Science · Soils
Gelisol
Cold-region soils with permafrost at specified depth or qualifying gelic conditions.
USDA Soil Taxonomy order
Profile
- Permafrost
- Frozen ground is central to diagnosis
- Active layer
- Seasonal thaw controls rooting and drainage
- Cryoturbation
- Freeze-thaw mixing may occur
- Organic carbon
- Thaw can expose stored carbon to decomposition
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
- Thaw settlement
- Waterlogging above frozen ground
- Frost disturbance
Stress signs
- Uneven subsidence
- Saturated shallow layer
- Heaved surfaces
Where you'll find it
- Cold-region landscape planning
- Permafrost-sensitive site assessment
More soils
All Science profilesGeneral agronomic guidance and typical ranges; actual targets vary by site, soil, climate and season.