Study of Some Properties of Soils Formed on Basaltic Rocks in the Al-Dreikish Area (Tartous-Syria) and Their Classification

Abstract

The study aims to investigate some of morphological, physical, and chemical properties of soils formed on basalt rocks in the Al-Dreikish area. To achieve the study objectives, representative soil profiles were prepared and described according to the common methods used worldwide in morphological study. Samples were collected from profile horizons, physical and chemical properties were determined

The morphological study of the two studied profiles (N1 and D1)  revealed that soil  depth was ranged from shallow to moderate (50–90) cm, while pH values  ranged between acidic and neutral (6.44 - 7.50), while calcium carbonate content was absent  in the profile (N1) and low (11.77) in the profile (D1). Organic matter content in the surface horizons ranged between (2.58% - 5.77) in profiles (N1 and D1) respectively, while the cation exchange capacity was moderate (21.5 -35.5 meq/100g). Calcium dominated  the adsorption  complex surface (8.5–21.5 meq/100g), indicating the predominance of divalent cations, followed by magnesium (4 - 8 meq /100g).

Based on the study. results it was concluded that soils formed on basalt-parent materials was weakly developed and in the early stages of soil formation and can be classified according to the American classification system, under the Entisols order, with profile types, which have profiles types: A–AC–C, A –C which reflects their recent formation and weak development.