For use in LRRs C, F, K, L, M, N, O, P, R, S, T, and U; for testing in LRRs Q, V and Z.

Several stratified layers starting at a depth of 15 cm (6 inches) or less from the soil surface. At least one of the layers has value of 3 or less and chroma of 1 or less, or it is muck, mucky peat, peat, or a mucky modified mineral texture. The remaining layers in the upper 15 cm (6 inches) have chroma of 2 or less. For any sandy material that constitutes the layer with value of 3 or less and chroma of 1 or less, at least 70 percent of the visible soil particles must be masked with organic material when viewed through a 10x or 15x hand lens.

User Notes: Use of this indicator may require assistance from a trained soil scientist with local experience. A stratified layer is depositional and not pedogenic. An undisturbed sample must be observed. Individual strata are dominantly less than 2.5 cm (1 inch) thick. A hand lens is an excellent tool to aid in the identification of this indicator. Many alluvial soils have stratified layers at greater depths than allowed in the requirements of the indicator; these soils do not meet the requirements of this indicator.

Many alluvial soils have stratified layers at the required depths but do not have chroma of 2 or less; these do not meet the requirements of this indicator. The stratified layers occur in any soil texture (fig. 11). In sandy textures observed without a hand lens, the masked sand particles appear to be closer to 100 percent masked with organic material when moist. Masked sand grains can disappear quickly if a soil has been drained or disturbed.