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Calcigypsid and landscape AE

Lithic Calcigypsid and landscape in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

(Classification by UAE Keys to Soil Taxonomy)UAE

 

These are the Calcigypsids that have a lithic contact within 50 cm of the soil surface.

 

Calcigypsids are the Gypsids that have a calcic horizon. Commonly, the calcic horizon is above the gypsic horizon because of differences in the solubility of gypsum and calcium carbonate. Most Calcigypsids are used for grazing.

 

Gypsids are the Aridisols that have a gypsic or petrogypsic horizon within 100 cm of the soil surface. Accumulation of gypsum takes place initially as crystal aggregates in the voids of the soils. These aggregates grow by accretion, displacing the enclosing soil material. When the gypsic horizon occurs as a cemented impermeable layer, it is recognized as the petrogypsic horizon. Each of these forms of gypsum accumulation implies processes in the soils, and each presents a constraint to soil use. One of the largest constraints is dissolution of the gypsum, which plays havoc with structures, roads, and irrigation delivery systems. The presence of one or more of these horizons, with or without other diagnostic horizons, defines the great groups of the Gypsids. Gypsids occur in Iraq, Syria, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Somalia, West Asia, and some of the most arid areas of the western part of the United States. Gypsids are on many segments of the landscape. Some of them have calcic or related horizons that overlie the gypsic horizon.

 

For more information about soil classification in the UAE, visit:

library.wur.nl/isric/fulltext/isricu_i34214_001.pdf

 

 

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Uploaded on February 3, 2011
Taken in January 2010