S5. Sandy Redox

For use in all LRRs, except for Q, V, W, X, and Y.

A layer starting at a depth ≤15 cm (6 inches) from the soil surface that is at least 10 cm (4 inches) thick and has a matrix with 60 percent or more chroma of 2 or less and 2 percent or more distinct or prominent redox concentrations occurring as soft masses and/or pore linings.

User Notes: “Distinct” and “prominent” are defined in the Glossary. Redox concentrations include iron and manganese masses (reddish mottles) and pore linings (Vepraskas, 1994). Included within the concept of redox concentrations are iron-manganese bodies occurring as soft masses with diffuse boundaries. Common (2 to less than 20 percent) or many (20 percent or more) redox concentrations are required (USDA, NRCS, 2002). If the soil is saturated at the time of sampling, it may be necessary to let it dry to a moist condition for redox features to become visible. This is a very common indicator of hydric soils and is often used to identify the hydric/nonhydric soil boundary in sandy soils.