Abstract
This chapter defines the horizons, layers, and characteristics of mineral soils found in the UAE. Soil profiles are described according to the different soil layers that may be identified within each profile. In this chapter “required characteristics” for horizons or features, are arranged as a key. Each major layer, or master horizon, is allocated one or more letter codes, each of which has a specific meaning. The uppercase letters O, L, A, E, B, C, R, M, and W are used within the USDA-NRCS system to represent the master horizons and layers of soils. These letters are the base symbols to which other characteristics are added to complete the designations. Lowercase letters are used as suffixes to designate specific kinds of master horizons and layers. The letters aa, b, c, d, g, k, m, n, p, q, r, w, y, yy, and z are the suffix symbols used for the UAE soils. The use of prime symbol, where appropriate, is placed after the capital-letter horizon B′k and the “caret” symbol (^), for example ^A_^C-Ak, are described. Diagnostic surface (Ochric) and subsurface horizons (Anhydritic, Calcic, Cambic, Gypsic, Petrocalcic, Petrogypsic, Salic), as well as moisture (Aquic, Aridic or Torric) and a temperature regime (Hyperthermic) identified in the UAE are described. The Anhydritic horizon is a new subsurface diagnostic horizon first recognized and defined in the UAE.
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References
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Shahid, S.A., Abdelfattah, M.A., Abdelfattah, M.A., Wilson, M.A., Kelley, J.A., Chiaretti, J.V. (2014). Horizons, Layers, and Characteristics Diagnostic for the Higher Categories. In: United Arab Emirates Keys to Soil Taxonomy. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-7420-9_3
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-7420-9_3
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