What is a significant characteristic of aquent soils?

Aquent soils are characterized by their poorly drained conditions, which is primarily due to their saturation with water for extended periods. This saturation leads to the formation of these specific soils in wetlands or low-lying areas where water accumulates rather than being adequately drained. The prolonged water presence affects the soil's physical and chemical properties, resulting in distinct characteristics such as gleying and mottling.

The other characteristics mentioned are generally not associated with aquent soils. For instance, high fertility is not typically a key feature, as the poor drainage can limit the availability of oxygen to the roots of plants, which can negatively impact soil fertility. Additionally, aquent soils can have varying textures, but high sand content is not a defining trait – they often contain significant amounts of clay, which contributes to their retention of water. Lastly, while some poorly drained soils can experience erosion, aquent soils are generally not defined by a severe erosion risk; instead, their waterlogged nature typically stabilizes them against erosion in comparison to well-drained soils that might be more prone to erosive forces.