Pedogenic and Mineral Characteristics of Terra Rossa and Rendzina Soils in Semi-Arid Regions of Palestine

Methods

In this study, 40 soil samples were collected from 13 pedons from different areas in Palestinian territories that represent different soil types, lithology, elevation, and precipitation along a climatic transect to demonstrate variability between the south, north, west, and east transects. The soil types ranged between the typical Terra Rossa (local name for Rhodustalfs) and Pale Rendzina. The Terra Rossa and Rendzina had different grain sizes, mineral compositions, and chemical compositions.

Results

Rendzina is generally less leached and less affected by dust because it contains more calcium than Terra Rossa. In contrast, Terra Rossa typically has more alumina, silicate, and iron. Leaching in the soil profile was detected by measuring the Ca/Al, Sr/CaO, and Ba/CaO ratios along the soil profile. Dust and bedrock are generally the major sources of soil; however, dust contributed more than 50% in the studied Rendzina and more than 70% in the studied Terra Rossa soil.