Which soil characteristic must be present to classify a soil into the aquent great group?

To classify a soil into the aquent great group, the presence of regular flooding characteristics is essential. Aquent soils are specifically associated with areas that are periodically flooded, leading to prolonged saturation. This saturation affects the soil's physical and chemical properties, resulting in distinctive features such as reduced color and the formation of anaerobic conditions.

Regular flooding refers to the predictable inundation of the soil with water, which contributes to the soil's wetland characteristics. Such conditions lead to the development of specific hydric soil indicators, which are critical for the classification into the aquent group. Being classified as an aquent signifies that these soils are typically found in low-lying areas that receive consistent water input, differentiating them from other soil types that may experience occasional moisture but lack the systematic saturation seen in aquents.

While high organic matter, mottling, and organic horizons may indicate other soil processes or classifications, they are not defining characteristics for aquents specifically. Therefore, understanding the significance of regular flooding helps in the accurate classification of soils into this group based on their hydrology and morphological traits.