AD244 Al Hiwah series, saline phase
Plate 44: Typical soil profile and associated landscape for the Al Hiwah series, saline phase
(soil AD244).
Taxonomic classification: Lithic Torripsamments, mixed, hyperthermic
The Al Hiwah series saline phase is a shallow sandy soil overlying bedrock (typically siltstone or claystone). It is a phase of the Al Hiwah 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 gentle slopes within level to gently undulating deflation plains and sand sheets. They are formed from eolian sands that overlie sandstone.
These soils are used for rangeland grazing of camels though vegetation cover is frequently less than 5% and often absent. Vegetation species recorded are Haloxylon salicornicum and Zygophyllum spp.
This soil is found scattered throughout the Ghayathi sub-area. Occasional sites have also been recorded in the Sila and Al Ain sub-areas.
The main feature of this soil are the shallow depth (<50cm) to a lithic contact. The soil material above the hardpan is sandy. The soil has slightly elevated EC1:1 levels in at least one horizon. The shallow depth to the hardpan layer is the main restriction for this soil. The sandy nature of the soil also suggests low nutrient storage and moisture holding capacity. The slightly elevated EC1:1 levels suggest that salinity could become a problem under irrigation. This soil is unsuitable for irrigated agriculture.
AD244 Al Hiwah series, saline phase
Plate 44: Typical soil profile and associated landscape for the Al Hiwah series, saline phase
(soil AD244).
Taxonomic classification: Lithic Torripsamments, mixed, hyperthermic
The Al Hiwah series saline phase is a shallow sandy soil overlying bedrock (typically siltstone or claystone). It is a phase of the Al Hiwah 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 gentle slopes within level to gently undulating deflation plains and sand sheets. They are formed from eolian sands that overlie sandstone.
These soils are used for rangeland grazing of camels though vegetation cover is frequently less than 5% and often absent. Vegetation species recorded are Haloxylon salicornicum and Zygophyllum spp.
This soil is found scattered throughout the Ghayathi sub-area. Occasional sites have also been recorded in the Sila and Al Ain sub-areas.
The main feature of this soil are the shallow depth (<50cm) to a lithic contact. The soil material above the hardpan is sandy. The soil has slightly elevated EC1:1 levels in at least one horizon. The shallow depth to the hardpan layer is the main restriction for this soil. The sandy nature of the soil also suggests low nutrient storage and moisture holding capacity. The slightly elevated EC1:1 levels suggest that salinity could become a problem under irrigation. This soil is unsuitable for irrigated agriculture.