Science · Soils
Vertisol
Clay-rich soils with strong shrink-swell features such as slickensides and seasonal cracks.
USDA Soil Taxonomy order
Profile
- Mineralogy
- Commonly rich in expanding clay minerals
- Cracks
- Large cracks open during drying
- Movement
- Shrink-swell mixes and deforms soil
- Workability
- Narrow moisture window for field operations
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
- Heave and shrinkage
- Wet-season waterlogging
- Structural damage under traffic
Stress signs
- Wide dry cracks
- Uneven microrelief
- Deep wet ruts
Where you'll find it
- Shrink-swell landscape planning
- Soil-moisture and traffic scheduling
More soils
All Science profilesGeneral agronomic guidance and typical ranges; actual targets vary by site, soil, climate and season.