Reference soil South Africa 01: Phaeozem

ZA001

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

Characteristics

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.

Distribution of Phaeozems (rough estimation supplied by soilgrids)

 

Reference soil ZA001: Phaeozems

CRACKS: Polygonal pattern, up to 2cm wide, down to 25 cm. PARENT MATERIAL: Derived from dolerite and various other rocks.

 

Classification

WRB 2006 
Luvic- Phaeozem (Pachic Clayic Chromic) 
0-95 cmmollic horizon
64-95 cmargic horizon
 
0-95 cmmollic horizon
64-95 cmargic horizon
FAO-UNESCO-ISRIC 1988FAO-UNESCO-ISRIC 1974
Pachi-Luvic PhaeozemLuvic Phaeozem
0-95 cmmollic A horizon
64-95 cmargic B horizon
0-95 cmmollic A horizon
64-95 cmargillic B horizon

 

Local classification:Bonheim Form, GlengaziFamily