Typology and genesis of ilimerized soils in the Southeastern Iberian Peninsula

Abstract

In the Sierra de Carrascoy (Murcia, southeastern Spain), ilimerized soils appear locally with different characteristics from those of the dominant soils. These ilimerized soils are relicts of more stable geomorphological surfaces. Four representative profiles were studied for evaluating their pedogenetic processes and to classify them typologically. Analytical determinations were made of organic carbon, total nitrogen, calcium carbonate equivalent, pH, cation exchange capacity, electrical conductivity, and particle size. Determinations were made of free iron oxide extracted with sodic hydrosulfite, and total iron, silicon, and aluminum oxides. The profiles are of a A‐Bt‐Ck or A‐Bt‐R type with a pronounced reddish color (2.5YR or 5YR). The soils have an average organic matter content of 19.6–44.5 g kg−1 in the surface horizons and, in general, are totally decarbonated. The cation exchange capacity is highest in the argillic horizons (16.9–25.0 cmole kg−1), and their electrical conductivity is generally low...