Luvisols, with nearly 15% share in the area coverage constitute the second largest Reference Soil Group of Europe. Apart from the northernmost regions of Europe, Luviosls can be found in all parts of the continent.
Luvisols extend to approximately 6 million km2 world-wide, for the greater part in temperate regions.
Luvisols show marked textural differences within the profile. The surface horizon is depleted in clay while the subsurface ‘argic’ horizon has accumulated clay. A wide range of parent materials and environmental conditions lead to a great diversity of soils in this Reference Soil Group.
Most Luvisols have favourable physical properties: these are porous and well aerated. Chemical properties and nutrient status varies with parent material and pedogenetic history that also determine the options of land utilization.