Distribution of Pedogenic Iron in Some Arid Soils of Rajasthan

Abstract

Seven soils, showing varying degrees of pedogenic manifestations occuring on old alluvial plain, dune field and peniplain landforms of the Indian arid region, were studied for the distribution of forms of pedogenic iron. Study revealed an accumulation of pedogenic iron in B horiwn of all the soils but the content was high in soils showing higher degree of pedogenic manifestations. Distribution of free oxide form of Fe followed the clay profile, whereas the content of amorphous form of Fe was maximum in the surface horizon and decreased with depth. Variation in active iron ratio in these soils was due to ageing effect.