Sample plot - As used herein, an observation point at which a wetland determination is made. 



Sapling - Woody vegetation between 0.4 and 5.0 inches in diameter at breast height and greater than or 

 equal to 20 feet in height, exclusive of woody vines. 



Saprists - Organic soils (mucks) in which most of the plant material is decomposed and the original con- 

 stituents cannot be recognized; less than one-third of the fibers remain visible upon rubbing the material 

 between the fingers. 



Saturated - A condition in which all easily drained voids (pores) between soil particles are temporarily or 

 permanently filled with water, significant saturation during the growing season is considered to be usually 

 one week or more. 



Seedling - A young tree that is generally less than 3 feet high. 



Shrub - Woody vegetation usually greater than 3 feet but less than 20 feet tall, including multi^stemmed, 

 bushy shrubs and small trees and saplings. {Note: Woody seedlings less than 3 feet tall are consSercd part 

 of the herbaceous layer.) 



Soil - Unconsolidated material on the earth's surface that supports or is capable of supporting plants out- 

 of-doors. 



Soil horizon - A layer of soil or soil material approximately parallel to the land surface and differing from 

 adjacent genetically related layers in physical, chemical, and biological properties or characteristics (e.g., 

 color, structure, and texture). 



Soil matrix - The ponion of a given soil having the dominant color, in most cases, the matrix will be the 

 portion of the soil having more than 50 percent of the same color. 



Soil permeability - The ease with which gases, liquids, or plant roots penetrate or pass through a layer of 

 soil. 



Soil phase - A subdivision of a soil series having features (e.g., slope, surface texture, and stoniness) that 

 affect the use and management of the soil, but which do not vary sufficientiy to differentiate it as a separate 

 series. 



Soil pore - An area within soil occupied by either air or water, resulting from the arrangement of individual 

 soil particles or peds. 



Soil profile - A vertical section of the soil through all its horizons and extending into the parent material. 



Soil series - A group of soils having horizons similar in differentiating characteristics and arrangements in 

 the soil profile, except for texture of the surface layer. 



Soil structure - The combination or arrangement of primary soil panicles into secondary particles, units, or 



peds. 



Soil surface - The upper limits of the soil profile; for mineral soils, the upper limits of the highest mineral 

 horizon (A-horizon); for organic soils, the upper limit of undecomposed organic matter. 



Soil texture - The relative proportions of the various sizes of particles (silt, sand and clay) in a soil. 



Somewhat poorly drained - A condition in which water is removed slowly enough that the soil is wet for 

 significant periods during the growing season. 



73 



