Luvisol

Luvisol is a soil type defined in the World Reference Base for Soil Resources (WRB). It is characterized by the illuvial accumulation of clay within an argic horizon (designated Bt), resulting in a distinct, clay-enriched subsoil layer beneath an A (and sometimes E) horizon. The Bt horizon typically has a lower base saturation than the surface horizons, which helps distinguish Luvisols from Alfisols.

In a typical Luvisol profile, the upper part may be light- to medium-textured and relatively leached, while the subsoil shows increased clay content and a more cohesive structure. The texture contrast between horizons can give Luvisols a well-defined, blocky or prismatic structure in the Bt horizon. Color and organic matter content vary with depth and climate. Luvisols commonly form under forest or grassland covers and can range from loamy sands to heavy clays, depending on the parent material and weathering intensity.

Formation and distribution: Luvisols develop under humid to subhumid conditions where enough rainfall promotes clay translocation but where weathering is not so intense as to form horizons rich in iron oxides or highly leached profiles. They occur on a variety of parent materials, including loess, alluvium, colluvium, and weathered bedrock. They are widespread in temperate regions of Europe, Africa, Asia, the Americas, and in some tropical landscapes.

Management and use: Luvisols can be productive agricultural and forestry soils with appropriate management. Practices often include drainage improvement where waterlogging occurs, liming or fertilization to correct acidity and nutrient limitations, and the addition of organic matter to improve structure and fertility. Erosion control is important on slopes or fragile land to maintain soil quality.