AD219 Ghayathi series, saline phase
Plate 19: Typical soil profile and associated landscape for the Ghayathi series, saline phase (soil AD219).
Taxonomic classification: Typic Haplogypsids, sandy, mixed, hyperthermic
The Ghayathi series saline phase is a very deep sandy soil. It is a phase of the Ghayathi series in that at least one soil horizon presents slightly elevated EC1:1 values suggesting some limited accumulation of secondary salts. The soils are typically well to excessively drained. They occur on flats and gentle slopes within level to gently undulating deflation plains and occasionally within stable sand sheets. They are formed from eolian sands and occur in older landscapes.
These soils are used for rangeland grazing of camels though vegetation cover is frequently less than 5%. Common vegetation species recorded are Haloxylon salicornicum with occasional Zygophyllum spp. and Stipagrostis plumosa.
This soil is widespread and has been recorded from all sub-areas except Madinat Zayed.
The main feature of this soil is the presence of gypsum in the profile below 18cm. The soil material is sandy contains and has slightly elevated EC1:1 levels. The presence of gypsum is the main issue for irrigated agriculture. Under irrigation subsidence may occur as gypsum is leached from the soil. The presence of gypsum and the slightly elevated EC1:1 value also suggests that salinity could become a problem under irrigation. The sandy soils have a low moisture retention and nutrient storage capacity. The soil is unsuitable for irrigated agriculture.
AD219 Ghayathi series, saline phase
Plate 19: Typical soil profile and associated landscape for the Ghayathi series, saline phase (soil AD219).
Taxonomic classification: Typic Haplogypsids, sandy, mixed, hyperthermic
The Ghayathi series saline phase is a very deep sandy soil. It is a phase of the Ghayathi series in that at least one soil horizon presents slightly elevated EC1:1 values suggesting some limited accumulation of secondary salts. The soils are typically well to excessively drained. They occur on flats and gentle slopes within level to gently undulating deflation plains and occasionally within stable sand sheets. They are formed from eolian sands and occur in older landscapes.
These soils are used for rangeland grazing of camels though vegetation cover is frequently less than 5%. Common vegetation species recorded are Haloxylon salicornicum with occasional Zygophyllum spp. and Stipagrostis plumosa.
This soil is widespread and has been recorded from all sub-areas except Madinat Zayed.
The main feature of this soil is the presence of gypsum in the profile below 18cm. The soil material is sandy contains and has slightly elevated EC1:1 levels. The presence of gypsum is the main issue for irrigated agriculture. Under irrigation subsidence may occur as gypsum is leached from the soil. The presence of gypsum and the slightly elevated EC1:1 value also suggests that salinity could become a problem under irrigation. The sandy soils have a low moisture retention and nutrient storage capacity. The soil is unsuitable for irrigated agriculture.