Durisols
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In the World Reference Base for Soil Resources (WRB), a Durisol is a soil of arid and semi-arid environments that contains cemented secondary silica (SiO2) in the upper metre of soil, either as concretions (''durinodes'' – ''duric horizon'') or als continuously cemented layer (''duripan'' – ''hardpan'' (Australia) – ''dorbank'' (South Africa) – ''petroduric horizon''). In the FAO/ Unesco Soil Map of the World, the Durisols with ''petroduric horizon'' were indicated as ''duripan phase'' of other soils, e.g. of ''Xerosols'' and ''Yermosols''. Durisols are developed mainly in alluvial and
colluvial Colluvium (also colluvial material or colluvial soil) is a general name for loose, unconsolidated sediments that have been deposited at the base of hillslopes by either rainwash, sheetwash, slow continuous downslope creep, or a variable combinati ...
deposits of all texture classes. They are found on level and slightly sloping alluvial plains, terraces and gently sloping piedmont plains in arid, semi-arid and Mediterranean regions. The soils have AC or ABC profile. Eroded Durisols with exposed hard horizons (a ''petroduric horizon'') are common in (gently) sloping terrain. Most Durisols can only be used for extensive grazing. Arable cropping of Durisols is limited to areas where irrigation water is available. Extensive areas of Durisols occur in Australia, in South Africa, Namibia and in the United States (notably in Nevada, California and Arizona); minor occurrences have been reported from
Central Central is an adjective usually referring to being in the center of some place or (mathematical) object. Central may also refer to: Directions and generalised locations * Central Africa, a region in the centre of Africa continent, also known as ...
and South America and from Kuwait. Durisols are a new introduction in international soil classification and have not often been mapped as such. A precise indication of their extent is not (yet) available.


See also

* Pedogenesis * Pedology (soil study) * Soil classification


References


Further reading

* W. Zech, P. Schad, G. Hintermaier-Erhard: Soils of the World. Springer, Berlin 2022, Chapter 8.3.4.


External links


profile photos (with classification)
WRB homepage
profile photos (with classification)
IUSS World of Soils {{Soil type Pedology Types of soil