Similarity and dissimilarity in the Rate of Soil weathering Indices for various Ecosystem and Physiographic Units

Abstract

* , Salah M. F. Al-Juraysi* and Abdul-Karym A. Mkelf*** Soil Science Dept.- College of Agriculture/ ** Center of desert studies/ University of Al-AnbarAbstractTwenty two soil site were chosen in the main and sub physiographic units according to exploratory soil map of Iraq (1); these soil site represented various Ecosystem systems (2). Morphological. Chemical and physical soil properties were studied.. Total Oxide in these soil were determined– Weathering indices for heavy minerals (HM); Silica minerals (SM); index minerals (IM); R1; R2; and (MgO CaO) were use in these soil which various in parent material and Ecosystem .Results showed decrease of weathering in all soils sites and the rate of weathering increase in desert soil under the DWD Ecosystem. According to Nessibet scheme soils clustering in sedimentary environment and shows the interaction between Marsh and eastern region. Similarity index showed similarity some soil site with another in spite of various physiographic and Ecosystem. Statistic analysis showed the weathering indices arrangement as fallow R2> R1> HM >IM >SM >CaO MgO. These arrangements reflect the effects of Climate nature practices and Ecosystem on weathering of minerals from various Clay mineral.