For use in LRRs N, O, P, and T; for testing in LRRs D, K, L, M, and R.

On flood plains, a layer 10 cm (4 inches) or more thick with 40 percent or more chroma of 2 or less and 2 percent or more distinct or prominent redox concentrations occurring as soft iron-manganese masses with diffuse boundaries. The layer starts at a depth ≤20 cm (8 inches) from the soil surface. Iron-manganese masses have value and chroma of 3 or less. Most commonly, they are black. The thickness requirement is waived if the layer is the mineral surface layer.

User Notes: These iron-manganese masses generally are small (2 to 5 mm in size) and have value and chroma of 3 or less (fig. 37). They can be dominated by manganese and therefore have a color approaching black. The low matrix chroma must be the result of wetness and not be a weathering or parent material feature. Iron-manganese masses should not be confused with the larger and redder iron nodules associated with plinthite or with concretions that have sharp boundaries. This indicator occurs on flood plains along rivers, such as the Apalachicola, Congaree, Mobile, Savannah, and Tennessee Rivers.