Calcic and Petrocalcic Horizons

Abstract

The calcic horizon has significant accumulation of secondary calcium or other carbonates. If these carbonates are cemented or indurated, it becomes a petrocalcic horizon. Soils with such horizons are found in many parts of the world, though mainly in the arid regions. The study of soils with calcic and petrocalcic horizons is highly relevant because they (1) contain high concentrations of inorganic C (Schlesinger 1982; Hirmas et al. 2010), (2) can be used to reconstruct paleo-environments (Monger et al. 1991; Dhir et al. 2004; Durand et al. 2007; Shankar and Achyuthan 2007; Achyuthan et al. 2012), (3) have enabled an understanding of aeolian inputs on pedogenesis (Reheis 1990, 2006; Reheis et al. 1992; Reheis and Kihl 1995; Gustavson and Holliday 1999; Amiotti et al. 2001), (4) contribute to our knowledge of polygenesis (Kleber 2000; Brock and Buck 2009), (5) allow for relative dating and determination of rates of soil formation (Gile et al. 1966; Machette 1985; McFadden and Tinsley 1985; McFadden 1988; McFadden et al. 1989; Reheis et al. 1989; Harden et al. 1991; Khokhlova and Kouznetsova 2004; Calero et al. 2008; Badia et al. 2009; Zielhofer et al. 2009), and (vi) can be used to study the impacts of desertification (Hirmas and Allen 2007; Sierra et al. 2009).