For use in all LRRs, except for W, X, and Y; for testing in LRRs W, X, and Y.

A layer with a depleted or gleyed matrix that has 60 percent or more chroma of 2 or less, starting at a depth ≤30 cm (12 inches) from the soil surface, and having a minimum thickness of either:

a. 15 cm (6 inches), or

b. 5 cm (2 inches) if the 5 cm consists of fragmental soil material.

Organic, loamy, or clayey layer(s) above the depleted or gleyed matrix must have value of 3 or less and chroma of 2 or less starting at a depth ≤15 cm (6 inches) from the soil surface and extend to the depleted or gleyed matrix. Any sandy material above the depleted or gleyed matrix must have value of 3 or less and chroma of 1 or less starting at a depth ≤15 cm (6 inches) from the soil surface and extend to the depleted or gleyed matrix. Viewed through a 10x or 15x hand lens, at least 70 percent of the visible sand particles must be masked with organic material. Observed without a hand lens, the sand particles appear to be close to 100 percent masked.

User Notes: This indicator often occurs in Mollisols but also applies to soils with umbric epipedons and dark colored ochric epipedons. For soils with dark colored epipedons more than 30 cm (12 inches) thick, use indicator A12. A depleted matrix requires value of 4 or more and chroma of 2 or less. Redox concentrations, including soft iron-manganese masses and/or pore linings, are required in soils with matrix colors of 4/1, 4/2, or 5/2. A, E, and calcic horizons may have low chromas and high values and may therefore be mistaken for a depleted matrix; however, they are excluded from the concept of depleted matrix unless the soil has common or many distinct or prominent redox concentrations occurring as soft masses or pore linings.