Documenting and Interpreting Soil Hydromorphology.

Soil scientists have recognized the relationship between soil hydrology, soil wetness and soil morphology since the mid-twentieth century. Morphological features indicative of wet conditions have been broadly utilized in soil classification and mapping as well as in assessing soil suitability or limitations for agriculture or development. The focus on wetlands and hydric soils in the last couple of decades has refueled interest in soil hydromorphology. While the general association between soil features and soil water table height and duration has been understood, efforts at quantifying these relationships have been more challenging.  Following a review of the foundational principles, this paper will evaluate the developments and challenges associated both with documenting soil conditions that drive the formation of hydromorphological features as well as with documenting the soil morphological features themselves.  In consideration of both the pedological accomplishments to date and challenges being faced, some of the implications of using these data will be explored.