For use in MLRA 144A and 145 of LRR R and in MLRA 149B of LRR S.

A layer that is 5 cm (2 inches) or more thick, that starts at a depth of 15 cm (6 inches) or less from the mineral soil surface, that has value of 3 or less and chroma of 2 or less, and that is directly underlain by either:

1. one or more layers of spodic materials that have a combined thickness of 8 cm (3 inches) or more, that start at a depth of 30 cm (12 inches) or less from the mineral soil surface, and that have a value and chroma 3 or less; or

2. one or more layers that have a combined thickness of 5 cm (2 inches) or more, that start at a depth of 30 cm (12 inches) or less from the mineral soil surface, that have a value of 4 or more and chroma of 2 or less, and that are directly underlain by one or more layers that have a combined thickness of 8 cm (3 inches) or more, that are spodic materials, and that have a value and chroma of 3 or less.

User Notes: This indicator is used to identify wet soils that have spodic materials or that meet the definition of Spodosols. The layer or layers described above that have value of 4 or more and chroma of 2 or less are typically described as E or Eg horizons. The layer or layers that are 8 cm (3 inches) or more thick, that have value and chroma of 3 or less, and that meet the definition of spodic materials (that is, have an illuvial accumulation of amorphous materials consisting of organic carbon and aluminum with or without Fe) are typically described as Bh, Bhs, or Bhsm horizons. These Bh, Bhs, or Bhsm horizons typically have several color patterns, cementation, or both.