Rendzina

Progressive breakdown of the parent material and loss of carbonate or gypsum will ultimately convert a rendzina into another soil type.

Since these processes occur relatively fast in comparison to weathering of most carbonate- and gypsum-free materials, rendzinas represent a transitory stage in soil development.

Typical areas for rendzina soils are in karst and mountain landscapes, where carbonate-rich material occurs on slopes.

The rendzinas in Wales, for example constitute a simple A-C profile, a dark calcareous topsoil immediately over shattered limestone.

Mechanical tillage is hindered by their shallowness, and the small soil volume limits their capacity to store and supply water.