For use in all LRRs.

A layer at least 15 cm (6 inches) thick with a depleted or gleyed matrix that has 60 percent or more chroma of 2 or less starting below 30 cm (12 inches) of the surface. The layer(s) above the depleted or gleyed matrix and starting at a depth ≤15 cm (6 inches) from the soil surface must have value of 2.5 or less and chroma 1 or less to a depth of at least 30 cm (12 inches) and value of 3 or less and chroma of 1 or less in any remaining layers above the depleted or gleyed matrix. In any sandy material above the depleted or gleyed matrix, at least 70 percent of the visible soil particles must be masked with organic material, viewed through a 10x or 15x hand lens. Observed without a hand lens, the particles appear to be close to 100 percent masked.

User Notes: This indicator applies to soils that have a black layer 30 cm (12 inches) or more thick and have value of 3 or less and chroma of 1 or less in any remaining layers directly above a depleted or gleyed matrix. This indicator is most often associated with overthickened soils in concave landscape positions. 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.