Gypsiferons soils widely occur in western and northern parts of arid Rajasthan. Two great groups of suborder Gypsids viz. Petrogypsids and Haplogypsids have been recognized and their marphogenetic characteristics discussed. The Petrogypsids, which invariably occur in inter dunes surrounded by high sand dunes are characterized by a hard indurated petrogypsic horizon formed of gypsum, CaCO3 and sand cemented together. Gypsum is mostly present as hard nodules of gypsum crystals. The overlying solum is thin having low available water capacity and low fertility. The Haplogypsids are surrounded by sandy ridges and low dunes. The solum is 50–70 cm deep, loamy fine sand and medium fertility status. The underlying gypsic horizon consists of microcrystalline form which is pervious to roots and water. The Gypsiferous inter dunes have high proportion of silt, CaCO3 and soluble salts. Severe climatic and soil constraints associated with Petrogypsids and narrow accumulative inter dunes restrict their use to silvipastures. The Haplogypsids of fer good sites for arable farming both under rainfed and limited irrigation.
Gypsiferous soils, Petrogypsids, Haplogypsids
