Raw

New Soil Order classification	RAW Raw soils lack a distinctive topsoil, are fluid at a shallow depth, and occur where it is rocky, has active erosion or deposition, or is a raw volcanic landscape.
Old Soil Group classification	This is a new grouping of soils and is related to weakly developed Recent soils.
Common names associated with this Soil Order	Whakaki, Opoutama, Waipaoa, Washpool, Kuripapango, and very shallow versions of the Kaweka and Ruahine.
Physical characteristics	The Raw soils are mostly located on coastal dunes, mountainous screes, and tidal estuaries. Structure is weak and unaggregated. No B horizon, with very shallow topsoils, if any. Highly susceptible to erosion, generally located in a long-term unstable environment. Low natural fertility, particularly nitrogen, low organic matter levels.
Drainage and moisture availability	Mostly well drained and drought-prone, but can also be very wet and poorly drained. Moderate plant-available water in the topsoil (16-20% of volume), becoming very low in the subsoil - low-lying spots will show mottled profile and will show Gley-type characteristics.
Rooting depth	Excellent. Soils are consistently deeper than 60cm. Allows trees to tap the nutrient reserves and moisture zones. Use caution with locations of increased wetness, as this limits root development.

Washpool soil, found on sand dune on floodplain
Source: J Watt