Andisols
Andisols
Andisols (pronounced: an-di-sols), also known as Andosols in the World Reference Base for Soil Resources (WRB), are a type of soil used in various parts of the world. The term "Andisol" is derived from the Japanese word "an-do", meaning "black soil".
Description
Andisols are soils formed in volcanic ash and defined by having high proportions of glass and amorphous colloidal materials, including allophane, imogolite and ferrihydrite. They are often very fertile and capable of supporting intense agricultural use.
Formation
Andisols are formed from weathered volcanic ash and materials. The weathering process involves the breakdown and alteration of primary minerals in the ash to form new secondary minerals and amorphous (non-crystalline) materials.
Properties
Andisols have unique properties that distinguish them from other soil orders. They have very high water-holding capacity and are highly productive for agriculture. They are also characterized by a high capacity for cation exchange, which is beneficial for plant growth.
Distribution
Andisols are found in many parts of the world, including the Pacific Northwest and Hawaii in the United States, Japan, New Zealand, the Andes in South America, and parts of Africa and Europe.
Related Terms
- Allophane: An amorphous, hydrous aluminium silicate mineraloid. Its name comes from the Greek words "allos", meaning "other", and "phainein", meaning "to appear".
- Imogolite: A mineraloid composed of aluminium silicate hydroxide. It was first described in 1962 for an occurrence in the Uetsu district, Niigata, Japan.
- Ferrihydrite: A widespread hydrous ferric oxyhydroxide mineral at the Earth's surface, and a likely constituent in extraterrestrial materials.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Andisols
- Wikipedia's article - Andisols
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