Science · Soils
Aridisol
Arid-region soils with limited leaching and specified diagnostic horizon development.
USDA Soil Taxonomy order
Profile
- Climate
- Aridic moisture regime central to classification
- Accumulations
- Carbonates, gypsum or salts may occur
- Texture
- Can be sandy, loamy or clayey
- Salts
- Not every Aridisol is saline or sodic
Water & soil targets
- Moisture (VWC)
- Site-calibrated; measure field capacity and dry-down
- Salinity tolerance
- Not inferable from soil classification; test EC, sodicity and water chemistry
- Drought tolerance
- Not inferable from taxonomy; measure accessible storage and plant response
Soil orders and WRB groups are not textures. Determine horizon-specific retention, field capacity, drainage, rooting depth and seasonal hydrology before setting irrigation triggers.
Problems to watch
- Irrigation-induced salinity
- Sodicity where present
- Low organic matter
Stress signs
- Salt crusts
- Poor infiltration
- Sparse cover
Where you'll find it
- Arid-land irrigation planning
- Soil survey interpretation
More soils
All Science profilesGeneral agronomic guidance and typical ranges; actual targets vary by site, soil, climate and season.