C H A P T E R I I
DESERT SOILS
Wallace H. Fuller
I. Introduction
32
II. Desert Soil Surfaces and Classes
34
A. Aridisols
34
B. Entisols
36
III. Characteristic Desert Subsurface Horizons
37
A. Argillic
37
B. Cambic
38
C. Natric
38
D. Salic
38
E. Calcic
38
F. Gypsic
38
G. Duripan
39
IV. Desert Soil Suborders and Great Groups
39
A. Argids
39
B. Orthids
40
V. Physical Desert Surfaces
42
A. Clay
42
B. Sand
44
C. Gravel, Cobbles, Stones
47
D. Pavement
48
E. Pipings
51
F. Soil Structure
51
G. Soil Temperature
53
VI. Accumulations in Desert Soils
53
A. Carbonates
53
B. Gypsum
54
C. Silicates
57
D. Iron
58
E. Soluble Salts
59
VII. Desert Soils as a Medium for Plants
61
A. Moisture
61
B. Nitrogen
61
C. Phosphorus
61
D. Potassium
66
31