Fragic horizon definition (submitted by John Hollis, Allan Lilly and Bob Jones, UK)

[StephanMantelISRIC]

The definition of a Fragic horizon has changed in that it is now restricted to layers with prismatic, columnar, angular or subangular blocky soil aggregates. Previously, the definition simply specified ‘structural units…… with an average horizontal spacing of 10cm’. We do not understand the reason for this change, which seems too restrictive in that it excludes layers with lenticular or platy structure (or even apedal massive structure but showing ‘brunification’ that would qualify for the colours given in criteria a & b of the Cambic horizon). Most of the soils we would class as having a fragic horizon in England, Wales and Scotland have such a lenticular or platy structure and colour and would now not qualify using the ‘new’ definition.

(submitted by John Hollis, Allan Lilly and Bob Jones, UK)

[StephanMantelISRIC]

Response Cezary Kabala;
The definition of fragic was "clarified" because some people questioned the meaning of the "horizontal spacing"...