Geric properties (WRB)

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

Description

The term "Geric properties" (from Greek geraios, old) refers to mineral soil material that has a very low ECEC or even acts as an anion exchanger.

Criteria

Geric properties require :

• an ECEC (sum of exchangeable bases plus exchangeable acidity in 1 M KCl) of less than 1.5 cmol_c kg^-1 clay

or :

• a delta pH (pH_KCl minus pH_water) of +0.1 or more.

RSG in which geric properties can be observed

• Ferralsol

See also

• The FAO reference text, (2007 version)