Characterization and Classification of Arid Soils of Kachchh district, Gujarat

Abstract

Six representative pedons (P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, P6) from different landforms of Kachchh district, Gujarat were studied for their morphological, physical and chemical properties. The soils were moderately shallow to deep, well drained, slightly alkaline to strongly alkaline (pH 8.1 to 9.5), non-saline to slightly -1 saline (0.12 to 3.76 dS m ), low to high in organic carbon (0.39 to 1.78%) CaCO3 (2.1 to 26.1%), and low to medium in CEC [6.4 to 44.5 c mol (p+) kg-1]. Soil texture varied from loamy sand to clay with clay content ranging from 10.9 to 40.4%. Bulk density varied from 1.30 to 1.62 Mg m-3 and generally, increased with depth. Saturated hydraulic conductivity, generally, decreased with depth, except in pedon P3. The pedons P1 and P2 with natric horizons, pH >8.5 and ESP>15 were classified as Typic Natrargids. The pedon P3 with an argillic horizon and ESP <15 was classified as Typic Haplargids. The pedons P4, P5, and P6 with cambic horizons and ESP >15 were classified as Sodic Haplocambids. Measures to reduce sub soil sodicity need to be implemented to sustain crop production in these soils.