Field Indicators of Hydric Soils in the United States - ITC

Field Indicators of Hydric SoilsStripped Matrix User Notes: This indicator includesthe indicator previously named polychromaticmatrix (Florida Soil Survey Staff, 1992) aswell as the term streaking (Environmental Laboratory,1987) (app. B). Common to many (USDA, SoilSurvey Division Staff, 1993) areas of stripped (uncoated)soil materials 1 to 3 cm (0.5 to 1 in) in size isa requirement. Commonly the splotches of color havevalue 5 or more and chroma 1 and/or 2 (stripped) andchroma 3 and/or 4 (unstripped). The matrix may lackthe 3 and/or 4 chroma material. The mobilization andtranslocation of the oxides and/or organic matter isthe important process and should result in splotchycoated and uncoated soil areas (figs. 16, 17, and 18).Figure 16. Indicator S6 Stripped Matrix. The matrixstripped of iron oxides begins below a depth ofabout 10 cm. Scale is inches (R) and cm (L).Figure 15. Indicator S5 Sandy Redox. The redox massesoccur below a depth of about 10 cm. Scale isinches.Figure 17. Indicator S6 Stripped Matrix. The matrix strippedof organic matter begins beneath the surfacelayer. Scale is inches.(430, FIHS, Ver. 5.01, March 2003) 11