Soil order

Inceptisol

Soil young, with some development below the surface (a cambic horizon) but without the clay accumulation or dark surface that would define other orders.

What it means for farming

Intermediate aptitude and very dependent on location. In Argentina there are many Acueptes: Inceptisoles with excess water, often saline or sodic.

Inceptisoles on the maps

Acuept

Inceptisol with excess water and redox depletions near the surface.

Udept

Inceptisol humid climate.

Ocrept

Inceptisol with a clear surface and poor in organic matter (ochric epipedon).

Umbrept

Inceptisol with a dark but acidic surface (umbric epipedon).

Andept

Inceptisol formed on volcanic ash.

The definitions are a plain-language summary of the USDA Keys to Soil Taxonomy. The formal definition includes thickness, color and percentage thresholds that are left out here.

Sources