Definition
illuvia
noun
- Plural of illuvium; material (such as clay, iron oxide, or organic matter) that has been leached from upper soil layers and deposited in lower layers.
Usage: technical; soil science
Examples
- The illuvia in the B horizon showed significant accumulation of iron oxides.
- Soil scientists study illuvia to understand nutrient movement through soil profiles.
- Clay illuvia can reduce water permeability in lower soil layers.
- The concentration of illuvia increases with soil depth in well-developed profiles.