Eight pedons developed on different parent materials and showing varying degree of pedogenesis in arid region of western Rajasthan were studied for the content and distribution of different fractions of Cu. The content of ammonium acetate soluble, organically and free oxides bound, and ‘reserve’ Cu was higher in the B horizon of the pedons. These fractions increased with enhanced degree of pedogenic manifestations. Nature and source of parent material influenced the total Cu content, whereas the type and proportion of clayminerals were found to be the function for ‘reserve’ Cu. Very fine sand and fine clay contained maximum amount of Cu than other fractions of sand and clay. Indune and sandy soils, major proportion of Cu were found to be associated with sand content whereas in other soils it was associated with clay and oxides.
Aridisols, pedogenic distribution, Cu fractions
