6. Arid-Desert soils

• The desert soils consist of sand (90 - 95%) and clay (5 - 10%).
• They are usually poor in organic matter.
• Some desert soils are alkaline with varying degree of soluble salts like Calcium carbonate.
• Calcium content increases downwards with the subsoil having ten times more Calcium.
• The Phosphate content of these soils is as high as in normal alluvial soils.
• Nitrogen is originally low but some of it is available in the form of Nitrates.
• Phosphates and Nitrates make these soils fertile wherever moisture is available.
• There is a possibility of reclaiming these soils if proper irrigation facilities are available.