AD247 Al Zafrah series
Plate 47: Typical soil profile and associated landscape for the Al Zafrah series (soil AD247).
Taxonomic classification: Typic Torripsamments, mixed, hyperthermic
The Al Zafrah series is a moderately deep to deep sandy soil overlying bedrock (typically calcareous sandstone). The soils are typically somewhat excessively or excessively drained. They occur on gentle slopes within gently undulating to undulating deflation plains, sand sheets and low dunes. 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, Cyperus conglomeratus and Zygophyllum spp. together with occasional Stipagrostis plumosa.
This soil is common in throughout the Ghayathi sub-area and has also been described from the Al Ain sub-area. Minor occurrences have been recorded from the As Sila and Madinat Zayed subareas.
The main feature of this soil is the limited depth to a bedrock layer. The soil above the hardpan layer is sandy. The limited depth to bedrock is the main issue affecting management for irrigated agriculture as limited depth of soil has implications for plant root development and irrigation management. The sandy nature of the soil, giving rise to low nutrient storage and moisture holding capacities, is also an issue. The soil surface may need to be protected to prevent erosion by wind. This soil is marginally suitable for irrigated agriculture.
AD247 Al Zafrah series
Plate 47: Typical soil profile and associated landscape for the Al Zafrah series (soil AD247).
Taxonomic classification: Typic Torripsamments, mixed, hyperthermic
The Al Zafrah series is a moderately deep to deep sandy soil overlying bedrock (typically calcareous sandstone). The soils are typically somewhat excessively or excessively drained. They occur on gentle slopes within gently undulating to undulating deflation plains, sand sheets and low dunes. 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, Cyperus conglomeratus and Zygophyllum spp. together with occasional Stipagrostis plumosa.
This soil is common in throughout the Ghayathi sub-area and has also been described from the Al Ain sub-area. Minor occurrences have been recorded from the As Sila and Madinat Zayed subareas.
The main feature of this soil is the limited depth to a bedrock layer. The soil above the hardpan layer is sandy. The limited depth to bedrock is the main issue affecting management for irrigated agriculture as limited depth of soil has implications for plant root development and irrigation management. The sandy nature of the soil, giving rise to low nutrient storage and moisture holding capacities, is also an issue. The soil surface may need to be protected to prevent erosion by wind. This soil is marginally suitable for irrigated agriculture.