AD222 Salabik series
Plate 23: Typical soil profile and associated landscape for the Salabik series (soil AD222).
Taxonomic classification: Typic Petrogypsids, sandy, gypsic, hyperthermic, shallow
The Salabik series is a shallow sandy soil overlying a petrogypsic layer. The soils are typically moderately well to excessively drained. They occur on flats and gentle slopes within level to gently undulating deflation plains and occasionally on the summits of old mesas where they may represent an older evaporite surface. They are formed from eolian sands that overlie petrogypsic materials.
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.
This soil is common in the As Sila’ sub-area and the northern part of the Ghayathi sub-area.
Occasional sites were also described in the Al Ain sub-area.
The main feature of this soil is the shallow depth (<50cm) to a petrogypsic horizon. The soil material above the hardpan is sandy and also contains a gypsic horizon. 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. Soil subsidence may be an issue as gypsum is leached from the soil under irrigation. The presence of gypsum also suggests that salinity might be a problem under irrigation. This soil is considered unsuitable for irrigated agriculture.
AD222 Salabik series
Plate 23: Typical soil profile and associated landscape for the Salabik series (soil AD222).
Taxonomic classification: Typic Petrogypsids, sandy, gypsic, hyperthermic, shallow
The Salabik series is a shallow sandy soil overlying a petrogypsic layer. The soils are typically moderately well to excessively drained. They occur on flats and gentle slopes within level to gently undulating deflation plains and occasionally on the summits of old mesas where they may represent an older evaporite surface. They are formed from eolian sands that overlie petrogypsic materials.
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.
This soil is common in the As Sila’ sub-area and the northern part of the Ghayathi sub-area.
Occasional sites were also described in the Al Ain sub-area.
The main feature of this soil is the shallow depth (<50cm) to a petrogypsic horizon. The soil material above the hardpan is sandy and also contains a gypsic horizon. 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. Soil subsidence may be an issue as gypsum is leached from the soil under irrigation. The presence of gypsum also suggests that salinity might be a problem under irrigation. This soil is considered unsuitable for irrigated agriculture.