Micromorphology of the Diagnostic Horizons of Aridisols of Western Rajasthan

Abstract

The micromorphology of the diagnostic horizons of the Aridisols of western Rajathan were studied to characterize pedofeatures. The Ochric epipedon do not shew any pedofeatures except coatings and mica phantoms. The Cambic horizon in sandy soils showed partially weathered grains of weatherable minerals and channel infillings, whereas moderately fine textured soils showed textural pedofeatures as well as phantoms of mica and feldspars. Argillic horizon showed i1luvial clay as specks in voids and as poorly laminated in channel and vughs. The Calcic horizon showed calcitic pedofeatures of varying morphology, as channel infillings, micronodules and pure crystaliitic nodules with and without iron oxide impregnation.