ARID OR DESERT SOIL
SUBMITTED BY
PREETHI M A
ARID SOIL
•Arid soil refers to soil found in desert or semi-desert regions with extremely low rainfall and high
evaporation rates.
•It is typically characterized by very low moisture content and limited nutrients.
Characteristics:
•Low in organic matter.
•Often contains salts, which can make it alkaline or salty (saline).
•Poor in fertility due to lack of moisture and organic material.
•Arid soils range from red to brown in colour.
•The texture can vary, but it's often rocky or sandy with a hard crust.
•Drainage is usually fast due to low moisture retention.
Challenges: Growing plants in arid soil requires species that can tolerate extreme dryness, heat,
and high salinity.
ARID OR DESERT SOILS IN INDIA
Rajasthan
The Thar Desert in western Rajasthan is the largest
arid region in India, covering over 200,000 sq km.
Gujarat
Kutch district in Gujarat has extensive areas of sandy,
saline soils due to its proximity to the Arabian Sea.
Deccan Plateau
Parts of the Deccan Plateau in south-central India,
Including Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, have arid, st
ARID SOIL FORMATION
•Climate Influence: The intense dryness in deserts and semi-deserts limits organic material
accumulation, as there’s minimal plant growth and decomposition.
•Parent Material and Weathering: Arid soils often form from the weathering of rocks like
granite, limestone, and sandstone. The rocks break down under intense sun, wind, and
temperature changes. Physical weathering (mechanical breakdown of rocks due to heat and
cooling) is more common than chemical weathering in arid regions because there’s little water for
chemical reactions.
•Salinity and Alkalinity: Arid regions tend to have saline soils because water evaporates
quickly, leaving behind salts that accumulate over time. This makes the soil alkaline and
sometimes crusty. Due to lack of leaching (water percolating through soil to remove salts), salts
from groundwater or rainfall can rise to the soil surface, further increasing salinity.
HOW TO IMPROVE SOIL CONDITION
1.Add Organic Matter
•Compost: Adding compost improves soil fertility, water retention, and microbial activity. It
provides essential nutrients and helps sandy, arid soils hold moisture.
•Manure: Well-rotted animal manure can be an excellent source of organic matter, nutrients, and
beneficial microbes.
•Green Manure: Planting cover crops (like legumes or certain grasses) and tilling them into the
soil can enhance organic content and improve nitrogen levels.
2.Incorporate Mulch
•Organic Mulch: Applying a thick layer of straw, wood chips, or shredded leaves on the soil
surface reduces water evaporation, keeps the soil cool, and gradually breaks down, adding
nutrients to the soil.
•Inorganic Mulch: Gravel or pebbles can also help prevent water evaporation but won’t
contribute nutrients. These may be better suited for xeriscaping or decorative arid garden areas.
3.Water Conservation Techniques
•Drip Irrigation: Use drip irrigation to deliver water directly to plant roots, minimizing
evaporation.
•Water Harvesting: Set up rainwater harvesting systems to capture and store water. Swales,
PLANTS IDENTIFIED
1.Euphorbia tirucalli (Pencil Cactus)
•Description: A succulent plant with thin, pencil-like green stems and minimal
leaves. Known for its striking shape and resilience.
•Care: Thrives in full sun and dry, well-drained soil; minimal water is required.
•Uses: Often used in xeriscaping for its architectural form.
2.Opuntia ficus-indica (Indian Prickly Pear)
•Description: A type of cactus with broad, flat pads and edible fruits called
"tunas." The pads have spines, and the plant produces yellow or orange
flowers.
•Care: Prefers full sunlight and sandy or rocky soil; very drought-tolerant.
•Uses: Used as a food source (fruit and pads) and for erosion control.
3. Prosopis cineraria (Khejri Tree)
•Description: A small to medium-sized tree with compound leaves, known for
its deep roots and resilience in arid conditions. It’s a culturally significant tree
in India.
•Care: Grows well in sandy, dry soils with full sun.
•Uses: Provides shade, enriches soil, and is used for fodder, fuel, and
medicinal purposes.
4. Agave americana (Century plant)
•Description: A large rosette-forming succulent with long, pointed leaves that
are bluish-gray and have spiny edges.
•Care: Needs full sun and well-drained soil; very drought-tolerant once
established.
•Uses: Used in xeriscaping and for erosion control; the leaves have fiber that
can be used in textiles.
5. Lantana camara (lantana)
•Description: A large rosette-forming succulent with long, pointed leaves that
are bluish-gray and have spiny edges.
•
6. Acacia nilotica (Babool)
•Description: A thorny tree with small, compound leaves and yellow ball-
shaped flowers. It is extremely hardy and tolerates drought.
•Care: Grows well in arid and sandy soils; very low maintenance.
•Uses: Used for fodder, fuel, and medicinal purposes; the bark is rich in
tannins.
7.Phoenix dactylifera L (Date palm)
•Description: A tall, single-stemmed palm with pinnate leaves and edible date
fruits.
•Care: Prefers sandy, well-drained soil and full sunlight; very drought-tolerant
once established.
•Uses: Cultivated for its fruits (dates) and used ornamentally in landscapes.
8.Bougainvillea glabra (paperflower)
•Description: A vining shrub with vibrant bracts in colors like pink, purple, and
red. The actual flowers are small and white, surrounded by colorful bracts.
•Care: Thrives in full sun and well-drained soil; drought-tolerant once
established.
•Uses: Popular for ornamental use, especially on walls, fences, and pergolas.
9. Yucca gigantea (Spineless yucca)
•Description: A tall, upright plant with sword-shaped, spineless leaves. It
grows as a tree over time.
•Care: Requires well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade; very drought-
tolerant.
•Uses: Used for ornamental purposes in desert and arid landscapes.
10. Aloe vera. (L.)
•Description: A succulent plant with thick, fleshy leaves containing a soothing
gel commonly used for medicinal and cosmetic purposes.
•Care: Thrives in well-drained soil and full to partial sun; minimal watering
