Question

What are the important features of arid soil?

Answer 1

Arid soil:

1. It is one of the most predominant soil orders found on the planet, also known as desert soil.
2. In India, it is primarily found in the parts of Haryana, Western Rajasthan, and Punjab, and elongates up to the Rann of Kutch in Gujarat.

The following are the essential features of arid soil:

1. Primarily, the soil is brown and red in color and sandy in texture.
2. The bottom horizon of the soil is occupied by Kankar because of the high content of calcium. This prevents the infiltration of water via the soil.
3. The soil lacks moisture and humus, and due to the presence of high temperature and dry climate, the process of evaporation takes place briskly.
4. The soil comprises a significant concentration of soluble salts.
5. Due to the absence of vegetation and dry climate, it comprises a small percentage of organic matter.
6. The soil is alkaline due to less or no rainfall, the soluble salts do not get washed out.
7. The arid soils usually comprise high concentrations of gypsum, calcium carbonates, and sodium.
8. The soil is generally not suitable for the majority of crop production due to accumulated salts and partial moisture content, however, if properly irrigated and managed, it can turn productive.