A great soil group in the 1938 classification system; a group of zonal soils having an organic mat and a very thin organic-mineral layer overlying a gray, leached A2 horizon and a dark brown, illuvial B horizon enriched in iron oxide, alumina, and organic matter. It develops under coniferous or mixed forests or under heath, in a cool to temperate moist climate. Also spelled Podsol. Spelled "podzol" when used as the soil type belonging to the Podzol group. Etymol: Russian podsol, ash soil.