Which of the following conditions is likely to hinder the development of redox features?

The development of redox features, which are indicators of soil saturation and the chemical reduction processes that occur in waterlogged conditions, is influenced significantly by temperature. Cold temperatures can slow down the biological and chemical processes necessary for redox reactions. When soils are cold, microbial activity decreases, leading to reduced organic matter breakdown, reduced iron solubility, and overall slower chemical reactions. This means that the movement of oxygen and water through the soil – critical for creating redox features – is inhibited, resulting in fewer distinct redox indicators.

In contrast, high temperatures can enhance microbial activity, promoting more pronounced redox features through increased organic matter decomposition and more reactive iron. Soils with high iron content could also facilitate redox development, as iron can undergo reduction and oxidation processes within these soils. Cultivated lands with aerated groundwater often experience conditions that favor oxidation-reduction cycles due to alternating saturation and aeration, further supporting the development of redox features. Thus, cold temperatures stand out as the condition most likely to impede these processes.