Hydric Soils

Wetland landscapes are characterized and classified by confirmation of the presence of three critical components: evidence of wetland hydrology, a predominance of hydrophytic vegetation, and presence of hydric soils. Typically, hydric soils are found in contemporary wetland ecosystems. Repeated periods of long duration saturation and anaerobic conditions have promoted development of morphological characteristics that distinguish them from soils found in better drained and more terrestrial landscape positions. Therefore, the presence of hydric soils is one of the primary parameters that must be documented in the identification of wetland areas and is a critical component needed to define and delineate wetland boundaries. The ability to identify hydric soils and assign one or more of the National Technical Committee for Hydric Soils “Field Indicators of Hydric Soils in the United States” is an essential step in the wetland delineation process.

Through instructor-led online lectures and a virtual field exercise, you will learn the fundamentals of how hydric soils form and how to describe layers encountered in a hydric soil vertical cross section (profile). You will be trained on how to distinguish the nuances of soil color, redoximorphic features, and field estimates of soil texture. You will also be instructed on how to complete the minimum data entries needed to complete a generic wetland delineation data form and, based on the soil description, how to assign appropriate hydric soil indicators.

NOTE: If you are planning to earn the Wetland Delineation Certificate, we require that you complete the Vegetation Identification for Delineating Wetlands: North or South and Hydric Soils courses prior to attending Methodology for Delineating Wetlands.

Speaker(s): Deborah Henson

Fee: $1,050 per person

Registration Closes: April 13, 2026