Weathering, Dispersibility and Clay Skins in Sub-surface Diagnostic Horizons of Soils in Parts of Haryana

Micromorphological studies of four typifying pedons of Haryana revealed well developed ferriargillans in Natrustalfs, salt-affected, with high dispersibility of clay and high degree of weathering. Natric Camborthids had only patchy cutans but not sufficient to qualify for argillic horizon, and low dispersibility of clay. In Typic Camborthids and Typic Ustochrepts, no argillans were observed and the shining ped faces an observed in the field were due to in situ weathering of mica which were very common. These pedons also had low dispersibility of clay and less weathering. The use of mere increase in clay content and shining ped faces as observed in the field for the recognition of an argillic horizon was not sufficient, especially in alluvial soils, but confirmation through thin section studies is essential.