A Classification of ca Horizons in Soils of a Desert Region, Dona Ana County, New Mexico

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Abstract
A ca horizon is defined in the Soil Survey Manual as an accumulation of calcium carbonate. Field study in Dona Ana County, New Mexico shows that ca horizons occur in soils on a variety of sediments and geomorphic surfaces. A broad fan piedmont extends from the Rio Grande Valley eastward to the igneous Organ Mountains. To the north there is a desert bolson. In soils on these surfaces and in paleosols underlying the fan piedmont, ca horizons occur and range from thin CaCO3 coatings on pebbles or few CaCO3 filaments to indurated horizons many feet thick.In soils of the study area, ca horizons have been classified as weak, moderate, strong and very strong. The classification is based on field morphology and pertinent laboratory data, including CaCO3 equivalent, particle size distribution, bulk density, unconfined compressive strength and infiltration rate.

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