eluviationsbetingad

Eluviationsbetingad is a Swedish term used in soil science to describe a soil characteristic or horizon development that is conditioned or determined by eluviation. Eluviation refers to the downward movement and leaching of soluble substances and fine particles from the upper part of the soil profile by percolating water. When eluviation dominates, it shapes the properties and structure of the soil, particularly in the upper horizons.

In practice, eluviationsbetingad soils often exhibit an eluviated horizon (commonly designated as an E horizon) where clay minerals, oxides, organic matter, and other soluble components have been removed, leading to a lighter or bleached look and reduced base saturation. Downward, illuviation may occur in lower horizons, where these leached materials accumulate. The terminology signals that the primary pedogenic driver is eluviation rather than other processes such as accumulation or weathering alone.

The concept is used to distinguish eluviation-dominated soil development from soils where other processes are more influential. It is relevant for soil description and classification, helping to communicate the key processes that have shaped a profile. The term complements related ideas such as illuviation (accumulation in lower horizons) and is part of the broader language describing pedogenic processes in temperate and humid climates.

Etymology-wise, the word combines eluviation with bReticated meaning conditioned or determined by, reflecting its use to label soils whose properties are primarily the result of eluviative processes. See also eluviation, E horizon, illuviation, and soil horizon development.