INDICATOR OF REDUCTION IN SOILS (IRIS)

Visually Indicates Current Soil Reduction Processes:

• Identify Hydric Soils
• Investigate Depth of Saturation
• Identify Failed Septic Systems
• Analyze Soil Organic Carbon Content.

Scientifically Sound - The NEW STANDARD!

WHAT IT DOES
Indicator of Reduction in Soils (IRIS) tubes are a simple and straightforward, yet reliable, method to help determine if soils are hydric.

HOW IT WORKS
Hydric soils are saturated and anaerobic for some time in most years. In anaerobic soils, microbes reduce and dissolve Fe compounds. IRIS tubes are coated with a naturally occurring Fe compound. Microbial activity in saturated soils will cause part of the coating to dissolve, providing a visual indication that hydric conditions were present. The coatings on IRIS tubes in unsaturated soils will not be affected.

IRIS tubes visibly reflect current hydric soil conditions caused by recent anaerobic processes.

IRIS tubes respond to changes in the redox state of the soil.

• The soil is saturated and anaerobic when the coating dissolves. Degrees of mottling of the coating mimic the morphology of the soil due to the duration of saturation.
• When most of the coating is dissolved, the soil is significantly anaerobic.
• When the coating has a mottled or splotchy pattern, the soil is moderately anaerobic.
• When the coating does not change, the soil is aerobic.

MANY USES
IRIS devices can be used to:

• Identify hydric soils in wetlands
• Investigate depth of saturation
• Identify failed septic systems
• Analyze soil organic carbon content.

Robust and Easy to Use!