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Story: Soils

A Recent soil

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A Recent soil

This soil has been undisturbed long enough to develop a clear topsoil horizon, but not long enough for any differentiation of the subsoil to occur. However, narrow bands of alluvium left by flooding at different times can be seen, especially in the lower depths. Recent soils are usually very fertile and can be used for a wide range of purposes, especially if they are deep and free-draining.

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Landcare Research – Manaaki Whenua

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How to cite this page

Allan Hewitt, Soils – Young soils, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/12315/a-recent-soil (accessed 4 June 2026).

Story by Allan Hewitt, published 1 March 2009.