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Normally Moist (SWC_2)

DGIF baseline 2026-1, the latest. Earlier baselines: timemap.

Name

normallyMoist

Attribute

SWC Soil Wetness Condition

Definition

The soil moisture content is normally greater than or equal to field capacity but less than the soil moisture content at the liquid limit.

Description

At the liquid limit the soil is fully saturated and all soil pores contain water; this usually occurs at about 150 percent of field capacity. Soils in a moist state commonly have mottled and grayish or bluish horizons that as indicative of poor drainage wherein the water table is usually within 0.3 to 1.2 metres from the surface. The more mottled and gray the subsoil, the poorer the soil drainage. The more intense the mottles and the closer they are to the soil surface, the longer the period of saturation or the higher the water table. Moist soils generally occupy low-lying and concave or depressed positions in the landscape where the water table is found at a depth of 0.3 meter to 1.2 metres from the surface. These topographic sites are not only more susceptible to accumulating soil moisture after a precipitation event, but they also subsequently retain this moisture longer than other topographic positions in the landscape that have received equal amounts of precipitation. These sites can occur at the base of slopes, in upland depressions, and on some floodplains, low terraces, or other low-lying land along watercourses. Moist conditions can also exist in upland flats and other level areas that have soils with poor internal or external drainage, or in soils with impervious pans or cemented layers that restrict percolation and cause perched water tables. In additions, soils influenced by seepage can also exhibit moist soil conditions.

Accepted

2013-10-18

Allowed for

DA010 Soil Surface Region