Ferralic properties (WRB)

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

Description

The term "Ferralic properties" (from Latin ferrum, iron, and alumen, alum) refers to mineral soil material that has a relatively low CEC. It also includes soil materials that fulfil the requirements of a ferralic horizon except texture.

Criteria

Ferralic properties require in some subsurface layer :

• a CEC (by 1 M NH₄OAc) of less than 24 cmol_c kg^-1 clay

or :

• a CEC (by 1 M NH₄OAc) of less than 4 cmol_c kg^-1 soil and a Munsell chroma of 5 or more, moist.

See also

• The FAO reference text, (2007 version)