Gypsisols

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Gypsisols occur in the dry parts of the semi-arid regions where evapotranspiration exceeds considerably the precipitation, and where a source of sulphate is present to form gypsum (CaSO₄.2H₂O).

Characteristics

Soils having a (petro-)gypsic horizon (horizon with accumulation of secondary gypsum) or 15 percent or more gypsum accumulated under wet conditions. They have no diagnostic horizons other than an ochric or cambic horizon, an argic horizon permeated with gypsum or calcium carbonate, or a (petro-)calcic horizon below the gypsic horizon.

Pale brown Gypsisol in loess with porous massive structure, China;

gypsum has accumulated throughout the soil, but dominantly between 35 and 75 cm to form a gypsic horizon (Nudiyermi-Sodic Gypsisol (Hypogypsic);

ISRIC reference soil CN 012)

Reddish brown Gypsisol with smooth, crusted surface, Israel (Takyric Gypsisol)

Stony Gypsisol, Israel, with desert pavement; a massive petrogypsic horizon occurs near to the surface (Yermi-Epipetric Gypsisol)

Sparse vegetation on Gypsisol in Xinjiang Autonomous Province, China

Slaked surface of a Gypsisol

Contact:

Stephan Mantel