The physical, chemical and biological properties which make hydric soils recognizable are the result of complex biogeochemical processes occurring over many years. Hydric soils usually have a water table, or the top of a zone of saturation, within one foot from the soil surface during the growing season. This shallow water table excludes oxygen and so creates a reducing environment, especially in the upper part of the soil profile. As a result, mostly hydrophytic plants proliferate -- such as rushes, cattails, sedges and skunk cabbage. Most soils, including hydric soils, are dominantly composed of minerals such as quartz, feldspars, clay minerals, etc. However, hydric soils commonly have a build-up of organic matter at the soil surface, for reasons described above, which can make the surface horizon dark colored. If the organic matter content (measured as organic carbon) is greater than 20 to 30% of the soil's weight (depending upon clay content) and this organic-rich layer is over 16 inches thick, then it is considered an organic soil.
Liver function tests (LFTs or LFs) are groups of blood tests that give information about the state of a patient's liver. These tests include prothrombin time (PT/INR), aPTT, albumin, bilirubin (direct and indirect), and others. Liver transaminases (AST or SGOT and ALT or SGPT) are useful biomarkers of liver injury in a patient with some degree of intact liver function. Most liver diseases cause only mild symptoms initially, but these diseases must be detected early. Hepatic (liver) involvement in some diseases can be of crucial importance.
Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST). Guide. An aspartate aminotransferase (AST) test measures the amount of this enzyme in the blood. AST is normally found in red blood cells, liver, heart, muscle tissue, pancreas, and kidneys. AST formerly was called serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT).