Micromorphological, Physical, and Chemical Characteristics of Soil Crust Types of the Central Patagonia Region, Argentina

BOUZA, P; DEL VALLE, H.F.; IMBELLONE, P.A.

ARID SOIL RESEARCH AND REHABILITATION

Taylor and Francis

Lugar: Logan; Año: 1993 vol. 7 p. 355 - 368

0890-3069

The objectives of this work were: (i) to document the micromorphological, physical, and chemical properties of soil crust types; and (ii) to determine the factors that control crust formation. Soil crusts as Av-horizons were studied in three different soil classifications: Typic Calciorthid, Typic Haplargid, and Typic Natrargid. The Av-horizons showed common characteristics as high silt and low OM contents. The high ESP is considered the main cause of crust formation in the Av horizons of the Haplargid and Natrargid. The main processes responsible for crust formation are considered to be a combination of erosion by raindrop impact and re-deposition by rain-wash.