Continuous rock (WRB)

Continuous rock is one of the diagnostic properties used, in the WRB system, to discriminate some soils from others.

Description

The term "Continuous rock" refers to consolidated material underlying the soil, exclusive of cemented pedogenetic horizons such as petrocalcic, petroduric, petrogypsic and petroplinthic horizons. Continuous rock is sufficiently consolidated to remain intact when an air-dried specimen 25–30 mm on a side is submerged in water for 1 hour. The material is considered continuous only if cracks into which roots can enter are on average 10 cm or more apart and occupy less than 20 percent (by volume) of the continuous rock, with no significant displacement of the rock having taken place.

RSG in which continuous rock can be observed

• Technosol

See also

• The FAO reference text, (2007 version)