Abstract

PEINEMANN, Norman. Clay sediments in a soil of the lower Colorado river valley (Argentina). Cienc. suelo [online]. 2008, vol.26, n.2, pp.205-210. ISSN 1850-2067.

The presence of sedimentary clay layers in subsoils of the lower Colorado river valley are described due to their impact on the water balance of soils under irrigation. X-ray difractograms of the fine clay fraction of these sediments show that they are composed of smectites with a very good crystallization. The physicochemical characterization of the soil profile indicates that the abrupt increase of clay minerals was associated with high pH and ESP values as well as a sharp decrease in hydraulic conductivity. Therefore, the presence of sedimentary clay layers in soils has to be considered when planning irrigation practices to avoid soil degradation.

Keywords : Clay mineral identification; Soils under irrigation; Soil physicochemical properties.

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