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Phaeozem

Soils having

  • a mollic horizon (deep, brownish or blackish surface horizon with a significant accumulation of organic matter and high base saturation);

  • a base saturation of 50 percent or more between 25 and 100 cm from the soil surface;

  • a calcium carbonate-free soil matrix at least to a depth of 100 cm from the soil surface, or to a contrasting layer between 25 and 100 cm;

  • no diagnostic horizons other than an albic, argic, cambic or vertic horizon, or a petrocalcic horizon in the substratum.

  • Lecture notes
  • Typifying pedons
  • Historical Review

Distribution of PHAEOZEMS

PHAEOZEMS distribution map

Phaeozems occur all over the world, but especially on the more moist side of the steppe regions, bordering Chernozems.

Phaeozem, Argentina
  • IUSS Working Group - World Reference Base