Question map
Which one of the following with regard to Aridisol, one of the soil orders, is not correct?
Explanation
Aridisols are soils formed in arid and semi-arid environments where evapotranspiration significantly exceeds precipitation. A defining characteristic is the lack of available water for plants during most of the year, typically having no continuous moisture for 90 consecutive days [1]. Due to sparse vegetation and low biomass production in these dry climates, Aridisols are characterized by low organic matter content, often less than 1% to 3%. Therefore, the statement claiming they have high organic matter is incorrect. These soils frequently exhibit an accumulation of carbonates, gypsum, or salts at depth, often forming a calcic horizon or 'caliche' due to limited leaching. Unlike Vertisols, which are defined by deep wide cracks caused by expanding clays, Aridisols do not typically exhibit such features unless they have specific intergrade properties.
Sources
- [1] https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/aridisol