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Characteristics of Some Soils of the Arid Region of Washington¹

ABSTRACT

A study has been made of six soils selected for characterization by laboratory and field methods as representative of soil development in the arid region of south central Washington.

The parent materials are derived from several acid igneous, basic igneous, and metamorphic rock types, and range from glacial-fluvial deposits to loess. The arid microthermal climate, with a mean annual precipitation of 6 to 9 inches, supported a sparse native vegetation of sagebrush and bunchgrasses.

The A horizons, as contrasted with the rest of the solum, have some accumulation of organic matter, darker colors, partial removal of bases but a significant increase in exchangeable potassium, and weakly developed granular or platy structure. Development of a B horizon is recognized on the basis of weak blocky or coarse prismatic structure, and, in contrast to the A horizon, higher pH, and lighter colors. Illuviation of clay is not apparent. Lower horizons are characterized by significant increases in exchangeable sodium, lighter colors, and stratified materials. The texture, number of horizons, depth of solum, and position and degree of development of the lime zone are related directly to the original deposition of the soil-forming materials. These properties are presented as proper criteria for Sierozem soils.

¹ Scientific Paper No. 1604 Washington Agr. Exp. Sta., Pullman. Project 900. Presented before Div. V, Soil Science Society of America, Davis, Calif., Aug. 17, 1955.

² Assistant Soil Scientist, former Teaching Assistant, and Soil Scientist, respectively. Mrs. Rose Okazaki assisted with the laboratory analysis of the Sagemoor, Corfu, and Quincy profiles.

Received for publication May 3, 1957. Accepted for publication June 6, 1957.