cambisols

Cambisols are a soil group defined in the World Reference Base for Soil Resources (WRB). They are soils with a cambic horizon, a layer that shows a discernible color or structural change due to weathering and limited translocation, but they lack the well-developed argic, albic, spodic, or other diagnostic horizons that distinguish more mature soil orders. This makes Cambisols relatively young and modestly differentiated compared with soils with stronger horizon development.

A cambic horizon indicates some alteration under the surface, but the rest of the profile is not dominated by clay accumulation, gleying, or substantial organic enrichment. The surface horizon is typically ochric, and the horizon beneath it shows changes in color, texture, or structure with depth. Cambisols are usually well to moderately drained, though some expressions may be seasonally wet. They occur on diverse parent materials, including glacial deposits, loess, volcanic ash, and alluvium.

Geographically, Cambisols are widespread and occur in many regions, from temperate to tropical zones. They form under a variety of vegetation types, including forests and grasslands, and can support agricultural use with appropriate management, such as drainage improvements or liming where necessary.

In WRB classification, Cambisols contrast with Luvisols (which have an argic horizon) and with Gleysols (which show gley features). They are generally more developed than Leptosols and Arenosols but less differentiated than many other orders. In the USDA Soil Taxonomy, soils with cambic horizons align broadly with Inceptisols, reflecting cross-system differences.

Because of their relative maturity and potential fertility, Cambisols are important for land management and mapping, and they are often productive under proper erosion control and soil-improving practices in global soil inventories.