AD216 Al Daghar series, saline phase
Plate 16: Typical soil profile and associated landscape for the Al Daghar series, saline phase (soil AD216).
Taxonomic classification: Lithic Haplogypsids, sandy, mixed, hyperthermic
The Al Daghar series saline phase is a shallow sandy soil overlying bedrock (typically calcareous sandstone). It is a phase of the Al Daghar 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 moderately well to excessively drained. They occur on flats and gentle slopes within level to gently undulating deflation plains. 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 include Haloxylon salicornicum, Zygophyllum spp. and Stipagrostis plumosa.
This soil has predominantly been described from the Ghayathi sub-area. Occasional sites were also described in the As Sila and Al Ain sub-areas.
The main feature of this soil is the shallow depth (<50cm) to a lithic contact. The soil material above the hardpan is sandy, contains a gypsic horizon, and has slightly elevated EC1:1 levels. The shallow depth to the hardpan layer is the main restriction for this soil. This restricts water movement, moisture retention and presents a barrier to root development further restricting the availability of nutrients. The presence of gypsum and slightly elevated EC readings also suggest that salinity might be a problem under irrigation. Soil subsidence may also be an issue as gypsum is leached from the soil under irrigation. This soil is considered unsuitable for irrigated agriculture.
AD216 Al Daghar series, saline phase
Plate 16: Typical soil profile and associated landscape for the Al Daghar series, saline phase (soil AD216).
Taxonomic classification: Lithic Haplogypsids, sandy, mixed, hyperthermic
The Al Daghar series saline phase is a shallow sandy soil overlying bedrock (typically calcareous sandstone). It is a phase of the Al Daghar 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 moderately well to excessively drained. They occur on flats and gentle slopes within level to gently undulating deflation plains. 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 include Haloxylon salicornicum, Zygophyllum spp. and Stipagrostis plumosa.
This soil has predominantly been described from the Ghayathi sub-area. Occasional sites were also described in the As Sila and Al Ain sub-areas.
The main feature of this soil is the shallow depth (<50cm) to a lithic contact. The soil material above the hardpan is sandy, contains a gypsic horizon, and has slightly elevated EC1:1 levels. The shallow depth to the hardpan layer is the main restriction for this soil. This restricts water movement, moisture retention and presents a barrier to root development further restricting the availability of nutrients. The presence of gypsum and slightly elevated EC readings also suggest that salinity might be a problem under irrigation. Soil subsidence may also be an issue as gypsum is leached from the soil under irrigation. This soil is considered unsuitable for irrigated agriculture.