrupt textural change (WRB)

Abrupt textural change is one of the diagnostic properties used, in the WRB system, to discriminate some soils from others.

Description

The term "Abrupt textural change" (from Latin abruptus) refers to a very sharp increase in clay content within a limited depth range.

Criteria

An abrupt textural change requires 8 percent or more clay in the underlying layer and :

• doubling of the clay content within 7.5 cm if the overlying layer has less than 20 percent clay

or :

• 20 percent (absolute) increase in clay content within 7.5 cm if the overlying layer has 20 percent or more clay.

RSG in which abrupt textural change can be observed

• Planosol

See also

• The FAO reference text, (2007 version)