Phaeozems

Phaeozems occur all over the world, but especially on the more moist side of the steppe regions, bordering Chernozems.

Soils having

• a mollic horizon (deep, brownish or blackish surface horizon with a significant accumulation of organic matter and high base saturation);

• a base saturation of 50 percent or more between 25 and 100 cm from the soil surface;

• a calcium carbonate-free soil matrix at least to a depth of 100 cm from the soil surface, or to a contrasting layer between 25 and 100 cm;

• no diagnostic horizons other than an albic, argic, cambic or vertic horizon, or a petrocalcic horizon in the substratum.