Orthic Vertisol (O.V)
Common horizon sequence: Ah, Bv or Bvk, Bss or Bssk or Ckss, Ck
These soils have the general properties specified for the Vertisolic order and those members of the Vertisol great group other than the poorly drained members. They have a vertic horizon (Bv or Bvk) and a slickenside horizon (ss), the upper boundary of which occurs within 1 m of the mineral surface. The slickenside horizon may be confined to the B horizon (Bss or Bssk), may form part of the C horizon (Ckss), or may form part of both.
Orthic Vertisols, and all other subgroups of Vertisolic soils, may have saline features. These features are separated taxonomically at the series level, or as a phase of any taxonomic level above the family.
Note: Diagnostic horizons are underlined.