SiBCS 2018 ISBN 9788570358219 English2

Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation
Embrapa Soils
Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Supply
Brazilian Soil
Classification System
5th edition
revised and expanded
Embrapa
Brasília, DF
2018
Originally publised in Brazil as Sistema Brasileiro de Classificação de
Solos by Embrapa, in 2018.
Copies of this publication can be purchased from:
Embrapa Soils
Rua Jardim Botânico, 1024
CEP 22460-000 Rio de Janeiro, RJ
Phone: 0055 (21) 2179-4500
www.embrapa.br | www.embrapa.br/fale-conosco/sac/
Publications Committee of Embrapa Soils

President: Vinicius de Melo Benites
Executive Secretary: Jacqueline Silva Rezende Mattos
Members: Ademar Barros da Silva, Adriana Vieira de Camargo de
Moraes, Bernadete da Conceição Carvalho Gomes, Enyomara
Lourenço Silva, Evaldo de Paiva Lima, Joyce Maria Guimarães
Monteiro, Luciana Sampaio de Araujo, Maria Regina Capdeville
Laforet, Maurício Rizzato Coelho, Moema de Almeida Batista,
Ricardo de Oliveira Dart, Wenceslau Geraldes Teixeira
Editorial oversight: Jacqueline Silva Rezende Mattos

Bibliographic citations: Luciana Sampaio de Araujo
Graphic design and electronic editing: Marcos Antônio Nakayama
Cover: Eduardo Guedes de Godoy
Translation: Cornelia Elisabeth Abreu-Reichart (paratexts, chapters
1-4, 18, 19 and appendices) and Maria da Conceição Alves
(chapters 5-17)
Revision: Cornelia Elisabeth Abreu-Reichart, Lúcia Helena Cunha
dos Anjos, Humberto Gonçalves dos Santos, José Francisco
Lumbreras.
1st edition
1st printing (1999): 1000 copies
2nd printing (2000): 1000 copies
3rd printing (2000): 1000 copies
4th printing (2001): 1000 copies
2nd edition
3rd printing (2009): 2000 copies
3rd edition
4th edition
E-book (2014)
5th edition
E-book (2018)
All rights reserved
Unauthorized reproduction of this publication, in whole or in part,
constitutes copyright infringement (Law no. 9,610).
International Cataloging in Publication (CIP) data
Embrapa Soils
Brazilian Soil Classification System / Humberto Gonçalves dos Santos

… [et al.]. – 5. ed., rev. and exp. – Brasília, DF: Embrapa, 2018.
E-book : il. color.
ISBN 978-85-7035-821-9
1. Soil Classification. 2. Nomenclature. 3. Pedology. I. Santos,

Humberto Gonçalves dos. II. Jacomine, Paulo Klinger Tito. III. Anjos,
Lúcia Helena Cunha dos. IV. Oliveira, Virlei Álvaro de. V. Lumbreras,
José Francisco. VI. Coelho, Maurício Rizzato. VII. Almeida, Jaime
Antonio de VIII. Araújo Filho, José Coelho de. IX. Oliveira, João
Bertoldo de. X. Cunha, Tony Jarbas Ferreira. XI. Embrapa Soils.
CDD 631.44
Luciana Sampaio de Araujo (CRB 7/5165) ©Embrapa, 2018

Authors
Humberto Gonçalves dos Santos

Agronomist, doctor in Soil Science, researcher at Embrapa Soils, Rio
de Janeiro, RJ
Paulo Klinger Tito Jacomine

Agronomist, doctor honoris causa in Soil Genesis, Morphology and
Classification, professor at the Federal Rural University of
Pernambuco (UFRPE), Recife, PE
Lúcia Helena Cunha dos Anjos

Agronomist, doctor in Soil Science, full professor at the Soils
Department, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ),
Seropédica, RJ
Virlei Álvaro de Oliveira

Agronomist, doctor in Geoscience and Environment, researcher
(retired) from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics
(IBGE), Goiânia, GO
José Francisco Lumbreras

Agronomist, doctor in Environmental Planning and Management,
researcher at Embrapa Soils, Rio de Janeiro, RJ
Maurício Rizzato Coelho

Agronomist, doctor in Soil Science, researcher at Embrapa Soils, Rio
de Janeiro, RJ
Jaime Antonio de Almeida

Agronomist, doctor in Soil Science, professor at the Santa Catarina
State University (UDESC), Lages, SC
José Coelho de Araújo Filho

Agronomist, doctor in Geochemistry and Geotectonics, researcher at
Embrapa Soils, Recife, PE
João Bertoldo de Oliveira

Agronomist, doctor in Soils and Plant Nutrition, researcher (retired)
from the Agronomic Institute of Campinas(IAC), Campinas, SP
Tony Jarbas Ferreira Cunha

Agronomist, doctor in Soil Science, researcher at Embrapa Semiarid,
Petrolina, PE
We gratefully acknowledge the institutions of education,
research and planning and the Brazilian pedologists, for
contributing with suggestions, comments and criticism
throughout the development of the Brazilian Soil
Classification System.
In memoriam
Marcelo Nunes Camargo

Marcelo Nunes Camargo graduated in Agronomy from the
Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ), became doctor
and lecturer in Soil Formation and Classification at the UFRRJ,
graduated in Soil Morphology and Genesis from the North Carolina
State University (USA), worked as a researcher at the National
Service of Soil Survey and Conservation (nowadays Embrapa Soils)
of the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa), as
associate professor at UFRRJ, and was the winner of the Moinho
Santista award in the area of Agrarian Sciences (category
Agricultural Soils) in 1994. His entire life was dedicated to studies on
soil morphology, classification, correlation and mapping. On the way
to becoming the greatest exponent of pedology of tropical soils, he
coordinated the research efforts that culminated in the publication of
the Soil Map of Brazil, in 1981.
This page is a tribute and, at the same time, a public expression

of gratitude for the outstanding services rendered to Brazil in the field
of Pedology, by the unforgettable companion who, until the last days
of his life, was devoted to the task of consolidating the Brazilian Soil
Classification System.
Presentation
Embrapa Soils, a unit of the Brazilian Agricultural Research

Corporation (Embrapa), has the honor of presenting to the society
and, in particular, to the community of Soil Science, the 5th edition of
the Brazilian Soil Classification System (SiBCS).
This work is the result of the collective experience with Brazilian

soils, involving cooperators at different national research and teaching
institutions, under the leadership and coordination of Embrapa Soils.
The organizational framework consists of a National Executive
Committee, assisted by regional collaborators and local discussion
groups of the areas of soil genesis, morphology and classification.
Embrapa Soils was trusted with the coordination of this work,

which included the role of articulating the necessary actions to
facilitate the achievement of the proposed objective. The Executive
Committee, whose members are the authors of this publication, is
committed to the evaluation, consolidation, organization and final
editing of the document.
Apart from the great and commendable effort required to

overcome the inherent difficulties of the development of a proper
classification system for Brazilian soils, and aside from the difficulties
of geographic access and human and financial resources, boldness
and courage were needed to believe that there were already enough
highly educated and trained scientists in the Country to investigate,
understand and organize the knowledge about tropical soils. The
diversity and peculiarities of these soils were not fully covered by the
existing systems, developed for other climatic and terrain conditions.
From the first systematic soil surveys conducted in Brazil in the
1950’s and 1960’s, which gave rise to the current SiBCS, Dr. Marcelo
Nunes Camargo as the leader, and another important collaborator,
Dr. Jakob Bennema (Wageningen University, Netherlands) stood out
as the researchers most dedicated to this topic. In the following
years, the work was pursued by many scientists and teachers, based
at their respective institutions throughout the Country, who were
committed to the study and deeper understanding of the subject "soil
classification". Several of the participants are members of the local
groups of discussion and collaboration, to whom we extend our
appreciation, on behalf of all who contribute to Pedology in Brazil.
In spite of challenging moments in the 1980’s and 1990’s,

Pedology is now regaining the interest of society, in Brazil and
worldwide, in view of the unquestionable importance of the soil
resource for all matters related to food, fiber and energy production
and to climate change and environmental sustainability. Thus, knowing
the soils to improve their management by optimizing the application of
sustainable agronomic practices, as well as for land use planning by
means of zoning, has become imperative, not least for the definition
of public policies.
It is worth noting that the ideas and proposals resulting from the
Soil classification and correlation meetings in the field (RCCs), in
which soil scientists from all across Brazil take part, are implemented
under the lead management of Embrapa Soils and partners. The
results of these meetings and other suggestions and criticisms posted
1
on the website of the SiBCS , by users who have been applying the
SiBCS since 1999 (1st edition), were assessed by the Executive
Committee. Many of them, in the case of consensus, were integrated
into the SiBCS. Thus, since the 4th edition of the SiBCS, two RCCs
took place (in Roraima and Rondônia), which contributed significantly
to the improvement of the system. The organization of these RCC
meetings was enabled by strategic and financial support of Embrapa
and other teaching and research institutions, as well as by financial
support of science funding agencies, such as the National Council for
Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq) and the Brazilian
Federal Agency for Support and Evaluation of Graduate Education
(CAPES).
The elaboration of the SiBCS, involving several educational and

research institutions throughout Brazil, constitutes a clear example of
a successful partnership, which resumed this issue as a national
project, of interest and responsibility of the community of Soil Science
in Brazil. Today, the SiBCS has nationwide coverage and is being
taught in courses of Agrarian Sciences and others at all Brazilian
universities, aside from being the subject of one of the best-selling
books of Embrapa.
In this 5th edition, the hierarchical system of classification of the

SiBCS is maintained, in an attempt to consolidate the taxonomic
systematization, with a view to expressing the knowledge for the
discrimination of soil classes identified in the Country. The alterations
in this edition in relation to the previous involve from changes in
criteria and concepts of horizons to the incorporation of soil classes
into the categorical levels of suborders, great groups, subgroups and
families. However, the Pedology and soil classification, due to their
inherent scale-dependent nature, are not complete per se. In fact, the
systematization in the current form is still in progress, due to the
existence of to-date unknown soils in the Country (and which may
justify the inclusion of new classes at different categorical levels of
the system) and to the intrinsic nature of any classification system,
evolving and adapting to advances in Soil Science, with the insertion
of new classes and modifications of the former, to the extent to which
new scientific knowledge is generated.
Therefore, users are invited to continuously test and apply the

SiBCS and send in suggestions and criticisms, so that the publishers
of new improved editions of the Brazilian system can count on enough
material.
We take this opportunity to express our sincere congratulations

to the pioneer and current researcher generations dedicated to soil
classification in Brazil, for their efforts in developing knowledge on the
subject.
José Carlos Polidoro
Chief of staff ad interim of Embrapa Soils
Notes
(1) Available at: <http://www.embrapa.br/solos/sibcs>.

Note of the Executive
Committee
In this edition, the general structure of the Brazilian Soil

Classification System (SiBCS) was maintained, incorporating
changes, redefinitions and corrections. The system is released for
use and may be cited and correlated with others.
This work will be enhanced over the course of the coming years,
as a result of the effective application in soil surveys, soil correlation
studies and research in the area of Soil Science.
The amendments proposed here were made available for testing

and validation by the users (Santos et al., 2016, 2017) and presented
in part at the Brazilian Congress of Soil Science, 2017. They include
from basic definitions and concepts to the restructuring of classes at
all categorical levels. These changes are responses to suggestions
and criticism expressed by users of the SiBCS and, in particular, to
the ideas and proposals brought up at the last seven meetings of soil
classification and correlation (RCCs) in the South, Southeast and
North regions of the Country (Reunião..., 2000, 2005, 2008, 2010a,
2010b, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2017). The RCCs have traditionally
enabled the validation and improvement of the SiBCS, as well as the
standardization of criteria, and the interinstitutional exchange and
information transfer among Soil Science professionals.
The improvements consist of adjustments, corrections and

redefinitions of basic concepts concerning the definition of soils; the
argiluvic, aluminic and chromic qualifiers; lithic contact; fragmentary
lithic contact; skeletal constitution; histic horizon and anthropic A
horizon. Changes in wording, redefinitions of the control section, and
the elimination or incorporation of soil classes are proposed at the
categorical levels of orders (Gleissolos, Nitossolos, Organossolos,
Vertissolos); of suborders (Argissolos Vermelhos, Cambissolos
Hísticos, Chernossolos Argilúvicos, Neossolos Litólicos, Neossolos
Regolíticos, Planossolos Nátricos); in the great groups (inclusion of
the Psamíticos in the Neossolos Regolíticos, redefinition of the
Psamíticos in the Neossolos Flúvicos, exclusion of Distroúmbricos
and Eutroúmbricos from the Neossolos Litólicos and Neossolos
Regolíticos, exclusion of Alíticos from various suborders, creation of
Hísticos and exclusion of Húmicos from Gleissolos Tiomórficos); and
in the subgroups (inclusions of many soil classes, exclusion of
úmbricos, redefinition of chernossólicos, creation of the espesso-
húmicos – Latossolos and Neossolos Quartzarênicos – and of the
leptofragmentários – Argissolos, Cambissolos, Chernossolos,
Gleissolos, Neossolos Regolíticos, Neossolos Quartzarênicos,
Nitossolos, Organossolos and Plintossolos –, and the replacement of
the term êndicos by mésicos at the 4th categorical level of
Planossolos); as well as at the categorical level of families (for
example with the creation of ândicos) and of series. Also presented
are soil depth classes, soil reaction classes and a proposal for the
designation of land types.
The previously defined subgroups in the SiBCS can be used in

other great groups, in which their occurrence has not been included.
In these cases, an explanation and a copy of the profile should be
submitted for the evaluation and validation of the new class.
Proposals of new classes at any categorical level should be sent to
the Executive Committee of Soil Classification (CE), containing a
justification for the proposed inclusion and a copy of the
corresponding profile for evaluation and validation, so that this new
class can be officially incorporated into the system.
When classifying a given soil profile, the classifier is allowed to

make combinations of descriptors at the 4th level, provided that they
were already defined in the SiBCS for any great soil group. At most
three descriptors may be used at this categorical level, for example,
Argissolo Vermelho Eutrófico solódico abrúptico plintossólico (see
Chapter 5, Argissolo...).
This edition substitutes the soil classification previously used by

Embrapa Soils (Camargo et al., 1987; Sistema..., 1999; Santos et
al., 2006, 2013, 2014) and all previous approximations (Sistema...,
1980, 1981; Camargo et al., 1988a; Carvalho et al., 1997).
With a view to the continuous upgrading of the SiBCS, as a result

of the scientific development and increased knowledge about
Brazilian soils, users are asked to send periodic criticism and
suggestions, which should be forwarded to the EC SiBCS (at
<cnps.sibcs@embrapa.br>), where new updates can be permanently
2
accessed on the SiBCS website .
It is also worth emphasizing that the SiBCS, gradually

constructed by the Brazilian scientific community over decades, is
now structured in the form of a taxonomic key up to the 4th
categorical level, with recommendations of qualifiers/properties to be
applied in the soil classification at the 5th categorical level (family).
Nevertheless, even in the current state, the SiBCS already meets
nearly all demands currently known in Brazil with regard to soils.
The suggestions of characteristics/properties for the 6th
categorical level are of preliminary nature. Their implementation will
require a major volume of specific information from and organizational
support in the Country.
Notes
(2) Available at: <http://www.embrapa.br/solos/sibcs>.

History of development of the
Brazilian Soil Classification
3
System
The classification of the soils of Brazil has been a matter of

interest, primarily motivated by the demand arising from soil surveys,
which, by nature, are a type of research that calls for soil
classification.
The national pedological classification in effect is the result of the

development of the former American system, formulated by Baldwin
et al. (1938) and modified by Thorp and Smith (1949). This
classification, which was nationalized in Brazil, is essentially based on
the core concepts of the American system, in spite of relying on the
additional support of clarifying explanations of concepts and criteria
established in a number of key publications, in particular those of the
authorship of: Kellogg (1949) and Kellogg and Davol (1949), about
Latossolos; Simonson (1949), concerning the Podzólicos Vermelho-
Amarelos; Winters and Simonson (1951) and Simonson et al. (1952),
with regard to several great groups of soils; United States (1951),
addressing the Solos Glei and Solos Salinos and Alcalinos; Tavernier
and Smith (1957), about Cambissolos; and of Oakes and Thorp
(1951), on Rendzinas and Vertissolos (Grumossolos). The central
concepts of the former American system represent the basis of the
current transmuted Brazilian classification. The current layout was
shaped by modifications of criteria, alterations of concepts, creation
of new classes, dismemberment of some original classes, and the
formal recognition of subclasses of intermediate or transitional nature.
The process of modification was constantly directed to aggregate
modifications according to the emerging requirements, based on
intermediate and small-scale surveys, in which classes of higher
hierarchical categories were compared with each other. The main
focus was always the hierarchical level of great soil groups, coupled
with the exercise of creative tests at the subgroup level, since
classes in this category had never been established in the primitive
system (Baldwin et al., 1938; Thorp; Smith, 1949).
The modifications were initiated in the 1950’s, with the first soil
surveys conducted by the then Soil Commission of the National
Center for Education and Agronomic Research (CNEPA). They were
intensified by the end of that decade, with the extensive testing of
principles that were being recognized parallel to the approximations
to the new American system of soil classification. This framework
was being developed at the time (United States, 1960), giving rise to
the Soil Taxonomy, the official classification currently in force in the
country (United States, 1975, 1999). Many concepts arising from the
release of this new system were absorbed in the classification in use
in Brazil. Similarly, some concepts and criteria laid down in the
reference bases of the Soil Map of the World (FAO, 1974) and the
WRB (IUSS Working Group WRB, 2015) were also assimilated in the
development of the national classification.
In the soil survey of the state of São Paulo (Lemos et al., 1960),
distinctive pedogenetic horizons, specific of certain soils, were
recognized as legitimate diagnostic criteria to establish and define soil
classes in the natural system of classification. On this occasion, the
concepts of latosolic B and textural B horizons were used for the first
time in Brazil.
Additional contributions to the Brazilian pedological classification
came from basic research in soil surveys of the above system,
namely the conceptualization of Latossolos and the tentative
subdivision of classes of Latossolos as a result of the observed
variations (Latossolo Roxo, Latossolo Vermelho-Escuro, Latossolo
Vermelho-Amarelo, Latossolo Vermelho-Amarelo Húmico); the
creation of the Terra Roxa Estruturada class; and the subdivision of
Solos Podzólicos, mainly due to the textural distinctions between
soils, expression of the textural B horizon in the profile, extraordinary
textural contrast between the eluvial and the textural B horizons and,
above all, the high base saturation in the textural B or even in the
solum, a condition that had not been clarified until then in the
classification of tropical Solos Podzólicos.
The soil survey carried out in the south of Minas Gerais

(Camargo et al., 1962) however recognizes the incipient B horizon,
diagnostic for the class that included the Solos Brunos Ácidos –
precursor of the Cambissolos.
Thereafter, the soil surveys carried out by the Commission of

Soils and successor institutions demanded adaptations for soils as
they were being identified, especially with regard to the diversity of
attributes and the variability in soil morphology and constitution.
Consequently, modifications and additions were included, involving
adjustments and innovations in differentiating criteria, resulting in the
standards compiled by Carvalho et al. (1988).
Thus, initial divisions of great groups were eventually established,

based on distinction by base saturation, activity of clays as
expressed in the cation exchange capacity of inorganic colloids,
sodium saturation, presence of calcium carbonate, abrupt textural
change to the B horizon, and by other distinctive features.
The collection of criteria also included various diagnostic
attributes for several types of A horizons, B horizons and other
diagnostic horizons in variable positions in soil profiles, which were
integrated over the course of the development of the new American
system of pedological classification (United States, 1960, 1975,
1999, 2009) and of the reference bases of FAO (1974, 1990) and
WRB (IUSS Working Group WRB, 2015).
Several soil classes of high categorical levels were included to

incorporate the classification of expressively distinct soil types, which
were identified during soil surveys conducted in the wide diversity of
climatic, geomorphic, vegetational and geological ambiences of the
national territory.
Another contribution to the system resulted from a study of soil

reexamination, when in the Southern region of the Country, on the
highlands of Curitiba, soils sui generis were identified, leading to the
proposal of the Rubrozém class (Bramão; Simonson, 1956).
Also in the 1950’s, the class of Hidromórficos Cinzentos (Barros

et al., 1958) was recognized, derived from Planossolos and Gleis
Pouco Húmicos of the American system, then in effect (Baldwin et
al., 1938; Thorp; Smith, 1949).
Subsequently to the distinction of the classes of Latossolos

Roxos, Latossolos Vermelho-Escuros and Latossolos Vermelho-
Amarelos, also described in the cited survey of the State of São
Paulo, other classes were added: establishment of Latossolos
Amarelos, based on studies of Day (1959) and Sombroek (1961) in
the Amazon; Latossolos Brunos, identified by Lemos et al. (1967) in
Rio Grande do Sul; Latossolos Variação Una, first reported in 1963 in
the south of Bahia (Jacomine et al., 1977-1979); and Latossolos
Ferríferos, as conceptualized by Camargo (1982). With respect to
the distinction of Latossolos, Camargo et al. (1988b) are accredited
with the classification of these soils in the Country.
Areias Quartzosas constitutes a soil class recognized since the

beginning of the 1960’s (Lemos et al., 1960) as independent group,
dismembered from the Regossolos – a class that became less
extensive by the exclusion of those quartzose soils – defined as
weakly developed soils because of the very refractory nature of the
quartz-rich material, resulting in low pedogenetic development.
A modification of the concept at the beginning of the 1970’s, in

response to observations of soils identified in several field
investigations, substantiated the class of Solos Litólicos (Freitas et
al., 1971; Jacomine et al., 1972-1973).
In the pedological survey of Ceará, Solos Podzólicos were

observed with peculiar and atypical characteristics in relation to
original conceptions of classes established in these soils, which led to
the recognition of the class of Podzólicos Acinzentados (Jacomine et
al., 1973).
Similarly, other atypical Solos Podzólicos, formed in the upper

part of the Barreiras Formation (and related areas), as a counterpart
to Latossolos Amarelos, led to the proposal of the class of
Podzólicos Amarelos (Reunião..., 1979a).
Soils that are hard to identify, seen as similar to Terra Roxa

Estruturada (however, differentiated by the color related to the oxidic
constituents), were found in the Southern region, and their
discrimination was considered with the definition of the class of
Terras Bruna Estruturadas (Carvalho et al., 1979; Carvalho, 1982).
The class of Plintossolos was established at the end of the
1970’s (Jacomine et al., 1980), as a result of years of reflection
about the validity of the current conceptualization of Plintossolos as a
separate class in the referential system. A large part of this class
assembles the various soils of the former class of Lateritas
Hidromórficas, including part of the soils of some other classes,
defined before the Plintossolos.
The last major addition to the referential system was the class of
Podzólicos Vermelho-Escuros (Camargo et al., 1982), which is a
separate group of soils distinct from the traditional class of
Podzólicos Vermelho-Amarelos. The placement of this new class is
homologous to that of the other Solos Podzólicos and represents a
counterpart to the Latossolo Vermelho-Escuro. The established class
includes a part of the soils removed from the class of Podzólicos
Vermelho-Amarelos and includes all soils of the excluded Terra Roxa
Estruturada Similar.
These were important changes that influenced the progression of

the soil classification in the sense of its nationalization, now
implemented by the four approximations developed from 1980 to
1997 and by the publication of the Brazilian Soil Classification System
(Sistema..., 1998, 1999; Santos et al., 2006, 2013, 2014). The
correlation between the soil classes of the SiBCS (current edition)
and those used before in Brazil, until the publication of the 1st edition
(1999), is shown in Appendix I.
This edition of the SiBCS contains relevant changes, from the

order level to the family level, with redefinitions, restructuring,
exclusion and inclusion of classes, which were discussed and
approved by the Executive Committee of Soil Classification (Santos
et al., 2003, 2009, 2012, 2016, 2017).
Notes
(3) Adapted from Jacomine and Camargo (1996).

Summary
List of acronyms
Introduction
Definition of soil
Chapter 1 Diagnostic attributes and other attributes
Diagnostic attributes
Other attributes
Chapter 2 Diagnostic surface horizons and diagnostic
subsurface horizons
Diagnostic surface horizons
Diagnostic subsurface horizons
Chapter 3 Categorical levels of the system, nomenclature of
classes, bases and criteria, concept and definition of
the classes of the 1st categorical level (orders)
Categorical levels of the system
Nomenclature of the classes
Bases and criteria
Concept and definition of the classes of the 1st categorical
level (orders)
Chapter 4 Classification of soils from the 1st to 4th categorical
level
Key for the identification of soil classes
Key to classes of the 1st categorical level (orders)
Chapter 5 Argissolos
Classes of the 2nd categorical level (suborders)
Classes of the 3rd categorical level (great groups)
Classes of the 4th categorical level (subgroups)
Chapter 6 Cambissolos
Chapter 7 Chernossolos
Chapter 8 Espodossolos
Chapter 9 Gleissolos
Chapter 10 Latossolos
Chapter 11 Luvissolos
Chapter 12 Neossolos
Chapter 13 Nitossolos
Chapter 14 Organossolos
Chapter 15 Planossolos
Chapter 16 Plintossolos
Chapter 17 Vertissolos
Chapter 18 Provisional definitions for the 5th and 6th
categorical levels (families and series)
Classes of the 5th categorical level (families)
Classes of the 6th categorical level (series)
Chapter 19 Distinctive criteria of phases of mapping units
Soil phases and conditions indicated by the primary
vegetation
Relief phases
Stony phases
Rocky phases
Eroded phase
Substrate phase
References
Appendices
Appendix A
Appendix B
Appendix C
Appendix D
Appendix E
Appendix F
Appendix G
Appendix H
Appendix I
Appendix J
Appendix K
List of acronyms
ADFE Air-dried fine earth fraction
Ald Aluminium extracted by a dithionite-citrate-bicarbonate solution
Alo Aluminium extracted by an acid ammonium oxalate solution
CAPES Brazilian Federal Agency for Support and Evaluation of Graduate Education
CEC Cation exchange capacity
CNEPA Soil Commission of the National Center for Education and Agronomic Research
CNPq National Council for Scientific and Technological Development
COLE Coefficient of linear extensibility
Db Bulk density
Dbi Bulk density of the initial soil or soil in its original state
Dbr Density of residual soil
DCB Dithionite-citrate-bicarbonate
Dom Organic matter density
Dp Particle density
EC SiBCS Executive Committee of Soil Classification
EC Electrical conductivity
Embrapa Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation
Fed Iron extracted by a dithionite-citrate-bicarbonate solution
Feo Iron extracted by an acid ammonium oxalate solution
HIS Hydroxy-Al interlayered smectite
HIV Hydroxy-Al interlayered vermiculite
PI Pyrophosphate index
IUSS International Union of Soil Sciences

m Aluminum saturation
MM Mineral material
MR Minimum residue
MU Mapping unit
OC Organic carbon
ODFE Oven-dried fine earth fraction
OM Organic matter
OMl Organic material
RCC Soil classification and correlation meetings
S value Sum of bases
SBCS Brazilian Society of Soil Science
SI International System of Units
SiBCS Brazilian Soil Classification System
SOM Soil organic matter
Ta High activity clay
Tb Low activity clay
Tm Medium activity clay
Tmh Moderately high activity clay
Tml Moderately low activity clay
Tvh Very high activity clay
Tvl Very low activity clay
V value Base saturation
Wg Gravimetric moisture
WRB World Reference Base for Soil Resources
XRD X-ray diffraction

Introduction
The Brazilian Soil Classification System (SiBCS) is the official

taxonomic system of soil classification of Brazil. It is a national priority
addressed by several educational and research institutions in the
Country ever since the first attempts of organization in the 1970’s,
based on successive approximations, seeking to define a hierarchical,
multicategory and open system, that would allow the inclusion of new
classes and make the classification of all soils across the national
territory possible.
In the period between 1978 and 1997, the following

approximations were established: 1st approximation (Sistema...,
1980), 2nd approximation (System..., 1981), 3rd approximation
(Camargo et al., 1988a) and a 4th approximation (Carvalho et al.,
1997), which all include discussions, organization, circulation of
documents for criticism and suggestions, as well as dissemination,
initially restricted, among participants and members of the scientific
community, culminating in the publication of the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th
editions of the SiBCS (Sistema..., 1999; Santos et al., 2006, 2013,
2014), widely disseminated at the national and international level and
adopted in Brazil.
The constant improvement of the SiBCS is a national project, of

interest and responsibility of the Soil Science community in the
Country, and is coordinated by Embrapa Soils. The foundation of the
system relies on institutional partnerships, previous studies and the
recent development of knowledge in the area of Soil Science.
The initial reference points for the 1st and 2nd editions were the
3rd approximation of the System (Camargo et al., 1988a) and the
following publications: Soil map of the world (FAO, 1990), Référentiel
Pédologique Français and Référentiel Pédologique (Association
Française pour l'Étude du Sol, 1990, 1995), Keys to Soil Taxonomy
(United States, 1994, 1998, 2006, 2010) and World Reference Base
for Soil Resources (FAO, 1994, 1998, 2006). This edition of the
SiBCS is, in the light of the knowledge and research generated in the
Country and abroad (United States, 1999, 2014; Isbell, 1996, 2016;
IUSS Working Group WRB, 2015), the result of a review and update
of the parameters and criteria used in the 3rd and 4th editions
(Santos et al., 2013, 2014) and of previous approximations, as well
as the incorporation of suggestions and contributions received from
the scientific community.
The project of development and validation of the SiBCS is

generating actions at three levels of discussion and decision-making,
involving organized inter-institutional groups at national, regional and
local levels. Moreover, teams at universities, state or federal public
institutions and/or private institutions have been working with soil
surveys, on the elaboration of dissertations and theses and on other
activities related to this subject.
The organizational framework related to the soil classification is

currently overseen by the National Executive Committee, assisted by
regional collaborators and local discussion groups of the areas of soil
genesis, morphology and classification.
In the 1st edition of the SiBCS, 14 classes of the 1st categorical

level were maintained as in the 4th approximation of the system.
However, the concepts and definitions of most of the parameters and
criteria used in the 4th approximation were largely modified. In the
2nd edition, only 13 classes of the 1st categorical level (orders) were
maintained, as a result of the exclusion of the order of Alissolos,
according to a proposal of system users and members of the
National Advisory Committee and Regional Committees, which was
discussed and approved by the Executive Committee. In this edition,
the 13 classes of the 1st categorical level were maintained.
The classes of the 1st categorical level (orders) are presented

alphabetically in Chapter 3 (Concept and definition of the classes of
the 1st categorical level) and in Chapters 5 through 17. In Chapters 1
and 2, the definitions of some attributes and horizons were changed
and some qualifiers included.
In Chapter 18, criteria and taxonomic attributes for the definition

of classes of the 5th categorical level (families) are listed. The
recommended criteria should be tested in the different soil classes,
ensuring appropriate methodologies and responses in terms of
agronomic and geotechnical relevance and for other purposes. The
6th categorical level is still in the discussion phase. For these
categorical levels, research projects of the different institutions should
be encouraged.
The majority of the appendices was maintained as in the 4th

edition, but a few were updated, such as Methods of soil analyses
adopted by Embrapa Soils (Appendix D), Symbology of the classes
of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd categorical levels (Appendix E), Ordering of
legends of soil identification (Appendix G), Standardization of the
colors of the classes of the 1st and 2nd categorical levels for use in
soil maps (Appendix H), and Approximate agreement between soil
classes at high categorical levels in the SiBCS, WRB and Soil
Taxonomy (Appendix J). In addition, the following appendices were
inserted: Classes of soil depth (Appendix A), Classes of soil reaction
(Appendix C) and Terrain types (Appendix F).
The definitions and notations of horizons and soil layers are used
according to Carvalho et al. (1988) and the basic knowledge of
morphological characteristics contained in the Súmula da Reunião
Técnica de Levantamento de Solos (Reunião..., 1979b) and the
Manual de descrição e coleta de solo no campo (Lemos; Santos,
1996; Santos et al., 2015). Throughout the text, the measures were
used according to the Guide for the use of the International System
of Units (SI) (Taylor, 1995).
Definition of soil
The soil we classify is a collection of natural bodies, consisting of

solid, liquid and gaseous parts that are three-dimensional, dynamic,
and consists of mineral and organic materials that occupy most of the
surface crust of the continental dimension of our planet; it contains
living matter and may be vegetated where it occurs in the nature and
may possibly have been modified by anthropogenic interference.
An examination from the surface downwards shows that soils

consist of roughly parallel sections, arranged in layers and/or horizons
that are different from the original parent material, as a result of
additions, losses, translocations and transformations of energy and
matter that occur over the course of time and under the influence of
factors of climate, organisms and relief. The horizons reflect the
processes of soil formation by weathering of bedrock or sediments of
diverse nature. The layers, in turn, are little or not at all affected by
pedogenetic processes, maintaining, to a greater or lesser extent, the
characteristics of the parent material.
The upper limit of the soil is the atmosphere, although some soils
can have an overlying water column (permanent or periodic), provided
that there is no barrier to the development of plant roots adapted to
these conditions. The lateral limits are the contacts with surface
water bodies, rocks, ice, areas covered by unconsolidated detrital
material, landfills, or terrain under permanent water cover. The lower
limit of the soil is hard to define. In general, the soil gradually gives
way to hard rock in depth, or to saprolitic material or sediments with
no signs of influence of biological activity. The underlying material (not
soil) contrasts with the soil by the sharp decrease in organic
constituents and the decrease of alteration and decomposition of
mineral constituents, i.e., by the predominance of properties more
related to the rocky substrate or to unconsolidated parent material.
The three-dimensional body that represents the soil is called

pedon. The face of the pedon, involving from the surface to the
contact with the parent material, constitutes the basic study unit of
the SiBCS. This unit is the soil profile, evaluated in two dimensions on
a minimal total area to enable the study of variability in the attributes,
properties and characteristics of the soil horizons or layers.
Under the prevailingly humid tropical climate conditions in Brazil,

the expression of the biological activity and the pedogenetic
processes commonly reach depths > 200 cm. In these cases, mainly
due to practical aspects of performing field work, the lower limit of
the control section of the soil for the purpose of classification is
arbitrarily fixed at 200 cm, except when:
a. The thickness of horizon A is > 150 cm. In this case, the

arbitrary limit is 300 cm (situation sometimes observed in
Argissolos and Latossolos); or
b. Horizon E is present in the sequum, and the thickness of the
E added to that of the A horizon is ≥ 200 cm. In this case,
exclusively for the classes of Espodossolos, the arbitrary limit
is 400 cm.
For certain characteristics, attributes and/or soil properties,

specific control sections are used for classification purposes. These
control sections are defined in the keys for the identification of soil
classes (Chapters 4–17). However, it is recommended, whenever
possible, to reach a depth of 200 cm for profile descriptions of deep
soils.
Chapter 1
Diagnostic attributes and other

attributes
Diagnostic attributes
Organic material
This kind of material is derived from plant residues in different
decomposition stages, exclusive of live roots, but including the finely
divided charcoal fragments and biomass in the soil that result from
natural processes. Organic material can be associated to mineral
material, in varying proportions. However, it is regarded as organic if
all of the following requirements are met:
a. The content of organic constituents must be high enough to

ensure predominance of their properties over those of the
mineral constituents; and
b. The organic carbon content must be ≥ 80 g kg-1, measured in
the air-dried fine earth fraction (ADFE), according to the
method adopted by Embrapa Soils (see Appendix D).
Mineral material
This material consists predominantly of inorganic compounds in
different weathering stages. A soil material is referred to as mineral if
it does not meet the requirements for organic material (previous
item).
This criterion was derived from United States (1999) and IUSS
Working Group WRB (2015).
Activity of the clay fraction

4
The clay fraction activity refers to the cation exchange capacity
of the clay fraction, without correction for carbon, and calculated as:
T (cmolc kg-1) x 1,000 / clay content (g kg-1). A high clay activity (Ta)
corresponds to ≥ 27 cmolc kg-1 clay and a low activity (Tb) to < 27
cmolc kg-1 clay. This criterion does not apply to soil materials with
sand and loamy sand texture.
The distinction of classes by this criterion is based on the activity

of the clay fraction in the B horizon (including BA and excluding BC) or
in the C (including CA), when there is no B horizon.
This criterion was derived from United States (1999).
5
Base saturation
This parameter indicates the proportion (percentage rate, V% =
100 x S/T) of exchangeable base cations in relation to the exchange
capacity, determined at pH 7 (the S value corresponds to the sum of
bases). The expression "high saturation" is used for soils with base
saturation ≥ 50% (eutrophic) and "low saturation" defines soils with
values < 50% (dystrophic). Additionally, V values of ≥ 65% are used
for the identification of A horizons classified as chernozemic.
The distinction between soil classes is based on the base

saturation in the subsurface diagnostic horizon (B or C). In the
absence of these horizons, the application of the criterion is defined
for each class.
In soils with high base saturation and simultaneously sodic and/or
salic or saline qualifiers, the former is no indication of high fertility,
because of the high sodium content and/or high soluble salt contents.
In soils of the sand and loamy sand texture classes and with S values
< 1.0 cmolc kg-1, high base saturation is not related with high fertility
either.
Abrupt textural change

This attribute consists of a drastic increase in clay content within
a short distance in the transition zone between the A or E horizon and
the underlying B horizon. When the A or E horizon has a clay content
of < 200 g kg-1 soil, the clay content of the underlying B horizon,
determined at a vertical distance of ≤ 7.5 cm, should be at least twice
as high as that of the A or E horizon. When one of these two horizons
has a clay content of ≥ 200 g kg-1 soil, the increase in clay in the
underlying B horizon, determined at a vertical distance of ≤ 7.5 cm,
must be ≥ 200 g kg-1 in absolute values in the fine earth fraction (e.g.:
300 g kg-1 to at least 500 g kg-1, or 220 g kg-1 to at least 420 g kg-1).
This criterion was adapted from IUSS Working Group WRB

(2015).
Plinthite
This formation consists of a mixture of clay, poor in organic
carbon and rich in iron or iron and aluminum, with quartz grains and
other minerals. It commonly occurs in the form of red, yellowish red
and dark red mottles, usually with laminar, polygonal or reticulate
patterns. In terms of genesis, plinthite is formed in humid
environments by iron segregation, which comprises mobilization and
transport and the final concentration of the iron compounds. This
process can occur in any soil with a sufficiently high iron content to
allow its segregation in the form of soft red materials.
Under natural conditions, a single wetting–drying cycle will not

result in irreversible hardening of plinthite. In moist soil, plinthite is soft
and can be cut with a knife or broken by hand.
Plinthite is a distinct body of iron oxide-rich material and can be

differentiated from consolidated ferruginous nodules or concretions
(petroplinthite), which are extremely firm or hard. Plinthite is firm
when moist and hard or extremely hard when dry, with a diameter > 2
mm, and is separable from the soil matrix, i.e., from the surrounding
material. It resists to moderate pressing and rolling between thumb
and forefinger and can be broken by hand. Plinthite immersed in
water for two hours does not disintegrate, even when shaken slightly
periodically, but it can be broken or deformed after immersion in
water for longer periods.
The colors of plinthite have hues between 10R and 7.5YR, with
high chromas, and commonly contain yellowish brown and yellowish
red mottles that are not considered plinthite, as well as brittle, friable
or firm bodies that break when pressed between thumb and
forefinger and crumble in water.
Plinthite can be found in laminar, nodular, spheroidal or irregular

shapes.
This criterion was adapted from United States (1999), and

Daniels et al. (1978).
Petroplinthite
This material is normally derived from plinthite, which, once
exposed to repetitive wetting cycles followed by marked dryness, is
subjected to strong consolidation, leading to the formation of
ferruginous nodules or concretions (ironstone, lateritic concretions,
canga, tapanhoacanga) of varying sizes and shapes (laminar, nodular,
spheroidal or elongated). It may be arranged in the profile vertically
or irregularly and separately or in agglomerates.
This criterion was derived from Sys (1967) and Daniels et al.
(1978).
Friction surfaces (slickensides)

These polished and shiny surfaces, mostly strongly grooved, are
a result of the shear and friction of the soil mass caused by motion
due to the strong swelling of clay material upon wetting. The surfaces
are typically inclined in relation to the verticality of the profiles.
This criterion was adapted from United States (1999) and

Santos et al. (2015).
Acric qualifier
This qualifier is used to describe soils in which the sum of
exchangeable bases (Ca2+, Mg2+, K+ and Na+) + aluminum
extractable by KCl 1 mol L-1 (Al3+) has values of ≤ 1.5 cmolc kg-1
clay, and meets at least one of the following conditions:
a. pH KCl 1 mol L-1 equal to or higher than 5.0; or

b. ΔpH positive or zero (ΔpH = pH KCl – pH H2O).
This criterion was derived from United States (1994) and IUSS
Working Group WRB (2015).
Aluminic qualifier
This qualifier refers to the condition of a soil with an extractable
aluminum content of ≥ 4 cmolc kg-1 soil, aside from an aluminum
saturation of [100 x Al+3 / (S + Al+3)] ≥ 50% and/or base saturation of
(V% = 100 x S/T) < 50%.
To discriminate soils by this criterion, the extractable aluminum

content of the B or C horizon (in the absence of B) is considered.
Argiluvic qualifier
This qualifier distinguishes soils with a significant clay
concentration in the B horizon, but not high enough to identify a B
horizon as textural or planic. This qualifier is defined by the
simultaneous presence of:
a. A texture ratio (B/A) ≥ 1.4 (calculated by the same criteria to

distinguish a textural B horizon, described in Chapter 2,
subitem h); and
b. A B horizon with prismatic structure, with any degree of
development, or blocky structure and at least an intermediate
development degree.
Carbonatic qualifier
This property is given by a CaCO3 equivalent content of ≥ 150 g
kg-1 soil under any form of segregation, in addition to nodules and/or
concretions, as long as the requirements for a calcic horizon are not
met.
This criterion was adapted from United States (1999).

Hypocarbonatic qualifier
This property refers to the presence of CaCO3 equivalent under
any form of segregation, in addition to nodules and/or concretions, of
≥ 50 and < 150 g kg-1 soil. It discriminates soils that contain CaCO3
in some horizon but are not carbonatic qualifiers.
This criterion was derived from the appendix of the Soil Survey
Manual (USDA, 1951).
Cohesive qualifier
This qualifier is used to distinguish soils with dense pedogenetic
subsurface horizons, which are very resistant to penetration with a
knife or breaking with a hammer, are very hard to extremely hard
when dry, and become friable or firm when moist. Under
compression, moist samples are slowly deformed, opposite to
fragipan, which is a brittle material (crumbles up into smaller
fragments). The texture of these horizons is loamy clayey or very fine
clayey, and under natural conditions, they have a weak structural
organization, generally massive or tending to form blocks. The
cohesive qualifier is commonly observed in the transitional AB and/or
BA horizons at depths between 30 cm and 70 cm below the soil
surface, and it can reach the Bw or coincide totally or partially with
the Bt. A dry sample of a horizon that is cohesive will be dissolved
when immersed in water.
This criterion was derived from Jacomine (2001), Ribeiro (2001)

and Santos et al. (2015).
Concretionary qualifier
This term is used to define soils with petroplinthite in the form of
nodules or concretions in one or more horizons within the control
section that defines the class, but with insufficient quantity and/or
thickness to be defined as a concretionary horizon. It must contain a
minimum amount of 5% petroplinthite per volume.
6
Chromic qualifier
This qualifier refers to the predominance of colors (moist
samples) in most part of the B horizon, excluding BC, as defined
below:
a. Hue 5YR or redder, with values ≥ 3 and chromas ≥ 4; or

b. Hue from yellower than 5YR up to 10YR, values ≥ 4 and
chromas ≥ 4; or
c. Hue from yellower than 10YR to 5Y, values ≥ 5 and chromas
> 4.
Duric qualifier
This qualifier is used to describe soils with strong cementation in
one or more horizons within the control section that defines the class;
it includes soils with duripan, ortstein, placic and other strongly
cemented horizons that do not fall within the definition of lithoplinthic,
concretionary and petrocalcic horizons.
7
Ebanic qualifier
This qualifier indicates prevailingly dark, nearly black colors in
most part of the diagnostic subsurface horizons, as defined below:
a. For hue 7.5YR or yellower:

1. Moist color: value < 4 and chroma < 3.
2. Dry color: value < 6.
b. For hues redder than 7.5YR:
1. Moist color: black or very dark gray (Munsell).
2. Dry color: value < 5.
Spodic qualifier
This qualifier is used to describe soils with illuvial accumulation of
organometallic complexes in the subsurface and that do not fulfill the
criteria for a spodic B horizon and Espodossolos.
Eutric qualifier
This qualifier is used to distinguish soils with pH (in H2O) ≥ 5.7,
together with an S value (sum of bases) of ≥ 2.0 cmolc kg-1 soil within
the control section that defines the class.
Fluvic qualifier
This qualifier is used to identify soils formed under strong
influence of alluvial or colluvial–alluvial sediments, which meet at least
one of the following requirements:
a. Stratified layers, identified by irregular (erratic) variations in

particle size or other soil attributes with increasing depth;
and/or
b. Irregular (erratic) distribution of organic carbon with
increasing depth, which is unrelated to the pedogenetic
processes.
Lithoplinthic qualifier
This qualifier is used to define soils with continuous and
consolidated petroplinthite in one or more horizons in some part of the
control section that defines the class, with insufficient thickness of the
ferruginous material for a classification as lithoplinthic horizon.
Planic qualifier
The planic qualifier is used to identify dense horizons with slow or
very slow permeability, grayish or darkened, neutral or nearly neutral
colors, or with reduced mottles, which do not meet the requirements
for planic horizons and that occur along the entire length of the
horizon, with exception of horizons with a plinthic qualifier. It also
applies to soils with a redoxic qualifier above the B horizon and with
an abrupt textural change.
Plinthic qualifier
This qualifier is used to differentiate soils that contain an
insufficient quantity of plinthite or that have one or more horizons with
a satisfactory quantity of plinthite, but which are not thick enough to
characterize a plinthic horizon, in some part of the control section that
defines the class. Plinthite must account for a minimum amount of 5%
per volume.
8
Redoxic qualifier
This qualifier refers to the presence of redoximorphic features
(United States, 1999; Kämpf; Curi, 2012) in the control section that
defines the class, resulting from temporary waterlogging of horizons
and/or layers, leading to the occurrence of reduction and oxidation
processes, with iron and/or manganese segregation, in the form of
mottled and/or variegated colors. The redoxic qualifier does not apply
to plinthic and gley horizons, and does not have precedence over the
plinthic qualifier.
Temporary water saturation can occur in horizons located above

a B horizon with low hydraulic conductivity, sometimes forming a
suspended water-saturated zone. In this case, the redoxic qualifier
can occur in areas closer to the soil surface, in horizons that precede
the B horizon and/or on top of it. In other cases, temporary
waterlogging can occur in deeper layers, favored by the existence of
horizons or layers with very low permeability, e.g., in areas above
dense layers (fragipan or duripan) and in poorly permeable saprolites
or even rock.
In any case, the period of waterlogging must last long enough to

form a temporarily reducing condition, which can promote the
dissolution of iron and/or manganese compounds and subsequent
segregation when drying.
The redoxic qualifier is expressed by variegated colors or at

least common and distinct mottles; diffuse mottles are admitted, if the
amount is abundant. The mottled color pattern can vary largely,
depending on the intensity of the oxidative-reductive processes,
texture, position of the soil in the landscape and others. Temporary
waterlogging, promoting mainly a depletion of iron compounds, may
induce from a strong bleaching of the soil matrix (in this case,
restricted to the horizons above or at the top of the B horizon) to a
more colorful matrix, interspersed with bleached depletion zones,
generally forming reticulate or polygonal patterns similar to plinthite.
The definition of the redoxic qualifier includes the epiaquic,

previously described in the SiBCS editions of 1999 and 2006. Its
limits were expanded to include the occurrence of redoximorphic
features, both in the surface horizons and in the subsurface horizons
or layers. The redoxic qualifier should be applied to express
temporary waterlogging in layers or horizons of the profile. These
soils, in general, have moderate or imperfect drainage, distinguishing
them from the classes that are typical. The occurrence of a redoxic
qualifier down to 50 cm below the soil surface is identified as an
epirredóxico soil class. When found at a depth below 50 cm and ≤
150 cm below the soil surface, it is identified as an endorredóxico soil
class.
This criterion was adapted from FAO (1998), United States

(1999) and Kämpf and Curi (2012).
9
Retractable qualifier
This qualifier is used for the Latossolos and Nitossolos classes,
suborders Brunos and Vermelhos, with clayey and very fine clayey
texture. In soils with this qualifier, a marked retraction of the profiles
is observed after exposure to a drying effect for some weeks,
resulting in the formation of deep vertical cracks and large and very
large prismatic-like structures (Figure 21, Appendix K), which break
up into blocks when handled. In road cuts, with greater exposure to
sunlight, the blocks will naturally tend to be separated in increasingly
smaller structural units that are detached from the soil mass and
accumulated in the lower part of the profile, forming a triangular
shape similar to a "skirt" when looking sideways at the vertical
section of the profile (Figure 23, Appendix K). Although kaolinite is the
predominant clay mineral in these soils, the retractable qualifier is
possibly due to the presence of hydroxy-Al interlayered 2:1 clay
minerals (vermiculite with hydroxy-Al and smectite with hydroxy-Al),
interstratified kaolinite-smectite, and/or to the small size of the clay
minerals in the clay fraction. This qualifier is typically found in some
soils of the mountainous highlands of southern Brazil, in a humid
tropical climate.
A methodology of quantitative evaluation of the retractable

qualifier, currently being tested, was proposed by Silva et al. (2017).
Rubric qualifier
This qualifier is used to indicate reddening with increasing depth
in the soil classes of Latossolos Brunos and Nitossolos Brunos. In
some part of the control section that defines these classes (exclusive
BC horizon), they have a moist color with hues redder than 5YR and
value ≤ 4, and hues of the dry color only one unit higher.
10
Salic qualifier
This qualifier indicates the presence of salts more soluble in cold
water than calcium sulfate (gypsum), and at levels that are toxic for
most crops. It is indicated by the values of electrical conductivity in a
saturated extract of ≥ 7 dS m-1 (at 25 °C), at some time of the year.
10
Saline qualifier
This qualifier indicates the presence of salts more soluble in cold
water than calcium sulfate (gypsum), at levels that interfere with the
development of most crops. It is indicated by the values of electrical
conductivity in a saturated extract of ≥ 4 dS m-1 and < 7 dS m-1 (at
25 °C), at some time of the year.
This criterion was adapted from United States (1951, 1954).
Sodic qualifier
This qualifier discriminates horizons or layers with a sodium
saturation (100 Na+ / T) ≥ 15% in some part of the control section
that defines the class.
This criterion was adapted from United States (1954, 1999).
Solodic qualifier
This qualifier identifies horizons or layers with a sodium
saturation (100 Na+ / T) varying from 6% to < 15% in some part of
the control section that defines the class.
This criterion was adapted from IUSS Working Group WRB

(1999).
11 12
Sombric qualifier
This qualifier is observed in certain transitional or main
subsurface horizons, (AB, BA, or B), of mineral soils with free
drainage and low base saturation. These soils show evidence of
humus accumulation, which does not fit in the definition of a spodic
horizon nor fulfills the requirements for a buried A horizon. Soils with a
sombric qualifier must meet all of the following criteria:
a. Must have a thickness of ≥ 10 cm;

b. Must not have an overlying eluvial E horizon;
c. Must not meet the set of characteristics required for a spodic
horizon;
d. Have a lateral continuity of the dark subsurface horizon in the
various landscape segments, indicating a pedogenic origin
and thus discarding the possibility of being a buried A horizon;
e. Have hues and chromas, when dry and/or moist, lower than
the colors of the overlying horizon;
f. Have a base saturation of < 50% (dystrophic); and
g. Have evidence of humus accumulation, be it by the presence
of cutans preferably deposited on the ped surfaces or in the
pores (rather than evenly distributed in the matrix), or be it by
a higher carbon content than in the immediately overlying
horizon.
Vertic qualifier
This qualifier identifies the presence of slickensides (friction
surfaces), cracks or cuneiform and/or parallelepiped structures of
insufficient quantity and expression to characterize a vertic horizon.
Lithic contact
This qualifier refers to the contact between the soil (any horizon
or layer) and the underlying material that has a practically continuous
mineral constitution and extreme resistance to breaking with a
hammer. The resistance can be so high that, even when moist,
digging with the shovel is virtually unfeasible or extremely difficult, and
the free growth of the root system and water circulation are impaired
and restricted to some random fractures and/or diaclases. These
materials are represented by intact rocks (layer R) or with some
degree of alteration from hard to extremely hard, of any nature
(igneous, sedimentary or metamorphic), or by transitional or
intermediate layers consisting mostly of hard rock (RCr or R/Cr). The
interface between the soil and the petrocalcic, lithoplinthic,
concretionary, ortstein, placic, fragipan and duripan diagnostic
horizons is not considered a lithic contact.
Fragmentary lithic contact
The fragmentary lithic contact refers to a type of lithic contact in
which the material underlying the soil, with the same nature and
characteristics as a lithic contact, is fragmented instead of forming a
continuous homogeneous layer or with only few occasional cracks,
allowing root penetration and growth and water circulation.
Sulfidic materials
These materials contain oxidizable sulfur compounds that occur
in mineral or organic soils in waterlogged areas, with pH values
exceeding 3.5. If incubated in the form of 1 cm thick layers under
moist aerobic conditions (field capacity) and at ambient temperature,
the pH decreases 0.5 or more to values of ≤ 4.0 (1:1 by weight in
water or with a minimum of water to allow the measurement), within a
period of up to eight weeks.
Sulfidic materials are accumulated in soil or sediment,

permanently saturated with brackish water. Sulfates in the water are
biologically reduced to sulfides, to the extent that the materials are
accumulated. Sulfidic materials are very often found in coastal
wetlands and near the delta of rivers that carry non-calcareous
sediments, but may occur in freshwater wetlands if the water
contains sulfur. Sulfidic materials in high terrains may have been
accumulated similarly in past geological periods.
If a soil containing sulfidic materials is drained or if the sulfidic

materials are exposed in some other way to aerobic conditions, the
sulfides oxidize and form sulfuric acid. The pH value, normally close to
neutral prior to drainage or exposure, can drop to values < 3.0. The
acid can induce the formation of iron and aluminum sulfates. The
basic iron sulfate [K Fe (SO4)2 (OH)6] (jarosite) can be segregated,
forming the yellow mottles that usually characterize the sulfuric
horizon. The transition from sulfidic materials to a sulfuric horizon
normally takes few years but can also occur within a few weeks.
Sulfidic material samples, air-dried in the shade for approximately two
months and with occasional re-moistening, become extremely acid.
Although there is no specification of a color criterion of sulfidic

materials, the materials of mineral soil qualified as sulfidic almost
always have colors with chroma ≤ 1 or lower (neutral colors N). On
the other hand, the sulfidic material of an organic soil usually has
higher chromas (≥ 2). The values are ≤ 5, most often ≤ 4. The hues
are 10YR or yellower, sometimes with greenish or bluish hues.
Sulfidic materials generally have no mottles, except for different gray
or black degrees, unless an oxidation process is setting in, which is
evidenced by iron oxide precipitation in cracks or channels.
This criterion was derived from Fanning et al. (1993), United

States (1994) and Kämpf et al. (1997).
Iron oxide content

Using the content of iron oxides (expressed in the form of Fe2O3
determined by sulfuric acid digestion) in the discrimination of the soil
classes allows a clearer differentiation. Based on the iron oxide
contents, the following classes can be separated:
a. Soils with low iron oxide content: contents < 80 g kg-1 soil
(hypoferric);
b. Soils with medium iron oxide content: contents from 80 g kg-1
to < 180 g kg-1 soil (mesoferric);
c. Soils with high iron oxide content: contents from 180 g kg-1 to
< 360 g kg-1 soil (ferric). The term "ferric" is also applied to
the class of Nitossolos for soils with Fe2O3 (H2SO4) contents
of ≥ 150 g kg-1 and < 360 g kg-1 soil; and
d. Soils with very high iron oxide content: contents ≥ 360 g kg-1
soil (hyperferric).
Andic properties
This property refers to the presence of amorphous inorganic
compounds or with a low degree of structural arrangement, such as
allophane and imogolite (silandic modalities), or resulting from the
presence of humus-complexed Al and Fe (aluandic modalities).
Defining criteria:
a. Soil density ≤ 0.9 kg dm-3; and

b. Phosphate retention ≥ 85%; and
c. Alox + ½ Feox ≥ 2%.
The criteria are based on the WRB systems (IUSS Working

Group WRB, 2015) and Soil Taxonomy (United States, 2014), as well
as on the study of Santos Júnior (2017). They are still in the
validation phase, recommended as differentiating criterion at the level
of the 5th category, for the classes of Cambissolos Hísticos and
Organossolos Fólicos.
Degree of decomposition of organic material

The following attributes are used for Organossolos:
a. Fibric organic material – organic material consisting of
13
fibers , easily identifiable as plant-derived material. It has a
14
rubbed fiber content of ≥ 40% by volume and a
pyrophosphate index of ≥ 5. If the fiber content is ≥ 75% by
volume, the pyrophosphate criterion is not applicable. On the
von Post decomposition scale, fibric material is usually
grouped in the classes 1 to 4 (Appendix D). Its colors,
determined by the sodium pyrophosphate method, assessed
on the page of hue 10YR, have hue values and chromas of
7/1, 7/2, 8/1, 8/2 or 8/3 (Munsell..., 1994);
b. Hemic organic material – organic material in intermediate
decomposition stage between fibric and sapric. The material
is partially altered by physical and biochemical action. It does
not meet the requirements for fibric or sapric material. The
rubbed fiber content varies from 17% to 40% by volume.
Hemic material is usually classified on the von Post
decomposition scale in class 5 or 6 (Appendix D);
c. Sapric organic material – organic material in advanced
decomposition stage. Normally, it has the lowest fiber
content, the highest density and lowest water-holding
capacity in the saturated state of the three types of organic
materials. It is physically and chemically highly stable,
changing very little over time, unless the soil is drained. The
rubbed fiber content is less than 17% by volume, and the
pyrophosphate index is ≤ 3. Sapric material is usually
classified on the von Post decomposition scale in class 7 or
higher (Appendix D). The colors, determined by the sodium
pyrophosphate method, assessed on the page of hue 10YR,
have values below 7, except for the value-chroma
combinations of 5/1, 6/1, 6/2, 7/1, 7/2 or 7/3 (Munsell...,
1994).
This criterion was derived from United States (1998).
Other attributes
These attributes alone do not differentiate soil classes, but are
important characteristics that support their definition.
Clay films
This property refers to the concentration of inorganic material in
the form of pore filling, coating of structural units (aggregates or
peds) or of coarse fraction particles (sand grains, for example) that
have a glossy appearance and a waxy brightness. Clay films may be
the result of coating by inorganic material, often clay, and/or the
rearrangement of particles on the surfaces of the structural units (clay
films, cutans etc). Once detected, this characteristic should be
described in the field, according to Santos et al. (2015), and it can be
confirmed by micromorphological analysis. Clay films include all
occurrences of cutans and others in their different forms of
expression.
In short, clay films consist of coatings with a glossy appearance

and waxy sheen, similar to liquid melted wax, covering structural units
or primary particles. In both cases, the property can be identified
more easily with an at least 10-fold magnifying glass, by direct
observation of the surface of the elements or of the edges of the
sections resulting from the breaking of the peds.
As an attribute, clay films can be essential in the definition of
textural and nitic B horizons and for the distinction between these and
other diagnostic horizons.
This criterion was adapted from United States (1999).
Compression surfaces
These surfaces are smooth, virtually ungrooved, resulting from
compression of the soil mass by the expansion of the material due to
hydration, which can have a certain sheen when moist or wet.
Compression surfaces represent one of the most common

features of soils with clayey or very fine clayey texture, and the
inclination of the surfaces has no preferential orientation in relation to
the perpendicular line of the profile. They are observed on the
external part of the aggregates.
They are observed in two forms:
a. Shiny compression surfaces: surfaces with glossiness,

according to the soil moisture level. They are observed on
soils with a strong structural development, consisting of
blocks or prisms, generally with good drainage, which may or
may not be associated with the presence of coatings (clay
films). They are frequent in, for example, Nitossolos
Vermelhos; and
b. Dull compression surfaces: very fine and not very clear
surfaces, usually with little color contrast with the aggregate
matrix, with a blurry or dull appearance and that cannot be
identified as clay films (Curi, 1993). They are frequent in,
e.g., Nitossolos Brunos.
Note: not all dull surfaces are compression surfaces.
Gilgai
This is the typical microrelief of clayey soils with a high expansion
coefficient under increasing moisture content.
It consists of convex projections distributed in almost flat areas

or constitutes a topographical succession of small depressions and
elevations.
This criterion was adopted from United States (1999).
Self-mulching
This property is inherent to some clay materials that form a
surface layer of generally granular and loose aggregates, strongly
developed, resulting from wetting and drying. When destroyed by the
use of agricultural implements, the aggregates are normally restored
by the effect of only one wetting-drying cycle.
This criterion was adopted from United States (1999).
Silt/clay ratio
This relation is calculated by dividing the silt by the clay contents,
based on results of particle-size analysis. The silt/clay ratio can be
used to assess the weathering degree of soils of tropical regions.
The ratio is used in soils of sandy loam texture or finer. It indicates a
high weathering degree when most part of the B horizon has a value
of < 0.7 in loamy textured soils or < 0.6 in clayey or very fine clayey
soils. This ratio can be used as additional characteristic to distinguish
the incipient B from latosolic B horizons if the morphological
characteristics are similar, and particularly to identify soils with parent
material derived from crystalline rocks such as granitic and gneissic
rocks.
Alterable minerals
In comparison with other more resistant minerals such as quartz
and clays of the kaolinite group, these minerals are unstable, mainly
in humid climate zones, and release plant nutrients and iron or
aluminum under weathering. The minerals referred to as alterable
are:
a. Minerals found in the fraction finer than 0.002 mm (clay

fraction): includes all types of 2:1 clay minerals, except for
hydroxy-Al interlayered vermiculite (HIV), commonly found in
Latossolos and some Argissolos and Nitossolos;
b. Minerals found in the fraction between 0.002 and 2 mm (silt
and sand fraction minerals): feldspars, feldspathoids,
ferromagnesian minerals such as pyroxenes and amphiboles,
volcanic glasses, zeolites, apatite, and micas, including
muscovite (which is weathering-resistant for some time, but
also tends to disappear eventually).
This criterion was derived from FAO (1990) and United States
(1994).
Textural grouping
This grouping unites one or more texture classes (Figure 1).
Recorded in simple binary or ternary notation, the following textural
groupings are differentiated:
Sandy texture – material that comprises the sand and loamy

sand textural classes , i.e., sand content minus clay content >
700 g kg-1;
Loamy texture – material with < 350 g kg-1 clay and > 150 g
kg-1 sand, aside from the textural classes sand and loamy
sand;
Clayey texture – material with clay content between 350 g kg-
1 and 600 g kg-1;
Very fine clayey texture – material with a clay content of >

600 g kg-1;
Silty texture – material with < 350 g kg-1 clay and < 150 g kg-
1 sand.
Figure 1. Guide to textural class grouping.
The textural contrasts between soil horizons are expressed in

binary or ternary notation, in the form of fractions, e.g., loamy/clayey
texture" (binary) and "sandy /loamy/very fine clayey texture" (ternary).
The textural contrasts can be used in several soil classes to indicate
variations in textural classes in deeper layers.
Gravel distribution in the profile

This property indicates the macroclastic constitution of the
mineral soil component. It is a distinctive feature, depending on the
proportion of gravel (from 2 mm to 2 cm) in relation to the fine earth
fraction (< 2 mm). When the gravel quantity is high, it should be used
as a modifier of textural grouping or subgrouping, in the following
classes (Santos et al., 2015).
Slightly gravelly – gravel content between 80 g kg-1 and <

150 g kg-1;
Gravelly – gravel content between 150 g kg-1 and 500 g kg-1;
Very gravelly – gravel content > 500 g kg-1.
The occurrence of gravel is used as qualifier in the textural

grouping or subgrouping, as for example in: "gravelly clayey texture".
Skeletal soil constitution

This constitution refers to soils with more than 35% and less than
90% of the total volume of the soil mass consisting of mineral
material with a diameter of > 2 cm. The property qualifies the textural
grouping or subgrouping (e.g., "skeletal sandy texture" or "sand
skeletal texture"). When more than 90% of the volume below the
surface of a soil fulfills this condition of mineral material, it is
considered a type of terrain.
Notes
(4) Determined based on the sum of exchangeable bases (Ca2+ + Mg2+ + Na+ + K+) and
extractable acidity (H+ + Al3+), according to Claessen (1997), Donagemma et al. (2011) and
Teixeira et al. (2017). This procedure results in other values than those established by the
analytical methodology used by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (formerly Soil
Conservation Service), of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
(5) Calculated according to the methodology used by Embrapa Soils (see Appendix D).
(6) Some examples of soils with chromic and non-chromic qualifier: Luvissolos: Bruno Não
Cálcico (chromic) – profile 26 (Jacomine et al., 1971, p. 241); Podzólico Bruno-Acinzentado
(non-chromic) – profile 5 (Embrapa, 1980a).
(7) Examples of soils with ebanic and non-ebanic qualifier: Chernossolos: dark colored
(ebanic) – profile 5 (Embrapa, 1980b); less dark colored (non-ebanic) – profile 70 (Larach et
al., 1984).
(8) In the validation phase.
(10) It should be emphasized that the electrical conductivity alone is insufficient to determine
the presence or absence of saline and salic qualifiers; the soluble salt contents should be
analyzed, since values of 4.0 dS m -1 and 3.5 dS m -1 can be found in the sulfuric horizon, as
observed in certain soils of the Usina Coruripe, in Alagoas.
(12) From the French word sombre, which means "dark".
(13) "Fiber" is defined as organic material containing evidence of plant remains, exclusive of
live parts, retained on a 100 mesh (0.149 mm). Woody fragments that cannot be squeezed
between the fingers and are > 2 cm in the smallest dimension are excepted.
(14) "Rubbed fiber" refers to the fiber retained in a 100 mesh screen after rubbing a sample of
organic material between thumb and forefinger for about 10 times.
Chapter 2

and diagnostic subsurface
horizons

Histic horizon
Histic horizons have characteristics mainly related to the high
organic matter content, with black, very dark gray or brownish colors.
They are the result of the accumulation of plant residues, in varying
degrees of decomposition, deposited on the soil surface, although at
present they may be covered by mineral horizons or deposits, and
even by younger organic layers. Even after disturbance of the soil
surface (for example by plowing), the levels of organic carbon
(Valladares, 2003), after mixing with mineral material derived from
inferior horizons or layers, are still high and ≥ 80 g kg-1.
The histic horizon is formed in two distinct environments:
a. Histic O horizon – formed from material deposited under free

drainage conditions (water-saturated for less than 30
consecutive days during the rainy season), without water
stagnation, primarily conditioned by wet and cold climate and
high-mountain vegetation. It can be found on top of a lithic
contact, fragmentary lithic contact or any type of horizon (A,
B or C);
b. Histic H horizon – formed from materials deposited under
waterlogged conditions, for several months or all year long,
although at present, it may have been artificially drained.
These horizons are generally found overlying the C horizon,
and in some cases, due to the influence of artificial drainage,
over the A and B horizons. They can occur at the surface or
be buried by mineral material.
A histic horizon must meet one of the following requirements:
a. A thickness of ≥ 20 cm;
b. A thickness of ≥ 40 cm, when 75% or more of the volume of
the horizon consists of plant tissue in the form of residues of
fine branches, fine roots and tree barks, excluding live roots;
c. A thickness of ≥ 10 cm when overlying a lithic or fragmentary
lithic contact or a horizon and/or layer consisting of 90% or
more (by volume) of mineral material, with a diameter of ≥ 2
mm (gravel, pebbles and boulders).
Chernozemic A horizon
Chernozemic A horizons are surface mineral horizons, relatively
thick, dark colored, with high base saturation and which, even after
superficial soil disturbance (for example by plowing), must have the
following characteristics:
a. A well-developed soil structure, with aggregation and degree

of development predominantly moderate or strong, ruling out
a simultaneously massive structure and a hard, very hard or
extremely hard consistence when dry. Prisms without
secondary structure, > 30 cm, are not admissible either, nor
a massive structure;
b. Chroma of the moist soil color ≤ 3, and values equal to or
darker than 3 when moist and equal to or darker than 5 when
dry. If the surface horizon contains 400 g kg-1 soil or more of
calcium carbonate equivalent, the limits of the value are
disregarded when dry; when moist, the limit is ≤ 5;
c. Base saturation (V) of ≥ 65%, with predominance of calcium
and/or magnesium ions;
d. Organic carbon content of ≥ 6 g kg-1 soil throughout the
horizon, according to the thickness criterion in the next item.
If, due to the presence of 400 g kg-1 soil or more of calcium
carbonate equivalent, the color requirements depart from the
usual, the organic carbon content will be ≥ 25 g kg-1 soil
within the top 18 cm of the soil surface. The upper limit of the
organic carbon content that characterizes the chernozemic A
horizon is the lower limit of the histic horizon;
e. Thickness, including transitional horizons (such as AB, AE or
AC), even when the soil material is overturned, according to
one of the following requirements:
1. ≥ 10 cm, if the A horizon is followed by contact with the
rock; or
2. ≥ 18 cm and more than one-third of the solum thickness
(A+B), if less than 75 cm thick; or
3. For soils without a B horizon, ≥ 18 cm and over one-third
of the thickness of the A+C horizons, if less than 75 cm
thick; or
4. 25 cm (minimum), if the solum has a thickness of ≥ 75
cm.
Humic A horizon
Humic A horizons are mineral surface horizons, with value and
chroma (moist soil color) of ≤ 4 and base saturation (V) of < 65%,
with thickness and organic carbon contents (OC) within specific limits,
according to the following criteria:
a. Minimum thickness as described for the chernozemic A

horizon;
b. Organic carbon content below the lower threshold of a histic
horizon;
c. Total carbon content equal to or higher than the value
calculated by the following inequation:
d. Σ (OC, in g kg-1, of the A subhorizons x thickness of the
subhorizon, in dm) ≥ 60 + (0.1 x weighted average of clay
content, in g kg-1, of the surface horizon, including AB or
AC)15.
Thus, the following calculations should be used to evaluate

whether the horizon qualifies as humic. Initially, the organic carbon
content (g kg-1) of each subhorizon is multiplied by the thickness of
the same subhorizon, in dm [OC (g kg-1) of each A subhorizon x
thickness of the same subhorizon (dm)]. The sum of the products of
the organic carbon contents by the thickness of the subhorizons is the
total organic carbon (total OC) of the A horizon. Then the weighted
average of clay of the A horizon is calculated, by multiplying the clay
content (g kg-1) of the subhorizon by the thickness of the same
subhorizon (dm) and dividing the result by the total thickness of the A
horizon, in dm (clay content of the A subhorizons in g kg-1 x thickness
of the same subhorizons in dm / total thickness of the A horizon in
dm).
The total OC required to qualify a horizon as humic must be
equal to or greater than the results of the following inequation:
Total OC ≥ 60 + (0.1 x weighted average of clay of the A

horizon)
To facilitate the understanding of the above procedures, a

practical example of the calculations performed in an A horizon,
described and sampled in the field, is shown in Table 1.
(To see the table as an image, click here).

Table 1. Example of calculations for an A horizon.
OC Clay
Sub- Depth Calculation of the
Calculation of total OC
horizon (cm) -1 weighted average of clay
(g kg )
200 g kg-1 x 3.1 dm/6.8 dm = 20.6 g kg-1 x 3.1 dm = 63.86 g

A1 0-31 20.6 200
91.18 g kg-1 dm kg-1

A2 31-53 10.6 230
74.41 g kg-1 dm kg-1

AB 53-68 8.4 250
55.15 g kg-1 dm kg-1
Total = 220.74 g kg-1 Total = 99.78 g dm kg-1
Replacing the weighted average of clay in the inequation "total

OC ≥ 60 + (0.1 x weighted average of clay)", we have:
Total OC ≥ 60 + (0.1 x 220.74) = 82.07
The value of total OC contained in the A horizon is 99.78, and

therefore higher than 82.07 (the minimum to classify the horizon as
humic) in function of the weighted average clay content of 220.74 g
kg-1. Thus, the horizon used as example is humic.
This criterion is as proposed by Carvalho et al. (2003).
Prominent A horizon
The characteristics of the prominent A are comparable to those
of the chernozemic A horizon with regard to color, organic carbon
content, consistence, structure and thickness, differing mainly in a
base saturation (V) of < 65%. They differ from a humic A horizon in
the organic carbon content coupled with thickness and clay content.
Anthropic A horizon
Anthropic A horizons are formed or modified by prolonged human
use, either as area of residence, waste disposal or cultivation, where
signs of addition of organic material of varied nature, mixed or not
with mineral material are observed, based on evidence such as the
presence of ceramic and/or lithic artifacts, bones, shells or traces of
fire (charcoal and ash).
Aside from the obligatory presence of one or more of the above

evidences of past human activity, an anthropic A horizon must meet
the following requirements, in at least one of the A subhorizons
16
(including intermediary horizons AB, AC and AE) :
a. Thickness of ≥ 20 cm; and

b. Content of extractable P (in Mehlich-1 solution, Appendix D) ≥
30 mg kg-1 soil.
Weak A horizon
Weak A horizons are surface mineral horizons that are weakly
developed, be it due to the reduced content of mineral or organic
colloids, or to the external climate and vegetation conditions, as those
in the semi-arid zone with xerophytic caatinga (deciduous thorny
scrubland) vegetation.
The weak A horizon is identified by the following characteristics:
a. Soil color with value ≥ 4 when moist and ≥ 6 when dry; simple
grain structure, massive or with a low development degree;
and organic carbon content of < 6 g kg-1; or
b. Thickness of < 5 cm, regardless of the conditions of color,
structure and organic carbon content (any surface horizon
with a thickness of < 5 cm is weak).
Moderate A horizon
This category includes the horizons that do not fulfill the set of
criteria of the other diagnostic surface horizons.
In general, the moderate A horizon differs from the chernozemic,

prominent and humic A horizons in thickness and/or color and from
the weak A horizon in organic carbon content and structure, and does
not meet the requirements of a histic or anthropic A horizon.
Diagnostic subsurface horizons

Textural B horizon
Textural B horizons are mineral subsurface horizons that have a
sandy loam or finer texture, in which the clay increased (fraction <
0.002 mm), oriented or not, provided that not exclusively by
discontinuity of the parent material. They result from the accumulation
or absolute or relative concentration due to illuviation and/or in situ
formation processes, and/or are inherited from the parent material,
and/or infiltration of clay or clay plus silt, with or without organic
matter, and/or clay destruction in the A horizon, and/or clay loss in the
A horizon by differentiated erosion. The clay content of the textural B
horizon is higher than that of the A or E and may or may not be
greater than that of the C horizon.
This horizon can be found at the surface if the soil was partially
truncated by erosion.
The colloidal nature of clay makes it susceptible to mobility in soil

water in case of relevant percolation. Upon deposition in aqueous
medium, the clay mineral particles, usually in laminar shape, tend to
settle flat on the underlying surface. Transported by water, the
translocated clays tend to form films, oriented in parallel to the
surfaces they cover, in contrast to the clays formed in situ, which
have no ordered orientation. However, other types of inorganic
colloidal coating material are also taken into account as
characteristics of the textural B horizon and recognized as clay films.
The clay films considered in the identification of the textural B

horizon consist of colloidal mineral coating materials which, if well-
developed, are easily identifiable by their shiny and glossy
appearance, in the form of pore filling and coatings of the structural
units (aggregates or peds).
In the soils without macroaggregates, with a simple grain or

massive structure, illuvial clay occurs in the form of coating of
individual sand grains, oriented according to the surface or forming
bridges linking the grains.
For the field identification of most textural B horizons, clay films
are important. However, the mere occurrence of clay films would be
insufficient to characterize a textural B horizon, and a combination
with other auxiliary criteria is required, since the pores can be filled in
a single rainfall or flood event by turbulent water flow through cracks.
For this reason, the clay films of a textural B horizon must be found
on different surfaces of the structural units and not exclusively on the
vertical surfaces.
A textural B horizon is recognized by the occurrence of lamellae

with a sandy loam or finer texture, which together have a total
thickness of 15 cm, and may contain material with sand and loamy
sand texture in-between them.
In summary, the textural B horizon is formed under a horizon or

surface horizons, and has a thickness that meets one of the following
requirements:
a. Has at least 10% of the sum of the thicknesses of the

overlying horizons and at least 7.5 cm; or
b. Has ≥ 15 cm if the A and B horizons together are thicker than
150 cm; or
c. Has ≥ 15 cm if the texture of the E or A horizon is loamy sand
or sand; or
d. If the B horizon consists entirely of lamellae, these together
must have a thickness of > 15 cm; or
e. Has a thickness of at least 7.5 cm, if the previous conditions
(Items a through d) are not met.
In addition to the above, for the characterization of a textural B

horizon, one or more of the following requirements must be
fulfilled:
f. Presence of an E horizon in the sequum, above the

respective B horizon, provided that the B does not meet the
requirements for a spodic, plinthic or planic B horizon;
g. A large increase in total clay from the A to the B horizon,
17
enough to characterize an abrupt textural change ; or
h. Increase in total clay from the A to B horizon, within a control
section defined in function of the thickness of the A horizon,
18
so that the textural B/A ratio satisfies one of the following
alternatives:
1. In the soils with clay contents in the A horizon of > 400 g
kg-1, a ratio of > 1.50; or
2. In the soils with clay contents in the A horizon between
150 g kg-1 and 400 g kg-1, a ratio of > 1.70; or
3. In the soils with clay contents in the A horizon of < 150 g
kg-1, a ratio of > 1.80.
i. If the total clay increase from the A to B horizon is less than
specified in item (h), the textural B horizon must satisfy one of
the following conditions:
1. Soils with a loamy texture B horizon and without
macroaggregates must contain illuvial clay, represented
by moderate clay films in the form of coatings of
individual sand grains, oriented according to their surface
or forming bridges between them.
2. Soils with a loamy texture B horizon and a prismatic
and/or moderate or strong blocky structure must have at
least moderate clay films in one or more subhorizons of
the upper part of the B.
3. Soils with a B horizon with a clayey or very fine clayey
texture and a prismatic and/or moderate or strong blocky
structure must have at least common and weak or low
and moderate clay films (not admitting, however, few
and weak clay films) in one or more subhorizons of the
upper part of the B.
4. Soils with a textural B/A ratio ≥ 1.4, coupled with
fragipan occurrence within 200 cm from the surface,
provided the requirements for a spodic B horizon are not
fulfilled.
j. If the profile has a discontinuity in the parent material
between the A or E and the textural B horizons, provided that
not exclusively (mainly soils developed from young materials,
e.g., alluvial sediments) or if only a plowed layer lies above
the textural B, it must satisfy one of the requirements
specified in the items (h) and/or (i).
This criterion was derived from the argillic horizon, described in

United States (1975, 1999).
Notes:
The textural B and nitic B horizons are not mutually exclusive. The distinction between
Argissolos and Nitossolos is based on the clay contents, the textural gradient,
occurrence of clay films and on the color variation in depth in the soil profile
(polychromy), according to the criteria defining Nitossolos.
The identification and evaluation of the textural gradient in soils with an anthropic A
horizon for taxonomic purposes is in the study phase. Initially, it was proposed that
other criteria, apart from the textural gradient, must be met for the identification of the B
horizon in these soils. The profile RO-08 of Rondônia, analyzed at the technical
scientific event called Brazilian Meeting of Soil Classification and Correlation (RCC)
(Reunião..., 2017) is an example.
Latosolic B horizon
Latosolic B horizons are mineral subsurface horizons in which the
constituents are in an advanced stage of weathering, evidenced by
the almost complete transformation of the easily alterable minerals,
followed by intense desilicification, base leaching and residual
concentration of sesquioxides and/or of 1:1 clay minerals and
weathering-resistant minerals. In general, the latosolic B horizon
consists of varying amounts of iron and aluminum oxides and 1:1 clay
minerals, quartz and other more weathering-resistant minerals.
The latosolic B horizon should not contain more than 4% of the

alterable primary minerals (low resistance to weathering) or 6% in the
case of muscovite, determined in the sand fraction in relation to the
fine earth fraction. The fraction of < 0.05 mm (silt + clay) may contain
small quantities of interstratified clay or ilite, but not more than traces
of clay minerals of the smectite group. The original rock structure,
such as fine stratifications, saprolite or fragments of rocks with low
resistance to weathering, should not account for more than 5% of the
volume of the mass of the latosolic B horizon.
The latosolic B horizon must have a minimum thickness of 50 cm,

a sandy loam or finer texture and low silt levels. In general, the
silt/clay ratio is < 0.7 in loamy textured soils and < 0.6 in clayey or
very fine clayey soils in most B subhorizons (exclusive BC) to a depth
of 200 cm (or 300 cm if the A horizon has a thickness of > 150 cm).
The silt/clay ratio requirement may not be met if the soil is derived
from sediments or materials in which the high silt content does not
reflect the presence of weatherable primary minerals.
The latosolic B horizon may have at most few and weak clay
films. It may contain more clay than the overlying horizon, but the
increment in the clay fraction with increasing depth is small, so that
comparisons at intervals of ≤ 30 cm between the A and B horizons, or
within the control section to calculate the textural relationship, indicate
lower values than required to characterize a textural B horizon.
In some latosolic B horizons, the pH values determined in KCl 1

mol L-1 solution are higher than those determined in H2O, evidencing
net positive charges, a characteristic indicating a highly advanced
weathering stage.
The cation exchange capacity in the latosolic B horizon must be <

17 cmolc kg-1 clay, without correction for carbon.
The molecular ratio SiO2/Al2O3 (Ki) in the latosolic B horizon is <

2.2, and usually < 2.0.
The subhorizons of the latosolic B horizon are not very clearly

differentiated, with generally diffuse transition.
In some cases, the field identification of the upper limit of the

latosolic B horizon is difficult, since the transition contrasts little with
the preceding horizon, and a clear contrast is almost only observed in
color and structure, between the lower part of the A horizon and the
latosolic B horizon.
The structure of this horizon can be strongly developed when the

structural elements are granular, with very small and small sizes, or
weak, and more rarely moderately developed, in the case of a
subangular blocky structure. The consistence of the material of the B
horizon varies from soft to very hard when dry and from firm to very
friable when moist.
For a latosolic B horizon with a retractable qualifier, variations in

structure and consistence (criteria still in the validation phase) are
19
admitted .
Usually, the latosolic B horizon has a high flocculation degree in
the subhorizons furthest away from the surface and a lower organic
matter content, evidencing the low clay mobility and high resistance to
dispersion. In many loamy textured soils, particularly in those with
lower clay contents and high weathering degree, with a balance of
positive charges, the flocculation degree may not be high.
In summary, the latosolic B horizon is a subsurface horizon that

has no diagnostic characteristics of gley, textural B, nitic B and
plinthic horizons, can occur under any surface diagnostic horizon
(except the histic) and must meet all of the following characteristics:
a. Weak, moderate or strong structure, very small or small

granular, or in weak or moderate degree subangular blocks;
b. Minimum thickness of 50 cm;
c. Less than 5% of the volume with evident original rock
structure, e.g., fine stratifications, saprolite or partially
weathered or unweathered rock fragments;
d. Sandy loam or finer texture;
20
e. Molecular ratio SiO2/Al2O3 (Ki) ≤ 2.2, but usually < 2.0;
f. Less than 4% alterable primary minerals (less weathering-
resistant) or less than 6% of muscovite in the sand fraction,
but based on the fine earth fraction, and no more than traces
of the smectite clay mineral group and only small quantities of
ilites or interstratified clay minerals, in the fraction of < 0.05
mm (silt + clay);
g. Cation exchange capacity of < 17 cmolc kg-1 clay, without
correction for carbon;
h. Clay films, if any, at most poor and weak.
This criterion corresponds, in part, to the oxic horizon (United
States, 1975, 1999).
Incipient B horizon
Incipient B horizons are subsurface horizons, underlying the A,
Ap or AB, with a less advanced degree of physical and chemical
alteration, but sufficient for the development of color or structural
units, and in which more than half the volume of all subhorizons should
not consist of the original rock structure.
An incipient B horizon must be at least 10 cm thick and meet all

of the following characteristics:
a. Not satisfy the requirements established to characterize a

textural B horizon, nitic B, spodic B, planic B and latosolic B,
apart from not having cementation, hardening (duripan and
petrocalcic horizon) or brittle consistence when moist
(fragipan); in addition, have an insufficient amount of plinthite
for a plinthic horizon and no marked evidence of the
distinctive reduction of a gley horizon;
b. Have prevailingly brownish, yellowish and reddish colors, with
or without mottles or grayish colors with mottles, resulting
from the segregation of iron oxides;
c. Have a sandy loam or finer texture;
d. Have developed structural units in the soil (aggregates or
peds) and absence of the original rock structure, in ≥ 50% of
its volume; and
e. One or more of the following conditions indicating the
pedogenetic development:
1. Higher clay content or higher chromas or redder hues
than in the underlying horizon; clay content lower, equal
to, or slightly higher than in the A horizon (in the latter
case, not satisfying the requirements of a textural B
horizon);
2. Removal of carbonates, reflected particularly by lower
carbonate contents in relation to the underlying horizon
with carbonate accumulation, or by the absence of lime-
coated fragments (if the underlying accumulation horizon
contains lime-coated fragments only in the basal part) or
by the presence of some partially uncoated fragments, if
all coarse fragments of the underlying horizon are
completely coated with carbonate.
The morphological characteristics of the incipient B horizon may

be similar to those of a latosolic B horizon, differing from the latter by
meeting one or more of the following requirements:
a. Cation exchange capacity, without correction for carbon, of ≥

17 cmolc kg-1 clay;
b. ≥ 4% alterable primary minerals (less weathering-resistant)
or ≥ 6% muscovite, determined in the sand fraction, but
based on the fine earth fraction;
21
c. Molecular ratio SiO2/Al2O3 (Ki) > 2.2;
d. Thickness of < 50 cm; and
e. Original rock structure in ≥ 5% the volume of the horizon, with
for example fine stratifications, saprolite or partially
weathered or unweathered rock fragments.
When a same horizon meets, coincidently, the requirements of an
incipient B and a vertic B horizon, diagnostic precedence for
taxonomic purposes will be given to the vertic B horizon.
In the case of many soils below the diagnostic textural B, spodic

B, latosolic B horizon, or a plinthic or gley horizon that coincides with
the B horizon, there may be a transition horizon to the C, in which
weathering and comparable alterations to those of the incipient B
horizon are observed, although the aforementioned transitional
horizon is not considered an incipient B horizon, due to its position
below a horizon with a higher degree of pedogenic development.
This criterion corresponds, in part, to the cambic horizon, as in

United States (1999, 2014).
Nitic B horizon
Nitic B horizons are mineral subsurface horizons, not
hydromorphic, with a clay or very fine clayey texture, without or with
a small clay increase from the surface to the subsurface horizon,
expressed in a textural B/A ratio of invariably ≤ 1.5. The clay activity
can be low or high, as long as it is combined with an aluminic qualifier.
The structure, with a moderate or strong development degree, is

subangular and/or angular blocky or prismatic and, in this case,
usually composed of blocks. The amount and development degree of
the clay films are at least common and moderate. The nitic B horizon
has a gradual or diffuse transition between its subhorizons and can
be found at the surface if the soil was eroded.
To be identified as a nitic B horizon, the following requirements

must be met:
a. Thickness of ≥ 30 cm, unless the soil has a lithic or
fragmentary lithic contact within the first 50 cm from the
surface, in which case it must be ≥ 15 cm;
b. Clayey or very fine clayey texture;
c. Structure in prismatic blocks of moderate or strong
development degree associated with clay films in an at least
common quantity and with strong or moderate degree; and
d. Low or high clay activity, as long as combined with an
aluminic qualifier.
Variations in structure, consistence and clay films are admissible

for the nitic horizons with the retractable qualifier (criteria still in the
validation phase), and the following requirements must be fulfilled:
a. The observed soil structure, if in subangular or angular

blocks, has a moderate or strong development degree; if
prismatic, it must have a moderate or strong degree,
individualized in blocks, also with a moderate or strong
development degree;
b. When moist, the soil consistence is at least firm and when
dry, very hard or extremely hard; and
c. The occurrence of weak and few clay films and/or
compression surfaces (dull and/or shiny) is permitted.
Note: The textural B and nitic B horizons are not mutually exclusive. Nitossolos and
Argissolos Vermelhos or Vermelho-Amarelos are distinguished from each other by clay
contents, the textural gradient, occurrence of clay films and color variation in the deeper
soil profile (polychromy), according to the criteria listed in the definition of Nitossolos.
Spodic B horizon
Spodic B horizons are subsurface mineral horizons, with a
thickness of ≥ 2.5 cm (with exception of the placic horizon, with a
thickness of ≥ 0.5 cm), with illuvial accumulation of humified organic
matter combined with aluminum, which may or may not contain iron.
Aluminum is always present in spodic horizons and must be essential
for their formation.
They usually occur under any type of A horizon or under an E

horizon (albic or not) that may be preceded by an A or histic horizon.
The spodic B horizon can occur at the surface if the soil was
truncated or in case of a mixture of the surface soil layer due to
agricultural use.
In general, the spodic B horizon has no defined structural

organization, consisting of simple grain or massive structure types
and possibly of others with a low development degree. In the spodic
B horizon, sand and silt particles are commonly completely or partially
coated with a thin film of illuvial material or the porous space is
completely or almost completely filled with this material.
Based on the dominant illuvial compounds and the degree of

cementation, the following types of spodic B horizon can be identified,
which can be found separately or together in a soil profile:
Bs – usually with vivid, high chroma colors. The horizon is

characterized by the accumulation (illuviation) of amorphous
material, mainly of aluminum and iron combined with a low
content of illuvial organic matter, except for discontinuous
patterns in the transition between the A or E and the spodic B
horizon. The colors are generally concentrated around hues
5YR, 7.5YR or 10YR, with value 4 or 5 (≤ 6) and chroma
from 4 to 8.
Bhs – is identified by a significant accumulation of illuvial
organic matter combined with aluminum and iron compounds,
which may be distributed in bands or as mottles,
agglomerates or striations, forming heterogeneous patterns in
the horizon. The Bhs horizons contain significant quantities of
oxalate-extractable iron and aluminum (Feo and Alo).
However, the limits still need to be defined for Brazilian soils.
In general, the horizons identified as Bhs have hues varying
from 2.5YR to 10YR, and value/chroma of 3/4, 3/6, 4/3 or
4/4.
Bh – is characterized by the illuvial accumulation of organic
matter-aluminum complexes, with little or no evidence of iron.
The horizon is laterally relatively uniform. In horizons identified
as Bh, dark colors prevail, with a value < 4 and chroma < 3.
Ortstein – the spodic B horizon may also occur in a
consolidated form, called Ortstein (Bsm, Bhsm or Bhm). It
has a minimum thickness of 2.5 cm, is continuous or almost
continuous and strongly cemented, usually by organometallic
complexes. The very firm or extremely firm consistence is
generally independent of the soil moisture content.
Combinations of the above horizons can occur along the profile

(e.g., Bh-Bhs, Bh-Bs or Bh-Bs-Bsm etc.), with variations in terms of
transition, thickness, color patterns and other morphological
attributes.
22
Placic – another horizon that can occur associated with or
as a variation of the spodic B is the placic. It is a thin horizon
with black to dark red color, apparently cemented by iron (or
iron and manganese) and organic matter. It is rarely parallel
to the soil surface. In general, it has a wavy shape and the
direction changes within few centimeters.
Placic horizons form a barrier to water and the development of

plant roots. There are few records of occurrence of this horizon and,
consequently, of the variability of attributes, such as thickness and
constitution. Based on the current knowledge, a placic horizon must
meet the following requirements:
a. Be cemented or hardened by iron or iron and organic matter,

accompanied or not by other cementing agents;
b. Be laterally continuous, except for vertical cracks spaced at
least 10 cm apart, through which the root system can
penetrate; and
c. Have a minimum thickness of 0.5 cm and a maximum of < 2.5
cm. When it is not associated to spodic horizons and
Espodossolos (incipient B horizons of Cambissolos, for
example), there is no requirement of maximum thickness.
Only the thickness differentiates the placic from the ortstein

horizon. When present in an Espodossolo, its thickness is < 2.5 cm,
whereas the thickness of ortstein is ≥ 2.5 cm.
In summary, the spodic B horizon has a variable minimum

thickness, depending on its type, with illuvial accumulation of
organometallic compounds, noting that aluminum is always present,
may or may not include iron, and has one or more of the following
characteristics:
a. An overlying E horizon (albic or not) and moist colors
according to one of the following items:
1. Hue 5 YR or redder;
2. Hue 7.5YR, with a value of ≤ 5 and chroma ≤ 4;
3. Hue 10YR, with value and chroma ≤ 3;
4. Neutral colors, with value of ≤ 3 (N 3/).
b. One of the colors of the previous item or hue 7.5YR with a
value of ≤ 5 and chroma 5 or 6, or hue 10YR with a value of
≤ 5 and chroma < 6 and with one or more of the following
characteristics:
1. Cementation by organic matter and aluminum, with or
without iron, in 50% or more of the horizon and firm or
very firm consistence of the cemented parts;
2. In case of sandy or loamy texture, the sand grains have
cracked coatings of organic matter and aluminum (that
may or may not contain iron);
3. Percentage of aluminum plus half the percentage of iron
(determined by ammonium oxalate) of ≥ 0.50; this value
must be at least twice the proportion found in the
overlying either A or E horizon.
c. Any color, if the horizon is continuously cemented by a
combination of organic matter and aluminum with or without
iron (ortstein), and has a very firm or extremely firm
consistence when moist.
These criteria were derived from IUSS Working Group WRB

(2015), Isbell (1996) and United States (1999).
Planic B horizon
Planic B horizons are special textural B horizons, with or without
the sodic qualifier, underlying the A or E horizons, which have an
abrupt textural change or abrupt transition associated with a textural
relationship within the range specified for the textural B horizon
(Chapter 2, subitem h), but calculated between the first B subhorizon
and the immediately overlying horizon (A or E).
It has a prismatic structure, columnar or large or medium angular

and subangular blocks, and sometimes a massive structure; with slow
or very slow permeability and grayish or darkened colors and with or
without neutral reduction colors or mottles. This horizon is usually
dense and contains high levels of clay dispersed in water, which may
be responsible for the formation of a suspended water-saturated
zone, of temporary existence.
The colors of the planic horizon reflect its low permeability and
must meet at least one of the following requirements:
a. Color of the hue (with or without mottles):

1. Hue 10YR or yellower, chromas ≤ 3 or exceptionally 4;
or
2. Hues of 7.5YR or 5YR, chromas ≤ 2.
b. Variegated coloring with at least one color with hue and
chroma as specified in item (a) (Jacomine et al., 1975a, p.
241, profile 45); or
c. Soils with hue 10YR or yellower, chromas ≥ 4, combined with
mottles with chroma as specified in item (a) (Jacomine et al.,
1975a, p. 312, profile 50).
For taxonomic purposes, the planic B horizon was given

diagnostic precedence over the gley and textural B horizons and
loses in precedence to the plinthic horizon, except for a planic B
horizon in conjunction with the sodic qualifier.
Albic E horizon
Albic E horizons are commonly subsurface mineral horizons, in
which the removal or segregation of mineral and organic colloidal
material has progressed to the point at which the horizon color is
determined mainly by the color of the primary sand and silt particles
and not by their coating.
The albic E horizon must have a thickness of ≥ 1.0 cm and colors

that meet one of the following requirements:
a. Value of the moist soil ≥ 6 and chroma in moist soil ≤ 3; or

b. Value of the dry soil ≥ 7 and chroma in moist soil ≤ 3; or
c. Value of the moist soil ≥ 4, value of the dry soil ≥ 5 and
chroma in moist soil ≤ 2; or
d. Value of the moist soil ≥ 3, value of the dry soil ≥ 6 and
chroma in moist soil ≤ 2.
Horizons whose color is due to finely divided limestone, which

acts as a white pigment, are excluded from the albic E horizon, as
well as sandy layers (C horizon) that satisfy the color criteria, but in
which no pedogenetic process causing the removal of materials from
the soil can be characterized.
The albic E horizon usually precedes a spodic B, textural B,

planic B, plinthic horizon, gley horizon, fragipan or an impermeable
layer that restricts water percolation. More rarely, it may appear at
the surface due to soil truncation.
This criterion was derived from the albic horizon as decribed by
FAO (1974) and United States (1994, 1999, 2014).
Plinthic horizon
Plinthic horizons are characterized by the presence of plinthite in
quantities of ≥ 15% (by volume) and by a thickness of ≥ 15 cm.
They are mineral B and/or C horizons with a range of red and

grayish or white colors, with or without yellowish or brownish colors,
forming a reticulate, laminar or polygon pattern. The coloring is
usually variegated, prevailingly reddish, yellowish brown, brownish
yellow, grayish and whitish (less often light yellow). Many plinthic
horizons have a grayish or whitish matrix, with abundant red,
yellowish red and dark red mottles, and sometimes mottles with a
yellowish shade.
The light colors, which may represent the horizon matrix, have
hue and chroma as specified below:
a. Hues from 2,5Y to 5Y; or

b. Hues from 10YR to 7.5YR, with low chromas, usually ≤ 4,
and ≤ 6 in the case of hue 10YR.
The reddish, brownish, yellowish or whitish colors, normally

observed in the mottles of the horizon and in variegated coloring,
have hue and chroma as specified below:
a. Hues from 10R to 7.5YR with high chromas, usually > 4; or

b. Hues 10YR, with very high chromas, typically > 6; or
c. Hues from 2.5Y to 5Y.
The texture is sandy loam or finer. The structure is variable, can
be massive or in the form of weak or moderately developed blocks,
also occurring in prismatic structures composed of blocks, mainly in
soils with high activity clay. When dry, the plinthic horizon is generally
compact, from hard to extremely hard; when moist, it is firm or very
firm and may have extremely firm parts; when moist, the consistence
varies from slightly plastic to very plastic and slightly sticky to very
sticky.
The clay activity in the plinthic horizon is commonly low, with a

molecular ratio Ki between 1.20 and 2.20. However, high activity clay
was also observed in this horizon (Anjos et al., 1995).
The plinthic horizon is formed in terrain with a high water table or

in which water percolation is at least temporarily restricted. Regions
of hot and humid climate, with a plain to gently undulating relief, in low
areas such as depressions, lowlands, base slopes and some
resurgence zones favor the development of plinthic horizons, by
allowing waterlogging of the soil for at least a part of the year and by
exposure to fluctuations in the water table.
The presence of iron concretions and nodules immediately above

the zone of the plinthic horizon can be a proof of plinthite in the
profile, thus highlighting a marked influence of wetting and drying
processes in these sections. This process is accelerated when the
material is exposed in trenches, ditches or old road cuts.
When a same horizon satisfies simultaneously the requirements

for a plinthic horizon and also for a textural B, latosolic B, nitic B,
incipient B, planic B (excepting a planic B horizon with a sodic
qualifier) or gley horizon, it will be identified as a plinthic horizon,
which has taxonomic precedence over the former.
Concretionary horizon
Concretionary horizons are composed of ≥ 50%, by volume, of
coarse material (with predominance of petroplinthite) consisting of
iron or iron and aluminum nodules or concretions, in a soil matrix with
varied texture or with coarse material. These horizons are identified
as any of the following: Ac, Ec, Bc or Cc.
To be diagnostic, a concretionary horizon must be at least 30 cm

thick.
When a single horizon meets, coincidently, the requirements for a

concretionary horizon and of a textural B, latosolic B, nitic B, incipient
B, planic (excepting planic B with a sodic qualifier), gley or any type
of A horizon, the concretionary horizon will be given taxonomic
precedence.
This criterion was derived from Carvalho et al. (1988), FAO

(1990, 1994), IUSS Working Group WRB (2015) and Reunião...
(1979a).
Lithoplinthic horizon
Lithoplinthic horizons are constituted by continuous or nearly
continuous petroplinthite. This horizon can comprise a section of a
highly fractured profile, but with predominance of petroplinthite blocks
with a minimum size of 20 cm, or with few cracks, separated from
each other by ≥ 10 cm.
To be diagnostic, a lithoplinthic horizon should have a thickness of

≥ 10 cm. This horizon is a major impediment to root penetration and
free water flow.
The lithoplinthic horizon differs from a cemented spodic B horizon
(ortstein) in that it contains little or no organic matter.
This criterion was derived from the lithoplinthic horizon, as

proposed by Smith et al. (1977), Carvalho et al. (1988) and FAO
(1994, 1998).
Gley horizon
Gley horizons are subsurface or sometimes surface mineral
horizons, with a thickness of ≥ 15 cm. They are characterized by iron
reduction and predominance of the reduced status, in the entire
horizon or part of it, mainly due to stagnant water, as evidenced by
neutral or close to neutral colors in the horizon matrix, with or without
mottles with more vivid colors. This horizon is strongly influenced by
the water table and a reducing moisture regime, virtually free of
dissolved oxygen because of the year round or at least long-lasting
waterlogging, associated with the oxygen demand due to biological
activity.
This horizon can be composed of material of any textural class,

with colors with rather low, close to neutral or actually neutral
chroma, which however become more brownish or yellowish upon
exposure of the material to air. In case of aggregation of the
structure, the surfaces of the structural elements are grayish, bluish,
greenish or neutral in the continuous phase and may have mottles
with more vivid colors. The interior of the structural elements can
have prominent contrasting mottles, but usually a network of lines or
bands of low chroma surrounds the mottles. When there are no
structural elements, the matrix of the horizon (background) typically
has chroma ≤ 1, with or without mottles.
If the horizon is periodically water-saturated or the soil drained,
some mottles should be present, with high chroma and yellowish or
reddish colors resulting from iron segregation and oxide precipitation.
Accumulations in the form of black or reddish black, soft or semi-
consolidated mottles, or even of manganese, or iron and manganese
nodules or concretions are possible.
When present, the plinthite content is < 15%.
The gley horizon may be a C, B, E or A horizon. It may or may

not be coincident with an increased clay content in the soil, but a
significant reduction must, in any case, be evident.
In summary, the gley is a mineral horizon, with a minimum

thickness of 15 cm, with < 15% plinthite and is waterlogged by
groundwater during some months or the whole year, unless it was
artificially drained, with evidence of reduction processes, with or
without iron segregation, characterized by one or more of the
following requirements:
a. Dominance of colors of the moist soil, on the surfaces of the

structural elements or in the matrix (background) of the
horizon, if there are no structural elements, according to one
of the following items:
1. Neutral colors (N 1/ N 8/) or bluer than 10Y; or
2. For hues redder than 5YR and values ≥ 4, the chromas
must be ≤ 1; or
3. For hues 5 YR or yellower and values ≥ 4, the chromas
must be ≤ 2, admitting, for soils with a dominant hue of
10YR or yellower, a chroma of 3, which should be lower
in the underlying horizon; or
4. For all hues and any values, the chromas may be ≤ 2, as
long as reduction mottles occur.
b. Variegated coloring with at least one of the colors according
to one of the previous items; or
c. The presence of reduced iron indicated, in field tests, by the
color developed after the application of chemical indicators,
such as the dark blue color developed by potassium
ferricyanide at 1% in aqueous solution or the intense red
color developed by alpha, alpha-dipyridyl solution (Childs,
1981).
In any case, the neutral, greenish or bluish hues, or with chroma

23
≤ 3 are changed by drying of the material upon exposure to air.
When a horizon concurrently meets the requirements for the

identification as gley horizon and also as a diagnostic sulfuric,
incipient B, textural B, nitic B or latosolic B horizon, it will be identified
as gley horizon. In this case, the condition of gleization is considered
decisive to identify the diagnostic horizon in relation to the other
attributes that occur simultaneously in the horizon. In other cases of
coincidence, the gley horizon will not have taxonomic precedence.
This criterion was derived from the G horizon, as proposed by

United States (1951), and partly of the hydromorphic properties
(FAO, 1974), gleyic properties (IUSS Working Group WRB, 2015)
and cambic horizon (United States, 1975, 1999; IUSS Working Group
WRB, 2015).
Calcic horizon
Calcic horizons are formed by the accumulation of calcium
carbonate, normally in the C horizon, but can occur in the B or A
horizon.
They have a thickness of ≥ 15 cm, are enriched with secondary

calcium carbonate and contain ≥ 150 g kg-1 calcium carbonate
equivalent, with at least 50 g kg-1 more carbonate than the underlying
horizon or layer. This latter requirement is expressed in terms of
volume, if the secondary carbonate of the calcic horizon occurs as
gravel, concretions or in powder form. If the calcic horizon overlies
marble, marl or other highly calcitic materials (≥ 400 g kg-1 calcium
carbonate equivalent), a decrease in the percentage of carbonate in
depth is not required.
This criterion is as the calcic horizon proposed by United States

(1975, 1999).
Petrocalcic horizon
Due to carbonate enrichment, calcic horizons tend to become
progressively plugged with carbonates and cemented, forming a
continuous, hardened and massive horizon, which is acknowledged as
petrocalcic horizon. In the initial stages of the calcic horizon,
carbonates of soft consistence are found disseminated in the soil
matrix or accumulated in hardened concretions, or both. The
petrocalcic horizon clearly shows the evolutionary advancement in the
calcification process.
It is a continuous horizon, resulting from the consolidation and

cementation of a calcic horizon by calcium carbonate or, in some
places, by magnesium carbonate. There may be incidental presence
of silica. The horizon is continuously cemented throughout the profile,
to such an extent that dry fragments immersed in water do not
fracture or break in pieces. When dry, it is impenetrable to a spade
or auger drill. It has a massive or laminar structure, is very hard or
extremely hard when dry and very firm or extremely firm when moist.
The non-capillary pores are obstructed, and the horizon does not
allow root penetration, except along vertical fractures, which are
separated by 10 cm or more. The minimum thickness is > 10 cm,
except in the case of a laminar horizon on consolidated rock, which is
considered a petrocalcic horizon if it has a thickness of ≥ 1.0 cm.
This criterion is according to the petrocalcic horizon described by

United States (1994).
Sulfuric horizon
Sulfuric horizons are ≥ 15 cm thick and composed of mineral or
organic material that has a pH value measured in water (1:2.5;
soil/water) of ≤ 3.5, indicating the presence of sulfuric acid. In
addition, they must fulfill one or more of the following characteristics:
a. Jarosite concentration; or
b. Sulfidic materials immediately below the horizon; or
c. ≥ 0.05% water-soluble sulfate.
The color of jarosite (which may have chroma ≥ 3) is not

specified, and its presence is not necessarily required either. Sulfuric
horizons without jarosite are found in materials with high organic
matter content or in mineral materials deposited during a previous
geological period and currently surface-exposed.
A sulfuric horizon is formed by the oxidation of sulfide-rich

organic or mineral materials as a result of drainage, most commonly
artificial.
The acidic conditions of this horizon are highly toxic to most

plants. They can also be formed at mining sites where sulfidic
materials were exposed as a result of surface mining, road
construction, dredging or other earth movement operations.
This criterion was derived from the United States (1994, 1999,
2014) and Bissani et al. (1995).
Vertic horizon
Vertic horizons are subsurface mineral horizons, which, due to
clay expansion and contraction, have typical pedological features
consisting of: friction surfaces (slickensides) in at least common
quantities, and/or cuneiform and/or parallelepiped structural units
(Santos et al., 2015), whose longitudinal axis is inclined at ≥ 10° in
relation to the horizontal plane, having at least 1 cm wide cracks in
some of the drier periods of the year. Most frequently, the horizon
texture varies from clayey to very fine clayey, and in the range of
loamy texture, a minimum of 300 g kg-1 clay is admitted. They are
very hard or extremely hard when dry and plastic to very plastic and
sticky to very sticky when moist. The vertic horizon may coincide with
AC, B horizons (Bi or Bt) or C and be dark, grayish, yellowish or
reddish. To be diagnostic, this horizon must have a thickness of ≥ 20
cm.
In irrigated or poorly drained areas (without noticeable cracks),

the coefficient of linear extensibility (COLE) must be ≥ 0.06, or the
linear extensibility should be ≥ 6 cm.
The vertic horizon has diagnostic precedence over the incipient

B, nitic B and gley horizons.
Fragipan
Fragipans are subsurface mineral horizons, hardened when dry,
continuous or present in ≥ 50% of the volume of another horizon,
usually of loamy texture. It may be underlying a spodic B, textural B
or albic horizon. The organic matter content is very low, the bulk
density higher than that of the overlying horizons and fragipans are
apparently cemented when dry, and therefore have a hard, very hard
or extremely hard consistence.
When moist, the fragipan has weak to moderate brittleness, and

the structural elements or fragments tend to break suddenly under
pressure, rather than being slowly deformed. When immersed in
water, a dry fragment becomes less resistant, may develop fractures
with or without breaking off pieces, and slakes within a short period
of time (approximately 2 hours).
The fragipan is usually mottled and the water permeability low or

very low. When the texture is loamy or clayey, it normally has
bleached zones (reduction environment) around polyhedrons or
prisms, spaced at ≥ 10 cm in the horizontal dimension, forming a
coarse polygonal pattern.
The fragipan obstructs or prevents root and water penetration

into the horizon where it occurs.
This criterion was derived from the fragipan (United States,

1951, 1975, 1999, 2014).
Duripan
Duripans are subsurface mineral horizons, cemented, continuous
or present in ≥ 50% of the volume of another horizon, with a variable
degree of silica cementation and may also contain iron oxide and
calcium carbonate. As a result, duripans vary in appearance, but all
of them, when moist, have a very firm or extremely firm consistence
and are always brittle, even after prolonged wetting.
In this horizon:
a. Cementation is so strong that dry fragments will not slake,

even during prolonged wetting periods;
b. Silica coatings, present in some pores and in some structural
surfaces, are insoluble in 1 mol L-1 HCl solution, even during
prolonged soaking, but are soluble in concentrated and
heated KOH solution or in alternating acid and alkali
treatments;
c. The cementation is not destroyed in over half of any laminar
capping that may be present or in some other continuous or
imbricate horizon, when the soil material is saturated with
acid, but it is completely destroyed by heated and
concentrated KOH solution, in a single treatment or
alternated with acid;
d. The roots and percolating water do not penetrate into the
cemented part, except along vertical fractures separated by
a distance of ≥ 10 cm.
This criterion corresponds in part to the concept of indurated

pans, as described by United States (1951, 1994).
Notes
(15) For soils that have only one surface horizon, i.e., no subhorizons, the calculation is based
on the multiplication of the carbon content by the thickness. A similar procedure should be
followed to calculate the weighted average of clay.
(16) In the validation phase. Values based on Cordeiro et al. (2017).
(17) The increase in clay mentioned here should not be exclusively due to a lithological
discontinuity.
(18) Calculated by dividing the arithmetic mean of the total clay content of the B horizon
(excluding the BC) by the average total clay of A, as described in the items below:
a) If the A horizon is less than 15 cm thick, consider a maximum thickness of 30 cm from the
top of the B horizon (including BA) to compute the average clay in the B (excluding BC);
b) If the A horizon is 15 cm thick or more, consider a thickness, from the top of the B horizon
(including BA), of twice the thickness of the A to compute the average clay in the B (excluding
BC).
(19) The latosolic B horizon with a retractable qualifier must meet the following requirements:
a) The structure observed in the moist soil, if blocky, has a less than moderate development
degree. Angular blocks, if any, are few, and the prismatic structure, if present, is weak;
b) The soil consistence, when moist, must not be firm, very firm or extremely firm and is very
hard or extremely hard when dry.
(20) For soils with a clay content of < 200 g kg-1 , the molecular ratio SiO2 /Al2 O3 (Ki) can be
determined in the clay fraction.
(21) For soils with a clay content of < 200 g kg-1 , the molecular ratio SiO2 /Al2 O3 (Ki) can be
determined in the clay fraction.
(22) From the Greek word plax, "plane, level surface" (meaning a thin cemented horizon).
(23) Color modifications are commonly noticeable within a few minutes after exposing the
moist clod to drying, breaking it open and comparing the color of the dry outer surface with the
moist inner part.
Chapter 3

Nomenclature of classes
Bases and criteria
Concept and definition of the
classes of the 1st categorical
level (orders)

The categorical level of a soil classification system consists of a
set of classes defined according to diagnostic attributes at the same
level of generalization or abstraction and includes all of the soils that
meet this definition. The characteristics used for the definition of a
categorical level should be soil properties that can be identified in the
field or deduced from other properties that are recognized in the field
or based on knowledge of Soil Science and other related disciplines.
The differential characteristics for the higher categorical levels of soil
classification should be properties resulting directly from the
processes of soil genesis or properties that affect soil genesis
directly, because they have a greater number of accessory
characteristics.
The Brazilian System of Soil Classification (SiBCS) defines six

categorical levels: 1st categorical level (orders), 2nd categorical level
(suborders), 3rd categorical level (great groups), 4th categorical level
(subgroups), 5th categorical level (families) and the 6th categorical
level (series). The concepts for the 6th level still need to be defined.
Classes of the 1st categorical level (orders)

In the case of the orders, in some classes of the SiBCS, soils
that constituted individual classes in previous Brazilian soil surveys
are now grouped together. This is the case of the Neossolos order,
which includes the soils formerly called Regossolos, Solos Litólicos,
Litossolos, Solos Aluviais and Areias Quartzosas.
The various classes of the 1st categorical level are separated by

the presence or absence of certain attributes, diagnostic horizons or
properties that can be identified in the field, indicating differences in
the type and degree of development of processes that influenced soil
formation. Thus, the separation of classes at the 1st categorical level
was based on the signals left in the soil resulting from a set of
processes that were considered dominant in its development. It is
worth mentioning that the absence of these characteristics in the soil
was also used as a criterion for the separation of classes at the 1st
categorical level.
The diagnostic attributes that reflect the nature of the

environment and the effects (signals) of the dominant formation
processes of soil genesis should be the most relevant for the 1st
categorical level, for having the highest number of accessory
characteristics.
In the specific case of Organossolos, the purpose of the

diagnostic attributes was the differentiation from soils consisting of
mineral material. Thus, the properties to be used should contribute to:
a. Differentiate Organossolos from mineral soils;
b. Indicate the potential of modifications when drained and/or
cultivated;
c. Predict or identify the quality of the mineral substrate and/or
mineral residue;
d. Select differential characteristics that change little or very
slowly due to land use and management, aside from allowing
the prediction of the soil response and agricultural potential
(differentials with a large number of accessory
characteristics).

These classes are separated by differential diagnostic attributes
that:
a. Reflect the actions of other soil formation processes that

occurred together with or affected dominant processes in
soils whose diagnostic attributes had already been used to
separate the soils at the 1st categorical level; or
b. Include those resulting from soil genesis, which are extremely
relevant for plant development and/or non-agricultural uses,
and which have a large number of accessory properties.

These classes are separated by one or more of the following
characteristics:
a. Type and arrangement of the horizons;

b. Activity of the clay fraction, sorption complex saturation by
bases, aluminum or sodium and/or by the presence of soluble
salts;
c. Occurrence of horizons or properties that limit root
development and affect the free movement of water in the
soil.

These classes are separated according to the following concepts
(adapted from the United States, 1999):
a. Typical – They are not necessarily the most common

classes, nor representative of the central concept of the
great group to which they belong. In some classes, typical
subgroups simply represent the soils that do not meet the
characteristics defined for the previous subgroups of the
taxonomic key.
b. Intergrade or transitional to other orders, suborders or
even great groups – The properties may be the result of
processes that cause a given soil to develop from or in the
direction of another soil class, or which has intermediate
properties to other classes. Among the properties used to
define subgroups as intermediate are: occurrence of other
diagnostic horizons apart from those that define the class at
the previous taxonomic level, overlying or underlying the main
diagnostic horizon (e.g., vertissólicos, gleissólicos etc.); or
diagnostic characteristics associated to another class with
insufficient expression to define the diagnostic horizon (e.g.,
plintossólicos, tiônicos).
c. Extragrade – These subgroups have some properties that
are not representative of the great group, but do not indicate
a transition to another class (e.g., abrúpticos, antrópicos,
lépticos).
The ordering of the classes of 4th categorical level was based

on the degree of importance of the subgroup qualifier (listed in Table
1).
Table 1. Ordering of classes of the 4th categorical level.
Classes Classes
1 – fragmentários 25 – retráticos
2 – líticos 26 – vertissólicos
3 – leptofragmentários 27 – luvissólicos
4 – lépticos 28 – gleissólicos
5 – saprolíticos 29 – petroplínticos
6 – tiônicos 30 – plintossólicos
7 – carbonáticos 31 – espodossólicos
8 – sódicos 32 – planossólicos
9 – sálicos 33 – nitossólicos
10 – salinos 34 – argissólicos
11 – hipocarbonáticos 35 – latossólicos
12 – solódicos 36 – cambissólicos
13 – êutricos 37 – neofluvissólicos
14 – psamíticos 38 – organossólicos
15 – espessarênicos 39 – chernossólicos
16 – arênicos 40 – epirredóxicos
17 – êndicos 41 – endorredóxicos
18 – espessos 42 – rúbricos
19 – mésicos 43 – sômbricos
20 – térricos 44 – antrópicos
21 – abrúpticos 45 – espesso-húmicos
22 – dúricos 46 – húmicos
23 – plácicos 47 – típicos
24 – fragipânicos
The surveying person may combine subgroup qualifiers for the
4th level, not more than three of them, which must be ordered as
indicated in Table 1. For example, Argissolo Vermelho Eutrófico
solódico abrúptico plintossólico (see Chapter 5, Argissolo...).

The classes of the 5th categorical level of the SiBCS were
subdivided based on morphological, physical, chemical and
mineralogical characteristics and properties important for land use
and management.
The recommended criteria should be tested in different soil

classes, evaluating the adequacy of methodologies and responses in
terms of agronomic and geotechnical relevance and for different
purposes. This is a study subject that should be prioritized in research
projects by the different institutions.
At this level, information of practical value is included, comprising

differential characteristics to distinguish more homogeneous groups
of soils.
Many qualifiers of the 5th categorical level are used for virtually
all levels of soil surveys in the country (Rios, 2006) as, for example,
types of the A horizon and textural groupings.

The 6th categorical level is being discussed and should be the
most homogeneous of the system. It is the level that allows the most
detailed interpretation of the soil surveys for various purposes.
The definition of classes at this level should be based on
characteristics directly related to plant growth, mainly with regard to
the development of the root system, the soil-water-plant relationships
and important properties for interpretations for purposes of
engineering, geotechnics and environmental planning.
Nomenclature of the classes

At the first categorical level (order), the names of the 13 classes
are formed by the association of a formative element with the ending
"-ssolos". In Table 2, the names of the classes are listed in
alphabetical order, with the formative elements and meanings.
Table 2. Formative elements and meaning of the names of the classes.
Formative
Classes Terms of connotation and remembrance
Elements
ARGISSOLO ARGI From Latin argilla, "clay"; connotative of soils formed under
influence of clay accumulation
CAMBISSOLO CAMBI From Latin cambiare, "change", "exchange"; connotative of

soils in formation (transformation). Incipient B horizon
CHERNOSSOLO CHERNO From Russian chorniy, "black"; connotative of soils rich in

organic matter, with dark colors
ESPODOSSOLO ESPODO From Greek spodos, "plant ashes"; connotative of soils with an
illuvial accumulation horizon of organic matter associated with
the presence of aluminum. Spodic B horizon
GLEISSOLO GLEI From Russian gley, "mass of pasty soil"; connotative of

excess water. Gley Horizon
LATOSSOLO LATO From Latin lat, "brick"; connotative of highly weathered soils.
Latosolic B horizon
LUVISSOLO LUVI From Latin luere, "washing"; connotative of clay translocation.

Textural B horizon with high base saturation and high activity
clay (Ta)
NEOSSOLO NEO From Greek neo, "new"; connotative of soils with poor
pedogenetic development
NITOSSOLO NITO From Latin nitidus, "brilliant"; connotative of shiny surfaces on

the structural units. Nitic B horizon
ORGANOSSOLO ORGANO From Latin organicus, "proper of or belonging to carbon

compounds"; connotative of soils with a strong or
predominantly organic constitution. H or O horizon
PLANOSSOLO PLANO From Latin planus, "plain, flat"; connotative of soils developed
on plains or in depressions with seasonal flooding. Planic B
horizon
PLINTOSSOLO PLINTO From Greek plinthos, "tile"; connotative of colorful clay

materials that harden when exposed to air. Plinthic horizon
VERTISSOLO VERTI From Latin vertere, "turn", "invert"; connotative of movement of

soil material at the surface reaching the subsurface
(expansion/contraction). Vertic Horizon
Classes of the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th categorical levels
In morphological description sheets of soil profiles and in map
legends, the classes of the 1st and 2nd categorical levels should be
written entirely in capital letters; all words of the classes of the 3rd
categorical level (great groups) start with capital letters; and the
names of the 4th categorical level (subgroups) should be written
entirely in lowercase letters, as shown in Table 3.

Table 3. Nomenclature of soils in morphological description sheets and map legends.
NEOSSOLOS FLÚVICOS Ta Eutróficos Vertissólicos
1st and 2nd categorical levels 3rd categorical level 4th categorical level
The classes of the 3rd and 4th categorical levels should

preferably end with the suffix "-ico" (see example in Table 3).

To ensure a certain degree of consistency in the nomenclature of
the classes of the 5th categorical level, the following sequence of
differential characteristics (separated by commas) is suggested to
compose the denomination of the soil class: textural grouping; textural
subgrouping; distribution of gravels, nodules and concretions in the
profile; skeletal constitution of the soil; type of A horizon (as long as it
was not used for other categorical levels); base saturation; aluminum
saturation (alic); mineralogy; subgrouping of the activity of the clay
fraction, iron oxide content and andic properties.
For the class of Organossolos, special criteria should be applied
that focus on the nature of the soil organic matter.
At the 5th categorical level (family), the name of the soil is

established by adding the relevant qualifiers to the subgroup name, in
lowercase letters, separated by commas, as in the example:
"Latossolo Amarelo Ácrico petroplíntico, gravelly clayey texture,
endoconcretionary, moderate A, gibbsitic-oxidic, meso-ferric".

As the 6th categorical level is still being discussed, no
nomenclature is proposed. However, some characteristics and
properties are listed in Chapter 18), which may be used in the
classification of soils at this level.
Translation into other languages and standardized

wording of soil classes of the SiBCS in publications
Translations of the SiBCS content into other languages are
allowed. However, the names of the soil classes should not be
translated.
In continuous texts of books, magazine articles, theses,

dissertations, tables and similar manuscripts, the classes of the 1st,
2nd and 3rd categorical levels should be written with an initial capital
letter and the 4th categorical level spelled entirely with lowercase
letters ("Neossolos Flúvicos Ta Eutróficos vertissólicos", for
example).
On the other hand, the legends in the soil maps should be written
as explained here in the taxonomic key, spelling the 1st and 2nd
categorical levels with capital letters, the 3rd categorical level with an
initial capital letter and the 4th categorical level with lowercase letters
("NEOSSOLOS FLÚVICOS Ta Eutróficos vertissólicos", for
example).
Due to the similarity of names between taxonomic systems and

for practical reasons, the names of the diagnostic horizons were
translated from Portuguese into English. However, attention must be
paid to the definitions, which diverge in relation to other taxonomic
systems.
Bases and criteria

24 25
The bases and criteria underlying the conceptualization and
definition of the current classes are:
Argissolos
Group of soils with a textural B horizon, with low activity clay or
high activity clay, provided that combined with low base saturation or
with an aluminic qualifier.
Basis – advanced development with incomplete ferralitization,

along with a genesis characterized by kaolinite-oxide or
virtually kaolinite, or vermiculite with Al-hydroxy interlayers
and clay mobilization in the topsoil, with clay concentration or
accumulation in the subsurface horizon.
Criterion – development (expression) of a diagnostic textural
B horizon coupled with attributes that indicate the low activity
or high activity of the clay fraction, provided that combined
with low base saturation or with an aluminic qualifier.
Cambissolos
Group of soils, poorly developed, with an incipient B horizon.
Basis – incipient pedogenesis, as indicated by the

development of the soil structure, with alteration of the parent
material expressed by the almost complete absence of rock
structure or sediment stratification, and colors with higher
chroma, redder hues or higher clay content than in the
underlying horizons.
Criterion – development of an incipient B horizon below a
surface horizon of any type, possibly including a chernozemic
A horizon, when low activity clay and/or low base saturation
should be observed in the incipient B horizon.
Chernossolos
Group of soils with a chernozemic A horizon, with high activity
clay and high base saturation, with or without accumulation of calcium
carbonate.
Basis – not highly advanced development due to the strong

influence of bissialitization maintaining basic divalent cations,
especially calcium, resulting in a high saturation degree of the
colloids and eventual calcium carbonate accumulation,
promoting a near-neutral reaction with organic matter
enrichment, favoring the complexation and flocculation of
mineral and organic colloids.
Criterion – development of a diagnostic surface chernozemic
A horizon, followed by the C horizon, provided that it is calcic,
petrocalcic or carbonatic, or coupled with a textural B horizon
or incipient B horizon, with or without a calcic horizon or
carbonatic qualifier, always with high activity clay and high
base saturation.
Espodossolos
Group of soils with a spodic B horizon.
Basis – influence of a podzolization process, with eluviation

of materials consisting mainly of a mixture of humified organic
matter and aluminum, which may contain iron or not, and
consequent illuvial accumulation of these constituents.
Criterion – development of a diagnostic spodic B horizon
below an E (albic or not), A or histic horizon.
Gleissolos
Group of soils with pronounced gleization.
Basis – hydromorphism expressed by strong gleization,

resulting from processes of intense reduction of iron
compounds, in the presence of organic matter, with or without
alternation of oxidation, due to the fluctuation of the water
table, under conditions of permanent or periodical excess of
moisture.
Criterion – preponderance and depth of occurrence of
attributes that indicate gleization associated with the
identification of a gley horizon.
Latossolos
Group of soils with a latosolic B horizon.
Basis – highly advanced development with marked
latosolization (ferralitization), resulting in intense weathering
of the primary minerals and even of less resistant secondary
mineral constituents, and a high relative concentration of
resistant clay minerals and/or iron and aluminum oxides and
hydroxides, with minimal clay mobilization or migration,
ferrolysis, gleization or plinthization.
Criterion – development (expression) of a diagnostic
latosolic B horizon, below any type of A horizon, and an
almost absent or minor increase in clay content from A to B.
Luvissolos
Group of soils with textural B horizon, high activity of the clay
fraction and high base saturation.
Basis – development under the influence of a bissialitization

process together with iron oxide production and clay
mobilization from the topsoil, with accumulations in the
subsurface horizon.
Criterion – Development (expression) of a diagnostic textural
B horizon with high activity of the clay fraction and high base
saturation below an A or E horizon.
Neossolos
Group of poorly developed soils, without a defined diagnostic B
horizon.
Basis – soil in the process of formation, either due to the

weak action of pedogenetic processes, or to inherent
properties of the parent material.
Criterion – insufficient expression of diagnostic attributes that
characterize the various processes of formation, minimum
differentiation of horizons, with individualization of A horizon
followed by C or R, and predominance of characteristics
inherited from the parent material.
Nitossolos
Group of soils with a nitic B horizon below the A horizon.
Basis – advanced pedogenetic development due to the

action of ferralitization with intense hydrolysis, resulting in an
oxidic-kaolinitic or virtually kaolinitic composition, or with the
presence of hydroxy-Al interlayered 2:1 clay minerals (HIV
and HIS).
Criterion – development (expression) of a nitic B horizon,
below any kind of A horizon, with a small textural gradient,
but structured in subangular or angular blocks or a prismatic
structure, of moderate or strong degree, with marked clay
films and/or a retractable qualifier.
Organossolos
Group of organic soils.
Basis – predominance of attributes of the organic

constituents over those of the mineral constituents.
Criterion – development of a histic horizon under
waterlogging, permanent or periodic, or water-saturated
conditions for only a few days during the rainy period, such
as in humid, cold environments and high-montane vegetation.
Planossolos
Group of mineral soils with a planic B horizon underlying any type
of A horizon, which may or may not have an E horizon (albic or not).
Basis – intense clay removal from the topsoil and intense

clay accumulation or concentration in the subsurface horizon.
Criterion – intense clay removal evidenced by clear
differentiation between the planic B horizon and preceding A
or E horizons, with an abrupt textural change or abrupt
transition coupled with a marked texture difference between
the A or E and the B horizon (Chapter 2, subitem h);
restricted permeability of the subsurface, affecting water
infiltration and the hydrological regime, with evidence of
reduction processes, with or without iron segregation, as
indicated by the color attributes, and mobilization and sorption
of the cation Na+ may occur.
Plintossolos
Group of soils with strong plinthitization, with or without formation
of petroplinthite.
Basis – localized iron segregation, acting as cementing

agent, with marked consolidation.
Criterion – preponderance and intensity of occurrence of
attributes that suggest plinthite formation, combined with a
diagnostic plinthic, concretionary or lithoplinthic horizon.
Vertissolos
Group of soils with a vertic horizon.
Basis – restricted development due to the great capacity of
movement of the soil material as a result of the phenomena
of expansion and contraction, generally associated with high
activity clays.
Criterion – expression and intensity of occurrence of
attributes resulting from the phenomena of expansion and
contraction of the clayey soil material.
Concept and definition of the classes of the

26
1st categorical level (orders)
Argissolos
Concept – soils consisting of mineral material, which are
differentiated by the occurrence of a textural B horizon with low
activity clay or with high activity clay, if combined with low base
saturation or with an aluminic qualifier. The textural B horizon (Bt)
is found immediately below any type of surface horizon, except
the histic, although without fulfilling the requirements of the
classes of Luvissolos, Planossolos, Plintossolos or Gleissolos.
Most soils of this class have a clear increase in the clay content
from the surface horizon to the B horizon, with or without decrease in
the underlying horizons. The transition between the A and Bt horizons
is usually clear, abrupt or gradual.
Argissolos have variable depths, from strong to imperfect

drainage, are reddish or yellowish and more rarely brownish or
grayish. The texture varies from sandy to clayey in the A horizon and
from loamy to very fine clayey in the Bt horizon, always with
increasing clay content from the former to the latter.
They are moderately to strongly acidic, with high or low base
saturation, predominantly kaolinitic and generally have a molecular
ratio Ki between 1.0 and 3.3.
Definition – soils consisting of mineral material with low activity

clay, or high activity clay when combined with low base
saturation or with an aluminic qualifier and textural B horizon
immediately below the A or E horizon, and meeting the following
requirements:
a. The plinthic horizon, if present, is not overlying or coincident

with the upper part of the textural B horizon;
b. The gley horizon, if present, is not overlying or coincident with
the upper part of the textural B horizon.
Scope – this class includes the soils that were previously

classified as Podzólico Vermelho-Amarelo with low or high
activity clay, a small part of the Terra Roxa Estruturada, Terra
Roxa Estruturada Similar, of Terra Bruna Estruturada and Terra
Bruna Estruturada Similar, mostly with a textural gradient
required for a textural B horizon. In any case, it includes soils
that had been classified as Eutrófico, Distrófico or Álico,
Podzólico Bruno-Acinzentado, Podzólico Vermelho-Escuro,
Podzólico Amarelo, Podzólico Acinzentado, and more recently,
Alissolos with a textural B horizon.
Cambissolos
Concept – soils consisting of mineral material, with incipient B
horizon underlying any type of surface horizon, provided that the
requirements of the classes Vertissolos, Chernossolos,
Plintossolos and Organossolos are not met in any case. The
horizon sequence consists of A or histic, Bi, C, with or without R.
Due to the heterogeneity of the parent material, relief forms and

climatic conditions, the characteristics of these soils vary greatly from
one location to another. Thus, the class includes soils with strong to
imperfect drainage, shallow to deep, from brown or yellowish brown
to dark red, with high and low base saturation and chemical activity of
the clay fraction.
The incipient B horizon (Bi) has a sandy loam or more clayey

texture, and the clay contents of the solum are usually uniform and a
slight decrease or increase in clay may occur from A to Bi. A marked
difference of particle size between A and Bi is possible in soils
developed from alluvial sediments or when there is a lithological
discontinuity or stratification of the parent material.
The structure of the incipient B horizon (Bi) can be in blocks,

granular or prismatic, with occurrence of soils without aggregates,
with simple grain or massive structure.
A horizon with occurrence of plinthite or gleization may be found

in soils of this class, provided it does not meet the requirements for
the classes of Plintossolos or Gleissolos.
Some soils of this class have morphological characteristics

similar to those of the Latossolos, but are distinguished by having, in
the B horizon, one or more of the characteristics specified below,
which are not compatible with highly developed soils:
a. Cation exchange capacity, without correction for carbon, of ≥

17 cmolc kg-1 clay; and/or
b. ≥ 4% alterable primary minerals or ≥ 6% muscovite,
determined in the sand fraction, but based on the fine earth
fraction; and/or
c. Molecular ratio SiO2/Al2O3 (Ki) > 2.2, determined in or
corresponding to the clay fraction; and/or
d. Original rock structure, such as fine stratifications, saprolite
or semi- or unweathered rock fragments, in ≥ 5% of the soil
volume.
Definition – soils consisting of mineral material with an A or

histic horizon with insufficient thickness to be allocated to the
class of Organossolos, followed by an incipient B horizon and
satisfying the following requirements:
a. The incipient B horizon does not coincide with a gley horizon

within 50 cm from the soil surface;
b. The incipient B horizon does not coincide with a plinthic
horizon;
c. The incipient B horizon does not coincide with a vertic horizon
within 100 cm from the surface; and
d. Absence of the combination of a chernozemic A horizon and
an incipient B horizon with high base saturation and high
activity clay.
Scope – this class comprises the soils previously classified as

Cambissolos, including those developed from alluvial sediments.
Soils with a chernozemic A horizon and incipient B horizon with
high base saturation and high activity clay are excluded from this
class.
Chernossolos
Concept – soils consisting of mineral material with the
differential characteristics: high base saturation and chernozemic
A horizon overlying a textural B or incipient B horizon, both with
high activity clay or overlying a carbonatic C, calcic or petrocalcic
horizon or overlying rock, in case of high calcium carbonate
concentration in the A horizon.
These soils are usually well to imperfectly drained, with

sequences of A-Bt-C or A-Bi-C horizons, with or without a calcic
horizon, and A-C or A-R, provided there is a carbonatic qualifier or
calcic or petrocalcic horizon.
In this class, the occurrence of gleization or a gley horizon,

friction surface or abrupt textural change is admitted, as long as the
expression is quantitatively and qualitatively insufficient or the position
within the horizon sequence in the profile is not diagnostic for a
classification as Gleissolos, Vertissolos or Planossolos.
These soils can be from moderately acidic to strongly alkaline,

with high activity clay, a cation exchange capacity that can reach >
100 cmolc kg-1 clay, high base saturation, generally > 70%, with
predominance of calcium or calcium and magnesium among the
exchangeable cations.
In spite of the variable climatic conditions and different parent

materials from which these soils are formed, their development
depends on a set of conditions that favor the formation and
persistence of a surface horizon rich in organic matter, with high
calcium and magnesium contents and with the presence of 2:1 clay
minerals, particularly of the smectite group.
Definition – soils consisting of mineral material and with high
base saturation and a chernozemic A horizon followed by:
a. An incipient B or textural B horizon, both with high activity

clay; or
b. A calcic or petrocalcic horizon or carbonatic qualifier,
coinciding with a chernozemic A horizon and/or with the C
horizon, admitting, between the two, a Bi horizon with a
thickness of < 10 cm; or
c. A lithic or fragmentary lithic contact, provided the A horizon
contains ≥ 150 g kg-1 soil of CaCO3 equivalent.
Scope – this class comprises the majority of soils formerly

classified as Brunizém, Rendzina, Brunizém Avermelhado,
Brunizém Hidromórfico and Cambissolos Eutróficos with high
activity clay, combined with a chernozemic A horizon.
Espodossolos
Concept – soils consisting of mineral material with a spodic B
horizon underlying the eluvial E horizon (albic or not) or an A
horizon, which can be of any type, or a histic horizon with
insufficient thickness for the class of Organossolos. These soils
usually have a sequence of abruptly differentiated A, E, spodic
B, and C horizons.
The color of the A horizon varies from gray to black, and of the E
horizon from gray or light gray to almost white. The color of the
spodic horizon varies from gray with dark or black shades to reddish
or yellowish.
The solum texture of the B horizon is predominantly sandy, less
commonly loamy and rarely clayey. Drainage is very variable, with a
close relationship between depth, development degree, hardening or
cementation of the spodic B horizon and soil drainage.
These soils generally have a very low fertility due to a poor

nutrient reserve, are moderate to strongly acid, usually have low base
saturation, and high levels of extractable aluminum are possible. A
fragipan, duripan, a placic horizon or ortstein can be found.
Espodossolos are developed primarily from quartz-rich sandy

materials under high moisture conditions, in tropical and subtropical
climate, usually with a flat or gently undulating relief, in resurgence
zones and depressions; however, they may also occur in areas with
an undulating relief, in cold environments, with high moisture and
upper-montane vegetation (Dias et al., 2003). In coastal regions, they
are generally associated with a sparse vegetation broadly called
Restinga. The Espodossolos that occur in the Amazon and the
Coastal Tablelands are often associated with vegetation forms known
as Campinarana and Muçununga, respectively.
Definition – soils consisting of mineral material, with a spodic B

horizon immediately below the E, A or histic horizon within 200
cm from the surface or within 400 cm, if the sum of the A and E
horizons or of the histic and E horizons exceeds a depth of 200
cm.
Scope – this class includes all soils previously classified as

Podzol and Podzol Hidromórfico.
Gleissolos
Concept – includes hydromorphic, mineral soils, which have a
gley horizon within 50 cm from the surface or at depths of > 50
cm and ≤ 150 cm, provided that immediately below an A or E
27
horizon (with or without gleization) or a histic horizon with
insufficient thickness to be integrated in the class of
Organossolos. The texture is not exclusively sandy in all horizons
within the first 150 cm from the soil surface, or to a lithic or
fragmentary lithic contact, nor is there a vertic horizon in
diagnostic position for Vertissolos. If a planic, plinthic,
concretionary or lithoplinthic horizon is present, it should occur at
a depth of > 200 cm below the soil surface.
The soils of this class are permanently or periodically water-

saturated, if not artificially drained. Saturation occurs by internal
waterlogging or due to lateral flow of water in the soil. In any case,
the soil water can ascend by capillary rise up to the surface.
Gleissolos are characterized by strong gleization due to the

reducing environment, virtually free of dissolved oxygen, resulting
from water-saturation lasting all year or at least several months.
The process of gleization induces grayish, bluish or greenish

colors due to iron reduction and dissolution, allowing the expression
of neutral colors of the clay minerals or the precipitation of ferrous
compounds.
Under natural conditions, these are poorly or very poorly drained

soils with a horizon sequence of A-Cg, A-Big-Cg, A-Btg-Cg, A-E-Btg-
Cg, A-Eg-Bt-Cg, Ag-Cg, H-Cg, gray to black in the surface horizon,
thickness normally between 10 cm and 50 cm and medium to high
levels of organic carbon.
The gley horizon, which may be a C, B, E or A horizon, is
predominantly bluer than 10Y, with rather low, close to neutral
chromas.
These soils can occasionally have a sandy (sand or loamy sand)

texture, in the surface horizons only, as long as followed by a gley
horizon with a sandy loam or finer texture.
Aside from the A, H or E horizons that may be present, the

structure in the C horizon is normally massive and may have cracks
and a similar appearance to that of the prismatic structure when dry,
or after exposure of a trench wall for a few days. When a B horizon is
present, the structure is blocky or prismatic, composed or not of
angular and subangular blocks. These soils may contain a sulfuric or
calcic horizon, solodic, sodic or salic qualifier, or plinthite in insufficient
quantity or non-diagnostic position for inclusion in the class of
Plintossolos.
These soils were formed mainly from sediments, stratified or not,

and subject to constant or periodic excess of water, which can occur
in various situations. Commonly, they develop from recent sediments
in the vicinity of watercourses and in alluvial/colluvial materials subject
to hydromorphic conditions. They can also be formed in flat relief
areas of fluvial, lacustrine or sea terraces, as well as in residual
materials in depressions. They are occasionally formed in sloping
areas under the influence of groundwater springs (resurgence zones
or sources). These soils occur under hydrophilic or hygrophilous
herbaceous, shrub or tree vegetation.
Definition – soils consisting of mineral material, with a gley

horizon 50 cm below the surface or at a depth of > 50 cm and ≤
150 cm, provided that immediately below the A or E horizons or
a H horizon (histic) with insufficient thickness to define the class
of Organossolos, satisfying the following requirements:
a. Absence of vertic horizon in diagnostic position for

Vertissolos;
b. No plinthic, planic, concretionary or lithoplinthic horizon within
200 cm from the surface.
Scope – this class includes the soils previously classified as Glei

Pouco Húmico, Glei Húmico, part of the Hidromórfico Cinzento
(with no abrupt textural change), Glei Tiomórfico and Solonchak
with a gley horizon.
Latossolos
Concept – soils consisting of mineral material, with a latosolic B
horizon immediately below any of the types of diagnostic surface
horizons, except the histic.
These soils are in an advanced weathering stage, very evolved

as a result of vigorous transformations of the parent material. The
soils are virtually devoid of primary or secondary minerals that are
less weathering resistant. The cation exchange capacity of the clay
fraction is low (< 17 cmolc kg-1 clay without correction for carbon),
admitting variations from predominantly kaolinitic soils, with higher Ki
values of around 2.0 to a maximum of 2.2, to oxidic soils with
extremely low Ki.
They vary from extremely well to well-drained, although soils with

pale colors, with moderate or even imperfect drainage occur,
indicating a certain degree of gleization during formation under current
or past conditions.
The soils are usually very deep, with a solum thickness of rarely
less than 1 m. They have a sequence of A, B, C horizons with little
differentiation between the subhorizons, usually with diffuse or
gradual transitions. In contrast with the darker A horizon, the B
horizon has more vivid colors, ranging from yellow or even grayish
brown to dusky red, in hues from 2.5YR to 10YR. The colors depend
on the nature, form and amount of mineral constituents – especially
the iron oxides and hydroxides – according to the conditions of water
regime and soil drainage, the iron levels in the parent material and
whether the hematite is inherited or not. In the C horizon,
comparatively less colorful, the chromatic expression is quite variable,
even heterogeneous, given its more saprolitic or sedimentary nature.
The clay increase from A to B is low or non-existent, and the textural
ratio B/A does not meet the requirements for a textural B horizon. In
general, the content of the clay fraction in the solum increases
gradually with depth or remains constant throughout the profile. Clay
films, if present, are poor and weak. Typically, the mobility of clays in
the B horizon is low, except for the atypical behavior in the case of
soils developed from material with a lighter texture (quartz-rich sandy
composition), of interactions with organic constituents of high activity
or of soils with positive or null Δ pH.
The Latossolos are, in general, strongly acidic soils with low

base saturation, dystrophic or aluminic. However, soils with medium
and even high saturation also occur. The latter are usually found in
zones (semi-arid or not) with a pronounced dry season, or under the
influence of basic or calcareous rocks.
These soils are typical of equatorial and tropical regions, can

also occur in subtropical areas, distributed mainly on large and old
erosional surfaces, pediments or old river terraces, usually on flat and
gently undulating relief, although they may occur in more rugged
terrain, possibly in mountainous relief. They were derived from the
most diverse types of rocks and sediments and under the most
diverse conditions of climate and vegetation types.
Definition – soils consisting of mineral material with a latosolic B

horizon immediately below any type of A horizon within 200 cm
from the surface or within 300 cm, if the A horizon has a
thickness of > 150 cm.
Scope –this class includes all the former Latossolos, except for
some modalities previously identified as Latossolos plínticos.
Luvissolos
Concept – mineral soils, not hydromorphic, with textural B
horizon with high activity clay and high base saturation,
immediately below the A or E horizon.
These soils vary from well to imperfectly drained and are usually
fairly shallow, with a sequence of A, Bt and C horizons and a clear
differentiation between the A and Bt horizons due to the contrasting
texture, color and/or structure. The transition to the textural B horizon
is clear or abrupt, and an abrupt textural change occurs in a large
part of the soils of this class. In the surface, stoniness may or may
not be present, and the same applies to the presence of solodic or
sodic qualifier in the subsurface.
The Bt horizon is reddish, yellowish and less often brownish or

grayish. The structure is usually blocky, moderately or strongly
developed, or prismatic, composed of angular and subangular blocks.
Luvissolos are moderately acidic to slightly alkaline, with low to
non-existent levels of extractable aluminum and a high molecular ratio
Ki in the Bt horizon, usually between 2.4 and 4.0, denoting the
presence of a variable but considerable quantity of 2:1 clay minerals.
Definition – soils consisting of mineral material, with a textural B

horizon, with high activity clay and high base saturation in most of
the first 100 cm of the B horizon (including BA) and immediately
below any type of A horizon except the chernozemic A or under
the E horizon, and satisfying the following requirements:
a. Plinthic, vertic or planic horizons, if present, are not above or

not coincident with the upper part of the textural B horizon;
b. A gley horizon, if present, must be below the textural B
horizon and begins below a depth of 50 cm, not coinciding
with the upper part of the latter.
Scope – this class comprises the soils that were classified by

Embrapa Soils as Brunos Não Cálcicos, Podzólicos Vermelho-
Amarelos Eutróficos with high activity clay and Podzólicos Bruno-
Acinzentados Eutróficos and some Podzólicos Vermelho-Escuros
Eutróficos with high activity clay.
Neossolos
Concept – soils consisting of mineral material or organic
material that is not very thick, without significant changes in
relation to the parent material due to the low intensity of
pedogenetic processes, either due to inherent characteristics of
the proper parent material (e.g., greater resistance to
weathering or chemical–mineralogical composition), or due to the
influence of other formation factors (climate, relief or time), which
can prevent or limit soil development.
Neossolos have a horizon sequence of A-R, A-C-R, A-Cr-R, A-

Cr, A-C, O-R or H-C, without meeting, however, the requirements for
the identification of the classes of Chernossolos, Vertissolos,
Plintossolos, Organossolos or Gleissolos. This class admits several
types of surface horizons, including the O horizon with a thickness of
< 20 cm when overlying rock or a humic or prominent A horizon with a
thickness of > 50 cm when overlying the R, C or Cr layer.
Some soils can have a B horizon, but without meeting the

requirements (very thin thickness, for example) of any type of
diagnostic B horizon.
Definition – soils consisting of mineral material or of organic

material less than 20 cm thick, without any kind of diagnostic B
horizon and satisfying the following requirements:
a. Absence of a gley horizon immediately below the A horizon

within 150 cm from the surface, except in the case of soils
with a sand or loamy sand texture with virtually no
weatherable primary minerals;
b. Absence of a vertic horizon immediately below the A horizon;
c. Absence of a plinthic horizon within 40 cm, or within 150 cm
from the surface if immediately below the A or E horizons or
if preceded by horizons with pale or variegated colors or
abundant mottles;
d. Absence of a chernozemic A horizon with carbonatic qualifier
or together with a calcic C horizon or with a carbonatic
qualifier.
This class also comprises soils with an A horizon or a histic
horizon with a thickness of < 20 cm followed by layer(s) with ≥ 90%
(expressed in volume) of rock fragments or parent material,
regardless of its resistance to weathering.
Scope – this class includes the soils that were previously

recognized as Litossolos and Solos Litólicos, Regossolos, Solos
Aluviais and Areias Quartzosas (Distróficas, Marinhas and
Hidromórficas). It also comprises soils with a humic A or
prominent A horizon, with a thickness of > 50 cm, followed by a
lithic or fragmentary lithic contact or a horizon sequence of A, C
or ACr.
Nitossolos
Concept – soils consisting of mineral material, with a nitic B
horizon, with clayey or very fine clayey texture (clay contents ≥
350 g kg-1 ADFE) from the soil surface, with a subangular or
angular blocky or prismatic structure of moderate or strong
degree, with pronounced clay films and/or a retractable qualifier.
These soils have a clearly expressed B horizon in terms of the

degree of structure development, associated with the presence of
clay films, with a textural gradient of ≤ 1.5. In the Nitossolos with
retractable qualifier, variations are admitted in structure, consistence,
clay films and compression surfaces (criteria still in the validation
phase).
This class excludes soils with significant increase in clay content

in depth, as required in the definition of a textural B horizon, and a
less pronounced differentiation of the horizons than of the Argissolos,
with a clear or gradual transition from the A to B horizon and gradual
or diffuse between the B subhorizons. The soils are deep, well
drained, varying from red to brownish.
They are, in general, moderately acidic to acidic, with low activity

clay or with the aluminic qualifier together with high activity clay, with
a kaolinitic-oxidic composition. If they have the aluminic qualifier
together with high activity clay, the clay mineralogy is characterized
by the presence of hydroxy-Al interlayered 2:1 clay minerals (HIVE
and HIS). They can have any kind of A horizon.
Definition – soils consisting of mineral material, with a nitic B

horizon below the A horizon, with low activity clay or high activity
clay, provided that combined with an aluminic qualifier, all
contained in the major part of the first 100 cm of the B horizon
(inclusive BA). The texture is clayey or very fine clayey (clay
contents ≥ 350 g kg-1 ADFE in the upper 100 cm from the soil
surface) and the textural ratio is ≤ 1.5.
Polychromy (i.e., color variation within 150 cm from the soil

surface), as described below, should be used as an additional
criterion to distinguish between Nitossolos and Argissolos Vermelhos
or Vermelho-Amarelos, in situations in which the other characteristics
are coincident.
Nitossolos are soils that practically never have marked

polychromy in the profile and must meet the following color criteria:
a. If the colors of the A and B, but not BC horizons are on the

same hue page, variations of at most 2 units for value and/or
28
3 units for chroma are admitted ;
b. For soils with the colors of the A and B horizons, except BC
on two hue pages, a variation of ≤ 1 unit of value and ≤ 2
28
units of chroma is admitted ;
c. For soils with colors of the A and B horizons, except BC, on
more than two hue pages, no variation for value is accepted
28
and a variation of ≤ 1 unit of chroma is admitted .
Scope – some soils fit in this class that were formerly mostly
classified as Terra Roxa Estruturada, Terra Roxa Estruturada
Similar, Terra Bruna Estruturada, Terra Bruna Estruturada Similar
and some Podzólicos Vermelho-Escuros and Podzólicos
Vermelho-Amarelos.
Organossolos
Concept – poorly evolved soils, with characteristics mainly
determined by the organic material; black, very dark gray or
brownish, due to the accumulation of plant residues, in varying
degrees of decomposition, under limited drainage (from poorly to
very poorly drained environments) or water saturated for only a
few days in the rainy period, as in humid and cold environments
of high altitudes
These soils are formed of organic material at locations where the

climate varies from tropical with hydromorphy, in the coastal region
and in deltas and lacustrine environments, to cold and moist, with
high-montane vegetation. A histic horizon may be formed under
conditions that favor anaerobiosis (H horizon) or of free drainage (O
horizon). The parent material of these soils is composed of plant
residues in different decomposition stages, usually in combination
with mineral materials of variable particle size.
In environments characterized by strong hydromorphism, due to

the high groundwater level for a large part of the year, the anaerobic
conditions restrict the processes of organic matter mineralization and
limit the pedogenetic development, leading to a substantial
accumulation of plant residues.
In environments with a humid, cold climate and high-montane

vegetation, the low temperature conditions favor organic material
accumulation by the reduction of the biological activity. In these
environments, the dystrophic conditions and high acidity may further
restrict the transformation of organic matter.
This class includes soils with horizons of organic constitution (H

or O), with a large proportion of plant residues in varied degrees of
decomposition, which may overlie or be interwoven with mineral
horizons or layers of varying thicknesses.
Usually, they are strongly acidic soils with high cation exchange
capacity and low base saturation, with sporadic occurrences of
medium or high base saturation. They can have a sulfuric horizon,
sulfidic materials, a salic, sodic or solodic qualifier, which may be
covered by a not very thick deposit (< 40 cm thick) of layers of
mineral material.
The mineralization of organic matter and transformation of plant

residues are slow under natural conditions. However, the drainage of
these soils for agricultural or other purposes leads to the process of
ground subsidence and accelerates the decomposition of organic
matter, promoting its degradation. The composition of the plant
material, the thickness of the deposited organic material, the climate
and hydromorphic conditions and management intensity – drainage,
liming and fertilization – determine the intensity of degradation of the
Organossolos.
The criteria related to high Al contents in the soil (aluminic or alic)
should not be applied to the organic horizons, once the methodology
for Al extraction developed for soils with mineral material is not
appropriate for soils of organic nature, resulting in an overestimation
of the effect of Al toxicity (Perez et al., 2009). Various methods are
being tested, but the results are not yet conclusive.
Organossolos typically occur in low areas of floodplains,

depressions and resurgence zones, under hydrophilic or hygrophilous
vegetation, be it of the grassland or forest type. They are also found
in areas that are saturated with water for a few days (less than 30
consecutive days) in the rainy period, as in high altitude regions, with
humid, cold climate and high-montane vegetation, and in this case
usually directly overlying unfractured rocks, a C horizon or even a
poorly developed B horizon.
29
Definition – soils with a predominance of organic material
blended with a greater or lesser proportion of mineral material
and that meet the following requirements:
a. 60 cm or thicker if 75% (expressed in volume) or more of the

organic material consists of plant tissue in the form of
residues of fine branches, trunk fragments, fine roots, tree
bark, excluding live parts; or
b. Soils saturated with water for at most 30 consecutive days
per year, during the rainiest period, with a histic O horizon,
with the following thicknesses:
1. 20 cm or more, when overlying a lithic or fragmentary
lithic contact or a horizon or layer constituted by 90% or
more (by volume) of mineral material with a diameter
greater than 2 mm (gravels, pebbles and boulders); or
2. 40 cm or more when overlying the horizons A, B or C; or
c. Soils saturated with water for the most part of the year, in
most years, unless artificially drained, with presence of a
histic H horizon with a thickness of ≥ 40 cm, either extending
in a single section from the surface downwards, or
cumulatively, within the 80 cm below the surface.
Scope – this class contains the Solos Orgânicos,

Semiorgânicos, Solos Tiomórficos of organic or semi-organic
constitution and part of the Solos Litólicos with a histic O horizon
with a thickness of ≥ 20 cm.
Planossolos
Concept – imperfectly or poorly drained mineral soils, with an
eluvial surface or subsurface horizon, with a lighter texture, in
sharp contrast with the immediately underlying B horizon, dense,
usually marked clay concentration, slow or very slow
permeability, sometimes constituting a pan horizon, responsible
for the formation of a (suspended) water saturated zone, with
annual occurrence .
Planossolos may present any type of A horizon, followed or not

by an E horizon, immediately above the planic B horizon, with a
horizon sequence of A, AB or A, E (albic or not) or Eg, followed by
Bt, Btg, Btn or Btng.
A strikingly distinctive characteristic is the clear differentiation

between the A or E and B horizons, due to the abrupt textural change
or abrupt transition coupled with a marked texture difference from the
A to B horizon (Chapter 2, subitem h). A quite noticeable occurrence
in dry soils is the exposure of a contact parallel to the horizons,
forming an accentuated limit by setting a clear-cut contrast between
the A or E and the B horizon.
Typically, one or more subsurface horizons are dense and may

have a high content of dispersed clay, sometimes constituting a pan
horizon, a condition of restricted water percolation, regardless of the
position of the water table, causing water retention for some time
above the B horizon, which is reflected in the features associated with
excess moisture.
Typical of the B horizon is the presence of a strong and large

structure in angular blocks, often with a cubic appearance or
prismatic or columnar structure, at least in the upper part of this
horizon. It usually has a hard to extremely hard consistence when dry.
Due to the effect of the cyclic duration of excess moisture, even

when for short periods, the colors in the B horizon, and even in the
lower part of the overlying horizon, are predominantly pale. They tend
to be grayish or darkened, and neutral colors of reduction may be
present or even predominant, with or without mottles, as specified for
the planic B horizon.
Soils in this class may or may not have a calcic horizon,

carbonatic qualifier, duripan with a sodic, solodic property, saline or
salic qualifier. It may contain plinthite, but in quantity or position not
diagnostic for allocation to the class of Plintossolos.
The soils of this class occur preferentially in areas with a flat or

gently undulating topography, where the environmental conditions and
the soil itself favor a periodic annual duration of excess water, albeit
short, particularly in regions prone to prolonged drought and even
under semi-arid climate conditions.
Soils in the lowlands, wetlands and depressions in a humid
climate are truly hydromorphic, with a planic horizon that
coincidentally meets the characteristics of a gley horizon. However, in
semi-arid areas, and even in areas where the soil is exposed to
water excess for only a short period, mainly where the relief is gently
undulating, the soils are not actually hydromorphic.
Definition – soils consisting of mineral material with an A or E

horizon and followed by a planic B horizon. In case of a planic
horizon without sodic qualifier, the taxonomic precedence is given
to the plinthic horizon.
Scope – this class includes the soils classified as Planossolos,

Solonetz-Solodizado and part of the Hidromórficos Cinzentos.
Plintossolos
Concept – mineral soils formed under conditions of restricted
water percolation exposed to a temporary effect of excess
moisture, usually with imperfect or poor drainage, and basically
characterized by strong plinthization, with or without petroplinthite
under conditions that do not satisfy the requirements for the
classes of Neossolos, Cambissolos, Luvissolos, Argissolos,
Latossolos, Planossolos or Gleissolos.
These soils frequently have a textural B horizon over or

coincident with a plinthic horizon or with a concretionary horizon, and
soils with an incipient B, latosolic B, gley horizon, and soils with no B
horizon also occur.
Usually, these soils are clearly differentiated, and the A horizon

may be of any type, with a horizon sequence of A, AB followed by Bt,
Bw, Bi, C or F or also A, E horizons, followed by Bt, C or F. The
suffixes c or f accompany most of these horizons.
Although the color of these soils is highly variable, there is a

predominance of pale colors, with or without mottles that are orange
to red or variegated, above the diagnostic horizon (plinthic,
concretionary or lithoplinthic). In some soils of this class, although
their genesis is associated to excess moisture conditions or
temporarily restricted water percolation, at present, drainage
conditions may be good and they may be reddish in the major part of
the profile.
Strongly acidic soils with low base saturation and low clay
fraction activity are predominant. Nevertheless, soils with medium to
high base saturation or high activity clay can occur (Anjos et al.,
1995), as well as soils with solodic and sodic properties.
A major part of the soils of this class (soils with a plinthic horizon)
may be present in terrains with wetlands, areas with flat to gently
undulating and less frequently undulating relief, in geomorphic zones
of depression. Plintossolos also occur on the lower third of slopes or
in headwater areas under conditions of either oscillations of the water
table, or of flooding or periodic flooding, as a result of restriction to
percolation or water runoff.
Another part (soils with a concretionary horizon) have better

drainage and occupy higher positions than soils with plinthic horizon.
They are normally found on edges of plateaus and slightly dissected
areas of plateaus and tablelands in the Central and Northern regions
of Brazil.
These soils are typical of warm and humid areas, usually with a
well-defined dry season or at least a period with marked decrease of
rainfall. They also occur in the perhumid equatorial and more
sporadically in the semi-arid zones.
The most extensive areas of soils with more restricted drainage

are located in the Middle Amazon region (interfluves of the rivers
Madeira, Purus, Juruá, Solimões and Negro), on the island of Marajó,
in Amapá, in the Baixada Maranhense-Gurupi, in the Pantanal, on the
floodplain of the Araguaia River, on the Bananal Island and in the
region of Campo Maior of Piauí. Soils with better drainage, with a
significant presence of petroplinthite in the profile, occur more
commonly in the Central and Northern regions of Brazil, mainly in the
states of Tocantins, Pará, Amazonas, Mato Grosso, Goiás, Piauí and
Maranhão and in the Federal District.
Definition – soils consisting of mineral material, with a plinthic,

lithoplinthic or concretionary horizon, meeting one of the following
conditions:
a. Starting at ≤ 40 cm from the surface; or

b. Starting at ≤ 200 cm from the surface when preceded by a
gley horizon or located immediately below the A or E or
another horizon that is pale, variegated or contains abundant
mottles.
When preceded by a pale horizon or layer (grayish or light

yellowish), this should have hues and chromas according to the items
(a) and (b) listed below, and reddish to yellowish mottles may or may
not occur.
When preceded by variegated horizons or layers, at least one of
the colors must satisfy items (a) and (b).
When preceded by horizons or layers with mottles, these should

be abundant (> 20% by volume) in a reddish or yellowish matrix and
the hues and chromas should be according to items (a) and (b).
a. Hue 5Y; or
b. Hues 7.5YR, 10YR or 2.5Y with chroma ≤ 4.
Scope – this class includes soils formerly known as Lateritas

Hidromórficas, part of the Podzólicos plínticos, part of the Gleis
Húmicos and Gleis Pouco Húmicos and some of the Latossolos
plínticos. Also included are other soils classified in several
studies as Concrecionários Indiscriminados, Concrecionários
Lateríticos, Solos Concrecionários and Petroplintossolos.
Vertissolos
Concept – soils consisting of mineral material with occurrence of
a vertic horizon and small textural variation along the profile,
insufficient to characterize a textural B horizon. The volume
changes markedly with the increase of water content in the soil,
with deep cracks in the dry season and evidence of movement of
the soil mass in the form of friction surfaces (slickensides). A
gilgai microrelief may be present and inclined cuneiform
structures forming an angle with the horizontal surface. These
characteristics result from the large movement of soil mass,
which shrinks and cracks when dry and expands when moist.
The soil consistence is very plastic and very sticky due to the
common presence of expandable clays or a mixture of these with
other clay minerals.
They have a horizon sequence of A-Bv-C, A-Biv-C or A-Cv and
range from fairly shallow to deep, although very shallow soils also
occur. In terms of drainage, they vary from imperfectly to poorly
drained, and occasionally, moderately drained. The color may be
dark, grayish, yellowish or reddish. In terms of physical properties,
the water permeability is very slow when moist. These soils have a
high cation exchange capacity, high base saturation (> 50%) with high
calcium and magnesium levels and a high ratio Ki (> 2.0). The most
frequent pH reaction is in the range from neutral to alkaline, and can
occur, less frequently, in the moderately acid range.
The part corresponding to the subsurface horizon that was

already sufficiently transformed so as not be classified as saprolite
(Cv, Ck, Crk etc.) is identified as Bv or Biv horizon, which has a
prismatic structure composed of blocks or structure in angular and
subangular or cuneiform or and/or parallelepiped blocks. The texture
is usually clayey or very fine clayey, although it can be loamy (with a
minimum clay content of 300 g kg-1) in the surface horizons. The
consistence of the dry soil varies from very hard to extremely hard,
when moist from firm to very firm, and when wet it is very plastic and
very sticky.
Vertissolos are soils normally developed in environments of

sedimentary basins or from sediments with predominance of
materials of fine particle size and with high calcium and magnesium
levels or directly developed from calcium and magnesium-rich basic
rocks. They occur in various climate types, from very humid (but with
a defined dry season) to the driest, with considerable frequency in
the sedimentary basins of the semi-arid region of Northeastern Brazil.
With regard to the relief, these soils are distributed in flat or gently
undulating areas and less frequently, in hilly areas, such as hillsides
and hill tops.
In the taxonomy, the characteristics of the vertic horizon prevail,

even when the soils have gley, calcic or duripan horizons; or solodic,
sodic, saline or salic qualifiers.
Soils with a vertic horizon but that do not satisfy the definition of
Vertissolos are considered intermediate to Vertissolos, as well as
soils where the identification attributes of the class (cracks,
slickensides, cuneiform and/or parallelepiped structures) are not
found in sufficient quantity and distribution to characterize a vertic
horizon. Such intermediate soils are labeled "vertissólicos" at the 4th
level.
Definition – soils consisting of mineral material with a vertic

horizon starting at ≤ 100 cm from the surface, with an insufficient
textural ratio to characterize a textural B horizon and satisfying,
in addition, the following requirements:
a. Clay content, after mixing and homogenization of the soil

material of the upper 20 cm, of at least 300 g kg-1 soil;
b. Vertical cracks in the dry period, at least 1 cm wide, reaching
a depth of at least 50 cm from the surface, except in the
case of fairly shallow soils, where the minimum limit is a
depth of 30 cm;
c. Absence of material with a lithic or fragmentary lithic contact,
petrocalcic or duripan horizon within the first 30 cm from the
surface;
d. In irrigated or poorly drained areas (without apparent
cracks), the coefficient of linear extensibility (COLE) must be
≥ 0.06 or the linear extensibility should be ≥ 6 cm;
e. Absence of any kind of diagnostic B horizon above the vertic
horizon.
Scope – this class contains all Vertissolos, including the

hydromorphic.
Notes
(24) Bases: order of assumptions that govern the formation of classes (Cline, 1963).
(25) Criteria: elements by which the classes are differentiated in the application of the system
to the soils (Cline, 1963); i.e., attributes that distinguish the classes from the others of the
same categorical level. They constitute the differential characteristics of the class.
(26) Designations as used by Cline (1949) and applied throughout the text.
(27) In some cases, the A or E horizons themselves can concomitantly be gley horizons.
(28) Acceptable are variations of one unit more than that indicated for intermediate soils
(latossólicos, rúbricos etc.) or when the difference occurs between the surface A horizon and
the horizon(s) of the lower part of the profile, at a depth of > 100 cm from the soil surface.
(29) In Chapter 1, a new definition for "organic material" was used, where one of the applied
criteria was a threshold of organic carbon content (≥ 80 g kg-1 ), evaluated in the ADFE
fraction, based on the method adopted by Embrapa Soils and as proposed by Valladares
(2003).
Chapter 4
Classification of soils from the

1st to 4th categorical level
The classification of a soil is based on the evaluation of the

morphological, physical, chemical and mineralogical properties of the
profile. Environmental aspects of the profile location such as climate,
vegetation, relief, parent material, hydric conditions, external
characteristics and soil-landscape relationships are also taken into
consideration.
The classification begins with the morphological description of

the soil profile and field sampling of material, which must be carried
out according to the criteria established in the manuals (Lemos;
Santos, 1996; IBGE, 2015; Santos et al., 2015), with the utmost
zeal, patience and discretion to describe the profile as well as the
landscape.
The morphological characteristics observed in the field need to

be described extensively, in compliance with the manuals, with due
diligence to accurately record the designation of the horizons of the
profile (Larach et al., 1988; Santos et al., 2015), as well as all the
common and extraordinary morphological characteristics. Any
records of cracks in the soil, microrelief (gilgai), colors indicating
oxidation and reduction, soil water level and fluctuation, cohesive or
compressed horizons or layers, root depth in the profile, biological
activity along the profile, and any unusual or extraordinary
occurrences are highly relevant. It is important to associate the
morphological characteristics to the depth of occurrence, with the
purpose of defining the control section established for different
classes at the different categorical levels.
All morphological characteristics are relevant to characterize and

classify soils, but some are particularly indispensable, for example:
the moist and dry colors of the surface horizons (H or O, A and AB),
the moist colors of the subsurface horizons, according to the Munsell
Soil Color Charts (1994), the texture, structure, clay films,
consistence, transition, and characteristics such as nodules,
concretions, slickensides, compression surfaces etc. These
characteristics are indispensable to define the diagnostic horizons of
the Brazilian System of Soil Classification (SiBCS). The final
classification of a soil is only confirmed after the interpretation of
comprehensive laboratory analyses related to the profile. Based
thereon, it is very important to readjust the field identification of the
horizons and suffixes as necessary.
A soil can be correctly classified using the classification key up to

the 4th categorical level of the system. To initiate and proceed with
the application of the key, it is presumed that system users have a
thorough knowledge of the concepts and basic definitions outlined in
Chapters 1 and 2 of this publication, with regard to the diagnostic
attributes, other attributes, diagnostic surface horizons and diagnostic
subsurface horizons.
Prior to the classification of a soil with the key, the surface and
subsurface diagnostic horizons must first be identified, since the 1st
categorical level is based on the presence or absence of these
horizons and on additional attributes or properties recognizable in the
field and complemented by results of chemical and physical analyses.
The classification key is organized so that each class takes
precedence over the following one. Thus, step by step, one should
proceed in the following order:
a. Start using the key at the order level and then search for the
class whose definition and requirements are most compatible
with the characteristics of the soil being classified;
b. After having found the class of the 1st categorical level, go to
Chapter 3 for more comprehensive concepts and definitions,
to check the classification of the respective soil at this level,
by comparing the soil properties with the requirements of the
class;
c. Once the class of the 1st categorical level is confirmed, move
on to the 2nd level, and so on, up to the 4th categorical level,
constantly bearing in mind the order of precedence for the
soil classification. For all levels, that is, in the 2nd, 3rd and
4th category, the classes are listed in the text in a sequence
arranged as a key for classification. For example, at the 2nd
categorical level (suborders), the user must begin with the 1st
suborder and keep eliminating one by one until finally finding
the suborder with definition criteria that are compatible with
what is observed in the soil being classified. This procedure is
the same for the other two categorical levels (great groups
and subgroups);
d. At the 5th categorical level, the classes comprise all
differential characteristics accumulated from the 1st level
onwards. At this point, the classes are formed by adding
appropriate terms for the definition of classes after the
determination of the 4th categorical level (subgroups), in
other words, a particular family must always belong to a
subgroup. The properties and differential characteristics for
classification at this level are presented in Chapter 18, in the
sequence in which they should be used to define the classes,
which should be discriminated according to the explanations
in that chapter;
e. The 6th categorical level will allow the subdivision of the 5th
level (family) in homogeneous soil classes, according to
concepts and criteria still being discussed. This level should
be based on differential characteristics that influence land use
and management and may be correlated with plant
development. This level is expected to allow for most detailed
interpretations of soil surveys for various purposes.
Whereas, at the higher categorical levels, the classes are

discriminated by one or few diagnostic attributes (for example,
Planossolos Háplicos Carbonáticos are differentiated from other soils
of the same suborder by the carbonatic qualifier or a calcic horizon),
some of these attributes can be resumed at the 6th categorical level,
but with a lower amplitude or subdivision of the classes used at the
higher levels.
Due to the lack of a national system of soil classification before

the 1st edition of the SiBCS was released in 1999, it was not
possible to establish classification criteria for the 6th level.
Nevertheless, several detailed soil surveys were carried out in Brazil
up to that date using the concept of series. In all of these surveys,
the series were not defined according to criteria organized in a
national taxonomic system. As a result of this lack of standardizing
criteria, the literature contains reports of series with the same name
grouping completely different soils and even soils of different orders.
The classification at the 6th categorical level requires an
accurate consideration of the attributes used at the highest levels and
a careful choice of diagnostic attributes that are readily observable in
the field, accurately measurable and which, moreover, play a
significant role in the soil behavior.
Note: Embrapa Soils is the institution designated to validate new classes proposed for
the SiBCS, after previous analysis by the Executive Committee for Soil Classification.
It is to be expected that the effective and continued use of the

SiBCS will reveal several soils that do not fall into the classes defined
so far. In these cases, if a soil is geographically representative
(estimated area > 200 ha), it is requested to send a detailed
morphological description, the complete analytical data and the
reasons for the impossibility of classifying the soil in an existing
category of the SiBCS to the Executive Committee for Soil
Classification (address p. 14).
For decimals resulting from calculations and analytical data, it is

recommended to observe the standard rule of numeric rounding,
where decimals > 0.5 are rounded up and those ≤ 0.5 down.
Key for the identification of soil classes

For the application of the key at the 1st categorical level
(orders), some assumptions must be taken into consideration:
a. Observe the prevalence of horizons. Thus, if the key indicates

a "soil with a textural B horizon", this implies that it is not
coincident with a gley or plinthic horizon, because both take
precedence over it. If a "soil with a planic B horizon with a
sodic qualifier" is identified, this implies that the B horizon
may be coincident with a plinthic or gley horizon, and so forth;
b. Observe that the first diagnostic subsurface horizon, in
relation to the surface, takes precedence over others that
may occur. For example, in the classes Argissolos and
Nitossolos, a latosolic B horizon can occur below the textural
B and nitic B horizons, respectively. In this case, the latosolic
B has no taxonomic influence on the 1st categorical level,
although it can be used as a discriminating factor at the lower
categorical levels.
Under the humid tropical climate prevailing in Brazil, the effects of

the biological activity and pedogenetic processes commonly reach
deeper than 200 cm. Under these conditions, for practical reasons
related to field work, the lower limit of the soil to be classified is
arbitrarily fixed at 200 cm, except when:
a. The A horizon has a thickness of > 150 cm, as in certain

Latossolos with a thick humic A horizon, for which the
arbitrary limit is 300 cm; or
b. An E horizon is present in the sequum, and the thickness of
the E added to that of the A horizon is ≥ 200 cm, and for
which the arbitrary limit is 400 cm.
For certain characteristics, attributes and/or properties of the

soil, specific control sections are used for classification purposes.
These control sections are established in the keys for the
identification of the soil classes (Chapters 4 to 17). However, it is
recommended that, whenever possible, the description of deep soil
profiles should reach a depth of 200 cm.
Key to classes of the 1st categorical level

(orders)
The key contains brief definitions that allow the distinction of the
orders from each other. The complete definition is included in the text
of this publication (Chapter 3), and the user should consult the full text
for a perfect understanding and classification of the order identified in
the key.
At the 1st categorical level (order), the soils are classified in the
following sequence:
Soils with a histic horizon that meets one of the following

thickness criteria:
a. ≥ 20 cm, when overlying a lithic or fragmentary lithic
contact or a horizon or layer composed of mineral
material with a diameter of > 2 mm (gravels, pebbles
and boulders), occupying ≥ 90% (by volume); or
b. ≥ 40 cm, continuous or cumulative, within the first 80
cm from the soil surface; or
c. ≥ 60 cm, if ≥ 75% (by volume) of the horizon consists
of plant tissue in the form of residues of fine
branches, fine roots, tree barks etc., excluding live
parts.
Organossolos (Chapter 14)
Other soils without a diagnostic B horizon that meet the

a. Absence of a gley horizon within 50 cm from the
surface, except in the case of soils with sand and
loamy sand texture;
b. Absence of a plinthic horizon within 40 cm from the
surface;
c. Absence of a vertic horizon immediately below the A
horizon;
d. If a chernozemic A horizon is present, it should not be
combined with the carbonatic qualifier and/or a calcic
horizon.
Neossolos (Chapter 12)
Other soils with an insufficient textural ratio to classify a

textural B that have a vertic horizon starting within 100 cm
from the surface and that meet the following requirements:
a. Clay content, after mixing and homogenization of the
soil material of the upper 20 cm, of at least 300 g kg-
1 soil;
b. Vertical cracks in the dry period, at least 1 cm wide,

reaching a depth of ≥ 50 cm from the surface, except
in the case of fairly shallow soils, where the minimum
limit is a depth of 30 cm;
c. Absence of material with a lithic or fragmentary lithic
contact, petrocalcic or duripan horizon within the first
30 cm from the surface;
cracks), the coefficient of linear extensibility (COLE)
of the soil must be ≥ 0.06.
Vertissolos (Chapter 17)

Other soils with a spodic B horizon immediately below the E
or A horizon.
Espodossolos (Chapter 8)
Other soils with a planic B that does not coincide with the
plinthic horizon (with no sodic qualifier), immediately below
the E or A horizon.
Planossolos (Chapter 15)
Other soils with a gley horizon starting within 50 cm from the

surface or at depths of > 50 cm and ≤ 150 cm, provided that
it is immediately below the A or E horizon or a histic horizon
with a thickness of < 40 cm, without a plinthic, concretionary
or lithoplinthic horizon within 200 cm from the surface or
another diagnostic horizon above the gley horizon.
Gleissolos (Chapter 9)
Other soils with a latosolic B horizon immediately below the A

horizon.
Latossolos (Chapter 10)
Other soils that have a chernozemic A horizon followed by: an

incipient B or textural B horizon, both with high activity clay
and high base saturation; or a Bi horizon with a thickness of <
10 cm or a C horizon, either calcic, petrocalcic or carbonatic;
or a calcic horizon or carbonatic qualifier in the A horizon,
followed by a lithic or fragmentary lithic contact.
Chernossolos (Chapter 7)
Other soils that have an incipient B horizon immediately below

the A or a histic horizon with a thickness of < 40 cm, and
plinthite and petroplinthite, if present, that do not meet the
requirements for Plintossolos.
Cambissolos (Chapter 6)
Other soils with a plinthic horizon, which is not coincident with

the planic B horizon with the sodic qualifier, or a litoplinthic or
concretionary horizon, all starting at one of the following
conditions.
a. Within 40 cm from the surface; or
b. Within 200 cm from the surface if preceded by a gley
horizon, an A or E horizon or another horizon with
pale colors, variegated or with mottles.
Plintossolos (Chapter 16)
Other soils that have a textural B horizon with high activity

clay and high base saturation in most of the upper 100 cm of
the B horizon (including BA), immediately below the A or E
horizon.
Luvissolos (Chapter 11)
Other soils that contain 350 g kg-1 or more clay, possibly in

the A horizon, with a nitic B horizon below the A horizon and
with low activity clay or high activity clay, provided that
combined with the aluminic qualifier, all included in the major
part of the first 100 cm of the B horizon (including BA).
Nitossolos (Chapter 13)
Other soils that have a textural B horizon.
Argissolos (Chapter 5)
Chapter 5
Argissolos
Argissolos are soils composed of mineral material, which have a

textural B horizon immediately below an A or E horizon, with low
activity clay or with high activity clay, provided that coupled with low
base saturation or with an aluminic qualifier in most of the B horizon,
and which also meet the following requirements:
a. The plinthic horizon, if present, does not meet the criteria for
Plintossolos;
b. The gley horizon, if present, does not meet the criteria for
Gleissolos.
Classes of the 2nd categorical level

(suborders)
30
1 ARGISSOLOS BRUNO-ACINZENTADOS
(Click to enlarge)
Soils with a hue of 5YR or yellower, value of 3 to 4 and chroma ≤

4 in most of the first 100 cm of the B horizon (including BA), with
pronounced darkening of the upper part of that horizon, which
must meet the following color criteria:
a. In the moist state, the values and/or chromas must be lower

than those of the immediately underlying subhorizon; and
b. In the dry state, the values and/or chromas must be lower
than those of at least one of the subhorizons above the
darker B horizon, so that when the soil is dry, the presence of
the dark subsurface horizon is clearly visible.
2 ARGISSOLOS ACINZENTADOS
(Click to enlarge)
Soils that are grayish in most of the first 100 cm of the B horizon
(including BA), with a hue of 7.5YR or yellower, values ≥ 5 and
chromas < 4.
3 ARGISSOLOS AMARELOS
(Click to enlarge)
Soils with a hue of 7.5YR or yellower in most of the first 100 cm
of the B horizon (including BA), which do not fit in the previous
classes.
4 ARGISSOLOS VERMELHOS
(Click to enlarge)
Soils with a hue of 2.5YR or redder in most of the first 100 cm of

the B horizon (including BA).
5 ARGISSOLOS VERMELHO-AMARELOS
(Click to enlarge)
Other yellowish red and/or reddish yellow soils that do not fit in
the previous classes.
Classes of the 3rd categorical level (great

groups)
1.1 ARGISSOLOS BRUNO-ACINZENTADOS Ta Alumínicos
Soils with high activity clay and an aluminic qualifier, in most of

the first 100 cm of the B horizon (including BA).
1.2 ARGISSOLOS BRUNO-ACINZENTADOS Alumínicos
Soils with an aluminic qualifier in most of the first 100 cm of the B

horizon (including BA).
1.3 ARGISSOLOS BRUNO-ACINZENTADOS Distróficos
Soils with a base saturation of < 50% in most of the first 100 cm
of the B horizon (including BA).
2.1 ARGISSOLOS ACINZENTADOS Distrocoesos
of the B horizon (including BA) and with a cohesive qualifier in
one or more horizons, within 150 cm from the soil surface.
2.2 ARGISSOLOS ACINZENTADOS Distróficos
2.3 ARGISSOLOS ACINZENTADOS Eutróficos
Soils with a base saturation of ≥ 50% in most of the first 100 cm

3.1 ARGISSOLOS AMARELOS Ta Alumínicos

3.2 ARGISSOLOS AMARELOS Alumínicos

3.3 ARGISSOLOS AMARELOS Distrocoesos
3.4 ARGISSOLOS AMARELOS Distróficos
3.5 ARGISSOLOS AMARELOS Eutrocoesos

3.6 ARGISSOLOS AMARELOS Eutróficos

4.1 ARGISSOLOS VERMELHOS Ta Alumínicos

4.2 ARGISSOLOS VERMELHOS Alumínicos

4.3 ARGISSOLOS VERMELHOS Ta Distróficos
Soils with high activity clay and a base saturation of < 50%, both
in most of the first 100 cm of the B horizon (including BA).
4.4 ARGISSOLOS VERMELHOS Distróficos
4.5 ARGISSOLOS VERMELHOS Eutroférricos
Soils with a base saturation of ≥ 50% and Fe2O3 (by H2SO4)

contents from 180 g kg-1 to < 360 g kg-1 soil, both in most of the
first 100 cm of the B horizon (including BA).
4.6 ARGISSOLOS VERMELHOS Eutróficos

5.1 ARGISSOLOS VERMELHO-AMARELOS Ta Alumínicos

Soils with high activity clay and an aluminic qualifier in most of the
5.2 ARGISSOLOS VERMELHO-AMARELOS Alumínicos

5.3 ARGISSOLOS VERMELHO-AMARELOS Ta Distróficos
5.4 ARGISSOLOS VERMELHO-AMARELOS Distróficos
5.5 ARGISSOLOS VERMELHO-AMARELOS Eutróficos

Classes of the 4th categorical level

(subgroups)
1.1 ARGISSOLOS BRUNO-ACINZENTADOS Ta
Alumínicos
1.1.1 ARGISSOLOS BRUNO-ACINZENTADOS Ta Alumínicos
abrúpticos
Soils with an abrupt textural change.

espesso-húmicos
Soils with a humic A horizon and a carbon content of ≥ 10 g kg-1

to a depth of ≥ 80 cm.

húmicos
Soils with a humic A horizon.

típicos
Other soils that do not fit in the previous classes.
1.2 ARGISSOLOS BRUNO-ACINZENTADOS Alumínicos
1.2.1 ARGISSOLOS BRUNO-ACINZENTADOS Alumínicos

abrúpticos
1.2.2 ARGISSOLOS BRUNO-ACINZENTADOS Alumínicos típicos
Other soils that do not fit in the previous class.

1.3 ARGISSOLOS BRUNO-ACINZENTADOS Distróficos
1.3.1 ARGISSOLOS BRUNO-ACINZENTADOS Distróficos

abrúpticos
1.3.2 ARGISSOLOS BRUNO-ACINZENTADOS Distróficos típicos
2.1 ARGISSOLOS ACINZENTADOS Distrocoesos
2.1.1 ARGISSOLOS ACINZENTADOS Distrocoesos arênicos
Soils with a sandy texture from the surface to a depth of ≥ 50 cm

and ≤ 100 cm (Jacomine, 1986a, profile 82).
2.1.2 ARGISSOLOS ACINZENTADOS Distrocoesos abrúpticos

dúricos
Soils with an abrupt textural change and a duric qualifier in one or

more horizons or layers, within 150 cm from the soil surface
(Araújo Filho, 2003, p. 215, profile 13).

fragipânicos
Soils with an abrupt textural change and a fragipan in one or

more horizons or layers, both within 150 cm from the soil
surface.
2.1.5 ARGISSOLOS ACINZENTADOS Distrocoesos dúricos
Soils with a duric qualifier in one or more horizons or layers,

within 150 cm from the soil surface (Araújo Filho, 2003, p. 205,
profile 8).
2.1.6 ARGISSOLOS ACINZENTADOS Distrocoesos fragipânicos
Soils with a fragipan in one or more horizons or layers, within

150 cm from the soil surface (Jacomine et al., 1975a, profile 28).
2.1.7 ARGISSOLOS ACINZENTADOS Distrocoesos plintossólicos
Soils with a plinthic qualifier or plinthic horizon in a non-diagnostic

position for Plintossolos, within 150 cm from the soil surface.
2.1.8 ARGISSOLOS ACINZENTADOS Distrocoesos latossólicos
Soils with a latosolic B horizon below the textural B horizon,

within 150 cm from the soil surface.
2.1.9 ARGISSOLOS ACINZENTADOS Distrocoesos típicos
2.2 ARGISSOLOS ACINZENTADOS Distróficos

2.2.1 ARGISSOLOS ACINZENTADOS Distróficos arênicos

and ≤ 100 cm.
2.2.2 ARGISSOLOS ACINZENTADOS Distróficos abrúpticos

dúricos
Soils with an abrupt textural change and a duric qualifier in one or

more horizons or layers, within 150 cm from the soil surface.

fragipânicos

surface.
2.2.5 ARGISSOLOS ACINZENTADOS Distróficos dúricos
Soils with a duric qualifier in one or more horizons or layers,

2.2.6 ARGISSOLOS ACINZENTADOS Distróficos fragipânicos
Soils with a fragipan in one or more horizons or layers, within

150 cm from the soil surface.
2.2.7 ARGISSOLOS ACINZENTADOS Distróficos plintossólicos
Soils with a plinthic qualifier or plinthic horizon, in a non-

diagnostic position for Plintossolos, within 150 cm from the soil
surface.
2.2.8 ARGISSOLOS ACINZENTADOS Distróficos latossólicos

2.2.9 ARGISSOLOS ACINZENTADOS Distróficos típicos
2.3 ARGISSOLOS ACINZENTADOS Eutróficos
2.3.1 ARGISSOLOS ACINZENTADOS Eutróficos abrúpticos
2.3.2 ARGISSOLOS ACINZENTADOS Eutróficos plintossólicos

surface.
2.3.3 ARGISSOLOS ACINZENTADOS Eutróficos típicos

3.1 ARGISSOLOS AMARELOS Ta Alumínicos
3.1.1 ARGISSOLOS AMARELOS Ta Alumínicos saprolíticos

abrúpticos endorredóxicos
Soils with a Cr (soft) horizon and no fragmentary lithic or lithic

contact, all within 100 cm from the soil surface, with a redoxic
qualifier at a depth of > 50 cm and ≤ 150 cm from the soil
surface, and with an abrupt textural change (Costa, 2012, profile
P1).
3.1.2 ARGISSOLOS AMARELOS Ta Alumínicos abrúpticos
3.1.3 ARGISSOLOS AMARELOS Ta Alumínicos plintossólicos

surface.
3.1.4 ARGISSOLOS AMARELOS Ta Alumínicos epirredóxicos
Soils with a redoxic qualifier within 50 cm from the soil surface.
3.1.5 ARGISSOLOS AMARELOS Ta Alumínicos endorredóxicos
Soils with a redoxic qualifier at a depth of > 50 cm and ≤ 150 cm

from the soil surface (Costa, 2012, profile P2).
3.1.6 ARGISSOLOS AMARELOS Ta Alumínicos típicos
3.2 ARGISSOLOS AMARELOS Alumínicos
3.2.1 ARGISSOLOS AMARELOS Alumínicos abrúpticos
3.2.2 ARGISSOLOS AMARELOS Alumínicos plintossólicos

surface.
3.2.3 ARGISSOLOS AMARELOS Alumínicos epirredóxicos
3.2.4 ARGISSOLOS AMARELOS Alumínicos endorredóxicos

from the soil surface.
3.2.5 ARGISSOLOS AMARELOS Alumínicos típicos
3.3 ARGISSOLOS AMARELOS Distrocoesos

3.3.1 ARGISSOLOS AMARELOS Distrocoesos solódicos
abrúpticos
Soils with an abrupt textural change and a solodic qualifier in one

or more horizons or layers, within 150 cm from the soil surface.
3.3.2 ARGISSOLOS AMARELOS Distrocoesos arênicos

fragipânicos

and ≤ 100 cm and with a fragipan in one or more horizons or
layers, within 150 cm from the soil surface.
3.3.3 ARGISSOLOS AMARELOS Distrocoesos arênicos

and ≤ 100 cm.
3.3.4 ARGISSOLOS AMARELOS Distrocoesos abrúpticos

fragipânicos espodossólicos

more horizons or layers and with a spodic qualifier, all within 150
cm from the soil surface.

fragipânicos

surface.
petroplínticos
Soils with an abrupt textural change and concretionary and/or

lithoplinthic qualifiers or concretionary and/or lithoplinthic
horizons, in a non-diagnostic position for Plintossolos Pétricos, all

plintossólicos
Soils with an abrupt textural change and a plinthic qualifier or

plinthic horizon, in a non-diagnostic position for Plintossolos,

espodossólicos
Soils with an abrupt textural change and a spodic qualifier, within

3.3.10 ARGISSOLOS AMARELOS Distrocoesos plácicos

fragipânicos
Soils with a fragipan in one or more horizons or layers and a

placic horizon, both within 150 cm from the soil surface (Araújo
Filho, 2003, p. 202, profile 7).
3.3.11 ARGISSOLOS AMARELOS Distrocoesos fragipânicos
plintossólicos
Soils with a fragipan and a plinthic qualifier in one or more

horizons or layers, or a plinthic horizon, in a non-diagnostic
position for Plintossolos, all within 150 cm from the soil surface.

espodossólicos
Soils with a fragipan in one or more horizons or layers and a

spodic qualifier, both within 150 cm from the soil surface.

planossólicos
Soils with a fragipan and a planic qualifier in one or more

horizons or layers, both within 150 cm from the soil surface.
Soils with a fragipan in one or more horizons or layers within 150

3.3.15 ARGISSOLOS AMARELOS Distrocoesos plintossólicos

surface.
3.3.16 ARGISSOLOS AMARELOS Distrocoesos espodossólicos

Soils with a spodic qualifier within 150 cm from the soil surface.
3.3.17 ARGISSOLOS AMARELOS Distrocoesos planossólicos
Soils with a planic qualifier within 150 cm from the soil surface.
3.3.18 ARGISSOLOS AMARELOS Distrocoesos latossólicos

3.3.19 ARGISSOLOS AMARELOS Distrocoesos epirredóxicos
3.3.20 ARGISSOLOS AMARELOS Distrocoesos endorredóxicos

3.3.21 ARGISSOLOS AMARELOS Distrocoesos típicos
3.4 ARGISSOLOS AMARELOS Distróficos
3.4.1 ARGISSOLOS AMARELOS Distróficos abrúpticos

3.4.2 ARGISSOLOS AMARELOS Distróficos gleissólicos
Soils with a gley horizon in a non-diagnostic position for

Gleissolos, within 150 cm from the soil surface.
3.4.3 ARGISSOLOS AMARELOS Distróficos plintossólicos

antrópicos
Soils with an anthropic A horizon and a plinthic qualifier or plinthic

horizon, in a non-diagnostic position for Plintossolos, within 150
cm from the soil surface (Reunião..., 2015, profile RR01).
3.4.4 ARGISSOLOS AMARELOS Distróficos plintossólicos

surface.
3.4.5 ARGISSOLOS AMARELOS Distróficos cambissólicos
Soils with ≥ 4% visible alterable minerals (discernible by the

naked eye or with a 10× lens) and/or ≥ 5% rock fragments in the
B horizon (excluding BC or B/C), both within 150 cm from the soil
surface.
3.4.6 ARGISSOLOS AMARELOS Distróficos típicos
3.5 ARGISSOLOS AMARELOS Eutrocoesos

3.5.1 ARGISSOLOS AMARELOS Eutrocoesos leptofragmentários
Soils with a fragmentary lithic contact at a depth of > 50 cm and

≤ 100 cm from the soil surface.
3.5.2 ARGISSOLOS AMARELOS Eutrocoesos lépticos
Soils with a lithic contact at a depth of > 50 cm and ≤ 100 cm

3.5.3 ARGISSOLOS AMARELOS Eutrocoesos solódicos

plintossólicos planossólicos

diagnostic position for Plintossolos, and planic and solodic
qualifiers in one or more horizons or layers, all within 150 cm
3.5.4 ARGISSOLOS AMARELOS Eutrocoesos abrúpticos

plintossólicos

3.5.5 ARGISSOLOS AMARELOS Eutrocoesos abrúpticos
3.5.6 ARGISSOLOS AMARELOS Eutrocoesos fragipânicos

3.5.7 ARGISSOLOS AMARELOS Eutrocoesos plintossólicos

surface.
3.5.8 ARGISSOLOS AMARELOS Eutrocoesos típicos
3.6 ARGISSOLOS AMARELOS Eutróficos
3.6.1 ARGISSOLOS AMARELOS Eutróficos solódicos
Soils with a solodic qualifier in one or more horizons within 150

3.6.2 ARGISSOLOS AMARELOS Eutróficos abrúpticos

plintossólicos

within 150 cm from the soil surface (Reunião..., 1998, p. 96,
profile 17).
3.6.3 ARGISSOLOS AMARELOS Eutróficos abrúpticos

3.6.4 ARGISSOLOS AMARELOS Eutróficos plintossólicos

surface.
3.6.5 ARGISSOLOS AMARELOS Eutróficos planossólicos
3.6.6 ARGISSOLOS AMARELOS Eutróficos típicos
4.1 ARGISSOLOS VERMELHOS Ta Alumínicos
4.1.1 ARGISSOLOS VERMELHOS Ta Alumínicos abrúpticos
4.1.2 ARGISSOLOS VERMELHOS Ta Alumínicos plintossólicos

surface.
4.1.3 ARGISSOLOS VERMELHOS Ta Alumínicos nitossólicos
Soils with a morphology (structure and clay films) similar to that

of Nitossolos, differing from them in having a B/A textural ratio of
> 1.5 and/or the presence of polychromy, within 150 cm from the
soil surface.
4.1.4 ARGISSOLOS VERMELHOS Ta Alumínicos epirredóxicos
4.1.5 ARGISSOLOS VERMELHOS Ta Alumínicos endorredóxicos

4.1.6 ARGISSOLOS VERMELHOS Ta Alumínicos típicos
4.2 ARGISSOLOS VERMELHOS Alumínicos
4.2.1 ARGISSOLOS VERMELHOS Alumínicos abrúpticos
Soils with an abrupt textural change (Lemos et al., 1960, profile

3).
4.2.2 ARGISSOLOS VERMELHOS Alumínicos plintossólicos

surface.
4.2.3 ARGISSOLOS VERMELHOS Alumínicos nitossólicos

soil surface (Reunião..., 2010a, profile AC 06).
4.2.4 ARGISSOLOS VERMELHOS Alumínicos epirredóxicos
4.2.5 ARGISSOLOS VERMELHOS Alumínicos endorredóxicos

4.2.6 ARGISSOLOS VERMELHOS Alumínicos sômbricos
Soils with a sombric qualifier, starting within 150 cm from the soil
surface (Lunardi Neto, 2012, p. 149, profile PVa).
4.2.7 ARGISSOLOS VERMELHOS Alumínicos típicos
4.3 ARGISSOLOS VERMELHOS Ta Distróficos
4.3.1 ARGISSOLOS VERMELHOS Ta Distróficos abrúpticos
4.3.2 ARGISSOLOS VERMELHOS Ta Distróficos epirredóxicos

4.3.3 ARGISSOLOS VERMELHOS Ta Distróficos endorredóxicos

4.3.4 ARGISSOLOS VERMELHOS Ta Distróficos típicos
4.4 ARGISSOLOS VERMELHOS Distróficos
4.4.1 ARGISSOLOS VERMELHOS Distróficos espessarênicos
Soils with a sandy texture from the surface to a depth of > 100
cm and ≤ 200 cm.
4.4.2 ARGISSOLOS VERMELHOS Distróficos arênicos

and ≤ 100 cm.
4.4.3 ARGISSOLOS VERMELHOS Distróficos abrúpticos

plintossólicos

4.4.4 ARGISSOLOS VERMELHOS Distróficos abrúpticos
4.4.5 ARGISSOLOS VERMELHOS Distróficos plintossólicos

surface.
4.4.6 ARGISSOLOS VERMELHOS Distróficos planossólicos
4.4.7 ARGISSOLOS VERMELHOS Distróficos nitossólicos

soil surface.
4.4.8 ARGISSOLOS VERMELHOS Distróficos latossólicos
Soils with a latosolic B horizon below the textural B horizon within

4.4.9 ARGISSOLOS VERMELHOS Distróficos típicos
4.5 ARGISSOLOS VERMELHOS Eutroférricos

4.5.1 ARGISSOLOS VERMELHOS Eutroférricos saprolíticos
abrúpticos

contact, all within 100 cm from the soil surface, and an abrupt
textural change (Larach et al., 1984, v. 1, p. 388, profile 49).
4.5.2 ARGISSOLOS VERMELHOS Eutroférricos abrúpticos
4.5.3 ARGISSOLOS VERMELHOS Eutroférricos nitossólicos

chernossólicos

> 1.5 and/or the presence of polychromy within 150 cm from the
soil surface, and a chernozemic A horizon and clay activity ≥ 20
cmolc kg-1 clay in most of the first 100 cm of the B horizon
(including BA) (Oliveira, 1999a, p. 129, profile IAC 1.375).
4.5.4 ARGISSOLOS VERMELHOS Eutroférricos nitossólicos

soil surface.
4.5.5 ARGISSOLOS VERMELHOS Eutroférricos latossólicos

4.5.6 ARGISSOLOS VERMELHOS Eutroférricos típicos
4.6 ARGISSOLOS VERMELHOS Eutróficos
4.6.1 ARGISSOLOS VERMELHOS Eutróficos leptofragmentários

4.6.2 ARGISSOLOS VERMELHOS Eutróficos lépticos

4.6.3 ARGISSOLOS VERMELHOS Eutróficos saprolíticos

contact, all within 100 cm from the soil surface.
4.6.4 ARGISSOLOS VERMELHOS Eutróficos espessarênicos
cm and ≤ 200 cm.
4.6.5 ARGISSOLOS VERMELHOS Eutróficos arênicos

and ≤ 100 cm.
4.6.6 ARGISSOLOS VERMELHOS Eutróficos solódicos

abrúpticos plintossólicos

plinthic horizon in a non-diagnostic position for Plintossolos and a
solodic qualifier in one or more horizons or layers, all within 150
4.6.7 ARGISSOLOS VERMELHOS Eutróficos solódicos

abrúpticos
Soils with an abrupt textural change and a solodic qualifier in one

or more horizons or layers within 150 cm from the soil surface.
4.6.8 ARGISSOLOS VERMELHOS Eutróficos abrúpticos

plintossólicos


latossólicos antrópicos
Soils with an abrupt textural change and an anthropic A and a

latosolic B horizon below the textural B within 150 cm from the
soil surface (Reunião..., 2017, profile RO-08).
chernossólicos
Soils with an abrupt textural change and a chernozemic A horizon

and clay activity ≥ 20 cmolc kg-1 clay in most of the first 100 cm
4.6.12 ARGISSOLOS VERMELHOS Eutróficos luvissólicos
Soils with clay activity ≥ 20 cmolc kg-1 clay and sum of bases ≥
5.0 cmolc kg-1, both in most of the first 100 cm of the B horizon
(including BA).
4.6.13 ARGISSOLOS VERMELHOS Eutróficos nitossólicos

soil surface.
4.6.14 ARGISSOLOS VERMELHOS Eutróficos latossólicos

4.6.15 ARGISSOLOS VERMELHOS Eutróficos chernossólicos

Soils with a chernozemic A horizon and clay activity ≥ 20 cmolc
kg-1 clay in most of the first 100 cm of the B horizon (including
BA).
4.6.16 ARGISSOLOS VERMELHOS Eutróficos típicos
5.1 ARGISSOLOS VERMELHO-AMARELOS Ta

Alumínicos
5.1.1 ARGISSOLOS VERMELHO-AMARELOS Ta Alumínicos

abrúpticos

plintossólicos

surface.

epirredóxicos

endorredóxicos

típicos
5.2 ARGISSOLOS VERMELHO-AMARELOS Alumínicos
5.2.1 ARGISSOLOS VERMELHO-AMARELOS Alumínicos

abrúpticos

plintossólicos

surface.

epirredóxicos

endorredóxicos
5.2.5 ARGISSOLOS VERMELHO-AMARELOS Alumínicos típicos
5.3 ARGISSOLOS VERMELHO-AMARELOS Ta

Distróficos
5.3.1 ARGISSOLOS VERMELHO-AMARELOS Ta Distróficos

abrúpticos

epirredóxicos

endorredóxicos


típicos

5.4 ARGISSOLOS VERMELHO-AMARELOS Distróficos
5.4.1 ARGISSOLOS VERMELHO-AMARELOS Distróficos

espessarênicos abrúpticos
Soils with an abrupt textural change and a sandy texture from the
soil surface to a depth of > 100 cm and ≤ 200 cm.

espessarênicos
cm and ≤ 200 cm.

arênicos abrúpticos
Soils with an abrupt textural change and a sandy texture from the
soil surface to a depth of ≥ 50 cm and ≤ 100 cm.

arênicos

and ≤ 100 cm.

abrúpticos

petroplínticos
Soils with concretionary and/or lithoplinthic qualifiers or

concretionary and/or lithoplinthic horizons, in a non-diagnostic
position for Plintossolos Pétricos, all within 150 cm from the soil
surface.

plintossólicos

surface.

planossólicos

nitossólicos

soil surface.

latossólicos
5.4.11 ARGISSOLOS VERMELHO-AMARELOS Distróficos típicos
5.5 ARGISSOLOS VERMELHO-AMARELOS Eutróficos
5.5.1 ARGISSOLOS VERMELHO-AMARELOS Eutróficos

leptofragmentários abrúpticos
Soils with an abrupt textural change and a fragmentary lithic

contact at a depth of > 50 cm and ≤ 100 cm from the soil
surface.
5.5.2 ARGISSOLOS VERMELHO-AMARELOS Eutróficos lépticos

abrúpticos
Soils with an abrupt textural change and a lithic contact at a

depth of > 50 cm and ≤ 100 cm from the soil surface.

saprolíticos abrúpticos chernossólicos
Soils with an abrupt textural change, a chernozemic A horizon

and clay activity ≥ 20 cmolc kg-1 clay in most of the first 100 cm
of the B horizon (including BA) and a Cr (soft) horizon and no
fragmentary lithic or lithic contact, all within 100 cm from the soil
surface (Oliveira; Prado, 1984, pp. 143-145, profile 1288).
abrúpticos plintossólicos


abrúpticos planossólicos
Soils with an abrupt textural change and a planic qualifier within


abrúpticos

luvissólicos
Soils with clay activity ≥ 20 cmolc kg-1 clay and sum of bases ≥
5.0 cmolc kg-1, both in most of the first 100 cm of the B horizon
(including BA) (Reunião..., 2017, profile RO-06).

planossólicos
nitossólicos

soil surface.

latossólicos

5.5.11 ARGISSOLOS VERMELHO-AMARELOS Eutróficos típicos
Notes
(30) Soils identified to date, on the plateaus of Rio Grande do Sul, Paraná, Santa Catarina and
in the Pampas region of Rio Grande do Sul, under subtropical climate.
Chapter 6
Cambissolos
Cambissolos are soils composed of mineral material with an

incipient B horizon underlying any type of surface horizon (except a
histic horizon with a thickness of ≥ 40 cm) or a chernozemic A
horizon, when high activity clay and high base saturation are observed
in the incipient B. If any plinthite and/or petroplinthite, a gley or a
vertic horizon are present, they do not meet the requirements for
Plintossolos, Gleissolos or Vertissolos, respectively.

(suborders)
1 CAMBISSOLOS HÍSTICOS
(Click to enlarge)
Soils with a histic O horizon that does not meet the thickness
criteria for Organossolos (Ghani; Rocha, 1997, profile 3;
Reunião..., 2008, p. 165, profile 12).
2 CAMBISSOLOS HÚMICOS
(Click to enlarge)
3 CAMBISSOLOS FLÚVICOS
(Click to enlarge)
Soils with a fluvic qualifier within 150 cm from the soil surface.
4 CAMBISSOLOS HÁPLICOS
(Click to enlarge)

groups)
1.1 CAMBISSOLOS HÍSTICOS Alumínicos

horizon (including BA) (Lemos, 1973, p. 330, profile 48).
1.2 CAMBISSOLOS HÍSTICOS Distróficos
Other soils with a base saturation of < 50% in most of the first
100 cm of the B horizon (including BA) (Reunião..., 2008, p. 165,
profilefil 12).
2.1 CAMBISSOLOS HÚMICOS Aluminoférricos
Soils with an aluminic qualifier and Fe2O3 (by H2SO4) contents

from 180 g kg-1 to < 360 g kg-1 soil, both in most of the first 100
cm of the B horizon (including BA).
2.2 CAMBISSOLOS HÚMICOS Alumínicos

horizon (including BA) (Lemos, 1973, p. 324, profile 47; Larach
et al., 1984, v. 2, p. 629, profile 74; Reunião..., 2000, profile 16).
2.3 CAMBISSOLOS HÚMICOS Distroférricos
Soils with a base saturation of < 50% and Fe2O3 (by H2SO4)
2.4 CAMBISSOLOS HÚMICOS Distróficos
100 cm of the B horizon (including BA).
3.1 CAMBISSOLOS FLÚVICOS Carbonáticos
Soils with a carbonatic qualifier in one or more horizons or layers

or with a calcic horizon, both within 150 cm from the soil surface
3.2 CAMBISSOLOS FLÚVICOS Sódicos
Soils with a sodic qualifier in one or more horizons or layers

3.3 CAMBISSOLOS FLÚVICOS Sálicos
Soils with a salic qualifier in one or more horizons or layers within

3.4 CAMBISSOLOS FLÚVICOS Alumínicos

3.5 CAMBISSOLOS FLÚVICOS Ta Distróficos
3.6 CAMBISSOLOS FLÚVICOS Ta Eutróficos
Soils with high activity clay and a base saturation of ≥ 50%, both
3.7 CAMBISSOLOS FLÚVICOS Tb Distróficos
Soils with low activity clay and a base saturation of < 50%, both
3.8 CAMBISSOLOS FLÚVICOS Tb Eutróficos
Soils with low activity clay and a base saturation of ≥ 50%, both
4.1 CAMBISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Carbonáticos

(Jacomine et al., 1977-1979, v. 2, pp. 773, 779 and 781, profiles
234, 237 and 238).
4.2 CAMBISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Sódicos
Soils with a sodic qualifier in one or more horizons or layers,

4.3 CAMBISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Perférricos
Soils with Fe2O3 (by H2SO4) contents of ≥ 360 g kg-1 soil in most
of the first 100 cm of the B horizon (including BA).
4.4 CAMBISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Ta Alumínicos
4.5 CAMBISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Ta Distróficos
4.6 CAMBISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Ta Eutroférricos
Soils with high activity clay and a base saturation of ≥ 50% and
Fe2O3 (by H2SO4) contents from 180 g kg-1 to < 360 g kg-1 soil,
all in most of the first 100 cm of the B horizon (including BA).
4.7 CAMBISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Ta Eutróficos
in most of the first 100 cm of the B horizon (including BA)
(Projeto RADAMBRASIL, 1976, p. 254, profile 16).
4.8 CAMBISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Tb Alumínicos
Soils with low activity clay and an aluminic qualifier, both in most
4.9 CAMBISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Tb Distroférricos
Soils with low activity clay and a base saturation of < 50% and
all in most of the first 100 cm of the B horizon (including BA)
(Larach et al., 1984, v. 2, p. 633, profile 76).
4.10 CAMBISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Tb Distróficos
4.11 CAMBISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Tb Eutroférricos
Soils with low activity clay and a base saturation of ≥ 50% and
all in most of the first 100 cm of the B horizon (including BA).
4.12 CAMBISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Tb Eutróficos
Soils with low activity clay and a base saturation ≥ 50%, both in
most of the first 100 cm of the B horizon (including BA) (Projeto
RADAMBRASIL, 1976, p. 254, profile 16).
(subgroups)
1.1 CAMBISSOLOS HÍSTICOS Alumínicos
1.1.1 CAMBISSOLOS HÍSTICOS Alumínicos leptofragmentários

1.1.2 CAMBISSOLOS HÍSTICOS Alumínicos lépticos

1.1.3 CAMBISSOLOS HÍSTICOS Alumínicos espodossólicos
1.1.4 CAMBISSOLOS HÍSTICOS Alumínicos típicos
1.2 CAMBISSOLOS HÍSTICOS Distróficos
1.2.1 CAMBISSOLOS HÍSTICOS Distróficos leptofragmentários

1.2.2 CAMBISSOLOS HÍSTICOS Distróficos lépticos

1.2.3 CAMBISSOLOS HÍSTICOS Distróficos espodossólicos
Soils with a spodic qualifier within 150 cm from the soil surface
(Benites, 2001).
1.2.4 CAMBISSOLOS HÍSTICOS Distróficos típicos
2.1 CAMBISSOLOS HÚMICOS Aluminoférricos
2.1.1 CAMBISSOLOS HÚMICOS Aluminoférricos

leptofragmentários

2.1.2 CAMBISSOLOS HÚMICOS Aluminoférricos lépticos

2.1.3 CAMBISSOLOS HÚMICOS Aluminoférricos espodossólicos
2.1.4 CAMBISSOLOS HÚMICOS Aluminoférricos latossólicos
Soils that have an incipient B horizon with morphological

characteristics similar to those of a latosolic B but with a
thickness or one or more physical, chemical or mineralogical
characteristics that do not meet the requirements of a latosolic B
horizon, within 150 cm from the soil surface.
2.1.5 CAMBISSOLOS HÚMICOS Aluminoférricos típicos
2.2 CAMBISSOLOS HÚMICOS Alumínicos
2.2.1 CAMBISSOLOS HÚMICOS Alumínicos leptofragmentários

2.2.2 CAMBISSOLOS HÚMICOS Alumínicos lépticos

2.2.3 CAMBISSOLOS HÚMICOS Alumínicos espodossólicos
2.2.4 CAMBISSOLOS HÚMICOS Alumínicos típicos

2.3 CAMBISSOLOS HÚMICOS Distroférricos
2.3.1 CAMBISSOLOS HÚMICOS Distroférricos

leptofragmentários

2.3.2 CAMBISSOLOS HÚMICOS Distroférricos lépticos

2.3.3 CAMBISSOLOS HÚMICOS Distroférricos latossólicos
Soils that have an incipient B horizon with similar morphological

characteristics to those of a latosolic B, but with a thickness or
one or more physical, chemical or mineralogical characteristics
that do not meet the requirements of a latosolic B horizon, within
2.3.4 CAMBISSOLOS HÚMICOS Distroférricos típicos
2.4 CAMBISSOLOS HÚMICOS Distróficos
2.4.1 CAMBISSOLOS HÚMICOS Distróficos leptofragmentários

2.4.2 CAMBISSOLOS HÚMICOS Distróficos lépticos

2.4.3 CAMBISSOLOS HÚMICOS Distróficos saprolíticos
Soils with a (soft) Cr horizon and no fragmentary lithic or lithic

contact, all within 100 cm from the soil surface (Reunião..., 2008,
profile 6).
2.4.4 CAMBISSOLOS HÚMICOS Distróficos latossólicos

2.4.5 CAMBISSOLOS HÚMICOS Distróficos típicos
3.1 CAMBISSOLOS FLÚVICOS Carbonáticos
3.1.1 CAMBISSOLOS FLÚVICOS Carbonáticos

leptofragmentários

3.1.2 CAMBISSOLOS FLÚVICOS Carbonáticos lépticos

3.1.3 CAMBISSOLOS FLÚVICOS Carbonáticos vertissólicos
Soils with a vertic horizon in a non-diagnostic position for

Vertissolos or with a vertic qualifier in one or more horizons or
3.1.4 CAMBISSOLOS FLÚVICOS Carbonáticos típicos
3.2 CAMBISSOLOS FLÚVICOS Sódicos
3.2.1 CAMBISSOLOS FLÚVICOS Sódicos salinos gleissólicos
Soils with a saline qualifier in one or more horizons or layers and

a gley horizon in a non-diagnostic position for Gleissolos, both
within 150 cm from the soil surface (Nascimento, 1998, profile
3).
3.2.2 CAMBISSOLOS FLÚVICOS Sódicos salinos
Soils with a saline qualifier in one or more horizons or layers,

3.2.3 CAMBISSOLOS FLÚVICOS Sódicos típicos

3.3 CAMBISSOLOS FLÚVICOS Sálicos
3.3.1 CAMBISSOLOS FLÚVICOS Sálicos gleissólicos

3.3.2 CAMBISSOLOS FLÚVICOS Sálicos típicos
3.4 CAMBISSOLOS FLÚVICOS Alumínicos
3.4.1 CAMBISSOLOS FLÚVICOS Alumínicos gleissólicos

3.4.2 CAMBISSOLOS FLÚVICOS Alumínicos típicos
3.5 CAMBISSOLOS FLÚVICOS Ta Distróficos
3.5.1 CAMBISSOLOS FLÚVICOS Ta Distróficos gleissólicos

3.5.2 CAMBISSOLOS FLÚVICOS Ta Distróficos típicos
3.6 CAMBISSOLOS FLÚVICOS Ta Eutróficos
3.6.1 CAMBISSOLOS FLÚVICOS Ta Eutróficos solódicos
Soils with a solodic qualifier in one or more horizons or layers,

within 150 cm from the surface (Nascimento, 1998, profile 2).
3.6.2 CAMBISSOLOS FLÚVICOS Ta Eutróficos vertissólicos

3.6.3 CAMBISSOLOS FLÚVICOS Ta Eutróficos gleissólicos

3.6.4 CAMBISSOLOS FLÚVICOS Ta Eutróficos planossólicos
3.6.5 CAMBISSOLOS FLÚVICOS Ta Eutróficos típicos
3.7 CAMBISSOLOS FLÚVICOS Tb Distróficos

3.7.1 CAMBISSOLOS FLÚVICOS Tb Distróficos gleissólicos

3.7.2 CAMBISSOLOS FLÚVICOS Tb Distróficos típicos
3.8 CAMBISSOLOS FLÚVICOS Tb Eutróficos
3.8.1 CAMBISSOLOS FLÚVICOS Tb Eutróficos gleissólicos

3.8.2 CAMBISSOLOS FLÚVICOS Tb Eutróficos típicos
4.1 CAMBISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Carbonáticos
4.1.1 CAMBISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Carbonáticos

leptofragmentários

4.1.2 CAMBISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Carbonáticos lépticos

4.1.3 CAMBISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Carbonáticos saprolíticos

contact, within 100 cm from the soil surface.
4.1.4 CAMBISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Carbonáticos solódicos

4.1.5 CAMBISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Carbonáticos vertissólicos

4.1.6 CAMBISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Carbonáticos típicos
4.2 CAMBISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Sódicos
4.2.1 CAMBISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Sódicos leptofragmentários

4.2.2 CAMBISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Sódicos lépticos

4.2.3 CAMBISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Sódicos vertissólicos

4.2.4 CAMBISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Sódicos típicos
4.3 CAMBISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Perférricos
4.3.1 CAMBISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Perférricos latossólicos

4.3.2 CAMBISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Perférricos típicos
4.4 CAMBISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Ta Alumínicos

4.4.1 CAMBISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Ta Alumínicos
leptofragmentários

4.4.2 CAMBISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Ta Alumínicos lépticos

4.4.3 CAMBISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Ta Alumínicos gleissólicos

4.4.4 CAMBISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Ta Alumínicos típicos
4.5 CAMBISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Ta Distróficos
4.5.1 CAMBISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Ta Distróficos

leptofragmentários

4.5.2 CAMBISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Ta Distróficos lépticos

4.5.3 CAMBISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Ta Distróficos típicos
4.6 CAMBISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Ta Eutroférricos
4.6.1 CAMBISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Ta Eutroférricos

leptofragmentários

4.6.2 CAMBISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Ta Eutroférricos lépticos

4.6.3 CAMBISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Ta Eutroférricos típicos
4.7 CAMBISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Ta Eutróficos
4.7.1 CAMBISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Ta Eutróficos fragmentários
Soils with a fragmentary lithic contact within 50 cm from the soil

surface.
4.7.2 CAMBISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Ta Eutróficos líticos
Soils with a lithic contact within 50 cm from the soil surface.
4.7.3 CAMBISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Ta Eutróficos

leptofragmentários

4.7.4 CAMBISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Ta Eutróficos lépticos

hipocarbonáticos
Soils with a hypocarbonatic qualifier in one or more horizons or

layers within 100 cm and with a lithic contact at a depth of > 50
cm and ≤ 100 cm from the soil surface (Carvalho et al., 1979,
pp. 779-780, profile BA-237, pp. 781-783, profile BA-238).
4.7.5 CAMBISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Ta Eutróficos lépticos

4.7.6 CAMBISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Ta Eutróficos solódicos

4.7.7 CAMBISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Ta Eutróficos vertissólicos

4.7.8 CAMBISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Ta Eutróficos argissólicos
Soils with an argiluvic qualifier within 150 cm from the soil

surface.
4.7.9 CAMBISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Ta Eutróficos típicos
4.8 CAMBISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Tb Alumínicos
4.8.1 CAMBISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Tb Alumínicos

leptofragmentários

4.8.2 CAMBISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Tb Alumínicos lépticos

4.8.3 CAMBISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Tb Alumínicos petroplínticos

concretionary and/or lithoplinthic horizons in a non-diagnostic
surface.
4.8.4 CAMBISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Tb Alumínicos plintossólicos

4.8.5 CAMBISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Tb Alumínicos espodossólicos
4.8.6 CAMBISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Tb Alumínicos típicos
Other soils that do not fit in the previous classes (Teske, 2010,
profiles 1, 2, 7 e 8).
4.9 CAMBISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Tb Distroférricos
4.9.1 CAMBISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Tb Distroférricos

leptofragmentários

4.9.2 CAMBISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Tb Distroférricos lépticos

4.9.3 CAMBISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Tb Distroférricos típicos
4.10 CAMBISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Tb Distróficos
4.10.1 CAMBISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Tb Distróficos

leptofragmentários

4.10.2 CAMBISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Tb Distróficos lépticos

4.10.3 CAMBISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Tb Distróficos petroplínticos

surface.
4.10.4 CAMBISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Tb Distróficos plintossólicos

4.10.5 CAMBISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Tb Distróficos argissólicos

Soils with an argiluvic qualifier within 150 cm from the soil
surface.
4.10.6 CAMBISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Tb Distróficos latossólicos

characteristics similar to those of a latosolic B, but with a
4.10.7 CAMBISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Tb Distróficos típicos
4.11 CAMBISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Tb Eutroférricos
4.11.1 CAMBISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Tb Eutroférricos

leptofragmentários

4.11.2 CAMBISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Tb Eutroférricos lépticos

4.11.3 CAMBISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Tb Eutroférricos solódicos

4.11.4 CAMBISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Tb Eutroférricos vertissólicos

4.11.5 CAMBISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Tb Eutroférricos gleissólicos

4.11.6 CAMBISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Tb Eutroférricos latossólicos

4.11.7 CAMBISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Tb Eutroférricos típicos
4.12 CAMBISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Tb Eutróficos
4.12.1 CAMBISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Tb Eutróficos

leptofragmentários
4.12.2 CAMBISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Tb Eutróficos lépticos

4.12.3 CAMBISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Tb Eutróficos solódicos

plintossólicos

position for Plintossolos and with a solodic qualifier in one or
more horizons or layers, all within 150 cm from the soil surface.
4.12.4 CAMBISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Tb Eutróficos planossólicos
4.12.5 CAMBISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Tb Eutróficos latossólicos

4.12.6 CAMBISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Tb Eutróficos chernossólicos

kg-1 clay, in most of the first 100 cm of the B horizon (including
BA).
4.12.7 CAMBISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Tb Eutróficos típicos

Chapter 7
Chernossolos
Chernossolos are soils composed of mineral material and a

chernozemic A horizon, followed by:
a. An incipient B or textural B horizon, both with high activity clay

and high base saturation (≥ 50%) (excluding Vertissolos); or
b. A calcic or petrocalcic horizon or carbonatic qualifier
coinciding with a chernozemic A and/or C horizon, possibly
including a Bi horizon with a thickness of < 10 cm between
the A and C horizons; or
c. A lithic contact, provided the chernozemic A horizon has a
calcium carbonate equivalent content of ≥ 150 g kg-1 soil .

(suborders)
1 CHERNOSSOLOS RÊNDZICOS
(Click to enlarge)
Soils with a chernozemic A horizon and:
a. A calcic, petrocalcic horizon or carbonatic qualifier coinciding

with a chernozemic A and/or C horizon, possibly including a Bi
horizon with a thickness of < 10 cm between the A and C
horizons; or
b. A lithic contact, provided the chernozemic A horizon has a
calcium carbonate equivalent content of ≥ 150 g kg-1 soil.
2 CHERNOSSOLOS EBÂNICOS
(Click to enlarge)
Soils with an ebanic qualifier in most of the first 100 cm of the B

3 CHERNOSSOLOS ARGILÚVICOS
(Click to enlarge)
Soils with a textural B horizon below the chernozemic A horizon.

4 CHERNOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS
(Click to enlarge)

groups)
1.1 CHERNOSSOLOS RÊNDZICOS Petrocálcicos
Soils with a petrocalcic horizon within 150 cm from the soil

surface (Reunião..., 2012, p. 102, profile 14).
1.2 CHERNOSSOLOS RÊNDZICOS Líticos
Soils with a fragmentary lithic or lithic contact within 50 cm from

the soil surface (Jacomine et al., 1975b, p. 324, profile 73).
1.3 CHERNOSSOLOS RÊNDZICOS Órticos
2.1 CHERNOSSOLOS EBÂNICOS Carbonáticos

(Embrapa, 1980b, profile 01).
2.2 CHERNOSSOLOS EBÂNICOS Órticos
Other soils that do not fit in the previous class (Embrapa, 1980b,
profile 06; Congresso..., 1991, p. 9, profile 6).
3.1 CHERNOSSOLOS ARGILÚVICOS Férricos
Soils with Fe2O3 (by H2SO4) contents ≥ 180 g kg-1 soil in most of
the first 100 cm of the B horizon (including BA) (Fasolo et al.,
1980, p. 39, exam 31; Larach et al., 1984, p. 2, p. 560, profile
68).
3.2 CHERNOSSOLOS ARGILÚVICOS Carbonáticos

or with a calcic horizon, both within 150 cm from the soil surface.
3.3 CHERNOSSOLOS ARGILÚVICOS Órticos
4.1 CHERNOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Férricos
Soils with Fe2O3 (by H2SO4) contents ≥ 180 g kg-1 soil in most of
4.2 CHERNOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Carbonáticos

4.3 CHERNOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Órticos

(subgroups)
1.1 CHERNOSSOLOS RÊNDZICOS Petrocálcicos
1.1.1 CHERNOSSOLOS RÊNDZICOS Petrocálcicos típicos
All the Chernossolos Rêndzicos Petrocálcicos (provisionally)

(Reunião..., 2012, p. 102, profile 14).
1.2 CHERNOSSOLOS RÊNDZICOS Líticos

1.2.1 CHERNOSSOLOS RÊNDZICOS Líticos fragmentários
Soils with a fragmentary lithic contact.
1.2.2 CHERNOSSOLOS RÊNDZICOS Líticos típicos
Other soils that do not fit in the previous class (Jacomine et al.,
1975b, p. 324, profile 73).
1.3 CHERNOSSOLOS RÊNDZICOS Órticos
1.3.1 CHERNOSSOLOS RÊNDZICOS Órticos saprolíticos

contact, all within 100 cm from the soil surface (Reunião..., 1998,
p. 53, profile 8).
1.3.2 CHERNOSSOLOS RÊNDZICOS Órticos típicos
2.1 CHERNOSSOLOS EBÂNICOS Carbonáticos
2.1.1 CHERNOSSOLOS EBÂNICOS Carbonáticos vertissólicos

layers, within 150 cm from the soil surface (Lemos, 1973, p.
263, profile 148).
2.1.2 CHERNOSSOLOS EBÂNICOS Carbonáticos típicos

Other soils that do not fit in the previous class (Sistema...,
1980).
2.2 CHERNOSSOLOS EBÂNICOS Órticos
2.2.1 CHERNOSSOLOS EBÂNICOS Órticos vertissólicos

layers, within 150 cm from the soil surface (Lemos, 1973, p.
280, profile 158).
2.2.2 CHERNOSSOLOS EBÂNICOS Órticos típicos
Other soils that do not fit in the previous class (Embrapa, 1980f).
3.1 CHERNOSSOLOS ARGILÚVICOS Férricos
3.1.1 CHERNOSSOLOS ARGILÚVICOS Férricos saprolíticos

contact, all within 100 cm from the soil surface (Lemos, 1973, p.
191, profile 25).
3.1.2 CHERNOSSOLOS ARGILÚVICOS Férricos típicos
3.2 CHERNOSSOLOS ARGILÚVICOS Carbonáticos
3.2.1 CHERNOSSOLOS ARGILÚVICOS Carbonáticos saprolíticos

3.2.2 CHERNOSSOLOS ARGILÚVICOS Carbonáticos abrúpticos
3.2.3 CHERNOSSOLOS ARGILÚVICOS Carbonáticos

vertissólicos

3.2.4 CHERNOSSOLOS ARGILÚVICOS Carbonáticos típicos
3.3 CHERNOSSOLOS ARGILÚVICOS Órticos
3.3.1 CHERNOSSOLOS ARGILÚVICOS Órticos

leptofragmentários

3.3.2 CHERNOSSOLOS ARGILÚVICOS Órticos lépticos

3.3.3 CHERNOSSOLOS ARGILÚVICOS Órticos saprolíticos

3.3.4 CHERNOSSOLOS ARGILÚVICOS Órticos solódicos
Soils with a solodic qualifier in one or more horizons or layers

3.3.5 CHERNOSSOLOS ARGILÚVICOS Órticos abrúpticos
3.3.6 CHERNOSSOLOS ARGILÚVICOS Órticos vertissólicos

3.3.7 CHERNOSSOLOS ARGILÚVICOS Órticos epirredóxicos
3.3.8 CHERNOSSOLOS ARGILÚVICOS Órticos endorredóxicos

3.3.9 CHERNOSSOLOS ARGILÚVICOS Órticos típicos

4.1 CHERNOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Férricos
4.1.1 CHERNOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Férricos típicos
All the Chernossolos Háplicos Férricos (provisionally) (Larach et

al., 1984, v. 2, p. 627, profile 73).
4.2 CHERNOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Carbonáticos
4.2.1 CHERNOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Carbonáticos

leptofragmentários

4.2.2 CHERNOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Carbonáticos lépticos

4.2.3 CHERNOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Carbonáticos saprolíticos

4.2.4 CHERNOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Carbonáticos vertissólicos

4.2.5 CHERNOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Carbonáticos típicos
4.3 CHERNOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Órticos
4.3.1 CHERNOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Órticos leptofragmentários

4.3.2 CHERNOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Órticos lépticos

4.3.3 CHERNOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Órticos vertissólicos

4.3.4 CHERNOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Órticos típicos

Chapter 8
Espodossolos
Espodossolos are soils composed of mineral material and a

spodic B horizon immediately below an E, A or a histic horizon within
200 cm from the soil surface or within 400 cm if the sum of the A+E
horizons or the histic (< 40 cm) + E horizons exceeds a depth of 200
cm.

(suborders)
1 ESPODOSSOLOS HUMILÚVICOS
(Click to enlarge)
Soils with a spodic horizon identified, mainly, with the suffixes Bh
and/or Bhm, isolated or overlying other types of horizons (spodic
or non-spodic) (Jacomine et al., 1977-1979, v. 1, p. 734, profile
226).
2 ESPODOSSOLOS FERRILÚVICOS
(Click to enlarge)
Soils with a spodic horizon identified, mainly, with the suffixes Bs

and/or Bsm, isolated or overlying other types of horizons (spodic
or non-spodic).
3 ESPODOSSOLOS FERRI-HUMILÚVICOS
(Click to enlarge)
Other Espodossolos that do not fit in the previous classes.

groups)
31
1.1 ESPODOSSOLOS HUMILÚVICOS Hidro-hiperespessos
Soils with a spodic B horizon at a depth of > 200 cm and ≤ 400

cm; one or more horizons within 100 cm from the soil surface
water-saturated for some time in most years (or are artificially
drained) and have at least one of the following characteristics:
a. A histic H horizon; and/or

b. An Eg horizon or areas of manganese accumulation (due to
reduction and oxidation) in the E or in the spodic B horizon,
31
1.2 ESPODOSSOLOS HUMILÚVICOS Hidromórficos
Soils that have a spodic B horizon at a depth of ≤ 200 cm from

the soil surface; one or more horizons within 100 cm from the soil
surface are water-saturated for some time in most years (or are
artificially drained) and have at least one of the following
characteristics:

b. An Eg horizon or areas of manganese accumulation (due to
reduction and oxidation) in the E or in the spodic B horizon
within 100 cm from the soil surface (Reunião..., 1979a, p.
213, profile 15).
1.3 ESPODOSSOLOS HUMILÚVICOS Hiperespessos

1.4 ESPODOSSOLOS HUMILÚVICOS Órticos
32
2.1 ESPODOSSOLOS FERRILÚVICOS Hidro-hiperespessos
Soils that have a spodic B horizon at a depth of > 200 cm and ≤

400 cm; one or more horizons within 100 cm from the soil
characteristics:

b. Eg horizon or mottles or areas of manganese and/or iron
oxide accumulation (due to manganese and/or iron reduction
and oxidation) in the E or in the B spodic horizon, within 100
32
2.2 ESPODOSSOLOS FERRILÚVICOS Hidromórficos

the soil surface; one or more horizons within 100 cm from the soil
characteristics:

b. An Eg horizon or mottles or areas of manganese and/or iron
and oxidation) in the E or in the spodic B horizon, within 100
2.3 ESPODOSSOLOS FERRILÚVICOS Hiperespessos
Soils with a spodic B horizon at a depth > 200 cm and ≤ 400 cm

2.4 ESPODOSSOLOS FERRILÚVICOS Órticos

3.1 ESPODOSSOLOS FERRI-HUMILÚVICOS Hidro-

33
hiperespessos
Soils that have a spodic B horizon at a depth of > 200 cm and ≤

400 cm; one or more horizons within 100 cm from the soil
characteristics:

and oxidation) in the E or in the B spodic horizon within 100
33
3.2 ESPODOSSOLOS FERRI-HUMILÚVICOS Hidromórficos

the soil surface; in one or more horizons within 100 cm from the
soil surface are water-saturated for some time in most years (or
are artificially drained) and have at least one of the following
characteristics:

oxide accumulation (due to manganese and or iron reduction
and oxidation) in the E horizon or in the spodic B horizon,
3.3 ESPODOSSOLOS FERRI-HUMILÚVICOS Hiperespessos

3.4 ESPODOSSOLOS FERRI-HUMILÚVICOS Órticos

(subgroups)
1.1 ESPODOSSOLOS HUMILÚVICOS Hidro-
hiperespessos
1.1.1 ESPODOSSOLOS HUMILÚVICOS Hidro-hiperespessos

organossólicos
Soils with a histic horizon that does not meet the thickness
criteria for Organossolos.
1.1.2 ESPODOSSOLOS HUMILÚVICOS Hidro-hiperespessos

típicos
1.2 ESPODOSSOLOS HUMILÚVICOS Hidromórficos
1.2.1 ESPODOSSOLOS HUMILÚVICOS Hidromórficos

espessarênicos
Soils with a sandy texture from the surface to the upper part of
the spodic B horizon, at a depth of > 100 cm and ≤ 200 cm from
the soil surface.
1.2.2 ESPODOSSOLOS HUMILÚVICOS Hidromórficos arênicos
the spodic B horizon, at a depth of ≥ 50 cm and ≤100 cm
(Reunião..., 1979a, p. 213, profile 15).
1.2.3 ESPODOSSOLOS HUMILÚVICOS Hidromórficos dúricos
Soils with a duric qualifier in one or more horizons within 150 cm

1.2.4 ESPODOSSOLOS HUMILÚVICOS Hidromórficos

organossólicos
1.2.5 ESPODOSSOLOS HUMILÚVICOS Hidromórficos típicos
1.3 ESPODOSSOLOS HUMILÚVICOS Hiperespessos
1.3.1 ESPODOSSOLOS HUMILÚVICOS Hiperespessos típicos
All the Espodossolos Humilúvicos Hiperespessos (provisionally).

1.4 ESPODOSSOLOS HUMILÚVICOS Órticos
1.4.1 ESPODOSSOLOS HUMILÚVICOS Órticos espessarênicos
the spodic B horizon, which occurs at a depth of > 100 cm and ≤
1.4.2 ESPODOSSOLOS HUMILÚVICOS Órticos arênicos
Soils with a sandy texture from the surface to the beginning of

the spodic B horizon, which occurs at a depth of ≥ 50 cm and
≤100 cm.
1.4.3 ESPODOSSOLOS HUMILÚVICOS Órticos dúricos

1.4.4 ESPODOSSOLOS HUMILÚVICOS Órticos fragipânicos
Soils with a fragipan in one or more horizons within 150 cm from

the soil surface.
1.4.5 ESPODOSSOLOS HUMILÚVICOS Órticos típicos
2.1 ESPODOSSOLOS FERRILÚVICOS Hidro-

hiperespessos
2.1.1 ESPODOSSOLOS FERRILÚVICOS Hidro-hiperespessos
organossólicos
2.1.2 ESPODOSSOLOS FERRILÚVICOS Hidro-hiperespessos

típicos
2.2 ESPODOSSOLOS FERRILÚVICOS Hidromórficos
2.2.1 ESPODOSSOLOS FERRILÚVICOS Hidromórficos

espessarênicos
2.2.2 ESPODOSSOLOS FERRILÚVICOS Hidromórficos arênicos
≤100 cm.
2.2.3 ESPODOSSOLOS FERRILÚVICOS Hidromórficos dúricos

2.2.4 ESPODOSSOLOS FERRILÚVICOS Hidromórficos
organossólicos
2.2.5 ESPODOSSOLOS FERRILÚVICOS Hidromórficos típicos
2.3 ESPODOSSOLOS FERRILÚVICOS Hiperespessos
2.3.1 ESPODOSSOLOS FERRILÚVICOS Hiperespessos típicos
All the Espodossolos Ferrilúvicos Hiperespessos (provisionally).
2.4 ESPODOSSOLOS FERRILÚVICOS Órticos
2.4.1 ESPODOSSOLOS FERRILÚVICOS Órticos espessarênicos
2.4.2 ESPODOSSOLOS FERRILÚVICOS Órticos arênicos
≤100 cm.
2.4.3 ESPODOSSOLOS FERRILÚVICOS Órticos dúricos

2.4.4 ESPODOSSOLOS FERRILÚVICOS Órticos fragipânicos

the soil surface.
2.4.5 ESPODOSSOLOS FERRILÚVICOS Órticos típicos
3.1 ESPODOSSOLOS FERRI-HUMILÚVICOS Hidro-

hiperespessos
3.1.1 ESPODOSSOLOS FERRI-HUMILÚVICOS Hidro-

hiperespessos organossólicos
3.1.2 ESPODOSSOLOS FERRI-HUMILÚVICOS Hidro-

hiperespessos típicos
3.2 ESPODOSSOLOS FERRI-HUMILÚVICOS

Hidromórficos
3.2.1 ESPODOSSOLOS FERRI-HUMILÚVICOS Hidromórficos

espessarênicos

arênicos
≤100 cm.

dúricos


organossólicos

típicos
3.3 ESPODOSSOLOS FERRI-HUMILÚVICOS

Hiperespessos
3.3.1 ESPODOSSOLOS FERRI-HUMILÚVICOS Hiperespessos
típicos
All the Espodossolos Ferri-humilúvicos Hiperespessos

(provisionally).
3.4 ESPODOSSOLOS FERRI-HUMILÚVICOS Órticos
3.4.1 ESPODOSSOLOS FERRI-HUMILÚVICOS Órticos

carbonáticos

34
3.4.2 ESPODOSSOLOS FERRI-HUMILÚVICOS Órticos êutricos
arênicos
Soils with a eutric qualifier in most horizons within 100 cm from

the soil surface and with a sandy texture from the surface to the
upper part of the spodic B horizon, which occurs at a depth of ≥
50 cm and ≤100 cm (Embrapa, 1987, p. 124, profile 15).
3.4.3 ESPODOSSOLOS FERRI-HUMILÚVICOS Órticos êutricos
Soils with a eutric qualifier in most horizons within 100 cm from

the soil surface.

espessarênicos
3.4.5 ESPODOSSOLOS FERRI-HUMILÚVICOS Órticos arênicos
≤100 cm (Embrapa, 1987, p. 151, profile 16).
3.4.6 ESPODOSSOLOS FERRI-HUMILÚVICOS Órticos dúricos


fragipânicos

the soil surface.
3.4.8 ESPODOSSOLOS FERRI-HUMILÚVICOS Órticos típicos
Notes
(31) The intention is to separate the poorly and very poorly drained soils of this class, which
have a hydrophilic or hygrophilic primary vegetation.
(34) Parameter in test phase.
Chapter 9
Gleissolos
Gleissolos are soils composed of mineral material with a gley

horizon starting within the first 50 cm from the soil surface, or at a
depth > 50 cm and ≤ 150 cm provided that immediately below the A
or E horizon or a histic horizon with insufficient thickness to define the
class of Organossolos. They do not have a vertic horizon in a
diagnostic position for Vertissolos or an exclusively sand or loamy
sand texture in all horizons to a depth of 150 cm below the soil
surface or down to a fragmentary lithic or lithic contact. A planic,
plinthic, concretionary or lithoplinthic horizon, if present, must occur at
a depth of > 200 cm from the soil surface.

(suborders)
1 GLEISSOLOS TIOMÓRFICOS
(Click to enlarge)
Soils with sulfidic materials in one or more horizons or layers or a

sulfuric horizon, both within 100 cm from the soil surface.
2 GLEISSOLOS SÁLICOS
(Click to enlarge)
Soils with a salic qualifier (EC ≥ 7 dS m-1, at 25 °C) in one or
more horizons or layers within 100 cm from the soil surface
(Palmieri; Santos, 1980, p. 273, profile GB-45).
3 GLEISSOLOS MELÂNICOS
(Click to enlarge)
Soils with a histic H horizon less than 40 cm thick or a

chernozemic, prominent or humic A horizon.
4 GLEISSOLOS HÁPLICOS
(Click to enlarge)

groups)
1.1 GLEISSOLOS TIOMÓRFICOS Hísticos
Soils with a histic H horizon that does not meet the thickness
1.2 GLEISSOLOS TIOMÓRFICOS Órticos

2.1 GLEISSOLOS SÁLICOS Sódicos

within 100 cm from the soil surface (Palmieri; Santos, 1980, p.
328, profile GB-57).
2.2 GLEISSOLOS SÁLICOS Órticos
3.1 GLEISSOLOS MELÂNICOS Carbonáticos

3.2 GLEISSOLOS MELÂNICOS Sódicos

3.3 GLEISSOLOS MELÂNICOS Ta Alumínicos
B and/or C horizons (including BA or CA), within 100 cm from the
soil surface.
3.4 GLEISSOLOS MELÂNICOS T a Distróficos
in most of the B and/or C horizons (including BA or CA), within
3.5 GLEISSOLOS MELÂNICOS Ta Eutróficos
3.6 GLEISSOLOS MELÂNICOS Tb Alumínicos
Soils with low activity clay and an aluminic qualifier in most of the
soil surface.
3.7 GLEISSOLOS MELÂNICOS Tb Distróficos
3.8 GLEISSOLOS MELÂNICOS Tb Eutróficos
100 cm from the soil surface (Lemos, 1973, p. 385, profile 75).
4.1 GLEISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Carbonáticos

4.2 GLEISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Sódicos

4.3 GLEISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Ta Alumínicos
soil surface.
4.4 GLEISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Ta Distróficos
4.5 GLEISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Ta Eutróficos
4.6 GLEISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Tb Alumínicos

Soils with low activity clay and aluminic qualifier in most of the B
and/or C horizons (including BA or CA), within 100 cm from the
soil surface.
4.7 GLEISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Tb Distróficos
4.8 GLEISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Tb Eutróficos

(subgroups)
1.1 GLEISSOLOS TIOMÓRFICOS Hísticos
1.1.1 GLEISSOLOS TIOMÓRFICOS Hísticos sódicos

1.1.2 GLEISSOLOS TIOMÓRFICOS Hísticos sálicos

1.1.3 GLEISSOLOS TIOMÓRFICOS Hísticos salinos
Soils with a saline qualifier in one or more horizons or layers

within 150 cm from the soil surface (Reunião..., 1995, p. 42,
profile 8-ES).
1.1.4 GLEISSOLOS TIOMÓRFICOS Hísticos solódicos

1.1.5 GLEISSOLOS TIOMÓRFICOS Hísticos típicos
1.2 GLEISSOLOS TIOMÓRFICOS Órticos
1.2.1 GLEISSOLOS TIOMÓRFICOS Órticos sódicos

1.2.2 GLEISSOLOS TIOMÓRFICOS Órticos sálicos solódicos
Soils with salic and solodic qualifiers in one or more horizons or

layers within 150 cm from the soil surface (Palmieri; Santos,
1980, p. 269, profile GB-44).
1.2.3 GLEISSOLOS TIOMÓRFICOS Órticos solódicos

1.2.4 GLEISSOLOS TIOMÓRFICOS Órticos típicos
2.1 GLEISSOLOS SÁLICOS Sódicos
2.1.1 GLEISSOLOS SÁLICOS Sódicos tiônicos
Soils with a sulfuric horizon or sulfidic materials at depths of >

100 cm and ≤ 150 cm from the soil surface.
2.1.2 GLEISSOLOS SÁLICOS Sódicos vertissólicos

layers, within 150 cm from the soil surface (Romero et al., 2009,
profile 7).
2.1.3 GLEISSOLOS SÁLICOS Sódicos planossólicos
2.1.4 GLEISSOLOS SÁLICOS Sódicos argissólicos
Soils with a textural B horizon (without abrupt textural change) or

incipient B horizon with an argiluvic qualifier, within 150 cm from
the soil surface.
2.1.5 GLEISSOLOS SÁLICOS Sódicos típicos
Other soils that do not fit in the previous classes (Reunião...,

1979a, p. 231, profile 18).
2.2 GLEISSOLOS SÁLICOS Órticos
2.2.1 GLEISSOLOS SÁLICOS Órticos solódicos

2.2.2 GLEISSOLOS SÁLICOS Órticos vertissólicos

2.2.3 GLEISSOLOS SÁLICOS Órticos típicos
3.1 GLEISSOLOS MELÂNICOS Carbonáticos
3.1.1 GLEISSOLOS MELÂNICOS Carbonáticos

leptofragmentários

3.1.2 GLEISSOLOS MELÂNICOS Carbonáticos lépticos

3.1.3 GLEISSOLOS MELÂNICOS Carbonáticos solódicos

3.1.4 GLEISSOLOS MELÂNICOS Carbonáticos vertissólicos

3.1.5 GLEISSOLOS MELÂNICOS Carbonáticos cambissólicos
Soils with an incipient B horizon coinciding with a gley horizon

3.1.6 GLEISSOLOS MELÂNICOS Carbonáticos neofluvissólicos
Soils that have a fluvic qualifier expressed by the presence of ≥ 4

stratified layers within 100 cm from the soil surface, which differ
mainly in particle size.
3.1.7 GLEISSOLOS MELÂNICOS Carbonáticos típicos
Other soils that do not fit in the previous classes (Freitas et al.,
1971, p. 61, profile 63).
3.2 GLEISSOLOS MELÂNICOS Sódicos

3.2.1 GLEISSOLOS MELÂNICOS Sódicos salinos

3.2.2 GLEISSOLOS MELÂNICOS Sódicos neofluvissólicos

3.2.3 GLEISSOLOS MELÂNICOS Sódicos organossólicos
3.2.4 GLEISSOLOS MELÂNICOS Sódicos típicos
3.3 GLEISSOLOS MELÂNICOS Ta alumínicos
3.3.1 GLEISSOLOS MELÂNICOS Ta Alumínicos tiônicos

100 cm and ≤ 150 cm from the soil surface (Palmieri; Santos,
1980, p. 255, profile GB-41).
3.3.2 GLEISSOLOS MELÂNICOS Ta Alumínicos cambissólicos

3.3.3 GLEISSOLOS MELÂNICOS Ta Alumínicos neofluvissólicos

3.3.4 GLEISSOLOS MELÂNICOS Ta Alumínicos organossólicos
3.3.5 GLEISSOLOS MELÂNICOS Ta Alumínicos húmicos
3.3.6 GLEISSOLOS MELÂNICOS Ta Alumínicos típicos
3.4 GLEISSOLOS MELÂNICOS Ta Distróficos
3.4.1 GLEISSOLOS MELÂNICOS Ta Distróficos

leptofragmentários

3.4.2 GLEISSOLOS MELÂNICOS Ta Distróficos lépticos

3.4.3 GLEISSOLOS MELÂNICOS Ta Distróficos tiônicos

3.4.4 GLEISSOLOS MELÂNICOS Ta Distróficos plintossólicos
Soils with a plinthic qualifier within 150 cm from the soil surface.
3.4.5 GLEISSOLOS MELÂNICOS Ta Distróficos cambissólicos

3.4.6 GLEISSOLOS MELÂNICOS Ta Distróficos neofluvissólicos

3.4.7 GLEISSOLOS MELÂNICOS Ta Distróficos organossólicos
3.4.8 GLEISSOLOS MELÂNICOS Ta Distróficos húmicos

3.4.9 GLEISSOLOS MELÂNICOS Ta Distróficos típicos
3.5 GLEISSOLOS MELÂNICOS Ta Eutróficos
3.5.1 GLEISSOLOS MELÂNICOS Ta Eutróficos

leptofragmentários

3.5.2 GLEISSOLOS MELÂNICOS Ta Eutróficos lépticos

3.5.3 GLEISSOLOS MELÂNICOS Ta Eutróficos solódicos

3.5.4 GLEISSOLOS MELÂNICOS Ta Eutróficos vertissólicos

3.5.5 GLEISSOLOS MELÂNICOS Ta Eutróficos luvissólicos
Soils with a textural B horizon coinciding with a gley horizon

within 150 cm from the soil surface and without abrupt textural
change.
3.5.6 GLEISSOLOS MELÂNICOS Ta Eutróficos cambissólicos

3.5.7 GLEISSOLOS MELÂNICOS Ta Eutróficos neofluvissólicos

3.5.8 GLEISSOLOS MELÂNICOS Ta Eutróficos organossólicos
3.5.9 GLEISSOLOS MELÂNICOS Ta Eutróficos chernossólicos
Soils with a chernozemic A horizon.
3.5.10 GLEISSOLOS MELÂNICOS Ta Eutróficos típicos
3.6 GLEISSOLOS MELÂNICOS Tb Alumínicos

3.6.1 GLEISSOLOS MELÂNICOS Tb Alumínicos solódicos

within 150 cm from the soil surface (Palmieri; Santos, 1980, p.
263, profile GB-29).
3.6.2 GLEISSOLOS MELÂNICOS Tb Alumínicos cambissólicos

3.6.3 GLEISSOLOS MELÂNICOS Tb Alumínicos neofluvissólicos

3.6.4 GLEISSOLOS MELÂNICOS Tb Alumínicos organossólicos
criteria for Organossolos (Barros et al., 1958, p. 54, profile 16).
3.6.5 GLEISSOLOS MELÂNICOS Tb Alumínicos húmicos
3.6.6 GLEISSOLOS MELÂNICOS Tb Alumínicos típicos
3.7 GLEISSOLOS MELÂNICOS Tb Distróficos

3.7.1 GLEISSOLOS MELÂNICOS Tb Distróficos petroplínticos
Soils with concretionary and/or lithoplinthic qualifiers within 150

3.7.2 GLEISSOLOS MELÂNICOS Tb Distróficos plintossólicos
3.7.3 GLEISSOLOS MELÂNICOS Tb Distróficos argissólicos

an incipient B horizon with an argiluvic qualifier within 150 cm
3.7.4 GLEISSOLOS MELÂNICOS Tb Distróficos cambissólicos

3.7.5 GLEISSOLOS MELÂNICOS Tb Distróficos neofluvissólicos

3.7.6 GLEISSOLOS MELÂNICOS Tb Distróficos organossólicos
3.7.7 GLEISSOLOS MELÂNICOS Tb Distróficos húmicos
3.7.8 GLEISSOLOS MELÂNICOS Tb Distróficos típicos
3.8 GLEISSOLOS MELÂNICOS Tb Eutróficos
3.8.1 GLEISSOLOS MELÂNICOS Tb Eutróficos

leptofragmentários

3.8.2 GLEISSOLOS MELÂNICOS Tb Eutróficos lépticos

3.8.3 GLEISSOLOS MELÂNICOS Tb Eutróficos salinos

3.8.4 GLEISSOLOS MELÂNICOS Tb Eutróficos solódicos

3.8.5 GLEISSOLOS MELÂNICOS Tb Eutróficos plintossólicos
3.8.6 GLEISSOLOS MELÂNICOS Tb Eutróficos argissólicos

an incipient B horizon with an argiluvic qualifier, within 150 cm
3.8.7 GLEISSOLOS MELÂNICOS Tb Eutróficos cambissólicos

3.8.8 GLEISSOLOS MELÂNICOS Tb Eutróficos neofluvissólicos

3.8.9 GLEISSOLOS MELÂNICOS Tb Eutróficos organossólicos
3.8.10 GLEISSOLOS MELÂNICOS Tb Eutróficos típicos
4.1 GLEISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Carbonáticos

4.1.1 GLEISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Carbonáticos leptofragmentários

4.1.2 GLEISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Carbonáticos lépticos

4.1.3 GLEISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Carbonáticos vertissólicos

4.1.4 GLEISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Carbonáticos cambissólicos

4.1.5 GLEISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Carbonáticos neofluvissólicos

4.1.6 GLEISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Carbonáticos típicos

4.2 GLEISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Sódicos
4.2.1 GLEISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Sódicos salinos

within 150 cm from the soil surface (Carvalho Filho et al., 2003,
extra profile Rio 273; Reunião..., 2012, p. 73, profile MS 9).
4.2.2 GLEISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Sódicos vertissólicos

4.2.3 GLEISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Sódicos neofluvissólicos

4.2.4 GLEISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Sódicos típicos
4.3 GLEISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Ta Alumínicos
4.3.1 GLEISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Ta Alumínicos argissólicos

4.3.2 GLEISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Ta Alumínicos cambissólicos

4.3.3 GLEISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Ta Alumínicos neofluvissólicos

4.3.4 GLEISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Ta Alumínicos típicos
4.4 GLEISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Ta Distróficos
4.4.1 GLEISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Ta Distróficos leptofragmentários

4.4.2 GLEISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Ta Distróficos lépticos

4.4.3 GLEISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Ta Distróficos argissólicos

incipient B horizon with an argiluvic qualifier within 150 cm from
the soil surface.
4.4.4 GLEISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Ta Distróficos cambissólicos
Soils with an incipient B horizon coinciding with the gley horizon,

4.4.5 GLEISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Ta Distróficos neofluvissólicos

4.4.6 GLEISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Ta Distróficos típicos
4.5 GLEISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Ta Eutróficos
4.5.1 GLEISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Ta Eutróficos leptofragmentários

4.5.2 GLEISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Ta Eutróficos lépticos

4.5.3 GLEISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Ta Eutróficos tiônicos

4.5.4 GLEISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Ta Eutróficos solódicos

4.5.5 GLEISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Ta Eutróficos vertissólicos

4.5.6 GLEISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Ta Eutróficos luvissólicos
Soils with a textural B horizon coinciding with a gley horizon

within 150 cm from the soil surface and with no abrupt textural
change.
4.5.7 GLEISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Ta Eutróficos cambissólicos

4.5.8 GLEISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Ta Eutróficos neofluvissólicos

4.5.9 GLEISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Ta Eutróficos típicos
4.6 GLEISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Tb Alumínicos
4.6.1 GLEISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Tb Alumínicos argissólicos

an incipient B horizon with an argiluvic qualifier within 150 cm
4.6.2 GLEISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Tb Alumínicos cambissólicos

4.6.3 GLEISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Tb Alumínicos neofluvissólicos

4.6.4 GLEISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Tb Alumínicos típicos
Other soils that do not fit in the previous classes (Jacomine et

al., 1975a, p. 357, profile 61; Reunião..., 1979a, p. 197, profile
RJ-13).
4.7 GLEISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Tb Distróficos

4.7.1 GLEISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Tb Distróficos
leptofragmentários

4.7.2 GLEISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Tb Distróficos lépticos

4.7.3 GLEISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Tb Distróficos petroplínticos
Soils with concretionary and/or lithoplinthic qualifiers within 150

4.7.4 GLEISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Tb Distróficos plintossólicos
4.7.5 GLEISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Tb Distróficos planossólicos
Soils with a planic qualifier within 150 cm from the soil surface
(Reunião..., 2017, profile RO-07).
4.7.6 GLEISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Tb Distróficos argissólicos

4.7.7 GLEISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Tb Distróficos cambissólicos
Soils with an incipient B horizon coinciding with a gley horizon,

4.7.8 GLEISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Tb Distróficos neofluvissólicos

4.7.9 GLEISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Tb Distróficos típicos
4.8 GLEISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Tb Eutróficos
4.8.1 GLEISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Tb Eutróficos leptofragmentários

4.8.2 GLEISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Tb Eutróficos lépticos

4.8.3 GLEISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Tb Eutróficos salinos

4.8.4 GLEISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Tb Eutróficos solódicos

4.8.5 GLEISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Tb Eutróficos plintossólicos
4.8.6 GLEISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Tb Eutróficos argissólicos

4.8.7 GLEISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Tb Eutróficos cambissólicos

4.8.8 GLEISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Tb Eutróficos neofluvissólicos

4.8.9 GLEISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Tb Eutróficos típicos

Chapter 10
Latossolos
Latossolos are soils composed of mineral material and a

latosolic B horizon preceded by any type of A horizon, within 200 cm
from the soil surface or within 300 cm if the A horizon is more than
150 cm thick.

(suborders)
35
1 LATOSSOLOS BRUNOS
(Click to enlarge)
(Click to enlarge)
Soils with a retractable qualifier and a humic A horizon or organic

carbon content > 10 g kg-1 to a depth of ≤ 70 cm, which are
brown in the uppermost part of the B horizon (including BA),
predominantly with hue 7.5YR or yellower, simultaneously with
value ≤ 4 and chroma ≤ 6 (moist color). Soils with hue 5YR in the
uppermost part of the B horizon (including BA) are accepted,
provided the value is ≤ 4 and the chroma is < 6 when moist.
2 LATOSSOLOS AMARELOS
(Click to enlarge)
Soils with a hue of 7.5YR or yellower in most of the first 100 cm

of the B horizon (including BA) that do not fit in the previous
class.
3 LATOSSOLOS VERMELHOS
(Click to enlarge)

4 LATOSSOLOS VERMELHO-AMARELOS
(Click to enlarge)
Other yellowish red and/or reddish yellow soils that do not fit in
the previous classes.

groups)
1 LATOSSOLOS BRUNOS
1.1 LATOSSOLOS BRUNOS Aluminoférricos

1.2 LATOSSOLOS BRUNOS Alumínicos

1.3 LATOSSOLOS BRUNOS Distroférricos
1.4 LATOSSOLOS BRUNOS Distróficos
2.1 LATOSSOLOS AMARELOS Acriférricos
Soils with an acric qualifier in one or more horizons within 150 cm

from the soil surface and Fe2O3 (by H2SO4) contents from 180 g
kg-1 to < 360 g kg-1 soil in most of the first 100 cm of the B
2.2 LATOSSOLOS AMARELOS Ácricos

2.3 LATOSSOLOS AMARELOS Alumínicos

2.4 LATOSSOLOS AMARELOS Distroférricos
2.5 LATOSSOLOS AMARELOS Distrocoesos
2.6 LATOSSOLOS AMARELOS Distróficos
2.7 LATOSSOLOS AMARELOS Eutróficos
Other soils with a base saturation of ≥ 50% in most of the first

3.1 LATOSSOLOS VERMELHOS Perférricos
Soils with a Fe2O3 (by H2SO4) content ≥ 360 g kg-1 soil in most
3.2 LATOSSOLOS VERMELHOS Acriférricos

kg-1 to < 360 g kg-1 soil in most of the first 100 cm of the B
horizon (including BA) (Oliveira, 1999b, p. 67, profile IAC 1.447).
3.3 LATOSSOLOS VERMELHOS Ácricos

from the soil surface (Oliveira, 1999b, p. 57, profile IAC 1.457).
3.4 LATOSSOLOS VERMELHOS Aluminoférricos

3.5 LATOSSOLOS VERMELHOS Distroférricos
3.6 LATOSSOLOS VERMELHOS Distróficos
3.7 LATOSSOLOS VERMELHOS Eutroférricos

first 100 cm of the B horizon (including BA) (Oliveira, 1999b, p.
63, profile IAC 1.360).
3.8 LATOSSOLOS VERMELHOS Eutróficos

100 cm of the B horizon (including BA) (Jacomine et al., 1973, v.
2, p. 81, profile 20).
4.1 LATOSSOLOS VERMELHO-AMARELOS Acriférricos

kg-1 to < 360 g kg-1 soil, in most of the first 100 cm of the B
4.2 LATOSSOLOS VERMELHO-AMARELOS Ácricos

4.3 LATOSSOLOS VERMELHO-AMARELOS Alumínicos

4.4 LATOSSOLOS VERMELHO-AMARELOS Distroférricos
4.5 LATOSSOLOS VERMELHO-AMARELOS Distróficos
4.6 LATOSSOLOS VERMELHO-AMARELOS Eutróficos


(subgroups)
1.1 LATOSSOLOS BRUNOS Aluminoférricos
1.1.1 LATOSSOLOS BRUNOS Aluminoférricos rúbricos
Soils with a rubric qualifier within the uppermost 100 cm of the B

1.1.2 LATOSSOLOS BRUNOS Aluminoférricos típicos
Other soils that do not fit in the previous class (Lemos, 1973, p.
53, profile RS-49).
1.2 LATOSSOLOS BRUNOS Alumínicos
1.2.1 LATOSSOLOS BRUNOS Alumínicos rúbricos
Soils with a rubric qualifier within the first 100 cm of the B horizon
(including BA).
1.2.2 LATOSSOLOS BRUNOS Alumínicos típicos
Other soils that do not fit in the previous class (Lemos, 1973, p.
58, profile 27; Larach et al., 1984, v. 1, p. 333, complementary
profile 39).
1.3 LATOSSOLOS BRUNOS Distroférricos
1.3.1 LATOSSOLOS BRUNOS Distroférricos rúbricos
(including BA).
1.3.2 LATOSSOLOS BRUNOS Distroférricos típicos
1.4 LATOSSOLOS BRUNOS Distróficos
1.4.1 LATOSSOLOS BRUNOS Distróficos rúbricos
(including BA).
1.4.2 LATOSSOLOS BRUNOS Distróficos espesso-húmicos
Soils with a humic A horizon and carbon contents ≥ 10 g kg-1 to a

depth of ≥ 80 cm.
1.4.3 LATOSSOLOS BRUNOS Distróficos húmicos
1.4.4 LATOSSOLOS BRUNOS Distróficos típicos
Other soils that do not fit in the previous classes (Larach et al.,
1984, v. 1, pp. 324, 327 and 334, profiles 37, 38 and
complementary profile 40).
2.1 LATOSSOLOS AMARELOS Acriférricos
2.1.1 LATOSSOLOS AMARELOS Acriférricos espesso-húmicos
Soils with a humic A horizon and carbon contents ≥10 g kg-1 to a

depth of ≥ 80 cm.
2.1.2 LATOSSOLOS AMARELOS Acriférricos húmicos
2.1.3 LATOSSOLOS AMARELOS Acriférricos típicos
2.2 LATOSSOLOS AMARELOS Ácricos
2.2.1 LATOSSOLOS AMARELOS Ácricos petroplínticos

position for Plintossolos Pétricos, within 200 cm from the soil
surface (Freitas et al., 1978, p. 190, profile 25).
2.2.2 LATOSSOLOS AMARELOS Ácricos plintossólicos

position for Plintossolos within 200 cm from the soil surface
(Freitas et al., 1978, p. 230, profile 17).
2.2.3 LATOSSOLOS AMARELOS Ácricos espesso-húmicos
Soils with a humic A horizon and carbon contents ≥ 10 g kg-1 to a

depth of ≥ 80 cm.
2.2.4 LATOSSOLOS AMARELOS Ácricos húmicos
Soils with a humic A horizon (Projeto RADAMBRASIL, 1983, p.

421, profile 20).
2.2.5 LATOSSOLOS AMARELOS Ácricos típicos
Other soils that do not fit in the previous classes (Guia..., 1997,
profile 3).
2.3 LATOSSOLOS AMARELOS Alumínicos
2.3.1 LATOSSOLOS AMARELOS Alumínicos argissólicos
Soils with a textural B/A ratio of ≥ 1.4, and/or having, in some

part of the B horizon (excluding BA), a moderate blocky structure
and few and weak clay films, within 200 cm from the soil
surface.
2.3.2 LATOSSOLOS AMARELOS Alumínicos típicos
Other soils that do not fit in the previous class (Projeto

RADAMBRASIL, 1977a, p. 206, profile 37; Projeto
RADAMBRASIL 1977b, p. 168, profile 28).
2.4 LATOSSOLOS AMARELOS Distroférricos

2.4.1 LATOSSOLOS AMARELOS Distroférricos espesso-
húmicos
Soils with a humic A horizon and carbon contents of ≥ 10 g kg-1

2.4.2 LATOSSOLOS AMARELOS Distroférricos húmicos
Soils with a humic A horizon (Jacomine et al., 1977-1979, v. 1, p.

287, profile 57).
2.4.3 LATOSSOLOS AMARELOS Distroférricos típicos
2.5 LATOSSOLOS AMARELOS Distrocoesos
2.5.1 LATOSSOLOS AMARELOS Distrocoesos petroplínticos

surface.
2.5.2 LATOSSOLOS AMARELOS Distrocoesos plintossólicos

position for Plintossolos within 200 cm from the soil surface.
2.5.3 LATOSSOLOS AMARELOS Distrocoesos argissólicos

surface.
2.5.4 LATOSSOLOS AMARELOS Distrocoesos antrópicos
Soils with an anthropic A horizon.
2.5.5 LATOSSOLOS AMARELOS Distrocoesos espesso-húmicos

2.5.6 LATOSSOLOS AMARELOS Distrocoesos húmicos
2.5.7 LATOSSOLOS AMARELOS Distrocoesos típicos
2.6 LATOSSOLOS AMARELOS Distróficos
2.6.1 LATOSSOLOS AMARELOS Distróficos psamíticos
Soils with a clay content of < 200 g kg-1 in most of the first 150
2.6.2 LATOSSOLOS AMARELOS Distróficos petroplínticos
plintossólicos

concretionary and/or lithoplinthic horizons, and with a plinthic
qualifier or plinthic horizon, all in a non-diagnostic position for
Plintossolos, within 200 cm from the soil surface (Reunião...,
2017, profile RO-14).
2.6.3 LATOSSOLOS AMARELOS Distróficos petroplínticos

surface.
2.6.4 LATOSSOLOS AMARELOS Distróficos plintossólicos

2.6.5 LATOSSOLOS AMARELOS Distróficos argissólicos

surface.
2.6.6 LATOSSOLOS AMARELOS Distróficos antrópicos
Soils with an anthropic A horizon.

2.6.7 LATOSSOLOS AMARELOS Distróficos espesso-húmicos

2.6.8 LATOSSOLOS AMARELOS Distróficos húmicos
Soils with a humic A horizon (Reunião..., 1979a, p. 113, profile

PRJ 3).
2.6.9 LATOSSOLOS AMARELOS Distróficos típicos
Other soils that do not fit in the previous classes (Panoso, 1978,
p. 130, profile 41).
2.7 LATOSSOLOS AMARELOS Eutróficos
2.7.1 LATOSSOLOS AMARELOS Eutróficos argissólicos

surface.
2.7.2 LATOSSOLOS AMARELOS Eutróficos típicos
Other soils that do not fit in the previous class (Panoso, 1978, p.
140, profile 81).
3.1 LATOSSOLOS VERMELHOS Perférricos

3.1.1 LATOSSOLOS VERMELHOS Perférricos cambissólicos
36
Soils with alterable primary materials that are visible in the
profile (to the naked eye or with a 10× lens) and/or with rock
fragments in the B horizon at estimated percentages below the
limits for an incipient B horizon, within 200 cm from the soil
surface (excluding BC or B/C).
3.1.2 LATOSSOLOS VERMELHOS Perférricos espesso-húmicos

3.1.3 LATOSSOLOS VERMELHOS Perférricos húmicos

415, profile 15).
3.1.4 LATOSSOLOS VERMELHOS Perférricos típicos
Other soils that do not fit in the previous classes (Congresso...,

1995, p. 37, profile XXV CBCS-6).
3.2 LATOSSOLOS VERMELHOS Acriférricos
3.2.1 LATOSSOLOS VERMELHOS Acriférricos petroplínticos

position for Plintossolos Pétricos within 200 cm from the soil
surface (Oliveira, 1999b, p. 67, profile IAC 1.447).
3.2.2 LATOSSOLOS VERMELHOS Acriférricos espesso-húmicos
Soils with a humic A horizon and carbon content of ≥ 10 g kg-1 to

a depth of ≥ 80 cm.
3.2.3 LATOSSOLOS VERMELHOS Acriférricos húmicos
3.2.4 LATOSSOLOS VERMELHOS Acriférricos típicos
3.3 LATOSSOLOS VERMELHOS Ácricos
3.3.1 LATOSSOLOS VERMELHOS Ácricos petroplínticos

surface.
3.3.2 LATOSSOLOS VERMELHOS Ácricos espesso-húmicos

3.3.3 LATOSSOLOS VERMELHOS Ácricos húmicos

3.3.4 LATOSSOLOS VERMELHOS Ácricos típicos
3.4 LATOSSOLOS VERMELHOS Aluminoférricos
3.4.1 LATOSSOLOS VERMELHOS Aluminoférricos retráticos
Soils with a retractable qualifier within the first 100 cm of the B

3.4.2 LATOSSOLOS VERMELHOS Aluminoférricos

cambissólicos
Soils with alterable primary materials that are visible in the profile
(to the naked eye or with a 10× lens) and/or with rock fragments
in the B horizon at estimated percentages below the limits for an
incipient B horizon, within 200 cm from the soil surface (excluding
BC or B/C).
3.4.3 LATOSSOLOS VERMELHOS Aluminoférricos espesso-

húmicos
Soils with a humic A horizon and carbon content of ≥10 g kg-1 to

3.4.4 LATOSSOLOS VERMELHOS Aluminoférricos húmicos
3.4.5 LATOSSOLOS VERMELHOS Aluminoférricos típicos

Other soils that do not fit in the previous classes (Lemos, 1973,
p. 70, profile 16).
3.5 LATOSSOLOS VERMELHOS Distroférricos
3.5.1 LATOSSOLOS VERMELHOS Distroférricos retráticos

3.5.2 LATOSSOLOS VERMELHOS Distroférricos petroplínticos

position for Plintossolos Pétricos within 200 cm from the soil
surface.
3.5.3 LATOSSOLOS VERMELHOS Distroférricos plintossólicos

3.5.4 LATOSSOLOS VERMELHOS Distroférricos cambissólicos
BC or B/C).
3.5.5 LATOSSOLOS VERMELHOS Distroférricos espesso-
húmicos

3.5.6 LATOSSOLOS VERMELHOS Distroférricos húmicos
3.5.7 LATOSSOLOS VERMELHOS Distroférricos típicos
Other soils that do not fit in the previous classes (Gomes et al.,
1982, p. 210, profile 24).
3.6 LATOSSOLOS VERMELHOS Distróficos
3.6.1 LATOSSOLOS VERMELHOS Distróficos retráticos

horizon (including BA) (Reunião..., 2008, profile 9).
3.6.2 LATOSSOLOS VERMELHOS Distróficos petroplínticos

surface.
3.6.3 LATOSSOLOS VERMELHOS Distróficos argissólicos

surface.
3.6.4 LATOSSOLOS VERMELHOS Distróficos cambissólicos
BC or B/C).
3.6.5 LATOSSOLOS VERMELHOS Distróficos espesso-húmicos
Soils with a humic A horizon and carbon contents of ≥10 g kg-1 to

3.6.6 LATOSSOLOS VERMELHOS Distróficos húmicos
3.6.7 LATOSSOLOS VERMELHOS Distróficos típicos
3.7 LATOSSOLOS VERMELHOS Eutroférricos
3.7.1 LATOSSOLOS VERMELHOS Eutroférricos cambissólicos

BC or B/C).
3.7.2 LATOSSOLOS VERMELHOS Eutroférricos típicos
3.8 LATOSSOLOS VERMELHOS Eutróficos
3.8.1 LATOSSOLOS VERMELHOS Eutróficos argissólicos

surface.
3.8.2 LATOSSOLOS VERMELHOS Eutróficos cambissólicos
in the B horizon, at estimated percentages below the limits for an
BC or B/C).
3.8.3 LATOSSOLOS VERMELHOS Eutróficos típicos

4.1 LATOSSOLOS VERMELHO-AMARELOS Acriférricos
4.1.1 LATOSSOLOS VERMELHO-AMARELOS Acriférricos

espesso-húmicos

4.1.2 LATOSSOLOS VERMELHO-AMARELOS Acriférricos

húmicos
4.1.3 LATOSSOLOS VERMELHO-AMARELOS Acriférricos típicos
Other soils that do not fit in the previous classes (Projeto

RADAMBRASIL, 1983, p. 424, extra profile 1).
4.2 LATOSSOLOS VERMELHO-AMARELOS Ácricos
4.2.1 LATOSSOLOS VERMELHO-AMARELOS Ácricos

petroplínticos

surface.
4.2.2 LATOSSOLOS VERMELHO-AMARELOS Ácricos espesso-

húmicos
Soils with a humic A horizon and carbon contents of ≥10 g kg-1 to
4.2.3 LATOSSOLOS VERMELHO-AMARELOS Ácricos húmicos
4.2.4 LATOSSOLOS VERMELHO-AMARELOS Ácricos típicos

1979a, p. 149, profile PRJ 7).
4.3 LATOSSOLOS VERMELHO-AMARELOS Alumínicos
4.3.1 LATOSSOLOS VERMELHO-AMARELOS Alumínicos

argissólicos

surface.
4.3.2 LATOSSOLOS VERMELHO-AMARELOS Alumínicos típicos
Other soils that do not fit in the previous class (Projeto

RADAMBRASIL, 1977a, p. 207, profile 58).
4.4 LATOSSOLOS VERMELHO-AMARELOS

Distroférricos
4.4.1 LATOSSOLOS VERMELHO-AMARELOS Distroférricos
argissólicos

surface.

cambissólicos
BC or B/C).

típicos

al., 1977-1979, v. 1, p. 295, profile 59).
4.5 LATOSSOLOS VERMELHO-AMARELOS Distróficos
4.5.1 LATOSSOLOS VERMELHO-AMARELOS Distróficos

petroplínticos

surface.
plintossólicos
Soils with a plinthic qualifier and/or plinthic horizon in a non-

diagnostic position for Plintossolos within 200 cm from the soil
surface.

argissólicos

surface.

cambissólicos
BC and B/C).

espesso-húmicos

húmicos

428, extra profile 56).
4.5.7 LATOSSOLOS VERMELHO-AMARELOS Distróficos típicos
4.6 LATOSSOLOS VERMELHO-AMARELOS Eutróficos
4.6.1 LATOSSOLOS VERMELHO-AMARELOS Eutróficos

argissólicos

surface.
4.6.2 LATOSSOLOS VERMELHO-AMARELOS Eutróficos

cambissólicos
BC and B/C).
4.6.3 LATOSSOLOS VERMELHO-AMARELOS Eutróficos típicos

Notes
(35) Soils identified to date on the plateaus of Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina and Paraná
and in the region of Poços de Caldas, MG. The riteria are in the validation phase. The class of
Latossolos Brunos Ácricos, of soils as those occurring in the municipalities of Guarapuava
and Castro, PR, was excluded from the SiBCS.
(36) In the absence of mineralogical analysis, it is recommended to observe the presence of
alterable primary materials (feldspar, biotite, muscovite etc.) in the profile with the naked eye,
to use a 10× lens after crushing the dry soil material on a clear and clean surface and to
estimate the percentage, using a wire mesh or netting sieve.
Chapter 11
Luvissolos
Luvissolos are soils composed of mineral material and a textural

B horizon with high activity clay and high base saturation in most of
the first 100 cm of the B horizon (including BA), immediately below
any type of A horizon (except a chernozemic A) or under an E
horizon, and which meet the following requirement:
Plinthic, vertic or planic horizons, if present, do not meet the

criteria for Plintossolos, Vertissolos or Planossolos,
respectively, that is, they do not coincide with the uppermost
part of the textural B horizon.

(suborders)
1 LUVISSOLOS CRÔMICOS
(Click to enlarge)
Soils with a chromic qualifier in most of the first 100 cm of the B

2 LUVISSOLOS HÁPLICOS
(Click to enlarge)

groups)
1.1 LUVISSOLOS CRÔMICOS Carbonáticos

37
1.2 LUVISSOLOS CRÔMICOS Pálicos
Soils with a solum thickness (A + B, including E and excluding

BC) of > 80 cm.
1.3 LUVISSOLOS CRÔMICOS Órticos
37
2.1 LUVISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Pálicos
Soils with a solum thickness (A + B, including E and excluding

BC) > 80 cm.
2.2 LUVISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Órticos

(subgroups)
1.1 LUVISSOLOS CRÔMICOS Carbonáticos
1.1.1 LUVISSOLOS CRÔMICOS Carbonáticos vertissólicos

layers within 100 cm from the soil surface.
1.1.2 LUVISSOLOS CRÔMICOS Carbonáticos planossólicos
1.1.3 LUVISSOLOS CRÔMICOS Carbonáticos típicos
1.2 LUVISSOLOS CRÔMICOS Pálicos
1.2.1 LUVISSOLOS CRÔMICOS Pálicos saprolíticos

contact, all within 100 cm from the soil surface (Jacomine et al.,
1973, v. 2, pp. 275-277, profile 76).
1.2.2 LUVISSOLOS CRÔMICOS Pálicos arênicos

and ≤100 cm.
1.2.3 LUVISSOLOS CRÔMICOS Pálicos abrúpticos

plintossólicos

plinthic horizon in a non-diagnostic position for Plintossolos, within
1.2.4 LUVISSOLOS CRÔMICOS Pálicos abrúpticos
1.2.5 LUVISSOLOS CRÔMICOS Pálicos vertissólicos

layers, within 150 cm from the soil surface (Reunião..., 2010a,
profile AC 08).
1.2.6 LUVISSOLOS CRÔMICOS Pálicos petroplínticos

surface.
1.2.7 LUVISSOLOS CRÔMICOS Pálicos planossólicos
1.2.8 LUVISSOLOS CRÔMICOS Pálicos cambissólicos
Soils with ≥ 4% alterable primary materials visible in the profile

(to the naked eye or with a 10× lens) and/or with ≥ 5% rock
fragments in the B horizon (excluding BC and/or B/C), both within
1.2.9 LUVISSOLOS CRÔMICOS Pálicos típicos
1.3 LUVISSOLOS CRÔMICOS Órticos
1.3.1 LUVISSOLOS CRÔMICOS Órticos fragmentários

surface.
1.3.2 LUVISSOLOS CRÔMICOS Órticos líticos
1.3.3 LUVISSOLOS CRÔMICOS Órticos salinos

1.3.4 LUVISSOLOS CRÔMICOS Órticos solódicos vertissólicos

Vertissolos or with a vertic and a solodic qualifier in one or more
horizons or layers, all within 100 cm from the soil surface
(Jacomine et al., 1972-1973, profile 56).
1.3.5 LUVISSOLOS CRÔMICOS Órticos solódicos planossólicos
Soils with solodic and planic qualifiers within 100 cm from the soil
surface (Jacomine et al., 1972-1973, profile 53).
1.3.6 LUVISSOLOS CRÔMICOS Órticos solódicos

1.3.7 LUVISSOLOS CRÔMICOS Órticos vertissólicos

planossólicos
Soils with a planic qualifier and a vertic horizon in a non-

diagnostic position for Vertissolos or with a vertic qualifier, all
1.3.8 LUVISSOLOS CRÔMICOS Órticos vertissólicos

1.3.9 LUVISSOLOS CRÔMICOS Órticos planossólicos
Soils with a planic qualifier within 100 cm from the soil surface
(Jacomine et al., 1972-1973, profile 52).
1.3.10 LUVISSOLOS CRÔMICOS Órticos típicos
2.1 LUVISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Pálicos
2.1.1 LUVISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Pálicos hipocarbonáticos

layers within 150 cm from the soil surface (Reunião ..., 2000,
profile 8).
2.1.2 LUVISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Pálicos solódicos plintossólicos

position for Plintossolos and with a solodic qualifier in one or
more horizons or layers, all within 150 cm from the soil surface
(Nascimento, 1998, profile 5).
2.1.3 LUVISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Pálicos abrúpticos plintossólicos

plinthic horizon in a non-diagnostic position for Plintossolos, within
150 cm from the soil surface (Silva, 2000, profile 2).
2.1.4 LUVISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Pálicos abrúpticos
2.1.5 LUVISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Pálicos fragipânicos

plintossólicos
Soils with a fragipan and a plinthic qualifier in one or more
horizons or layers or a plinthic horizon in a non-diagnostic
position for Plintossolos, all within 150 cm from the soil surface
(Lacerda, 2000, profile L-2-4).
2.1.6 LUVISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Pálicos gleissólicos

Gleissolos within 150 cm from the soil surface.
2.1.7 LUVISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Pálicos plintossólicos

2.1.8 LUVISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Pálicos típicos
2.2 LUVISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Órticos
2.2.1 LUVISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Órticos gleissólicos

Gleissolos within 80 cm (solum thickness ) from the soil surface.
2.2.2 LUVISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Órticos planossólicos
2.2.3 LUVISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Órticos típicos
Notes
(37) Derived from pale = "excessive development".

Chapter 12
Neossolos
Neossolos are poorly developed soils, composed of mineral

material or of organic material < 20 cm thick, having no type of
diagnostic B horizon. Gley, plinthic, vertic and chernozemic A
horizons, when present, do not fulfill the diagnostic conditions for the
classes of Gleissolos, Plintossolos, Vertissolos and Chernossolos,
respectively.

(suborders)
1 NEOSSOLOS LITÓLICOS
(Click to enlarge)
Soils with a fragmentary lithic or lithic contact within 50 cm from
the surface, with an A or a histic horizon resting directly on the
rock, on a C or Cr horizon or on material with ≥ 90% (by volume)
coarse fragments (eg., quartz gravel bed) with a diameter of > 2
mm (gravel, pebbles and boulders). A B horizon in early
formation, with a thickness that is not representative of any type
of diagnostic B horizon, is acceptable.
2 NEOSSOLOS FLÚVICOS
(Click to enlarge)
Soils derived from alluvial sediments with an A horizon resting on

a C horizon or layer and with a fluvic qualifier within 150 cm from
the soil surface. A Bi horizon less than 10 cm thick is acceptable.
There is no pronounced gleying within 50 cm from the soil
surface.
3 NEOSSOLOS REGOLÍTICOS
(Click to enlarge)
Soils without fragmentary lithic or lithic contact within 50 cm from

the surface, with a histic or A horizon overlying a C or Cr horizon.
A B horizon in early formation, with a thickness that is not
representative of any type of diagnostic B horizon, is acceptable.
In addition, they must meet at least one of the following

requirements:
a. Contain ≥ 4% alterable primary minerals (less resistant to

weathering) in the total sand fraction, but based on 100 g
ADFE (air-dried fine earth fraction), in some horizon within
150 cm from the soil surface;
b. Contain ≥ 5% of the mass of the C or Cr horizon, to a depth
of 150 cm, with fragments of partially weathered rock,
saprolite or fragments formed from remains of the oriented
rock structure (pseudomorphs) from which the soil originated.
4 NEOSSOLOS QUARTZARÊNICOS
(Click to enlarge)
Other soils without fragmentary lithic or lithic contact within 50

cm from the surface, with a sequence of A-C horizons, but with a
sand or loamy sand texture in all horizons to a depth of ≥ 150 cm
from the soil surface or down to a fragmentary lithic or lithic
contact. They are essentially quartzous, having ≥ 95% quartz,
chalcedony and opal in the coarse sand and fine sand fractions,
and practically no alterable primary minerals (little resistant to
weathering).

groups)
1.1 NEOSSOLOS LITÓLICOS Hísticos
criteria for Organossolos (Ghani; Rocha, 1997, profile 4).
1.2 NEOSSOLOS LITÓLICOS Húmicos
Soils with a humic A horizon (Jacomine et al., 1980, p. 41, exam

15).
1.3 NEOSSOLOS LITÓLICOS Carbonáticos

or with a calcic horizon, both within 50 cm from the soil surface,
with no chernozemic A horizon.
1.4 NEOSSOLOS LITÓLICOS Chernossólicos

kg-1 clay in most of the C horizon (including CA) within 50 cm
from the soil surface, with no carbonatic qualifier.
1.5 NEOSSOLOS LITÓLICOS Distróficos

from the soil surface (Lemos, 1973, p. 364, profile RS-78).
1.6 NEOSSOLOS LITÓLICOS Eutróficos

from the soil surface (Lemos, 1973, p. 337, profile RS-38).
2.1 NEOSSOLOS FLÚVICOS Carbonáticos

2.2 NEOSSOLOS FLÚVICOS Sódicos

2.3 NEOSSOLOS FLÚVICOS Sálicos

2.4 NEOSSOLOS FLÚVICOS Psamíticos
Soils with predominance of a sandy texture within 150 cm from

the soil surface, whereas a loamy texture (sandy loam class) is
acceptable.
2.5 NEOSSOLOS FLÚVICOS Ta Eutróficos
in most of the C horizon or layer (including CA) within 150 cm
2.6 NEOSSOLOS FLÚVICOS Tb Distróficos
in most of the C horizon or layer (including CA), within 150 cm
2.7 NEOSSOLOS FLÚVICOS Tb Eutróficos
in most of the C horizon or layer (including CA) within 150 cm
3.1 NEOSSOLOS REGOLÍTICOS Psamíticos
Soils with predominance of a sandy texture within 150 cm from

the soil surface, while a loamy texture (sandy loam class) is
acceptable, and no saprolite (Cr and/or Cr/R horizon or layer)
within 50 cm from the soil surface. These soils contain ≥ 4%
alterable minerals in the total sand fraction, but based on the
ADFE fraction. Light or whitish colors are typical of these soils.
3.2 NEOSSOLOS REGOLÍTICOS Húmicos
3.3 NEOSSOLOS REGOLÍTICOS Distróficos
Soils with a base saturation of < 50% in most of the C horizon

(including CA) within 150 cm from the soil surface.
3.4 NEOSSOLOS REGOLÍTICOS Eutróficos
Soils with a base saturation of ≥ 50% in most of the C horizon

(including CA) within 150 cm from the soil surface.
4.1 NEOSSOLOS QUARTZARÊNICOS Hidromórficos
Soils with a high water table during most of the year, in most
years, imperfectly or poorly drained, meeting one or more of the

b. Permanent water saturation within 50 cm from the soil
surface; and/or
c. Presence of a water table within 150 cm from the soil surface
during the dry season; and/or
d. Presence of a water table within 50 cm from the soil surface
for a period of time, in most years, unless artificially drained,
and meeting one or more of the following requirements:
1. Zero chroma;
2. Hue of 10YR or redder with value (moist color) of ≥ 4
and chroma of 1;
3. Hue of 10YR or redder with chroma of ≤ 2 and mottles
(or with accumulation of iron and/or manganese)
resulting from iron and/or manganese reduction and
oxidation;
4. Hue of 2.5Y or yellower, with chroma of ≤ 3 and mottles
(or with areas of iron and/or manganese accumulation)
resulting from the reduction and oxidation of these
elements;
5. Hue of 2.5Y or yellower and chroma of ≤ 1;
6. Hues of 5GY, 5G, 5BG or 5B.
4.2 NEOSSOLOS QUARTZARÊNICOS Órticos

(subgroups)
1.1 NEOSSOLOS LITÓLICOS Hísticos
1.1.1 NEOSSOLOS LITÓLICOS Hísticos típicos
All the Neossolos Litólicos Hísticos (provisionally) (Ghani; Rocha,

1997, profile 4).
1.2 NEOSSOLOS LITÓLICOS Húmicos
1.2.1 NEOSSOLOS LITÓLICOS Húmicos espodossólicos
Soils with a spodic qualifier within 50 cm from the soil surface or

down to a fragmentary lithic or lithic contact.
1.2.2 NEOSSOLOS LITÓLICOS Húmicos típicos
1.3 NEOSSOLOS LITÓLICOS Carbonáticos
1.3.1 NEOSSOLOS LITÓLICOS Carbonáticos fragmentários

1.3.2 NEOSSOLOS LITÓLICOS Carbonáticos típicos
1.4 NEOSSOLOS LITÓLICOS Chernossólicos
1.4.1 NEOSSOLOS LITÓLICOS Chernossólicos fragmentários
1.4.2 NEOSSOLOS LITÓLICOS Chernossólicos típicos
1.5 NEOSSOLOS LITÓLICOS Distróficos
1.5.1 NEOSSOLOS LITÓLICOS Distróficos fragmentários
1.5.2 NEOSSOLOS LITÓLICOS Distróficos típicos
1.6 NEOSSOLOS LITÓLICOS Eutróficos
1.6.1 NEOSSOLOS LITÓLICOS Eutróficos fragmentários
1.6.2 NEOSSOLOS LITÓLICOS Eutróficos típicos

2.1 NEOSSOLOS FLÚVICOS Carbonáticos
2.1.1 NEOSSOLOS FLÚVICOS Carbonáticos típicos
All the Neossolos Flúvicos Carbonáticos (provisionally).
2.2 NEOSSOLOS FLÚVICOS Sódicos
2.2.1 NEOSSOLOS FLÚVICOS Sódicos sálicos

2.2.2 NEOSSOLOS FLÚVICOS Sódicos salinos

2.2.3 NEOSSOLOS FLÚVICOS Sódicos vertissólicos

2.2.4 NEOSSOLOS FLÚVICOS Sódicos típicos
2.3 NEOSSOLOS FLÚVICOS Sálicos

2.3.1 NEOSSOLOS FLÚVICOS Sálicos solódicos

2.3.2 NEOSSOLOS FLÚVICOS Sálicos típicos
2.4 NEOSSOLOS FLÚVICOS Psamíticos
2.4.1 NEOSSOLOS FLÚVICOS Psamíticos êutricos
Soils with a eutric qualifier in most horizons and/or layers within

2.4.2 NEOSSOLOS FLÚVICOS Psamíticos gleissólicos

2.4.3 NEOSSOLOS FLÚVICOS Psamíticos espodossólicos
2.4.4 NEOSSOLOS FLÚVICOS Psamíticos típicos
2.5 NEOSSOLOS FLÚVICOS Ta Eutróficos

2.5.1 NEOSSOLOS FLÚVICOS Ta Eutróficos salinos

2.5.2 NEOSSOLOS FLÚVICOS Ta Eutróficos hipocarbonáticos

layers within 150 cm from the soil surface.
2.5.3 NEOSSOLOS FLÚVICOS Ta Eutróficos solódicos

vertissólicos

Vertissolos or with a vertic and a solodic qualifier in one or more
horizons or layers, all within 150 cm from the soil surface.
2.5.4 NEOSSOLOS FLÚVICOS Ta Eutróficos solódicos

2.5.5 NEOSSOLOS FLÚVICOS Ta Eutróficos vertissólicos

2.5.6 NEOSSOLOS FLÚVICOS Ta Eutróficos gleissólicos

2.5.7 NEOSSOLOS FLÚVICOS Ta Eutróficos típicos
2.6 NEOSSOLOS FLÚVICOS Tb Distróficos
2.6.1 NEOSSOLOS FLÚVICOS Tb Distróficos gleissólicos

Gleissolos within 150 cm from the soil surface (Jacomine et al.,
1975a, p. 367, profile 63).
2.6.2 NEOSSOLOS FLÚVICOS Tb Distróficos típicos
2.7 NEOSSOLOS FLÚVICOS Tb Eutróficos
2.7.1 NEOSSOLOS FLÚVICOS Tb Eutróficos solódicos

2.7.2 NEOSSOLOS FLÚVICOS Tb Eutróficos gleissólicos

2.7.3 NEOSSOLOS FLÚVICOS Tb Eutróficos típicos
3.1 NEOSSOLOS REGOLÍTICOS Psamíticos
3.1.1 NEOSSOLOS REGOLÍTICOS Psamíticos

leptofragmentários

3.1.2 NEOSSOLOS REGOLÍTICOS Psamíticos lépticos

3.1.3 NEOSSOLOS REGOLÍTICOS Psamíticos solódicos

both within 150 cm from the soil surface.
3.1.4 NEOSSOLOS REGOLÍTICOS Psamíticos fragipânicos

3.1.5 NEOSSOLOS REGOLÍTICOS Psamíticos típicos

3.2 NEOSSOLOS REGOLÍTICOS Húmicos
3.2.1 NEOSSOLOS REGOLÍTICOS Húmicos leptofragmentários

3.2.2 NEOSSOLOS REGOLÍTICOS Húmicos lépticos

3.2.3 NEOSSOLOS REGOLÍTICOS Húmicos típicos
3.3 NEOSSOLOS REGOLÍTICOS Distróficos
3.3.1 NEOSSOLOS REGOLÍTICOS Distróficos

leptofragmentários

3.3.2 NEOSSOLOS REGOLÍTICOS Distróficos lépticos

fragipânicos

and with a fragipan in one or more horizons or layers within 150
3.3.3 NEOSSOLOS REGOLÍTICOS Distróficos lépticos

3.3.4 NEOSSOLOS REGOLÍTICOS Distróficos fragipânicos

3.3.5 NEOSSOLOS REGOLÍTICOS Distróficos gleissólicos

3.3.6 NEOSSOLOS REGOLÍTICOS Distróficos típicos
3.4 NEOSSOLOS REGOLÍTICOS Eutróficos
3.4.1 NEOSSOLOS REGOLÍTICOS Eutróficos leptofragmentários

3.4.2 NEOSSOLOS REGOLÍTICOS Eutróficos lépticos solódicos

and with a solodic qualifier in one or more horizons or layers
3.4.3 NEOSSOLOS REGOLÍTICOS Eutróficos lépticos
fragipânicos

from the soil surface and with a fragipan in one or more horizons
or layers within 150 cm from the soil surface.
3.4.4 NEOSSOLOS REGOLÍTICOS Eutróficos lépticos

3.4.5 NEOSSOLOS REGOLÍTICOS Eutróficos solódicos

fragipânicos
Soils with a solodic qualifier and fragipan in one or more horizons

or layers, both within 150 cm from the soil surface.
3.4.6 NEOSSOLOS REGOLÍTICOS Eutróficos solódicos

3.4.7 NEOSSOLOS REGOLÍTICOS Eutróficos fragipânicos

3.4.8 NEOSSOLOS REGOLÍTICOS Eutróficos gleissólicos

3.4.9 NEOSSOLOS REGOLÍTICOS Eutróficos típicos
4.1 NEOSSOLOS QUARTZARÊNICOS Hidromórficos
4.1.1 NEOSSOLOS QUARTZARÊNICOS Hidromórficos

plintossólicos


espodossólicos

neofluvissólicos
Soils with a fluvic qualifier within 150 cm from the soil surface.

organossólicos
criteria for Organossolos (Guia..., 1997, profile 8).
4.1.5 NEOSSOLOS QUARTZARÊNICOS Hidromórficos típicos
4.2 NEOSSOLOS QUARTZARÊNICOS Órticos
4.2.1 NEOSSOLOS QUARTZARÊNICOS Órticos

leptofragmentários

4.2.2 NEOSSOLOS QUARTZARÊNICOS Órticos lépticos

4.2.3 NEOSSOLOS QUARTZARÊNICOS Órticos solódicos

38
4.2.4 NEOSSOLOS QUARTZARÊNICOS Órticos êutricos
Soils with a eutric qualifier in most horizons and/or layers within

4.2.5 NEOSSOLOS QUARTZARÊNICOS Órticos fragipânicos

4.2.6 NEOSSOLOS QUARTZARÊNICOS Órticos gleissólicos
Soils with a gley horizon within 150 cm from the soil surface, that
do not meet the requirements to be classified as Neossolos
Quartzarênicos Hidromórficos.
4.2.7 NEOSSOLOS QUARTZARÊNICOS Órticos plintossólicos

4.2.8 NEOSSOLOS QUARTZARÊNICOS Órticos espodossólicos
4.2.9 NEOSSOLOS QUARTZARÊNICOS Órticos argissólicos
Soils that have lamellae with a sandy loam or finer texture with a
total thickness of < 15 cm, not characterizing a textural B
4.2.10 NEOSSOLOS QUARTZARÊNICOS Órticos latossólicos
Soils with a similar morphology to that of loamy textured

Latossolos, with a loamy sand, nearly sandy loam texture and a
weak structure development (very small granular), all within 150
4.2.11 NEOSSOLOS QUARTZARÊNICOS Órticos espesso-

húmicos
Soils with a humic A horizon and carbon content of ≥ 10 g kg-1to
4.2.12 NEOSSOLOS QUARTZARÊNICOS Órticos húmicos

258, profile 45).
4.2.13 NEOSSOLOS QUARTZARÊNICOS Órticos típicos
Notes
(38) Parameter in the test phase.

Chapter 13
Nitossolos
Nitossolos are soils composed of mineral material, with ≥ 350 g

kg-1 clay, including in the A horizon, and have a nitic B horizon below
the A horizon. The nitic B horizon has low activity or high activity clay
together with an aluminic qualifier, both in most of the first 100 cm of
The polychromy (color variation in the upper 150 cm of the soil),

as described below, ought to be used as an additional criterion to
distinguish Red or Yellow-Red Argissolos from Nitossolos in situations
where the other characteristics coincide.
Nitossolos have practically no marked polychromy in the profile

and must meet the following color criteria:
a. a) For soils with all colors of the A and B horizons, except

BC, on the same hue page, variations of a maximum of 2
39
units for value and/or 3 units for chroma are accepted;
b. b) For soils with colors of the A and B horizons, except BC,
on two pages of hues, variations of ≤ 1 unit of value and ≤ 2
39
units of chroma are accepted;
c. c) For soils with colors of the A and B horizons, except BC,
on more than two pages of hues, variations in value are not
39
acceptable, whereas a variation of ≤ 1 unit of chroma is
admissible.
(suborders)
40
1 NITOSSOLOS BRUNOS
(Click to enlarge)
Soils with a retractable qualifier and a humic A horizon or organic

carbon content of > 10 g kg-1 to a depth of 40 cm, which are
brownish in the upper part of the B horizon (including BA), with
predominant hues of 7.5YR or yellower, simultaneously with
value ≤ 4 and chroma ≤ 6 when moist. Soils with a hue of 5YR in
the upper part of the B horizon (including BA) are acceptable,
provided the value is ≤ 4 and the chroma is < 6 when moist.
2 NITOSSOLOS VERMELHOS
(Click to enlarge)

the B horizon (excluding BA).
3 NITOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS
(Click to enlarge)

groups)
1 NITOSSOLOS BRUNOS
1.1 NITOSSOLOS BRUNOS Aluminoférricos

1.2 NITOSSOLOS BRUNOS Alumínicos

1.3 NITOSSOLOS BRUNOS Distroférricos
1.4 NITOSSOLOS BRUNOS Distróficos
2.1 NITOSSOLOS VERMELHOS Ta Alumínicos

2.2 NITOSSOLOS VERMELHOS Alumínicos

2.3 NITOSSOLOS VERMELHOS Distroférricos
contents of 150 g kg-1 to < 360 g kg-1 soil, both in most of the
2.4 NITOSSOLOS VERMELHOS Distróficos
2.5 NITOSSOLOS VERMELHOS Eutroférricos

2.6 NITOSSOLOS VERMELHOS Eutróficos

3.1 NITOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Ta Alumínicos
3.2 NITOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Alumínicos

3.3 NITOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Distróficos
3.4 NITOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Eutróficos


(subgroups)
1.1 NITOSSOLOS BRUNOS Aluminoférricos
1.1.1 NITOSSOLOS BRUNOS Aluminoférricos rúbricos húmicos

Soils that have simultaneously a humic A horizon and a rubric
qualifier within the first 100 cm of the B horizon (including BA).
1.1.2 NITOSSOLOS BRUNOS Aluminoférricos rúbricos
(including BA).
1.1.3 NITOSSOLOS BRUNOS Aluminoférricos húmicos
1.1.4 NITOSSOLOS BRUNOS Aluminoférricos típicos
1.2 NITOSSOLOS BRUNOS Alumínicos
1.2.1 NITOSSOLOS BRUNOS Alumínicos rúbricos húmicos

1.2.2 NITOSSOLOS BRUNOS Alumínicos rúbricos
(including BA).
1.2.3 NITOSSOLOS BRUNOS Alumínicos húmicos

1.2.4 NITOSSOLOS BRUNOS Alumínicos típicos
1.3 NITOSSOLOS BRUNOS Distroférricos
1.3.1 NITOSSOLOS BRUNOS Distroférricos rúbricos húmicos

1.3.2 NITOSSOLOS BRUNOS Distroférricos rúbricos
(including BA).
1.3.3 NITOSSOLOS BRUNOS Distroférricos húmicos
1.3.4 NITOSSOLOS BRUNOS Distroférricos típicos
1.4 NITOSSOLOS BRUNOS Distróficos
1.4.1 NITOSSOLOS BRUNOS Distróficos rúbricos húmicos

1.4.2 NITOSSOLOS BRUNOS Distróficos rúbricos
(including BA).
1.4.3 NITOSSOLOS BRUNOS Distróficos húmicos
1.4.4 NITOSSOLOS BRUNOS Distróficos típicos
2.1 NITOSSOLOS VERMELHOS Ta Alumínicos
2.1.1 NITOSSOLOS VERMELHOS Ta Alumínicos húmicos
2.1.2 NITOSSOLOS VERMELHOS Ta Alumínicos típicos
2.2 NITOSSOLOS VERMELHOS Alumínicos
2.2.1 NITOSSOLOS VERMELHOS Alumínicos húmicos
2.2.2 NITOSSOLOS VERMELHOS Alumínicos típicos

2.3 NITOSSOLOS VERMELHOS Distroférricos
2.3.1 NITOSSOLOS VERMELHOS Distroférricos latossólicos
Soils with a latosolic B horizon below the nitic B horizon within

2.3.2 NITOSSOLOS VERMELHOS Distroférricos típicos
2.4 NITOSSOLOS VERMELHOS Distróficos
2.4.1 NITOSSOLOS VERMELHOS Distróficos latossólicos

2.4.2 NITOSSOLOS VERMELHOS Distróficos típicos
2.5 NITOSSOLOS VERMELHOS Eutroférricos
2.5.1 NITOSSOLOS VERMELHOS Eutroférricos plintossólicos

2.5.2 NITOSSOLOS VERMELHOS Eutroférricos latossólicos

2.5.3 NITOSSOLOS VERMELHOS Eutroférricos chernossólicos

BA).
2.5.4 NITOSSOLOS VERMELHOS Eutroférricos típicos
2.6 NITOSSOLOS VERMELHOS Eutróficos
2.6.1 NITOSSOLOS VERMELHOS Eutróficos leptofragmentários

2.6.2 NITOSSOLOS VERMELHOS Eutróficos lépticos

2.6.3 NITOSSOLOS VERMELHOS Eutróficos latossólicos

2.6.4 NITOSSOLOS VERMELHOS Eutróficos chernossólicos

BA).
2.6.5 NITOSSOLOS VERMELHOS Eutróficos típicos
3.1 NITOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Ta Alumínicos
3.1.1 NITOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Ta Alumínicos típicos
All the Nitossolos Háplicos Ta Alumínicos (provisionally).
3.2 NITOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Alumínicos
3.2.1 NITOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Alumínicos latossólicos

3.2.2 NITOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Alumínicos típicos
3.3 NITOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Distróficos
3.3.1 NITOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Distróficos latossólicos

3.3.2 NITOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Distróficos húmicos
3.3.3 NITOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Distróficos típicos
3.4 NITOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Eutróficos
3.4.1 NITOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Eutróficos leptofragmentários

3.4.2 NITOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Eutróficos lépticos

3.4.3 NITOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Eutróficos chernossólicos

BA).
3.4.4 NITOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Eutróficos típicos

Notes
(39) Acceptable are chroma variations of one unit more than that indicated for intermediate
soils (latosolic, rubric etc.) or when the difference occurs between the uppermost A horizon
and the horizon(s) of the lower part of the profile, at a depth of > 100 cm from the soil surface.
(40) Soils identified to date on the plateaus of Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina and Paraná
and in the region of Poços de Caldas, MG. Criteria in the validation phase.
Chapter 14
Organossolos
Organossolos are soils consisting of organic material that have a

histic horizon, which must meet the following criteria:
a. At least 60 cm thick if ≥ 75% (expressed in volume) of the

organic material consists of plant tissue in the form of
residues of fine branches, fine roots, tree bark etc., excluding
live plant parts; or
b. Be saturated with water for ≤ 30 consecutive days per year,
during the rainy season and have a histic O horizon with the
following thicknesses:
1. Thickness of ≥ 20 cm when overlying a fragmentary lithic
or lithic contact or a horizon and/or layer consisting of ≥
90% (in volume) of mineral material with a diameter of >
2 mm (gravel, pebbles and boulders); or
2. Thickness of ≥ 40 cm when overlying A, B and/or C
horizons; or
c. Be saturated with water during most of the year, in most
years, unless artificially drained, having a histic H horizon with
a thickness of ≥ 40 cm, either extending in a single section
from the soil surface downwards, or taken cumulatively,
within the 80 cm below the surface.

(suborders)
1 ORGANOSSOLOS TIOMÓRFICOS
(Click to enlarge)
Soils with sulfidic materials in one or more horizons or layers or a

sulfuric horizon, both within 100 cm from the soil surface.
2 ORGANOSSOLOS FÓLICOS
(Click to enlarge)
Soils that are saturated with water for ≤ 30 consecutive days per
year, during the rainy season, and have a histic O horizon.
3 ORGANOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS
(Click to enlarge)

groups)
1.1 ORGANOSSOLOS TIOMÓRFICOS Fíbricos
Soils with fibric organic material in most part of the horizons

and/or layers within 100 cm from the soil surface.
1.2 ORGANOSSOLOS TIOMÓRFICOS Hêmicos

Soils with hemic organic material in most part of the horizons
1.3 ORGANOSSOLOS TIOMÓRFICOS Sápricos
Soils with sapric organic material in most part of the horizons

2.1 ORGANOSSOLOS FÓLICOS Fíbricos

2.2 ORGANOSSOLOS FÓLICOS Hêmicos

2.3 ORGANOSSOLOS FÓLICOS Sápricos

3.1 ORGANOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Fíbricos

and/or layers within 100 cm from the soil surface (Kämpf;
Schneider, 1989, p. 230, Unit Torres 4).
3.2 ORGANOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Hêmicos

Schneider, 1989, p. 230, Unit Barcelos 1).
3.3 ORGANOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Sápricos

Schneider, 1989, p. 230, Unit Caldas 1).

(subgroups)
1.1 ORGANOSSOLOS TIOMÓRFICOS Fíbricos
1.1.1 ORGANOSSOLOS TIOMÓRFICOS Fíbricos salinos

1.1.2 ORGANOSSOLOS TIOMÓRFICOS Fíbricos solódicos

1.1.3 ORGANOSSOLOS TIOMÓRFICOS Fíbricos térricos

Soils with horizons and/or layers consisting of mineral materials
(A, Ag, Big and/or Cg horizon), with a (continuous or cumulative)
thickness of > 30 cm, within 100 cm from the soil surface.
1.1.4 ORGANOSSOLOS TIOMÓRFICOS Fíbricos típicos
Other soils that do not fit in the previous classes (this class is
typically represented by soils with a salic qualifier within 100 cm
from the soil surface).
1.2 ORGANOSSOLOS TIOMÓRFICOS Hêmicos
1.2.1 ORGANOSSOLOS TIOMÓRFICOS Hêmicos salinos

1.2.2 ORGANOSSOLOS TIOMÓRFICOS Hêmicos solódicos

1.2.3 ORGANOSSOLOS TIOMÓRFICOS Hêmicos térricos

1.2.4 ORGANOSSOLOS TIOMÓRFICOS Hêmicos típicos

1.3 ORGANOSSOLOS TIOMÓRFICOS Sápricos
1.3.1 ORGANOSSOLOS TIOMÓRFICOS Sápricos salinos

1.3.2 ORGANOSSOLOS TIOMÓRFICOS Sápricos solódicos

1.3.3 ORGANOSSOLOS TIOMÓRFICOS Sápricos térricos

1.3.4 ORGANOSSOLOS TIOMÓRFICOS Sápricos típicos
2.1 ORGANOSSOLOS FÓLICOS Fíbricos
2.1.1 ORGANOSSOLOS FÓLICOS Fíbricos fragmentários

surface.
2.1.2 ORGANOSSOLOS FÓLICOS Fíbricos líticos
2.1.3 ORGANOSSOLOS FÓLICOS Fíbricos cambissólicos
Soils with an incipient B horizon below the histic or A horizon.
2.1.4 ORGANOSSOLOS FÓLICOS Fíbricos típicos
2.2 ORGANOSSOLOS FÓLICOS Hêmicos
2.2.1 ORGANOSSOLOS FÓLICOS Hêmicos fragmentários

surface.
2.2.2 ORGANOSSOLOS FÓLICOS Hêmicos líticos
2.2.3 ORGANOSSOLOS FÓLICOS Hêmicos cambissólicos
Soils with an incipient B horizon below the histic or A horizon.

2.2.4 ORGANOSSOLOS FÓLICOS Hêmicos típicos
2.3 ORGANOSSOLOS FÓLICOS Sápricos
2.3.1 ORGANOSSOLOS FÓLICOS Sápricos fragmentários

surface.
2.3.2 ORGANOSSOLOS FÓLICOS Sápricos líticos
2.3.3 ORGANOSSOLOS FÓLICOS Sápricos cambissólicos
Soils with an incipient B horizon below the histic or A horizon

(Antonello, 1983, p. 32 and 195, profile P3).
2.3.4 ORGANOSSOLOS FÓLICOS Sápricos típicos
3.1 ORGANOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Fíbricos
3.1.1 ORGANOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Fíbricos solódicos

3.1.2 ORGANOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Fíbricos térricos

3.1.3 ORGANOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Fíbricos típicos
3.2 ORGANOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Hêmicos
3.2.1 ORGANOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Hêmicos carbonáticos

3.2.2 ORGANOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Hêmicos sódicos

3.2.3 ORGANOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Hêmicos sálicos

3.2.4 ORGANOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Hêmicos salinos

3.2.5 ORGANOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Hêmicos solódicos

3.2.6 ORGANOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Hêmicos térricos

3.2.7 ORGANOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Hêmicos típicos
3.3 ORGANOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Sápricos
3.3.1 ORGANOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Sápricos carbonáticos

3.3.2 ORGANOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Sápricos sódicos

3.3.3 ORGANOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Sápricos sálicos

3.3.4 ORGANOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Sápricos salinos

3.3.5 ORGANOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Sápricos hipocarbonáticos

solódicos térricos
Soils with hypocarbonatic and solodic qualifiers in one or more

horizons or layers within 150 cm from the soil surface and which,
additionally, have horizons and/or layers consisting of mineral
materials (A, Ag, Big and/or Cg horizons) with a thickness
(continuous or cumulative) of > 30 cm within 100 cm from the soil
surface (Palmieri; Santos, 1980, p. 283, profile GB-48).
3.3.6 ORGANOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Sápricos solódicos

3.3.7 ORGANOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Sápricos térricos

(A, Ag, Big and/or Cg horizon), with a thickness (continuous or
cumulative) of > 30 cm, within 100 cm from the soil surface
(Larach et al., 1984, v. 2, p. 707, complementary profile 137).
3.3.8 ORGANOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Sápricos típicos
Other soils that do not fit in the previous classes (Conceição,

1989, p. 163, profile PRV 2).
Chapter 15
Planossolos
Planossolos are soils composed of mineral material with an A or

E horizon followed by a planic B horizon. A planic horizon with no
sodic qualifier has no taxonomic precedence over the plinthic horizon.

(suborders)
1 PLANOSSOLOS NÁTRICOS
(Click to enlarge)
Soils with a planic horizon and: a) a sodic qualifier immediately

below an A or E horizon within 200 cm from the soil surface; or
b) a sodic qualifier in one or more horizons within 150 cm from
the soil surface, provided that the sum of exchangeable Mg2+ +
Na+ is > Ca2+ + H+ in the upper part of the B horizon (Reunião...,
1979a, profile PRJ 17; Romero et al., 2009, profile 4).
2 PLANOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS
(Click to enlarge)

groups)
1.1 PLANOSSOLOS NÁTRICOS Carbonáticos

or with a calcic horizon, both in the upper 150 cm of the soil. If
the planic B horizon occurs at a depth of > 150 cm and ≤ 200
cm, the carbonatic qualifier or calcic horizon must be immediately
below the A or E horizon (Jacomine et al., 1977-1979, v. 2, p.
871, profile 273).
1.2 PLANOSSOLOS NÁTRICOS Sálicos
Soils with a salic qualifier in one or more horizons or layers in the

upper 150 cm of the soil. If the planic B horizon occurs at a
depth of > 150 cm and ≤ 200 cm, the salic qualifier must be
immediately below the A or E horizon (Jacomine et al., 1975b, p.
279, profile 58).
1.3 PLANOSSOLOS NÁTRICOS Órticos
2.1 PLANOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Carbonáticos

or with a calcic horizon, both in the upper 150 cm of the soil. If
the planic B horizon occurs at a depth of > 150 cm and ≤ 200
cm, the carbonatic qualifier or calcic horizon must be immediately
below the A or E horizon.
2.2 PLANOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Sálicos
Soils with a salic qualifier in one or more horizons or layers in the

upper 150 cm of the soil. If the planic B horizon occurs at a
depth of > 150 cm and ≤ 200 cm, the salic qualifier must be
immediately below the A or E horizon.
2.3 PLANOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Alumínicos

Soils with an aluminic qualifier in most of the B horizon (including
BA), in the upper 150 cm of the soil. If the planic B horizon
occurs at a depth of ≥ 150 cm, most of it must be within the
upper 200 cm of the soil surface.
2.4 PLANOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Distróficos
Soils with a base saturation of < 50% in most of the B horizon

(including BA or BE) in the upper 150 cm of the soil. If the planic
B horizon occurs at a depth of > 150 cm, most of it must be
within the upper 200 cm of the soil.
2.5 PLANOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Eutróficos
Soils with a base saturation of ≥ 50% in most of the B horizon

(including BA or BE) within 150 cm from the soil surface (Lemos,
1973, p. 250, profile RS-109). If the planic B horizon occurs at a
depth of ≥ 150 cm, most part of it must be within the upper 200
cm of the soil (Lemos, 1973, p. 250, profile RS-109).

(subgroups)
1.1 PLANOSSOLOS NÁTRICOS Carbonáticos
1.1.1 PLANOSSOLOS NÁTRICOS Carbonáticos vertissólicos

Vertissolos or a vertic qualifier in one or more horizons or layers,
1.1.2 PLANOSSOLOS NÁTRICOS Carbonáticos típicos
1.2 PLANOSSOLOS NÁTRICOS Sálicos
1.2.1 PLANOSSOLOS NÁTRICOS Sálicos espessarênicos
cm and ≤ 200 cm.
1.2.2 PLANOSSOLOS NÁTRICOS Sálicos arênicos

and ≤100 cm.
1.2.3 PLANOSSOLOS NÁTRICOS Sálicos espessos
Soils with a sandy loam or finer texture in one or more horizons

from the soil surface to the upper part of the planic B horizon,
which occurs at a depth of > 100 cm and ≤ 200 cm.
1.2.4 PLANOSSOLOS NÁTRICOS Sálicos mésicos

1.2.5 PLANOSSOLOS NÁTRICOS Sálicos dúricos

Soils with a duric qualifier in one or more horizons or layers
within 150 cm from the soil surface (Reunião..., 1979a, profile
17).
1.2.6 PLANOSSOLOS NÁTRICOS Sálicos neofluvissólicos
Soils with a fluvic qualifier within 150 cm from the soil surface
(Reunião..., 1998, p. 62, profile 10).
1.2.7 PLANOSSOLOS NÁTRICOS Sálicos típicos
1.3 PLANOSSOLOS NÁTRICOS Órticos
1.3.1 PLANOSSOLOS NÁTRICOS Órticos salinos

within 150 cm from the soil surface (Jacomine et al., 1973,
profile 99).
1.3.2 PLANOSSOLOS NÁTRICOS Órticos espessarênicos
cm and ≤ 200 cm.
1.3.3 PLANOSSOLOS NÁTRICOS Órticos arênicos

and ≤100 cm (Rodrigues; Santos, 1980, profile 35).
1.3.4 PLANOSSOLOS NÁTRICOS Órticos espessos

1.3.5 PLANOSSOLOS NÁTRICOS Órticos mésicos

which occurs at a depth of ≥ 50 cm and ≤100 cm.
1.3.6 PLANOSSOLOS NÁTRICOS Órticos dúricos
Soils with a duric qualifier in one or more horizons or layers

1.3.7 PLANOSSOLOS NÁTRICOS Órticos vertissólicos

Vertissolos or a vertic qualifier in one or more horizons or layers
1.3.8 PLANOSSOLOS NÁTRICOS Órticos gleissólicos
Soils with a gley horizon within the first 50 cm or between 50 cm

and 100 cm, provided they are preceded by predominantly
grayish horizons.
1.3.9 PLANOSSOLOS NÁTRICOS Órticos plintossólicos

1.3.10 PLANOSSOLOS NÁTRICOS Órticos típicos

al., 1972-1973, profile 96).
2.1 PLANOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Carbonáticos
2.1.1 PLANOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Carbonáticos solódicos

within 150 cm from the soil surface (Jacomine et al., 1977-1979,
profile 219).
2.1.2 PLANOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Carbonáticos vertissólicos

2.1.3 PLANOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Carbonáticos típicos

al., 1977-1979, profile 197).
2.2 PLANOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Sálicos
2.2.1 PLANOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Sálicos solódicos

2.2.2 PLANOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Sálicos arênicos

and ≤100 cm.
2.2.3 PLANOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Sálicos espessos

2.2.4 PLANOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Sálicos mésicos

2.2.5 PLANOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Sálicos vertissólicos

2.2.6 PLANOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Sálicos gleissólicos

grayish horizons.
2.2.7 PLANOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Sálicos típicos
2.3 PLANOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Alumínicos
2.3.1 PLANOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Alumínicos arênicos

and ≤100 cm.
2.3.2 PLANOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Alumínicos espessos

2.3.3 PLANOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Alumínicos mésicos

which occurs at a depth of ≥ 50 cm and ≤ 100 cm.
2.3.4 PLANOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Alumínicos gleissólicos

grayish horizons.
2.3.5 PLANOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Alumínicos típicos
2.4 PLANOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Distróficos
2.4.1 PLANOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Distróficos solódicos

2.4.2 PLANOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Distróficos espessarênicos
cm and ≤ 200 cm (Rodrigues; Santos, 1980, profile 36).
2.4.3 PLANOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Distróficos arênicos

gleissólicos

and ≤100 cm and with a gley horizon within the first 50 cm or
between 50 cm and 100 cm, provided they are preceded by
predominantly grayish horizons (Reunião..., 1983, profile IIRCC-
1 RJ).
2.4.4 PLANOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Distróficos arênicos
Soils with a sandy texture from the surface to a depth of ≤ 50 cm

and ≥ 100 cm (Palmieri; Santos, 1980, profile 30).
2.4.5 PLANOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Distróficos espessos

2.4.6 PLANOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Distróficos mésicos

2.4.7 PLANOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Distróficos gleissólicos

grayish horizons.
2.4.8 PLANOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Distróficos plintossólicos

2.4.9 PLANOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Distróficos típicos
2.5 PLANOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Eutróficos
2.5.1 PLANOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Eutróficos salinos

2.5.2 PLANOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Eutróficos solódicos

profile 200).
2.5.3 PLANOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Eutróficos espessarênicos
cm and ≤ 200 cm.
2.5.4 PLANOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Eutróficos arênicos

and ≤100 cm (Jacomine et al., 1977-1979, profile 193).
2.5.5 PLANOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Eutróficos espessos

which occurs at a depth of >100 cm and ≤ 200 cm.
2.5.6 PLANOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Eutróficos mésicos

2.5.7 PLANOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Eutróficos vertissólicos

2.5.8 PLANOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Eutróficos gleissólicos

grayish horizons.
2.5.9 PLANOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Eutróficos chernossólicos

BA).
2.5.10 PLANOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Eutróficos típicos

Chapter 16
Plintossolos
Plintossolos are soils composed of mineral material, which have

a plinthic, lithoplinthic or concretionary horizon and fulfill one of the
following conditions:
a. Start within 40 cm from the surface; or

b. Start within 200 cm from the surface, when preceded by a
gley horizon or immediately below the A, E horizon or another
pale, variegated horizon or with abundant mottles.
When preceded by a pale (grayish or light yellowish) horizon or

layer, Plintossolos must have colors between the hues and chromas
defined in items (a) and (b) below, and may or may not have reddish
to yellowish mottles.
When preceded by variegated horizons or layers, at least one of

the colors must meet the conditions of items (a) and (b) defined
below.
When preceded by horizons or layers with a reddish or yellowish

matrix, the mottles must occur in abundant quantities (> 20% by
volume) and have hues and chromas as defined in items (a) and (b):
a. Hue 5Y; or
b. Hues 7.5YR, 10YR or 2.5Y with chroma ≤ 4.
(suborders)
1 PLINTOSSOLOS PÉTRICOS
(Click to enlarge)
Soils with a concretionary horizon or lithoplinthic horizon, except

when preceded by a plinthic horizon.
2 PLINTOSSOLOS ARGILÚVICOS
(Click to enlarge)
Soils with a plinthic horizon and textural B horizon or an argiluvic

qualifier.
3 PLINTOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS
(Click to enlarge)

groups)
1.1 PLINTOSSOLOS PÉTRICOS Litoplínticos
Soils with a lithoplinthic horizon in diagnostic position within 200

1.2 PLINTOSSOLOS PÉTRICOS Concrecionários
Soils with a concretionary horizon in diagnostic position within

2.1 PLINTOSSOLOS ARGILÚVICOS Alumínicos

and/or C horizons (including BA or CA) (Jacomine, 1986a, v. 1,
p. 424, profile 90).
2.2 PLINTOSSOLOS ARGILÚVICOS Distróficos
of the B and/or C horizons (including BA or CA).
2.3 PLINTOSSOLOS ARGILÚVICOS Eutróficos

3.1 PLINTOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Ácricos

3.2 PLINTOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Alumínicos

and/or C horizons (including BA or CA).
3.3 PLINTOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Distróficos
of the B and/or C horizons (including BA or CA) (Reunião...,
1995, p. 28, profile 5-ES).
3.4 PLINTOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Eutróficos


(subgroups)
1.1 PLINTOSSOLOS PÉTRICOS Litoplínticos
1.1.1 PLINTOSSOLOS PÉTRICOS Litoplínticos arênicos

and ≤100 cm.
1.1.2 PLINTOSSOLOS PÉTRICOS Litoplínticos êndicos
Soils with a lithoplinthic horizon at a depth of ≥ 40 cm from the

soil surface.
1.1.3 PLINTOSSOLOS PÉTRICOS Litoplínticos gleissólicos
Soils with a gley horizon within 150 cm from the soil surface or
down to the lithoplinthic horizon.
1.1.4 PLINTOSSOLOS PÉTRICOS Litoplínticos húmicos
Solis with a humic A horizon.
1.1.5 PLINTOSSOLOS PÉTRICOS Litoplínticos típicos
1.2 PLINTOSSOLOS PÉTRICOS Concrecionários
1.2.1 PLINTOSSOLOS PÉTRICOS Concrecionários

fragmentários

surface.
1.2.2 PLINTOSSOLOS PÉTRICOS Concrecionários líticos

leptofragmentários

1.2.4 PLINTOSSOLOS PÉTRICOS Concrecionários lépticos

1.2.5 PLINTOSSOLOS PÉTRICOS Concrecionários êutricos
Soils with a eutric qualifier in the major part of the horizons

1.2.6 PLINTOSSOLOS PÉTRICOS Concrecionários êndicos
Soils with a concretionary horizon at depths of ≥ 40 cm from the

soil surface.
1.2.7 PLINTOSSOLOS PÉTRICOS Concrecionários gleissólicos
Soils with a gley horizon within 150 cm from the soil surface.
1.2.8 PLINTOSSOLOS PÉTRICOS Concrecionários argissólicos

Soils with a textural B horizon or an argiluvic qualifier within 150
cm from the surface, coinciding or not with the concretionary
horizon.
1.2.9 PLINTOSSOLOS PÉTRICOS Concrecionários latossólicos
Soils with a latosolic B horizon within 150 cm from the soil

surface, coinciding or not with the concretionary horizon.

cambissólicos
Soils with an incipient B horizon within 150 cm from the surface,

coinciding or not with the concretionary horizon.
1.2.11 PLINTOSSOLOS PÉTRICOS Concrecionários húmicos
1.2.12 PLINTOSSOLOS PÉTRICOS Concrecionários típicos
2.1 PLINTOSSOLOS ARGILÚVICOS Alumínicos
2.1.1 PLINTOSSOLOS ARGILÚVICOS Alumínicos

espessarênicos
cm and ≤ 200 cm.
2.1.2 PLINTOSSOLOS ARGILÚVICOS Alumínicos arênicos

and ≤100 cm.
2.1.3 PLINTOSSOLOS ARGILÚVICOS Alumínicos espessos

from the soil surface to the top of the plinthic horizon, which
occurs at a depth of > 100 cm and ≤ 200 cm.
2.1.4 PLINTOSSOLOS ARGILÚVICOS Alumínicos abrúpticos
Soils with an abrupt textural change (Jacomine, 1986a, v. 1, p.

431, profile 92).
2.1.5 PLINTOSSOLOS ARGILÚVICOS Alumínicos gleissólicos

grayish horizons (Reunião..., 2017, profile RO-11).
2.1.6 PLINTOSSOLOS ARGILÚVICOS Alumínicos petroplínticos

concretionary and/or lithoplinthic horizons within 150 cm from the
soil surface.
2.1.7 PLINTOSSOLOS ARGILÚVICOS Alumínicos húmicos
Solis with humic A horizon.

2.1.8 PLINTOSSOLOS ARGILÚVICOS Alumínicos típicos
2.2 PLINTOSSOLOS ARGILÚVICOS Distróficos
2.2.1 PLINTOSSOLOS ARGILÚVICOS Distróficos solódicos

2.2.2 PLINTOSSOLOS ARGILÚVICOS Distróficos

espessarênicos
cm and ≤ 200 cm.
2.2.3 PLINTOSSOLOS ARGILÚVICOS Distróficos arênicos

and ≤100 cm.
2.2.4 PLINTOSSOLOS ARGILÚVICOS Distróficos espessos

2.2.5 PLINTOSSOLOS ARGILÚVICOS Distróficos abrúpticos
Solis with an abrupt textural change.

2.2.6 PLINTOSSOLOS ARGILÚVICOS Distróficos gleissólicos

grayish horizons.
2.2.7 PLINTOSSOLOS ARGILÚVICOS Distróficos petroplínticos

soil surface.
2.2.8 PLINTOSSOLOS ARGILÚVICOS Distróficos húmicos
2.2.9 PLINTOSSOLOS ARGILÚVICOS Distróficos típicos
2.3 PLINTOSSOLOS ARGILÚVICOS Eutróficos
2.3.1 PLINTOSSOLOS ARGILÚVICOS Eutróficos solódicos

2.3.2 PLINTOSSOLOS ARGILÚVICOS Eutróficos espessarênicos
cm and ≤ 200 cm.
2.3.3 PLINTOSSOLOS ARGILÚVICOS Eutróficos arênicos

and≤100 cm.
2.3.4 PLINTOSSOLOS ARGILÚVICOS Eutróficos espessos

occurs at depths of > 100 cm and ≤ 200 cm.
2.3.5 PLINTOSSOLOS ARGILÚVICOS Eutróficos abrúpticos
Solis with an abrupt textural change.
2.3.6 PLINTOSSOLOS ARGILÚVICOS Eutróficos gleissólicos

grayish horizons.
2.3.7 PLINTOSSOLOS ARGILÚVICOS Eutróficos petroplínticos

soil surface.
2.3.8 PLINTOSSOLOS ARGILÚVICOS Eutróficos típicos

3.1 PLINTOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Ácricos
3.1.1 PLINTOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Ácricos solódicos

3.1.2 PLINTOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Ácricos espessos

3.1.3 PLINTOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Ácricos gleissólicos húmicos
Soils with a humic A horizon and gley horizon within the first 50
cm or between 50 cm and 100 cm, provided they are preceded
by predominantly grayish horizons (Reunião..., 2017, profile RO-
15).
3.1.4 PLINTOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Ácricos petroplínticos

soil surface.
3.1.5 PLINTOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Ácricos húmicos

3.1.6 PLINTOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Ácricos típicos
3.2 PLINTOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Alumínicos
3.2.1 PLINTOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Alumínicos fragmentários

surface.
3.2.2 PLINTOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Alumínicos líticos
Soils with lithic contact within 50 cm from the soil surface.
3.2.3 PLINTOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Alumínicos leptofragmentários

3.2.4 PLINTOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Alumínicos lépticos

3.2.5 PLINTOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Alumínicos solódicos

3.2.6 PLINTOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Alumínicos petroplínticos

soil surface.
3.2.7 PLINTOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Alumínicos húmicos
3.2.8 PLINTOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Alumínicos típicos
3.3 PLINTOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Distróficos
3.3.1 PLINTOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Distróficos fragmentários

surface.
3.3.2 PLINTOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Distróficos líticos
3.3.3 PLINTOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Distróficos leptofragmentários

3.3.4 PLINTOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Distróficos lépticos

3.3.5 PLINTOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Distróficos solódicos

3.3.6 PLINTOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Distróficos espessos

3.3.7 PLINTOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Distróficos petroplínticos

soil surface.
3.3.8 PLINTOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Distróficos húmicos
3.3.9 PLINTOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Distróficos típicos
3.4 PLINTOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Eutróficos

3.4.1 PLINTOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Eutróficos fragmentários

surface.
3.4.2 PLINTOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Eutróficos líticos
3.4.3 PLINTOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Eutróficos leptofragmentários

3.4.4 PLINTOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Eutróficos lépticos

3.4.5 PLINTOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Eutróficos solódicos

3.4.6 PLINTOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Eutróficos espessos

3.4.7 PLINTOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Eutróficos petroplínticos

soil surface.
3.4.8 PLINTOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Eutróficos típicos

Chapter 17
Vertissolos
Vertissolos are soils composed of mineral material with a vertic

horizon that begins within 100 cm from the surface and with an
insufficient textural ratio to characterize a textural B horizon. In
addition, they must meet the following requirements:
a. Clay content, after mixture and homogenization of the soil

material, in the upper 20 cm, of ≥ 300 g kg-1 soil;
b. Vertical cracks in the dry period at least 1 cm wide, starting
at the soil surface and reaching a depth of ≥ 50 cm, except in
the case of shallow soils, with a depth of ≥ 30 cm;
c. Absence of material with a fragmentary lithic or lithic contact,
petrocalcic horizon or duripan within the first 30 cm from the
soil surface;
cracks), the coefficient of linear expansion (COLE) must be ≥
0.06 or the linear extensibility must be ≥ 6 cm; and
e. Absence of any type of diagnostic B horizon above the vertic
horizon.

(suborders)
1 VERTISSOLOS HIDROMÓRFICOS
(Click to enlarge)

grayish horizons.
2 VERTISSOLOS EBÂNICOS
(Click to enlarge)
Soils with an ebanic qualifier in most of the B and/or C horizons
(including BA or CA) within 100 cm from the soil surface.
3 VERTISSOLOS HÁPLICOS
(Click to enlarge)

groups)
1.1 VERTISSOLOS HIDROMÓRFICOS Carbonáticos

1.2 VERTISSOLOS HIDROMÓRFICOS Sódicos

1.3 VERTISSOLOS HIDROMÓRFICOS Sálicos

100 cm from the soil surface (Jacomine et al., 1971, p. 311,
profile 38).
1.4 VERTISSOLOS HIDROMÓRFICOS Órticos
2.1 VERTISSOLOS EBÂNICOS Carbonáticos

(Freitas et al., 1971, p. 560, profile 111).
2.2 VERTISSOLOS EBÂNICOS Sódicos

2.3 VERTISSOLOS EBÂNICOS Órticos
3.1 VERTISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Carbonáticos

or with calcic horizon, both within 100 cm from the soil surface.
3.2 VERTISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Sódicos

3.3 VERTISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Sálicos

100 cm from the soil surface
3.4 VERTISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Órticos

(subgroups)
1.1 VERTISSOLOS HIDROMÓRFICOS Carbonáticos
1.1.1 VERTISSOLOS HIDROMÓRFICOS Carbonáticos solódicos

1.1.2 VERTISSOLOS HIDROMÓRFICOS Carbonáticos típicos

1.2 VERTISSOLOS HIDROMÓRFICOS Sódicos
1.2.1 VERTISSOLOS HIDROMÓRFICOS Sódicos salinos

v. 2, p. 842, profile 261).
1.2.2 VERTISSOLOS HIDROMÓRFICOS Sódicos típicos
1975a, p. 343, profile 57).
1.3 VERTISSOLOS HIDROMÓRFICOS Sálicos
1.3.1 VERTISSOLOS HIDROMÓRFICOS Sálicos solódicos

1.3.2 VERTISSOLOS HIDROMÓRFICOS Sálicos típicos
1971, p. 311, profile 38; Jacomine, 1986a, v. 2, p. 581, profile
132).
1.4 VERTISSOLOS HIDROMÓRFICOS Órticos
1.4.1 VERTISSOLOS HIDROMÓRFICOS Órticos solódicos

1.4.2 VERTISSOLOS HIDROMÓRFICOS Órticos chernossólicos
1.4.3 VERTISSOLOS HIDROMÓRFICOS Órticos típicos
2.1 VERTISSOLOS EBÂNICOS Carbonáticos
2.1.1 VERTISSOLOS EBÂNICOS Carbonáticos chernossólicos
2.1.2 VERTISSOLOS EBÂNICOS Carbonáticos típicos
2.2 VERTISSOLOS EBÂNICOS Sódicos
2.2.1 VERTISSOLOS EBÂNICOS Sódicos salinos

v. 2, p. 842, profile 261).
2.2.2 VERTISSOLOS EBÂNICOS Sódicos típicos

2.3 VERTISSOLOS EBÂNICOS Órticos
2.3.1 VERTISSOLOS EBÂNICOS Órticos solódicos

v. 2, p. 246, profile 77).
2.3.2 VERTISSOLOS EBÂNICOS Órticos gleissólicos
2.3.3 VERTISSOLOS EBÂNICOS Órticos chernossólicos
2.3.4 VERTISSOLOS EBÂNICOS Órticos típicos
Other soils that do not fit in the previous classes (Jacomine,

1986b, v. 2, p. 456, profile 98).
3.1 VERTISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Carbonáticos
3.1.1 VERTISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Carbonáticos fragmentários

surface.
3.1.2 VERTISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Carbonáticos líticos

3.1.3 VERTISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Carbonáticos solódicos

3.1.4 VERTISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Carbonáticos gleissólicos
3.1.5 VERTISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Carbonáticos chernossólicos
3.1.6 VERTISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Carbonáticos típicos
3.2 VERTISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Sódicos
3.2.1 VERTISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Sódicos fragmentários

surface.
3.2.2 VERTISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Sódicos líticos

3.2.3 VERTISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Sódicos salinos

3.2.4 VERTISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Sódicos gleissólicos
3.2.5 VERTISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Sódicos típicos
3.3 VERTISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Sálicos
3.3.1 VERTISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Sálicos fragmentários

surface.
3.3.2 VERTISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Sálicos líticos
3.3.3 VERTISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Sálicos solódicos

3.3.4 VERTISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Sálicos gleissólicos

3.3.5 VERTISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Sálicos típicos
3.4 VERTISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Órticos
3.4.1 VERTISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Órticos fragmentários

surface.
3.4.2 VERTISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Órticos líticos
3.4.3 VERTISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Órticos salinos

3.4.4 VERTISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Órticos hipocarbonáticos

solódicos
Soils with solodic and hypocarbonatic qualifiers, both in one or

more horizons or layers within 150 cm from the soil surface
(Romero et al., 2009, profile 5).
3.4.5 VERTISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Órticos hipocarbonáticos

chernossólicos
Soils with a chernozemic A horizon and a hypocarbonatic qualifier
in one or more horizons or layers within 150 cm from the soil
surface (Reunião..., 2010a, profile AC - P07).
3.4.6 VERTISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Órticos solódicos

3.4.7 VERTISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Órticos gleissólicos
3.4.8 VERTISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Órticos chernossólicos.
3.4.9 VERTISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Órticos típicos

1998, p. 68, profile 11).
Chapter 18
Provisional definitions for the

5th and 6th categorical levels
(families and series)
The 5th and 6th categorical levels are used for pragmatic
applications. The differential characteristics and properties related to
land use and soil management for various purposes should be
prioritized for classification at these two categorical levels.

Listed below are the characteristics/properties to classify soils at
the 5th categorical level, to be used when pertinent, i.e., if required
by the classes of the 4th level, be it by complementing information of
the higher categorical levels, be it by adding new information relevant
for utilitarian purposes.
It is worth emphasizing that the use of the classes at the 5th

categorical level is not mandatory and that not all
characteristics/properties are applicable to all soil classes. Their use
should be defined by the peculiarities of the soil surveys whenever
data are available or the analyses are necessary. In the soil
classification, the characteristics identifying the 5th categorical level
should be added after the designation of the 4th categorical level and
separated from the 4th level properties and each other by a comma.
Mineral soils
For soils of mineral constitution, the following differential
characteristics are used:
Textural group
Textural subgroup.
Gravel distribution in the profile.
Skeletal soil constitution.
Type of diagnostic surface horizon.
Prefixes epi-, meso- and endo-.
Base saturation.
Aluminum saturation.
Mineralogy.
Subgroup of the clay fraction activity.
Iron oxide content.
Andic properties.
Textural group
The textural group should be generally used in soil surveys or
related work to differentiate all soil classes at the 5th categorical
level (see Chapter 1, Textural grouping), except in the case of
Neossolos Quartzarênicos. If more detailed information is required,
the textural subgroups (described below) can be used instead of the
groups.
41
Textural subgroup
When more detailed information is required, the textural
subgroup is used instead of the textural group.
A textural subgroup can be used instead of the textural group in

the classes of Espodossolos, Latossolos psamíticos, Neossolos
Flúvicos Psamíticos, Neossolos Regolíticos, Neossolos
Quartzarênicos, as well as for the classes arênicos and
espessarênicos of the 4th categorical level (used for Argissolos,
Luvissolos, Planossolos and Plintossolos).
It can also be used for soil classes with a sandy and/or loamy
texture (in simple, binary or ternary notation).
Textural subgroups are divided according to the following criteria

(guide in Figure 1):
Sand texture – comprises the textural class sand.

Loamy sand texture – comprises the textural class loamy
sand.
Sandy loam texture – comprises the textural class sandy
loam, with > 520 g kg-1 sand.
Clay loam texture – comprises the textural class sandy clay
loam.
Silty loam texture – particle size composition with < 350 g
kg-1 clay and > 150 g kg-1 sand, excluding the textural
classes sand, loamy sand, sandy clay loam and sandy loam,
with > 520 g kg-1 sand.
Silty texture – particle size composition with < 350 g kg-1
clay and < 150 g kg-1 sand.
Clay texture – particle size composition with ≥ 350 g kg-1 to
≤ 600 g kg-1 clay.
Very fine clayey texture – particle size composition with >
600 g kg-1 clay.
Figure 1. Guide of textural class subgroups.
In soils with different classes of textural subgroups in depth, the

control section that defines the soil class at the categorical level of
order should be considered, admitting at most a ternary notation.
Gravel distribution in the profile

The gravel distribution in the profile should be taken into account
for all classes with a gravel content of > 80 g kg-1, complementary to
the textural group or subgroup.
The following classes should be used: slightly gravelly, gravelly

and very gravelly, as defined in Chapter 1 (Gravel distribution in the
profile).
Skeletal soil constitution

The term "skeletal" should be used immediately after the textural
group or subgroup, for example, "loamy skeletal texture", according
to the criteria listed in Chapter 1 (Skeletal soil constitution).
Type of diagnostic surface horizon

Diagnostic surface horizons should be used for all soil classes,
except when already considered at a higher categorical level.
See definitions in Chapter 2 (Diagnostic surface horizons).
Prefixes epi-, meso- and endo-

The prefixes epi-, meso- and endo- must be added to indicate
the depth of occurrence of some attributes, except when already
indicated at a higher categorical level.
The prefix epi- is used to designate an attribute that occurs in the

surface and/or within the soil, to a maximum depth of 50 cm.
Examples: "epiconcretionary", "epilithoplinthic", "episaprolithic",
"epialic", "epieutrophic".
The prefix meso- is used to designate an attribute within 50 to

100 cm from the soil surface. The occurrence in the section can be
continuous or interspersed, but should be > 50 cm below the soil
surface. Examples: "mesoconcretionary", "mesolithoplinthic",
"mesosaprolithic", "mesoaluminic", "mesocarbonatic", "mesosalic",
"mesosaline", "mesosodic", "mesothiomorphic".
The prefix endo- is used to indicate an attribute that occurs

below > 100 cm. The respective attribute can occur in a continuous
section or interspersed, but deeper than 100 cm below the soil
surface. Examples: "endoconcretionary", "endolithoplinthic",
"endosaprolithic", "endolithic", "endoaluminic", "endocarbonatic",
"endosalic", "endosaline", " endosodic", "endothiomorphic".
In view of the peculiarities of the study area, land use and soil
management, other soil attributes may be incorporated and/or the
control section proposed here may be adapted. In these cases, the
changes should be described in the study methodology.
Base saturation
Base saturation is used for all soil classes, except when already
considered at a higher categorical level. Wherever appropriate, it is
advised to use the prefixes epi-, meso- and endo-, as defined above.
Aluminum saturation
The term "alic" is used when the aluminum saturation [(100 Al+3/
(S + Al+3)] is ≥ 50% and the extractable aluminum content > 0.5
cmolc kg-1 soil.
The term "alic" should be applied to designate the class whose

aluminic qualifier was not expressed at a higher categorical level.
Wherever appropriate, it is advised to use the prefixes epi-, meso-
and endo-, as defined above.
Mineralogy
Mineralogy corresponds to the characterization and quantification
of the mineralogical composition of the sand (coarse and fine), silt
and clay fractions.
The mineralogical characterization is defined by the

predominance of the mineral constituents of the soil, based on the
terms and definitions below:
a. In the sand fraction (diameter ≥ 0.05–2 mm), mainly of soils

with a loamy and sandy texture, if at least semiquantitative
mineralogical data are available, the following terms may be
used to emphasize information about predominance of easily
or not easily alterable minerals.
1. Micaceous – presence of mica in quantities of ≥ 15% of
the soil volume.
2. Amphibolitic – presence of amphiboles in quantities of ≥
15% of the soil volume.
3. Feldspathic – presence of feldspars in quantities of ≥
15% of the soil volume.
Thus, the mineralogical qualifier should be set in parentheses

before the textural group or subgroup, whenever pertinent, for
example: (micaceous) loamy texture, (feldspathic) loamy /clayey
texture.
A mineralogical qualifier can be used for Cambissolos,

Chernossolos, Gleissolos, Luvissolos, Neossolos (excepting
Neossolos Quartzarênicos), Nitossolos, Planossolos, Plintossolos and
Vertissolos.
b. The following qualifiers should be used for the < 0.002 mm
fractions (clay minerals) of Latossolos, if the information is
available:
1. Kaolinitic – with predominance of clay minerals of the
kaolinite group. The following reference values of Ki and
Kr (Resende; Santana, 1988) are used for the classes:
Kaolinitic – Ki > 0.75 and Kr > 0.75.
Oxidic-kaolinitic – Ki > 0.75 and Kr ≤ 0.75.
2. Gibbsitic – with predominance of gibbsite. The following

Ki and Kr values are used as reference (Kämpf et al.,
1988; Ker, 1995):
Oxidic-gibbsitic – Ki and Kr ≤ 0.75 ≤ 0.75.
3. Oxidic – with predominance of iron and aluminum oxides

(Kr ≤ 0.75), which can be subdivided in hemathitic and
goethitic.
If at least semiquantitative data about clay mineralogy are

available, the terms above may also be used for Argissolos,
Cambissolos and Plintossolos.
42
Subgroup of clay fraction activity
This criterion can be applied to classes in which the subsequent
separation of the clay activity is relevant, even to those which, by
definition, have a low (Latossolos) or high (Chernossolos, Luvissolos
and Vertissolos) activity clay.
The following classes should be used:
Very low activity clay (Tvl): < 8 cmolc kg-1 clay.

Moderately low activity clay (Tml): between 8 cmolc kg-1 and
< 17 cmolc kg-1 clay.
Medium activity clay (Tm): between 17 cmolc kg-1 and < 27
cmolc kg-1 clay.
Moderately high activity clay (Tmh): between 27 cmolc kg-1
and < 40 cmolc kg-1 clay.
Very high activity clay (Tvh): ≥ 40 cmolc kg-1 clay.
This characteristic should be considered in the major part of the

B horizon (including BA) or in the C horizon (including CA), when there
is no B, within the control section that defines the class. The
appropriate symbol to define the clay activity subgroup should be
used in the soil classification. This criterion is not applied to soils of
the texture classes sand and loamy sand.
Iron oxide content

The iron oxide content must be applied in the designation of
classes in which this qualifier was not considered previously for
separation at a higher categorical level. Therefore, it can be used for
the classes Argissolos, Cambissolos, Chernossolos, Latossolos,
Neossolos Litólicos, Neossolos Regolíticos, Nitossolos and
Plintossolos.
See definitions in Chapter 1 (Iron oxide content).
Andic properties
The term "andic" should be applied in the designation of the
classes in which this property occurs. It can be used for Cambissolos
Hísticos and Organossolos Fólicos.
See definitions in Chapter 1 (Andic properties).
Organossolos
These soils are discriminated by the nature and texture of the
material underlying the organic material such as sand, silt, clay and
origin of sediments. If the underlying material within the control
section has a mineral constitution, the differential characteristics of
mineral soils can be applied.
At this taxonomic level, the Organossolos with > 100 cm organic

material from the surface are also worth mentioning.
Another relevant characteristic is the presence of branches and

parts of tree trunks in the soil profile, resulting in a high subsidence
potential and in mechanical barriers against agricultural practices. In
this case, the proportion of this material must be identified in relation
to the volume of the horizon of occurrence, distinguishing the classes
woody, very woody and extremely woody, as similarly used to
characterize stoniness classes.

The 6th categorical level is still being discussed. The
characteristics/properties that will be applied in the soil classification
must be directly related to plant growth, concerning mainly the root
system development, the soil-water-plant relationships and relevant
properties for interpretations in the fields of geotechnics and
engineering. Differences between characteristics and properties
within a family that affect land use and management should be taken
into consideration in the determination of the 6th level, to facilitate
quantitative interpretations for these purposes, be it for agricultural or
non-agricultural uses.
Although conceptually still undefined, some

characteristics/properties are suggested below to differentiate the
classes at the 6th categorical level.
Mineral soils
In soils with a mineral constitution, the following characteristics
and properties can be used for the 6th level:
Type, thickness and sequence of the horizons.

Structure.
Color, mottles.
Profile internal drainage (Appendix B).
Texture (textural class of surface and subsurface horizons).
Consistence.
Special pedogenetic characteristics or properties defined by
land use, such as compaction and dense layers of natural
origin.
Organic matter content.
Percentage of rock fragments in the soil.
Proportional relationship between certain components (for
example, proportion of coarse to fine sand, of very fine to fine
sand), determining differences in porosity and water
retention.
Attributes related to the availability of air and water in the soil
43
.
44
Organossolos
In the establishment and definition of the lower categorical levels
of the order of Organossolos, mainly, it is suggested to consider the
thickness, classes of decomposition degree and fiber content
(Appendix D) of the organic horizons and/or layers, the presence of
groundwater in relation to the soil surface, depth of occurrence and
thickness of the mineral substrate in the control section of the class,
and the abundance of occurrence of plant parts or fragments (> 2
cm). Valladares et al. (2003) and Fontana et al. (2011) suggested
attributes related to the distribution of humic fractions of the soil
organic matter as differential characteristics of Organossolos.
For this class, it is important to develop methods and identify

attributes that allow an evaluation of the subsidence potential of soil
under agricultural management or for purposes of engineering and
geotechnics, in particular due to the practice of draining.
Notes

(43) Classes based on physical-hydric soil attributes, with specific nomenclature, were
proposed (Ottoni Filho, 2003; Macedo et al., 2005).
(44) Classes of Organossolos, based on the distribution of the soil organic matter fractions:
humic acid, fulvic acid and humin, were proposed (Valladares, 2003).
Chapter 19
Distinctive criteria of phases of

mapping units
The phases are used for an even more homogeneous subdivision

of the soil classes, and they reflect conditions that directly or
indirectly influence the soil pattern and qualities.
The phases most commonly used in soil surveys in Brazil are,

according to Carvalho et al. (1988) and IBGE (2015):
Soil phases and conditions indicated by the

primary vegetation
It is known that the primary vegetation is strongly related to
climate and soil properties. Comparisons between climate and
phytogeographic divisions (hydric and thermal indices versus
vegetation types) reveal the existence of relations among vegetation
and certain soil-climatic conditions, in particular with regard to the
hydric and thermal regimes and natural soil fertility (eutrophy and
oligotrophy).
In view of the lack of soil climate data, mainly of hydric and

thermal data, to make possible inferences about seasonal variations
of soil moisture, the vegetation phases are used, since the primary
vegetation reflects the predominant climatic differences associated
with the diverse soil conditions. Admittedly, apart from the
pedogenetic significance, these distinctions result in broad ecological
implications, allowing for the establishment of relationships between
soil units and their agricultural and ecological suitability, thereby
increasing the practical utility of soil surveys.
Currently, Embrapa Soils recognizes the following vegetation

types, which indicate hydric and thermal conditions and oligotrophy of
soils:
Equatorial forest
Perhumid evergreen rain forest.
45 46
Evergreen rain forest .
45 46
Semi-evergreen .
45
Semideciduous .
Hydrophilous floodplain.
Hygrophilous floodplain.
Tropical forest
47
Perhumid evergreen rain forest .
47
47
Semi-evergreen .
47
Deciduous .
48
Hygrophilous floodplain .
Subtropical forest
46
Perhumid evergreen rain forest .
46
Semi-evergreen.
Semideciduous (tree-shrub formation under subhumid
conditions).
Hygrophilous floodplain.
Restinga vegetation (sand bars and coastal sand

plains psammophilous vegetation)
Non-hydrophilous restinga forest.
Hydrophilous restinga forest.
Shrub restinga and grassland restinga.
Cerrado vegetation (Brazilian savannah)

Semi-evergreen equatorial cerrado.
Equatorial cerrado grassland.
Equatorial palm swamp.
Semi-evergreen tropical cerrado.
Semideciduous tropical cerrado.
Deciduous tropical cerrado.
Tropical cerrado grassland.
Semi-evergreen tropical woodland cerrado.
Semideciduous tropical woodland cerrado.
Tropical palm swamp.
Caatinga vegetation (deciduous thorn scrub-land)

49
Hypoxerophylous .
Hyperxerophilous.
Pantanal complex.
Grassland vegetation
50
Equatorial grassland .
Hydrophilic equatorial floodplain grassland.
Hygrophilous equatorial floodplain grassland.
50
Tropical grassland .
Hydrophilic tropical floodplain grassland.
Hygrophilous tropical floodplain grassland.
Subtropical perhumid grassland (high-montane vegetation).
Humid subtropical grassland.
Subhumid subtropical grassland.Hydrophilic subtropical
floodplain grassland.
Hygrophilous subtropical floodplain grassland.
Xerophytic grassland.
Hydrophilic grassland of sources/springs.
Other formations
Riparian forest of carnauba palm.
Beach and dune formations.
Halophytic formations.
Mangrove.
Rupicolous formations.
Relief phases
These phases are characterized by the slope gradient and length
and shape of the terrain surface, affecting the geomorphical
(topographical) forms in the soil unit areas.
The distinctions are used to provide information about the

feasibility of agricultural practices, especially motorized equipment,
and inferences about soil erosion susceptibility.
The following relief classes are recognized:
Nearly level (flat) – leveled or horizontal surface topography,

with only minor unevenness, with slopes varying from 0% to
3%.
Gently undulating – slightly hilly surface topography,
constituted by a range of hillocks and/or knolls (elevations of
relative altitudes of ≤ 50 m and 50-100 m, respectively), with
gentle slopes, predominantly from 3% to 8%.
Undulating – hilly surface topography, consisting of a range
of hillocks and/or knolls with moderate slopes, predominantly
from 8% to 20%.
Strongly undulating – very hilly surface topography, formed
by knolls and/or hills (elevations of relative altitudes of 50–
100 m and 100–200 m, respectively) and rarely hillocks, with
steep slopes, predominantly from 20% to 45%.
Mountainous – steep surface topography, with
predominance of rugged shapes, usually consisting of hills,
mountains, mountain massifs and mountainous chains, with
steep and very steep slopes, predominantly from 45% to
75%.
Rugged – areas with predominance of abrupt shapes,
including very steep hillsides and scarps, such as: bluffs,
precipices (so-called "itaimbés"), scarp slopes of cuestas,
cliffs, very steep slopes, usually with declivity > 75%.
Stony phases
These phases characterize areas with pronounced quantities of
gravel (diameter 2–20 cm) and boulders (diameter 20–100 cm) in the
soil surface or subsurface, interfering with land use, especially with
regard to mechanical practices and tillage for agriculture, i.e.
containing 3% or more of the said macroclastic material. This
quantification comprises the stony classes called stony, very stony
and extremely stony, as indicated in item 2.7 of Reunião... (1979b)
and by Santos et al. (2015).
Different stony phases are identified, according to the position of

occurrence of gravel and boulders, to a soil depth of 150 cm or to a
lithic or fragmentary lithic contact occurring to a depth of < 150 cm.
They are divided into:
Stony phase
The soil contains gravel and/or boulders along the entire profile
or on the surface of the upper horizon(s) and to a depth of > 40 cm.
Surface stony phase

The soil contains gravel and/or boulders at the surface and/or
within the soil to a maximum depth of 40 cm. Soils with a stony
pavement that cannot be easily removed are also included in this
phase.
Subsurface stony phase
The soil contains gravel and/or boulders at depths > 40 cm. This
phase includes soils with an interspersed stony section as well as
those with continuous stoniness in depth, but at depths of > 40 cm
below the soil surface.
Rocky phases
Rocky phases refer to the exposure, at the surface or in the soil
mass, of rocky substrate, rock slabs, areas of very shallow soil on
top of the rock and/or predominance of boulders with an average
diameter of > 100 cm in such quantities that the use of machinery for
agriculture becomes impracticable.
The rocky phase will be identified in soil(s) with the following

rocky classes: rocky, very rocky and extremely rocky, according to
the description in item 2.8 of Reunião... (1979b) and by Santos et al.
(2015).
Occasionally, it is necessary to combine the stony with the rocky

classes. In these cases, the influence of both conditions on land use
has to be considered.
Eroded phase
In soils with a strong, very strong and extremely strong erosion
class, the eroded phase will be identified according to the description
in item 2.6 of Reunião... (1979b) and Santos et al. (2015).
Substrate phase
The substrate phase refers to the nature of the rock that
constitutes the substrate at the profile location. It is used for the
classes Cambissolos (except Cambissolos Flúvicos), Neossolos
Litólicos and Neossolos Regolíticos to complement information with
relation to the attributes inherited from the parent material. This
phase is also of interest for geotechnical soil uses.
Notes
(45) Dicot-palm forest (babassu palm), when appropriate.

(46) Distinguish high-montane, when appropriate.
(47) Floodplain, when appropriate.
(48) In the case of "campinaranas" (white-sand forest), add specification.
(49) In the case of "grameal" (densely interweaved thin 4-8 m high shrubs), add specification.
(50) Distinguish high-montane, where appropriate.
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Appendices
Appendix A
Classes of soil depth
The soil depth classes are characterized by the terms "shallow",
"fairly deep", "deep" and "very deep". This wording is used to
designate conditions of soils in which a lithic or fragmentary lithic
contact occurs within the limits specified in Table 1.

Table 1. Classes of soil depth.
Class Depth
Shallow ≤ 50 cm
Fairly deep ˃ 50 cm and ≤ 100 cm
Deep ˃ 100 cm and ≤ 200 cm
Very deep ˃ 200 cm
The terms used to describe the soil depth classes are

designations applied to generalized descriptions of soils. Such
designations shall not be used as qualifying in the differentiating
characteristics of a taxon.
Appendix B
Drainage classes
The drainage classes refer to the quantity and speed at which
the received water infiltrates into the soil and/or runs off, affecting the
soil water conditions – the length of the period during which the soil
remains moist, wet or soaked.
According to the criteria derived from Soil Survey Manual (United

States, 1951; 1993) and implemented in Súmula... (Reunião
Técnica..., 1979) and in the Manual de Descrição e Coleta de Solo
no Campo (Santos et al., 2015), the distinguished drainage classes
are assigned according to the following specifications:
Excessively drained – water is removed from the soil very

quickly; the soil material has high porosity and permeability,
with a commonly sandy soil texture in this drainage class.
Strongly drained – water is removed quickly from the
profile; highly porous and permeable soils, as those of loamy
and sandy texture, belong to this drainage class.
Intensely drained – water is removed quickly from the
profile; the soils of this drainage class usually have a loamy
or clayey texture, but are always very porous and permeable.
Well drained – water is readily removed from the soil, but
not quickly; the soils of this drainage class commonly have a
loamy or clayey texture, normally without mottles due to
oxidation-reduction processes. However, if present, the
mottles occur in depth, at > 150 cm below the soil surface
and also at > 30 cm below the top of the B or C, if there is no
B horizon.
Moderately drained –water is drained from the soil
somewhat slowly, so that the profile remains moist for a short
but significant part of the year. The soils of this drainage
class commonly have a slowly permeable layer in the solum
or immediately below it. The water table is immediately below
the solum or affects the lower part of the B horizon, by
adding water by means of internal lateral translocation, or
some combination of these conditions. These soils may
contain some mottle, due to oxidation and reduction
processes at the lower part of the B horizon or on its top,
associated with the textural difference between the A and B
horizons, which may result in the manifestation of redoxic
qualifier.
Imperfectly drained – water is drained slowly from the soil,
which remains moist during a significant period, but not for
most part of the year. The soils of this drainage class
commonly have a slowly permeable layer in the solum, a high
water table, water input from internal lateral translocation, or
some combination of these conditions. Usually they have
some mottles, due to oxidation and reduction processes in
the profile, with visible signs of gleization in the deeper
horizons.
Poorly drained – water is drained from the profile so slowly
that it remains moist for a large part of the year. The water
table is commonly levelled with or near the surface during a
considerable part of the year. The conditions of poor
drainage are due to a high water table, slowly permeable
layer in the profile, water input from internal lateral
translocation, or some combination of these conditions. The
occurrence of mottles and gleization characteristics in the
profile are frequent..
Very poorly drained – water is removed from the profile so
slowly that the water table remains on the surface or near it
during the greater part of the year. Soils of this drainage
classes usually occupy flat areas or depressions, with
frequent water stagnation. In these soils, characteristics of
gleization are common and/or at least superficial
accumulation of organic matter, commonly with a histic
horizon.
Appendix C
Classes of soil reaction
These classes differentiate the acidity or alkalinity status of the
soil material.
Based on the criteria adopted by Embrapa Soils, the different

classes are characterized according to the specifications in Table 1.

Table 1. Specifications of soil reaction classes.
Class pH (soil/water 1:2.5)
Extremely acidic < 4.3
Strongly acidic 4.3 – 5.3
Moderately acidic 5.4 – 6.5
Practically neutral 6.6 – 7.3
Moderately alkaline 7.4 – 8.3
Strongly alkaline ˃ 8.3

Appendix D
Methods of soil analyses adopted by Embrapa Soils
The analytical methods described below are based on the
Manual de Métodos de Análise de Solo (Claessen, 1997; Teixeira et
al., 2017).
The analyses are performed in the air-dried fine earth fraction

(ADFE) of the prepared soil samples. However, the results for the
samples are multiplied by the respective moisture factors to express
the values at 105 °C (oven-dried fine earth – ODFE). Exceptions to
the determinations and expression of the results are: pebbles and
gravels; fine earth; bulk density; porosity calculation; electrical
conductivity in the saturation extract; mineralogy of pebbles, gravel,
coarse sand, fine sand and clay; CaCO3 equivalent, when determined
in the total sample (fine earth + gravels + pebbles); organic carbon,
when determined in the total sample, indicated for horizons with
organic constitution (O, H); and, occasionally, pH of material under
natural moisture conditions, without desiccation, indicated for soils
with the presence of tiomorphism.
Fraction > 2 mm (gravels and pebbles) and < 2 mm (fine

earth) – prepared by drying of the total sample, crushing with
a wooden mallet, sieving through sieve with round holes
(diameter 2 mm); percentage by weight by gravimetric
determination.
Particle-size composition of the fine earth (fraction < 2
mm) – dispersion with NaOH or, occasionally, sodium
hexametaphosphate, high rotation shaking, sedimentation,
clay determined by densimetry in the supernatant, coarse
sand and fine sand separated by sieving and silt calculated
by the difference; in the case of samples relatively rich in
carbonates and soluble salts or organic matter, pre-
treatments are applied.
Water-dispersible clay – procedures as in the above
method, without the dispersing agent.
Flocculation degree – calculation based on the percentage
of clay and of water-dispersible clay, determined as
described above.
Bulk density – measured by the method of volumetric
cylinder (100 cm3, of the graduated cylinder or of paraffin-
coated clods.
Particle density – volumetric flask method with ethyl alcohol.
Total porosity – calculation based on the soil bulk and
particle densities.
Soil water retention by the pressure plate apparatus and
the Richards chamber methods – determined in samples
collected in metallic cylinders, saturated by capillarity at
ambient temperature, weighed and placed in a pressure plate
apparatus or Richards chamber at different potentials.
pH in H2O and in KCl 1 mol L-1 – measurement through
combined electrode immersed in soil:liquid suspension (water,
KCl) at a ratio of 1:2.5.
Exchangeable cations – Al3+, Ca2+ and Mg2+ extracted with
1 mol L-1 KCl. Exchangeable Al3+ is determined volumetrically
with a diluted NaOH solution. Ca2+ and Mg2+ are determined
by complexometry or by atomic absorption
spectrophotometry and K+ and Na+ extracted with Mehlich-1
solution and subsequent determination by flame
spectrophotometry. When necessary in these measurements
of extractable bases, the quantity contained in soluble salts
ought to be deducted to obtain the values of exchangeable
bases.
Sum of bases (S value) – calculation of the sum of
exchangeable cations Ca2+, Mg2+, K+ and Na+ resulting from
the previous determinations.
Potential acidity – extracted with calcium acetate buffered
to pH 7.0 and volumetric determination with NaOH solution,
with phenolphthalein as indicator.
Effective Cation Exchange Capacity – calculation of the
sum of exchangeable cations (Ca2+ + Mg2+ + K+ + Na+ +
Al3+) of the previous determinations.
Cation exchange capacity (T value) – determined by the
sum of the S value and the potential acidity (H+ + Al3+) of the
previous determinations.
Percentage of base saturation (V value) – calculation of
the proportion of the total CEC (T value) on account of the
exchangeable cations Ca2+ + Mg2+ + K+ + Na+.
Percentage of aluminum saturation (m) – calculation of the
proportion of exchangeable aluminum in relation to
concentrations of exchangeable cations (Ca2+ + Mg2+ + K+ +
Na+ + Al3+) in the CEC of the soil, according to previous
determinations, by the expression: [Al3+/Al3+ + S] x 100.
Percentage of sodium saturation – calculation of the
proportion of exchangeable sodium in relation to the total
cation exchange capacity, according to previous
determinations.
Available phosphorus – extracted with Mehlich-1 extractor
solution (0.05 mol L-1 HCl + 0.0125 mol L-1 H2SO4) and
determined by spectrophotometry.
Organic carbon – wet oxidation with 0.0667 mol L-1 K2Cr2O7
and titration by 0.05 mol L-1 Fe(NH4)2(SO4)2.6H2O, using
diphenylamine as indicator.
Total nitrogen (Kjeldahl method) – the nitrogen of the
organic matter is mineralized to ammonia (NH4+) by oxidation
with sulfuric acid at high temperature, in the presence of
catalysts.
Sulfuric acid digestion – boiling of the fine earth fraction
51 51
with 1:1 diluted H2SO4 solution for: 1) iron and aluminum
extraction from the filtrate determined by complexometry or
by atomic absorption spectrometry, and expressed in the
51
form of Fe2O3 and Al2O3; proceed to titanium extraction
also from the filtrate (determined colorimetrically or by atomic
51
absorption), manganese (determined by atomic absorption
51
or ICP-OES) and phosphorus (determined colorimetrically),
expressing the results in the form of TiO2, MnO and P2O5;
51
and 2) silica extraction from the residue of sulfuric acid
digestion, with 30% NaOH, determined colorimetrically and
expressed in the form of SiO2.
Molecular ratios SiO2/Al2O3 (Ki index), SiO2/Al2O3 + Fe2O3
52
(Kr index) and Al2O3/Fe2O3 – calculations based on the
above determinations.
Dithionite-extractable iron ("free") – extracted with
dithionite-citrate-bicarbonate (DCB) and determined by
atomic absorption spectrophotometry or ICP-OES. Value
expressed in the form of Fe2O3 or Fe, the latter of which is
commonly represented by the symbol Fed.
Water percentage in the saturation paste extract –
calculation of the percentage of water saturation contained in
a pasty extract produced from a fine earth fraction sample.
Electrical conductivity in the saturation extract –
preparation of saturated paste extract by filtration and
determination by conductometry.
Soluble salts in the saturation extract – soluble Ca2+ and
Mg2+ are determined by atomic absorption spectroscopy and
ICP-OES; K+ and Na+ by flame photometry, both in the diluted
saturation extracts; CO32- and HCO3- determined by
acidimetry with H2SO4; Cl- determined by volumetry with
AgNO3 in the presence of K2CrO4; and SO42- determined by
gravimetry after sulfate precipitation with BaCl2.
Calcium carbonate equivalent – determined in the fine
earth fraction by hot hydrochloric acid attack with 0.5 mol L-1
HCl and acidity titrated with 0.25 mol L-1 NaOH, using 1%
phenolphthalein as indicator.
Sulfur – sample attack with hot 1:1 HCl, precipitation with
10% BaCl2 , calcination of BaSO4 and gravimetric
determination of the precipitate.
Mineralogical grain analysis (sand and coarser fractions)
– Identification and characterization of mineral constituents,
lithofragments, nodules and concretions with a binocular
loupe and petrographic microscope. Chemical microtests are
used occasionally as complementary technique for the
identification of manganese oxides and carbonates or
physical tests to investigate whether magnetic minerals are
present or not. Occasionally, X-ray diffraction can also be
used to confirm the identification of minerals.
Mineralogical analysis of clay and silt fractions –
determinations by X-ray diffraction and thermoanalytical
techniques.
53
Tests for characterization of Organossolos ,
according to Lynn et al. (1974)
Sample preparation – place a representative sample of
organic soil material in a plastic container. If the sample is dry
or relatively dry, add water to the container and allow to
stand for at least a day. Place the sample on absorbent
paper to remove excess moisture. Wrap the paper around
the sample and press slowly to ensure a firm contact with the
paper. Discard the paper and cut the residue in shape of a
cigar, in segments of approximately 1 cm. To determine the
fiber content, pyrophosphate solubility or the pH, the pieces
of the prepared sample should be "packed" into a 5 cm3
plastic syringe, cut in half lengthwise, so that the half-syringe
has a volume of 2.5 cm3. When "packing" the half-syringe,
compress the sample sufficiently to saturate the material and
force out the trapped air. Do not let water escape. This is the
moisture condition to which the residue should return later,
when the soil volume is determined by reading on the scale of
the syringe.
Fiber determination – place a 2.5 cm3 sample in a 100
mesh sieve and rinse it under a water jet until the effluent
becomes clear. Remove excess moisture through the sieve,
drying it with absorbent paper. "Repack" the residue into the
half-syringe and dry it with absorbent paper until the moisture
content reaches the condition described above. Read the
volume of the residue on the scale of the cut syringe and
record it as % (by volume) of unrubbed fiber. Transfer the
residue to a 100 mesh sieve and rub it between thumb and
forefinger, under a jet of tap water, until the effluent becomes
clear. Dry and "repack" the residue into the half-syringe, as
done with the unrubbed fiber. Read the volume on the scale
and record it as % (by volume) of rubbed fiber.
Determination of solubility in sodium pyrophosphate –
mix the sample contained in the half-syringe (2.5 cm3) with 1
g pyrophosphate crystals and 4 mL of water in a 30 mL
container and allow to stand overnight. Remix and insert a
piece (0.5 cm x 3 cm) of chromatography paper to absorb
the saturated solution. Wait until the paper is completely wet.
Remove the final part of the paper, slightly rub the upper part
of the strip against another chromatography paper strip to
remove excess moisture. Compare the colored paper strip
with the color patterns of the Munsell book of color (10YR
hue page. The pyrophosphate index (PI) is calculated by
subtracting the number obtained for chroma from the value
(PI = value - chroma).
pH determination – mix the sample of the half-syringe (2.5
cm3) with 4 mL of 0.015 mol L-1 CaCl2 (at 20:1) and allow to
rest for at least 1h to reach equilibrium. Determine the pH by
the combined electrode method or with pH paper.
Soil bulk density (Db) – Db = weight of sample dried at 105
°C (24h)/known sample volume.
Organic matter density (Dom) – calculated according to the
relationship between Dom = Db - [Db x (% weight MM/100)],
where "MM" is "mineral material", based on the premise that
the organic material (OMl) has an open structure in which the
interstices are occupied by mineral matter (Lynn et al., 1974).
Minimum residue (MR) – It is assumed that, with the
complete loss (mineralization) of organic material, the
minimum residue represents the mineral composition of the
original material (Lynn et al., 1974). The residue represents
an estimate of the proportion between the residual and
original thickness, and is therefore expressed in cm/cm.
MR = (Dbi - Dom) / Dbr*
where:
Dbi = Bulk density of the initial soil or soil in its original

state.
Dbr = Density of residual soil (commonly between 1.2 g

cm-3 and 1.7 g cm-3).
* Factor 1.5 represents an average density value of the

residual soil after subsidence, as proposed by Lynn et al.
(1974).
Water content = gravimetric moisture (Wg) – The

gravimetric moisture (Wg), expressed in percentage of the
soil mass dried at 105 °C (24h), represents the water content
at sampling.
Wg = (moist weight - weight after drying at 105 °C) /

weight after drying at 105 °C x 100
Mineral content = % mineral material (MM) – determined
by muffle furnace combustion.
MM = 100 x (sample weight after drying at 400 °C for

24h* / sample weight after drying at 105 °C for 24h)
* Can be done at 600 °C (6h).

54
Determination of organic matter (OM) – performed in
previously oven-dried samples (at 105°C for 24h); after
muffle furnace combustion (at 600 °C for 6 h), the OM
content is determined as the weight difference in comparison
with the oven-dried sample.
Von Post decomposition scale (Stanek; Silc, 1977) – this
field test consists of squeezing a handful of wet soil with high
organic matter content and observing the color of the
extracted fluid (which stains the skin and trickles through the
fingers of the hand when closed), the nature of the plant
fibers, and the residual proportion of the original sample
retained in the hand. The 10 sample classes are:
1. Undecomposed – almost unchanged original plant
structure; squeezed in the hand, the sample releases
clear water only (no pyrophosphate color).
2. Slightly decomposed – easily identifiable original plant
structure; squeezed in the hand, the sample releases
clear-colored (yellowish brown) water.
3. Very weakly decomposed – identifiable original plant
structure; the sample squeezed in the hand releases
turbid water and no organic soil material flows through
the fingers; the residue left in the palm of one’s hand is
not smeary.
4. Weakly decomposed – hardly identifiable original plant
structure; turbid water is released from the sample
squeezed in the hand and no organic soil material flows
through the fingers; the remaining residue is hardly
smeary at all.
5. Moderately decomposed – barely visible, recognizable
but not identifiable original plant structure; the squeezed
sample releases turbid brown water and some organic
soil material flows through the fingers; the remaining
residue is slightly smeary.
6. Well decomposed – original plant structure is
unrecognizable but is more noticeable in the residue left
in the hand than in the unsqueezed organic soil material;
approximately 1/3 of the organic soil material flows
through the fingers, and the remaining residue is very
smeary.
7. Strongly decomposed – almost undistinguishable
original plant structure; approximately half of the organic
soil material flows through the fingers.
8. Very strongly decomposed (or extremely
decomposed) – undistinguishable original plant
structure; approximately 2/3 of the organic soil material
flows through the fingers, and the residue, almost
completely resistant to decomposition, consists in root
filaments and woody material.
9. Almost completely decomposed – original plant
structure nearly unrecognizable; almost all the organic
soil material flows through the fingers, as a smeary
(spongy) homogeneous mass.
10. Completely decomposed – unrecognizable original
plant structure; all organic soil material flows through the
fingers.
The classes (1) to (4) are classified as fibric organic soil

material; classes (5) and (6) as hemic organic soil material; and
classes (7) to (10) as sapric organic soil material.
(51) Overall quantitative expression of constituents (Si, Al, Fe, Ti, Mn, P) of secondary mineral
components of fine earth fraction together with the possible presence of magnetite and
ilmenite. Conventionally, they are expressed in the form of SiO2 , Al2 O3 , Fe2 O3 , TiO2 , MnO and
P2 O5 .
(52) Indices of the global proportion of constituents (Si, Al, Fe) of the secondary mineral
components of the fine earth fraction together with the possible presence of magnetite and
ilmenite.
(53) Additional information about methods for soils with high organic matter contents was
compiled by Fontana et al. (2017).
(54) The method of total C analysis in an elemental analyzer (CHN) has been used to
determine MO in Organossolos. However, there are still no conclusive results.
Appendix E
Symbology of the classes of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd
categorical levels
The symbols of the existing soil classes in the SiBCS are listed
below to standardize the legends used in soil maps throughout the
Country.
The Executive Committee of Soil Classification defined the

symbols and proposes their use up to the 3rd level. The 1st and 2nd
categorical levels are indicated by capital and the 3rd level by
lowercase letters. Thus, the first capital letter represents the 1st
level, the second (or second and third, or second, third and fourth)
capital letter(s), the 2nd level, and the following, lowercase letter(s),
the 3rd categorical level (Table 1). It is worth pointing out that each
level is independent and thus each letter at each level has its own
significance. It is expected, in this way, to standardize the notation of
soil classes for all users of the system. To establish legends of maps
or tables, it is suggested to use Arabic numbers sequentially after the
alphabetic symbol to identify and separate the soil mapping units.
ARGISSOLOS – P
2nd categorical level
1 ARGISSOLOS BRUNO-ACINZENTADOS – PBAC
2 ARGISSOLOS ACINZENTADOS – PAC

3 ARGISSOLOS AMARELOS – PA
4 ARGISSOLOS VERMELHOS – PV
5 ARGISSOLOS VERMELHO-AMARELOS – PVA
3rd categorical level

1.1 ARGISSOLOS BRUNO-ACINZENTADOS Ta Alumínicos – PBACva
1.2 ARGISSOLOS BRUNO-ACINZENTADOS Alumínicos – PBACa
1.3 ARGISSOLOS BRUNO-ACINZENTADOS Distróficos – PBACd
2.1 ARGISSOLOS ACINZENTADOS Distrocoesos – PACdx
2.2 ARGISSOLOS ACINZENTADOS Distróficos – PACd
2.3 ARGISSOLOS ACINZENTADOS Eutróficos – PACe
3.1 ARGISSOLOS AMARELOS Ta Alumínicos – PAva
3.2 ARGISSOLOS AMARELOS Alumínicos – PAa
3.3 ARGISSOLOS AMARELOS Distrocoesos – PAdx
3.4 ARGISSOLOS AMARELOS Distróficos – PAd
3.5 ARGISSOLOS AMARELOS Eutrocoesos – PAex
3.6 ARGISSOLOS AMARELOS Eutróficos – PAe
4.1 ARGISSOLOS VERMELHOS Ta Alumínicos – PVva
4.2 ARGISSOLOS VERMELHOS Alumínicos – PVa
4.3 ARGISSOLOS VERMELHOS Ta Distróficos – PVvd
4.4 ARGISSOLOS VERMELHOS Distróficos – PVd
4.5 ARGISSOLOS VERMELHOS Eutroférricos – PVef
4.6 ARGISSOLOS VERMELHOS Eutróficos – PVe
5.1 ARGISSOLOS VERMELHO-AMARELOS Ta Alumínicos – PVAva
5.2 ARGISSOLOS VERMELHO-AMARELOS Alumínicos – PVAa
5.3 ARGISSOLOS VERMELHO-AMARELOS Ta Distróficos – PVAvd
5.4 ARGISSOLOS VERMELHO-AMARELOS Distróficos – PVAd
5.5 ARGISSOLOS VERMELHO-AMARELOS Eutróficos – PVAe
CAMBISSOLOS – C
1 CAMBISSOLOS HÍSTICOS – CI
2 CAMBISSOLOS HÚMICOS – CH
3 CAMBISSOLOS FLÚVICOS – CY
4 CAMBISSOLOS HÁPLICOS – CX

1.1 CAMBISSOLOS HÍSTICOS Alumínicos – CIa
1.2 CAMBISSOLOS HÍSTICOS Distróficos – CId
2.1 CAMBISSOLOS HÚMICOS Aluminoférricos – CHaf
2.2 CAMBISSOLOS HÚMICOS Alumínicos – CHa
2.3 CAMBISSOLOS HÚMICOS Distroférricos – CHdf
2.4 CAMBISSOLOS HÚMICOS Distróficos – CHd
3.1 CAMBISSOLOS FLÚVICOS Carboná cos – CYk
3.2 CAMBISSOLOS FLÚVICOS Sódicos – CYn
3.3 CAMBISSOLOS FLÚVICOS Sálicos – CYz
3.4 CAMBISSOLOS FLÚVICOS Alumínicos – CYa
3.5 CAMBISSOLOS FLÚVICOS Ta Distróficos – CYvd
3.6 CAMBISSOLOS FLÚVICOS Ta Eutróficos – CYve
3.7 CAMBISSOLOS FLÚVICOS Tb Distróficos – CYbd
3.8 CAMBISSOLOS FLÚVICOS Tb Eutróficos – CYbe
4.1 CAMBISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Carboná cos – CXk
4.2 CAMBISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Sódicos – CXn
4.3 CAMBISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Perférricos – CXj
4.4 CAMBISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Ta Alumínicos – CXva
4.5 CAMBISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Ta Distróficos – CXvd
4.6 CAMBISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Ta Eutroférricos – CXvef
4.7 CAMBISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Ta Eutróficos – CXve
4.8 CAMBISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Tb Alumínicos – CXba
4.9 CAMBISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Tb Distroférricos – CXbdf
4.10 CAMBISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Tb Distróficos – CXbd
4.11 CAMBISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Tb Eutroférricos – CXbef
4.12 CAMBISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Tb Eutróficos – CXbe
CHERNOSSOLOS – M
1 CHERNOSSOLOS RÊNDZICOS – MD
2 CHERNOSSOLOS EBÂNICOS – ME
3 CHERNOSSOLOS ARGILÚVICOS – MT
4 CHERNOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS – MX

1.1 CHERNOSSOLOS RÊNDZICOS Petrocálcicos – MDlk
1.2 CHERNOSSOLOS RÊNDZICOS Lí cos – MDl
1.3 CHERNOSSOLOS RÊNDZICOS Ór cos – MDo
2.1 CHERNOSSOLOS EBÂNICOS Carboná cos – MEk
2.2 CHERNOSSOLOS EBÂNICOS Ór cos – MEo
3.1 CHERNOSSOLOS ARGILÚVICOS Férricos – MTf
3.2 CHERNOSSOLOS ARGILÚVICOS Carboná cos – MTk
3.3 CHERNOSSOLOS ARGILÚVICOS Ór cos – MTo
4.1 CHERNOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Férricos – MXf
4.2 CHERNOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Carboná cos – MXk
4.3 CHERNOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Ór cos – MXo
ESPODOSSOLOS – E
1 ESPODOSSOLOS HUMILÚVICOS – EK
2 ESPODOSSOLOS FERRILÚVICOS – ES
3 ESPODOSSOLOS FERRI-HUMILÚVICOS – ESK

1.1 ESPODOSSOLOS HUMILÚVICOS Hidro-hiperespessos – EKgu
1.2 ESPODOSSOLOS HUMILÚVICOS Hidromórficos – EKg
1.3 ESPODOSSOLOS HUMILÚVICOS Hiperespessos – EKu
1.4 ESPODOSSOLOS HUMILÚVICOS Ór cos – EKo
2.1 ESPODOSSOLOS FERRILÚVICOS Hidro-hiperespessos – ESgu
2.2 ESPODOSSOLOS FERRILÚVICOS Hidromórficos – ESg
2.3 ESPODOSSOLOS FERRILÚVICOS Hiperespessos – ESu
2.4 ESPODOSSOLOS FERRILÚVICOS Ór cos – ESo
3.1 ESPODOSSOLOS FERRI-HUMILÚVICOS Hidro-hiperespessos – ESKgu
3.2 ESPODOSSOLOS FERRI-HUMILÚVICOS Hidromórficos – ESKg
3.3 ESPODOSSOLOS FERRI-HUMILÚVICOS Hiperespessos – ESKu
3.4 ESPODOSSOLOS FERRI-HUMILÚVICOS Ór cos – ESKo
GLEISSOLOS – G
1 GLEISSOLOS TIOMÓRFICOS – GJ
2 GLEISSOLOS SÁLICOS – GZ
3 GLEISSOLOS MELÂNICOS – GM
4 GLEISSOLOS HÁPLICOS – GX

1.1 GLEISSOLOS TIOMÓRFICOS Hís cos – GJi
1.2 GLEISSOLOS TIOMÓRFICOS Ór cos – GJo
2.1 GLEISSOLOS SÁLICOS Sódicos – GZn
2.2 GLEISSOLOS SÁLICOS Ór cos – GZo
3.1 GLEISSOLOS MELÂNICOS Carboná cos – GMk
3.2 GLEISSOLOS MELÂNICOS Sódicos – GMn
3.3 GLEISSOLOS MELÂNICOS Ta Alumínicos – GMva
3.4 GLEISSOLOS MELÂNICOS Ta Distróficos – GMvd
3.5 GLEISSOLOS MELÂNICOS Ta Eutróficos – GMve
3.6 GLEISSOLOS MELÂNICOS Tb Alumínicos – GMba
3.7 GLEISSOLOS MELÂNICOS Tb Distróficos – GMbd
3.8 GLEISSOLOS MELÂNICOS Tb Eutróficos – GMbe
4.1 GLEISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Carboná cos – GXk
4.2 GLEISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Sódicos – GXn
4.3 GLEISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Ta Alumínicos – GXva
4.4 GLEISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Ta Distróficos – GXvd
4.5 GLEISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Ta Eutróficos – GXve
4.6 GLEISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Tb Alumínicos – GXba
4.7 GLEISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Tb Distróficos – GXbd
4.8 GLEISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Tb Eutróficos – GXbe
LATOSSOLOS – L
1 LATOSSOLOS BRUNOS – LB
2 LATOSSOLOS AMARELOS – LA
3 LATOSSOLOS VERMELHOS – LV
4 LATOSSOLOS VERMELHO-AMARELOS – LVA

1 LATOSSOLOS BRUNOS
1.1 LATOSSOLOS BRUNOS Aluminoférricos – LBaf
1.2 LATOSSOLOS BRUNOS Alumínicos – LBa
1.3 LATOSSOLOS BRUNOS Distroférricos – LBdf
1.4 LATOSSOLOS BRUNOS Distróficos – LBd
2.1 LATOSSOLOS AMARELOS Acriférricos – LAwf
2.2 LATOSSOLOS AMARELOS Ácricos – LAw
2.3 LATOSSOLOS AMARELOS Alumínicos – LAa
2.4 LATOSSOLOS AMARELOS Distroférricos – LAdf
2.5 LATOSSOLOS AMARELOS Distrocoesos – LAdx
2.6 LATOSSOLOS AMARELOS Distróficos – LAd
2.7 LATOSSOLOS AMARELOS Eutróficos – LAe
3.1 LATOSSOLOS VERMELHOS Perférricos – LVj
3.2 LATOSSOLOS VERMELHOS Acriférricos – LVwf
3.3 LATOSSOLOS VERMELHOS Ácricos – LVw
3.4 LATOSSOLOS VERMELHOS Aluminoférricos – LVaf
3.5 LATOSSOLOS VERMELHOS Distroférricos – LVdf
3.6 LATOSSOLOS VERMELHOS Distróficos – LVd
3.7 LATOSSOLOS VERMELHOS Eutroférricos – LVef
3.8 LATOSSOLOS VERMELHOS Eutróficos – LVe
4.1 LATOSSOLOS VERMELHO-AMARELOS Acriférricos – LVAwf
4.2 LATOSSOLOS VERMELHO-AMARELOS Ácricos – LVAw
4.3 LATOSSOLOS VERMELHO-AMARELOS Alumínicos – LVAa
4.4 LATOSSOLOS VERMELHO-AMARELOS Distroférricos – LVAdf
4.5 LATOSSOLOS VERMELHO-AMARELOS Distróficos – LVAd
4.6 LATOSSOLOS VERMELHO-AMARELOS Eutróficos – LVAe
LUVISSOLOS – T
1 LUVISSOLOS CRÔMICOS – TC
2 LUVISSOLOS HÁPLICOS – TX

1.1 LUVISSOLOS CRÔMICOS Carboná cos – TCk
1.2 LUVISSOLOS CRÔMICOS Pálicos – TCp
1.3 LUVISSOLOS CRÔMICOS Ór cos – TCo
2.1 LUVISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Pálicos – TXp
2.2 LUVISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Ór cos – TXo
NEOSSOLOS – R
1 NEOSSOLOS LITÓLICOS – RL
2 NEOSSOLOS FLÚVICOS – RY
3 NEOSSOLOS REGOLÍTICOS – RR
4 NEOSSOLOS QUARTZARÊNICOS – RQ
1.1 NEOSSOLOS LITÓLICOS Hís cos – RLi
1.2 NEOSSOLOS LITÓLICOS Húmicos – RLh
1.3 NEOSSOLOS LITÓLICOS Carboná cos – RLk
1.4 NEOSSOLOS LITÓLICOS Chernossólicos – RLm
1.5 NEOSSOLOS LITÓLICOS Distróficos – RLd
1.6 NEOSSOLOS LITÓLICOS Eutróficos – RLe
2.1 NEOSSOLOS FLÚVICOS Carboná cos – RYk
2.2 NEOSSOLOS FLÚVICOS Sódicos – RYn
2.3 NEOSSOLOS FLÚVICOS Sálicos – RYz
2.4 NEOSSOLOS FLÚVICOS Psamí cos – RYq
2.5 NEOSSOLOS FLÚVICOS Ta Eutróficos – RYve
2.6 NEOSSOLOS FLÚVICOS Tb Distróficos – RYbd
2.7 NEOSSOLOS FLÚVICOS Tb Eutróficos – RYbe
3.1 NEOSSOLOS REGOLÍTICOS Psamí cos – RRq
3.2 NEOSSOLOS REGOLÍTICOS Húmicos – RRh
3.3 NEOSSOLOS REGOLÍTICOS Distróficos – RRd
3.4 NEOSSOLOS REGOLÍTICOS Eutróficos – RRe
4.1 NEOSSOLOS QUARTZARÊNICOS Hidromórficos – RQg
4.2 NEOSSOLOS QUARTZARÊNICOS Ór cos – RQo
NITOSSOLOS – N
1 NITOSSOLOS BRUNOS – NB
2 NITOSSOLOS VERMELHOS – NV
3 NITOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS – NX

1 NITOSSOLOS BRUNOS
1.1 NITOSSOLOS BRUNOS Aluminoférricos – NBaf
1.2 NITOSSOLOS BRUNOS Alumínicos – NBa
1.3 NITOSSOLOS BRUNOS Distroférricos – NBdf
1.4 NITOSSOLOS BRUNOS Distróficos – NBd
2.1 NITOSSOLOS VERMELHOS Ta Alumínicos– NVva
2.2 NITOSSOLOS VERMELHOS Alumínicos – NVa
2.3 NITOSSOLOS VERMELHOS Distroférricos – NVdf
2.4 NITOSSOLOS VERMELHOS Distróficos – NVd
2.5 NITOSSOLOS VERMELHOS Eutroférricos – NVef
2.6 NITOSSOLOS VERMELHOS Eutróficos – NVe
3.1 NITOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Ta Alumínicos – NXva
3.2 NITOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Alumínicos – NXa
3.3 NITOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Distróficos – NXd
3.4 NITOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Eutróficos – NXe
ORGANOSSOLOS – O
1 ORGANOSSOLOS TIOMÓRFICOS – OJ
2 ORGANOSSOLOS FÓLICOS – OO
3 ORGANOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS – OX

1.1 ORGANOSSOLOS TIOMÓRFICOS Fíbricos – OJfi
1.2 ORGANOSSOLOS TIOMÓRFICOS Hêmicos – OJy
1.3 ORGANOSSOLOS TIOMÓRFICOS Sápricos – OJs
2.1 ORGANOSSOLOS FÓLICOS Fíbricos – OOfi
2.2 ORGANOSSOLOS FÓLICOS Hêmicos – OOy
2.3 ORGANOSSOLOS FÓLICOS Sápricos – OOs
3.1 ORGANOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Fíbricos – OXfi
3.2 ORGANOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Hêmicos – OXy
3.3 ORGANOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Sápricos – OXs
PLANOSSOLOS – S
1 PLANOSSOLOS NÁTRICOS – SN
2 PLANOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS – SX

1.1 PLANOSSOLOS NÁTRICOS Carboná cos – SNk
1.2 PLANOSSOLOS NÁTRICOS Sálicos – SNz
1.3 PLANOSSOLOS NÁTRICOS Ór cos – SNo
2.1 PLANOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Carboná cos – SXk
2.2 PLANOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Sálicos – SXz
2.3 PLANOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Alumínicos – SXa
2.4 PLANOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Distróficos – SXd
2.5 PLANOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Eutróficos – SXe
PLINTOSSOLOS – F
1 PLINTOSSOLOS PÉTRICOS – FF
2 PLINTOSSOLOS ARGILÚVICOS – FT
3 PLINTOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS – FX

1.1 PLINTOSSOLOS PÉTRICOS Litoplín cos – FFlf
1.2 PLINTOSSOLOS PÉTRICOS Concrecionários – FFc
2.1 PLINTOSSOLOS ARGILÚVICOS Alumínicos – FTa
2.2 PLINTOSSOLOS ARGILÚVICOS Distróficos – FTd
2.3 PLINTOSSOLOS ARGILÚVICOS Eutróficos – FTe
3.1 PLINTOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Ácricos – FXw
3.2 PLINTOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Alumínicos – FXa
3.3 PLINTOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Distróficos – FXd
3.4 PLINTOSSOLOS HÁPLICOS Eutróficos – FXe
VERTISSOLOS – V
1 VERTISSOLOS HIDROMÓRFICOS – VG
2 VERTISSOLOS EBÂNICOS – VE
3 VERTISSOLOS HÁPLICOS – VX

1.1 VERTISSOLOS HIDROMÓRFICOS Carboná cos – VGk
1.2 VERTISSOLOS HIDROMÓRFICOS Sódicos – VGn
1.3 VERTISSOLOS HIDROMÓRFICOS Sálicos – VGz
1.4 VERTISSOLOS HIDROMÓRFICOS Ór cos – VGo
2.1 VERTISSOLOS EBÂNICOS Carboná cos – VEk
2.2 VERTISSOLOS EBÂNICOS Sódicos – VEn
2.3 VERTISSOLOS EBÂNICOS Ór cos – VEo
3.1 VERTISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Carboná cos – VXk
3.2 VERTISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Sódicos – VXn
3.3 VERTISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Sálicos – VXz
3.4 VERTISSOLOS HÁPLICOS Ór cos – VXo
Table 1. Symbols of the soil classes of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd categorical levels.
1st Level 2nd Level 3rd Level
C – CAMBISSOLO A – AMARELO a – Alumínico
E – ESPODOSSOLO AC – ACINZENTADO af – Aluminoférrico
F – PLINTOSSOLO B – BRUNO b – Argila de atividade baixa
G – GLEISSOLO BAC – BRUNO-ACINZENTADO c – Concrecionário
L – LATOSSOLO C – CRÔMICO d – Distrófico
M – CHERNOSSOLO D – RÊNDZICO df – Distroférrico
N – NITOSSOLO E – EBÂNICO dx – Distrocoeso
O – ORGANOSSOLO F – PÉTRICO e – Eutrófico
P – ARGISSOLO G – HIDROMÓRFICO ef – Eutroférrico
R – NEOSSOLO H – HÚMICO ex – Eutrocoeso
S – PLANOSSOLO I – HÍSTICO f – Férrico
T – LUVISSOLO J – TIOMÓRFICO fi – Fíbrico
V – VERTISSOLO K – HUMILÚVICO g – Hidromórfico
L – LITÓLICO h – Húmico
M – MELÂNICO i – Hístico
N – NÁTRICO j – Perférrico
O – FÓLICO k – Carbonático
Q – QUARTZARÊNICO l – Lítico
R – REGOLÍTICO lf – Litoplíntico
S – FERRILÚVICO lk – Petrocálcico
SK – FERRI-HUMILÚVICO m – Chernossólico
T – ARGILÚVICO n – Sódico
V – VERMELHO o – Órtico
VA – VERMELHO-AMARELO p – Pálico
X – HÁPLICO q – Psamítico
Y – FLÚVICO r – Saprolítico
Z – SÁLICO s – Sáprico
t – Argilúvico
u – Hiperespesso
v – Argila de atividade alta
w – Ácrico
wf – Acriférrico
x – Coeso
y – Hêmico
z – Sálico
Appendix F
Terrain types
Terrain types are not soil classes. In surveys, they should be
detailed as components of mapping units or as special mapping units.
They include borrow pits and waste dumps, landfills, garbage dumps,
mining areas, gravel deposits, mobile dunes, beaches, rugged cliffs
and rocky outcrops, marked on soil maps and represented by
appropriate cartographic conventions. Some examples of terrain
types are described below.
Rock outcrops – Consist of the outcropping of different

types of rocks, soft or hard, which are bare or covered with
minor proportions of detrital material not classifiable as soil.
Dunes – Comprise formations or accumulations formed by
the mechanical action of winds, commonly sandy, and
constitute undulations of different sizes on the terrain. They
can be mobile or fixed (when stabilized). They are not
considered as soil if the pedogenetic horizons are not
developed, not even the A horizon.
Gravel deposits – Refers to areas where more than 90% of
the total volume of the soil mass is composed of mineral
material with a diameter > 2 cm, occurring from the surface.
Examples of symbols for all terrain types.
AR – Rock outcrops
AE – Borrow pits
At – Landfills
Ca – Gravel deposits
Dn – Dunes
Lx – Dumps
Mi – Mining areas
Pr – Beaches
Sa – Salt mines
Sb –Shell middens
Appendix G
Ordering of legends of soil identification
The proposed organization of legends of soil maps is shown in
Table 1.
Table 1. Criteria for the organization of soil legends.
1st Criterion 2nd Criterion 3rd Criterion
Relate the mapping units Notes: a) Order the classes of the 4th categorical
(MU) as indicated in a) The MU with the level alphabetically.
Appendix E, up to the 3rd lowest number Examples:
categorical level, based on of components "abrúptico"
the 1st component should appear in
"latossólico"
the 1st place.
"léptico"
b) The first
criterion applies "planossólico"
to all other "tiônico"
components. "típico" etc.
b) Order from the simplest classes (with
only one qualifier at the fourth level) to
those with the most qualifiers.
4th Criterion 5th Criterion
a) Activity of the clay fraction "Ta" before "Tb". a) If there are undifferentiated groups and/or
b) Textural grouping: "very fine clayey," "clayey", soil complexes, both will be placed after
"silty", "loamy ", and lastly "sandy". the simple MU and/or associations,
however, according to the previous
c) Type of surface horizon: "histic", "humic A",
criteria.
"chernozemic A", "prominent A ", "anthropic
A", "moderate A" and lastly "weak A". b) List the types of terrain in the order
d) Phases of: indicated in Appendix F and at the end of
the legend (after the simple MU and/or
1) Erosion (soils with eroded phase after associations and/ or undifferentiated
those without this phase). groups and/ or soil complexes).
2) Stoniness (soils with stony phase after
those without this phase).
3) Rockiness (soils with rocky phase after
those without this phase).
4) Vegetation (order as indicated in Chapter
19).
5) Relief (order as indicated in Chapter 19,
Relief phases).
6) Substrate (soil with a substrate phase
after those without this phase).
The notation of the soil classes should be as defined in Chapter
3 (Nomenclature of the classes).
Appendix H
Standardization of the colors of the classes of the 1st
and 2nd categorical levels for use in soil maps
Color convention for soil maps (Systems: RGB, CMYK and

HSV).
Argissolos
1st categorical level
Argissolos – P
R=255 G=167 B=127
C=0 M=35 Y=50 K=0
H=18 S=50 V=100
Argissolos Bruno-Acinzentados – PBAC

R=255 G=200 B=250
C=3 M=24 Y=0 K=0
H=305 S=22 V=100
Argissolos Acinzentados – PAC

R=253 G=241 B=240
C=1 M=5 Y=6 K=0
H=10 S=5 V=99
Argissolos Amarelos – PA
R=241 G=204 B=200
C=5 M=20 Y=22 K=0
H=7 S=18 V=95
Argissolos Vermelhos – PV
R=240 G=127 B=127
C=1 M=63 Y=40 K=0
H=0 S=47 V=94
Argissolos Vermelho-Amarelos – PVA

R=255 G=167 B=127
C=0 M=35 Y=50 K=0
H=18 S=50 V=100
Cambissolos
Cambissolos – C
R=215 G=197 B=165
C=16 M=19 Y=37 K=0
H=38 S=23 V=84
Cambissolos Hísticos – CI
R=170 G=134 B=105
C=32 M=45 Y=61 K=6
H=27 S=38 V=67
Cambissolos Húmicos – CH
R=207 G=182 B=128
C=20 M=25 Y=57 K=0
H=41 S=38 V=81
Cambissolos Flúvicos – CY
R=235 G=219 B=191
C=7 M=11 Y=25 K=0
H=38 S=19 V=92
Cambissolos Háplicos – CX
R=215 G=197 B=165
C=16 M=19 Y=37 K=0
H=38 S=23 V=84
Chernossolos
Chernossolos – M
R=170 G=134 B=134
C=34 M=48 Y=40 K=3
H=0 S=21 V=67
Chernossolos Rêndzicos – MD
R=142 G=104 B=86
C=38 M=57 Y=64 K=18
H=19 S=39 V=56
Chernossolos Ebânicos – ME
R=170 G=134 B=134
C=34 M=48 y=40 K=3
H=0 S=21 V=67
Chernossolos Argilúvicos – MT
R=156 G=74 B=78
C=30 M=59 Y=62 K=17
H=357 S=53 V=61
Chernossolos Háplicos – MX
R=156 G=95 B=95
C=34 M=67 Y=54 K=14
H=0 S=39 V=61
Espodossolos
Espodossolos – E
R=206 G=190 B=198
C=18 M=24 Y=14 K=0
H=330 S=8 V=81
Espodossolos Humilúvicos – EK
R=193 G=190 B=197
C=24 M=21 Y=16 K=0
H=266 S=4 V=77
Espodossolos Ferrilúvicos – ES
R=206 G=190 B=198
C=18 M=24 Y=14 K=0
H=330 S=8 V=81
Espodossolos Ferri-humilúvicos – ESK

R=182 G=190 B=197
C=29 M=19 Y=17 K=0
H=208 S=8 V=77
Gleissolos
Gleissolos – G
R=182 G=216 B=238
C=27 M=5 Y=2 K=0
H=204 S=24 V=93
Gleissolos Tiomórficos – GJ
R=108 G=163 B=205
C=58 M=25 Y=6 K=0
H=206 S=47 V=80
Gleissolos Sálicos – GZ
R=94 G=180 B=230
C=57 M=13 Y=0 K=0
H=202 S=59 V=90
Gleissolos Melânicos – GM
R=120 G=252 B=250
C=40 M=0 Y=11 K=0
H=179 S=52 V=99
Gleissolos Háplicos – GX
R=182 G=216 B=238
C=27 M=5 Y=2 K=0
H=204 S=24 V=93
Latossolos
Latossolos – L
R=254 G=204 B=92
C=1 M=20 Y=74 K=0
H=41 S=64 V=99
Latossolos Brunos – LB
R=168 G=112 B=0
C=29 M=55 Y=100 K=13
H=40 S=100 V=66
Latossolos Amarelos – LA
R=254 G=204 B=92
C=1 M=20 Y=74 K=0
H=41 S=64 V=99
Latossolos Vermelhos – LV
R=244 G=185 B=128
C=3 M=30 Y=54 K=0
H=29 S=48 V=96
Latossolos Vermelho-Amarelos – LVA

R=247 G=209 B=166
C=2 M=19 Y=36 K=0
H=32 S=33 V=97
Luvissolos
Luvissolos – T
R=212 G=150 B=22
C=17 M=42 Y=100 K=1
H=40 S=90 V=83
Luvissolos Crômicos – TC
R=212 G=150 B=22
C=17 M=42 Y=100 K=1
H=40 S=90 V=83
Luvissolos Háplicos – TX
R=212 G=179 B=0
C=19 M=25 Y=100 K=0
H=51 S=100 V=83
Neossolos
Neossolos – R
R=255 G=254 B=115
C=4 M=0 Y=66 K=0
H=60 S=55 V=100
Neossolos Litólicos – RL
R=150 G=149 B=149
C=44 M=36 Y=37 K=2
H=0 S=1 V=59
Neossolos Flúvicos – RY
R=238 G=235 B=220
C=6 M=5 Y=13 K=0
H=50 S=8 V=93
Neossolos Regolíticos – RR
R=207 G=206 B=206
C=18 M=14 Y=14 K=0
H=0 S=1 V=81
Neossolos Quartzarênicoss – RQ
R=255 G=254 B=115
C=4 M=0 Y=66 K=0
H=60 S=55 V=100
Nitossolos
Nitossolos – N
R=168 G=56 B=0
C=23 M=88 Y=100 K=18
H=20 S=100 V=66
Nitossolos Brunos – NB
R=104 G=53 B=10
C=38 M=75 Y=100 K=47
H=27 S=90 V=41
Nitossolos Vermelhos – NV
R=168 G=56 B=0
C=23 M=88 Y=100 K=18
H=20 S=100 V=66
Nitossolos Háplicos – NX
R=115 G=76 B=0
C=41 M=62 Y=100 K=36
H=40 S=100 V=45
Organossolos
Organossolos – O
R=101 G=78 B=156
C=72 M=81 Y=2 K=0
H=258 S=50 V=61
Organossolos Tiomórficos – OJ
R=66 G=48 B=150
C=91 M=97 Y=0 K=0
H=261 S=68 V=59
Organossolos Fólicos – OO
R=101 G=78 B=156
C=72 M=81 Y=2 K=0
H=258 S=50 V=61
Organossolos Háplicos – OX
R=167 G=179 B=213
C=34 M=24 Y=3 K=0
H=224 S=22 V=84
Planossolos
Planossolos – S
R=181 G=214 B=174
C=30 M=2 Y=39 K=0
H=109 S=19 V=84
Planossolos Nátricos – SN
R=137 G=202 B=199
C=46 M=3 Y=24 K=0
H=177 S=32 V=79
Planossolos Háplicos – SX
R=181 G=214 B=174
C=30 M=2 Y=39 K=0
H=109 S=19 V=84
Plintossolos
Plintossolos – F
R=214 G=186 B=201
C=15 M=27 Y=10 K=0
H=328 S=13 V=84
Plintossolos Pétricos – FF
R=236 G=172 B=203
C=4 M=39 Y=1 K=0
H=331 S=27 V=93
Plintossolos Argilúvicos – FT
R=236 G=135 B=203
C=8 M=56 Y=0 K=0
H=320 S=43 V=93
Plintossolos Háplicos – FX
R=214 G=186 B=201
C=15 M=27 Y=10 K=0
H=328 S=13 V=84
Vertissolos
Vertissolos – V
R=158 G=170 B=133
C=41 M=24 Y=54 K=1
H=79 S=22 V=67
Vertissolos Hidromórficos – VG
R=158 G=170 B=133
C=41 M=24 Y=54 K=1
H=79 S=22 V=67
Vertissolos Ebânicos – VE
R=134 G=143 B=114
C=49 M=33 Y=59 K=7
H=79 S=20 V=56
Vertissolos Háplicos – VX
R=192 G=192 B=145
C=27 M=17 Y=49 K=0
H=60 S=24 V=75
Appendix I
Agreement between the classes of the SiBCS and of
previous classifications
SiBCS (2018) Previous classifications used by Embrapa Solos
ARGISSOLOS Rubrozéns, Podzólicos Bruno-Acinzentados Distróficos or Álicos,

Podzólicos Vermelho-Amarelos Distróficos or Álicos Ta, Podzólicos
Vermelho-Amarelos Tb, a small part of Terra Roxa Estruturada, of Terra
Roxa Estruturada Similar, of Terra Bruna Estruturada and of Terra Bruna
Estruturada Similar fulfilling the condition of the textural gradient for
textural B, in any case Eutróficas, Distróficas or Álicas and more recently,
Podzólicos Vermelho-Escuros Tb and Podzólicos Amarelos.
CAMBISSOLOS Cambissolos Eutróficos, Distróficos and Álicos Ta and Tb, except for
Cambissolos Eutróficos with a chernozemic A horizon and high activity
clay.
CHERNOSSOLOS Rendzinas, Brunizéns, Brunizéns Avermelhados and Brunizéns

Hidromórficos.
ESPODOSSOLOS Podzol, including Podzol Hidromórfico.
GLEISSOLOS Glei Pouco Húmicos, Glei Húmicos, part of the Hidromórficos Cinzentos
(without abrupt textural change), Glei Tiomórficos and Solonchaks with a
gley horizon.
LATOSSOLOS Latossolos, excepting some previously identified modalities such as

Latossolos Plínticos.
LUVISSOLOS Brunos Não Cálcicos, Podzólicos Vermelho-Amarelos Eutróficos Ta,

Podzólicos Bruno-Acinzentados Eutróficos and Podzólicos Vermelho-
Escuros Eutróficos Ta.
NEOSSOLOS Litossolos, Solos Litólicos, Regossolos, Solos Aluviais and Areias

Quartzosas (Distróficas, Marinhas and Hidromórficas).
NITOSSOLOS Terra Roxa Estruturada, Terra Roxa Estruturada Similar, Terra Bruna
Estruturada, Terra Bruna Estruturada Similar, some Podzólicos
Vermelho-Escuros Tb and some Podzólicos Vermelho-Amarelos Tb.
ORGANOSSOLOS Solos Orgânicos, Solos Semiorgânicos, Solos Tiomórficos Turfosos and

part of the Solos Litólicos Turfosos with a histic horizon (thickness ≥ 30
cm).
PLANOSSOLOS Planossolos, Solonetz Solodizados and Hidromórficos Cinzentos with

abrupt textural change.
PLINTOSSOLOS Lateritas Hidromórficas, part of the Podzólicos Plínticos, part of the Glei
Húmicos and of the Glei Pouco Húmicos Plínticos and some of the
possible Latossolos Plínticos.
VERTISSOLOS Vertissolos, including the hidromórficos.

Appendix J
Approximate agreement between soil classes of high
categorical levels in the SiBCS, WRB and Soil
Taxonomy
56
WRB (IUSS Working Soil Taxonomy (United States, 1999 ,
SiBCS (2018) 55 57
Group WRB, 2015 ) 2014 )
Argissolos Acrisols; Lixisols; Alisols Ultisols; some Oxisols (Kandic)
Cambissolos Cambisols Inceptisols
Chernossolos Phaeozems; Molisols (only Ta)

Kastanozems;
Chernozems (some)
Espodossolos Podzols Spodosols
Gleissolos Gleysols; Stagnosols Entisols (Aqu-alf-and-ent-ept-)

(some)
(Gleissolos Solonchaks Aridisols, Entisols (Aqu-sulfa-hydra-salic)

Sálicos)
Latossolos Ferralsols Oxisols
Luvissolos Luvisols Alfisols, Aridisols (Argids)
Neossolos ------- Entisols
(Neossolos Fluvisols (Fluvents)

Flúvicos)
(Neossolos Leptosols (Lithic....Orthents); (Lithic...Psamments)

Litólicos)
(Neossolos Arenosols (Quartzipsamments)

Quartzarênicos)
56
SiBCS (2018) 55 57
Group WRB, 2015 ) 2014 )
(Neossolos Regosols (Psamments)

Regolíticos)
Nitossolos Nitisols; Lixisols or Ultisols, Oxisols (Kandic), Alfisols

Alisols
Organossolos Histosols Histosols
Planossolos Planosols Alfisols
(Planossolos Solonetz Natr (ust-ud) alf

Nátricos)
(Planossolos Planosols Albaquults, Albaqualfs, Plinthaqu(alf-ept-ox-

Háplicos) ult)
Plintossolos Plinthosols Plinthic subgroups (several classes of

Oxisols, Ultisols, Alfisols, Entisols,
Inceptisols)
Vertissolos Vertisols Vertisols
Not classified Cryosols Gelisols

in Brazil
Anthrosols; Technosols ---------
Andosols Andisols
Umbrisols Some Umbric subgroups
Gypsisols Great Group of Aridisols (Gypsi-)

56
SiBCS (2018) 55 57
Group WRB, 2015 ) 2014 )
Durisols Several Great Groups Dur- of Alfisols,

Andisols, Aridisols, Inceptisols, Molisol, etc.
Calcisols Several Great Groups of Alfisols, Aridisols,

Inceptisols, Molisols, Vertisols, etc.
Albeluvisols Some Alb_ Gloss_ classes
(55) World Reference Base for Soil Resources (WRB), universal system recognized by the
International Union of Soil Science (IUSS) and FAO. More information about WRB is available
at: <http://www.fao.org/3/a-i3794e.pdf>.
(56) Available at:
<https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/nrcs142p2_051232.pdf>.
(57) Available at:
<https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/soils/survey/class/taxonomy/?
cid=nrcs142p2_053580>.
Appendix K
Representative profiles of soil classes
Figure 1. Profile of Argissolo Bruno-Acinzentado (Alfredo Wagner, SC, Brazil).
Photo by: Humberto Gonçalves dos Santos
Figure 2. Profile of Argissolo Acinzentado (Pacajus, CE, Brazil).
Photo by: José Francisco Lumbreras
Figure 3. Profile of Argissolo Amarelo (Teixeira de Freitas, BA, Brazil).
Photo by: José Coelho de Araújo Filho
Figure 4. Profile of Argissolo Vermelho (Tarauacá, AC, Brazil).
Photo by: Sergio Hideiti Shimizu
Figure 5. Profile of Argissolo Vermelho-Amarelo (Cambuci, RJ, Brazil).
Figure 6. Profile of Cambissolo Hístico (Bom Jardim da Serra, SC, Brazil).
Photo by: Jaime Antonio de Almeida
Figure 7. Profile of Cambissolo Húmico (Água Doce, SC, Brazil).
Figure 8. Profile of Cambissolo Flúvico (Ipojuca, PE, Brazil).
Photo by: Flávio Adriano Marques
Figure 9. Profile of Cambissolo Háplico (Arraial do Cabo, RJ, Brazil).
Figure 10. Profile of Chernossolo Rêndzico (Apodi, RN, Brazil).
Figure 11. Profile of Chernossolo Ebânico (Aceguá, RS, Brazil).
Figure 12. Profile of Chernossolo Argilúvico (Nazaré da Mata, PE, Brazil).
Figure 13. Profile of Chernossolo Háplico (Corumbá, MS, Brazil).
Figure 14. Profile of Espodossolo Humilúvico (Cananeia, SP, Brazil).
Photo by: Maurício Rizzato Coelho
Figure 15. Profile of Espodossolo Ferrilúvico (Ilha Comprida, SP, Brazil).
Figure 16. Profile of Espodossolo Ferri-Humilúvico (Bertioga, SP, Brazil).
Figure 17. Profile of Gleissolo Tiomórfico (Cabo Frio, RJ, Brazil).
Photo by: Paulo Klinger Tito Jacomine
Figure 18. Profile of Gleissolo Sálico (Quissamã, RJ, Brazil).
Photo by: Amaury de Carvalho Filho
Figure 19. Profile of Gleissolo Melânico (Boa Esperança, MG, Brazil).
Figure 20. Profile of Gleissolo Háplico (Bonfim, RR, Brazil).
Photo by:Sergio Hideiti Shimizu
Figure 21. Profile of Latossolo Bruno (Vacaria, RS, Brazil).
Figure 22. Profile of Latossolo Amarelo (Araripina, PE, Brazil).
Figure 23. Corte de estrada em área de Latossolo Bruno (Vacaria, RS, Brazil).
Figure 24. Profile of Latossolo Vermelho (Lagoa Formosa, MG, Brazil).
Figure 25. Profile of Latossolo Vermelho-Amarelo (Rio Paranaíba, MG, Brazil).
Photo by: Maria de Lourdes Mendonça Santos Brefin
Figure 26. Profile of Luvissolo Crômico (Cabrobó, PE, Brazil).
Figure 27. Profile of Luvissolo Háplico (Santa Maria, RS, Brazil).
Figure 28. Profile of Neossolo Litólico (Caracol, MS, Brazil).
Photo by: Waldir de Carvalho Júnior
Figure 29. Profile of Neossolo Flúvico (São Cristóvão, SE, Brazil).
Figure 30. Profile of Neossolo Regolítico (Salgueiro, PE, Brazil).
Figure 31. Profile of Neossolo Quartzarênico (Corumbá, MS, Brazil).
Figure 32. Profile of Nitossolo Bruno (Painel, SC, Brazil).
Figure 33. Profile of Nitossolo Vermelho (Bodoquena, MS, Brazil).
Figure 34. Profile of Nitossolo Háplico (São Carlos, SP, Brazil).
Figure 35. Profile of Organossolo Tiomórfico (Coruripe, AL, Brazil).
Figure 36. Profile of Organossolo Fólico (Bom Jardim da Serra, SC, Brazil).
Figure 37. Profile of Organossolo Háplico (Indianápolis, MG, Brazil).

Figure 38. Profile of Planossolo Nátrico (Quixadá, CE, Brazil).
Figure 39. Profile of Planossolo Háplico (Pelotas, RS, Brazil).

Figure 40. Profile of Plintossolo Pétrico (Monte do Carmo, TO, Brazil).
Figure 41. Profile of Plintossolo Argilúvico (Goiana, PE, Brazil).
Photo by: Manoel Batista de Oliveira Neto
Figure 42. Profile of Plintossolo Háplico (Porto Velho, RO, Brazil).
Figure 43. Profile of Vertissolo Hidromórfico (Parnamirim, PE, Brazil).
Photo by: José Coelho de Araújo FIlho
Figure 44. Profile of Vertissolo Ebânico (Porto Franco, MA, Brazil).
Figure 45. Profile of Vertissolo Háplico (Terra Nova, BA, Brazil).
Photo by: Marcelo Metri Correa
Tables
Chapter 2
Back to chapter
Chapter 3
Back to chapter
Back to chapter
Back to chapter
Appendix A
Back to chapter
Appendix C
Back to chapter
Appendix E
Back to chapter
Appendix G
Back to chapter
Appendix I
Back to chapter
Appendix J
Back to chapter

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Publications Committee of Embrapa Soils

Editorial oversight: Jacqueline Silva Rezende Mattos

Brazilian Soil Classification System / Humberto Gonçalves dos Santos

E-book : il. color.

1. Soil Classification. 2. Nomenclature. 3. Pedology. I. Santos,

Luciana Sampaio de Araujo (CRB 7/5165) ©Embrapa, 2018

Humberto Gonçalves dos Santos

Paulo Klinger Tito Jacomine

Lúcia Helena Cunha dos Anjos

Virlei Álvaro de Oliveira

José Francisco Lumbreras

Maurício Rizzato Coelho

Jaime Antonio de Almeida

José Coelho de Araújo Filho

João Bertoldo de Oliveira

Tony Jarbas Ferreira Cunha

Marcelo Nunes Camargo

This page is a tribute and, at the same time, a public expression

Embrapa Soils, a unit of the Brazilian Agricultural Research

This work is the result of the collective experience with Brazilian

Embrapa Soils was trusted with the coordination of this work,

Apart from the great and commendable effort required to

In spite of challenging moments in the 1980’s and 1990’s,

The elaboration of the SiBCS, involving several educational and

In this 5th edition, the hierarchical system of classification of the

Therefore, users are invited to continuously test and apply the

We take this opportunity to express our sincere congratulations

José Carlos Polidoro

Chief of staff ad interim of Embrapa Soils

(1) Available at: <http://www.embrapa.br/solos/sibcs>.

In this edition, the general structure of the Brazilian Soil

The amendments proposed here were made available for testing

The improvements consist of adjustments, corrections and

The previously defined subgroups in the SiBCS can be used in

When classifying a given soil profile, the classifier is allowed to

This edition substitutes the soil classification previously used by

With a view to the continuous upgrading of the SiBCS, as a result

It is also worth emphasizing that the SiBCS, gradually

(2) Available at: <http://www.embrapa.br/solos/sibcs>.

The classification of the soils of Brazil has been a matter of

The national pedological classification in effect is the result of the

The soil survey carried out in the south of Minas Gerais

Thereafter, the soil surveys carried out by the Commission of

Thus, initial divisions of great groups were eventually established,

Several soil classes of high categorical levels were included to

Another contribution to the system resulted from a study of soil

Also in the 1950’s, the class of Hidromórficos Cinzentos (Barros

Subsequently to the distinction of the classes of Latossolos

Areias Quartzosas constitutes a soil class recognized since the

A modification of the concept at the beginning of the 1970’s, in

In the pedological survey of Ceará, Solos Podzólicos were

Similarly, other atypical Solos Podzólicos, formed in the upper

Soils that are hard to identify, seen as similar to Terra Roxa

These were important changes that influenced the progression of

This edition of the SiBCS contains relevant changes, from the

(3) Adapted from Jacomine and Camargo (1996).

ADFE Air-dried fine earth fraction

Ald Aluminium extracted by a dithionite-citrate-bicarbonate solution

Alo Aluminium extracted by an acid ammonium oxalate solution

CEC Cation exchange capacity

CNPq National Council for Scientific and Technological Development