Proposals to Revise Soil Taxonomy August 30, 2007

Proposal Page

1) Normal Years Discussion ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1

2) Natraquerts ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2

3) Subaqueous Soils ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3

Wassents ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4 Wassists -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7 Family and Series Differentia and Names ----------------------------------------------------- 8 Examples of Wassents and Wassists ----------------------------------------------------------- 9

Typic Sulfiwassent------------------------------------------------------------------ 9 Typic Psammowassent ------------------------------------------------------------- 10 Fluventic Psammowassent -------------------------------------------------------- 11 Thapto-Histic Sulfiwassent ------------------------------------------------------- 12 Aeric Psammowassent ------------------------------------------------------------- 13 Typic Hydrowassent --------------------------------------------------------------- 14 Typic Fluviwassent -----------------------------------------------------------------16 Thapto-Histic Fluviwassent ------------------------------------------------------ 17 Typic Haplowassent --------------------------------------------------------------- 18 Grossic Hydrowassent ------------------------------------------------------------- 18 Lithic Sulfiwassent --------------------------------------------------------------- - 19 Fluventic Sulfiwassent ------------------------------------------------------------- 19 Aeric Haplowassent -------------------------------------------------------------- 20 Haplic Sulfiwassent ------------------------------------------------------------- 20 Sulfic Psammowassent ---------------------------------------------------------- 20 Sapric Sulfiwassist --------------------------------------------------------------- 21 Typic Sulfiwassist --------------------------------------------------------------- 22 Typic Haplowassist ------------------------------------------------------------- 23 Sapric Haplowassist -------------------------------------------------------------- 23 Sulfic Hydrowassent ------------------------------------------------------------- 24 Sulfic Haplowassent ------------------------------------------------------------- 25 Psammentic Frasiwassent ------------------------------------------------------- 26 Fluventic Frasiwassent ----------------------------------------------------------- 26 Aeric Frasiiwassent --------------------------------------------------------------- 27 Typic Frasiwassist ----------------------------------------------------------------- 27 Sapric Frasiwassist ---------------------------------------------------------------- 28

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Normal Years Proposal by Craig Ditzler, NSSC

The term “normal years” is used throughout the Keys to Soil Taxonomy for identifying soil moisture regimes as well as some intergrades and extragrades at the subgroup level. Several individuals have pointed out that when rainfall and soil moisture data are collected, some years, (or months within years), fall outside of the definition of “normal years”, and therefore technically can not be used in classifying the soil. In some instances, this strict interpretation of this definition is not reasonable. For example, the criteria for the Aqualfs suborder require the presence of aquic conditions for some time in normal years. If data are collected for 2 years, and aquic conditions are observed, but both years are found to have below normal rainfall, the criteria have not been met. However, the documentation of aquic conditions in years that happen to be below normal for rainfall should in fact be considered strong evidence for classification as an Aqualf. We should be able to assume that in a normal year, the criteria will also be met, since it was observed in an abnormally dry period. Similarly, criteria requiring the soil moisture control section to be dry for various periods in aridic, ustic, or xeric moisture regimes should be considered as met if the control section is observed to be dry for the required number of days during periods found to have above normal rainfall. Again, we should be able to assume that in a normal year, the criteria will also be met, since it was observed in an abnormally wet period. The same application of the normal year criterion should be applied when using data to determine if a soil meets the definition for intergrades or extragrades at the subgroup level such as aquic, udic, ustic, aridic, oxyaquic, etc. The following change (addition of second paragraph) is proposed for page 26 of the Keys to Soil Taxonomy: Normal Years In the discussions that follow and throughout the keys, the term “normal years” is used. A normal year is defined as a year that has plus or minus one standard deviation of the long-term mean annual precipitation. (Long-term refers to 30 years or more.) Also, the mean monthly precipitation during a normal year must be plus or minus one standard deviation of the longterm monthly precipitation for 8 of the 12 months. For the most part, normal years can be calculated from the mean annual precipitation. When catastrophic events occur during a year, however, the standard deviations of the monthly means should also be calculated. The term “normal years” replaces the terms “most years” and “6 out of 10 years,” which were used in the 1975 edition of Soil Taxonomy (USDA, SCS, 1975). When evaluating precipitation data to determine if the criterion for the presence of aquic conditions, or number of days that the moisture control section is moist, or number of days that some part of the soil is saturated has been met, it is permissible to include data from periods with below normal rainfall. Similarly, when evaluating precipitation data to determine if the criterion for the number of days that the moisture control section is dry have been met, it is permissible to include data from periods with above normal rainfall. It is assumed that if the criteria are met during these periods, they will be met during normal years also.

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Natraquerts Proposal by Craig Ditzler, NSSC.

With the release of the 7th edition of the Keys to Soil Taxonomy (1996), the criteria for Natraquerts were revised to require a natric horizon, OR an ESP of 15 percent or more (or SAR 13 or more) within 100 cm of the mineral soil surface. Previously it simply required a natric. This change effectively invalidated the Sodic Endoaquerts and Sodic Epiaquerts because Natraquerts precede Epiaquerts and Endoaquerts in the key, and any soils potentially fitting these Sodic subgroups will classify as Natraquerts first. This proposal is simply to revise the criteria for Natraquerts (p. 283 10th ed Keys) to: FAD. Other Aquerts that have a natric horizon within 100 cm of the mineral soil surface.

Natraquerts This change would have the following expected impacts on these 14 existing soil series:

Series Resp MO Current Subgroup Likely New Subgroup Comments

Aransas 9 Typic Natraquerts Sodic Endoaquerts Appears to not have a natric.

Carson 3 Typic Natraquerts Sodic Endoaquerts Possibly Halic subgroup. Appears to not have a natric.

Franeau 9 Typic Natraquerts Sodic Endoaquerts Appears to not have a natric.

Kaena 2 Typic Natraquerts Sodic Endoaquerts??

Apparently no illuviation of clay. Has prismatic structure, no mention of sodium in OSD.

Gepford 2 Typic Natraquerts Sodic Epiaquerts Appears to not have a natric.

Lomalta 9 Typic Natraquerts Halic Epiaquerts Has sodium present, but called cambic.

Heil 7 Typic Natraquerts No Change Well developed natric. Napa 10 Typic Natraquerts No change Well developed natric. Ryan 7 Typic Natraquerts No change Well developed natric. Tachi 2 Typic Natraquerts No change Well developed natric

Marcuse 2 Sodic Endoaquert No change Become Typic Natraquerts if Keys are not revised.

Willows 2 Sodic Endoaquert No change Become Typic Natraquerts if Keys are not revised.

Wheatblet 7 Sodic Epiaquert No change Become Typic Natraquerts if Keys are not revised.

Triangle 2 Sodic Epiaquert No change Become Typic Natraquerts if Keys are not revised.

Deleted: or have an exchangeable sodium percentage of 15 percent or more (or a sodium absorbtion ration of 13 or more)

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Subaqueous Soils Proposal by Mark Stolt, University of Rhode Island

This proposal was submitted through the Northeast Standards Committee by Mark Stolt, University of Rhode Island. The proposal is an extensive revision of the subaqueous soils proposal submitted in 2002. It addresses the concerns that were raised with the original proposal. Two new suborders are proposed for Entisols and Histosols; ‘Wassents’, and ‘Wassists’. The formative element “Wass” is from the German word for water - “wasser.” In each case, the criteria for identifying the suborder is a positive water pressure at the soil surface for at least 21 hours each day in all years. The 21 hour minimum is proposed to allow for short daily exposure of the soil surface in areas with large tidal fluctuations, such as northern Maine in the USA. The intent is for the inundation to be present every day, every year, with no exceptions for periodic short- or long-term drought cycles. The proposal was developed as a result of experience in coastal estuarine environments. However, the impact of this change has the potential to impact inland areas. Reviewers of this proposal should consider whether there are known soils with permanent year-round ponding that would be impacted. This proposal only impacts Entisols and Histosols. We assume that the formation of horizons that meet all of the diagnostic criteria, including loss of fine stratification, for mollic, umbric, cambic etc. is unlikely under conditions of permanent saturation. However, there may be Inceptisols (with a histic epipedon only), or Histels that should be considered for inclusion. Opinions about this are welcome. Wassents Six Great Groups are proposed for the Wassents. The first, “Frasiwassents” uses a new formative element “frasi” from the German “fresh”. It is for Wassents with low ec values. The remaining Great Groups; ‘Psammo-’, ‘Sulfi-’, ‘Hydro-’, ‘Fluvi-’, and ‘Haplo-’ are defined similarly to where these terms are used in other taxa. A total of ten subgroup terms are used in various Great Groups of Wassents. They are Sulfic, Lithic, Thapto-histic, Aeric, Psammentic, Fluventic, Grossic, Haplic, and Typic. The Lithic criterion uses a depth of 100 cm (similar to the use of 125 cm in Oxisols). ‘Grossic’ is used for soils having thick layers with high n-value. The remaining terms are defined similarly to where they are used in other taxa. Wassists Three Great Groups are proposed for the Wassists; Frasi-, Sulfi-, and Haplo-.Within each Great Group, the same three subgroups are proposed; Fibric, Sapric, and Typic.

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Entisols Key to Suborders LA. Entisols that have a positive water potential at the soil surface for more than 21 hours of each day in all years

Wassents LB. Entisols that have one or more of the following: (Continue with current key)

Aquents

Wassents Key to Great Groups LAA. Wassents that have, in all horizons within 100 cm of the mineral soil surface, an electrical conductivity of <0.2 dS/m in a 5/1 by volume mixture of water and soil.

Frasiwassents LAB. Other Wassents that have less than 35 percent (by volume) rock fragments and a texture of loamy fine sand or coarser in all layers within the particle-size control section.

Psammowassents LAC. Other Wassents that have sulfidic materials within 50 cm of the mineral soil surface.

Sulfiwassents LAD. Other Wassents that have, in all horizons at a depth between 20 and 50 cm below the mineral soil surface, both an n value of more than 0.7 and 8 percent or more clay in the fine earth fraction.

Hydrowassents LAE. Other Wassents that have either 0.2 percent or more organic carbon of Holocene age at a depth of 125 cm below the mineral soil surface or an irregular decrease in content of organic carbon from a depth of 25 cm to a depth of 125 cm or to a densic, lithic, or paralithic contact if shallower.

Fluviwassents LAF. Other Wassents.

Haplowassents

Fluviwassents Key to Subgroups LAEA. Fluviwassents that have sulfidic materials within 100 cm of the mineral soil surface.

Sulfic Fluviwassents LAEB. Other Fluviwassents that have a lithic contact within 100 cm of the mineral soil surface.

Lithic Fluviwassents LAEC. Other Fluviwassents that have a buried layer of organic soil materials, 20 cm or more thick, that has its upper boundary within 100 cm of the mineral soil surface.

Thapto-Histic Fluviwassents LAED. Other Fluviwassents that have a chroma of 3 or more in 40% or more of the matrix of one or more horizons between a depth of 15 and 100 cm from the soil surface.

Aeric Fluviwassents LAEE. Other Fluvawassents.

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Typic Fluviwassents Frasiwassents Key to Subgroups LAAA. Frasiwassents that have, in all horizons at a depth between 20 and 50 cm below the mineral soil surface, both an n value of more than 0.7 and 8 percent or more clay in the fine earth fraction.

Hydric Frasiwassents LAAB. Other Frasiwassents that have a lithic contact within 100 cm of the mineral soil surface.

Lithic Frasiwassents LAAC. Other Frasiwassents that have less than 35 percent (by volume) rock fragments and a texture of loamy fine sand or coarser in all layers within the particle-size control section.

Psammentic Frasiwassents LAAD. Other Frasiwassents that have a buried layer of organic soil materials, 20 cm or more thick, that has its upper boundary within 100 cm of the mineral soil surface.

Thapto-Histic Frasiwassents LAAE. Other Frasiwassents that have either 0.2 percent or more organic carbon of Holocene age at a depth of 125 cm below the mineral soil surface or an irregular decrease in content of organic carbon from a depth of 25 cm to a depth of 125 cm or to a densic, lithic, or paralithic contact if shallower.

Fluventic Frasiwassents LAAF.Other Frasiwassents that have a chroma of 3 or more in 40% or more of the matrix of one or more horizons between a depth of 15 and 100 cm from the soil surface.

Aeric Frasiwassents LAAG. Other Frasiwassents.

Typic Frasiwassents Haplowassents Key to Subgroups LAFA. Haplowassents that have a sulfidic materials within 100 cm of the mineral soil surface.

Sulfic Haplowassents LAFB. Other Haplowassents that have a lithic contact within 100 cm of the mineral soil surface.

Lithic Haplowassents LAFC. Other Haplowassents that have a chroma of 3 or more in 40% or more of the matrix of one or more horizons between a depth of 15 and 100 cm from the soil surface.

Aeric Haplowassents LAFD. Other Haplowassents

Typic Haplowassents Hydrowassents Key to Subgroups LADA. Hydrowassents that have sulfidic materials within 100 cm of the mineral soil surface.

Sulfic Hydrowassents LADB. Other Hydrowassents that have, in all horizons at a depth between 20 and 100 cm below the mineral soil surface, both an n value of more than 0.7 and 8 percent or more clay in the fine earth fraction.

Grossic Hydrowassents LADC. Other Hydrowassents that have a lithic contact within 100 cm of the mineral soil surface.

Lithic Hydrowassents LADD. Other Hydrowassents that have a buried layer of organic soil materials, 20 cm or more thick, that has its upper boundary within 100 cm of the mineral soil surface.

Thapto-Histic Hydrowassents

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LADE. Other Hydrawassents. Typic Hydrowassents

Psammowassents Key to Subgroups LABA. Psammawassents that have sulfidic materials within 100 cm of the mineral soil surface.

Sulfic Psammowassents LABB. Other Psammawassents that have a lithic contact within 100 cm of the mineral soil surface.

Lithic Psammowassents LABC. Other Psammowassents that have either 0.2 percent or more organic carbon of Holocene age at a depth of 125 cm below the mineral soil surface or an irregular decrease in content of organic carbon from a depth of 25 cm to a depth of 125 cm or to a densic, lithic, or paralithic contact if shallower.

Fluventic Psammowassents LABD. Other Psammowassents that have a chroma of 3 or more in 40% or more of the matrix of one or more horizons between a depth of 15 and 100 cm from the soil surface.

Aeric Psammowassents LABE. Other Psammowassents.

Typic Psammowassents Sulfiwassents Key to Subgroups LACA. Sulfiwassents that have a lithic contact within 100 cm of the mineral soil surface.

Lithic Sulfiwassents LACB. Other Sulfiwassents that have a buried layer of organic soil materials, 20 cm or more thick, that has its upper boundary within 100 cm of the mineral soil surface.

Thapto-Histic Sulfiwassents LACC. Other Sulfiwassents that have either 0.2 percent or more organic carbon of Holocene age at a depth of 125 cm below the mineral soil surface or an irregular decrease in content of organic carbon from a depth of 25 cm to a depth of 125 cm or to a densic, lithic, or paralithic contact if shallower.

Fluventicic Sulfiwassents LACD. Other Sulfiwassents that have a chroma of 3 or more in 40% or more of the matrix of one or more horizons between a depth of 15 and 100 cm from the soil surface.

Aeric Sulfiwassents LACE. Other Sulfiwassents that have, in some horizons at a depth between 20 and 50 cm below the mineral soil surface, either or both: 1. An n value of 0.7 or less; or 2. Less than 8 percent clay in the fine-earth fraction.

Haplic Sulfiwassents LACF. Other Sulfiwassents.

Typic Sulfiwassents

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Histosols Key to Suborders BA. Histosols that are saturated with water for less than 30 cumulative days during normal years (and are not artificially drained).

Folists BB. Histosols that have a positive water potential at the soil surface for more than 21 hours of each day in all years.

Wassists BC. Other Histosols that:

(Continue with current key) Fibrists

Key to Great Groups BBA. Wassists that have, in all horizons within 100 cm of the mineral soil surface, an electrical conductivity of <0.2 dS/m in a 5/1 by volume mixture of water and soil.

Frasiwassists BBB. Other Wassists that have sulfidic materials within 50 cm of the mineral soil surface.

Sulfiwassists BBC. Other Wassists.

Haplowassists Frasiwassists Key to Subgroups BBAA. Frasiwassists that: 1. Have more thickness of fibric soil materials than any other kind of organic soil material either: a. In the organic parts of the subsurface tier if there is no continuous mineral layer 40 cm or more thick that has its upper boundary within the subsurface tier; or b. In the combined thickness of the organic parts of the surface and subsurface tiers if there is a continuous mineral layer 40 cm or more thick that has its upper boundary within the subsurface tier; and 2. Do not have a sulfuric horizon that has its upper boundary within 50 cm of the soil surface.

Fibric Frasiwassists BBAB. Other Frasiwassists that have more thickness of sapric soil materials than any other kind of organic soil materials either: 1. In the organic parts of the subsurface tier if there is no continuous mineral layer 40 cm or more thick that has its upper boundary within the subsurface tier; or 2. In the combined thickness of the organic parts of the surface and subsurface tiers if there is a continuous mineral layer 40 cm or more thick that has its upper boundary within the subsurface tier.

Sapric Frasiwassists BBAC. Other Frasiwassists.

Typic Frasiwassists Sulfiwassists

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BBBA. Sulfiwassists that have more thickness of fibric soil materials than any other kind of organic soil material either: 1. In the organic parts of the subsurface tier if there is no continuous mineral layer 40 cm or more thick that has its upper boundary within the subsurface tier; or 2. In the combined thickness of the organic parts of the surface and subsurface tiers if there is a continuous mineral layer 40 cm or more thick that has its upper boundary within the subsurface tier;

Fibric Sulfiwassists BBBB. Other Sulfiwassists that have more thickness of sapric soil materials than any other kind of organic soil materials either: 1. In the organic parts of the subsurface tier if there is no continuous mineral layer 40 cm or more thick that has its upper boundary within the subsurface tier; or 2. In the combined thickness of the organic parts of the surface and subsurface tiers if there is a continuous mineral layer 40 cm or more thick that has its upper boundary within the subsurface tier.

Sapric Sulfiwassists BBBC. Other Sulfiwassists.

Typic Sulfiwassists Haplowassists BBCA. Haplowassists that have more thickness of fibric soil materials than any other kind of organic soil material either: 1. In the organic parts of the subsurface tier if there is no continuous mineral layer 40 cm or more thick that has its upper boundary within the subsurface tier; or 2. In the combined thickness of the organic parts of the surface and subsurface tiers if there is a continuous mineral layer 40 cm or more thick that has its upper boundary within the subsurface tier;

Fibric Haplowassists BBCB. Other Haplowassists that have more thickness of sapric soil materials than any other kind of organic soil materials either: 1. In the organic parts of the subsurface tier if there is no continuous mineral layer 40 cm or more thick that has its upper boundary within the subsurface tier; or 2. In the combined thickness of the organic parts of the surface and subsurface tiers if there is a continuous mineral layer 40 cm or more thick that has its upper boundary within the subsurface tier.

Sapric Haplowassists BBCC. Other Haplowassists.

Typic Haplowassists Family and Series Differentia and Names. Page 296, 10th ed. Keys. Add Psammowassents as great group not using a particle-size class. Neither a particle-size class name nor a substitute for a particle-size class name is used for Psamments, Psammaquents, Psammowassents, and Psammentic subgroups that are in a sandy particle-size class. These taxa have, by definition, either a sandy particle-size class or an ashy substitute class.

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Examples of Wassent and Wassists:

SINEPUXENT SERIES http://ortho.ftw.nrcs.usda.gov/osd/dat/S/SINEPUXENT.html

Tentative Series proposed by George Demas 11/2002

Proposed classification: Typic Sulfiwassents.

TYPICAL PEDON: Sinepuxent sand, in an eelgrass meadow, on a 0 percent slope on a shoal under 2.0 feet of permanent estuarine water. (Colors are for moist soil.)

Ag--0 to 3 inches; dark olive gray (5Y 3/2) sand; single grain; very friable; few fine and very fine roots; 5 percent, by volume shell fragments; moderately alkaline; strongly saline; clear smooth boundary. (1 to 6 inches thick)

2Cg1--3 to 19 inches; very dark greenish gray (5GY 3/1) sandy loam; few fine faint dark gray (5Y 4/1) mottles; massive; friable; n-value 0.8, material flows with difficulty between fingers when squeezed; few very fine roots; 1 percent, by volume shell fragments; moderately alkaline; strongly saline; clear smooth boundary. (6 to 20 inches thick)

3Cg2--19 to 38 inches; very dark gray (5Y 3/1) sand; few medium distinct gray (5Y 5/1) mottles; single grain; loose; 10 percent, by volume shell fragments; slightly alkaline; strongly saline; gradual smooth boundary. (4 to 15 inches thick)

4Cg3--38 to 60 inches; very dark gray (N 3/0) very fine sandy loam; massive; friable; n-value 0.8, material flows with difficulty between fingers when squeezed; 2 percent, by volume shell fragments; 3 percent, by volume very dark grayish brown (10YR 3/2) organic fragments; slightly alkaline; strongly saline.

TYPE LOCATION: Worcester County, Maryland; approximately 1,200 feet south of the Verrazano Bridge, 200 feet north of the remaining spoil island, Sinepuxent Bay, in an eelgrass meadow; Tingles Island USGS topographic quadrangle, lat. 38 degrees, 14 minutes, 13.14 seconds N. and long. 75 degrees, 9 minutes, 27.51 seconds W.

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DEMAS SERIES

http://ortho.ftw.nrcs.usda.gov/osd/dat/D/DEMAS.html

Tentative Series proposed by George Demas 11/2002

Proposed classification: Typic Psammowassents

TYPICAL PEDON: Demas loamy sand on a smooth 0 percent slope along the transitional edge of an island under 1.5 feet of permanent estuarine water. (Colors are for moist soil.)

Ag--0 to 1 inches; dark olive gray (5Y 3/2) loamy sand; massive; very friable; common fine and very fine roots; 15 percent, by volume dark brown (7.5YR 3/3) organic fragments; moderately alkaline; strongly saline; abrupt smooth boundary. (1 to 7 inches thick)

Cg1--1 to 7 inches; greenish black (10Y 2.5/1) sand; common medium distinct black (N 2/0) mottles; single grain; loose; few very fine roots; 2 percent, by volume shell fragments; moderately alkaline; strongly saline; gradual smooth boundary.

Cg2--7 to 27 inches; greenish black (10Y 2.5/1) sand; single grain; loose; 3 percent, by volume very dark grayish brown (2.5Y 3/2) organic fragments; slightly alkaline; strongly saline; clear smooth boundary.

Cg3--27 to 38 inches; greenish gray (5GY 5/1) sand; single grain; loose; 4 percent, by volume shell fragments; slightly alkaline; strongly saline; abrupt smooth boundary. (Combined thickness of the Cg horizon is 33 or more inches.)

2Cg4--38 to 60 inches; greenish gray(5GY 5/1) coarse sand; single grain; loose; 20 percent, by volume shell fragments; slightly alkaline; strongly saline.

TYPE LOCATION: Worcester County, Maryland; approximately 100 feet east of the center of Great Egging Island, Sinepuxent Bay, in a mixed seagrass meadow; lat. 38 degrees, 12 minutes, 5.21 seconds N. and long. 75 degrees, 10 minutes, 47.36 seconds W.

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WHITTINGTON SERIES

http://ortho.ftw.nrcs.usda.gov/osd/dat/W/WHITTINGTON.html

Tentative Series proposed by George Demas 11/2002

Proposed Classification: Fluventic Psammowassents

TYPICAL PEDON: Whittington sand on a smooth 0.2 percent slope on an overwash fans of a barrier island under 1.5 feet of permanent estuarine water. (Colors are for moist soil.)

A--0 to 8 inches; light olive brown (2.5Y 5/3) fine sand; single grain; very friable; 1 percent, by volume shell fragments; moderately alkaline; strongly saline; clear smooth boundary. (3 to 10 inches thick)

Cg1--8 to 17 inches; dark greenish gray (10Y 3/1) fine sand; few fine distinct dark gray (N 4/0) mottles; single grain; friable; moderately alkaline; strongly saline; clear smooth boundary. (6 to 12 inches thick)

2Cg2--17 to 28 inches; gray (5Y 5/1) sand; single grain; firm; slightly alkaline; strongly saline; clear smooth boundary.

2Cg3--28 to 45 inches; light gray (N 6/0) sand; single grain; firm; 15 percent, by volume shell fragments; slightly alkaline; strongly saline; abrupt smooth boundary. (Combined thickness of the 2Cg horizon is 20 to 48 inches.)

3Agb--45 to 60 inches; dark gray (5Y 4/1) loamy fine sand; massive; firm; 15 percent, by volume dark brown (7.5YR 3/3) organic fragments; 5 percent, by volume shell fragments; slightly alkaline.

TYPE LOCATION: Worcester County, Maryland; approximately 400 feet north of Great Egging Island, 700 feet southwest of the Assateague Island Ferry Landing, Sinepuxent Bay, in an unvegetated area; lat. 38 degrees, 12 minutes, 25.19 seconds N. and long. 75 degrees, 8 minutes, 57.18 seconds W.

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SOUTHPOINT SERIES

http://ortho.ftw.nrcs.usda.gov/osd/dat/S/SOUTHPOINT.html

Tentative Series proposed by George Demas 11/2002

Proposed classification: Thapto-Histic Sulfiwassents.

TYPICAL PEDON: Southpoint sand on a smooth 0.5 percent slope in a deep mainland cove under 4.2 feet of permanent estuarine water. (Colors are for moist soil.)

Ag--0 to 2 inches; black (N 2.5/0) sand; single grain; loose; 5 percent, by volume black (10YR 2/1) organic fragments; moderately alkaline; strongly saline; abrupt smooth boundary. (1 to 5 inches thick)

Cg1--2 to 4 inches; very dark gray (5Y 3/1) loam; single grain; loose; moderately alkaline; strongly saline; abrupt smooth boundary. (0 to 9 inches thick)

2Cg2--4 to 9 inches; dark olive gray (5Y 3/2) silty clay; massive; firm; n-value 1.0, material flows easily between fingers when squeezed; slightly alkaline; strongly saline; clear smooth boundary.

2Cg3--9 to 22 inches; dark bluish gray (10B 4/1) silty clay loam; massive; firm; n-value 1.0, material flows easily between fingers when squeezed; slightly alkaline; strongly saline; clear smooth boundary.

2Cg4--22 to 36 inches; olive gray (5Y 4/2) silty clay; massive; firm; n-value 1.0, material flows easily between fingers when squeezed; slightly alkaline; strongly saline; clear smooth boundary. (24 to 38 inches thick)

Oeb--36 to 48 inches; dark brown (7.5YR 3/2) mucky peat; hemic soil material, 50 percent, by volume rubbed fiber; 20 percent, by volume light olive brown (2.5Y 5/4) organic fragments; slightly alkaline; strongly saline; gradual smooth boundary.

Oab--48 to 60 inches; black (N 2.5/0) muck; sapric soil material, 10 percent, by volume rubbed fiber; slightly alkaline; strongly saline. (Combined thickness of the O horizon is 8 or more inches thick.)

TYPE LOCATION: Worcester County, Maryland; approximately 1.2 miles north of South Point along the mainland, 100 feet east of the mainland, Sinepuxent Bay, in an unvegetated area; lat. 38 degrees, 13 minutes, 54.48 seconds N. and long. 75 degrees, 10 minutes, 51.96 seconds W.

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TRAPPE SERIES http://www2.ftw.nrcs.usda.gov/osd/dat/T/TRAPPE.html

Tentative Series proposed by G. Demas, 11/2002. Proposed classification: Aeric Psammowassents

TYPICAL PEDON: Trappe loam on a smooth 0.1 percent slope in a shallow mainland cove under 1.1 feet of permanent estuarine water. (Colors are for moist soil.)

A--0 to 2 inches; light olive brown (2.5Y 5/3) loam; common medium distinct black (N 2/0) mottles; massive; friable; n-value 0.9, material flows easily between fingers when squeezed; common fine and many very fine roots; moderately alkaline; strongly saline; abrupt smooth boundary. (1 to 6 inches thick)

Cg1--2 to 7 inches; very dark gray (5Y 3/1) sandy loam; few fine faint dark gray (5Y 4/1) mottles; massive; friable; n-value 0.8, material flows with some difficulty between fingers when squeezed; few fine and many very fine roots; moderately alkaline; strongly saline; clear smooth boundary.

Cg2--7 to 15 inches; olive gray (5Y 4/2) sand; few fine distinct dark gray (N 4/0) mottles; single grain; loose; 20 percent, by volume shell fragments; 2 percent, by volume dark brown (7.5YR 3/3) organic fragments; few very fine roots; slightly alkaline; strongly saline; clear smooth boundary. (Combined thickness of the Cg horizon is 15 to 24 inches.)

C3--15 to 33 inches; light olive brown (2.5Y 5/3) sand; single grain; loose; 1percent dark brown (7.5YR 3/3) organic fragments; slightly alkaline; strongly saline; abrupt smooth boundary. (20 to 48 inches thick)

2C4--33 to 60 inches; olive (5Y 5/4) coarse sand; few medium prominent very dark gray (5Y 3/1) mottles; single grain; loose; 5 percent, by volume gravel; slightly alkaline; strongly saline.

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BAFFIN SERIES: http://ortho.ftw.nrcs.usda.gov/osd/dat/B/BAFFIN.html DNB-JKW-CLN (11/2005).

The Baffin series consists of very deep, very poorly drained (permanently submersed) soils that formed in slightly fluid sandy and loamy estuarine sediments. These nearly level soils are in shallow-water grass flats of bays. Water depth is generally less than 4 feet. Slope ranges from 0 to 1 percent but is mostly is less than 0.5 percent. Mean annual air temperature is about 72 degrees F and mean annual precipitation is about 27 inches.

Proposed classification: Typic Hydrowassents

TYPICAL PEDON: Baffin sandy clay loam on a smooth 0 percent slope, in a shoalgrass meadow under 8 inches of water, near the transitional margin of the wind-tidal flats at an elevation of -0.5 feet (Colors are for moist soil.)

Ag1--0 to 2 inches; dark greenish gray (5GY 3/1) sandy clay loam; weak fine platy structure; moderately fluid (n-value 1.0), soil flows easily between fingers and leaves a small residue in hand when squeezed; 2 percent very fine and fine roots; 2 percent fine tubular polychaete worm tunnels; 2 percent fine and medium faint greenish gray (5GY 5/1) iron depletions with diffuse boundaries in the matrix; strongly saline; SAR is about 50; strongly effervescent; slightly alkaline; clear smooth boundary.

Ag2--2 to 8 inches; greenish gray (5GY 5/1) fine sandy loam; weak fine platy structure; moderately fluid (n-value 1.0), soil flows easily between fingers and leaves a small residue in hand when squeezed; 3 percent very fine and fine roots; 4 percent fine and medium tubular polychaete worm tunnels; 4 percent fine and medium distinct dark greenish gray (5GY 3/1) and 1 percent fine and medium distinct dark greenish gray (5G 4/1) iron depletions with diffuse boundaries in the matrix; strongly saline; SAR is about 50; violently effervescent; slightly alkaline; clear smooth boundary. (combined thickness of the Ag horizons is 4 to 9 inches thick)

Cg1--8 to 14 inches; greenish gray (5G 5/1) sandy clay loam; massive; moderately fluid (n-value 1.0), soil flows easily between fingers and leaves a small residue in hand when squeezed; 1 percent very fine and fine roots; 12 percent medium distinct greenish gray (10Y 5/1) iron depletions with clear boundaries in the matrix; 3 percent gravel-sized shell fragments; strongly saline; SAR is about 50; strongly effervescent; slightly alkaline; clear smooth boundary.

Cg2--14 to 23 inches; greenish gray (5GY 5/1) fine sandy loam; massive; moderately fluid (n-value 1.0), soil flows easily between fingers and leaves a small residue in hand when squeezed; 3 percent fine and medium faint greenish gray (5GY 5/1) iron depletions with diffuse boundaries in the matrix; 3 percent gravel-sized shell fragments; strongly saline; SAR is about 60; strongly effervescent; slightly alkaline; clear smooth boundary.

Cg3--23 to 43 inches; greenish gray (5GY 5/1) fine sand; massive; non-fluid in natural state (n-value less than 0.7); 12 percent medium faint greenish gray (5G 5/1) and 3 percent fine and

15

medium faint greenish gray (10Y 5/1) iron depletions with diffuse boundaries in the matrix; 3 percent gravel-sized shell fragments; strongly saline; SAR is about 50; strongly effervescent; slightly alkaline; clear smooth boundary.

Cg4--43 to 63 inches; greenish gray (10Y 5/1) fine sand; massive; non-fluid in natural state (n-value less than 0.7); 3 percent medium distinct dark greenish gray (5GY 3/1) and 2 percent fine and medium faint greenish gray (5G 5/1) iron depletions with diffuse boundaries in the matrix; 1 percent gravel-sized shell fragments; strongly saline; SAR is about 60; slightly effervescent; neutral; gradual smooth boundary.

Cg5--63 to 75 inches; dark gray (N 4/0) fine sand; massive; non-fluid in natural state (n-value less than 0.7); 7 percent sand-size and 1 percent gravel-sized shell fragments; strongly saline; SAR is about 60; slightly effervescent; neutral; clear smooth boundary.

Cg6--75 to 80 inches; dark gray (N 4/0) fine sandy loam; massive; moderately fluid (n-value 1.0), soil flows easily between fingers and leaves a small residue in hand when squeezed; 20 percent medium distinct dark greenish gray (5GY 4/1) and 2 percent medium distinct dark greenish gray (5GY 3/1) iron depletions with diffuse boundaries in the matrix; 3 percent fine and medium distinct olive gray (5Y 4/2) iron depletions with clear boundaries in the matrix; 3 percent sand-size and 2 percent gravel-sized shell fragments; moderately saline; SAR is about 60; slightly effervescent; neutral. (combined thickness of the Cg horizons is 71 to 76 inches)

16

These next examples are from Ninigret Pond in Rhode Island. For complete context see: Bradley, M.P., and M.H. Stolt. 2003. Subaqueous soil-landscape relationships in a Rhode Island estuary. Soil Sci. Soc. Am. J. 67:1487-1495. Pedon: VBB, 9/18/2000 (M.P. Bradley). Landscape Unit: Flood-Tidal Delta Slope Water Depth: 1.1 m Proposed classification: Typic Fluviwassents A1--0 to 13 centimeters; black (N 2.5/0), very fine sandy loam; abrupt.

A2--13 to 26 centimeters; very dark gray (5Y 3/1), very fine sandy loam; coarse distinct olive gray (5Y 4/2) mottles; abrupt.

C1--26 to 44 centimeters; very dark gray (5Y 3/1) and dark gray (5Y 4/1), sand; clear.

2Ab--44 to 62 centimeters; black (N 2.5/0), very fine sandy loam; abrupt.

2C--62 to 69 centimeters; very dark gray (5Y 3/1), sandy loam; abrupt.

3Ab--69 to 86 centimeters; very dark gray (5Y 3/1), fine sandy loam; 1 percent shell fragments; abrupt.

3C1--86 to 93 centimeters; dark gray (5Y 4/1), loamy sand; abrupt.

3C2--93 to 100 centimeters; dark gray (5Y 4/1), loamy sand; abrupt.

4Ab--100 to 108 centimeters; very dark gray (5Y 3/1), sandy loam.

Horizon

Depth (cm)

Sand (%)

Silt (%)

Clay (%)

Coarse Frags.

(%)

Shell Frags.

(%)

pH

(initial)

pH (after 120 days)

Salinity

(mS)

CaCO3 (g kg-1)

Organic Carbon (g kg-1)

A1 13 37 55 8 0 0 7.4 7.3 54 9 16 A2 26 36 53 11 0 0 7.3 5.7 54 9 20 C1 44 90 9 1 0 0 8.0 7.7 39 4 4

2Ab 62 45 47 8 trace trace 7.7 6.0 45 8 13 2C 69 65 33 2 0 0 8.1 7.8 47 ND* ND

3Ab 86 41 50 9 0 trace 8.1 7.6 50 9 16 3C1 93 84 15 1 0 0 8.5 7.8 48 ND ND 3C2 100 81 18 1 0 0 8.1 7.6 46 ND ND 4Ab 108 77 21 2 0 0 8.5 7.5 46 ND ND

17

Pedon: VBH, Bradley, 2001. Landscape Unit: Mainland Cove

Water Depth: 1.1 m Proposed classification: Thapto-Histic Fluviwassent

A--0 to 18 centimeters; black (5Y 2.5/1), silt loam; clear boundary.

AC--18 to 38 centimeters; very dark gray (5Y 3/1), silt loam; 1 percent shell fragments; clear boundary.

C1--38 to 63 centimeters; very dark gray (5Y 3/1), sandy loam; 15 percent shell fragments; clear boundary.

C2--63 to 78 centimeters; very dark gray (5Y 3/1), sandy loam; abrupt boundary.

C3--78 to 83 centimeters; very dark gray (10YR 3/1), sandy loam; abrupt boundary.

2Oeb--83 to 115 centimeters; black (7.5YR 2.5/1); clear boundary.

2O/C--115 to 124 centimeters; black (7.5YR 2.5/1) and very dark gray (5Y 3/1) silt loam.

Horizon Depth

(cm) Coarse Frags.

(%)

Shell Frags.

(%)

Incubation pH

Organic Carbon

(%)

n-value

Sand (%)

Silt (%)

Clay (%)

Texture Class

A 18 0 0 6.5 6.5 > 1 23 54 23 sil AC 38 0 <1 7.2 7.4 >1 25 53 22 sil C1 63 1 66 4.5 1.6 <0.7 80 18 2 lcos C2 78 4 0 4.7 2.8 <0.7 82 16 2 lcos C3 83 0 0 5.9 -- <0.7 71 27 2 sl

2Oeb 115 0 0 6.5 29.6 -- -- -- -- -- 2O/C 124+ 0 1 7.0 12.1 -- -- -- -- --

18

Pedon VBG, Bradley, 2001 Landscape Unit: Glacial Fluvial Bar

Water Depth: 1.1 m

Proposed classification: Typic Haplowassent

A--0 to 5 centimeters; 60 percent black (5Y 2.5/1) and 40 percent olive gray (5Y 4/2), sandy loam; 25 percent shell fragments; gradual.

C1--5 to 12 centimeters; olive gray (5Y 4/2), sandy loam; 50 percent shell fragments; clear.

C2--12 to 36 centimeters; olive gray (5Y 4/2), coarse sand; 60 percent mixed rock fragments; clear.

C3--36 to 50 centimeters; olive gray (5Y 4/2), coarse sand; 35 percent mixed rock fragments. Horizon Depth

(cm) Coarse Frags.

(%)

Shell Frags.

(%)

Incubation pH

Organic Carbon

(%)

n-value

Sand (%)

Silt (%)

Clay (%)

Texture Class

A 5 2 15 6.5 1.8 <0.7 80 13 7 ls

C1 12 17 20 6.6 0.3 <0.7 89 10 1 grlcos

C2 36 61 0 7.4 0.3 <0.7 97 2 1 egrcos

C3 50+ 47 <1 7.6 -- <0.7 95 4 1 vgrcos

Pedon: 00NP056 M.P. Bradley. 9/12/2000 Landscape Unit: Lagoon Bottom

Water Depth: 1.7 m

Proposed classification: Grossic Hydrowassent

A--0-10 cm, black (5Y 2.5/1) silt loam, very fluid, gradual boundary.

A2--10-38 cm, black (5Y 2.5/1) very fine sandy loam, very fluid, clear boundary.

C1--38-60 cm, dark olive gray (5Y 3/2) silt loam, very fluid, gradual boundary.

C2--60-71 cm, dark olive gray (5Y 3/2) silt loam, very fluid, clear boundary.

C3--71-100+ cm, dark olive gray (5Y 3/2) silt loam, very fluid.

Horizon

Depth (cm)

Sand (%)

Silt (%)

Clay (%)

n-value Shell Frags.

(%)

pH

(initial)

pH (after 120 days)

Salinity

(mS)

CaCO3(g kg-1)

Organic Carbon (g kg-1)

A1 10 18 60 22 >1 0.0 7.6 6.8 72 14 42 A2 38 61 23 16 >1 0.0 7.8 6.6 79 10 38 C1 60 23 55 22 >1 0.0 8.1 7.1 73 16 57 C2 71 14 56 30 >1 0.2 7.8 6.9 74 11 33 C3 100 14 64 22 >1 0.3 7.7 ND 63 13 38

19

These next two examples are from our recent work mapping two other estuaries in Rhode Island.

Pedon: QP27, 2006. Water Depth: 1.5 m Proposed classification: Lithic Sulfiwassent

A--0 to 10 centimeters; black (5Y 2.5/1), sandy loam; strong hydrogen sulfide odor; 1.0 n-value; large seaworm; common medium eelgrass roots.

AC--10 to 15 centimeters; very dark gray (5Y 3/1), loamy sand; moderate hydrogen sulfide odor; low n-value.

Cg1--15 to 30 centimeters; olive gray (5Y 4/2), loamy sand; 40 percent clam shell fragments; no hydrogen sulfide odor; low n-value.

Cg2—30 to 40 centimeters; olive gray (5Y 4/2) sandy loam; 1 percent shell fragments.

Cg3--40 to 60 centimeters; olive gray (5Y 4/2) and olive brown (2.5Y 4/3) sand; 1% coarse fragments.

R-- 60 cm +. Rock.

Quonny Pond, RI. UTM easting: 272392; UTM northing: 4580900; North of rock outcrop island.

70% eelgrass cover.

Pedon ID: RI-009-2006--007-WH-P 11/14/2006 (Maggie Payne)

Wickford Cove, RI.

Proposed classification: Fluventic Sulfiwassents.

A--0 to 14 centimeters; black (N 2.5/0) interior, silt loam; few fine shell fragments; abrupt smooth boundary.

AC--14 to 30 centimeters; very dark gray (5Y 3/1) interior, silt loam; clear smooth boundary.

C1--30 to 53 centimeters; very dark gray (5Y 3/1) interior, silt loam; abrupt wavy boundary.

Ab--53 to 60 centimeters; very dark gray (2.5Y 3/1) interior, loamy sand; Common fine and mediam plant fragments; clear smooth boundary.

2C1--60 to 71 centimeters; dark olive brown (2.5Y 3/3) interior, loamy sand; common fine and medium plant fragments; abrupt smooth boundary.

2C2--71 to 97 centimeters; dark olive gray (5Y 3/2) interior, sand; 5 percent nonflat rounded granite fragments; few fine plant fragments.

20

The next set of examples were from descriptions and samples collected by NRCS folks working in Little Narragansett Bay in southeastern Connecticut and western Rhode Island. Pedon: 183 CT-NRCS-LNB (Perch Island), Donald Parizek et al., 10/26/05 Water depth: >150 cm Proposed classification: Aeric Haplowassent A -- 0-20 cm, N 2.5/0 sand; 10% gravels; 5% shell fragments; sulfurous odor; clear boundary; final incubation pH 5.0. C1-- 20-32 cm, 2.5Y 4/3 loamy sand; 10% gravels; clear boundary; final incubation pH 6.0. C2 --32-45 cm; 2.5Y 4/3 sandy loam; 15% gravels; abrupt boundary; final incubation pH 6.2. 2Cg --45-65 cm; 2.5Y 4/2 silt loam; abrupt boundary; final incubation pH 6.8. 3Cg --65-80+ cm; 2.5Y 4/2 very gravelly loamy sand; 40% gravels; final incubation pH 6.9. Upper parent materials are likely marine, Second parent materials are likely aeolian; last materials are likely till. Pedon: 170 CT-NRCS-LNB, Donald Parizek et al., 10/26/05 Mainland Cove Water depth: 140 cm Proposed classification: Haplic Sulfiwassent Horizon Lower

depth (cm)

CF (%)

Texture n-value

matrix color Shells (%)

Sulfur odor

Incubation pH

A1 12 2 mk S >1 10YR 3/1 5 y 2.9 CA 48 10 mk S 0.7-1 10YR 3/2 0 y 5.7 C 53 25 LCoS <0.7 2.5Y 3/3 0 y 5.2 Cg 66 0 SiL <0.7 5GY 5/1 0 y 4.3 2C 94 15 S <0.7 2.5Y 3/3 0 y 4.1 2Cg1 110 10 CoSL <0.7 5Y 4/1 0 y 5.1 2Cg2 140 10 SiL <0.7 5Y 4/2 0 y 5.9 Pedon: S06RI-009-001, Debbie Surabian, Donald Parizek, Maggie Payne, 9/7/06 Bay Bottom landscape unit in Little Narragansett Bay Proposed classification: Sulfic Psammowassent A -- 0-10 cm; 2.5Y 2.5/1 sand; sulfurous odor; 2% gravels; low n-value; incubation pH of 5.2; clear boundary. CA—10-24 cm; 2.5Y 3/2 (80%) and 2.5Y 2.5/1 (20%) sand; 5% gravels; low n-value; incubation pH of 5.2; abrupt boundary. C1 –24-32 cm; 5Y 4/2 (60%) and 5Y 3/2 (40%) loamy sand; 2% gravels; low n-value; incubation pH of 4.3; clear boundary. C2 –32-39 cm; 2.5Y 3/2 (85%) and 2.5Y 4/2 (15%) sand; 2% gravels; low n-value; incubation pH of 4.2; abrupt boundary. C3 –39-54 cm; 2.5Y 3/2 (80%) and 2.5Y 4/2 (20%) gravelly sand; 20% gravels; low n-value; incubation pH of 3.9; abrupt boundary. C4 –54-60+ cm; 2.5Y 4/1 coarse sand; 10% gravels; low n-value; incubation pH of 4.2.

21

Pedon: S06CT-011-006, Debbie Surabian, Donald Parizek, Maggie Payne, 9/7/06

Little Narragansett Bay

85% of the surface was covered in eelgrass.

Proposed classification: Sapric Sulfiwassist

Oa1—0 to 7 cm; black (7.5YR 2.5/1) muck; massive; very fluid; 15 percent unrubbed and 2 percent rubbed herbaceous fibers; 5 percent sub rounded gravel; no sulphurous odor; neutral (pH 6.9); extremely acid after 8 weeks; strongly saline; clear boundary.

Oa2—7 to 33cm; black (5YR 2.5/1) muck; massive; very fluid; 20 percent unrubbed and 5 percent rubbed herbaceous fibers; no sulphurous odor; neutral (pH 7.0); extremely acid after 8 weeks; strongly saline; clear boundary.

Oe—33 to 56 cm; very dark brown (7.5YR 2.5/2) silt loam; massive; moderately fluid; 35 percent unrubbed and 20 percent rubbed herbaceous fibers; sulphurous odor; neutral (pH 7.0); extremely acid after 8 weeks; strongly saline; clear boundary.

2AC—56 to 68 cm; 95 percent black (5YR 2.5/1) mucky silt loam and 5 percent dark grayish brown (10YR 4/2) sand; massive; nonfluid; sulphurous odor; 10 percent unrubbed and 2 percent rubbed herbaceous fibers; neutral (pH 6.9); extremely acid after 8 weeks; strongly saline; abrupt boundary.

2Cg1—68 to 71 cm; dark grayish brown (10YR 4/2) sandy loam; massive; nonfluid; 2 percent unrubbed and 0 percent rubbed herbaceous fibers; sulphurous odor; neutral (pH 7.0); extremely acid after 8 weeks; strongly saline; abrupt boundary.

2Cg2—71 to 78 cm; dark brown (7.5YR 3/2) fine sandy loam; massive; nonfluid; 2 percent unrubbed and 0 percent rubbed herbaceous fibers; sulphurous odor; neutral (pH 7.0); extremely acid after 8 weeks; strongly saline; abrupt boundary.

2Cg3—78 to 85 cm; very dark grayish brown (2.5Y 3/2) sandy loam; massive; nonfluid; 2 percent unrubbed and 0 percent rubbed herbaceous fibers; sulphurous odor; neutral (pH 7.0); extremely acid after 8 weeks; strongly saline; abrupt boundary.

2Cg4—85 to 88 cm; dark gray (2.5Y 4/1) sandy loam; massive; nonfluid; 1 percent unrubbed and 0 percent rubbed herbaceous fibers; sulphurous odor; neutral (pH 7.0); extremely acid after 8 weeks; strongly saline; abrupt boundary.

2Cg5—88 to 100 cm; dark gray (2.5Y 4/1) very fine sandy loam, massive; nonfluid; sulphurous odor; slightly alkaline (pH 7.4); extremely acid after 8 weeks; strongly saline.

LOCATION: New London County, Connecticut; USGS Mystic topographic quadrangle; lat. 41 degrees 20 minutes 5 seconds N. and long. 71 degrees 53 minutes 97 seconds W., NAD 83.

22

Pedon: S06CT-011-010, Debbie Surabian, Donald Parizek, Maggie Payne, 9/8/06

Little Narragansett Bay; Under 305 cm of water at high tide.

Proposed classification: Typic Sulfiwassist

A—0 to 9 cm; black (N 2.5/) mucky silt loam; massive; very fluid; no sulphurous odor; neutral (pH 7.1); extremely acid after 8 weeks; strongly saline; clear boundary.

AC—9 to 17 cm; black (2.5Y 2.5/1) mucky silt loam; massive; very fluid; 2 percent shell fragments; no sulphurous odor; neutral (pH 7.3); extremely acid after 8 weeks; strongly saline; clear boundary.

CA—17 to 30 cm; very dark gray (2.5Y 3/1) silt loam; massive; moderately fluid; sulphurous odor; slightly alkaline (pH 7.5); extremely acid after 8 weeks; strongly saline; clear boundary.

2Oab—30 to 64 cm; very dark brown (10YR 2/2) muck; massive; moderately fluid; sulphurous odor; 40 percent unrubbed and 5 percent rubbed herbaceous fibers; neutral (pH 7.3); extremely acid after 8 weeks; strongly saline; clear boundary.

2Oeb—64 to 166 cm; very dark grayish brown (10YR 3/2) mucky peat; massive; nonfluid; 70 percent unrubbed and 25 percent rubbed herbaceous fibers; sulphurous odor; neutral (pH 6.9); extremely acid after 8 weeks; strongly saline; clear boundary.

2Ab—166 to 183 cm; black (N 2.5/) mucky silt loam; massive; nonfluid; 5 percent unrubbed and 0 percent rubbed herbaceous fibers; sulphurous odor; neutral (pH 7.0); extremely acid after 8 weeks; strongly saline; clear boundary.

2Cg—183 to 190 cm; very dark grayish brown (2.5Y 3/1) fine sandy loam; massive; nonfluid; 2 percent unrubbed and 0 percent rubbed herbaceous fibers; sulphurous odor; neutral (pH 7.1); extremely acid after 8 weeks; strongly saline; clear boundary.

LOCATION: New London County, Connecticut; USGS Watch Hill topographic quadrangle; lat. 41 degrees 19 minutes 40 seconds N. and long. 71 degrees 51 minutes 45 seconds W., NAD 83.

23

These next examples are descriptions from submerged marshes from Tim Twohig’s thesis looking at the effect of inundation on Maine, Massachusetts and Rhode Island salt marshes. These two examples are from Nonquitt, Massachusetts. The marsh has been inundated for about 150 years.

Nonquitt Marsh Pedon D13 30 cm of water at the surface Proposed Classification: Typic Haplowassist

Horizon Depth (cm) Color Roots Notes Incubation

pH Salinity (PPT) AC 0-8 10YR 3/1 m VF, F Silt Loam 6.9 12 Oa 8-18 10YR 2/1 - Salt marsh peat 7.2 -- Oe 18-68 2.5Y 2.5/1 - Salt marsh peat 6.9 15 O'a 68-87 5Y 2.5/1 - Salt marsh peat 7 --

Nonquitt Marsh Pedon E13 30 cm of water at the surface Proposed Classification: Sapric Haplowassist

Horizon Depth (cm) Color Roots Notes

Incubation pH

Oa 0-10 10YR 2/1 - Salt marsh peat 6.7 AC 10-18 10YR 3/2 m VF, c F Silt Loam 6.8

Oa1 18-44 7.5YR 2.5/1 - Salt marsh peat 6.4

Oa2 44-84 7.5YR 2.5/2 - Wood fragments 6.5

Oa3 84-100 2.5Y 2.5/1 - Salt/fresh peat transition 6.3 Oa4 100-113 N 2.5/0 - Freshwater peat 6.4 AC' 113-117 10YR 2/1 c VF,F Silt Loam 6.2

24

These next examples are from Chris Flannagan’s thesis work in Taunton Bay, Maine. Date: August 19, 2003 Sample ID: TBVC03-02 Sample Method: Vibracorer Easting: 558210.96 Northing: 4931833.76 Soil Map Unit: Flood Tide Delta Collectors: Chris Flannagan, Emily Berry, Lauren LeClerc

Landscape Unit: Flood Tide Delta

Proposed Classification: Sulfic Hydrowassent

-Texture determined by pipette analysis

Horizon Depth (cm) lower

boundary

Boundary Dist.

USDA texture class

Munsell color

n-value Redox features

Color/Conc

Coarse frags %

Shell frags %

Notes

CAg 13 C L N4 1.4 N2.5 25%

0 0

CAg2 22 C SiL N4 1.1 N2.5 10%

0 0

C1 40 G SiL 10Y4/1 1.2 - <1 0 Cg2 70 G SiL 5GY4/1 1.0 - <1 0 C3 89 G SiCL 5Y4/1 0.9 N4

5% 2 0

C4 103 C SiCL 5Y5/1 1.2 - <1 0 C5 115 C SiL 5Y4/1 1.5 - 3 20 Mya arenaria

shells abundant, they are mixed

with sand in this layer

C6 141 G SiL 10Y5/1 1.5 - 0 0 hardly any OM at all, no gravel or

shells C7 161 G SiL 10Y5/1 1.8 - 0 0 no shells,

increase in OM C8 176 G SiL 2.5Y4/1 1.2 N5

5% 0 0

C9 194 C SiL 5Y5/1 1.8 N5 5%

0 0

C10 208+ - SiL 5Y5/2 1.1 N5 2%

0 5

25

Date: October 10, 2003 Sample ID: TBVC03-22 Sample Method: Vibracorer Easting: 559396.87 Northing: 4933774.33 Soil Map Unit: Estuary Edge Collectors: Chris Flannagan, Emily Berry Landscape Unit: Estuary Edge Proposed Classification: Sulfic Haplowassent

Horizon Depth (cm) lower

boundary

Boundary Dist.

USDA texture class

Munsell color

n-value Redox features

Color/Conc

Coarse frags %

Shell frags %

Notes

CA1 5 C SiL 10Y3/1 1.1 N2.5 15%

<1 3 MBO

CA2 28 C SiL N4 1.0 N2.5 6%

<1 <1 MBO

C1 34 A SiL 10Y3/1 0.2 N2.5 2%

<1 15 -

C2 49 A SiL N4 0.7 - <1 35 loaded with Mya arenaria shells (many whole)

C3 59 C SiL 10Y4/1 0.7 - 3 3 much fewer shells, increase in

gravel C4 71 C SiL 10Y4/1 0.7 - 3 <1 some worm tubes

present filled in with soil, less

shells, no whole shells

C5 86 A SiL 10Y4/1 0.6 - 5 10

IICg6 101 C SiC 5B5/1 0.3 - 0 0 Presumpscot IICg7 108 A SICL 5B5/1 0.3 - 0 0 Presumpscot IICg8 119+ - SICL 5B5/1 0.2 2.5Y5/4

35% 0 0 Relict

concentration in Presumpscot

-Texture determined by pipette analysis

26

These next examples were from some work by Phil Angell on a freshwater pond in Massachusetts. For complete context see: Angell, Philip J. 2003. Subaqueous Soils of Fresh Meadow Pond, Carver and Burrage Pond, Hanson. Master of Science non-thesis report, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA. Pedon 1, P. Angell Date: August 16, 2003 Extraction method: bucket auger Water depth: 70 cm, freshwater pond Vegetation: dense milfoil Proposed Classification: Psammentic Frasiwassent

Horizon Depth (cm)

Coarse Fragments

(%)

USDA Textural

Class

Matrix Color

(moist) Structuren-

valueSulfur odor

C1 0-15 0 sand 10YR 4/2 sg <.7 N C2 15-45 0 loamy sand 5YR 2.5/1 sg <.7 N C3 45-145 0 sand 10YR 2/1 sg <.7 N

____________________________________________________________________________ Pedon 3, P. Angell Date: September 27, 2003 Sampling method: core Water depth: 75 cm, freshwater pond. Proposed Classification: Fluventic Frasiwassents

Horizon Depth (cm)

Coarse Fragments

(%)

USDA Textural

Class Matrix Color

(moist) Structure n-Value RootsSulfur odor

Oi 0-5 0 - 7.5 YR 2.5/1 - - N slight C1 5-40 <5 sand 2.5 Y 4/2 sg <.7 Y N C2 40-50 0 sand N 2.5 sg <.7 N N C3 50-115 0 sand 7.5 YR 5/1 sg <.7 N N

Bwb 115-130 0 sandy loam 7.5 YR 3/4 sg <.7 N N

__________________________________________________________________

27

Pedon 13 Sampled: October 18, 2003

P. Angell

Water depth: 120 cm, freshwater pond.

Vegetation: Milfoil and lilypads

Proposed Classification: Aeric Frasiwassent

Oi—0-3 cm; 10YR 2/1 peat; abrupt boundary.

A—3-11 cm; 10YR 4/1 coarse sand, 10% gravels; low n-value; no sulfide odor, clear boundary.

Bg—11-23 cm; 10YR 5/1 sand; low n-value; no sulfide odor, clear boundary.

Bw1—23-36 cm; 10YR 4/3 sand; low n-value; no sulfide odor, clear boundary.

Bw2—36-54+ cm; 10YR 3/4 sandy loam; low n-value; no sulfide odor.

Pedon 16 Sampled: Nov 1, 2003

P. Angell

Water depth: 200 cm, freshwater pond.

Vegetation milfoil

Proposed Classification: Typic Frasiwassist Horizon Depth (cm) Boundary Texture Color Sulfidic Odor Oa 0-15 abrupt - N2.5/ N C 15-17 abrupt sand 10YR 7/1 N Oe 17-23 abrupt - N2.5/ N Oa 23-30 abrupt - 10YR 2/1 N C’ 30-34 abrupt sand 10YR 6/1 N 2Oe 34-36 abrupt - 10YR 2/1 N C1 36-38 abrupt sand 10YR 8/1 N C2 38-44 abrupt sand N2.5/ N 3Oe 44-125 abrupt - 10YR 2/2 N 3 Oa 125-135 abrupt - 10YR 3/4 N

28

Pedon 9 Sampled: Oct. 18, 2003

P. Angell

Water depth 120, freshwater pond.

Vegetation milfoil Proposed Classification: Sapric Frasiwassist

Horizon Depth (cm) Boundary

USDA Textural Class

Matrix Color (moist)

n-Value Roots

Sulfur odor

Oa1 0-55 abrupt - N2.5/ - N N Oa2 55-60 abrupt - 10YR 2/2 - N N A1 60-63 clear sand 7.5YR 2/2 <.7 N N A2 63-69 clear sand 7.5YR 3/3 <.7 N N

C1 69-77 abrupt gravelly

coarse sand 10YR 4/3 <.7 N N C2 77-102 abrupt coarse sand 10YR 7/2 <.7 N N