Vertisols

From WikiMD.org
Jump to navigation Jump to search

Vertisols

Vertisols (pronounced: ver-ti-sols), from the Latin vertere meaning "to turn" and solum meaning "soil", are a type of soil characterized by a high content of expansive clay known as smectite. They are typically found in regions with a distinct wet and dry season.

Characteristics

Vertisols are dark in color and rich in nutrients. They have a high capacity for water retention, but also have a tendency to crack when dry. These cracks can reach a depth of one meter, allowing for the deep penetration of water and organic matter. This leads to a unique self-ploughing characteristic, where the soil can invert itself, hence the name "Vertisol" from the Latin vertere meaning "to turn".

Formation

Vertisols are formed in areas with a distinct wet and dry season. The wet season allows for the expansion of the clay, while the dry season causes it to contract and crack. This cycle of expansion and contraction leads to the unique self-ploughing characteristic of Vertisols.

Distribution

Vertisols are found worldwide, but are most common in India, Australia, and Sudan. They are also found in the U.S., primarily in Texas and California.

Use

Due to their high nutrient content, Vertisols are often used for agricultural purposes. However, their tendency to crack when dry can make them difficult to manage.

Related Terms

External links

Esculaap.svg

This WikiMD dictionary article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.


Languages: - East Asian 中文, 日本, 한국어, South Asian हिन्दी, Urdu, বাংলা, తెలుగు, தமிழ், ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian Indonesian, Vietnamese, Thai, မြန်မာဘာသာ, European español, Deutsch, français, русский, português do Brasil, Italian, polski