Premium
A Classification of ca Horizons in Soils of a Desert Region, Dona Ana County, New Mexico
Author(s) -
Gile Leland H.
Publication year - 1961
Publication title -
soil science society of america journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.836
H-Index - 168
eISSN - 1435-0661
pISSN - 0361-5995
DOI - 10.2136/sssaj1961.03615995002500010024x
Subject(s) - geology , soil water , horizon , igneous rock , paleosol , pedogenesis , infiltration (hvac) , geochemistry , soil horizon , mineralogy , geomorphology , soil science , geography , geometry , mathematics , meteorology , loess
A ca horizon is defined in the Soil Survey Manual as an accumulation of calcium carbonate. Field study in Dona Ana County, New Mexico shows that ca horizons occur in soils on a variety of sediments and geomorphic surfaces. A broad fan piedmont extends from the Rio Grande Valley eastward to the igneous Organ Mountains. To the north there is a desert bolson. In soils on these surfaces and in paleosols underlying the fan piedmont, ca horizons occur and range from thin CaCO 3 coatings on pebbles or few CaCO 3 filaments to indurated horizons many feet thick. In soils of the study area, ca horizons have been classified as weak, moderate, strong and very strong. The classification is based on field morphology and pertinent laboratory data, including CaCO 3 equivalent, particle size distribution, bulk density, unconfined compressive strength and infiltration rate.