Science · Soils
Cambisol
Moderately developed soils showing subsurface alteration but lacking stronger diagnostics of other groups.
WRB Reference Soil Group
Profile
- Diagnostic
- Commonly a cambic horizon
- Distribution
- Occurs across diverse climates and parent materials
- Texture
- Not specified by the group name
- Fertility
- Depends on parent material and leaching
Water & soil targets
- Moisture (VWC)
- Site-calibrated; measure field capacity and dry-down
- Salinity tolerance
- Not inferable from soil classification; test EC, sodicity and water chemistry
- Drought tolerance
- Not inferable from taxonomy; measure accessible storage and plant response
Soil orders and WRB groups are not textures. Determine horizon-specific retention, field capacity, drainage, rooting depth and seasonal hydrology before setting irrigation triggers.
Problems to watch
- Erosion on slopes
- Compaction
- Locally restricted drainage
Stress signs
- Rills
- Dense traffic zones
- Mottled wet subsoil
Where you'll find it
- Land capability review
- Site-specific planting assessment
More soils
All Science profilesGeneral agronomic guidance and typical ranges; actual targets vary by site, soil, climate and season.